Island Parent Pre-Summer 2023
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years • Explore the Island: A Region-by-Region Guide • Road Trip Food • Things to Do in June & July • Play On: Outdoor Games for Families • Seas, Trees & a Gentle Breeze • Tweens & Teens
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years • Explore the Island: A Region-by-Region Guide • Road Trip Food • Things to Do in June & July • Play On: Outdoor Games for Families • Seas, Trees & a Gentle Breeze • Tweens & Teens
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PRE-SUMMER <strong>2023</strong><br />
FREE COPY<br />
Vancouver <strong>Island</strong>’s <strong>Parent</strong>ing Resource for 35 Years<br />
Inside:<br />
Play On!<br />
Outdoor Games for Families<br />
Road Trip Food<br />
Explore<br />
the <strong>Island</strong><br />
A Region-by-Region Guide
2 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
ST. JOHN'S ACADEMY<br />
SHAWNIGAN LAKE<br />
Environmental Education<br />
St. John's Academy (Grade 4-12) in Shawnigan Lake is nestled<br />
between the forests of Baldy Mountain and the waters of<br />
Shawnigan Lake. Teachers aim to incorporate environmental<br />
learning through inquiry topics, hands-on projects and interdisciplinary<br />
learning. Our full Environmental Education program<br />
encompasses many aspects of our school experience.<br />
IB Education<br />
There are endless reasons to choose St. John's Academy, but the<br />
IB Program builds a solid foundation. A foundation that delivers<br />
transformational learning programs to ensure students have the<br />
skills and knowledge to be ready for university and beyond.<br />
CAS Activities<br />
Our Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Activities are<br />
offered during school hours. These CAS Activities help<br />
students to learn a new skill, support further academic<br />
pursuits and meet new students they would not otherwise.<br />
250-220-4888 info@stjohnsacademy.ca<br />
2371 Shawnigan Lake Rd.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 3
INTHISISSUE<br />
6 10<br />
Need to Know<br />
9<br />
PRESUMMER<strong>2023</strong><br />
I ❤ <strong>Island</strong><br />
Play On!<br />
Jim Schneider<br />
Publisher<br />
publisher@islandparent.ca<br />
Sue Fast<br />
Editor<br />
editor@islandparent.ca<br />
RaeLeigh Buchanan<br />
Account Manager<br />
raeleigh@islandparent.ca<br />
12<br />
CRD<br />
16<br />
Nanaimo & Area<br />
18<br />
Road Trip Food<br />
Kristine Wickheim<br />
Account Manager<br />
kristine@islandparent.ca<br />
20<br />
22<br />
24<br />
<strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine, published by<br />
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a bimonthly publication that honours<br />
and supports parents by providing information<br />
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for Vancouver <strong>Island</strong> families. Views<br />
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4 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
FASTFORWARD<br />
From ‘Aaaaa! What Now?’<br />
to ‘Ahhhh! At Last!’<br />
There’s something about June and July—with the end of<br />
the school year and the start of summer holidays—that<br />
is both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. A toss<br />
between “Aaaaa! What now?” and “Ahhhh! At last!,” summer<br />
for parents takes on a whole new meaning than it did when we<br />
were kids, the endless summer days stretching out in front of us<br />
for what felt like forever.<br />
Sure summer can still feel endless, but this year, let’s hope it’s<br />
for all the right reasons!<br />
To help you get the most out of <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong>, this issue<br />
features the season’s must-see-and-dos along with ways to take<br />
advantage of when you hear that old familiar refrain: “there’s<br />
nothing to do!” Because on the <strong>Island</strong>, there’s always something<br />
to see or do! It’s the options that are endless!<br />
No matter what you have planned this summer—or what<br />
just happens—we hope this issue helps you have a great time.<br />
Within these pages you’ll find information on outdoor games<br />
to play this summer, a selection of family-friendly <strong>Island</strong> hikes,<br />
numerous Vancouver <strong>Island</strong> activities and attractions, places to<br />
explore, road trip food recipes, walking trails suited to families,<br />
places to ride a train, climb a tree, good summer reads and<br />
much more. Check out Parks Canada’s three apps and don’t<br />
forget the summer events page with highlights of what’s happening<br />
on the <strong>Island</strong> in June and July. And as an added bonus,<br />
don’t miss the special feature, Tweens & Teens with a focus on<br />
the importance of open and honest conversations.<br />
Here’s to finding a middle ground between “Aaaaa! What<br />
now?” and “Ahhhh! At Last!”<br />
Happy <strong>Summer</strong>!<br />
Make this SUMMER count<br />
you, so start the school year on the right foot.<br />
GET SCHOOL SUPPORT AT SYLVAN<br />
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As you begin to plan your summer, remember that it’s also a great<br />
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Sylvan of Vancouver <strong>Island</strong><br />
with expert, caring Sylvan-certified teachers<br />
* Direct impact in classroom with www.sylvanlearning.com<br />
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<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
Delivering RESULTS<br />
ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN<br />
You Don't Have to "Go It Alone"<br />
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*See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. combined with any other discount or offer. One<br />
assessment per family. Expires 11/15/20.<br />
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<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 5
NEEDTOKNOW<br />
Father’s<br />
Day<br />
Walk/Run<br />
The Raymond James Father’s<br />
Day Walk Run on June 18 is a fun,<br />
family-friendly event, hosted each<br />
year on Father’s Day to honour all<br />
men and their families who may<br />
have lost a life to prostate cancer.<br />
100% of funds raised through this<br />
event directly support programs<br />
and services offered through<br />
<strong>Island</strong> Prostate Centre; serving<br />
men and families facing prostate<br />
cancer, right here on Vancouver<br />
<strong>Island</strong>. To get involved, visit<br />
islandprostatecentre.com/<br />
fathersdaywalkrun.<br />
Earlybird<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>ing<br />
App<br />
Two Vancouver <strong>Island</strong> moms, Renée<br />
Jordan and Sarah Hunter, are changing<br />
the parenting game with Earlybird,<br />
a free-to-download parenting<br />
app that supports child development<br />
from birth to age six, providing<br />
play-based activities and researchbacked<br />
resources. The goal is to<br />
ensure every child has a strong start<br />
in school and in life. Over 56% of<br />
kids start kindergarten behind in at<br />
least one developmental domain<br />
(numeracy, literacy, social-emotional<br />
and motor). And it’s hard to catch up.<br />
That’s where Earlybird comes in.<br />
learnwithearlybird.com<br />
6 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Strong<br />
Minds,<br />
Strong<br />
Kids<br />
Children’s mental health continues to<br />
suffer post-pandemic and new ways<br />
to provide support are needed now<br />
more than ever. Strong Minds Strong<br />
Kids, Psychology Canada (SMSKPC),<br />
a national charity dedicated to helping<br />
children and teens become more<br />
resilient, has developed a new online<br />
game to help children and teens<br />
build skills that will foster resilience.<br />
ThriveLandia is filled with fun games<br />
and challenges for kids and teens<br />
that will help them build key coping<br />
skills. The goal is to teach skills associated<br />
with resilience in a way that is<br />
engaging and relevant for youth so<br />
they can thrive in life.<br />
thrivelandia.com<br />
I am proud<br />
to continue<br />
my support<br />
of parents,<br />
families and<br />
youth in<br />
Oak Bay-<br />
Gordon Head.<br />
MLA Murray Rankin<br />
Oak Bay – Gordon Head<br />
Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 7
<strong>Summer</strong><br />
Boating<br />
Safety<br />
Whatever your boating preference<br />
or level of experience may be this<br />
summer, an informed and confident<br />
boater is a safe and happy boater—<br />
and that means anything that floats:<br />
kayaks to catamarans, power, sail<br />
or stand-up paddleboards. If you<br />
haven’t completed your safety<br />
course, you are encouraged to do<br />
so. For more information about how<br />
to get started in boating and tips on<br />
boating safety visit boatingbc.ca.<br />
Pop-Up<br />
Dog<br />
Parks<br />
Your canine companions can enjoy<br />
play dates at three different Saanich<br />
parks until the end of September<br />
at the following locations: Hyacinth<br />
Park, Lambrick Park and Rudd Park.<br />
Pop-up dog park hours are 7am to<br />
10pm daily and they will remain in<br />
the same three locations all summer<br />
long instead of rotating like they<br />
did in previous years. Learn more<br />
about our pop-up dog parks at<br />
saanich.ca/dogs.<br />
8 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
I ❤ ISLAND<br />
Sun Safe <strong>Summer</strong><br />
Nozone Clothing offers an array of stylish products<br />
designed to provide maximum protection<br />
from solar radiation, using specialized fabrics that<br />
have been awarded the highest rating possible of<br />
UPF 50+. Sunsuits, shirts and sunglasses are just<br />
a few of the many sun-safe items. This Vancouver<br />
<strong>Island</strong> family owned and operated business was<br />
founded in 1996 by parents who were determined<br />
to find a better way to protect their family from<br />
the harmful effects of the sun and endless applications<br />
of chemical-filled sunscreens.<br />
nozoneclothing.com<br />
Under Wraps<br />
Made from Turkish muslin cotton, Tofino Towel’s<br />
Pebble Kids Poncho features a loose fit that is<br />
non-restrictive and highly durable. The Turkish<br />
cotton offers a highly absorbent and fast drying<br />
option for sun protection. Enjoy days at the beach<br />
or pool while keeping your kids sun safe in this<br />
breathable poncho.<br />
tofinotowelco.com<br />
It’s in the Bag!<br />
These gorgeous roomy bags are made from repurposed<br />
vintage sails here on Vancouver <strong>Island</strong><br />
in small batches. Their wide footprint gives them<br />
a burly stance, especially on rocky boats or uneven<br />
beaches. They will haul just about anything<br />
you can throw at them with ease, but beware,<br />
they can hold it but you still need to schlepp it!<br />
With two internal sleeves to hold your refreshments<br />
and another large one to accommodate<br />
other loose items, this bag lets you ride it out in<br />
style. Gym bag, mobile office, weekender or diaper<br />
bomber, the possibilities are endless!<br />
ahoybags.com<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 9
PLAY<br />
Play On!<br />
Outdoor games for kids and families<br />
Play is sacred.<br />
Kids need more experiences and space for play to take<br />
place. Play isn’t work but it does have many functions.<br />
By design, play takes you to the edge. When kids roughhouse,<br />
they learn about what they can and cannot do to others.<br />
As well as, what feels safe and unsafe. They learn to read signals<br />
and know their own boundaries.<br />
Pursuit games can have a child feel an element of alarm in a<br />
safe bubble. Where it’s not for real, and attuned adults are close<br />
by.<br />
Can we interrupt play less this summer and take part ourselves<br />
in games and activities? Here are a few games to try:<br />
Wolf Ball<br />
Audience age: 5+<br />
Time needed: 10–15 minutes<br />
Materials: Ball (soft) or 10–15 handkerchiefs/bandanas.<br />
When using bandanas, use 5 to create the “ball” in a knot and<br />
10 to mark your boundary.<br />
Where to play: a field or grassy area is best.<br />
How to play: One player is “it,” (the wolf) and tries to hit<br />
the other players which are deer with the ball. The goal is to<br />
not get hit. The wolf throws the ball each time standing from<br />
the place where the ball last landed. Once the wolf hits a deer,<br />
they are out. Out deer go to the nursery, lining up outside the<br />
boundary. If the wolf throws the ball and it’s caught by a deer<br />
in the nursery, the first out deer can rejoin the game. The game<br />
ends when the wolf gets all the players out.<br />
How many can play? 5–15 players (a large boundary for<br />
many players)<br />
Fun fact: great “trickle in game” or warm-up game<br />
Cougar Stalks Deer<br />
Audience age: 4+<br />
Time needed: approx. 10 minutes/round<br />
