DIRECTION - June 2010

JUNE 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 2

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

Youth and Recreation Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow!

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June 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 2

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Villages Rob Boulding

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar

Administrative Assistant I Paula Lichtenwald

Program Manager Garry Michael

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Crystal Smith

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky ADMINISTRATION:

SPRA STAFF TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Report

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A Career in Recreation & Tourism Management

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Get Fit! Be Fit! Youth Wellness Day 2010

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Paratroopers - Rolling to the Basket

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Lottery Lingo

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Hazing - It Hasn’t Gone Away

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Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Volunteers

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Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

Youth Volunteer Profile - Brenna Bourassa

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Expanding Recreation Opportunities in Craven

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Focus on Youth in Northern Sask

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Take the Lead! - A Playground Leadership Initiative

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We’re All in This Together, Aren’t We?

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2010 Summer Youth Program With a Twist

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The Summer Discover Youth Camp!

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Events

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Top 10 Ways to Recruit and Engage Youth

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

The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation

RECREATION CONSULTANTS: Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces John Firnesz

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Donna Matheson

in motion STAFF

Association. Direct all communications to:

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

School Consultant Lyle Brenna

Youth Mentor Kendra Schmidt

Editor, DIRECTION

Manager Community and Target Services Marnie Sinclair

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

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

#100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this newsmagazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the newsmagazine.

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Communications Consultant Lori Ross

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

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

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Consultant Nicole Yacishyn Assistant Consultant Graham Richardson

Executive Assistant Carol Priebe Administrative Assistant Nicole Getzlaf

President’s REPORT:

SuccessFuL YOuth ENGAGEMENT As our lives get busier with work and other activities, the importance of recreation time for our family is becoming more valuable. This valuable recreation time with the youth in our families is extremely important as they learn skills which they will carry with them throughout their lives. Recreation activities and participation can provide valuable opportunities to teach the youth the importance of physical fitness, socialization, healthy living, a sense of accomplishment and life coping skills. We see time after time the valuable role recreation plays in developing these youth for future challenges and roles in life. Like anything in life, the earlier we can learn those skills the more likely we will be able to apply those skills throughout our lives.

Within our society we are seeing an increase of obesity, inactivity and health problems within our children and youth. They are now predicting that this maybe the first time in our society that our children will have a shorter life expectancy then ourselves. But yet there are more facilities and opportunities to experience recreational activities within our communities. We have to ensure that these opportunities are accessible to the youth and provide a positive enjoyable experience. The more positive experiences the youth receive in our programs and facilities, the more likely they will return to participate. We also want to ensure the youth are involved and have a vested interest in the planning of their recreational activities, we need to find ways to engage our youth.

inappropriate spray painting in the park. As a community, we decided not to enforce rules and regulations, but to engage the youth to take ownership. We gave spray paint to the youth and ask them to do what they wanted as long as it was appropriate. The youth completed some great art work and took ownership of the park and kept the youth experience positive with the participants and community. The park is heavy utilized and enjoyed by many youth in the community. As a community, we need to extend the invitation and trust that the youth also want a positive recreation experience. As Recreation Professionals and volunteers we learned more from this experience than the youth did.

As Recreation Professionals and volunteers, we need to make sure youth are involved in recreation programs and learn the lifelong skills to ensure a quality of life for our future citizens and future community members. The future of community recreational programs and healthy community living is dependent on how we positively engage our youth in our activities.

Darrell Lessmeister SPRA President

The most successful youth programs have the youth take ownership and call them their own. We need to step out of our comfort zones and rules, and ask what they want or need to become involved. This recalls involving the youth in developing a Skate Board Park in a Community.

When the park was first developed we experienced an

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A CAREER IN RECREATION & TOURISM MANAGEMENT For Recreation and Tourism Management students, SIAST’s close relationship with industry means a comprehensive curriculum, pragmatic business approach and innovative teaching methods, all of which combine to help students discover the art and passion of recreation and business management!

We live in a busy world. People are working harder – and

programming, leadership and group skills. In this way,

playing harder too. More people are physically active, and

your real life experiences help develop your cultural,

they are seeking out innovative programs for their leisure

environmental and outdoor skills.

and recreational activities. People are also exploring a wider range of tourism experiences, everything from out-of-theway destinations to unique cultural activities.

program are currently working in communities around the province. Some are using their SIAST diploma as a stepping

This growing demand is creating a wealth of new

stone to further their education with universities in Canada.

opportunities for people trained in recreation and tourism

Several articulation agreements have been signed providing

management. SIAST’s redeveloped Recreation and Tourism

students with 2 for 2 year transfer credits allowing students

Management program is designed to meet the unique needs

to obtain a degree by attending university for only two more

of Saskatchewan’s growing tourism industry as well as the

years.

province’s many recreation, sport and leisure activities.

