WestCoast Families May 2014

free!

The Local Guide for Active Urban Families

mother’s may 2014

moms westcoast

Isabelle Ranger Jennifer Schaeffers Miyoung Lee

Free Registration* June 1 – June 30

To find a Kumon Math & Reading centre, visit kumon.ca or call 1-800-ABC-MATH. *Offer valid at participating centres only when you enroll between 6/1/14 – 6/30/14.

Some restrictions apply.

See participating centres for details.

families westcoast

may 2014

Travel Travel to Mexico Exploring the Karisma Azul Sensatori

Preschool & Daycare Advertiser Advice Picking a Preschool

Preschool & Daycare Resource Listings

Camp Guide Tales from Around the Campfire

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on our cover...

Camp Guide Day Camp Listings

Camp Guide Great Resources

Kids Get Active Activities for Noncompetitive Kids

WCF Publisher and Mom of two, Andrea Vance, gets a creative nailpolish makeover from three-year old Jesse at Tsawwassen hot spot Locks & Lashes.

Kids Get Active Playing Indoors Staying Active at Home

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www.locksandlashesinc.com Facebook: @locksandlashesinc

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Photo by Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubtphotography.com

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WCM Profile Isabelle Ranger WCM Profile Miyoung Lee WCM Profile Jennifer Schaeffers WCM Feature Secondary Infertility

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From Our Family to Yours Contests WestCoast Finds FYI: A Teen’s View WCF News Raising My Family...

Geekology Community Calendar Last Look

next issue june Party Guide Summer Learning Kids Performing Arts

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May 2014

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from our family to yours

families westcoast

This is one of my favourite issues of the year! Not just because it’s Mother’s Day (although that doesn’t hurt) but because there is so much to look forward to. It’s Spring, the sun is shining more, and gardening is on my mind.

It’s also the time I start thinking about Summer plans and programs for kids. It’s amazing how we all survived childhood without registrations and sign-ups, but there are so many options available now for kids to explore everything from cooking and fashion to hockey and animal care.

Summer Day Camps are a great opportunity to let your kids try a variety of experiences without the huge commitment. We invite you to look at the Day Camp listings here, and even more online at www. westcoastfamilies.com/listings to see what may suit your kids.

A first for WestCoast Families, this issue we’re also exploring Kids Getting Active. We’re giving you lots of ideas for how to keep kids active – even the ones who don’t like competitive or team sports – and how to get involved as a parent too.

With Preschool and Daycares such a hot topic for parents on the west coast, we’ve got that covered too, with listings, advice, and lots of great local advertisers.

Speaking of advertisers, we appreciate all of ours! They allow our team at WCF to find all this great information each issue and get it out to you, and we encourage you to support them and other local businesses.

Happy Mother’s Day!

westcoastfamilies.com Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com Assistant Editor Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com

Accounts Receivable & Payable Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com Advertising sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604.249.2866 Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

Publisher

For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com

EarthFest Learn about local wildlife at the WRA community event and open day.

May 3, 11am-3pm www.wildliferescue.ca/event/earthfest Socialettes www.socialettes.com

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Global TV BC Watch Andrea Vance from WCF on Global TV BC Monday Noon News Hour. Check our website for dates www.westcoastfamilies.com/global

To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com Contributors Karina Alibhai, Jennifer Bruyns Mairi Campbell of Olive Fertility Jennifer Hood of Jump Gymnastics Krysta Furioso, Jodi Iverson Dean Pogas of YMCA Kelly S. Thompson, Andrea Vance All contents copyrighted ©.

Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802

contests!

Visit us online for new contests every issue!

Coming in the June issue of WCF!

www.westcoastfamilies.com 4th/15th Ride the Rails1With S a tu rd Thomas!ay & Sunday 8:30 am to 6:00 p m

W estto Want ride with favourite Cotake astaRa ilw ay your Heritage Pa 3964 5 Goveand rnmehis friends? Come to rk train, Thomas nt Rd, Squamish

, BC

the West Coast Railway Heritage Park for a Day Out With Thomas! WestCoast Families is offering a family four pack of tickets, plus a $50 credit towards Thomas merchandise! Thomas will visit June 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. www.wcra.org

Filled with great ideas for all sorts of kids parties. Entertainers, venues, supplies, and cool finds for goodie bags and gifts.

A first for WestCoast Families magazine, where we highlight the amazing programs available for kids in dance, singing, theatre, and music.

Deadline to enter: May 23, 2014 Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com

May 2014

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Pebble Creations Want a piece of art that is both local and beautiful? Look no further than Pebble Creations. Made right in Delta, local mom, Leanne Rob, creates beautiful pieces of art that represent your family. She also does custom work and awesome jewellery pieces too!

www.pebblecreations.com | $10-$95

Tea Sparrow Subscription

Southill Designs Jewellery Lockets

For $20 a month, you get a subscription to Tea Sparrow! Each month, they will mail a new bundle that allows you to try new tea blends each month. Tea Sparrow has teamed up with special blenders to create products that help with detoxing, aid digestion, and help a myriad of other issues.

Moms will cherish these charming lockets, with a ton of styles that will reflect any personality and special charms that speak to the special woman in your life. They have an equally fantastic price point that will delight any woman in your life.

www.teasparrow.com | $20

Urbanista Bike Want to be active but simultaneously stylish? Check out the Urbanista bike, which delivers you to your pedaled destination with old-school charm while incorporating impressive technology behind their designs. Best of all, these beautiful bikes are made right here in Canada.

www.opusbike.com/en/bikes/urban/urbanista | Prices Vary

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www.SouthHillDesigns.com/FamilyNco | $25-45 US

Claudia Alan Sunglasses Looking to protect your peepers from UVA and UVB rays but still want to look trendy? Claudia Alan sunglasses offers bang for your buck, with reasonable prices and fantastic styles that will flatter a wide range of faces.

www.claudiaalan.com | $35-45

MoGo Mouthguard Protecting your child’s smile is always a priority, so the next time they play sports, try a MoGo mouthguard. MoGo mouthguards are available in youth (ages 11 and under) and adult (ages 12 and up) sizes and come in a variety of flavours such as blue raspberry, fruit punch, bubblegum, mint, orange, and lemon.

www.mogosport.com | $20

Balloon Buddies These cool fabric “buddies” wrap around any balloon to make it near indestructible, creating a fun toy that you can safely toss around the room for hours of bouncing and jumping. Kids will have endless fun with these cool creations.

www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ KidsLoveLetters | $14

Mountain Machines and Sounds of the Ferry We all know that reading to your children heightens literacy, so why not read to them from local writers and illustrators? These books, written by Sara Leach and illustrated by Steven Corvelo, will delight your children as they read about machines and sounds from their local area.

www.poppyproductions.ca | $9.95 May 2014

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by Andrea Vance

w

hile making dinner one night, my six-year-old daughter, Olivia, blurted, “I want to go to Mexico, Mom.” We had never talked about Mexico, so when I asked her why, she surprised me with “Because I want to see where you & Daddy got married!”

. the world m around friends fro g n ki a m is and Kids tenn

We started our research on the Mayan Riviera because of the beautiful waters, white sand beaches, and amazing all-inclusive resorts.

There are many to choose from, but the Karisma Hotels stood out as front-runners. We agreed on the Karisma Azul Sensatori resort near Puerto Morelos, because they catered to young children.

Our flight to Cancun was easy – no stops, and only about six hours. The Azul Sensatori resort was only fifteen minutes from the airport, which was a huge relief with tired and excited kids.

The amazing kids pool at the end of

the flowing river.

Back home, Olivia had seen a promotional video where kids at the resort were given a chocolate milkshake in a fancy glass with an umbrella on check-in, and we were so impressed when the exact same drink showed up on a tray within minutes of arrival.

The room was beautiful, with water and pool views, a Jacuzzi tub big enough for the whole family, and a separate sleeping section for the kids with a sitting area too. A trip to the oceanfront found us in the middle of a weekly beach party with live music, food, and drinks. My husband Greg, and daughter, Olivia splashed in the water while I had my first real dance with my three-yearold son in the sand.

The pools are amazing! For families, there was a quiet wading pool beside the kids club with a small water park and waterslide, but we preferred the circular end of the winding river pool with shallow sides and a barrier to the deeper water.

This was often the most “happening” part of the whole pool! The parents had a great opportunity to relax and socialize here while kids played, and we all made some fun holiday friendships with families from all over the world. The kids loved the easy access to the free-flowing ice cream cone station nearby!