Materials: None.<br />
Where to play: A field, lawn or pathway<br />
How to play: One player is the deer and all other players are<br />
cougars. The deer starts with their back to the cougars. The<br />
game starts when the cougars begin to stalk the deer. The deer’s<br />
goal is to turn around and spot a moving cougar! The cougars<br />
must freeze before the deer spots them moving. If the deer sees<br />
any cougars moving, they call out their name, and the cougar<br />
must go back to the starting point. The game ends when the<br />
first cougar reaches the deer and tags them.<br />
How many can play: 4–20+ players<br />
Source: wyp.org/resource-portal/activities/cougar-stalks-deergame<br />
10 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Run Rabbit Run<br />
Audience age: 4+<br />
Time needed: 15–20 minutes<br />
Materials: a handful of bandanas can mark the boundary<br />
lines on each side.<br />
Where to play: Field or grassy meadow<br />
How to play: One player starts as “it,” (the wolf), everyone<br />
else are rabbits. The wolves start in the middle, and the rabbit’s<br />
line up on one side of the play area. When the wolves say,<br />
“run, rabbit, run,” the players try to run to the other side. If<br />
the wolves tag them before they get to the other side, the player<br />
must sit down where they were tagged. They become a tree and<br />
can use their arms to tag other runners. The game ends when<br />
all but one player has been tagged.<br />
How many can play: 6+ players<br />
Variation: Play with two wolves<br />
Source: greatgroupgames.com/run-rabbit-run<br />
If a child needs a break from pursuit games, try:<br />
Hungry Birds<br />
Audience age: 4+<br />
Time needed: 15–20 minutes<br />
Materials: 2–3 balls of yarn, each in a different colour<br />
Where to play: A forest or garden<br />
How to play: Cut 20 strips of yarn (15 cm long) for each colour.<br />
An adult hides all yarn pieces, keeping in mind the height<br />
of players. Explain the game on the edge or away from the play<br />
area. Players are birds and need to find worms (yarn) because<br />
they are hungry! But you can only pick up worms that are your<br />
team’s colour. The other colours are poisonous. Depending<br />
on player age, you can set a time limit or play until they’re all<br />
found. Collect worms into a pail or tie them to a stick. Ask kids<br />
to reflect on how they found them? What colours of yarn were<br />
easiest to find? Count the worms!<br />
How many can play? 4–20+ players<br />
Fun fact: This game encourages observation skills (developing<br />
a search image), kids learn about camouflage (nature’s adaptation),<br />
test fine motor skills and practice counting. Kids love<br />
to take turns hiding the worms for their playmates or parents.<br />
Scent Scavenger Hunt<br />
Audience age: 3+<br />
Time needed: 15–20 minutes<br />
Materials: 1 egg carton/child<br />
Where to play: A forest, field or garden<br />
How to play: On the top cover of an egg carton write these<br />
six scents—piney, earthy, mossy, fruity, flowery. Send teams to<br />
find 1–2 items for each scent. Embrace respectful harvesting<br />
practices, like only taking one blossom or fruit.<br />
How many can play? 4 or more players.<br />
Lindsay Coulter is a writer, educator, facilitator,<br />
naturalist, community catalyst, soul activist, mentor,<br />
and dedicated mother of two. She’s the Director of<br />
Communications, Culture and Community at EPIC<br />
Learning Centre, a forest and nature school in Victoria.<br />
Find her @SaneAction on Instagram and Facebook.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 11
See the Sights in the CRD<br />
With so much to do in the Capital Regional<br />
District, your biggest challenge will be narrowing<br />
down your options! To help, here’s<br />
a list of favourites. From “star” gazing (both sea<br />
stars and the stars in the sky!) and chasing butterflies<br />
to cooling off at the Potholes and stretching<br />
out at Sidney Spit. Hint: No matter what you<br />
choose, you can’t go wrong!<br />
Plan Your Escape<br />
Victoria Escape Games offers both indoor and<br />
outdoor adventures. Watch for Raiders of the Lost<br />
Tomb coming soon! Indoor and outdoor adventures.<br />
victoriaescapegames.com<br />
Dominion Observatory & Telescope<br />
Star Parties are back this summer at The Centre<br />
of the Universe. Take a Dome Tour, get involved<br />
in children’s programs and see the night sky<br />
through the Plaskett Telescope (weather permitting).<br />
Specific Saturdays throughout the summer.<br />
From 7:30–11pm. Gates open at 7:15pm.<br />
centreoftheuniverse.org<br />
Meet SUE the T-rex at RBCM<br />
Royal BC Museum’s SUE: The T-rex Experience<br />
starts in June and runs until January, 2024. Meet<br />
SUE, the most complete and best-preserved<br />
Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Learn how SUE<br />
survived their challenging and dangerous world,<br />
living to old age despite the odds. Don’t miss<br />
Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia where you<br />
can marvel at 120 spectacular artworks and original<br />
artifacts from ancient Angkor, never before<br />
seen in Canada. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca<br />
See a Show at IMAX Victoria<br />
Escape the heat—or the rain—and watch the<br />
Super Mario Bros. Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy,<br />
Animal Kingdom or Wings Over the Water to name<br />
a few. There’s nothing like the big BIG screen to<br />
make you feel like you’re part of the action.<br />
imaxvictoria.com<br />
Roam Around at Fort Rodd Hill<br />
Tour through secret bunkers, military command<br />
posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort<br />
Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active<br />
duty from 1895 to 1956. Learn the personal stories<br />
of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight<br />
in a group-friendly oTENTik. Grab the wheel as<br />
a “master mariner” at Fisgard Lighthouse, the<br />
oldest on the Canadian west coast and wander<br />
through a rare Garry Oak meadow.<br />
pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill<br />
Think Small<br />
Miniature World, located within the Empress<br />
Hotel, is open Wednesday through Sunday from<br />
10am-5pm. The Greatest Little Show on Earth<br />
features over 85 miniature scenes. At Miniature<br />
World it is as if you suddenly became a Gulliverlike<br />
giant among the tiniest of villages, or has the<br />
world itself shrunk? You be the judge, it is a question<br />
Alice must have asked herself many times in<br />
Wonderland so enter now this miniature wonderland.<br />
miniatureworld.com<br />
Stroll the Wharf<br />
Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to<br />
be discovered. Peruse food kiosks, unique shops<br />
and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour<br />
setting. Buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out<br />
the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel<br />
and float home moorage, watch the commercial<br />
fishing vessels unload their wares, become a<br />
pirate and see the seals. tourismvictoria.com<br />
Play in the Park<br />
Beacon Hill Park offers 200 acres to play in, just<br />
steps from downtown Victoria. Explore the trails<br />
meandering through meadows, gardens and<br />
trees, the 18-hole putting green (bring your own<br />
clubs and balls), spray park and playground. Stroll<br />
past the duck ponds, over bridges, through gardens<br />
and find what was once the world’s tallest<br />
free-standing totem pole. beaconhillpark.com<br />
Gallop Along the Goose<br />
The 60-km partly paved Galloping Goose Trail<br />
winds from Victoria to Sooke with access points<br />
along the way. It also intersects with the E&N<br />
Rail Trail-Humpback Connector, the 17km cycling<br />
and pedestrian trail. Start the Goose in the heart<br />
of the city or drive out to a rural access point for<br />
more of a country experience.<br />
gallopinggoosetrail.com<br />
Lose Yourself on the Lochside Trail<br />
The 29-km Lochside Regional Trail starts in Saanich<br />
and ends at the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay.<br />
In some places trail visitors must share paved or<br />
gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm<br />
vehicles. Trail maps and suggested access points/<br />
day trips are available from the CRD website:<br />
crd.bc.ca/parks, then select “Find a Park.”<br />
Loop Swan Lake<br />
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary<br />
features both marshy lowlands and the rocky,<br />
oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The<br />
12,000-year-old lake is home to a variety of<br />
birds and wildlife including muskrats, river otters<br />
and mink. Circle the lake along a 2.5-km trail<br />
and cross the floating walkway then stop in at<br />
the Nature House (open on a limited schedule).<br />
swanlake.bc.ca<br />
Stretch Out at Sidney Spit<br />
Sidney Spit Marine Park is a great destination<br />
for a day trip. The foot-passenger ferry service<br />
has re-opened so now you can book your trip to<br />
Sidney <strong>Island</strong> (25 minutes). Explore the sandy spit<br />
at the northeast end or hike around the whole<br />
island. Walk-in camping is also available.<br />
For updates on the ferry service, visit<br />
sidneyspitferry.com.<br />
12 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
While Away the Day at Witty’s<br />
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin offers<br />
more than 5 kms of beautiful trails run through<br />
woodland, past lagoon and marsh. Watch for<br />
birds as you meander down to the sandy beach.<br />
The Nature House at the trailhead has some great<br />
displays. Check for opening hours. On Metchosin<br />
Road, approximately 40 minutes from downtown<br />
Victoria. crd.bc.ca/parks<br />
Retreat to Roche Cove<br />
Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke. Picnic<br />
at the protected cove after an easy walk from the<br />
parking area. Wander the 7 kms of trails through<br />
cedar forest and along a cool creek or climb a<br />
mossy slope for hilltop views of Roche Cove and<br />
the Sooke Basin. Roche Cove is also a good access<br />
point for the Galloping Goose Trail.<br />
crd.bc.ca/parks<br />
Ease into East Sooke Park<br />
East Sooke Regional Park offers 50 kms of trails<br />
along the windswept rocky coast, over dry hilltops,<br />
through dark rainforest to sheltered coves.<br />
Aylard Farm is popular with picnickers and those<br />
looking for an easy excursion. A 5-minute walk<br />
through open fields leads to a sandy beach. Trails<br />
head inland to hilltop views, or along the rugged,<br />
more challenging Coast Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks<br />
Dig Deep at Dino Lab<br />
Check out this high-tech/low-tech, all fun fossil<br />
restoration lab nestled in Victoria. Tour the private<br />
gallery, roll up your sleeves, grab a tool and help<br />
turn back time using the same pneumatic tools<br />
and equipment that the experts use. Don’t forget<br />
to pre-book. dinolabinc.ca<br />
Make a Splash at Thetis Lake<br />
Hike scenic trails hugging Upper and Lower<br />
Thetis lakes. The beach area of Thetis Lake is<br />
perfect for a picnic or swim, although it tends to<br />
be crowded in summer. If you have a canoe, try<br />
an early morning or evening paddle. Pay parking:<br />
$2.25 for the day or $20 for the season.<br />
crd.bc.ca/parks<br />
“Star” Gaze at The Shaw Centre<br />
for the Salish Sea<br />
The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney is a<br />
state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education<br />
centre focused on the ecosystem of the Salish<br />
Sea. Spend a moment with calming, drifting jellies.<br />
Take a peek at invertebrates of all shapes<br />
and colours. The Centre is open and welcomes<br />
visitors on Thursday though Tuesday from 10am–<br />
4:30pm. Masks mandatory. salishseacentre.org<br />
Join the EDC<br />
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Lakeside Village - View Royal<br />
Details and registration at climbtheboulders.com<br />
The Boulders Climbing Gym<br />
1627 Stelly’s Cross Road | Saanichton, BC | 250.544.0310<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 13
See airplanes,<br />
seaplanes, helicopters<br />
and more at the<br />
BC Aviation Museum<br />
Learn about BC’s aviation<br />
history from early bush planes<br />
to bombers and beyond!<br />
Fly by Butterfly Gardens<br />
Victoria Butterfly Gardens. See thousands of<br />
exotic butterflies (up to 70 species) flying free in<br />
their own tropical rainforest environment. Wander<br />
through the orchid exhibit or carnivorous plant<br />
section. You’ll also see colourful fish and tropical<br />
birds. Open daily from 10am–4pm with the last<br />
admission into the facility at 3pm. Group bookings<br />
are only allowed between 8–10am.<br />
butterflygardens.com<br />
