kids fun magazine - summer 2014

Okanagan Family MagazineSUMMER 2014

summer camp directory

5 best summer activities

for your brain

okanagan family magazine

sun safety

top tips

activitiesoutdoorsfuntechnology

hiking bikes skating swimming boo

soccer ceramics playing in parks

farm sunshine running theater kid

stroller walking playground indoo













soccer ceramics playing in parkswww.familydiscoverypass.com /familydiscoverypass

Save big on Okanagan attractions and treats

Only $14.99 (plus tax)

$5 from each pass will support the development of The Bridge Youth & Family Services’ new Rutland Parent Place

Get yours today!

3 kidsfun Summer Activity Guide | 2014www.okanagan4kids.com

in this issue

hello!This is the summer of sun, smiles and ultimate family fun! We are excited to bring you the Summer Issue of our Kids Fun Magazine - with a fresh new look!

You’ll find this issue packed full of helpful information on summer camps, local activities, sun safety and more!

We are also super excited to introduce the Family Discovery Pass as a way for families to make memories together. This pass will give you access to deep discounts for activities for kids and families all over the Okanagan Valley. The Family Discovery Pass will also help support The Bridge Youth & Family’s new Rutland Parent Place - a hub for parenting support.

We hope enjoy the magazine and that you’ll help us in our quest to help families in our community by purchasing your very own Family Discovery Pass. What do YOU want to explore today?

in this issue

4 School is out... reading is in

5 Summer events calendar

8 5 best summer activities for your brain

10 Rediscover your inner child

12 Sunscreen safety

14 Looking for local summer fun?

17 Cool off at a water park

18 Summer camp directory

4 www.okanagan4kids.comkidsfun Summer Activity Guide | 2014

School is wrapping up and so is all that homework. Children are eagerly awaiting the freedom of summer.

With all that freedom it can be hard to choose what to do and reading is not usually high in the priorities. Keeping kids motivated to read during the summer is crucial to their future academic success.

Have no fear! The Summer Reading Club is here! All branches of the Okanagan Regional Library are busy preparing for the onslaught of kids. Our goal is to keep kids (ages 6-12) reading through the summer and having fun at the same time. This year’s theme is Funny Business! Joining SRC is completely free and easy. After registering at the local library kids will receive a reading log. Once children have finished their reading logs they are given stickers and a completion medal! In addition, many of the libraries are offering free activities for kids too (crafts, contests, special guests and more).

If prizes and contests are not enough to keep your child interested in reading, try something different. Graphic novels, magazines, nonfiction books and

audiobooks are awesome alternatives to traditional chapter books. It is important to realize that kids do not need to be reading textbooks during the summer. However, if that is what they want to read, don’t pull it out of their hands! My tips for summer reading success are:

• Let kids choose what they want to read• Set an achievable summer reading goal• Read on the go (beach, family trips, etc.)• Have reading material readily available• Read together as a family

Stop by your local branch of the Okanagan Regional Library to find out about Summer Reading Club registration. See you at the library and the beach this summer!

Written by Ashley Machum, Youth Services Librarian at the Kelowna

Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.

school is out... reading is in!

school is out... reading is in!


event calendar

North Okanagan

28Aug

Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE)ArmstrongRuns from August 28th until September 1st

Central Okanagan

01July

Canada Day Celebrations Peachland

Downtown Kelowna 09Aug

Block PartyKelownaBernard Ave.

11Aug

Interior Savings Moonlight MoviesOK Falls

Interior Savings 12Aug

Moonlight MoviesKelowna

Interior Savings 13Aug

Moonlight MoviesKelowna

Peachland Fall Fair6-7Sept

Peachland Community Centre

South Okanagan

01July

66th Annual Cherry Festival/Canada Day CelebrationsPenticton - Gyro Park

9th Annual Endless 13Sept

Summer Show and ShineSummerland - Memorial Park

14Sept

Summerland Fall FairSummerland - Summerland Curling Club

summerevents calendarWe want to help make finding fun for your family just a little bit easier. That’s why we work hard to add new events and activities taking place around the Okanagan Valley on a regular basis. Check back often and never hear the words “I’m bored!” again!

Visit www.okanagan4kids.com for the latest event locall event listings

The Energyplex is the Okanagan’s largest indoor Family Recreation Centre

energyplex.ca #130-948 McCurdy Rd, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 2P7,

T:250-765-4486 E: [email protected]

Families with young children all the way up to teens can endlessly play and burn energy! The Cube is our huge 4-story play ground where both kids and adults can run, climb, slide and crawl. Our Gym offers trampolines, a tumble track, a foam pit, ropes and an obstacle challenge. Our Rock Wall is 30’ high and we have a craft and movie corner. Our newest activities are a 1250 sqft LASER TAG arena and our BALLISTIX foam ball shooting arena. During summer months we have Bungy Trampolines right in front of our building. The facility includes a full service café and offers free Wifi.