The choice of career opportunities is a major attraction

SIAST is the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science

for students. You could become a recreation manager for

and Technology, a nationally recognized provider of skills

a community organization, a program planner for outdoor

and education training. SIAST’s practical, hands-on style of

recreation education, or a facility manager for an aquatic

learning is well respected in the business world. Programs

centre, arena, performing arts centre, museum or park. You

are designed with input from business and industry to ensure

might find yourself working for municipal or regional tourism

course curriculum matches opportunities and needs in the

or economic development agencies. And there are growing

workplace.

opportunities in the private sector. Start your own business,

For Recreation and Tourism Management students, SIAST’s close relationship with industry means a comprehensive

work as a recreation director at residential mine site, or work with outfitters, tour companies, lodges and more.

curriculum, pragmatic business approach and innovative

One of the things that draw students to Recreation and

teaching methods, all of which combine to help students

Tourism Management is a desire to work with people of

discover the art and passion of recreation and business

diverse backgrounds. Add to this a naturally enthusiastic,

management.

creative personality and good people skills and you have the

Providing real world education is one of the distinguishing

ingredients of a successful career in recreation and tourism.

features of a SIAST education. In addition to a work-based

For additional information, visit www.gosiast.com or call

practicum in the final semester, Recreation and Tourism

(306) 659-4063.

Management students take part in fall and winter camps in their second year. The fall camp is an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a semi-wilderness setting, while the winter camp focuses on community development, 02

Graduates of SIAST’s Recreation and Tourism Management

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Viviane Boisvert Recreation & Tourism Managment - Program Head

GET FIT! BE FIT!

YOUTH WELLNESS DAY! On Saturday April 17th, 51 Youth between the ages of 10-18 came to the Stockade in Swift Current from all over Southwest Saskatchewan for the Get Fit! Be Fit! Youth Wellness day!

Our Youth Wellness Day in Swift Current was loaded with Enthusiasm, Exercise and Excitement! The participating youth were offered a variety of activity stations that included: wrestling, yoga, fencing, circuit training, sportfit assessments, body building, ‘double Dutch skipping’ and learning about the physical impairments of drug and alcohol use.

The Cypress Health Region was also busy at the event hosting 15 minute information sessions about nutrition and providing an opportunity for the youth to prepare a healthy and delicious snack.

Youth participated in groups of six and worked their way through the activity stations and educational sessions. All youth attended all stations and were allowed 15 minutes to participate and get excited about that particular activity. The stations were as hands on as possible and the youth, as well as the presenters, had a wonderful time. We wrapped up the event with some played out youth, excellent prizes, a big thank you to volunteers and sponsorship and an excited cheer “please have it again next year!”

Our goal was to get youth excited about being physically active and healthy. With smiles on their flushed faces, the youth left the event discussing their favorite activities and memories of the day. It was rewarding for the organizing committee to see the youth make the connection that there are no limits to being physically active and healthy, just find an activity that you enjoy and have fun!

The Get Fit! Be Fit! Planning Committee would like to thank all of the contributions made by the following organizations!

Their combined support really helped to show our youth that we care about their health and it was a great demonstration of how organizations can work together in the best interest of a community!

Cypress Health Region City of Swift Current SPRA – Sogo Active in motion SIGA South West District for Culture, Recreation & Sport Elmwood Golf Course Yoga Connexion Swift Current Titans Wrestling Swift Current Fencing RCMP Anti-Drug Task Force SportFit Cathy Knox RD Mitch Gauvin Flaman Fitness

Comm Centre Eye FX Media Canadian Tire Training Zone Pioneer Co-op Central Ave Physio Body Fit Glass Slipper Spa Swift Current Broncos Curves

As well as all of the participants and volunteers who helped make the day possible!

For additional information, contact the City of Swift Current Recreation and Parks Department at (306) 778-2787.

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Paratroopers

ROLLING TO THE BASKET The Paratroopers are a group of kids that started getting together in 2000, through the efforts of Loraine Lawerence and the City of Regina. The kids all had a disability of some sort that did not allow the kids to run. Most walked, but not as we say “normal”. The kids got together at Wascana Hospital and played games from red rover freeze tag and shot baskets at a lowered basket.

Watching your child play sports is something that most of us have had the opportunity to partake in, but what if your child was not able or allowed to participate. Most of us have had the opportunity to play in the school ground....the key word being most of us. Unfortunately there are some kids that fall through the cracks and don’t get these opportunities.

The Paratroopers are a group of kids that started getting together in 2000, through the efforts of Loraine Lawerence and the City of Regina. The kids all had a disability of some sort that did not allow the kids to run. Most walked, but not as we say “normal”. The kids got together at Wascana Hospital and played games from red rover freeze tag and shot baskets at a lowered basket.

In January 2002, they were given the opportunity to play a game against a team of girls that played in the Regina Community Basketball Association (RCBA). Both teams were nervous because the kids with disabilities had never played a game before, not just a basketball game, but any games. The girls had to get into wheelchairs and play against these young kids with disabilities.

It wasn’t long after the game started that both teams forgot their nervousness and just played a basketball game!

The winner was...I forget....I don’t think there is anyone that kept score, but the smiles on the kids soon told the real story both teams won. During the game, comments from the RCBA team included, “these guys fast,” “they are great players.” This is the first time in their lives, the Paratroopers had competed in a sporting event.

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We all thought this was a one time thing, but a funny thing happened, the coach of the Paratroopers received a phone call from another coach wanting to know if the Paratroopers would play his team - a boys grade six team from the RCBA. They played that team, and the next week there were two more calls and the week after that five calls. It seemed everyone want to play the Paratroopers.

These kids went from not having anyone want to play with them to having everyone wanting to play them, and hearing comments from the other teams saying how good they were.

Soon the Paratroopers started to grow more self-esteem, they started to want to get better, play harder and play all the time. One of the teams that played in one of these first games happened to be coached by Marg Barr the Executive Director for RCBA, she saw the benefits that both teams received and asked if the Paratroopers would join the RCBA as a team with a regular schedule.