Scream for Ice Cream<br />
Beacon Hill Drive Inn. Cones, cups, sundaes and<br />
avalanches! So many choices—and you can’t go<br />
wrong! beacondrivein.ca. Cold Comfort’s Can<br />
Canteen window is open in summer and offers<br />
cool treats ranging from scoops of Plain Jane<br />
ice cream to Choc ’o Clock Sandwiches and<br />
dairy-free options. coldcomfort.ca. Parachute<br />
Ice Cream is offering “walk-thru” scoop service<br />
daily from noon–7pm. Try the strawberry rhubarb<br />
sorbet or brown butter brownie.<br />
parachuteicecream.com.<br />
Take a Swing at Golf<br />
Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf is open weekends only<br />
from 11am–5:30 (last tee off time at 4:45). Covid<br />
protocols are in place. After golfing, visit Mattick’s<br />
Farm Market for an ice cream cone from<br />
groom ponies, go for a pony ride and then feed<br />
the ponies treats. poniesandpipsqueaks.com<br />
Bowl, Ice Skate & Golf<br />
City Centre Park in Langford has opened some<br />
facilities. There’s Mini-Golf, now open from 9am–<br />
9pm daily, drop-in ice skating at Westhills Arena,<br />
snacks at City Centre Grille, bowling at Langford<br />
Lanes and indoor themed play structures at Play-<br />
Zone. citycentrepark.ca<br />
Seek Sun & Surf<br />
Gonzales Beach: sure the water is freezing, but<br />
this is a beautiful sandy beach with the southfacing<br />
views and sunshing. It’s a great beach for<br />
skim boarding and splashing about in the shallow<br />
waters. Willows Beach has all the amenities at<br />
hand: bathrooms, a tea room for concessions, a<br />
playground and a sweeping sandy beach. There’s<br />
a grassy park for picnics and lots of trees for<br />
shade. Gyro Beach at Cadboro Bay Beach and<br />
home of the Cadborosaurus! The ocean is no<br />
warmer at this beach than any of the other Victoria<br />
beaches, but the stretch of sand and nearby<br />
Cadboro-Gyro Park make it a hit with families.<br />
Cool Down at Sooke Potholes<br />
Sooke Potholes are a series of deep fresh-water<br />
pools created by water falling over boulders in<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> Hours, May 1 to Sept 30:<br />
10am to 4pm, Thurs through Tues<br />
Winter Hours, Oct 1 to Apr 30:<br />
11am to 3pm, Thurs through Tues<br />
For special days and events<br />
go to bcam.net.<br />
1910 Norseman Road, Sidney<br />
250-655-3300 | bcam.net<br />
Adrienne’s Ice Cream. Or grab picnic ingredients<br />
from Red Barn Market and cycle the nearby Lochside<br />
Trail to a shady spot for a picturesque lunch<br />
break. matticksfarm.com<br />
Pet a Pony<br />
Ponies & Pipsqueaks’ Meet the Ponies program<br />
runs year round and is a great way to introduce<br />
kids to the responsibilities of ponies and experience<br />
their first ride. Go on a barn tour, learn to<br />
the Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the<br />
trails, camp under the stars or take a refreshing<br />
dip on a hot summer day. You can access the<br />
potholes at different points. crd.bc.ca<br />
Take a Dip at Shawnigan Lake<br />
Shawnigan Lake’s Mansons Beach Park and Old<br />
Mill Park are the perfect swimming spots. The<br />
beaches are shallow and they’re on the east side<br />
of the lake so they catch the afternoon sun. West<br />
14 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Shawnigan Lake Park is great for families. It’s quieter<br />
than the other two and there’s some shade,<br />
but there’s more of a lawn than a beach.<br />
Love a Llama<br />
Millstream Miniature Llamas offers a guided tour<br />
of the farm for families and small groups. The tour<br />
includes an explanation of why llamas are special,<br />
the history of llamas in North and South America,<br />
how llamas interact with people and with each<br />
other, a discussion of the uses of llamas today,<br />
a chance to meet several llamas, experience a<br />
“llama kiss” and feel the fibre. Phone 250-478-<br />
9969 to arrange a tour. millstream-minis.com<br />
Behold the Bugs<br />
Welcome to the amazing world of insects, arachnids<br />
and their many-legged relatives. See live<br />
giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids,<br />
hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions,<br />
to name a few. Discover roughly 50 fascinating<br />
species including Canada’s largest ant farm.<br />
Masks are mandatory. To guarantee your spot<br />
at the time you’d like, book online at<br />
victoriabugzoo.ca.<br />
Take Flight<br />
At Wild Play Adventures you can soar through<br />
the air on six exhilarating zipline flights that crisscross<br />
through the treetops. A guide will attach<br />
your harness to each zipline along the way. Just<br />
lean back and enjoy the ride. Afterwards, try your<br />
hand—and eye—at axe throwing (12+). Open Fri–<br />
Mon from 10am–7pm. wildplay.com<br />
Visit the Farm<br />
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is located in Victoria’s<br />
beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Enjoy the farm animal<br />
experience, from alpacas to miniature goats, tropical<br />
birds and miniature pigs. The Farm is home to<br />
all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures and<br />
features a goat petting area and the famous goat<br />
stampedes. Open seasonally. For dates and hours<br />
visit beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca.<br />
Appreciate Art<br />
A visit to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a<br />
one-of-a-kind experience. The diversity of exhibits<br />
and programs is welcoming for all and there’s<br />
always something new to discover. On Thursdays<br />
from 5–9pm, admission is by donation. aggv.ca<br />
Find Out About Flying<br />
See airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters and more<br />
at the BC Aviation Museum. Learn about BC’s<br />
aviation history from early bush planes to water<br />
bombers and beyond. bcam.net<br />
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• Swim Camp<br />
• Yoga<br />
• Tennis Camp<br />
• Archery<br />
and more!<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 15
Get to Know Nanaimo & Area<br />
Bike at Top Bridge<br />
The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor<br />
Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the<br />
scenic Englishman River. The trail is 5km each<br />
way and winds through public and private property,<br />
with a number of access points (a local favourite<br />
is at Industrial Way and Tuan Road). Enter<br />
from the Chattell Road trailhead and you’ll be at<br />
the suspension bridge over the river. The Information<br />
Centre at the south end of town will provide<br />
directions. rdn.bc.ca/top-bridge-regional-trail<br />
Try Your Hand at Disc Golf<br />
Bowen Park Disc Golf is free and open to the<br />
public every day of the year. The par 54 course<br />
starts at a large, introductory sign that’s located<br />
across from the main complex building, near<br />
Bowen Road. For a course map and score card,<br />
visit nanaimo.ca.<br />
Hiking, biking and watching goats graze away<br />
the grassy roof in Coombs—Nanaimo and<br />
environs has it all. Follow the Nanaimo Bar<br />
Trail, play at Venture Land Playground and Splash<br />
Park, look waaaayyy up at Cathedral Grove or<br />
bike at Top Bridge. There’s something here for<br />
everyone!<br />
Brush Up on <strong>Island</strong> History<br />
Nanaimo District Museum offers guided and selfguided<br />
tours that encourage visitors to “Make<br />
a Discovery” while exploring the history and<br />
heritage of our area. The Museum Gallery is open<br />
from 10am–4pm, admission is by donation. The<br />
Bastion remains closed, and cannon firings have<br />
been cancelled until further notice.<br />
nanaimomuseum.ca<br />
Gander at the Goats<br />
Coombs Old Country Market is along Highway<br />
4A, on the way to Port Alberni from Parksville or<br />
Nanaimo. Wander the market, unique shops, galleries<br />
and studios for gifts, groceries and great<br />
food. There’s lots to see. Be sure to look up when<br />
you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod<br />
roof live there throughout the summer and “mow”<br />
the lawn. The Market is open from 9am–6pm.<br />
oldcountrymarket.com<br />
Take Your Best Shot at Mini Golf<br />
Sink some putts at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun<br />
Park (paradisefunpark.net) featuring two worldclass<br />
mini-golf courses complete with a mini lighthouse,<br />
pirate ship and Victorian mansion. Riptide<br />
Lagoon Adventure Golf (riptidelagoon.com) will<br />
whisk you away to another land filled with mini<br />
mountains, rapids and a research station.<br />
Play in the Park<br />
Lions Venture Land Playground and Splash Park is<br />
a landmark in the Parksville Community Park. Kids<br />
love the brightly coloured slides and sea creatures,<br />
swings, jungle gyms, in-ground trampolines<br />
and the ever popular Zipkrooze. Not only that, but<br />
there are horseshoe pits, a skate park, kite field,<br />
lacrosse box, sports field, ball diamonds, picnic<br />
shelter and gazebo.<br />
Go Underground at Horne Lake<br />
Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver<br />
<strong>Island</strong>’s Underworld in a subterranean adventure<br />
at Horne Lake Caves. A wide variety of tour options<br />
offers many levels of experience for families<br />
and adventurous park visitors. To reserve a tour,<br />
visit hornelake.com.<br />
Zip, Swing & Bungy at Wildplay<br />
At WildPlay Nanaimo, you start with a training session<br />
on the ground to get comfortable using the<br />
ziplines and continuous belay system. Then you’ll<br />
climb up a ladder and start making your way from<br />
tree to tree by walking across tightropes, climbing<br />
up cargo nets, sliding down ziplines, flying<br />
through the air on rope swings and leaping onto<br />
swinging logs and balancing on wobbly bridges.<br />
There’s a Kids Course, too. Feeling really brave?<br />
Then give bungy jumping and the primal swing a<br />
try. wildplay.com/nanaimo<br />
Look Waaayyy Up at Cathedral Grove<br />
Cathedral Grove–MacMillan Park is a day-use<br />
park just past Cameron Lake on Highway 4. View<br />
some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver<br />
<strong>Island</strong>, including over-800-year-old giants and<br />
lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system<br />
that winds through the park. Cathedral Grove is<br />
approximately 20 minutes from Parksville.<br />
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/macmillan<br />
Hike to the Falls<br />
Stamp River Provincial Park near Port Alberni is<br />
over 327 hectares of forests, rivers and waterfalls.<br />
16 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Explore the 2 kms of hiking trails along the river,<br />
past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting<br />
in late August, spawning Sockeye salmon begin<br />
making their way up the Stamp River. The park<br />
is a 20-minute drive from town on Beaver Creek<br />
Road.<br />
Spend a Day at the Beach<br />
Rathtrevor Beach is a three-mile stretch of sandy<br />
seaside, perfect for families craving a day at the<br />
beach, with water warm enough not only for<br />
wading, but for swimming, too! Stick around for<br />
the sunsets, often some of the most spectacular<br />
on the <strong>Island</strong>. The nearby BC Parks campground<br />
is also a family favourite. bcparks.ca/explore/<br />
parkpgs/rathtrevor<br />
Meet the Herd at Morningstar Farm<br />
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is just north of<br />
Parksville. Wander LQC’s Morningstar Farm, meet<br />
the small herd of Holstein, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss<br />
and Canadienne dairy cows and see how yummy,<br />
artisanal local cheeses are made. You can take<br />
your own self-guided tour around the 90 acres<br />
of beautiful working farm. Open daily 9am–6pm.<br />
403 Lowrys Road. morningstarfarm.ca<br />
Be Wowed by Wildlife<br />
North <strong>Island</strong> Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC)<br />
in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially<br />
for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care<br />
for these animals and eventually reintroduce<br />
them into their natural environment. See eagles<br />
through one-way glass in the largest flight cage<br />
of its kind in Canada. View bears, owls, falcons,<br />
hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRA offers activities<br />
and educational programs for the whole family.<br />
Open daily 9am–4:30pm. niwra.org<br />
Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail<br />
Looking for the ultimate Nanaimo Bar? Look no<br />
further than these top three options: Red’s Bakery,<br />
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery or Vault Café.<br />
Or follow the self-guided tasting trail<br />
(tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/sip-andsavour/nanaimo-bar-trail)<br />
