DIRECTION - December 2011

DECEMBER 2011 | VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 4

S A S K AT C H E W A N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N

How Grant Funds Support Recreation in Saskatchewan From Dollars to Sense

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DECEMBER 2011 | VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 4

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Villages Clive Craig

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Kyle Lamkey

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

ADMINISTRATION:

SPRA STAFF Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Manager John Firnesz

SPRA CEO’s Report

01

Show me the Money! 10 Tips for Finding Support

02

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Activity

03

Meewasin Interpretive Eco Canoe Tours

04

Communication, Information and Research Manager Luella Newman

Walking the Talk - Northerners Champion Physical

Kronau Curling Club Gets a Facelift

05

The Ripple Effect of Grants

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First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant Supports Youth Engagement

07

Accessing Grants in Northern Saskatchewan

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Lottery Lingo

09

Volunteer Leadership Training and Development

10

Saskatchewan Square & Round Dance AGM and Dance Weekend

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Celebrating Seniors!

12

Safe, Quality Recreation Opportunities

13

Events

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Grants and Funding SPRA Commercial Members

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DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September).

The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen Communications Consultant Lori Ross RECREATION CONSULTANTS: Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces Vacant Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar

Half-Time Business Administrator Travis Blanchard Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks

Swift Current Richie Bleau

Administrative Assistant II Paula Lichtenwald

Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey

Administrative Assistant I Amanda Rieger

Prince Albert Rob Boulding

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Donna Matheson

Weyburn Morgan Grainger Melville/Yorkton Michael Squier Humboldt Clint McConnell

Manager Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do not necessarily provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.

FIELD CONSULTANTS:

Consultant Graham Richardson

Consultant Nicole Yacishyn

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Recreation Field Consultant - Physical Activity Kelly Wood

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted,

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

in motion STAFF

Manager - Marketing and Communications Christine Niemczyk

You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at

Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Communications Assistant Julie Chabot Thoring Executive Assistant Nicole Shewchuk

Administrative Assistant Natalie Schwartz

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466 www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

SPRA CEO’S REPORT

Norm Campbell SPRA CEO

The primary “business” of the parks and recreation sector is citizen building, community building and environmental sustainability. We are the quality of life sector. We are committed to working with others, strengthening Saskatchewan individuals, families and communities and continuing to make our Province of Saskatchewan the best place in the country to live.

The funding support we receive is critical to our continued success. We are a “have” Province, not solely because of our economic growth, but because we have good people, strong communities and a commitment to helping each other.

In this month’s DIRECTION magazine, we showcase some of the programs and services made possible through the funding support received by SPRA and its members. These initiatives were chosen from a long list of submissions received from SPRA members by the DIRECTION production team. They are a snap shot of the diverse range of programs provided by volunteers and non-government agencies throughout Saskatchewan.

While the funding support received by the parks and recreation sector comes from a wide variety of sources, we give special recognition to the significant support received from the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Lotteries and the Community Initiatives Fund.

At the National Recreation Summit held in October in Alberta, Trevor Hancock from the University of Victoria stated, “The central purpose of government is not to grow the economy but to improve health, well being and quality of life”.

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to support the recreation sector and the quality of life initiatives it fosters across Saskatchewan. Through the Building Better Communities program and their participation in the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, the Government provided much needed assistance for the construction of new facilities and the retrofits which protect the investments communities make in their existing recreation facilities. Additional support

helped to build leadership development, support physical activity and community beautification. The Saskatchewan Government shows its continued commitment to recreation, sport and culture through its ongoing support of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Agreement.

As per the five year Lottery Agreement, the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation distributes Saskatchewan Lotteries proceeds to eligible sport, culture and recreation organizations in Saskatchewan. These eligible organizations range from provincial sport, culture and recreation groups to Tribal Councils and First Nation Band Councils. Today, there are over 1,200 groups which receive direct funding support and through them, more than 12,000 affiliated organizations receive some form of support.

The lottery-funded system for sport, culture and recreation, is delivered to the people of Saskatchewan through Sask Sport Inc., Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Inc. and SaskCulture Inc. who collectively represent hundreds of community organizations and ensure that lottery proceeds benefit every community in the province.

The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) is also instrumental in the development of recreation programs and services within the pProvince. CIF continued to support the Saskatchewan in motion movement, the Community Vitality Program small capital stream fund and Physical Activity Recreation Engagement Strategy provided much needed support to volunteers and communities across the Province. CIF’s support for SPRA’s second History Book, “Recreation and Parks in Saskatchewan, 1985-2010: A Perspective from SPRA”, ensures that the Recreation Legacy in Saskatchewan is documented for future generations.

This small representation of funded projects, ranges from physical activity initiatives, to facility improvement programs; from youth and senior engagement to leadership development initiatives, and from community building to environmental education. The success of these programs is a direct result of the funding they receive and we highlight them here to recognize the support of government and non-government agencies, the volunteer and the professional sectors across the Province.