The kids from this team have gone on to play for Team Canada Junior Basketball Team in Germany. One player has even turned her competitiveness to the game of rugby and has just made team Canada’s rugby team. If we could have only predicted this! With the help of the RCBA the Paratroopers became and remain the only disabled basketball team to play in a able bodied basketball league.

Although accomplishments of the elite athletes are amazing, the thing that sticks out in my mind are the comments that I have heard from the kids when explaining why they play wheelchair basketball - “its the only game I get to play,” “nobody ever let me play on their team before,” “I get to play with my brother,” or the latest one I heard “I go so fast my hair moves!”

Over the past eight years the Paratroopers have played around 120 games and their record is about 30 happy children with disabilities and a thousand abled bodied kids that played their first wheelchair basketball game, I don’t think that anyone has ever lost, what an amazing story!

Mike Brady Coach - Regina Paratroopers

LOTTERY LINGO Battleford Man Wins $122,898 with LOTTO 6/49!

Matt Blais nearly hit the floor when he realized his LOTTO 6/49 ticket for the April 10th draw was a $122,898 winner! The Battleford, Saskatchewan resident had matched five out of the six winning numbers, plus the Bonus number, to win second prize.

“I stopped at a gas station after a day of shopping, and decided to check my ticket on the self-serve Ticket Checker,” Matt remembered. “I couldn’t believe what I saw on the screen. I handed the ticket to the clerk and said, ‘Check the ticket! Check the ticket!’” The prize amount appeared on the monitor and Matt heard “WooHoo!” “People in the store saw the prize amount and started congratulating me on my good fortune,” Matt grinned. “I felt like fainting! I was pretty happy.”

Ticket was purchased at Russell’s Southtown Service, 352-22nd Street, Battleford, Saskatchewan.

$100,000 Windfall for Moosomin Man!

Calling All Ambassadors!

Show your pride for Saskatchewan’s recreation and parks delivery system and register as an Ambassador of June is Recreation & Parks Month (JRPM).

Ambassadors are communities, agencies or groups: recognizing JRPM at an activity or event who sign a JRPM Proclamation The benefits of being an Ambassador are not only an expression of your support, but also:

Lottery luck has struck the town of Moosomin! In just a few weeks, Moosomin, Saskatchewan has had three major lottery winners – the latest is Brad Christiansen who won $100,000 on a SET FOR LIFE ticket.

“I sat in my car and scratched it. I checked it over a few times before I went back into the store to have it checked,” recalled Brad. “The ladies at the store had more reaction than I did. I was pretty calm.”

Ticket was purchased at Moosomin Fine Foods, Box 857, Moosomin, Saskatchewan

promotion of your activity through SPRA acknowledgment of your group as a 2010 Ambassador enters you to win a piece of outdoor play equipment from Henderson recreation equipment limited To request a JRPM Ambassador registration package, contact SPRA at 1-800-563-2555.

Proud Supporter of the JRPM Ambassador Program

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HAZING - IT HASN’T GONE AWAY Hazing of new members to clubs, groups, teams and other youth activities by senior members has been taking place for a long time. The practice can go by many names and labels including; rookie parties, welcome rituals, initiation ceremonies and freshie days.

But, regardless of the name, they all share some common elements that should no longer be welcome in respectful sport and recreation environments.

WHAT IS HAZING? One of the clearest and most inclusive definitions for hazing is: “Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group (or to attain full status in the group) that humiliates, degrades, abuses, endangers or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

This definition (from Hoover 1999) is now used by most sport and fraternal organizations in Canada and the U.S. It goes beyond the standard “shopping list” of prohibited activities and recognizes that the all too common hazers excuse of “everyone participated willingly” does not absolve individuals or organizations of their responsibility to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

WHERE DOES HAZING HAPPEN? One popular myth about hazing is that it only happens in certain sports and fraternities/sororities. In fact, both of the large studies done to date on hazing incidences (Alfred University 1999 and University of Maine 2008) tell us that hazing takes place in groups as diverse as sport teams, choirs, high schools, drama groups, Cadets, scouts and guides, youth orchestras, marching bands, intramural sports, summer camps and youth exchange organizations. Since 2007 the Red Cross Support Line has seen a 700% increase in calls with hazing identified

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as a problem within sport, recreation or cultural organizations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Those same studies (Alfred and U Maine) emphasized that the culture of hazing starts long before young people arrive at universities and colleges. Over 50% of the thousands of respondents in these studies stated that they assumed they would be hazed in college “because that’s what we are used to having happen” as a requirement to become members of teams and clubs. Over 50% of the students surveyed indicated that they had been hazed (according to the Hoover definition) at least once prior to attending university.

At its worst, hazing can include sexual assaults and physical injury (even death), but the long terms effects of acts like forced or coerced alcohol consumption or being restrained, blindfolded and left helpless can be as serious. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba “rookie parties” and other initiation rites have led to hospitalizations, serious mental and physical injury, young people withdrawing from clubs and groups and criminal prosecution.

Yet the practice of hazing continues. In some cases the adults in care with an overall responsibility for the safety of youth have turned a blind eye, in effect saying “Don’t tell me what you guys do at your rookie party, I don’t want to know.” Young people are told that there is a hazing tradition to be maintained - they are told this by former team and club members and sometimes even by their own parents.