where you’ll find<br />
everything from the classic Nanaimo Bar, the<br />
organic/vegan/raw/gluten bar and ice cream<br />
versions to maple bacon topped and deep fried<br />
Nanaimo Bars.<br />
Play in the Sand<br />
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long<br />
family-oriented festival runs from mid-July to the<br />
third week in August and includes the Quality<br />
Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition,<br />
weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market<br />
and a special weekend evening light up of the<br />
sculptures. parksvillebeachfest.ca<br />
St. Christopher’s Montessori School<br />
Offering an enriched<br />
and nurturing<br />
Montessori program<br />
Competitively priced<br />
independent school education<br />
Half day for 3 & 4 year olds<br />
Full day kindergarten<br />
Now Receiving<br />
the New CCFRI<br />
(Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative)<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>school $489/month<br />
Kindergarten $331/month<br />
stcmontessori.ca 250-595-3213<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> Kids Camps<br />
In Cowichan Bay<br />
Day Programs &<br />
Overnight Camps<br />
Register online now at cowichanbaykayaking.com<br />
250-597-3031 info@cowichanbaykayaking.com<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 17
WHAT’SFORDINNER<br />
Road Trip Food<br />
Travelling with kids is like taking your work on vacation.<br />
You still have to meet all the usual needs (food/sleep/<br />
laundry) while throwing in a bunch of extra jobs (cleaning<br />
sand out of the back of the car, ice cream highs, entertaining<br />
everyone during the long-distance drives).<br />
A little prep-ahead food goes a long way towards keeping<br />
everyone happy. Whether it’s lunch on the side of the road or<br />
just giving everyone enough calories to make it to your final<br />
destination, having a bag of go-to snacks is necessary.<br />
Here are a few prep ahead recipes that are perfect for packing<br />
into your lunch bag or cooler. They are easy to make,<br />
simple to serve, and packed with nutrition.<br />
Homemade Hummus<br />
Hummus is SOOO cheap and fun to make, I really don’t understand<br />
how grocery stores can justify the price of pre-made hummus.<br />
It’s also the perfect road trip lunch. Skip the soggy sandwiches and<br />
have this dip instead!<br />
I’ve written this recipe as a larger batch. This way you have<br />
enough to feed a bunch of hungry kids. Hummus also freezes really<br />
well, so if 4 cups is too much for your family, freeze smaller portions<br />
so you can enjoy your hummus all summer long!<br />
2 cans of chickpeas (2 x 14 oz cans)<br />
1 cup tahini roasted paste (raw tahini can taste bitter)<br />
1 ⁄2 cup lemon juice<br />
2 cloves of garlic<br />
1 to 2 tsp salt, to taste<br />
1⁄2 cup cold water<br />
1 ⁄4 cup olive oil<br />
Tex-Mex Dip<br />
This recipe is based on my go-to sandwich filling as a teenager.<br />
However, it is much nicer as a Tex-Mex alternative to hummus. A<br />
perfect dip for vegetables and corn chips at a road side lunch stop.<br />
Best of all...it’s ridiculously easy to make!<br />
1 can of refried beans (14 oz can)<br />
1 1 ⁄2 cups of salsa (mild, medium, or spicy)<br />
Optional 1 cup of finely shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)<br />
Simply mix the salsa into the refried beans. For a bit of added<br />
creaminess, stir in 1 cup of finely shredded cheese. Store in an airtight<br />
container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Like hummus, this dip<br />
can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Bonus tip: Frozen dips work<br />
great as ice packs for your cooler. A two-cup container will take<br />
about 1 day to fully defrost in the fridge or cooler.<br />
Optional Flavour Additions:<br />
Roasted red peppers<br />
Pesto<br />
Chopped olives<br />
Toasted pine nuts<br />
Za’atar spice mix<br />
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Combine the chickpeas, tahini,<br />
lemon juice, and garlic in a large blender or food processor. Blend<br />
until it starts to form a paste. Add a 1 ⁄2 cup of water. Then add more<br />
water 1 tbsp at a time until you have a smooth and creamy dip. The<br />
flavour additions can be pureed into the hummus at this point or<br />
added on top afterwards. After adding any additional flavours, taste<br />
the hummus and add salt. The exact amount of salt required will<br />
depend on the saltiness of the chickpeas. Scrape the hummus into<br />
an airtight container. Top with olive oil and any additional flavour<br />
toppings. Hummus will last in the fridge for up to 4 days, or up to 4<br />
months in the freezer.<br />
18 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Back Seat Snacks<br />
Having a good supply of snacks is a road trip necessity. It’s hard to<br />
eat well while travelling, so start with some healthy snacks and save<br />
the chips, cookies and ice cream for the road side cafes and diners.<br />
This list of snacks focuses on everything you need to feel good: fresh<br />
fruits and vegetables, protein and fiber.<br />
Vegetable Sticks: Stick with firm vegetables like carrots, celery,<br />
radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and sweet peas. Cucumber<br />
and coloured peppers just don’t last well on a long road trip. To add a<br />
bit of flavour to your vegetables, toss them with some fresh herbs (mint,<br />
basil, parsley or chives) and a pinch of salt.<br />
Fruit: Chopped fruit doesn’t last very well in a hot car. If you don’t<br />
have a cooler, stick with whole fruits instead. Better yet, stop off at a<br />
roadside fruit stand to pick up some fresh seasonal fruit!<br />
Nuts and Seeds: I love serving nuts and seeds because they are so<br />
good at filling kids up. The fat and protein are really sustaining. Make<br />
your own mixes with dried fruit, pretzels, cereal or candy-coated chocolate<br />
pieces. I don’t recommend chocolate chips because they’ll melt<br />
in a hot car. Also, don’t give nut mixes to young kids, as it is a choking<br />
hazard.<br />
Wholegrain Chips and Crackers: Wholegrain crackers (like flax<br />
crackers or brown rice cakes) and chips (like low-salt corn chips) are<br />
also hearty snack options. They tend to have more fibre and protein<br />
than other crackers, which means they’ll keep everyone full for longer.<br />
Salty Snacks: There are lots of snacks that seem to be healthy, but<br />
really are just an alternative potato chip. These include things like pea<br />
snacks, vegetable chips, etc. While these sometimes contain more fibre<br />
and protein than a typical potato chip, they are usually quite high in<br />
salt and fat, and are more of a treat than a snack. Choose homemade<br />
popcorn instead.<br />
Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her<br />
two busy children. You can find more of her recipes<br />
in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made<br />
Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com<br />
INSPIRED LEARNING<br />
INSPIRED LEARNING<br />
INSPIRED LEARNING<br />
INSPIRED LEARNING<br />
INSPIRED LEARNING<br />
Special Guests & Activities All <strong>Summer</strong>!<br />
Major Festival Support:<br />
Major Festival Support:<br />
Major Festival Support:<br />
Major Festival Support:<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 19
Chillin’ in the Cowichan Valley<br />
Walk among the totems or take a trip through the past, present and<br />
future at one of the local museums or discovery centres. Where else<br />
can you attend a meet-and-greet with raptors?! Explore the Cowichan<br />
River Footpath while you’re here or float down the river instead on an inner<br />
tube! What better way to spend the summer?!<br />
Ahoy! from the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre<br />
Originally an oceanfront boat-building workshop, this gorgeously restored<br />
building is now a museum and home to a variety of boats on display, along<br />
with the heritage of boat-building just waiting to be discovered. Build your<br />
own tiny boat or folding camp stool in the workshop with museum volunteers,<br />
or take part in camp activities that include crabbing off the dock, arts<br />
and crafts, boat building, water safety and more. classicboats.org<br />
Walk Among the Totems<br />
Duncan, aka “The City of Totems,” has over 40 beautifully carved totems<br />
scattered throughout the city, just waiting for you to take a self-guided walking<br />
tour. Follow the yellow footprints or take a virtual tour with an interactive<br />
map. Take as long as you want; stop along the way for a drink, treat, lunch<br />
or to browse the toy shop. downtownduncan.ca<br />
Change Your View of the World at Hand of Man<br />
Step inside this 17,000-square-foot museum of some of the most interesting<br />
personal collections in the world. Every bit of wall space is covered with a<br />
treasure, artifact, oddity or piece of culture and history. Don’t be surprised if<br />
the owner curator Jim Shockey joins you and starts talking about his incredible<br />
world-wide adventures over the last 40 years. This museum is a rarity<br />
and treasure all to itself. handofmanmuseum.com<br />
All Aboard at the BC Forest Discovery Centre<br />
Take a trip through the past, present and future on 100 acres! Forestry and<br />
logging take an important place in history and our present-day-lives, all<br />
captured in the Forests Forever interactive exhibit. No visit is complete without<br />
a locomotive ride across the spectacular grounds and over the Somenos<br />
Lake trestle. Plan on lunch from the concessions or bring your own picnic.<br />
bcforestdiscoverycentre.com<br />
Gear up for Biking<br />
Bring your bikes and ride the trails! Hundreds of kilometres of trails for all<br />
levels of ability. Enjoy the lush forests, the vistas, waterfalls, and the adrenaline.<br />
Camps and clinics for kids 8–14 are available at Next Level Riding<br />
(nextlevelriding.ca). Need a bike rental to get started? Check out Cycle<br />
Therapy in Duncan to get on a bike and start seeing the sights of Cowichan<br />
from a whole new perspective (cycletherapy.ca).<br />
Cool Down on the Cowichan River<br />
Dive into the fun of tubing down the Cowichan River with a leisurely but<br />
exhilarating floating experience. It’s Vancouver <strong>Island</strong>’s best kept secret for<br />
cooling off in the slow-moving, crystal clear waters of the Cowichan River.<br />
Rent a tube at The Tube Shack where you’ll find licensed and insured tube<br />
rentals and complimentary shuttle back to Lake Cowichan. Then sit back,<br />
and relax on this journey down the Cowichan River.<br />
cowichanriver.com<br />
Spend the day at Transfer Beach<br />
One of Ladysmith’s gems, Transfer Beach is a seaside park that will keep the<br />
little ones entertained for hours. Swimming, spray parks, playgrounds and<br />
sheltered picnic areas—all surrounded by flora and fauna, viewpoints and<br />
lookouts. Pick up a game of basketball, horseshoes or sand volleyball then<br />
grab a bite and drink at the concessions and food trucks. This beach has it<br />
all, and is centrally located right off Trans-Canada highway. ladysmith.ca<br />
20 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Let Your Spirit Soar with The Raptors<br />
The Raptors, 10 minutes north of Duncan, invites you to meet some of the<br />
coolest birds in the world. Check out the flying demonstrations featuring<br />
eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. Want to get closer? Take a walk through<br />
the woods with a hawk, hold a falcon on your glove, meet an owl face to<br />
beak or spend an entire day immersing yourself in the world of raptors.<br />
pnwraptors.com<br />
Fall in Love with Stocking Creek Falls<br />
This gentle waterfall is situated just north of Chemainus in the seaside community<br />
of Saltair. Part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, this easy path to the waterfall<br />
is full of wildlife, birds, trees, flowers and fresh air. Pick a salmonberry<br />
along the way and count all the owls in the tall trees. Enter Stocking Creek<br />
Park from Chemainus Rd. cvrd.bc.ca<br />
Explore the Cowichan River Footpath<br />
The lower stretch of the footpath, from the Cowichan Fish and Game Association<br />
clubhouse to Skutz Falls, is a well-maintained trail, beautiful at any<br />
time of the year. You’ll also find many excellent picnicking spots. There is a<br />
2.4-km circle route to Holt Creek and a 6.4-km circle route with good picnic<br />
spots. Maps can be picked up at Duncan Visitor Information Centre.<br />
Hunt for Fairies at Merridale Cidery & Distillery<br />
Explore Merridale’s 20-acre apple orchard in Cobble Hill and learn about<br />
apple trees, indigenous plant life and little known facts about Cowichan.<br />
This tour also highlights “Merri and Dale”—the magical apple blossom<br />