Olivia took great advantage of the Azulitos Play House kids club, which is perfect for ages four to eight, and spent many hours with them on lizard hunts, cooking, Spanish lessons, crafts, beach games, and movies. I could even take our three-year-old to the club to play on the indoor gym equipment or do some art.

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Going on an Iguana Hunt with

This was the best experience we’ve ever had in an all-inclusive for food and drink: fast room service with a large menu, no reservations required for dinner, a quality buffet, and premium beverages and wine. There was always a kids menu, but don’t be in a hurry. We were eating at 6 or 6:30 most evenings, so we never encountered a line-up although, we did hear of some waits up to forty-five minutes later in the evening.

Nighttime entertainment was plentiful – shows and performers in the Rooftop Lounge, beach parties, and craft markets.

We did notice only a couple of things that you should consider with the Azul Sensatori resort.

The beach sand is beautiful and the ocean water is warm, but the water was filled with reed grass and some garbage and was quite murky. Luckily, the plentiful pools provided lots of swim time. For daytime, there were no snack options around the pool, which was hard sometimes with hungry toddlers, although we learned to stockpile snacks

Azulitos kids club

from the buffet. It never really bothered us, but the designated family buildings were next to the Mojitos Bar, which could get quite loud with music and voices late at night. The resort is a bit secluded, although Puerto Morelos is only ten minutes away and there are many excursions.

We highly recommend this resort to families and we’ve heard that some Azul resorts in the area are even better! On more than one occasion, we witnessed a staff member step in when a child ran ahead of a parent or seemed to be alone.

When we asked why the staff always went above and beyond, we were told that the Azul resorts staff positions are coveted by locals as a great place to work. It certainly showed!

Rates start at about $250/night/adult with discounted rates for kids, including accommodations and food and beverage.

Package deals including flights can be found at Signature Vacations too. www.karismahotels.com

Give them a summer that lasts

forever!

Best Summer Ever!

Watch the video!

summer camps JUNIORS, JUNIOR HIGH, YOUTH, LEADERSHIP

family retreats open house

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day. Experience a world of discovery with an amazing staff.

June 7, 2014

ENJOY THE BEST OF A CANADIAN WEST-COAST SUMMER!

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266 life@qwanoes.ca

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada May 2014 11

fyi

by Karina Alibhai

teen self-esteem

h

ave you ever looked in the mirror and analyzed your body, criticized your looks, or wished some part were slimmer, longer, or leaner? For teenagers, this scrutiny is especially common since our bodies seem to change constantly throughout puberty.

Teenagers, especially girls, base their self-worth on their appearance.

This is not just limited to what is reflected in the mirror, but also how we compare ourselves to others.

The terms “self-esteem,” “body image,” and “self-worth” are used widely in the media today. They pop up in magazines, blogs, and on television as celebrities and journalists recognize the unattainable standards created by popular culture.

Body image is defined as the thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions one has of their body. It also includes personal experiences, behaviour, and sociocultural factors. One’s body image is influenced by one’s self-esteem and vice versa. A person with high self-esteem is comfortable with who they are, is confident to influence decisions, can express their individuality, and is likely to find success in life. Moreover, a person with high self-esteem is less likely to compare themself to others. On the contrary, a person with low self-esteem does not place much value on themself. This can lead to feeling helpless and often is the result of poor body image. A person can therefore feel incomplete, not in control of their life, and will likely not realize their full potential in life.

In 2005, Dove completed a global study entitled “Beyond Stereotypes.” The study found that over 70% of girls avoid certain activities because they feel bad about their looks. These activities include joining clubs, going to social events, participating in class and being physically active.

Body image has a direct effect on participation in physical activity. Teens who feel good about their bodies are more likely to be physically active and are confident to pursue extracurricular actives that involve physical activity. By doing so, teens often have increased self-esteem, since being active makes them feel better. It’s a positive feedback cycle that should be encouraged.

Accept yourself As parents, you need to help your teen accept who they are. You need to help your child understand that there is more than one definition of athletic and beautiful and much of that comes from accepting yourself.

Set SMART goals SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Your teen probably does not need much handholding in goal setting, but encourage your teen to share their goals with you and work together in achieving them.

Here are some tips to help your teen increase their self-esteem: Know the difference between healthy and skinny Encourage positive body talk Banish the word “fat” from your teen’s vocabulary. Encourage your teen to focus on the good things he or she sees in the mirror. If it helps, write little notes to your teen and post these on the mirror so that when your teen looks at their reflection, they will also see words of encouragement and positivity.

Focus on what your body CAN do Low self-esteem can derive from not being able to live up to our ideal self or to the expectations of others. Especially when engaging in physical activity, tell your teen not to compare themself to others.

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Healthy by no means equals skinny. Although this is what we are told by the media, this is not the case. However, many girls and boys have developed eating disorders as a result of perpetuated media stereotypes of beauty. To avoid this, try to have open conversations with your teen about what healthy really means.

Karina Alibhai is our teen correspondent, giving both parents and fellow teens her unique insights on the issues and concerns confronting today’s teenager. We’re very happy to have her perspectives in WestCoast Families in hard copy and also online! Feel free to contact her with questions through this magazine, and read her excellent blog, BTW, which can be found at www.btwgirls.com

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1) Choose a program with well-trained staff that demonstrate a genuine interest in your child.

2) Choose a program that allows your child to explore and be creative. 3) The first days of preschool/daycare are always hardest on the parent…it gets better.

Tova Wolinksy, Shalom Preschool Program

Choose a preschool that is both fun and that teaches valuable skills. Look for low student teacher ratios, and staff that genuinely like children and understand their differences in personalities and learning styles. The facility should have a good variety of toys and equipment for learning and play.

Prepare children for preschool by reading books about school and visiting the facility before the first day to meet the staff and become familiar with the environment.

Naima Amalou, Burnaby French Language Preschool

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It is in the children’s nature to take risks without knowing if it is dangerous or not. Look for a daycare or preschool that is in compliance with the safety regulation of Vancouver Coastal Health. The best food to pack is the one your child likes most and you are sure he will eat.

Ana Romay, Montessori Mes Petits

Any preschool program is only as good as it’s teachers. When visiting, observe to see if teachers are happy and enthusiastic or overwhelmed. Do they spend time with children individually and in small groups in addition to whole group activities? Are they actively engaged with children or are they just passively observing or supervising children’s play?

Do they readily attend to children and model appropriate language and problem solving skills?

Anna Matchneva, Smilestones Junior Kindergarten

Our advice to parents is to take the time to meet with your child’s teacher; get to know her/him and introduce her/him to your child. Also, set up a gradual entry schedule. When saying goodbye to your child, do not sneak out of the classroom when your child is not looking. Be firm and loving in your departure. Give your child a hug and wish him/ her a good day. Always reassure them of your return.

Oana Nistor, Willowbrook Montessori Trust your gut feeling. Despite what anyone may say, you are the parent. You need to listen to your own guts about your We encourage parents to talk to their children and their child’s schooling and feelings. caregivers on a daily basis in order to be well informed on their If something doesn’t feel right, child’s daycare experience. We value the importance of building it probably isn’t. There are many meaningful and trusting relationships with both children and different preschools out there and their parents in a loving, caring and stimulating environment. there will be one that will fit you.

When each child’s best interest is at heart, endless possibilities Peggy Lee, Little Sunshine and a love for life can be reached.

Anna Cuomo, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House

When choosing a preschool or daycare, visit all types and ask questions. Do the children look happy? Are the staff engaged? Go with your gut feeling! In order for your child to be happy and feel safe the parent must also feel that way.

Don’t stress about toilet training - your child will be ready when they are ready.

Sarah Gatiss-Brown, Westside Montessori Academy

Summer programs are a good time for your school-age child to branch out, try new things, and make new friends. Look for age appropriate programming choices, opportunities for group activities, outdoor time, and down time. Is there an area for reading, or to play a quiet game?

Is there balance between indoor and outdoor activities? If you choose a licensed program, you will be assured that it is regularly inspected for health and safety.

Astrid Visscher, Spare Time Childcare Society

The key to getting children ready for daycare lies in the proper transition from a small setting to a group. Parents must talk to them about the “great adventure” way before they enter the daycare.