Thank you to all those that support Parks and Recreation in Saskatchewan and for your commitment to making this Province a better place to live. You are making a difference!

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SHOW ME THE MONEY! 10 TIPS FOR FINDING SUPPORT Competition for grant money can be intense. These tips can help you put your best foot forward and get the support you need to set your ideas in motion.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Spend time researching the funding organization to identify if your initiative or program aligns with their objectives. Read the grant guidelines to determine if the opportunity is a good fit and contact the organization directly with questions. In the end, you will be saving both your time and theirs.

HONE YOUR SKILLS

BE SPECIFIC Funders want to know why your program/initiative is a good investment. Outline exactly what they are going to get for their money; starting with a strong, credible description of the project, its need and outcomes clearly identified.

Whether you are a novice or experienced grant writer, there are plenty of FREE resources available to help you develop your skills. The Resource Centre at the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association or your local public library can connect you to many valuable resources to help you through the process.

Describe how you will fund the project once the grant money runs out. Many organizations would rather provide seed money to develop a long-term program than one time only.

BIG OR SMALL, APPLY FOR THEM ALL

CREATE AN EVALUATION PLAN

Don’t limit your search to the “big ticket” grants – The best ‘fit’ and least competition for dollars may be through a local community foundation.

What tools will you use to collect data or information that shows whether your project has met its objectives? Surveys, pre or post questionnaires, focus groups, testimonials and videos are only some of the ways you can measure your impact. Deciding upfront how you will evaluate, will only save you time when it comes to completing your follow-up report.

THINK BEYOND MONEY This concept is specific for the proposals for your local community organizations. There may be other assets that the organization can supply, such as, volunteers, technical assistance, in-kind donations or specific services.

FOLLOW THE APPLICATION GUIDELINES Use the guidelines as an outline and a checklist to ensure your application includes all of the required information.

Organizing your application this way makes it easier for reviewers to find specific information during the adjudication process.

LESS IS SOMETIMES MORE A lengthy application is more likely to overwhelm than impress. Be clear and concise as you craft your proposal or 02

grant application. Padding your application with extra text or unnecessary supplements such as flyers, videos or books may only distract funders from your ask.

DECEMBER 2011

THINK LONG-TERM

START EARLY You can’t expect to send in an application and get a cheque in the mail the next month. Be patient as it may take awhile to identify and locate a funding partner for a project.

LOOKING FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES? Information and Research Services at the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association has access to funding directories. Using these tools, we can help you identify potential grant opportunities for your next project, program or initiative. Contact us at (306)780-9439, or resourcecentre@spra.sk.ca for details!

WALKING THE TALK

NORTHERNERS CHAMPION PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Enhanced physical activity is where it’s at for many community leaders across Northern Saskatchewan. Recently hosted by the Northern Sport, Culture & Recreation District, the Northern Physical Activity Roundtable forum offered training and networking opportunities to encourage increased physical activities among residents in Northern Saskatchewan communities.

The forum, first held in 2005 and more recently in 2010, helped Northern community leaders promote and engage residents in physical activity and active living. Roundtable discussions attracted community leaders, school and community sporting clubs and health, school and other workplace administrators throughout Northern Saskatchewan. Grants to support recent forum events were provided by the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

The Physical Activity Grant Program, a CIF program delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, is designed to support and promote active living and physical activity through the delivery of regional or provincial projects. CIF’s programming contributes to efforts that benefit Saskatchewan’s children, youth and families, just like the Northern Roundtable.

“Healthy communities are active communities,” says Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund.

“Active in sports and networking, in volunteering and working together, and in striving to enhance the quality of life of residents.“ During these events, forum attendees explored practical success stories of how Northern communities can deliver physical activity programming for residents. They also considered how they could reduce or mitigate any barriers to participation by their residents. In 2010, the Roundtable forum featured panels on community and school sport development, research based in Saskatchewan linking physical activity to increased academic performance, and success stories from northerners on how to develop major recreational facilities in the north. This year’s efforts focused on building or maintain-

ing facilities and infrastructure, thereby reducing a key barrier to residents’ participation in physical activities.

Those who attended the forums concluded that regardless of the sector they each represent - whether health, education, recreation or another - community leaders can effectively encourage and promote physical activity in Northern communities.

Sharon Rodenbush Public Relations and Communication, Community Initiatives Fund

The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) is positioned to invest in and strengthen the capacity of communities throughout Saskatchewan. CIF grants foster community development, inclusion and leadership, and are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

To apply to the CIF’s Physical Activity Grant Program you should represent an incorporated Saskatchewan non-profit corporation or a community volunteer group with a physical activity mandate. Program details are available on CIF’s website at www.cifsask.org.