WHY BE CONCERNED? There are many good reasons for Board members, leaders, coaches and other adults to pay close attention to practices that purport to be welcoming or initiation rites. Adult responsibility is not lessened by ignorance (wilful or otherwise). These reasons include: The Duty of Care to provide a safe environment in which all can participate without being deliberately harmed and understanding the reality that adults in care are potentially liable for any and all acts that take place under their supervision or in the name of their organization, club or team. Preventing the potential damage to the public reputation of their club, camp or team and the potential for that reputation to suffer when a hazing ritual becomes publicly known.

A standard response from those who support Hazing rituals has been “This helps to bring them together as a team, club, group of campers etc. The new members feel like they belong once they have gone through this experience. It builds trust.”

In fact, the Alfred and Maine studies indicate the opposite.

Students reported feeling less trusting and more fearful of the older students who had subjected them to hazing. Not surprisingly those same students talked about eagerly anticipating the time when they could take the role of the hazer and get back “some of their own”.

Organizations cannot and should not wait until a complaint comes forward from a youth or his/her parents. The code of silence around hazing and the pressure on young people to “suck it up” for the team can be intense. It takes a courageous young person to speak out against a practice that may have years of organizational history and support.

Adults in care should be proactive about insuring that any welcoming or celebration rituals that take place are: •

Safe and respectful

•

Inclusive (veterans and rookies all take part)

•

Open to scrutiny by adults

•

Voluntary with no consequences for opting out

To find out more about hazing, its effects and alternative safe welcoming rituals you can contact us at 1-866-773-5777 or rdcross@sasktel.net.

Bruce Wood, M.A., D.A.A. Support Line Coordinator, Canadian Red Cross

This cycle of the hazed becoming the hazer’s helps to explain why some so-called “harmless rituals” can evolve over time into practices that seem difficult to understand. A negative evolution with subsequent generations of young people wanting to put their own stamp on pre-existing rituals can see the violence and humiliation ratcheted up year by year. The hazing cycle is one of the reasons why rituals that reinforce power imbalances must be addressed at the start. Ending the “little hazing” rites can keep them from evolving into something much worse.

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TOP 10 WAYS TO RECRUIT AND ENGAGE YOUTH VOLUNTEERS They are motivated, energetic and strong.

They are youth volunteers and could be a great resource for your organization. But, they can be a challenge to recruit and retain. The key is to put yourself into their shoes and think young.

Here are our top tips.

1. RECRUIT THEM ONLINE

6. DEVELOP TEAMWORK

Today’s youth is wired, to the extreme. Use online volunteer matching services. Post opportunities on your own website but change them frequently so your pages look fresh and appealing. Respond immediately to inquiries.

Develop teams among your youth volunteers and train team leaders. Encourage group participation and let your volunteers learn from each other.

2. SPEAK IN A YOUTHFUL WAY

Find adults to work with your young volunteers that they can identify with. Use young adults who are natural mentors and role models.

Make your opportunities relevant to the interests and needs of young people. Young people like language that is quick, fun and exciting. Emphasize involvement and how they can contribute.

3. USE YOUTHFUL VISUALS Use lots of photos and quotes from other young people.

Develop an advisory group of young people to help you with this aspect of your marketing.

4. DEVELOP COMPETITIONS AND GAMES Young people love competition and games so develop them to use in your recruitment efforts, your training, and when your volunteers are actually performing their tasks. Healthy competition will add zest and excitement to the work your young volunteers do.

5. DEVELOP A SPEAKERS SERVICE Put together a group of young speakers who can recruit their peers. Arrange speaking engagements at schools and churches.

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7. PROVIDE MENTORS

8. ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION Let young volunteers participate at every level. Listen and then act on their suggestions. They will not trust you if you invite engagement and then ignore their input.

9. APPRECIATE YOUR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS If you don’t truly appreciate the contributions of young volunteers, don’t even bother. Young people are shrewd detectors of bull and will demand honesty and behavior that matches your rhetoric. Walk the talk.

10. REWARD FREQUENTLY Don’t wait for a special event. Provide verbal feedback consistently and make sure you bring in lots of food. Most of all, have fun. Even if the work is serious, make sure that you throw in some pleasure. (c) 2010 Joanne Fritz (http://nonprofit.about.com/) Used with permission of About Inc., which can be found online at www.about.com. All rights reserved.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROFILE

BRENNA BOURASSA Brenna Bourassa has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service in her community and a dedication to recreation and sport. Brenna has been an involved, responsible and enthusiastic volunteer throughout her high school years. She assisted in coaching the Junior Girls Volleyball Team for three years, the Junior Girls Basketball Team for two years and the Junior Badminton Team, which includes girls singles, girls doubles, boys singles, boys doubles and mixed.

Brenna has dedicated her time to practices and games during the weeks and tournaments on the weekends. In this capacity Brenna has helped young participants develop skills and build confidence and self-esteem.

Brenna has acted as a volunteer officiator for the Junior Girls and Senior Boys Volleyball and Basketball. She has also assisted and volunteered to help younger softball player by working with them on pitching skills and techniques to umpiring games.

Additionally, Brenna has volunteered to work at the concession and at the gate for the Radville Rodeo, Minor Ball Day and in the arena kitchen during hockey season. Brenna has even travelled internationally for her volunteer endeavours.

In October 2009, Brenna travelled to Australia to volunteer at the World Master Games!