Parents need to make sure they have the daycare’s parents’ guide for the routines, circle time, snack time, and especially sleeping time. Nap time can be quite challenging for many reasons (No prior nap, sleeping with a group rather than alone). Also a good communication with the staff is essential.

Roseline Celier, la Garderie et Prématernelle Les Moussaillons

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There is so much to choose from, and we’re lucky to be faced with a wide selection of preschools and daycare options here in the Lower Mainland. Here is just a partial list of facilities in your area.

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Vancouver www.froghollow.bc.ca Willowbrook Montessori Daycare Langley www.willowbrookmontessori.com Burnaby Neighbourhood House Burnaby – 3 locations www. burnabynh.ca

preschools Westside Montessori Vancouver www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca

Vancouver Montessori School Vancouver www.vancouvermontessorischool.com

Beth Tikvah Synagogue Richmond www.btikvah.ca

Montessori Mes Petits Academy North Vancouver www.ourpreschool.com

North Star Montessori Elementary School North Vancouver www.northstarmontessori.ca

Vancouver Bilingual Preschool Vancouver www.vancouverbilingual.com

childcare

SV Academy Vancouver www.lsvacademy.com

Reach for the Stars Montessori Vancouver & Burnaby www.montessoristar.com

Summer Time Spare Time Child Care Society Vancouver – multiple locations www.sparetimesociety.org

Burnaby French Language Preschool Burnaby www.bflp.org

JCC Preschool Vancouver www.jccgv.com

La Garderie et Prematernelle Les Moussaillons Richmond www.lesmoussaillons.ca

Little Koala Montessori Academy Richmond & Surrey www.littlekoalamontessori.com

La Garderie et Prematernelle Les Moussaillons Richmond www.lesmoussaillons.ca

Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Vancouver www.froghollow.bc.ca

Sunflower Academy Vancouver www.sunfloweracademy.com

Smilestones Junior Kindergarten Burnaby, Surrey, Langley www.smilestones.ca

Willowbrook Montessori Daycare Langley www.willowbrookmontessori.com

Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com for more Preschool & Daycare listings!

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Meta Montessori House Preschool Vancouver www.metamontessori.com Elite Montessori Academy Vancouver www.elitemontessori.ca

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tales from

My first experience at summer camp was when I was 12 at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, during the first BC Day. The first days of camp were full of activities and are mostly a blur, until the evening when I got a stomach ache. Our cabin counsellor took me to the nurses’ cabin and I was taken the next morning to Chemainus hospital, where they said I had appendicitis. Dad was finally contacted at work and was there when I awoke from surgery. My appendix was removed that morning and would have burst if left any longer. I spent the very first BC Day long weekend in the hospital in Chemainus, rather than at summer camp!

Maurice Brule

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When I was first leaving for camp, I was a little scared but when I got there, I forgot all about it. We slept in cabins with bunk beds. My cabin’s name was Squamish. My favorite activities were hiking and archery. On my first try at archery, I even got a bulls eye! When I was on the hike at the very top of the hill it felt like I was on top of the world. I recommend this camp for adventurous kids.

This is the best camp I have ever been to.

Emma Loken, 9

In 2012, when our daughter Olivia was four, we enrolled her in bike camp. They promised within a week, she’d be riding. Day one, we watched her rely on the training wheels, so those came off. Day two, she loved balancing the bike down a little grassy hill but refused to pedal. Day three, same. Day four, all but one other kid was off and riding and here was Olivia, happy as pie, cruising down her little hill and coming to a stop, spending most of her time chasing butterflies and picking flowers. Not quite what we had expected, but at least happiness prevailed. Each day, she came home with a smile on her face. Day five, I dropped off and returned three hours later to an elated bike coach who surely had a sore back after a week of holding Olivia’s little bike—she was finally a bike rider! The week helped me learn to let go of my own expectations and just witness the natural joy that comes with a day outdoors for kids.

I went to an all girls fashion camp for one week during the summer. I had so much fun and was able to make a whole new group of friends. We tie-dyed shirts, made covers for our new sketch books, practiced yoga, and had a guest speaker come in and teach us about self-esteem and inner beauty. We also got to make our own upcycled clothes! At the end of the week, we invited our parents to come watch us in a fashion show where we modeled our new wardrobe and had our hair and nails done! Every day, we got to help make lunch for our group. This day camp has a party room full of balloons, a “sleepover” room, and a design room where we could go to draw up our ideas.

Andrea Vance

Camryn Bryuns, 10

Camp Potlatch is a really good camp to experience the outdoors. It is only five nights. I got scared on the first night but it was awesome after. We got there at lunchtime.

After lunch, we had a swim test. Then we had to get a lice check. My favorite thing was the rope course and archery.

The camp directors are nice, and you get nice meals too.

When my friend, Emma, and I walked into the cabin, we got a surprise! It was sandy on the floor but if you brought slippers it would help, but then we got used to it.

Caitlin, 8

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2014

tttttttttttttttttttttttt Advertisers listed in red

nature/adventure camps Animal Adventure at Cinemazoo BC SPCA Kids Camp Beehaven Kids Camp Pringle Eagle Awareness Extra Steps FUN Camps Grouse Mountain Little House Tutoring Little Rae Kids Club Sasamat Outdoor Centre SPCA The Little Gym of Langley Timberline Ranch UBC FarmWonders Vancouver Aquarium Kids Camps VanDusen Botanical Garden Wetlands Summer Daycamps YMCA Camps of Greater Vancouver

Surrey Various Locations North Vancouver Shawnigan Lake Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver & Victoria Vancouver Kerrisdale Vancouver Belcarra Various Locations Langley Maple Ridge Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Vancouver Delta Various Locations

www.cinemazoo.com www.spca.bc.ca/kids www.beehavenkids.com www.camppringle.com www.eagleawareness.org www.extrasteps.ca www.funcamps.ca www.grousemountain.com www.littlehousetutoring.com www.littlerae.com www.sasamat.org www.spca.bc.ca/kids www.thelittlegym.com www.timberlineranch.com www.farmwonders.ca www.vanaqua.org/education/camps www.vandusengarden.org www.burnsbog.org www.vanymca.org/camps

science/tech/education camps Byte Camp Digital Media Academy GEERing Up! High Touch Science Made Fun Pear Tree Science Camps at Science World St John Ambulance UBC Phenomenal Physics Whistler Film Festival

Various Locations Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver & Victoria Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Whistler

www.bytecamp.ca www.digitalmediaacademy.org www.ubc.ca www.sciencemadefunbc.net www.pear-tree.ca www.scienceworld.ca www.sja.ca/BCYukon www.ubccamps.ca www.whistlerfilmfestival.com

general fun camps Camp Spirit Camp Squeah Burnaby Village Museum CEFA Finnegan Summer Jericho Kids Club Mulgrave Camp PJs Kids Clubs Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co Urban Promise Westside Montessori Academy

Various Locations Hope Burnaby Various Locations Vancouver Vancouver West Vancouver West Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver

www.campspirit.ca www.squeah.com www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca www.cefa.ca www.vc.bc.ca/Vancouver-College/Finnegan-Summer www.jerichokidsclub.com www.mulgrave.com www.pjkidsclub.com www.rockymountainflatbread.ca www.urbanpromise.ca www.wmasummercamp.com

too-many-categories-to-list camps Bridge Church Capilano University City of Surrey Hello World Day Camp Highlands United Church JCC Camps Southridge Summer Camps Summer at St Georges Resort Municipality of Whistler

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Vancouver North Vancouver Surrey Vancouver North Vancouver Vancouver Surrey Vancouver Whistler

www.bridgechurch.ca/camps www.capilanou.ca www.surrey.ca www.southvan.org www.highlandsunited.org www.jccgv.com www.southridge.bc.ca www.summeratstgeorges.ca www.whistler.ca

More online! Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see even more camps!

t ttttttttttttttt sports camps Canlan Sports Cartwheels Gym Cliffhanger Climbing Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Dojang Elements Academy of Martial Arts Endless Biking First Steps Archery Gateway Academy for Performing Arts Genome Gord Haukas Tennis Camp Hive Climbing Jericho Sailing Centre Jump Gymnastics My Gym Childrens Centre North Shore Equestrian Centre Phoenix Gymnastics Pedalheads Bike Pony Pals Riding Stables Roman Tulis European Soccer School Royal Soccer Club Twisted Mat Yoga UBC Gymnastics Summer Camp Ultimate Soccer School Vancouver All Stars Summer Baseball Camp Vancouver Giants Hockey School Vancouver Hockey School West Van Soccer Whitecaps Soccer Camp Windsure Adventure Watersports Sol Camp