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MEEWASIN INTERPRETIVE ECO CANOE TOURS May through August, Meewasin provides interpretive 3 – 4 hour canoe tours at no charge to non-profit groups who support families and youth.

Created in 1979 by an Act of the Province, Meewasin is a conservation organization dedicated to conserving the cultural and natural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. It is the means by which the three participating parties, the City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan and the Province of Saskatchewan have chosen to best manage their riverbank lands. Centered in Saskatoon, Meewasin runs approximately 60 km along the river valley and is made up of parks, museums, interpretive centres, conservation areas, the university lands, canoe launches and over 60 km of Meewasin Trail. Including the river there are over 25 square miles in the Conservation Zone. Meewasin has three mandates to conserve, to develop and to educate.

Meewasin is a non-profit charitable organization, although it has statutory funding from the three participating parties, it relies on support from the public and private sector to fund many of its programs.

One of the programs that receives support funding from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) through the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks & Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA) and Saskatchewan Lotteries is the Meewasin interpretive canoe tours in Meewasin’s ten passenger voyageur clipper canoes. May through August, Meewasin provides interpretive 3 – 4 hour canoe tours at no charge to non-profit groups who support families and youth. The groups meet at Meewasin’s Beaver Creek Conservation Area interpretive centre located 13 km south of Saskatoon where they are oriented to the site. They walk 04

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one of the interpretive trails to the canoe shed learning more about a prairie creek meeting a prairie river. At the canoe shed the Meewasin interpretive canoe guides give them basic instruction on canoeing and canoeing safety. Donning lifejackets, they load the ten passenger canoes and paddle from Beaver Creek Conservation Area out onto the South Saskatchewan River. It is a place where they learn about the river from the river. Youth groups paddle to neighboring sand bars to explore the flora and fauna. Adult groups paddle up river to the Berry Barn to taste some local cuisine before loading up once more to drift back at sunset. In a slow moving current the canoeists see porcupine, deer, cormorants, pelicans, beaver and other creatures of the river valley preparing for night.

Thanks to SPRA and Saskatchewan Lotteries this program is available to many who have never had the opportunity to experience the river by canoe. On one occasion, one woman who had lived in Saskatoon all her life, who thought she would never have the opportunity to canoe on the river, shared that in anticipation of the evening she was so excited that she had not been able to sleep for weeks.

Operating now for more than ten years, more than 10,000 people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to canoe on the South Saskatchewan River, now have had the experience through the partnership of Meewasin, Saskatchewan Lotteries and SPRA.

Doug Porteous Meewasin Valley Authority

KRONAU CURLING CLUB GETS A FACELIFT! The Kronau Curling Rink has been under construction for the past year and a half. The rink is currently receiving money from both the Provincial and Federal Governments as part of the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program.

In the spring of 2010, volunteers started the demolition of Kronau Curling Rink and found that there was structural and foundation issues that required the entire two-storey structure to be completely demolished.

“We knew that this was a possibility before we started,” says Lona Gervais, Chair of the Kronau Community Recreation Cooperative (KCRC). “And the reality of it all was that our costs doubled going from a renovation to a reconstruction – but we were up to that challenge.”

In August Vale Potash Canada Limited made a significant contribution to the project and will work with the KCRC over the next five years to promote the project and get the building finished.

“Thank you to Vale for their partnership of this project and for their financial contribution,” says Gervais. “Your help will ensure the success of our project as well we will have a community centre, a curling club and a home for Team Canada.”

The KCRC has raised $250,000 through individual and corporate donations (Buy-a-Brick Program), the farm project, special events (snowmobile rallies and golf tournaments), silent and live auctions, selling advertising, and grant money from the CIF Fund. The Provincial and Federal Government Recreational Infrastructure Canada program gave additional funds for the project in the winter of 2010.

“The building will be functional this winter and we will be curling!” says Gervais. “We we still need an additional $150,000 to finish the building but we’re confident that we will achieve our goal.” Gervais goes on to say, “That it’s been a huge learning curve and the community has really come to our aid to get the building finished.”

The RM of Lajord has made a financial commitment to the project of $30,000, once the building is functional.

2011 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Champions – Skip - Amber Holland, Third – Kim Schneider, Second – Tammy Schneider, Lead – Heather Kalenchuk, Alternate – Jolene Campbell, Coach – Merv Fonger

The Kronau Curling Club has a Super League, a Family Fun League and a Learn to Curl program for children 5 to 13 years old. The Club hosts corporate bonspiels and holds their yearly open, ladies and windup spiels. There are days and evenings open for those leagues interested in coming out to Kronau to curl. The facility can be rented for special events or family occasions. It will be a multi-purpose facility to be more economical and also a meeting place for the entire community.