Brenna’s dedication, perseverance, hard work and positive attitude, is a demonstration of her passion and commitment to the enhancement of recreation activities in the community.

Brenna is truly an exceptional Youth Volunteer!

ABORIGINAL SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH IN RECREATION (ASPYR) The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is once again offering the Aboriginal Summer Program for Youth in Recreation. This program focuses on developing and training youth leaders that would be qualified to develop quality recreation programming in First Nation communities. As part of the program, SPRA works in partnership with First Nation communities to hire and train youth to provide on-reserve programs for children and youth during the summer months.

SPRA is offering three ASPYR camps geographically located across the province: •

June 25 - 27, 2010 - Lakeland District, at the Pelican Lake First Nation

•

July 7 - 9, 2010 - Rivers West District, at the Poundmaker First Nation

•

July 13 -15, 2010 - Southeast Connection, at the Carry the Kettle First Nation

An ASPYR Leadership Camp offers a variety of programs to enhance the development of youth recreation leaders in our communities, including: •

HIGH FIVE® - The Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development

•

Outdoor Survival Program - Learning to Survive Outdoors

•

Boat Operator Accredited Training - Certification in Boat Safety

•

Introduction to Coaching - Learning the Principles of Coaching

•

Emergency First Aid/CPR - Certified First Aid/CPR

For additional information, contact Kelly Cochrane, ASPYR Recreation Coordinator at (306) 780-9456, or by email at kcochrane@spra.sk.ca.

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EXPANDING RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES IN CRAVEN The rink is the heart of many Saskatchewan communities. Unfortunately, a lot of these facilities across the province sit empty for much of the week. A new program in Craven is keeping the rink in that community open and accessible an extra 34 hours a week while helping youth develop leadership skills.

Under the program, the rink board hires local youth to act as rink attendants Monday to Friday from 4-8 p.m. and weekends from 1-8 p.m. The youth are responsible for clearing the ice, monitoring activity on the small converted curling rink and running the canteen. Some lead organized learn to skate sessions on Saturdays.

Before youth got involved, the rink was only open when it was convenient for a volunteer. There was no set schedule.

Michelle Buhay, President of the Craven Rink Board, says involving youth was a logical step.

“Adult volunteers can only give so much. Expanding to include youth gives us so many more options.”

In its most recent Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, Active Healthy Kids Canada gave Canada a B for proximity and accessibility to physical facilities like rinks and playgrounds. Well over half of Canadian kids live near these facilities. However, less than half actually use what’s available to them and that earned a grade of D. Creative approaches like that of the Craven rink board could help raise that grade in Saskatchewan.

“This approach helps to eliminate one of the barriers to physical activity,” says Corinna Dahl-Ritco, who helped the group secure a grant from Saskatchewan in motion. “The rink is really one of the hubs of our community. Having it open an extra 34 hours a week opens up so many possibilities,” says Dahl-Ritco.

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The program appears to be a winner for everyone involved.

The youth are earning money, developing skills and giving back to their community. Local families have access to an easy, fun physical activity. Buhay reports that an average of 20 people use the rink each day. Some kids even hop off the school bus and head straight to the rink. The community and the rink board are getting the most from their investment in the rink. They’re even starting to see people from nearby Lumsden get memberships in Craven because the rink is more accessible.

“The rink board is taking a creative approach that paves the way for youth to contribute to their community,” says DahlRitco. “It’s an idea that could work in any small community.”

Kim Herperger in motion Communications Consultant

FOCUS ON YOUTH IN NORTHERN SASK Saskatchewan is a big province! If you take a map of Saskatchewan and fold it in half, the line will go through the City of Prince Albert. North of Prince Albert you will see thousands of lakes, forests and the 54 communities that make up the membership of the Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District (NSCRD).

Our communities reflect First Nations, Métis and Non Aboriginal culture. There are huge distances between communities. They have many strengths and face many challenges. It is estimated that 45% of the population in Northern Saskatchewan is under 19. All Northern Communities care deeply about their youth.

They believe in the value of sport, culture and recreation programs. They know the positive impact these programs can play on the health of their children.

The closer to home programs are offered – the better! However, the cost of attaining skilled leadership, facilities and other program elements, often taken for granted in an urban setting, can create significant barriers to Northern Communities. Travel costs, never mind the road conditions, are a constant reality in Northern Saskatchewan.

Over 22 Northern Communities and schools work together to offer sport, culture and recreation programs through the Northern Community and School Recreation Coordinator Program. This NSCRD program is funded by the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund and delivered through local leadership at the community level. Over 737 community based programs occurred throughout the north in 2008 – 2009. Of those programs, 33% were targeted to youth and 33% were targeted to children.

•

Recreation and Physical Activity – Ski Fit North, Leadership programs, Northern Physical Activity Month and more.

The NSCRD is a partner with Heath, Education, the RCMP and various other sectors around the 40 Development Assets of Youth. We look forward to learning the results of the surveys recently conducted with 1,500 Northern youth. Together, community leaders and human service organizations will work together to build assets in our Northern youth.

The most important role of the NSCRD is to help build our Northern Communities capacity to address their sport, culture and recreation needs. As long as youth are a priority of our members, we will do everything within our ability to support their efforts. In particular, we will continue to encourage our Communities to access programs and services that are available through our sport, culture and delivery system.

For further information go to www.nscrd.com.