Burnaby Richmond & Surrey Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond North Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver North Vancouver New Westminster Richmond Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Maple Ridge Vancouver Various Locations Various Locations Delta Various Locations Various Locations North Vancouver UBC Burnaby Vancouver South Delta Vancouver West Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver

www.icesports.com www.cartwheels.ca www.cliffhangerclimbing.com www.deepcovekayak.com www.dojang.ca www.elementsacademy.com www.endlessbiking.com www.boormanarchery.com www.gatewaytheatre.com www.genomebc.ca www.gordhaukastennis.com www.hiveclimbing.com www.macsailing.com www.jumpgymnastics.ca www.my-gym.com www.wecreateriders.com www.phoenixgymnastics.com www.pedalheads.ca www.ponypalsstables.com www.romantulis.com www.royalsoccer.com www.twistedmatyoga.com www.kin.educ.ubc.ca www.ultimatesoccerschools.com www.vancouverallstars.ca www.vancouvergiants.com www.vancouverhockeyschool.com www.westvansoccer.com www.whitecapsfc.com www.windsure.com www.solcamps.com

performing/visual arts camps Art Space Arts Umbrella Bricks 4 Kidz Camp Monarch Christianne’s LYCEUM of Literature and Art Cir Kids Dance Co Dance Matrix Decor4Teens Evergreen Cultural Centre Gabriela’s Movement Studio Haney Summer Music Camp Jean Lyons School of Music Leigh Square Community Arts Village Michael’s North Vancouver District Public Library Pacific Dance Arts Place des Arts School of Groove Staccato Stagecraft Theatre School Summer Improv Camp Taiken Manga!

The Drama Class The Gulf Islands Film and Television School Tom Lee Westside Church

Burnaby Vancouver Delta North Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver & Surrey Vancouver New Westminster Vancouver Coquitlam, Pt Moody, Poco Richmond Maple Ridge Vancouver Coquitlam Various Locations North Vancouver Vancouver Coquitlam Vancouver Burnaby North Shore & Vancouver Granville Island, Vancouver Burnaby Surrey Galiano Island Various Locations Vancouver

www.artspaceforchildren.com www.artsumbrella.com www.bricks4kidz.com www.campmonarch.ca www.christiannehayward.com www.circuswest.com www.danceco.com www.dancematrix.webs.com www.decor4teens.com www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca www.movementstudio.ca www.haneysummermusiccamp.ca www.jeanlyonsmusic.com www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare www.michaels.com www.nvdpl.ca www.pacificdancearts.ca www.placedesarts.ca www.schoolofgroovevancouver.com www.staccatostudios.com www.stagecraft.ca www.vtsl.com centre.nikkeiplace.org www.thedramaclass.com/classes.html www.giftsfilms.com www.tomleemusic.ca/learningcentre www.westsidechurchvancouver.com

We’ve done our best to ensure the information shown here is accurate, but it is always a good idea to check with each camp to confirm

May 2014 21

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttt Canadian Camping Association

Information, how to choose at camp, listings, videos, and more.

www.ccamping.org

Kids Camp Expo online version

Online expo with information and links on local BC camps for kids.

www.kidscampexpo.com/online

My Summer Camp website

Information on summer camp jobs, FAQ’s for parents, ads, and more. Search for kids camps from all over BC and North America.

www.mysummercamps.com

BC Camping Association

Information and articles for parents considering camp for their kids, job postings, blog, and more.

Listings and live weblinks to BC kids camps.

www.bccamping.org

22 WestCoastFamilies.com

Check out our website at www.westcoastfamilies.com for a full listing and live links to Day Camps and Overnight Camps of all kinds in the Lower Mainland and BC.!

Your Passport To Summer Membership is only $50!

What is KIDSWORLD?

For the WestCoast Families email BLAST for information on special events, local stores, and great new products.

westcoastfamilies.com

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With a $50 KIDSWOR LD membership, ALL events are FREE for both the child AND one parent !

When is KIDSWORLD?

July 1st - August 31st + September (weekend dates)

Register at www.kidsworldprogram.com

May 2014 23

a

s a mom of three, I know that it can be exhausting to get kids ready for the outdoors while keeping them active. Instead of always putting on cartoons, try hosting some indoor games instead–perhaps the “Living Room Olympics” just came to your neighbourhood!

With a little thought and some interesting game ideas, you can have fun indoors that is active, safe, and cost effective! Indoor play is also an excellent opportunity to develop physical literacy in children. Physical literacy is the practice and understanding of both fundamental movement skills and sport skills. Kids who are physically literate will be confident to explore various sports as they grow and are far more likely to find one that they can excel at.

Here are a few of my favourite indoor game ideas:

Peek-a-boo This is the best game for kids under two. It helps children understand the concept of object permanence and the notion that after you disappear, you always come back!

Try: behind the couch, with a scarf, over a chair, behind a door, hiding just your face or hiding your whole body.

In and out Any activity where kids can climb through small spaces helps them learn about the size of their body in relationship to the world around them.

Try: using laundry baskets, shoe boxes, couch cushions, or an empty kitchen cupboard.

For older kids: build a fort! Use pillows, blankets, and sheets.

Laundry basket bobsleigh Younger kids can climb right into the basket and you can push them around on the floor. Try some gentle spins to stimulate their vestibular system and help with balance.

Older kids can fill it with stuffed animals and push them around. The bent leg pushing position develops lower body power and agility.

Try: making motorboat sounds or following a course of set obstacles and traffic signals.

Obstacle course Get kids to build their course using pillows, low furniture, skipping ropes, bath mats, yoga mats,

24 WestCoastFamilies.com

stuffed animals, and towels. Most of the fun (and activity) happens during set up, so encourage this creative time.

Animal walks Have your kids attempt to walk like their favourite animal as a way to move using new motor pathways (one of the keys to physical literacy).

I like to hide objects around the house and say, “Hop like a bunny to find all the cards with the number four on them.”

Bubble catch Blow bubbles and have your little one poke, grab and “catch” them. This is a great way to build hand-eye coordination. Don’t forget to encourage them to try with both hands. I love playing this game in the bathtub!

Sock toss

These are but a few of the many games that will add variety to your indoor tournament. And while these games are underway, take a moment to understand the skills they’re learning and what sports and activities require those skills.

Observe what they do well naturally and what takes them a little more time to master. Always be encouraging and feel free to lend a hand when they need it.

Set up a laundry basket or recycling bin. Have kids throw a pair of rolled up socks in. This is an excellent (and safe) way to introduce young kids to throwing and to start to introduce accuracy, speed, and aim for older kids.

Of course don’t limit these “Living Room Olympic” games to the indoors. Whenever possible get kids outside to play! All of these game suggestions work just as well outside once our coastal rains give way to the summer sun.

Try: bear walk on all fours, slither like a snake, scurry like a mouse, stomp like an elephant. Older kids can add simple sports equipment.

Try: Give them challenges such as how many they sink in a row, distance, overhand, underhand, two hands above their head or backwards.

Jennifer is the owner of Jump Gymnastics in Vancouver, a Physical Literacy gym for 0-8 year-olds. www.jumpgymnastics.ca

May 2014 25

By Dean Pogas, YMCA

n

ot all kids enjoy team sports and that’s perfectly okay. Just because some children are not competitive by nature, there’s still many ways they can stay active and be healthy.

According to Vinh Truong, General Manager of Healthy Child Development at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, kids who are engaged in physical activity tend to shine in all areas of their life. “We find that when kids jump in and get involved doing something they love, they thrive.

It’s not just about exercise. It’s about kids having the space they need to be in the moment and play freely.”

Never has it been more important for kids to get engaged. In fact, this is the first generation in modern history where kids have a lower life expectancy than their parents. Here in BC, 26% of kids are overweight or obese. It goes without saying that being physically active is essential for kids to grow up strong and happy.

So what can kids do this summer when they dislike sports? Here are some ideas:

Go to camp!

From sleeping in cozy cabins to waking up to sunshine and smiling faces, camp is a special part of childhood. It’s also a great way for kids to get fitter while having tons of fun. Many camps in the Lower Mainland offer sailing, canoeing, archery, swimming, and much more to keep young people engaged with nary a team jersey in sight. Or for outdoor adventures closer to home, many organizations offer day camps at hundreds of locations across the province.