The KCRC would like to thank the Federal and Provincial Government Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program for their contribution and support of this project. The KCRC would also like to thank our individual and corporate sponsors and the CIF Fund – without you we couldn’t have done this! The KCRC would like to thank the volunteers that have been fundraising, helping with special events and doing the construction on the building. Your support is truly appreciated! For more information contact Lona Gervais, at (306) 781-2778, or by email at kcrc10@gmail.com.

Lona Gervais Chair of the Kronau Community Recreation Co-operative DECEMBER 2011

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THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF GRANTS Grant programs and sponsorship play an integral role in the operation of the Saskatchewan 4-H program. As a non-profit organization, we rely on support from the community, the dedication of our individual donors and the generosity of our financial partners.

Over the years, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council has successfully secured grants to aid in the growth and development of the 4-H program. The Saskatchewan 4-H Council applies for grants to help recruit and retain members and leaders, enhance our programming and provide more support to our volunteer leaders. The Saskatchewan 4-H Council is very cautious to ensure any grants submitted for, will not only benefit the 4-H program, but will also assist in reaching the overall goals within our Strategic Plan.

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) grant opportunities have benefited the 4-H program in so many ways and we are thankful for the support they provide. SPRA grants are helping our organization to step it up a notch, enhance the 4-H experience for our members and leaders and offer more recreational programming throughout the Province. The featured photo is just one example of how grant dollars have helped engage more youth in recreational activities through the Exploring 4-H Summer Day Camps.

To place a value or calculate the overall impact of SPRA investing in our youth and volunteer leaders is next to impossible. Through the 4-H program, youth gain self confidence, responsibility, community focus, cooperation, leadership, team building, and decision making skills within a fun, hands-on, community based environment; skills that will forever benefit their future. Extending the 4-H program to reach more youth and further aiding in the growth of our future leaders is without a doubt an invaluable return on investment for everyone involved – our clubs, our community and our country.

Applying for, receiving and reporting on grants does take a significant amount of staff time to administer. However, the benefits of granting dollars far outweigh the costs. Grant programs provide opportunities to expand programming that would otherwise be unattainable to non-profit organizations like Saskatchewan 4-H. All granting opportunities positively 06

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affect our program by increasing our reach, expanding opportunities that are available and improving the 4-H program overall. Without exception, the overall benefits of granting dollars to our organization have been tenfold to the initial investment. Grant dollars have a ripple effect that reaches out to many communities throughout Saskatchewan, helping to grow the next generation of leaders....and that just makes good sense.

The Saskatchewan 4-H Council is the the recipient of the 2010 and 2011 Donner Canadian Foundation Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Education!!! For more information or to get involved in the 4-H program, visit www.4-H.sk.ca or call (306) 933-7727.

Lauren Heistad Marketing and Communications Officer, Saskatchewan 4-H Council

FIRST NATION MEMBER’S RECREATION GRANT

SUPPORTS Youth Engagement Muskoday First Nation, located just 20 km east of Prince Albert on Highway 3, has SPRA to thank for a lot of projects that we have for our youth. The First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant that we received this past spring allowed us to provide geocaching and movie nights to our youth. This project enhanced our outdoor program, as we were able to provide two new and exciting projects during our camps and for our communities.

Both of the programs were delayed this summer due to the high waters on the South Saskatchewan River. We had problems with our old road washing out and access to our camp was delayed by six weeks. Though our hands were tied to access our recreation site, we did accomplish some activities with the youth.

support our program would not be where it is today. Many thanks to SPRA and all of their staff for providing us with the resources to make us one of the best First Nation programmers in Saskatchewan.

Geocaching was definitely a new activity for us, as we utilized the dollars not only to purchase the equipment required, but to take the initial training to run the program. Yes, we had some trial and error but we were able to find what we were looking for. As a safety net, we also purchased some radios, as we did not want to lose any groups in our woods.

The equipment and training we now have will be used for years to come. We look forward to putting this project on seasonally as we continue to enhance our program through funding through agencies such as SPRA. Secondly, we offered movie nights at the island. Once we prepared a new access to the recreation site, we were able to entertain youth at night with movies in the outdoors. We used our cargo trailer as a back drop, purchased a projector and brought my old computer sound system from home. The youth took in a movie or two depending on how tired they were after a day of fun and exciting activities. This project not only provided safe and enjoyable entertainment for the youth, but also kept them away from negative behaviours during the evenings.

Marvin C. Sanderson Community Services Department Director, Muskoday First Nation

Other activities that SPRA has assisted us with include beach volleyball, archery and many others. Without their

DECEMBER 2011

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ACCESSING GRANTS IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN Over the years, the Northern Sport, Culture & Recreation District has experienced substantial growth in the number of communities submitting grant applications and accessing grants to build community capacity.