As well, the NSCRD offers a variety of youth based programs and services to support our members. For example; •

Culture - Northern Spirits, Northern Drama Festival, Hip Hop/ Beatmaking Workshops and the Northern Games and Cultural Festival.

•

Sport – Athletes, coaches and officials courses, Sask Games Program and supporting a variety of sport development initiatives.

Youth Panel Presenters (from left to right); Tristen Durocher, Air Ronge (musician – fiddle), Natasha Boyes, La Ronge (biathlon), Craig McCallum, Canoe Lake (hockey – Prince Albert Raiders), Shay-Anne Daniels, Hatchet Lake First Nation / Prince Albert, (Speed Swimming, Canada Games athlete).

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TAKE THE LEAD! A PLAYGROUND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE The Playground Leadership Program, now known as “Take the Lead!” was born out of the call to action for Saskatchewan people to increase their physical activity levels for health benefits in children.

Patty Williams of Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region wanted to find a way to support communities in their quest to increase physical activity levels during the school hours for children and meet the Health Regions mandate for Active Living. A meeting was called by Williams to pull together partners with the similar mandate to increase physical activity levels as a part of one of the four priorities of healthy living. Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation District came to the table and a partnership was born.

Williams proposed that a program be designed using the CAPHERD ideas and materials (from Ontario) as resources that could be easily adapted to the school environment.

Williams wanted to do something that could come alive on the playground and off the pages of the resources that have been sitting on office shelves for too long.

The program was piloted in a handful of schools in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. Peggy Chorney of Regina was approached to see if she was interested in supporting this program by becoming the Trainer for the leaders in the program. Chorney’s background in Play Leadership skills was a perfect fit for the training sessions and was a vital asset to the program.

The Playground Leadership Program is designed to train youth leaders to coordinate and run a physically active play program during noon hours and recess. A school facilitator, usually a teacher or school staff member, is also trained as a Leadership Coach to mentor and support the Youth Leaders. The findings from the evaluation process is that “Take the Lead!” has reduced bullying and other negative

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playground incidents, increased physical activity levels during school hours, increased leadership skills and contributed to positive attitudes towards physical activity. The Leadership Coach assists Southeast Connection and the Health Region in evaluating the program.

The Playground Leadership Program has grown and evolved each year since the initial Pilot through ongoing evaluations and constant monitoring. Sun Country Health Region joined as a partner at the end of the pilot phase so that all South East communities could benefit from this program. Part of the reason this program has been such a success in the South East is due to the well nurtured partnership between the Health

Regions (Regina Qu’Appelle & Sun Country Health Region) along with South East Connection District. The program has evolved throughout the years in order to meet the individual needs of various school settings and find the right fit for each school. The key pieces to the program have been the working partnerships of the District and the Health Regions, the input from the community and schools, the training element, and the ongoing evaluation, with willingness to make changes and be adaptable as well as the support of the School Divisions.

Williams was acknowledged for her dedication in getting this program “off the office bookshelves and onto the playground” and received the Annual Achievement Award - Project Presented by the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals in recognition of our contribution to the Recreation Profession.

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) saw the value in the program and contacted the southeast partners to work with to take the program province wide. Southeast Connection , the Health Regions and Peggy Chorney worked with SPRA to put together a package that is now available for all the communities of Saskatchewan online. SPRA gave the program a bit of a twist with a new name – “Take the Lead!” and new terminology and a fresh look to the promotional pieces. Southeast Connection still delivers the program but has adapted to the SPRA terminology and look.

“Take the Lead!” continues to grow and expand across communities today in the southeast. Southeast Connection and the Health Regions are preparing for the 2010-2011 year and another evolution of the program is underway. The South East Connection District and the Health Regions are currently working with the two school divisions that cover the geographical area - Prairie Valley School Division and South East Cornerstone School Division to make “Take the Lead” a more sustainable program and increase our capacity to train not just a few Playground Leaders; but offer the Leadership training to entire classrooms and to as many teachers and/or other adults who are interested in becoming Leadership Coaches to continue the work in their communities.

The vision is that all schools would be interested in taking opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge from the “Take the Lead!” program. Once the skills, resources and information is in the entire school culture, it is a program that can continue for years to come and adapt to the specific needs of each unique school setting. “Take the Lead!” is a useful resource for community capacity building, a hands on initiative to address increasing physical activity levels in school aged children, and it is a lot of fun for those young smiling faces on the receiving end!

Michelle Irwin Southeast Connection Coordinator

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PARENTS, LEADERS AND COACHES

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, AREN’T WE? Parents, leaders and coaches should have the same interests when it comes to youth sport and recreation – providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow, have fun and be challenged.

Yet we all know of cases where these adults have not been working together and other examples where they have been in open conflict. These conflicts can have serious impact on the experience for young people, sometimes so much so that children and youth withdraw from sport and recreation activities.

A few years ago, the Coaching Association of Canada estimated that we are losing over half of our young athletes by the age of 13. There are a number of reasons for this dropout rate; some of the reasons (like a child changing their areas of interest as they grow) are good ones. But, when young people are leaving the sport or recreation environment behind because of negative experiences with coaches or parents, or both – this is a problem.

“Helicopter parents”, “abusive coaches/leaders”, we hear these labels thrown around in the media sometimes at coaches/instructors meetings and conferences, in the stands or on the sidelines at events.