Ride a bike Most kids don’t even consider it “exercise” to hop on their bikes and start pedaling. Why not go on a family bike tour through your neighbourhood?

Or pedal down to the beach? Feeling a bit of wind on the face is an amazing energy boost for everyone!

Take swim lessons!

Swimming is a critical life skill. The sobering reality is that drowning is the number one cause of death in children under ten, so it makes sense to get kids water safe. Throw in a beach ball or some dive rings and it’s practically a party.

Play outside Staying active doesn’t have to be complicated.

Encourage your kids to play outdoors, explore their backyards, or check out some nearby parks.

You can also play hide and seek or plant flowers together, as long as you’re moving!

Dance Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways to get the body moving. Why not see if there’s any dance lessons available through your local community centre or dance studio? Another option is to skip lessons all together and simply turn up the music at home. With the right music, your home could become a great dance floor!

Go on a nature walk Another way for kids to stay active is to go exploring. Why not pack a lunch and hit the

nearest trail? Walking under a canopy of trees or trolling for shells on a beach is an idyllic way for kids to enjoy summer and it’s sure to boost their heart rates as well.

Nurture their leadership skills Being involved in the community is another way kids can stay active. There are a range of volunteer and leadership programs available to help youth develop employment and leadership skills. It also enables kids to work together and find mentors in a social setting.

Needless to say, your kids don’t need to become star athletes in order to be healthy. It’s all about providing them with enticing options to stay active. Luckily for us on the west coast, there’s no shortage of things to do, and that’s definitely worth cheering about!

For more information, visit the Vancouver YMCA website at www.vanymca.org/camps

May 2014 27

wcf news >> Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run

>> 2014 PARKit Design Challenge

If you’re looking for a way to stay active with your family, look no further than the Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run on Saturday May 10, 2014. The run has been organized in support of StreetFront, an alternative high school program run out of Britannia Secondary School for youth who have struggled in the traditional high schools. StreetFront emphasizes physical and outdoor education, in addition to core subjects, to motivate students. These students have learned to make goals and achieve them with marathon and half marathon training, keeping them motivated and focused on their graduation. This year, the goal for StreetFront is to take eighteen students to Tanzania in March, 2015. Due to financial impact, these students might otherwise never have the opportunity to explore different cultures and languages.

Ever wanted to try your hands at design or engineering? The City of Surrey is calling for submissions in the 2014 PARKit Design Challenge, a competition to design and install a summertime pop-up park in Surrey City Centre, allowing residents to create a park that matches their very own needs!

Submit your unique ideas for a creative, sustainable, outdoor public space that also has the potential to host food vendors in the North Surrey Recreation Centre parking lot.

The winning design team will receive $15,000 to fabricate and install their design. There is also a $500 second prize and $250 third prize.

Enter by May 16 as the winner is announced May 26 and will be installed by July 7.

The Street2Peak run starts at the Jericho Beach Concession Stand with warm up at 9am. You and your family can choose between distances of 1km, 4km and 6km. And after all that activity, make sure you take part in the post-race snacks from Rosemary Rocksalt Bagels. The run is by donation and tax receipts are available.

www.surrey.ca/parkit

www.street2peak.com/events/street2peak-charity-run

>> BC Children’s and BC Women’s Redevelopment Project This three phase, $680 million project seeks to improve services and infrastructure for the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, especially in providing a new Acute Care Centre. Enhanced and more modern facilities are badly needed to improve healing and allow access to better care. Space has been previously limited, meaning parents weren’t able to spend the night

28 WestCoastFamilies.com

with their sick child, but the new renovations will allow kids the comfort of having a parent in their room and gives parents the peace of mind that their child is safe. Groundbreaking will be sometime this May, and is a result of all the important suggestions from patients and staff. newcw.phsa.ca/default.htm

>> Empowered By Horses Heart Centered Leadership Academy for Girls

>> Safe Longboarding Site in South Surrey Longboards are often seen cruising around the Lower Mainland, however, these boarders have few spaces to practice their sport, which means they sometimes take to the roads. This can be dangerous for the boarder and local traffic, so South Surrey Athletic Park, specifically designated a safe longboarding area, will open this spring! The park was created after consulting with RCMP and the boarders themselves and will provide a fun track for this cool sport. It also offers a great and safe place to learn for those interested in trying out their own longboard.“ We recognize the growing popularity of the sport of longboarding among today’s youth,” says City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, “In developing this site we want to ensure the safety of both the participants and the public.” So come out soon to try this sport where you can be sure safety and fun are the main concerns.

Carla Webb of Empowered By Horses sought to solve some of the problems young girls face today. Young girls experience high rates of anxiety, bullying, and self-esteem issues, so Carla teaches leaderships by allowing young women to interact with horses and their community.

Girls hone their leadership and self-esteem in working with the horses, which have an innate ability to soothe and calm. Graduates of the program thae create a plan that somehow allows them to give back to their community. Carla hopes her program teaches the girls empowerment and healthier lifestyle choices. “I do not want to focus on all the messages that tell girls what they cannot do... Find out what they are passionate about, what their strengths are and how they feel they can be of service to their community,” says Carla. empoweredbyhorses.com

online

westcoastfamilies.com Subscribe to our blog where we always have great local news stories and information!

May 2014 29

i’m raising my family...

by Kelly S. Thompson

b

eing a parent is hard enough, but when you’re also dealing with an ill child, the hurdles occasionally seem insurmountable. This is the case for Faith Johannson and her husband Ian, when they discovered their son, Eli, 3, had stage four neuroblastoma, a form of cancer.

The Johannson’s had only welcomed their second son, Sully, four weeks earlier before Eli began to complain of back pain and leg aches while suffering overwhelming exhaustion. A trip to the doctor confirmed the devastating diagnosis and within 24 hours, Faith packed up her children and drove from the Okanagan to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

They have been living at the Ronald McDonald house since early November and currently, Eli is still in treatment. “It’s day by day,” Faith says of dealing with her son’s illness, “There’s routine within the chaos.” Faith is on maternity leave and Ian immediately took the special EI benefit for Parents of Critically Ill children, allowing them to be by Eli’s side while simultaneously raising Sully.

Ronald McDonald House opened their arms to Faith and her family, providing refuge to be with Eli as he went through chemotherapy and other treatments, as paying for a hotel for six months is obviously not an option for the Johannson’s.

“We can’t be more than 30 minutes from the hospital,” Faith said, “I don’t know what we would have done without having this place to stay.” There are many hardships in having a sick child, especially when forced to live away from home. Sadly, reality dictates that life continues on and bills still have to be paid, but the Johannson’s made Eli’s health their sole priority. In response, their town rallied around them and held a fundraiser that sold hundreds of tickets and covered the cost of their mortgage for the year. “My faith in humanity has expanded,” Faith said.

Currently, the bursting at the seams Ronald McDonald House location in Shaughnessy houses up to 13 families at a time, however, the charity is often forced to turn families away due to lack of capacity. There is a new location that will open in June, at which time, Faith will move along with her family, allowing them to be even closer to the hospital where Eli is receiving his treatment. The new location will feature space for more than 70 families at a time.

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Ronald McDonald house has been a vital part of Eli’s healing process, as he’s able to make friends and come to a safe and happy place that fosters health. Sadly, since his diagnosis, Eli has only spent nine days at home. “At home, he blossoms.

He gets to just be a normal kid,” Faith says. However, Ronald McDonald House also offers a safe space for Sully to grow and develop while also allowing Faith and Ian the opportunity to lean on the other parents with sick children.

“I have friends here…they’ve seen me in my most raw moments,” Faith says of the friends she’s made at the house.

Although Eli is currently still in hospital, he maintains a positive attitude, telling his mom he’s just “getting it all out.” The family takes one day at a time and hopes that new treatments will bring wellness and happiness to the Johannson family. Although times are difficult, Faith says she finds solace in the kind of care she knows her son is receiving. “Watching the BC Children’s hospital, the nurses, the people and the children and the strangers downstairs, everyone has this respectful understanding of what we’re going through. Same thing here [Ronald McDonald House].”