As the Community Relations Coordinator for the East Service Area for the Northern Sport, Culture & Recreation District, I have the pleasure of working with 12 member communities in the East Service Area and more importantly working closely with sport, culture and recreation workers in all sectors in these communities. There is also the West Service Area and Central Far North Service Area that make up the Northern Sport Culture & Recreation District (NSCRD). I have been employed with the District since 2007, and I have seen a lot of growth in the communities regarding grant applications and accessing grants to build community capacity.

Grant for sport development at least once, and we have seen seven communities’ access SPRA grants in the 2010-2011 year.

In 2008, the NSCRD worked with the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and our members - municipal and First Nation governments - to manage the Building Communities- North Program, a grant program to support capital projects (infrastructure) and repairs to sport, culture and recreation facilities. This grant benefitted eight of my communities in the East, giving them the confidence and experience of going through a major grant program. From here, communities that benefitted from these projects continued to apply for other grants and communities that did not get into this program wanted to find out how they could start to access grants and the process it involves.

From 2008, I have seen many struggles when it comes to grants including following-up on receipts, technology and accessing grants, financial support from councils, turnover rates and lack of recreation workers. With that said, many of those challenges have seen vast improvement and goals are being made to build more community capacity.

In 2010, all 12 East Service Area Communities accessed the Community Grant Program from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund. As well, grants from SaskCulture, SPRA, the Community Initiatives Fund and Sask Sport are all being accessed. We have supported all 12 East Service Area Communities in accessing the Aboriginal Community Sport 08

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Through the NSCRD Area Input Meetings, our member communities have told the District that they want more knowledge about accessing grants and how to write grant applications. In response to this need, we organized a “Meet the Funders” workshop which was attached to our Community & School Recreation Coordinator Training. Additionally, Creighton hosted an SPRA Grant Writing Workshop, in which eight different communities attended.

In 2010, the Recreation Director in Creighton was successful in receiving $369,000 in grant applications that included the Community Grant Program, CIF Summer Grant, HudBay Mineral Grant, RInVC Program, CIF Vitality Grant, Student Summer Works, SPRA Active Family Grant, Heritage Grant and Service Canada Student Grant. The community of Creighton has many dedicated and passionate recreation workers that make this funding a reality and it’s catching on with all the other communities on the East Service Area.

Ryan Karakochuk Northern Sport, Culture & Recreation District

Communities in Bloom Workshops SPRA is pleased to offer two workshops (Regina - January 21, 2012 and Saskatoon - January 28, 2012) for past, present and new Communities in Bloom participants. Current and potential CiB volunteers, civic staff, elected officials, educators, community activists, youth, adults, seniors, community groups and service clubs are all invited to attend this one day workshop to get you ready for 2012.

You will learn about: •

What the Communities in Bloom program is all about

•

How can volunteers be recruited and sustained

•

What has worked in various communities

•

What is the evaluation program

•

Who are the judges

•

Why should photographic and written records be kept

•

How to plant and maintain fabulous flower containers

PARKS MANAGER FORUM Park professionals from National, Provincial, Regional and Municipal park organizations are invited to participate in the inaugrual Parks Manager Forum. The Forum will take place March 15 - 16, 2012 at the Ramada Hotel in Regina. The purpose of the Forum will be to: •

Expand the knowledge of Park Managers about park development, programming and maintenance as well as the conservation of natural and heritage landscapes and features

•

Develop a Parks Voice for the Province

•

Engage in discussions about innovation and problem solving in Park Management

•

Foster a stronger and more active Parks Network in Saskatchewan

LOTTERY LINGO Prince Albert Resident Excited About $10,000 Win! Rachel Jacques is getting a start in the right direction after winning $10,000 on a LUCKY HORSESHOES lottery ticket!

She purchased a $20 PLAYER’S CHOICE MEGA PACK containing 10 tickets, from East Hill Esso, located at 279915th Avenue East in her hometown. When she scratched the LUCKY HORSESHOES SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket, she noticed three $10,000 symbols.

“I thought I must be seeing wrong or I needed to match four symbols to win a prize. When I realized I only needed three, I was so excited and started jumping up and down!”

The Top Prize winner said she will put her winnings toward her continuing education and a newer vehicle. “This will help get me started on the right foot!”

$10,000 Winner in Kerrobert Many wish they could win $10,000 while relaxing and watching T.V., and that’s exactly what happened to Brent Roszell.

He scratched his $5 CROSSWORD MULTIPLIER SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket while unwinding at home.

“The last three letters, an I, M, and an E, were the important ones I needed,” said Brent, a resident of Kerrobert. “Once I uncovered them I thought I made a mistake, so I went to check at the retailer.” He uncovered nine complete words to win the lottery game’s second highest prize.

“When I saw the $10,000 on the screen I became really excited and thought, ‘Awesome,’” said Brent.

“The retailer was actually more excited than I was.”