fairies living on the property. Pick up a “Mystical Orchard Adventure Map”<br />
to search for fairies, dryads, hobgoblins, gnomes and elves or download<br />
it at merridale.ca.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 21
FAMILY<br />
RESOURCE<br />
DIRECTORY<br />
The Family Resource<br />
Directory is designed<br />
to highlight the caring<br />
community that we are<br />
a part of. This directory<br />
showcases organizations<br />
and businesses that provide<br />
services and support for<br />
families and children.<br />
Navigate is an award-winning<br />
school, recognized nationally and<br />
internationally for our innovative<br />
approach to blended learning.<br />
We’ve implemented the new BC<br />
curriculum and built unique, flexible<br />
learning options for every student.<br />
This allows us to meet a diverse<br />
range of student needs, abilities<br />
and learning styles.<br />
Discover more at<br />
NavigateNIDES.com<br />
Thriving Roots<br />
Wilderness School<br />
Thriving Roots provides hands-on, wilderness<br />
education and counselling services for youth<br />
and adults. Our year-long programs and summer<br />
camps are immersive in nature, fostering<br />
connection to land and community through<br />
earth-based skills, play, music and more.<br />
thrivingroots.org info@thrivingroots.org<br />
Poke Around<br />
the Pacific Rim<br />
Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike<br />
one of the many raiforest trails through Pacific<br />
Rim National Park. Bookeneded by Ucluelet<br />
on one side and Tofino on the other, the area<br />
offers a wealth of natural wonders.<br />
Visit the Saturday Market<br />
Throughout the summer until mid-October, you<br />
can experience something truly local—the Market’s<br />
motto is “ake it, bake it, grow it and gather<br />
it.” The festive atmosphere is fun for the whole<br />
family with live music, delish food and unique<br />
local products.<br />
Rent a Bike<br />
Tofino has a 7km long paved bike path that runs<br />
from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing<br />
by several beaches along the way. This is a<br />
multi-use path (MUP), so you could be sharing the<br />
route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and<br />
the occasional surfer with a board tucked under<br />
their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com.<br />
Hang 10 in Tofino<br />
Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right<br />
place. Here are three rental places and surfing<br />
schools In Tofino:<br />
Surf Sister surfsister.com<br />
Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com<br />
Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca<br />
Watch Whales<br />
A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean<br />
Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed<br />
boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus<br />
sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters,<br />
bald eagles and more. Discounts available for<br />
youth and children, with kids 3 and under being<br />
free (one/booking).<br />
See the Sawmill<br />
McLean Mill National Historic Site will be open<br />
for self-guided tours with maps available outside<br />
the administration office. The Mill will also be<br />
offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates<br />
and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam<br />
Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed.<br />
Campground is open, with online booking available.<br />
mcleanmill.ca<br />
Explore the Trails<br />
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: the stretch of<br />
Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and<br />
Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic<br />
seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the<br />
Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-<br />
Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails,<br />
beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca<br />
Get Wild on the WPT<br />
The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park: follow<br />
cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including<br />
the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the<br />
sights from viewing platforms situated at the best<br />
headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs,<br />
raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and<br />
ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections:<br />
Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach.<br />
wildpacifictrail.com<br />
Littles to the Lighthouse<br />
Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and<br />
2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute<br />
loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk.<br />
The trail includes frequent viewpoints and<br />
benches for watching whales, birds or catching<br />
the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a<br />
300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!).<br />
wildpacifictrail.com for maps and descriptions of<br />
sections. wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html<br />
Learn About Local Marine Life<br />
Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-andrelease<br />
aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity<br />
of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail from<br />
June 1–Aug 30 with five self-led learning experi-<br />
22 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine
ences between Tofino and Ucluelet. Open every<br />
day, including holidays, from 10am–4:30pm.<br />
uclueletaquarium.org<br />
Get Out in the Garden<br />
The idea of the garden is that it can be both a<br />
basic introduction to the natural and cultural history<br />
of Clayoquot Sound, and a place where the<br />
relationship between culture and nature can be<br />
explored. A COVID-friendly way to spend a day<br />
in Tofino “just to set the heart free.” Now open<br />
seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.<br />
tofinobotanicalgardens.com<br />
Try Out Tuff City Skatepark<br />
Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built<br />
and powered by the determination of local residents.<br />
The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding<br />
area for the young and old, those who<br />
are learning or the experienced skateboarders.<br />
tourismtofino.com/plan-your-trip/businessdirectory/tuff-city-skatepark<br />
NEW!<br />
Kid<br />
Zone<br />
Peninsula<br />
Since 1991<br />
Story<br />
Time<br />
for<br />
Kids<br />
Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park<br />
This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition<br />
to its outdoor playground. The park is located<br />
beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a<br />
pump track, table top jumps, a learning area, ladder<br />
planks and other natural obstacles. The park<br />
is “use at your own risk” so think safety first when<br />
biking in the park.<br />
Indulge in Gelato<br />
Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours<br />
including Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel,<br />
White Chocolate Raspberry, Hammerhead—a<br />
secret recipe—“Kookville” and Lavender Honey,<br />
to name a few. With a menu that’s “sometimes<br />
seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never<br />
know what you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com<br />
CORN<br />
HOLE!<br />
Saturdays 9am – 1pm<br />
June 3 – Oct 7 at Saanich Fairground<br />
1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Brentwood Bay/Saanichton<br />
Weekly Kid Zone Activities<br />
Storytime: 9:30am<br />
Interactive Educational Activities: 11am<br />
Full schedule on our website:<br />
peninsulacountrymarket.ca<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 23
KIDS’READS<br />
Seas, Trees & a Gentle Breeze<br />
It is a wonderful time to enjoy the feel<br />
of sand beneath our feet and the smell<br />
of the ocean as the breeze wafts it over<br />
us. Or to feel warm rain drops as they<br />
splash on our cheeks and listen to them<br />
plinking off of roofs and windows as we<br />
enjoy the smell of petrichor rising from<br />
the grass. If the last few years have taught<br />
us anything at all, it’s that small moments<br />
are worth relishing. It’s good to be<br />
outside no matter the weather. And that<br />
we can accomplish great things when we<br />
work together.<br />
The first story really highlights those<br />
truths. The Great Global Pause by Maggie<br />
Reidy and illustrated by Andrew<br />
Sharp (Self-Published/Friesen<strong>Pre</strong>ss, 2021)<br />
looks back over the pandemic through<br />
wouldn’t help him and the government<br />
was too busy to do anything except give<br />
him a bag of bamboo seedlings to plant<br />
on his own. Returning home, he picked<br />
an abandoned sandbar and began his<br />
lifelong work of growing a forest. Once<br />
again, the illustrations in this book are<br />
stunning. They’re warm, colourful and<br />
filled with enough details that your children<br />
will be able to look at the picture<br />
over and over again and notice something<br />
new each time. For ages 4 to 7.<br />
The second book about trees is Elinor<br />
Wonders Why: Forest Giants by Jorge<br />
Cham and Daniel Whiteson (Kids Can<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>ss, 2020). This graphic novel, which<br />
is based off of the TV show by the same<br />
name, is bright, colourful and filled with<br />
the eyes of Grandmother Turtle and a<br />
young child. They talk about how this<br />
pause helped humans learn to love and<br />
appreciate each other and work together,<br />
and how it helped the environment rebalance<br />
itself. As an added bonus, Reidy is<br />
a Registered Clinical Counsellor, so she<br />
wrote different coping tools and advice<br />
throughout the story without pulling the<br />
reader out of the tale. For ages 5 to 9.<br />
Another book that takes place in<br />
the ocean is Whales to the Rescue by<br />
Adrienne Mason and illustrated by Kim<br />
Smith (Kids Can <strong>Pre</strong>ss, 2022), which is<br />
a non-fiction book all about whales and<br />
the unique ways they help us save the<br />
environment. Unlike many non-fiction<br />
books about whales, Whales to the Rescue<br />
doesn’t feature photographs. But the<br />
phenomenally detailed illustrations are<br />
rich with colour and vibrant with life.<br />
They are fantastic, and it is worth getting<br />
the book just to look at the pictures. For<br />
ages 8 to 12.<br />
Now it’s time to move on to stories<br />
about trees. The first is a The Forest<br />
Keeper by Rina Singh and illustrated by<br />
Ishita Jain (North South, <strong>2023</strong>). This<br />
true story happened in India. Every year<br />
during the monsoon season the river<br />
spills over its banks wrecking havoc on<br />
the plant life and taking the soil with<br />
it (before depositing new soil as it recedes).<br />
One year, in 1979 a 16-year-old<br />
boy decides to do something to protect<br />
the land he loves. However, his elders<br />
Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria with her husband,<br />
children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour<br />
and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming<br />
books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com. Facebook: facebook.com/<br />
christinavanstarkenburg and Twitter: @Christina_VanS.<br />
facts about trees as Elinor and her friends<br />
go on a field trip to learn about sequoias.<br />
If your child is a budding forest ecologist,<br />
or even just a bit curious about how tall<br />
trees can grow and why they don’t fall<br />
over like a tower of blocks (which is also<br />
a question they answer in the book), they<br />
will enjoy this story. For ages 4 to 7.<br />
Finally, to round it out is Our Green<br />
City by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated<br />
by Colleen Larmour (Kids Can <strong>Pre</strong>ss,<br />
2022). The point of this book is to show<br />
24 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Register Now for <strong>Summer</strong> Programs<br />
For Kids who LOVE to Swim<br />
• Daily <strong>Summer</strong> Skills at 4pm or 5pm<br />
(register by the week)<br />
• 1/2 day camps 9:00—noon<br />
Aug 8—11 and 14—18<br />
Swimmers must be able to complete 25 metres unassisted<br />
IMPROVE SKILLS INCREASE ENDURANCE HAVE FUN<br />
Register online at<br />
www.islandswimming.com/programinfo<br />
More information<br />
info@islandswimming.com<br />
(250) 7445536<br />
children that living green doesn’t just<br />
have to happen in the wild spaces like the<br />
ocean or deserted riverbed, it can also<br />
happen within our cities. Our Green City<br />
teaches children the many ways that cities<br />
can be green from using wind power to<br />
community gardens to safe active transportation.<br />
Each page ends with a question<br />