Above all, Faith and her husband want nothing more than a healthy family. The Johannson’s lean one another when times get tough and they try to enjoy time together just as any other family. In the meantime, they take pleasure time together and appreciate the small things in life. “It’s the hardest moments that bring us together,” Faith says. With that kind of faith, it is no wonder their son has turned out to be such a fighter.

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by Andrea Vance

This playlist full of fun songs to get you up and moving was compiled by the amazing team at WestCoast Families! If you need a refresher on the moves, check out YouTube, where there are many videos to teach you each step.

1. “The Cha Cha Slide”

7. “Hokey Pokey”

This is great for the preteens too. You can watch on YouTube to see the dance, but the instructions in the song are enough to get you moving! And the song is catchy too.

Bring out your inner child for this classic. We’ve all done it. Can YOU put your left ear in and shake it all about?

2. “Thriller” Come on, you’ve all tried those MJ moves. Now it’s time to introduce the classic song to your kids. But can you moonwalk too?

3. “Electric Slide”

8. “YMCA” Some of us who had the privilege of dancing to this in the 70s. Put on the police hat, dress up like a cowboy, or don that tool belt from the garage. We know you want to.

9. “Bear Hunt”

Line dancing at its finest. You can do these steps to the “Electric Boogie,” the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” or any other fun song.

A few different versions out there, so find the one you like. March around the house acting out the bear hunt with your little ones!

Great for the preschool and kindergarten age groups.

4. “Chicken Dance”

10. “Macarena”

Also known as the bird dance. After all those 80s weddings, you swore you’d never do this dance again but it’s time to shake your tail feather. Little kids LOVE this one. Or maybe they just think it is funny watching Mom & Dad do it.

You’ve ripped up a few dance floors in your time doing the good ol’ Macarena. Time to show the kids how it’s done.

6. “Gangnam Style”

There’s a reason this was one of the biggest hits of all time when it was introduced to millions of sock-hopping kids in the late 50s. It’s just as fun to twist today and you’ll find it easy to get the grandparents in on this dance party!

Even two-year-olds were dancing to this huge hit last year. It was addictive!

11. “The Twist”

May 2014 31

moms westcoast

Isabelle Ranger Loose Leaf TeaCrafters

By Kelly S. Thompson | Photographed by Dylan Doubt

i

n the Lower Mainland, we’ve become a community passionate about sustainable products that are developed in an ethical way. Isabelle Ranger and her partner, Cédric Gervais, operate Namasthé, a tea company in Whistler in which all tea is single origin loose leaf, blended with locally foraged herbs and botanicals.

Teas are harvested in micro batches, which ensures quality while also allowing Isabelle to blend specific teas for delicate, tasty intricacies.

“Sharing our passion in each cup of tea with tea lovers is the best part of my job!” says Isabelle.

She wasn’t always a purveyor of teas. Before Namasthé was created, Isabelle owned an herbal apothecary. Once she became pregnant with her son, she wanted to continue blending tisanes and teas but required a more flexible schedule to accommodate her growing family. “There was a huge gap in quality, and a lack of local, so I redirected my course, moved from one on one service to serving many and launched Namasthé in 2006,” says Isabelle. Since then, the Ranger-Gervais family has been producing high quality tea for sale at their online shop.

To keep them on their toes, Isabelle and Cédric have three children, Kalea, 15, Samuel, 8, and Xavier, 3, who are all part of the farm and foraging tea business. Kalea often helps with events while the younger kids like to help forage for herbs and fungi to assist in creating different blends.

“Cedric and I involve the kids in some steps as an educative experience about initiative, creative problem solving, accountability, and using time wisely.” In this way, Namasthé really is a family business.

WestCoastFamilies.com WestCoastFamilies.com 32 32 WestCoastFamilies.com 32

Since Isabelle’s children are active in their business, it’s easier than most jobs to accommodate time together. “We are a pretty adventurous family and passionate about spending as much time doing the things we love most, squeezed into every moment.” And it helps that Isabelle truly loves what she does for a living, as she consistently brings her passion for blending and foraging teas and delivering that passion in the form of high quality tea products. “I love tea crafting, so I never feel like I work,” says Isabelle.

When it comes to her business and the quality of tea products they produce, Isabelle insists that it’s not just about her customers, but also, producing teas that she would be comfortable feeding to her children.

“Certified organic, fair-trade, local, and sustainably foraged means a lot to me, as it affects them [the children] just as much…We wish to be part of the solution,” she says. Her herbal blends also are created to help a variety of health problems, which makes the origin even more important.

Namasthé also packages, imports, and wholesales organic teas from companies she trusts. “As an herbalist, forager and organic grower, sourcing quality that is ethical is everything. That is why we go out of our way to grow in Pemberton, or to buy from partner farmers we know,” says Isabelle.

It is this devotion to local and organic that maintains the quality of teas sold in her business. Inevitably, life has a tendency to get a little crazy, but Isabelle says it’s important to take time to focus on what matters and tackle projects one step at a time. “A good sense of humour, deep breath, perspective and a lot of love keeps it all somewhat balanced.”

Miyoung Lee

By Kelly S. Thompson | Photographed by Jumping Monkeys Photography

w

hen I call to interview CBC News and News Now reporter Miyoung Lee, 37, it is early morning but she is busy preparing dinner for her family, which they will eat without her later that evening while she’s at work. “My husband can’t cook at all, but he does all the laundry. He’s Mister Mom,” she says with a laugh. Although she works long hours, which occasionally prevent her from being with her family, Miyoung ensures she is present in the lives of her husband and children, no matter the time of day.

But Miyoung didn’t always believe she would be a full time working mom.

“I always imagined I would be home with my kids until they went to Kindergarten,” she says of her previous weekend news position. However, CBC was willing to coordinate Miyoung’s schedule to manage her growing family, allowing her to only work four days a week and have Fridays with her family. “It gives me one day a week to make sure I focus on my family so on my weekends, I’m not spending family time getting errands done.”

Miyoung is married to Bill, a teacher, and nine years later, they have two daughters, Lucy, four, and Ella, six. Bill and Miyoung both work full time jobs, taking equal share of the parenting duties in order to make their family function like a fine oiled machine. From Monday to Thursday, Miyoung goes to work at 12:30 and returns home 12 hours later, reporting the news four times daily on CBC. “I typically get four to five hours sleep a night,” she says, while sounding positively perky, “I’m usually pretty tired.” Meanwhile, Bill provides endless support in raising their children and making their house a home.

Although Bill and Miyoung maintain a busy schedule, Miyoung realized that help was necessary in moving forward both professionally and in spending quality time with her children. “My family has been supportive of my career from the get go, because they know I really love my job. It’s a blessing to say I love what I do.” With the support of both sets of grandparents, Miyoung says she manages to maintain a happy career and family life. Both her and Bill’s parents often come over to provide relief childcare and also engage and spend time with Lucy and Ella. “As a woman, it’s hard to say, I can’t do everything. But I can’t,” Miyoung says, “I’m slowly starting to admit that, although it’s been difficult for me to do.”

A South Korean immigrant who arrived in East Vancouver with her parents and brother just weeks before starting kindergarten, Miyoung credits her hardworking parents for encouraging and supporting her to strive towards her professional career. Their hard work in raising their daughter has paid off, as Miyoung is a BCIT graduate with a Broadcast Journalism Degree, and a B.H.A. Honours degree from UBC. A segue into a job at CBC was the next step and she began to report news on the weekends.

Although she’s a high profile news reporter, Miyoung insists life is finally reaching a point of balance. She Skypes with her daughters from work and although she claims to have intense mommy guilt over not being with them constantly, Miyoung also recognizes that she is an important role model for her children. “I’ve never been a content person, I always looked ahead. What I’ve learned in the last year is that it’s about living in the present moment and being happy with what you have because that reflects on your children.”

May May 2014 2014 33 33

Jennifer Schaeffers

By Kelly S. Thompson

mom westcoast

n

o one will argue that being a mom is tough work, especially when also balancing a full time job that involves long hours. But Jennifer Schaeffers, Executive Director of the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, manages it all with her husband of eight years, Jeff, and her fantastic children, Ronan, 22 months, and Kaylee, 4. As Executive Director of the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, Jennifer and her team seek to assist children with physical, social, mental, and behavioural challenges through provision of therapies, medical equipment, bursaries, and camps. The CKNW Orphan’s Fund is also responsible for the Pink Shirt Day campaign of BC, which since 2008, has raised more then $830,000 to prevent bullying. To Jennifer, part of being a great mother also means giving back to others and she works hard to ensure other children have the same benefits as her own family.