The Registration Forms for these events are available in this edition of DIRECTION. For further information, contact Barry Rogers, Forum Facilitator, by phone at (250) 422-3403, or by email at wildrose@

Brent purchased the ticket at the Kerrobert Reddi-Mart, located at 346 Pacific Avenue. Brent plans to use his winnings to pay some bills and do some home renovations.

cyberlink.bc.ca.

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VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Investing in volunteers is investing in Saskatchewan - but more importantly, comprehensive orientation and volunteer training programs give volunteers a feeling of belonging and status.

What are common issues community-based organizations face in order to continue their amazing work? What training or support do organizations already offer their volunteers or staff? What assistance do volunteers and community-based organizations really require? What initiatives can address these opportunities, once identified? Is there anything specific these organizations might like? Are there particular events, workshops, training opportunities they need or want?

If so, what would it look like? What day is it offered? When and where is it offered? If we had all this information, how can a municipality actively support a wide range of community-based organizations?

Shortly after accepting the position of Community Development Manager with the City of Yorkton, I started looking for answers to these questions. In September 2010, I conducted an on-line survey (Survey Monkey) with local community-based organizations regarding possible educational opportunities. Feedback was very informative and popular topics included: Financial Management (budgeting and managing the financial statement); Organizational Development (volunteer recruitment and retention; how to run an effective meeting) and Grant-Writing. A recurring point was that the educational opportunities would need to be in the evening and only for two, maybe three hours. As one respondent clearly stated, “Most volunteers within our organization also volunteer with other organizations that their kids are involved in, so the workshops would have to be short!”

The purpose of SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant for Volunteer Leadership Training and Development is to increase the skill 10

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level of the community’s volunteers. I contacted SPRA with my ideas of bringing some educational opportunities into Yorkton and investing in a variety of recreation organizations.

I was encouraged to apply and was successful.

The City of Yorkton, Community Development, Parks and Recreation with financial assistance from SPRA, hosted three local training opportunities for community volunteers.

There were two in May and another in September. All were evening sessions lasting for 2.5 to 3 hours. Topics offered included “Volunteer Recruitment & Retention”, “Budgeting and Financial Management” and “Grant Writing – Local and Community Grants”. Corrine Bokitch, of CBSolutions (Capacity Building Solutions) from Kenosee Lake, developed and facilitated the first two workshops. Don Stein, Executive Director of Godfrey Dean Art Gallery, developed and facilitated the Grant Writing – Local and Community. There was even a “wait-list” for the Grant Writing Workshop!!

Participants were from a wide range of community-based organizations. Some are very well established and others that are just starting out. The participating organizations included: • Yellowhead FlyWay Birding Trail Association • Yorkton Minor Hockey • Yorkton Minor Baseball • Yorkton Transitional Homes for Youth Inc. • Town of Churchbridge • Parkland College • Burgis Beach Cabin Owners Association • Yorkton Mental Health Drop-In Centre

• • •

Ituna Daycare Assiniboine Food Security Alliance New Horizon’s Senior Centre

Evaluations were filled out after the sessions both on paper, and on-line using Survey Monkey. Many participants were very thankful for the opportunity to learn and are looking forward to more opportunities!!

training programs give volunteers a feeling of belonging and status. It shows that the community values them enough to make an investment in them, and again, helps set the tone of work and allows volunteers to adapt more easily to an organization’s surroundings. By strengthening our leaders, we strengthen our community’s recreation programs.

Lisa Washington Community Development Manager, City of Yorkton

Trained volunteers = quality volunteers = quality programming for recreation activities Investing in volunteers is investing in Saskatchewan but more importantly, comprehensive orientation and volunteer

SASKATCHEWAN SQUARE & ROUND DANCE

AGM AND DANCE WEEKEND

The Saskatchewan Square & Round Dance Federation receives funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund through SPRA, who provide grants for new dancer lessons, development of square dance callers, round dance cuers and clogging instructors within our Province. A portion of these funds went to host the 32nd Saskatchewan Square & Round Dance Federation Weekend and Annual Meeting on November 4 - 6, 2011, in Regina. There were 166 dancers in attendance from all over the Province. All Square Dancing was held in Carrefour des Plaines School and Round Dancing was held in Wesley United Church.

ry of all those who were no longer with us. A very meaningful service for all those in attendance. Dancing resumed with reviews of the workshops until lunch, closing out the main portion of the weekend. The Federation Board of Directors held another meeting in the afternoon before heading home.

Congratulations to Zone 7 (Regina) for hosting a great weekend. Kindersley Whirls and Twirls will host the weekend in November 2012.

Square and Round dancing is a wonderful activity to get involved in. It is a great source of exercise for the heart and stimulates your brain, is relatively inexpensive compared to others activities and is a great way to meet new friends!

Dancing also does not require any special equipment except comfortable shoes. It is an activity that your family or friends can learn and do together. It is usually once a week and lessons are offered in most places that have clubs. These lessons are sponsored in part by the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund through SPRA. We very much appreciate and thank these organizations for their continued support.