for you and your child to discuss or<br />
a clue for something to find within Larmours<br />
illustrations. For ages 4 to 7.<br />
And there you have it: five new books<br />
for you to enjoy this summer to remind<br />
your children that learning and fun can<br />
happen together. I hope you find something<br />
to inspire you in the pages of these<br />
five books. I really enjoyed learning<br />
about plants, animals and city planning<br />
as I was reading them.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 25
Explore the Gulf <strong>Island</strong>s<br />
Want to see wildlife? You’ve come to the right<br />
place. You’ll find black-tailed deer, seals,<br />
whales, song birds, sea birds, sea lions<br />
and porpoises. Biking, hiking and kayaking are<br />
some of the best ways to explore the islands. So<br />
choose your mode of transport—be that on your<br />
feet or seat—and get going!<br />
Meet You at the Market<br />
Salt Spring Saturday Market on the waterfront in<br />
Ganges is famous for a reason: there’s lots to see<br />
and do. Oh, yeah…and the Salt Spring fruitsicles!<br />
You’ll find 140+ stallholders who, between April<br />
to October from 9am–4pm, sell what they make,<br />
bake or grow. saltspringmarket.com<br />
See the Seashells at the Seashore<br />
Montague Harbour was declared the province’s<br />
first marine park in 1959 and the area has been<br />
home to Coast Salish people for over 3,800<br />
years. You’ll find middens made of discarded<br />
clam, oyster and abalone shells. Crushed by<br />
storms and bleached by the sun, the shells have<br />
created beautiful white beaches, perfect for exploring.<br />
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/montague<br />
Play in Paradise<br />
Visit Big Tribune Bay on Hornby <strong>Island</strong>, dubbed<br />
“Hawaii of the North” for its crystal-clear blue waters<br />
and sweeping sandy beach. With lots of tidal<br />
pools to explore at low tide, this Hornby favourite<br />
provides a day’s worth of to-dos so pack a picnic<br />
and beach toys and kick off your shoes.<br />
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/tribune<br />
Commandeer a Kayak<br />
Go kayaking on Galiano <strong>Island</strong> with a kayak from<br />
Gulf <strong>Island</strong> Kayaking and see the sandstone<br />
shoreline and maybe even a whale or two. As<br />
the original kayak outfitter in the Southern Gulf<br />
<strong>Island</strong>s, the owners chose Galiano <strong>Island</strong> as its<br />
base because of the exceptional beauty of the<br />
island’s undeveloped coastline, the abundance<br />
of diverse wildlife and the reliable tranquility of<br />
its sheltered waters. For rates and tours, visit<br />
seakayak.ca.<br />
Find the Mountain Fairies<br />
Follow the Fairy Door Trail at Mount Erskine on<br />
Salt Spring. A good, stiff hike up the 488-metre<br />
mountain takes you past twisted trees, mossy<br />
forest floors and an assortment of fairy doors. Be<br />
forewarned: the first door is further along the trail<br />
than you might expect. For details and a map,<br />
visit travelingislanders.com/enchanted-fairydoor-trail-on-salt-spring-island.<br />
Hit the Hilltops<br />
Explore Helliwell Park on Hornby <strong>Island</strong> and take<br />
in some incredible views. This 5km hike is stroller<br />
friendly, with an all-terrainer. The expansive grass<br />
26 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
fields mean lots of room to roam, but beware of<br />
the steep cliffs!<br />
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/helliwell<br />
Ramble on the Ridge<br />
Hike along Galiano’s 75km+ of trails. One of the<br />
best hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in<br />
Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. At the top, 328<br />
metres above sea level, you’ll have a spectacular<br />
view of Trincomali Channel. Watch for endangered<br />
peregrine falcons in this safe critical habitat.<br />
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/bodega_ridge<br />
BEYOND THE STARRY NIGHT<br />
Roam at Roesland<br />
Walk the trail to beautiful Roe Lake on North<br />
Pender <strong>Island</strong> and take a dip. Roesland Park is<br />
another outpost of Gulf <strong>Island</strong>s National Park<br />
Reserve; while you’re here, explore the Pender<br />
<strong>Island</strong> Museum.<br />
Visit Vesuvius<br />
Vesuvius Beach on the northwest coast of Salt<br />
Spring <strong>Island</strong> has the warmest swimming waters<br />
and stunning sunsets. Another place to swim on<br />
Salt Spring is at St. Mary’s Lake where you’ll find<br />
a small public beach and, not too far from the<br />
beach, a rope swing popular with locals. Cusheon<br />
and Stowell Lakes are also popular with families.<br />
discoversaltspring.com/vesuvius<br />
Say Cheese!<br />
Visit the Salt Spring <strong>Island</strong> Cheese Company and<br />
take a peek through one of the viewing windows<br />
into the cheesemaking facility. Stay for lunch at<br />
the café and choose from housemade soups,<br />
pizza, salad and a delicious goat cheese cake for<br />
dessert. saltspringcheese.com<br />
Try Out the Tree House Café<br />
In Ganges and set amidst the trees, this quaint<br />
and quirky restaurant is a local favourite, one that<br />
Lonely Planet called “the kind of place where a<br />
hobbit would feel at home.” treehousecafe.ca<br />
Scream for Ice Cream<br />
To cool down, drop by Lix Ice Cream & Espresso<br />
on Hornby <strong>Island</strong>. You’ll know you’ve arrived<br />
when you see the building at Ringside Market,<br />
painted with as many colours as there are ice<br />
cream flavours. 7am–3pm.<br />
facebook.com/LixHornby<br />
ON SALE NOW<br />
JUNE 20–AUGUST 20<br />
VanGoghVictoria.com<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 27
Discover the Comox Valley<br />
Peruse the Courtenay Museum<br />
& Palaeontnology Centre<br />
Find out why the Comox Valley, past and present,<br />
is one of the most plentiful places on earth. Take<br />
a fossil tour and travel 80 million years back in<br />
time; browse the galleries to delve into the stories<br />
that make our history come alive. Open Tues–Sat<br />
from 10am–4pm. courtenaymuseum.ca<br />
Sway on the Suspension Bridge<br />
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Just a 30-minute<br />
walk from the parking lot, the suspension bridge<br />
gives a bird’s eye view of Elk Falls, cascading 64<br />
metres to the canyon below. The high wire sides<br />
mean you can relax and enjoy the view without<br />
worrying about any climbing kids. The area is well<br />
signed. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls<br />
Surrounded by rolling mountains, lush forests<br />
and gorgeous beaches—not to mention parks<br />
galore!—the Comox Valley is the perfect<br />
place for outdoor recreation activities and kicking<br />
back. Feel like ziplining through the trees at Mt.<br />
Washington? You can. Rather keep your feet on<br />
the ground with a trip to a museum, fish hatchery<br />
or aquarium? You’ve come to the right place!<br />
Cool Off at Rotary Water Park<br />
The water park is located at Lewis Park, next to<br />
the Lewis Centre parking lot at 489 Old <strong>Island</strong><br />
Highway. Other nearby features include the outdoor<br />
pool, wading pool and playground area at<br />
Lewis Park. Open daily throughout the summer:<br />
10am–7pm.<br />
Splish at Comox Marina’s Splash Park<br />
Splash around in the Comox Valley’s newest<br />
splash park complete with a pirate ship. Open<br />
between 10am and 8pm daily, throughout the<br />
summer season. The park is a popular destination<br />
for families taking in the warm weather while<br />
visiting Marina Park. Nearby are food trucks, playgrounds,<br />
washrooms and a boat launch.<br />
Filmore Park Petting Zoo<br />
Walk, grunt, squeak and squawk with the animals!<br />
Hands-on Farm is Comox’s very own petting zoo<br />
for animal lovers of all ages. Located in Filberg<br />
Heritage Park. Open daily throughout the summer,<br />
10am–4pm. filberg.com<br />
See the Standing in the Gap Exhibit<br />
Campbell River Museum’s Sybil’s Students: A<br />
Local Legacy exhibit is a stunning example of the<br />
comradery of the classroom and how the expertise<br />
and mentorship of Sybil shines brightly in the<br />
work of her students. Open daily during the summer<br />
from 10am–5pm. crmuseum.ca<br />
Wonder About Whales<br />
Look up at the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph<br />
Cove and you’ll see the 18-metre skeleton<br />
of a fin whale hanging from the ceiling. Walk<br />
between the jawbones of a blue whale or check<br />
out the skull of a sperm whale with giant teeth.<br />
Housed in an old freight shed, the interactive<br />
museum’s goal is to increase public awareness<br />
about whales and other local marine mammals<br />
and the threats they face. killerwhalecentre.org<br />
Catch a Fish<br />
Cast a line from Discovery Pier and see what you<br />
catch. Or pack a picnic and sit at one of the tables<br />
on the pier for dining al fresco. There’s a concession<br />
stand nearby that sells ice cream and rents<br />
fishing rods in the summer.<br />
campbellriver.travel/attractions/discovery-pier<br />
Zip-pidy Do Da<br />
Unfold your wings and fly on Mt. Washington’s<br />
“Eagle’s Flight” ZipTour. This dual-line, four-span<br />
zip line offers an adrenaline-filled and scenic<br />
adventure down the terrain of the Mt. Washington<br />
Alpine Resort. The total tour length is 1.44-milelong<br />
with a vertical drop of 1,364 feet! Or skip the<br />
zip and take a chairlift ride to the summit to see<br />
breathtaking mountain and ocean views.<br />
Open weekends, book in advance at<br />
mountwashington.ca.<br />
Go Go-Carting<br />
The Saratoga Speedway provides family-friendly<br />
entertainment and activities. Get a ride in a monster<br />
truck, race a go-cart or watch the action at a<br />
Crash to Pass race featuring everything from travel<br />
trailers to boats! For a current racing, schedule<br />
visit saratogaracing.ca.<br />
Discover Local Marine Species<br />
The Discovery Passage Aquarium features local<br />
marine species and habitats from the Discovery<br />
Passage. The Aquarium offers education and fun<br />
hands-on experiences that are suitable for all<br />
ages. With a focus on conservation and education,<br />
the Aquarium will re-open this summer with<br />
the species that are collected in the spring being<br />
released in the fall.<br />
Make a Quick Stop at the Quinsam<br />
As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities,<br />
the Quinsam River Hatchery plays a vital role<br />
in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell<br />
and Quinsam Rivers during the fall. Check<br />
out the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive<br />
centre, a glass floor covering a re-creation of the<br />
nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native<br />
aquatic species. Check for re-opening and hours.<br />
pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/hatcheriesecloseries/quinsam-eng.html<br />
Celebrate the Return<br />
of <strong>Island</strong>s Folk Festival<br />
<strong>Island</strong>s Folk Festival resumes live performances<br />
at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 21–23.<br />
With on-site camping, a “Wee Folks” kid zone,<br />
shuttle service, beverage garden and food and<br />
craft vendors, this family-friendly event will feature<br />
great music and performers, craft vendors<br />
and family fun. For a full list of performers visit<br />
islandsfolkfestival.ca.<br />
28 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 29
PLAY<br />
Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival<br />
This all-ages weekend festival is BC’s largest Bluegrass and old-time<br />
music festival. Grab your tickets now and head out to Lake Cowichan<br />
from June 16–18 to enjoy a weekend filled with music, food and fun.<br />
Campsites are available to book. Anyone under age 17 is FREE if they’re<br />
with an adult and there will be on-site performance workshops and<br />
musical education to increase your music appreciation.<br />
cowichanbluegrass.com<br />
NANAIMO & AREA<br />
COWICHAN VALLEY<br />
Father’s Day in the Park<br />
This Father’s Day (June 18) all fathers and father figures should head<br />
to Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo to be celebrated! There will be free<br />
food, activities, exhibits, classic cars, live music, face painting and lots<br />
of opportunities to make fun family memories.<br />
themenscentre.ca<br />
CRX’s Stars of Tomorrow<br />
Buy your tickets now to see Campbell River’s best dancers as<br />
they show off their moves on June 16 at the Tidemark Theatre. These<br />
award-winning CR DanceXtreme Inc. students have competed on stages<br />
around our province and are next headed to LA in July to compete!<br />
tidemarktheatre.com<br />
COMOX VALLEY<br />
GREATER VICTORIA<br />