Jennifer gives endlessly to her work because she firmly believes in the work done by the organization. “Giving back to me is so important and has been a part of my values system since I was a little girl. I love the fact that even if I put in a really long work week, that I can attribute those hours to children in need.” As director, Jennifer is at the helm of the CKNW Orphan Fund’s $1.9 million dollar budget. “We are a small staff and we work really hard to ensure we’re helping some of BC’s most vulnerable children,” says Jennifer.

Jen claims that when it comes to being both a mom and a hardworking director of the Orphan’s Fund, she describes life not as a balance, but “controlled chaos.” Like any mother, she has days where she feels she is managing it all and other days where she feels she is stretched too thin. “I think self-awareness is really important.

That, and help,” says Jennifer, “I am lucky to have a very supportive WestCoastFamilies.com 34 34 WestCoastFamilies.com

husband, a loving care-giver for our children (when I am working) and a flexible job where I can leave early if I need to and work from home when required.”

When she isn’t running the Orphan’s Fund or spending time with her family, Jennifer writes the blog NetworkinginVan.com, which highlights professional development and networking opportunities in our area. She also strives to connect other professional women and leadership groups. “Last year, I started a community group called ‘Steveston Moms Network’ with a friend. We organize events every few months to support and connect moms raising their families in our great little community of Steveston in Richmond and to date over 200 women have gotten involved.” Jennifer also prides herself on mentoring young business women through different programs such as Women’s Executive Network, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Vancouver Board of Trade. It all comes down to her philosophy of giving back to her community.

When Jennifer and her family have free time, they pack up their children and other family member, Murray the dog, to head out to Osoyoos for a summer vacation. They also take the time to explore the Steveston area they call home, appreciating all the area has to offer. For Jennifer, giving back to her community is a vital aspect in how she raises her children, insisting that when they are old enough, she’s determined to make them little volunteers. Just like mom.

Jennifer has a way of making it seem like it’s possible to have it all, while simultaneously giving back to those who might not be so lucky. This WestCoast Mom is an inspiration.

wcm feature

m

by Mairi Campbell

any women are shocked when they find that they can’t get pregnant with another child when they had no problem conceiving their first. Secondary infertility—the inability to get pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more children—is shockingly common. According to a recent study in the medical journal Lancet, approximately 12% of women trying to have a second child will experience difficulty.

“There’s a real lack of understanding about secondary infertility,” explains Dr. Beth Taylor, UBC Clinical Assistant professor and medical director at Olive Fertility Centre, “Often friends, family, and some doctors downplay it, assuming that if you have had one child, you will be able to have a second.

But 30% of the patients that we see at Olive are experiencing secondary infertility.”

Misty Busch was one of those women. “I got pregnant so easily with my first daughter,” says Misty, who is the Western Canada representative for the Infertility Association of Canada (IAAC), “I never dreamt that I would have any trouble giving her a little brother or sister.”

After trying to conceive for three years, Misty finally saw a fertility specialist.

She discovered that her fallopian tubes were blocked with scar tissue from a tubal pregnancy. Her only option was in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing a woman’s eggs outside her body and transferring the developing embryo(s) back into her uterus.

Along with the rollercoaster of fertility treatment, the social isolation can be particularly painful for women with secondary infertility. Often, they feel they don’t belong in fertility support groups or on-line forums. And they can feel guilty that they aren’t satisfied with having one child.

“The fact that you long for another baby can result in deep feeling of guilt that you don’t appreciate the child you have enough. At the same time, you see all your friends having second and third babies,” says Misty. Recognizing the gap in support for women with secondary infertility, Misty created a separate support group for women experiencing secondary infertility.

When should you talk to a doctor?

Dr Taylor advises women to seek medical advice for infertility if they: r "SF VOEFS BOE IBWF CFFO USZJOH UP DPODFJWF GPS POF ZFBS r "SF PWFS BOE CFFO USZJOH GPS NPOUIT r )BWF B IJTUPSZ PG 1$04 QFMWJD JOóBNNBUPSZ EJTFBTF QBJOGVM QFSJPET miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, difficult C-section and/or irregular cycles r :PVS QBSUOFS IBT B MPX TQFSN DPVOU In British Columbia, consultations with a fertility specialist and most fertility testing and surgeries are fully covered by MSP, with a referral from your primary care physician.

Treatment options “Couples shouldn’t give up hope,” says Dr Taylor, “There are a number of different options depending on your diagnosis and the good news is that if you’ve had one child, your chances of success with fertility treatments are higher.”

The first step is a fertility workup to identify the underlying cause. Your fertility specialist will explore and discuss your results with you to develop a treatment plan. This could include artificial insemination, superovulation (stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one egg and increase the chance of fertilization) or IVF. Misty became pregnant with twins after her first IVF treatment. information provided by Olive Fertility Centre. www.olivefertility.com

Resources The Infertility Association of Canada Contact Misty Busch.

604 626-4225 | aacwest@iaac.ca | www. iaac.ca The National Infertility Association www.resolve.org

Recommended Reading Wanting Another Child: Coping with Secondary Infertility

by Harriet Fishman Simons.

May 2014 35

Ignite!

1895 Venables St, Vancouver May 2-10 The festival includes showcases in music, dance, and spoken word, the world premiere of three one-act plays, a visual arts exhibit, variety shows featuring improv, drag, circus arts, and much more. All of this is created by local artists between the ages of 13-24. www.thecultch.com

Mother’s Day Heritage Gift Making Event Mackin House, Coquitlam May 3, 12:30-1:30pm & 2-3pm Volunteers assist children in making a special craft for Mother’s Day while moms enjoy tea in the parlour. Registration is required and the event is by donation. Parents need not participate but must remain in the building while their children make the craft. www.coquitlamheritage.ca

HyperEnsemble May 2 & May 4, 8pm SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, Vancouver Robots! Metacreation! Live interac tion of computers and large ensemble! In this groundbreaking concert, the Turning Point Ensemble is transformed into a technologyexpanded ensemble with the assistance of leading composers and researchers Arne Eigenfeldt, Keith Hamel, and David Eagle. Ticket prices Adult $35, Student $10 www.turningpointensemble.ca

CityFest 2014 Lonsdale Skate Park, North Vancouver May 3, 12-4pm Celebrate at one of the Lower Mainland’s biggest Youth Week events where there will be food booths, BBQ (with free food for youth 24 and under), live music, dance, fashion show, youth art, and a photo booth. Don’t miss the skateboard competition. www.vancouversnorthshore.com

Hip Hop Hurray Fraser Heights Recreation Centre May 2, 5-6:30pm At this free event, the goal is to get as many youth dancing at once in one gymnasium. There will be a choreographer teaching the entire gym a hip hop routine. Get pumped because this is going to be an awesome event with DJ music!

604.592.6920 | www.surrey.ca EarthFest Nature Festival & Open House Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts Street May 3, 11am-3pm Since 1979 more than 80,000 animals have been treated by the Wild.ife Rescue Association. Learn about local wildlife at the WRA community event and open day. Free. www.wildliferescue.ca/event/earthfest

23rd Annual Fingerling Festival with Bobs & Lolo!

Port Moody Recreation Complex and Noons Creek May 3, 11am-3pm Kids help make up a bucket brigade and release 40,000 young chum salmon from the hatchery into Noons Creek for the chum’s four-year journey in the Pacific Ocean. Bobs and Lolo in concert at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Enjoy a wide variety of children’s activities including games, arts and crafts, nature puzzles, and more. www.noonscreek.org Spring Carnival and Silent Auction Nootka Elementary School, Vancouver May 3, 10am-3pm Help celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary at this community event including a Bouncy Castle, games, prizes, face painting & more! Tickets will be for sale onsite, with all proceeds going to support the school. nootkacarnival.weebly.com/

Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events this month!

To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@westcoastfamilies.com.

Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see more local and community family events in your area.

36 WestCoastFamilies.com

Alice in Wonderland The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre, Main theatre May 4, 2pm Follow Alice to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies, where she journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!

The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense. All tickets are $10.

604.391.7469 Salmon Send-Off Tynehead Regional Park May 10, 11am-3pm Release salmon fry into the Serpentine River, enjoy a hatchery tour, take part in children’s activities and enjoy a walkthrough river habitat.