• Drop-in playtime for toddlers, children and adults• Birthday Parties for toddlers all the way up to grandparents• Day Camps during school breaks • Field Trips for schools, churches, youth groups• (PAC) Fundraisers • Corporate teambuilding with Rock Climbing and Laser Tag• Corporate Christmas Parties

Why not try our NEW Laser Tag and BALLISTIX on your next visit?

fami l ies l fun l together

The Energyplex is the Okanagan’s largest indoor Family Recreation Centre

energyplex.ca #130-948 McCurdy Rd, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 2P7,

T:250-765-4486 E: [email protected]

Families with young children all the way up to teens can endlessly play and burn energy! The Cube is our huge 4-story play ground where both kids and adults can run, climb, slide and crawl. Our Gym offers trampolines, a tumble track, a foam pit, ropes and an obstacle challenge. Our Rock Wall is 30’ high and we have a craft and movie corner. Our newest activities are a 1250 sqft LASER TAG arena and our BALLISTIX foam ball shooting arena. During summer months we have Bungy Trampolines right in front of our building. The facility includes a full service café and offers free Wifi.

• Drop-in playtime for toddlers, children and adults• Birthday Parties for toddlers all the way up to grandparents• Day Camps during school breaks • Field Trips for schools, churches, youth groups• (PAC) Fundraisers • Corporate teambuilding with Rock Climbing and Laser Tag• Corporate Christmas Parties

Why not try our NEW Laser Tag and BALLISTIX on your next visit?

fami l ies l fun l together

DAY CAMP: Ages 5-11

Full Day $ 42.50 p.d. Full week (5 consecutive days) $ 179.50 p.w. Lunch, drinks, fruit & snack $ 7.50 p.d.

Note: Camp times: 9 am – 4 pm, Mondays thru Fridays Drop off between 8.45-9 am !! Annual pass holders receive 10% discount on the tuition Rates are per child and subject to tax Energyplex Day Camp Terms and Conditions apply For bookings within 24 hours before your camp

date a $10 administration charge will be applied

JULY: AUGUST: Jun 30- July 4 August 4-8 July 7-11 August 11-15 July 14-18 August 18-22 July 21-25 August 25-29 July 28-Aug 1

TYPICAL DAY OF FUN:

Trampoline Gym

Rock Climbing

Cube Play

Ballistix Ball Blasters

Laser Tag

Obstacle Challenge

Lunch Time

Crafts

Movie

Bungy Trampoline

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.ENERGYPLEX.CA

best summer activitiesfor your brain5

brain boosting summer activities



The brain learns through movement. Certain types of full body movement help devel-op connections within the brain and communication between the brain, the body, and the outside environment. This is important for attention, focus, executive brain func-tions, and, of course, physical development and coordination.

SwimmingSwimming includes coordinated movement of your right and left sides and your top and bottom body. These cross-crawl based movements help establish cross-hemispheric connec-tions, meaning they help the two sides of your brain communicate back and forth with each other.

ClimbingSo much of the activities that we do and the types of exercises that we perform are push-based activities. Climbing and other pull-based activi-ties (like rowing or kayaking) work a completely different (and often under-developed) set of muscles and move-ments.

BalancingWalking tandem (one foot in front of the other) can help teach your body center. Learning mid-line will improve clumsiness and give your brain the sense of a stable core. Balancing also requires tons of input from your joints and facilitates healthy proprioception.

SwingingThere are two types of swinging. One is the type you do on a swing. Swing-ing back and forth on a swing (a move-ment called linear rocking) stimulates the vestibular system. The vestibular system is important for your body to keep track of where your head is in

space. The other type of swinging is that done on monkey bars. Using your arms to propel you from bar to bar can encourage mid-line communication and upper body strength.

DroppingAny type of activity can be beneficial! Pushing the limits of cardiovascular en-durance, like you would playing soccer, improves the efficacy of your mitochon-dria. Mitochondria are important en-ergy producing cells within your body. So basically, run till you drop!

We often think of movement and physical activity as ancillary play or only important for weight manage-ment (or to get the kids out of the house so you can get things done). Your brain develops, learns, and thrives off movement and physical expression. So go play! Your brain will thank you (as will your teachers come next school year).