The term “helicopter parent” is a relatively new one and it refers to some parents’ need to pay very close attention to the experiences of their children at school and in extracurricular activities. The term was originally coined by Foster W. Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay in their 1990 book Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility.

So-called “helicopter parents” will want to: attend all practices, classes and games or competitions, communicate regularly with the leader or coach, and may repeatedly use email and phone calls to express concerns and ask questions. These parents can take up a lot of time and energy

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and are sometimes guilty of lobbying for preferential treatment of their children.

The term “abusive coach or leader” brings to mind high profile examples like Bob Knight or Graham James and in cases where an adult physically or sexually assaults a young person the term is clearly appropriate. Verbal abuse, or “mouth hitting” by coaches/leaders or instructors is another way in which that adult might well be described as abusive. Yet this label has also been used (perhaps wrongly) to describe a coach whose team selection process a parent might disagree with, or as part of a parental criticism of a recreation leader whose program content is disagreed with. Most coaches and leaders use the same approach and strategies in coaching as were used when they themselves were young - just as we are likely to parent as we ourselves were parented.

On the Red Cross Support Line, we’ve received calls from young people who felt caught between competing and conflicting coaches/leaders and parents. “I thought that this was supposed to be my opportunity to play, but it sure doesn’t feel very enjoyable,” said one. This is where our focus should be – on the young person; not on a leader’s possible need to control, or a parent’s desire to relive their athletic careers through their children.

Some teams, clubs and organizations have tried to respond to these potential problems by banning parents. This can only exacerbate the tension and is also a serious Risk Management concern. I have recently heard about some athletic teams implementing “coach accountability sessions” wherein volunteer coaches are required to regularly meet with parents in a kind of

“hotseat” environment to take questions from parents. There are better ways, I think, to go about ensuring that parents and coaches/leaders work together to make sport and recreation safe and fun for all.

There really is nothing new about these issues; parent coach conflict and disagreement have always existed. But now we are more likely to be exposed through the media to those sensational cases where there has been violence. Education and awareness have raised our sensitivity to some of these issues on both sides. Parents are more willing to challenge coaches, leaders and instructors in their behaviour and leaders and coaches are more prepared to set limits on intrusive parents.

Much of this increased openness and awareness is good but we also need to keep in mind that we are all in this together – for the good of sport and recreation and for the sake of the young people.

As the Coordinator for the Red Cross Support Line, I sometimes wish that I could share the more positive content of many of our calls with everyone. Parents (who represent approximately 58% of our callers) call to express their concerns, but almost always with respect and support for coaches.

Parents talk about the caring, commitment and passion that so many coaches bring to their teams, clubs and organizations.

Adult coaches and instructors (who make up about 31% of our calls annually) will talk about the pressures of teaching under watchful parental eyes but they also express their appreciation for the help that parents offer as managers, organizers, chaperones, chauffeurs and enthusiastic supporters.

on any other off-site programming that may be suggested.

Programming often relies on parents to financially support activities like travel costs/uniforms etc. Parents are also an ongoing “risk management tool” for instructors through their attendance at (and observation of) sessions.

Parents need the help of the trained recreation leaders and coaches to offer developmentally-appropriate instruction and challenge. Parents also rely on those adults to provide them with ongoing and constructive feedback about their children’s progress.

This calls for teamwork! Instead of retreating into separate groups of coaches/leaders and parents who complain about one another – we need to work together.

Setting our negative assumptions aside and putting less than ideal experiences with one another in perspective can only make for even better coaches and parents; and, more importantly, those young people in our care can continue to enjoy the richness that involvement in sport and recreation can offer.

To learn more about building positive relationships between coaches/leaders and parents/guardians please contact us at 1-866-773-5777 or rdcross@sasktel.net.

Bruce Wood, M.A., Project Coordinator, Red Cross Support Line

Some organizations have tried to implement solutions to these problems. Parental and Coach/Leader Code of Conduct contracts typically include reference to the relationship with one another. Parent meetings at the start of the year can assist in preventing misunderstandings, and more and more time starved volunteers are using the internet to keep parents informed about schedules, practices and other information. These strategies help to improve attitudes and maintain healthy lines of communication.

Coaches/leaders need help with players showing up on time, adhering to dietary and sleep regimens, and following through

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2010 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM WITH A TWIST Profile on the Prairie Central District for Sport, Culture and Recreation (PCDSCR) Summer Youth Program....with a Twist!

This year, the Prairie Central District for Sport, Culture and Recreation (PCDSCR) is offering the Summer Youth Program with a Twist!

The PCDSCR employs Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Certified Play Leaders to conduct play programs for children upon request of individual communities.

The District Summer Youth Program Leaders undergo training to gain a thorough understanding of Play Leadership and HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development.

PCDSCR communities have the option of hosting the traditional PCDSCR Summer Youth Program or the new PCDSCR Junior Leader Mentorship Program. There is a minimal cost to host either program because of financial support through various grants.

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM Is a mobile program that brings experienced leaders and fun filled days of sport, culture and recreation to interested communities in the Prairie Central District. Applications are submitted by the Municipal Recreation Authority (ex: Recreation Board) for half days, full days or consecutive days of activities. The Leaders plan and implement themed games, activities, arts and crafts for children ages 5 -12. The program is designed to either be a new program, or compliment existing programs in the community.