Father’s Day & <strong>Summer</strong> Fair<br />
at Heritage Acres<br />
Have a fun filled family day at Heritage Acres the weekend of<br />
June 16–17! Not only will you get to see the agricultural demos,<br />
the heritage museum, field tours, tractor pulling and everything<br />
else Heritage Acres is known for, you’ll also be treated to family<br />
entertainment and refreshments!<br />
heritageacresbc.com<br />
Need help with the Affordable Child Care Benefit?<br />
Looking for child care? Taking care of children?<br />
Need child care training?<br />
Call your local CCRR for free referrals and resources.<br />
Victoria & Gulf <strong>Island</strong>s: 250-382-7000<br />
Sooke: 250-642-5152 ext 239 West Shore: 250-940-4882<br />
Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231<br />
PacificCare (Ladysmith North): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273<br />
gov.bc.ca/ChildCareResourceReferralCentres<br />
Your community’s best source of<br />
child care information and resources.<br />
Funding for the CCRR is provided by the province of B.C.<br />
30 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
PRESCHOOL&CHILDCARESPOTLIGHT<br />
ENROLL<br />
TODAY!<br />
Come Learn & Grow with Us!<br />
FULL TIME 3–5 DAYCARE<br />
PART TIME PRESCOOL<br />
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE<br />
Cloverdale Childcare Society<br />
Vic West Site<br />
at Vic West Elementary School<br />
cloverdalechildcare.com<br />
250.995.1766 cloverdale@shawbiz.ca<br />
Licensed child care facility with spots available for children<br />
aged 3-5 years. Contact us to book a tour today!<br />
Victoria Social Innovation Centre: 1004 North Park St<br />
littlephoenixchildcare.ca<br />
director@littlephoenixchildcare.ca 778-269-2273<br />
Christ Church Cathedral Childcare<br />
& Jr. Kindergarten..................250-383-5132<br />
ECE and specialist teachers provide an<br />
outstanding all day licensed program for<br />
2.5–5 year olds at our Fairfield and<br />
Gordon Head locations.<br />
cathedralschool.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-School<br />
Junior Kindergarten<br />
PacificChristian.ca<br />
250-479-4532<br />
Educational Excellence to the Glory of God<br />
SEEDLINGS<br />
Forest Education<br />
Where nature becomes the Teacher!<br />
Seedlings Forest Education is a Nature based program<br />
that includes After School Care, Nature <strong>Pre</strong>school, <strong>Parent</strong><br />
Workshops, Saturday Seedlings, <strong>Summer</strong> Camps and more!<br />
250-880-0660 seedlingsforesteducation.com<br />
Nestled on 4 acres of lush west coast forest, our Award<br />
winning, Nature based program will not disappoint!<br />
While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our<br />
dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third<br />
teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day.<br />
Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the<br />
trees from our forest. Come take a virtual tour on our website!<br />
lexieslittlebears.ca Waitlist: 250-590-3603<br />
BC Award of Excellence in Childcare & Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 31
BUSINESSES<br />
YOUNEEDTOKNOW<br />
These local businesses are family-focused and<br />
committed to our community and helping you.<br />
EXPLORE<br />
Pick a Park<br />
3 apps to help you choose<br />
Are you ready to explore Vancouver <strong>Island</strong>’s nature<br />
playgrounds this summer?<br />
It is wonderful to see families spending time in<br />
nature and taking advantage of the many seasonal activities<br />
that Parks Canada places have to offer. As you guide your<br />
family in appreciating the outdoors, it is important that they<br />
be equipped with the essential tools to do so responsibly and<br />
safely. Technology is now a part of our daily life, and there<br />
are three apps that will help you plan a safe and memorable<br />
adventure.<br />
local innovative theatre<br />
n e v er b orin g<br />
visit<br />
skam.ca<br />
today<br />
Parks Canada National App<br />
Booking a campsite ahead of time is one of the most important<br />
steps to avoid disappointment when planning your<br />
summer holiday. Many accommodations, like Green Point<br />
Campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, sell<br />
out months in advance. Since unauthorized camping is not<br />
permitted in national park reserves and surrounding communities,<br />
if you do not have a reservation you may have to<br />
travel far to find somewhere to stay overnight. The Parks<br />
Canada National App is a great one-stop shop to access<br />
Parks Canada’s reservation system, learn more about the area<br />
you will be visiting and find out about how to visit respectfully,<br />
such as always keeping your dog on a leash and never<br />
leaving food unattended. Download it at parks.canada.ca/<br />
multimedia/apps.<br />
CampBOB<br />
Where Adventure Begins<br />
Rock Climbing<br />
Tubing<br />
Archery<br />
Canoeing<br />
Games<br />
Campfires<br />
campbob.ca<br />
Advertise your<br />
family-friendly<br />
business here!<br />
info@islandparent.ca<br />
CoastSmart App<br />
Beautiful beaches like the one on Sidney Spit in Gulf <strong>Island</strong>s<br />
National Park Reserve or the iconic Long Beach in Pacific<br />
Rim National Park Reserve may seem like a vast sandy<br />
playground, but there are many hazards to be aware of to<br />
keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The CoastSmart App<br />
provides helpful information on how to safely explore the sea<br />
and beaches. Plan your family beach time by downloading<br />
the CoastSmart App at CoastSmart.ca.<br />
Adventure Smart App<br />
When spending time in nature, one of the most important<br />
things you can do to is make a trip plan and tell someone<br />
where you are going and when you are planning to return.<br />
However, this simple task can be overwhelming for many<br />
parents as they are busy planning activities for the kids or<br />
packing the right clothes for the weather. The Adventure<br />
Smart App is an excellent tool that simplifies creating a trip<br />
plan. To learn more, visit the Adventure Smart website at<br />
adventuresmart.ca/trip-plan-app.<br />
Teaching our children to enjoy nature’s playground safely<br />
and respectfully is essential for us as well as the planet.<br />
Let’s all do our part to protect and preserve these special<br />
places while we are out there enjoying nature. Remember be<br />
#ParkSmart and always plan ahead!<br />
32 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
&<br />
Tweens Teens<br />
Vol V, Ed III<br />
Conversations On<br />
Substance Use<br />
Let<br />
Them<br />
Talk<br />
Speaking of—& About—Sex
Speaking of—& About!—Sex<br />
Elvis’s gyrating hips. Madonna’s cross-adorned bodice. Nikki’s ode to the<br />
anaconda. Decades apart yet these media moguls all share the same<br />
thing: a real-time illustration that oversimplifies and objectifies the complexities<br />
of sexuality. Who receives the bulk of this exposure? Our youth.<br />
Day in and day out, they’re bombarded with images and messages that<br />
often depict sexuality as a simple act or performance. Exposure to these<br />
messages happens at the same time their natural awareness of and curiosities<br />
about sexuality also begin to occupy more of their time. For years, I<br />
have watched as the media has taken up more and more space in shaping<br />
the sexuality of our youth. Many of the questions I hear in workshops and<br />
through our youth texting line can be traced back to the influence of the<br />
media on sexuality. Questions and concerns about the size, appearance,<br />
and function of genitals and whether everyone else is actually “#netflixandchilling.”<br />
These concerns are often prefaced by, “I read on this website…a movie<br />
I was watching or my friend saw….” The motivation for these questions is<br />
rooted in the media and the messages that more often than not simplify<br />
and portray sexuality through a narrow lens. Whether it’s popular media,<br />
social media or restricted content media intended for adults, aka pornography,<br />
we’re receiving information that has the potential to diminish<br />
and limit positive definitions and understandings of and experiences with<br />
sexuality, if we let it.<br />
As adults, the messages we receive may cause us to laugh, shake our<br />
head in disapproval, flush with embarrassment and sometimes, yes, even<br />
be turned on. The key difference between us as adults and our youth is<br />
that most adults have developed maturity and the skills to understand,<br />
accept, challenge or as the youth often say “un-see” these messages.<br />
I believe that our youth hold the same capacity, but they haven’t had<br />
the life experience yet to fully realize this. This is where our role as the<br />
supportive adults around them cannot be underestimated. Without a<br />
guide on the side of these messages, there is potential for the media to<br />
become a trusted and reliable source of (mis)information and education<br />
for youth. This is especially true for youth who lack strong connections to<br />
family, trusted adults and community resources.<br />
So how do we work with youth to challenge these messages and help<br />
them realize the potentially joyous experience of the puzzle we know as<br />
sexuality? My experience as a sexual health educator tells me the answer<br />
lies in conversations focused on what they are not seeing in the media.<br />
They know all too well what’s not being left to the imagination! These<br />
conversations will help empower them to practice critical thinking as they<br />
begin to sort and place all of the developing pieces of their own sexuality<br />
puzzle. The four major puzzle pieces most commonly absent in the media:<br />
communication, consent, comfort and care.<br />
Communication. Our biggest skill when it comes to exploring, understanding<br />
and sharing our sexuality is communication. Yet when sexuality is<br />
portrayed, there is often little to no communication between friends, partners<br />
or families unless it’s in the context of ridicule or humour. The very<br />
act of speaking with and listening to our youth about big life topics is role<br />
modelling engaged and active communication. Sexuality and the decision<br />
to share your sexuality with a partner require strong, assertive and intentional<br />
communication. An opportunity to practice communication not only<br />
helps youth to communicate in the relationships they may choose to have<br />
but also for their sexual health care.<br />
Consent. An essential factor in healthy sexuality and sharing those<br />
experiences with a partner is consent. One of the articulate youth I work<br />
with recently defined consent as a “positive and free agreement to share<br />
yourself and experience physically and emotionally in a sexual way with<br />
another person.” Active and enthusiastic consent is sadly rarely ever<br />
shown between sexual partners in current media—it is implied and assumed<br />
through gestures, disrobing and action. Now more than ever, we<br />
must chat realistically with our youth about when consent is legal and how<br />
to give and receive consent in a natural and comfortable way with respect.<br />
It is too important to assume that we all have the same understanding of<br />
consent. Consent is not implication and assumption; it’s a positive and<br />
free agreement that will only work to support our positive experiences if<br />
we understand and utilize it.<br />
Comfort. Very few things will require a more personal level of mental,<br />
intellectual, emotional and physical comfort with oneself throughout<br />
our lives. Youth in my workshops tell me that a major reason why young<br />
people choose to delay sex (according to the McCreary Centre Society, the<br />
majority in BC are delaying!) is because they aren’t comfortable enough.<br />
When I ask them to explain what being comfortable means, they candidly<br />
speak of ideal body image, competing family and societal values,<br />
narrowly defined orientation and identity and privacy concerns. The images<br />
we see in media rarely represent, validate or celebrate the natural<br />
physical, emotional and cultural diversity that is us. Understanding the role<br />
of comfort in sexuality is a great opportunity to remind youth of their es-<br />
34 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
<strong>Summer</strong> FUN at GNS<br />
Looking for the most current and relevant sexual health information<br />
to educate yourself and share with the youth in your life but afraid<br />
to type “youth and sexuality” into a search engine? Here’s a current<br />
listing of Safe, reputable and useful online resources for youth and<br />
their adult allies around the many topics of sexuality:<br />
islandsexualhealth.org<br />
yesmeansyes.com<br />
scarleteen.com<br />
teenhealthsource.com<br />
nativeyouthsexualhealth.com<br />
beyondthetalk.ca<br />