Contributed by Dr. Amanda Stevens, Chiropractor & Clinical Nutri-

tionist at Valeo Health Clinic. www.valeohealthclinic.com

Photo courtesy of Beyond the Crux Climbing Gym

brain boosting summer activities

1

2

4

3 5


Warm weather activity choices are endless - swimming, camping, bike riding and hiking.

There’s road trips to visit relatives, discovering new community playgrounds, dancing through sprinklers, jumping on a trampoline or enjoying ice cream or other treats in the backyard.

During whatever activity you choose, take your ‘grown-up’ hat off for a while. Squeal in delight when you run through a sprinkler. Laugh when ice cream drips down your chin. Enlist your child’s help in making a bike ramp to practice ‘epic stunts’. Start a friendly watermelon seed spitting competition between family members. Tell an awesome campfire story that includes your child’s name and the names of their friends.

The physical activity chosen is not as important as the connection made between you and your child. Summertime is when memories are made - help ensure those memories are happy ones! Keep in mind your child will likely become a parent themselves one day, so be the positive role model they need. Consider connection an investment in your child’s future. As they grow and develop, your child will need a strong relationship with you, even when they push you away.

Remind yourself, before you scold and become frustrated with your child’s behaviour, that you were once a child yourself. Your decision making abilities were challenged by life experience, just as theirs are. Youth is such a fleeting time in a person’s life - allow your child to make mistakes, be silly once in a while and to explore the world around them.

By Jodi Quibell. Parent, Educator and Writer

www.wordtothewiseservices.com

www.apparentwisdom.com

rediscover your inner child

rediscover your inner child

sunscreen safety


sunscreen safety

Skin cancer! Almost a four letter word causing parents to fearfully slather up babies. But what exactly is in sunscreen that makes it work?

Sunscreens can work to prevent burning and long term damage using three possible methods: Chemical Penetration , Mineral Barrier and Oil Protection.

Chemical PenetrationThis is your drug store sunscreen. Chemicals such as Retinyl palmitate (a known skin cancer hazard) and Oxybenzone (a hormone disrupter) penetrate the skin and absorb the harmful rays. These chemicals can cause free radicals, especially when mixed with a preservative such as formaldehyde which can be activated by UV. This sunscreen absorbs into the skin; however can be an irritant. These sunscreens come in many convenient applications like spray-on and waterproof.

Mineral BarrierYou have probably seen this “white” sunscreen on surfers. Minerals like Zinc and Titanium Dioxide are used to create a barrier to reflect the sun. The minerals do not cause free radicals. There are cautions about inhaling the particles, but when they are absorbed into a lotion there is minimal risk of inhaling the particles. Be careful that you are using a product that doesn’t use micronized particles. These particles are manufactured to be smaller so

they absorb into the skin and you don’t experience the “white” look. The disadvantage is that the particles are absorbed into the body rather than sitting on the surface of the skin. The key with a zinc sunscreen is to start with a pea size amount and spread it over a large area. If you use a large amount, like with a Chemical Penetration sunscreen the minerals will clump and won’t distribute smoothly over the skin. I have experienced some great zinc sunscreen that can be rubbed over large areas to produce minimal white streaking – plus the container lasts forever!

Oil ProtectionOils like coconut, Seabuckthorn, Rosehip and Carrot can naturally protect your skin from the sun. They do this by building up the health of your skin so that it creates its own protection and doesn’t become vulnerable to the rays. This method allows you to absorb more vitamin D than the other two; however, in my experience, on a hot 30+degree day it doesn’t provide enough protection to prevent a burn. I have heard stories of people with great experiences in using just a coconut oil so I would recommend testing how it works on your skin before relying on only oil.

Each method of sun protection has its pro’s and con’s. It’s up to us to find the method that works the best for our families. If you have any questions about sunscreen, please come find me at the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.!

Contributed by Jaye Coward, Bare Nature Products www.barenature.ca


sunscreen safety


summer bucket list

Looking for local

summer fun? LocoLanding Adventure ParkWith nine exciting attractions, there is something for everyone! Check out their new SkyTrek Ropes course!

www.locolanding.com

Croc TalkThe crocodiles, wild cats and tortoises are sure to please the whole family!

www.croctalk.com

Beyond the Crux Climbing GymKelowna’s only indoor climbing gym!

www.beyondthecrux.info

Kelowna Art Gallery Family Fun days are on Sunday at the Kelowna Art Gallery

www.kelownaartgallery.com

Davison Orchards Country VillageTons of activities for the whole family including the Crazy Cow Kids Corral for kids 2-12!