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JUNIOR LEADER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Is a program that provides communities with the opportunity to engage Junior Leaders in the Summer Youth Program. Communities identify Junior Leaders that will work co-operatively with the PCDSCR Summer Youth Program Leader/Mentor in planning and implementing sport, culture and recreation activities in their community. The purpose of the program is to provide a community with trained Junior Leaders in hopes they will develop future summer programs in the community. Junior Leaders will learn the “How To’s” of successful program planning and gain “hands-on” experience.

The foundation of the Summer Youth Program is with a “Child First” focus.

For detailed information on the PCDSCR 2010 Summer Youth Program, visit www.pcdscr.ca, or phone (306) 554-2414.

Joaleen Szeles PCDSCR Coordinator, Wynyard Helen Obrigewitch PCDSCR Coordinator, Watson Fred Lowenberger PCDSCR Coordinator, Regina

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

THIS SUMMER DISCOVER CO-OP CAMP! The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program, also known as Co-op Camp, is a great opportunity for youth to gain the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles and achieve their dreams.

If you know someone who is 12-18 years old, wants to make a difference, improve their self-esteem and is ready for the experience of a lifetime, then Co-op Camp is the place to be this summer! Each summer, during the months of July and August, eight camps are offered to Saskatchewan youth. The camps are held in Candle Lake and there is always a focus on fun, learning, and personal growth. “Co-op Camp allowed me to gain the confidence and learn the skills that have now made me who I am,” said participant Megan from Pangman.

Co-op Camp contributes to the personal development of youth and encourages their active involvement in community and cooperative organizations. The uniqueness of the Program stems from its ability to provide a co-operative, participatory learning experience for young people, co-op staff and volunteers, within a positive, enjoyable environment. “Sessions were really inspirational and made me feel like I could make a difference in my community or even the world,” said participant Brianna from Grandora.

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program is a core program of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA). SCA is a provincial coalition of co-operatives that collaborates to support and promote the co-operative model for community and economic development.

Interested youth should register soon for the July and August camps to ensure they will be able to attend the camp of their choice. Registration forms are available at http:// youth.sask.coop. Participants pay a fee of $200 and also ask a co-operative sponsor to pay the $405 sponsorship fee for them. SCA can help find sponsorship and participant fees if needed, just call the SCA office at (306)2443702.

For additional information, contact Heather Hale, Program Officer, by phone at (306) 244-3702, or by email at heather.hale@sask.coop. Or visit http://youth.sask.coop.

For over 80 years, educating the province’s young people about co-operatives through Co-operative Youth Seminars and related programs have been a significant focus. Over 42,500 Saskatchewan-based young adults have attended a Co-op School or a Co-op Camp. “I’ve never found it so easy to make friends or have been this challenged in my thinking. The environment makes it really easy to be yourself,” said participant Kahleigh from Pierceland.

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EVENTS JUNE 1 – 30, 2010

JUNE 6 – 8, 2010

OCTOBER 4 - 8, 2010

NOVEMBER 5 - 7, 2010

June is Recreation & Parks Month Locations across Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association 2010 Provincial 55 Plus Games Regina, SK

9th Canadian Urban Forest Conference (CUFC) Turo, NS

SaskFit 2010 Saskatoon, SK

Each year recreation service providers and park authorities throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors.

For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/ juneisrecreationandparks.

These games will provide individuals who are 55 years and older with the opportunity for friendly competition with their peers in various events.

Participants must first qualify at the District games. For more information visit www. ssfa.ca or call (306) 8424807.

JUNE 4, 2010 SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Classic Madge Lake Golf Course at Duck Mountain Provincial Park The SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Classic will be a Texas Scramble with teams of 4. The Tournament will include supper and a variety of great prizes!

For additional information, contact Kelly Skotnitsky, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (306) 780-9324 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/golf.

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AUGUST 28 SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 11th World Leisure Congress ChunCheon City, Korea The Congress aims to bring together academics, educators, students, researchers, professionals, government officials and representatives from nongovernmental organizations in the field of leisure, recreation, tourism, and sports to discuss the academic, social, industrial, and political issues and concerns around the theme Leisure and Identities. For additional information, visit www.worldleisure2010.org.

The Conference will bring urban foresters, professionals and community groups from across Canada together. The theme of the 2010 Conference will focus on watershed protection and management and how urban forests are being managed in communities, big and small.

For additional information, call (902) 893-6090.

OCTOBER 14 - 16, 2010 SPRA Conference and Annual General Meeting Regina, SK The 2010 Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field.

For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Consultant Leadership and Evaluation at (306) 780-9389 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

SaskFit is Saskatchewan’s premier fitness and health Conference and is attended

by Fitness Leaders and enthusiasts throughout the Province. The Conference reflects the energy and dedication that our Provincial Fitness Leaders have towards promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices in our communities. For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Consultant Leadership and Evaluation at (306) 780-9389 or visit www. spra.sk.ca.

For information on more great Saskatchewan events, visit Events Saskatchewan at www.saskevents.com.

Fund Raising Consultants of the WestŠ www.fundraisingwest.com Tel: 1.866.420.3338 toll free in Canada or 780.455.3338.

FRCW specializes in raising money for capital campaigns for recreation and cultural facilities. It is prepared to work anywhere in Western Canada.

Do you have a question? Complete the enquiry form on the website.

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Publication Mail Agreement #41967532 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: SPRA • 100 – 1445 Park Street • Regina, SK • S4N 4C5 email: office@spra.sk.ca