Friday night was the kick off to the weekend, starting with a trail in dance and lunch. Saturday morning saw workshops in both squares and rounds, followed by lunch and then the Annual General Meeting of the Federation. Dancing resumed with workshops in both Squares and Rounds from 3 to 5 p.m., a banquet followed, with a short program and presentations. The evening dance saw all attending callers and cuers taking their turn at the mic which made for a very fun filled evening. It is a great opportunity for our provincial membership to hear and dance to various callers and cuers from across our Province.

WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE!

Sunday morning activity commenced with a Church Service at 10:00 a.m. including a candle lighting ceremony in memo-

Linda and Gordon James Saskatchewan Square & Round Dance Federation Inc. DECEMBER 2011

11

CELEBRATING SENIORS! The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism hosted the first Celebrating Seniors Saskatchewan Senior Volunteer Awards, in October of 2010. The Member’s Initiative portion of our SPRA Grant was used to launch this important project.

The event was so successful that we immediately planned our second Celebrating Seniors for October 2, 2011.

Statistics Canada has placed an economic value of $14 billion on the annual contribution of volunteers in Canada. This is equivalent to 1.4% of Canada’s GDP. Stats Canada has also determined that 39% of seniors 65-74 engage in volunteer activities. (“A Portrait of Seniors in Canada” - Statistics Canada, 2004). There are certainly many others - both younger and older than the group mentioned in this statistic - that would fall within the category of “seniors” who are also very involved in volunteer activities within their communities.

SSM recognized that there were awards that recognize the contributions of women, First Nation people, special contributions within one’s own specific community and many other awards for specific groups. Seniors are included in some of these, but there were no provincial seniors’ volunteer awards including both men and women, and provincial in scope. It was time to do something and so Celebrating Seniors was launched.

Celebrating Seniors provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions seniors make to Saskatchewan and to honour them for their contributions. The awards also provide an opportunity for our society to be made aware of the contributions of seniors to all aspects of the life and work of our Province, therefore also making them aware of the potential in the senior population.

Older adults and their contributions are undervalued by many in our society. Some think seniors should be “put out to pasture” or from a more positive perspective, allowed to enjoy their retirement years in peace and tranquility rocking on their veranda.

These attitudes do not reflect the reality of today’s seniors.

People are living longer, healthier lives. They have years of wisdom and experience that they want to continue to offer in their communities, and as they retire they also have more time to give. With the increasing number of seniors in our society, they are a force to be reckoned with and a tremendous resource in our communities.

Celebrating Seniors is an annual event, held at the end of 12

DECEMBER 2011

Seniors Week each fall. The SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant made it possible for us to get this program started without having to obtain significant sponsorship in the first year. We were able to concentrate on the organizing and promotion of this new initiative. We have been able to continue the event by building relationships with sponsors. The 2010 Celebrating was well received and very successful. This has paved the way for sponsorship in the future for this annual event.

Holly Schick Executive Director, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Left to right: Linda Restau (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health) who sponsored this award, the Honourable Gordon Barnhart (Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and Honourary Patron of the Awards), Isabella Frank, Les Lye (President of SSM) Isabella Frank is a perfect example of a person who promotes a healthy lifestyle. Ella, as most know her, has been the leader of the fitness group at the Ogema Dew Drop In Seniors Centre for the last 20 years. She has participated in the SSAI Walkathon, the Cancer Relay for Life walk, the Heart & Stroke Big Bike ride, is a Golden Age Bowler, and was instrumental in organizing a walking path in the Regional Park. Isabella is active in her church community, has participated in the Ogema Chamber of Commerce and the Agricultural Society. Recently she volunteered to be a reporter for the local paper. Ella is a valuable volunteer and an inspiration to others.

SAFE, QUALITY RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES The Southeast Connection Sport, Culture & Recreation District strives to increase leadership development opportunities in the District through implementing various training initiatives. Our organization was able to offer two HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Childhood Development (PHCD) training courses this year with support from the SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant.

The two courses were held in Weyburn on June 29 and Estevan on June 30 with a total of 27 participants. We hired Erin Wilson, a local trained facilitator from Estevan to facilitate the two courses. Southeast Connection made the HIGH FIVE® training mandatory for the communities that were approved for the Mobile Playground Program and their leaders. Our Mobile Playground Program assists communities with funding and resources (frequently hosted by communities with less than a population of 500 and that do not have paid recreation staff) to hire their own local youth leaders to implement a summer quality play program.

Participant Testimonials...

This year, we expanded the training by opening it up to all southeast municipalities that offer summer recreation opportunities, above and beyond the Mobile Playground host communities. Making the training available to all communities ,decreases barriers and increases the impact by encouraging and making more organizations aware of the importance of safety and healthy development of children.