Have a barbecue lunch at the concession. Allow at least one hour to complete all activities. This is a free event for all ages.

604.520.6442 May Day Parade Beginning at Shaughnessy and Welcher Avenue, Port Coquitlam May 10, 11am Come out and see the May Day Royal Party and community floats, marching bands, motorcycles, antique vehicles, and much, much more. It is the perfect start to an exciting day of fun-filled events! www.portcoquitlam.ca Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run Jericho Beach Concession Stand, Vancouver May 10, 9am Streetfront is an alternative high school program run out of Britannia Secondary School for youth who have struggled in the traditional high school program. Streetfront emphasizes physical and outdoor education, in addition to core subjects, to motivate students. These students have learned to make goals and achieve them with marathon and half marathon run training, keeping them motivated and focused so they can graduate. This run has distance options of 1km, 4km and 6km. www.street2peak.com

Kids Decorated Bike Parade 176A Street between 59 & 59 Ave, Cloverdale May 15, 5:15pm A colourful parade of kids’ bikes and wagons that are decorated in a western theme. All young cowboys and cowgirls will be entered in a random parade draw for one of three bikes donated by the Cloverdale Lions and Kearney’s.

604.576.3155 Let’s Have a Playdate May 16- Playhouse Theatre May 17- Terry Fox Theatre 10 & 11:30am Featuring the music of Johannes Brahms, explore fast and slow on three playdates — at a friend’s house, at the park and at a concert. Play hide and seek, bounce the ball and other favorite games, all set to the classics. Featuring a woodwind quartet. www.vancouversymphony.ca Cloverdale Rodeo Cloverdale Fairgrounds May 16-19 This four-day rodeo features games, rides, concerts, demos, a beer garden, and lots of fun! www.cloverdalerodeo.com Forest Fairy Gathering Burnaby Lake Regional Park May 17, 11am-3pm Get ready for an enchanted family adventure exploring the world of forest fairies and gnomes.

Look for flower fairies in the butterfly garden.

Visit the fairy market for building supplies to construct your very own fairy or gnome home!

Come dressed in costume, enjoy face painting, and be prepared for a magical afternoon. This is a free, drop in event.

604.520.6442 Mother Goose Orpheum Theatre May 18, 2pm Enter the fascinating world of Mother Goose with enchanting stories of your childhood: Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, the Princess of the Pagodas, and more. www.vancouversymphony.ca

Victoria Day Teddy Bear Picnic May 19 Bring your Teddy Bear and enjoy some tea and decorate a cookie. Activities include the dress up Tickle Trunk, a sing-a-long and crafts. www.kilby.ca Surrey International Children’s Festival Surrey Arts Centre & Bear Creek Park May 22 & 23, 9am-12:30pm and 24, 10:30am7:30pm Featuring ticketed performances from Australia, United States, and British Columbia. $12 Saturday All Access Pass gets you into every performance (subject to ticket availability) and all the hands-on art activities. Come celebrate your artistic side!

604.501.5598 | www.surrey.ca Spring Carnival Happy Corner Preschool, 3434 Falaise Avenue, Vancouver May 24, 11am-2pm Come for the games, raffle draw, cake walk, face painting, and more!

604.433.7923 | www.happycorner.ca Raffi Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver May 24, 2pm Children will be entertained by this singer, songwriter and founder of the Centre for Child Honouring.

604.665.3050 Celebrate Coastal Native Plants and Birds Along the Shore White Rock Museum May 24, 10am-12:30pm Learn about planting native plants and some of their uses for people and wildlife. A birding walk along the foreshore and pier will follow at 11:30am. Bring binoculars, a camera, and dress for the weather. Please pre-register with Marg. blueheron@birdsonthebay.ca

6th annual SOS Children’s Village Run and Walk Richmond Olympic Oval May 25, 9am This year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before! Join the fun to support SOS Children’s Village BC. Collect pledges and participate in the 2K, 5K or 10K Walk/Run to help make a difference for over 9,000 BC children and youth in foster care. Entertainment and silent auction too.

Registration $20 for adults, $5 for kids. www.sosbc.org/news-events/Run No Fun Fridays Hyde Creek May 30, 6:30-9pm This fully supervised event will have fun carnival games, sport activities, a bouncy castle, music, and a concession to keep kids engaged and active for two and a half hours on a Friday evening. So no-fun Fridays become nothing but Fun! $10 in advance or $15 day of event. www.portcoquitlam.ca Marine Creatures and Eelgrass Presentation Kwomais Point Park, Surrey May 31, 10:30am-2pm Learn about the marine creatures and the importance of eelgrass habitat on our local beaches with a presentation, then an interpretive walk down 1001 steps to the beach. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Refreshments provided but bring a lunch. Please register with Alison. a.prentice@shaw.ca

We can deliver WestCoast Families magazine free to your event! Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com or call 604-249-2866

May 2014 37

by Jodi Iverson

Nothing says Mother’s Day like a handcrafted gift from a child!

Who remembers making salt dough handprints, handmade cards, and writing poems in HB pencils for mom? This year, we looked for something that would stand the test of time and look beautiful on the wall. Try this simple tutorial for a personalized gift Mom will surely treasure.

materials t $BOWBT t 1BJOU #SVTIFT t *OL

make it!

Step 1: Sketch out a simple tree form on your canvas (older kids can do this independently!)

Step 2: Paint your tree. Keep it simple or add detail. Be creative!

Step 3: Add fingerprint ‘”leaves” to the tree!

Try using a few different fingers and shades of ink for an assortment of leaf sizes and colours.

Don’t forget to sign and date your work.

t 'JOHFSQSJOUT BSF NBEF PG BO BSSBOHFNFOU PG SJEHFT GPSNJOH patterns called loops, whorls, and arches. t 'JOHFSQSJOUT BSF FWFO NPSF VOJRVF UIBO %/" "MUIPVHI JEFOUJDBM twins can share mostly the same DNA they can’t have the same fingerprints. t ,PBMBT IBWF SJEHFT PO UIFJS öOHFST XIJDI DSFBUF öOHFSQSJOUT almost identical to those of human beings.

38 WestCoastFamilies.com

Fries™ star t with… s u o m a F ld s r e o o t nad a ia C W n a t g % o r p 0 o wn 0 1

FOOD QUALITY STARTS AT the source Every one of our World Famous Fries™ is made with quality, 100% Canadian grown potatoes. Farmers, like the Desjardins family, bring generations of potato growing experience to each and every fry.

“This was the best decision we ever made!“ remarks Gilles, over a decade later.

“We bring our family, including our grandchildren, to McDonald’s and we know that we are eating the best fries in the world because they were produced by farmers like us who put their heart and soul into doing the best that they can.”

Third generation potato farmers, Gilles & Aline Desjardins, have been producing jardins A lin e Des quality potatoes for over 25 years. In 2001, Gilles & New Brunswic k Golden on the outside, soft and fluffy d, the Desjardins family was offered the Drummo n on the inside. Made with quality potatoes opportunity by McCain Foods, one of our trusted and cooked in our Canola oil blend for zero grams suppliers, to produce potatoes for McDonald’s® of trans fat per serving*. It’s no wonder our fries are Canada for our fries. Gilles partnered with McCain world famous! and has been one of their top growers ever since. *In small size. ©2014 McDonald’s

WE DON’T PLAY IT SAFE WHEN IT COMES TO INNOVATION IN SAFETY.

2014 FORESTER 2.0XT LIMITED SHOWN

2014 STARTING FROM

28,165

$

*

2014 FORESTER STANDARD FEATURES:

DOCKSTEADER SUBARU 8530 Cambie Street Vancouver, BC V6P 6N6 Tel: 604.325.1000 | docksteadersubaruvancouver.ca *Pricing applies to a 2014 Forester 2.5i 6MT (EJ1 X0) with MSRP of $28,165 including freight & PDI ($1,650), documentation fees ($395), battery and tire tax ($25) and air-conditioning levy ($100). License, taxes, insurance and registration extra. Model shown is a 2014 Forester 2.0XT Limited Package CVT (EJ2 XTL) with MSRP of $37,665 including freight & PDI ($1,650), documentation fees ($395), battery and tire tax ($25) and air-conditioning levy ($100). Taxes, license, registration and insurance are extra. Visit Docksteader Subaru or www.docksteadersubaruvancouver.ca for complete program details. To earn a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests; a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test; and a basic, advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.