smartsexresource.com<br />
sexualityandu.ca<br />
mcs.bc.ca<br />
alterheros.com<br />
tablished self-knowledge and the value of checking in with themselves to<br />
know when they are comfortable and the power of using this knowledge<br />
as a guide in sexual decision making.<br />
Care. We must talk about what caring means in a sexual situation. What<br />
does a person need to care for the physical and emotional components<br />
of sexuality? Why do the media rarely show methods to reduce the risk of<br />
sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy? If a person is sharing<br />
their sexuality with a partner, are they prepared to take on the individual<br />
and shared responsibility of sexual health care? Things such as testing,<br />
consistent barrier use (condoms, gloves, dams) and, potentially, birth<br />
control.<br />
Challenge your youth to think about how they would expect to be cared<br />
for before, during and after sharing a sexual experience with a partner.<br />
How would they show a partner that they care for them? This conversation<br />
prepares them to develop the skills to balance expectation with experience<br />
if and when the opportunity presents to have a partnered sexual<br />
experience.<br />
While we have good reason(s) to be concerned with the multitude of<br />
explicit images and messages that our young people see in the media,<br />
it’s really what isn’t being shown which holds the materials for genuine<br />
conversations with our youth. These are the conversations that will help<br />
them understand your values, expectations and hopes for them and their<br />
sexuality and will help them more easily choose which pieces of their<br />
puzzle are the most important. So next time you’re rushing your kids to<br />
school or hockey/dance/riding/lacrosse, turn on the radio and ask them to<br />
think about what Nikki is not saying about the anaconda! Therein lies the<br />
solution to the puzzle.<br />
Glenlyon Norfolk School is offering a variety<br />
of fun summer camps for students age 3 to 17.<br />
Arts, cooking, baking, field hockey, day camps,<br />
kayaking and more—our summer programs<br />
offer something for everyone!<br />
www.mygns.ca/summer-fun<br />
IB CONTINUUM<br />
CONTINUUM DE L’IB<br />
CONTINUO DEL IB<br />
Jennifer Gibson, MA, is also known as “The Sex<br />
Lady”— for close to 20 years in Greater Victoria!—<br />
to the thousands of amazing youth and adults she<br />
is lucky to educate and learn with through her<br />
job as the Coordinator of Community Education<br />
at <strong>Island</strong> Sexual Health. She’s passionate about<br />
making sexuality education as positive, fun and<br />
non-cringe-able as possible.<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 35
Let Them Talk<br />
It’s hard to negotiate with a teen when they don’t even like the<br />
sound of your voice. Even your breathing can be annoying so<br />
how on earth are you going to get to the brainstorming phase<br />
of resolving an issue?<br />
When my daughter was 15 she announced to me that she<br />
wanted to go to a party where there were drugs and alcohol<br />
and no adults. Gulp. At this point, after years of parenting her, I<br />
knew that this persistent young women wouldn’t go along with<br />
anything that 1) threatened her autonomy and 2) was about my<br />
fear and needs. Actually, she was completely allergic to my<br />
needs and thought I was a paranoid freak.<br />
Thanks to having just taught a conflict resolution workshop<br />
the night before I blurted out, “What about this is important to<br />
you?” Meanwhile my heart was pounding and I felt like saying,<br />
“Are you nuts? What makes you think I’d say yes to anything<br />
like this?”<br />
She told me about all the cool people that would be there<br />
and that she was excited to be invited. I knew I had to listen to<br />
her and do my best to hold up her needs because this really<br />
was important to her.<br />
Any time we discuss a prickly issue with our kids, we have to<br />
connect with their feelings and needs first. For one thing, it role<br />
models respectful communication and it also takes them out of<br />
feeling defensive.<br />
If they know you at least understand how they feel and why<br />
they feel that way, they might be interested in seeing the discussion<br />
through to the end. That doesn’t mean that they stand<br />
and listen to you pontificate, lecture or moralize! It means that<br />
you briefly explain what your needs might be and how you<br />
feel.<br />
I told my daughter that I was concerned about the situation<br />
and how it could get out of control. I let her know that her safety<br />
and well-being were important to me. Naturally, she rolled<br />
her eyes but that I could ignore. She most likely wanted to hear<br />
some form of protest or concern from me because she knew<br />
that her annoying mother cares for her.<br />
We stood there staring at each other. I couldn’t think clearly<br />
because it just seemed like this wasn’t going to end well until<br />
out of my mouth popped parenting guru Barbara Coloroso’s<br />
great line, “Convince me.”<br />
36 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
Ahh yes. My daughter wanted this freedom, why did I have<br />
to do all the work? It was up to her to convince me that she<br />
was ready for this responsibility. If you can convince me that<br />
you have a plan to stay safe and that you can handle this, I’m<br />
willing to figure this out with you.<br />
She started coming up with some ideas.<br />
“What else?” I asked.<br />
Never be afraid to ask that question ten or more times, it’s<br />
amazing what great ideas can be squeezed out of a person.<br />
This was brainstorming at its finest because my determined<br />
daughter was able to be the boss of herself, the one person<br />
she wouldn’t argue with and who made sense to her. We actually<br />
came up with a plan that I could live with although I still<br />
wished she just wouldn’t go!<br />
<strong>Parent</strong>ing teens can feel a little wishy washy and it would<br />
be nice just to say “no” and have them respect our limits but<br />
in reality, it might not be that great after all. Don’t we want our<br />
kids to think for themselves? Did it work when our parents took<br />
all the control? How did you respond to that? I just got good at<br />
lying and climbing out the basement window. I didn’t want that<br />
for my kids but it was hard, I had no solid proof that this was<br />
the right thing to do.<br />
Looking back now I realize that this was one of the most important<br />
pieces to keeping my kids safe and helping them navigate<br />
through the toddler years of adulthood. I had to be their<br />
consultant, their coach, not the boss. This approach taught<br />
assertiveness and preserved a close relationship between us.<br />
It didn’t always feel right but what does when you go through<br />
some of these typical challenges of raising teens?<br />
Dr. Allison Rees is parent educator, counsellor and<br />
coach at LIFE Seminars (Living in Families Effectively),<br />
lifeseminars.com.<br />
STAGES<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> Programs<br />
Running This July & August<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>school Dance Camps<br />
For 3-5 year olds in Ballet, Jazz,<br />
Musical Theatre & Tap<br />
Youth Dance Camps<br />
For dancers 6-12 years old in<br />
Jazz, Hip Hop & Acrobatics<br />
Dance Intensive<br />
For dancers 11 years old & up with<br />
Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop & Acrobatics<br />
Little Dancers Classes<br />
Are running through the summer for<br />
those 18 months to 3 years old<br />
Come Dance With Us<br />
Call (250) 384-3267, email: stagesdance@shaw.ca,<br />
or visit us at www.stagesdance.com<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
<strong>Pre</strong>-<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 37
Conversations On Substance Use<br />
How to keep your conversation age-appropriate<br />
Middle School: Ages 9–12 years<br />
Traits: Independent, Vulnerable, Emotional, Self-absorbed, Inquisitive<br />
Tweens are engaging and interesting. This is a time when they may feel<br />
torn between the safety and security of family and the excitement of being<br />
with friends. Some kids may be more vulnerable to substance use and<br />
other negative behaviours. They may start to spend more time engaged<br />
in social media and other technology. They may become very “body conscious”<br />
and they might experience peer pressure, low self-esteem and<br />
a “roller coaster” of emotions. As parents, what we say and how we say<br />
it will have an impact on their thinking, decision-making, risk taking and<br />
choices.<br />
Tips that may help you connect with your tween about substance use:<br />
• Tone is everything. Think discussion, not lecture. Ask them calmly<br />
what they know about drugs and what they see most often in their school<br />
and community, and actively listen to what they say.<br />
• Focus on smoking, alcohol, and cannabis, as these are most often the<br />
first substances tweens try. “What do they know?” “Where do they get<br />
their information?” “How would they know if it is reliable?”<br />
• Communicate that you are concerned about substance use and be<br />
honest if you do not know all of the information. “To tell you the truth,<br />
I’m not completely up to date on all of the harmful substances out there.<br />
Maybe we can learn more together.” Research “unknowns” or misconceptions<br />
about drugs together.<br />
• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching<br />
you.<br />
Other suggestions:<br />
• Get to know your tween’s friends. Invite them to your home. Engage<br />
with the parents. Establish clear, realistic and attainable rules and consequences.<br />
• Agree on the rules as a family. Follow through if they slip up. Consistency<br />
is important, especially when establishing safe rules around<br />
substance use.<br />
• Celebrate good choices. Be genuine with your praise.<br />
• Find healthy activities to do together as a family.<br />
• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching<br />
you.<br />
High School: Ages 13–18<br />
Traits: Social, Emotional, Defiant, Passionate, Independent<br />
This pivotal age is one of the most exciting and maybe even challenging<br />
for parents. Teenagers are developing their own individuality, ideals and<br />
dreams. They may be passionate about a cause, an educational endeavour,<br />
a sport or anything else that interests them.<br />
Suggestions for talking with your teens about drug use:<br />
• Pick a time when you’re doing something together to bring up substance<br />
use. Respect any refusal to talk calmly and let them know you’re<br />
ready when they are. “Well, when you want to talk to me, I’m here.”<br />
• Keep your cool, and don’t use fear tactics. Encourage mutual respect<br />
and honesty in your conversations by discussing, not lecturing. You listen—they<br />
listen.<br />
• Alcohol, nicotine and cannabis are the most widely consumed substances<br />
by teens, and the popularity of vaping has increased. Spend extra<br />
time discussing these substances. “What are their opinions about using<br />
these substances?” “Why do they feel this way?”<br />
• Get to know their friends and express any concerns in a non-judgemental<br />
way.<br />
• Remind them of the importance of not taking any medication that is<br />
not prescribed to them and discuss opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone.<br />
Talk with them about tainted street drugs that cause death, even<br />
the first time.<br />
• Establish code words with them for any “I need help” or “Come and<br />
get me” situations that may save them from harmful conditions or negative<br />
peer responses.<br />
Other suggestions:<br />
• Get to know your teen’s passions and interests. Do something together<br />
to promote positive choices.<br />
• Get to know their friends. Notice if the group of friends suddenly<br />
changes and talk to your teen about why this happened.<br />
• Set up a volunteer experience for your teen—something they can<br />
do with you, their friends or a trusted adult. Consider helping at a soup<br />
kitchen, mission or neighbourhood community service centre.<br />
• Talk about the experience with them.<br />
• Work with your kids to help them develop strategies to use or things<br />
they can say to help them get out of uncomfortable or potentially harmful<br />
situations that might involve drugs and alcohol with their peers.<br />
Drug Free Kids Canada is building a movement that encourages and<br />
supports parents to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic drug<br />
use by youth. For more information visit drugfreekidscanada.org.<br />
38 <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Parent</strong> Magazine <strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca
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