The HIGH FIVE® training also gave the leaders a better understanding of how to meet each child’s needs, learn new activities and tips to deal with problems. We feel all of the outcomes from the HIGH FIVE® training will ensure community programs continue to be of high quality, safe and meet the community’s needs.

The HIGH FIVE® training allowed the leaders in the communities that were running summer programs an opportunity to learn how to provide safe and quality programming to the youth in their community. A benefit of the training that the participants relayed back to us was that they learned how to make kids feel comfortable and partake in games and activities that they have never played before.

“I learned a lot of games to play with the children and how to encourage them to play and get more involved with activities”.

“I loved the games and the fact that we were up and moving around all day it made the day go by so fast”.

The Member’s Initiative Grant helped with the cost of the instructor, food for the participants and rental space for the training which resulted in low cost and accessible training opportunities.

Tyler Jones Coordinator, Southeast Connection Sport, Culture & Recreation District

DECEMBER 2011

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EVENTS DECEMBER 6, 2011

MARCH 15 - 16, 2012

Trans Canada Trail Summit

Parks Manager Forum

Regina, SK

Regina, SK

At the Summit you will learn about Trail Development in the Province, hear from Trail leaders and help to coordinate our efforts to build the best possible trail in our Province. Contact Don Shalley, at (306) 545-6606, or by email at dshalley@benchmarkpr.ca.

Park professionals from National, Provincial, Regional and Municipal park organizations are invited to participate in this Forum. The program for the Forum will include presentations from Parks and Conservation professionals, group discussions on “hot topics” in the parks and conservation field displays and networking sessions. Call SPRA at (306) 780-9231 for details.

JANUARY 21 and 28, 2012 Communities in Bloom Program Development Workshops Regina, SK (January 21, 2012) Saskatoon, SK (January 28, 2012) Current and potential CiB volunteers, civic staff, elected officials, educators, community activists, youth, adults, seniors, community groups and service clubs are all invited to a day long workshop to learn what the Communities in Bloom program is all about. Call SPRA at (306) 780-9231 for details.

APRIL 9 - 13, 2012 Spring Education and Training Symposium Humboldt, SK SPRA’s Annual Spring Education and Training Symposium provides Recreation Directors, Facility Managers, Park Operators and Volunteers with practical and applicable knowledge. The Spring Education and Training Symposium offers specific education sessions to the parks and facilities sector. Call SPRA at (306) 780-9324 for details.

JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)

For more events, visit www.spra.sk.ca/events.

Convention 2012 Regina, SK The 107th Annual SUMA Convention will be held in Regina at the Queensbury Convention Centre. The Convention

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brings together urban municipal governments from across Saskatchewan. In conjunction with the Annual Convention is the Municipal Marketplace Tradeshow that showcases over a 150+ exhibitors with products and services that municipalities use each day. For more information or to register visit the SUMA website at www.suma.org.

MARCH 12 - 15, 2012 Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities(SARM) Annual Convention

Swimming Pools Hot Tubs Wading Pools Water Slides Spray Parks Renovations Repairs & Service Mechanical Upgrades Supplies & Equipment Maintenance

Regina, SK The SARM Convention provides members with the opportunity to gather to debate resolutions, discuss current issues and hear from political leaders and other presenters. For additional information, contact SARM at (306) 757-3577.

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DECEMBER 2011

GRANTS AND FUNDING Your group can receive from $250 - $1000 (if required) to

SPRA FIRST NATION MEMBER’S RECREATION GRANT

support activities for youth ages 13 - 19.

Application deadline: April 1, 2012

Challenge Grants – Apply to receive up to $500 to support

The purpose of the SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation

youth physical activity programs that are ongoing (3 times a

Grant is to assist First Nation members to develop recreation

week for a minimum of 4 weeks).

opportunities in the First Nation communities within Saskatch-

Event Grants – Apply to receive up to $250 to support a one-

ewan. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding.

SOGO ACTIVE GRANTS

time youth physical activity event (approximately 1 - 4 days in length). Contact Karen at (306) 780-9389 for details.

SPRA MÉTIS RECREATION DEVELOPMENT GRANT Application deadline: April 1, 2012

MEMBER’S INITIATIVE GRANT

Application deadline: March 1, 2012 The 2012 grant will fund Leadership Development opportunities that will build effective leadership skills in all levels of recreation service delivery. Through this program, SPRA is developing community capacity by facilitating leadership opportunities to ensure recreation leaders are available to deliver quality recreational programs. Active Members of SPRA will have the opportunity to apply for up to a maximum of $3,000 per training session. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding.

The SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant Program assists Active members of SPRA in developing recreation programs in their communities. Up to a maximum of $2,000 is available to Active members of SPRA. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/ funding.

For more grants and funding information, visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/funding or www.spra.sk.ca/ otherfunding.

DECEMBER 2011

15

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