www.davisonorchards.ca

Ogoplay Family Entertainment CentreWest Kelowna’s own family entertainment centre.

www.ogoplay.ca


summer bucket list

Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad4000 square feet of family fun with multiple computer-controlled trains running simultaneously on over two kilometers of tracks.

www.osoyoosrailroad.com

Penticton Speedway Need for Speed? Check out the fastest races at Penticton Speedway!

www.pentictonspeedway.com

Okanagan AmusementsNever hear the words “I am bored” again! Go Karts, mini golf and bumper boats

www.okanaganamusements.com

Capri Valley Lanes BowlingAwesome family fun when you need to get inside to beat the heat

www.valleylanes.net

Kelowna Falcons BaseballBaseball is the ultimate family night out

www.kelownafalcons.com

Purple Nurple Frozen Yogurt Come and cool off with a tasty treat

www.purplenurple.ca

Jump2ItIndoor inflatable playground for kids of all ages!

www.jump2it.ca

Get big discounts on these businesses and more! Buy a Family Discovery Pass today!

Visit www.familydiscoverypass.com


Want to avoid a sandy beach or swimming pool? Why not pack a picnic and head down to your local water park! This is a great way for the kids to run around and burn some energy.

North OkanaganPolson Park Spray Park2600 Hwy 6, Vernon

Lakeview Wading Pool18th Street and 32nd Ave, Vernon

Central OkanaganBen Lee Waterpark900 Houghton Road, Kelowna

City Park Waterpark1600 Abbot Street, Kelowna

Quilchena Waterpark347 Quilchena Drive, Kelowna

Kids Care Spray Park at Westbank Centre Waterpark May Street, West Kelowna (behind Dairy Queen)

South OkanaganMillenium Waterpark at Peach Orchard BeachPeach Orchard Road, Summerland

Skaha Lake ParkSkaha Lake Road, Penticton

cool off at a water park

cool off at a waterpark

Beach & Water Park Checklist

Towels

Hats

Sunscreen

Water shoes or flip flops

Snacks and/ or picnic lunch

Beach blanket and/or chairs

Sunglasses



VernonSummer Camps at Allan Brooks Nature CentreExplore the natural world and embrace your sense of place through Allan Brooks Nature Centre half-day summer camps.

250.260.4227

www.abnc.ca

Summer Art CampsVernon Community Arts CentreOur art camps are designed to offer a variety of projects with technical and skill levels appropriate for the age group.

250.542.6243

www.vernonarts.ca

Alice in Wonderland - Musical Theatre Camp - Vernon & District Performing ArtsRegistrations are open for local children ages 6 to 18 to be part of the 50-60 member cast. The camp begins July 7th and runs until the 11th from 10:00am to 2:30pm. On Saturday, July 12th they’ll be ready to take Alice in Wonderland to the stage. 250.549.7496

www.ticketseller.ca

Lake Country

Funtastic Art WorkshopsSummer Art Scene for Youth (SASFY)

250.768.1404

www.sasfy.ca

KelownaArt AdventuresKelowna Art GalleryJoin us for a creative adventure this summer! Make unique art, new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

250.762.2226

www.kelownaartgallery.com

featured

Willowstone Academy Summer Day Camps

Camps for preschoolers to grade 7 students that will focus on exploring the earth, creating new things and playing every day!

250.764.3111 www.willowstoneacademy.com

summercamp directoryFor more summer camp listings visit www.okanagan4kids.com!


Farm Discovery Day Camps

Arion Therapeutic FarmFarm Discovery Day Camps at Arion Therapeutic Farm offer a fun, social and supportive environment for your child. Our camps are open to all children, including those with developmental delays and physical disabilities. This is an active camp where children ride horses, visit our small animals, swim in our pool under the supervision of a life guard and engage in art/baking projects.

778.477.1006

www.arionfarm.org

Half Day Gymnastics CampsJoin us weekly lots of gymnastics, games and crafts!

250.765.0888

www.okanagangymnastics.com

Royal Soccer Club Summer Soccer CampsDesigned to offer a soccer focus in the morning with a leisure swim and camp activities in the afternoons, boys and girls between 5 and 13 can register for full day, morning and afternoon sessions.

1.800.427.0536

www.royalsoccer.com

PentictonJCI Summer Day CampsCity of Penticton

Summer is quickly approaching, and if you have a child within the ages of 6-12, don’t forget to sign them up for the best summer of their lives with Penticton JCI Summer Day Camps!

250.490.2426

www.penticton.ca/recreation

Kicks, Bricks & BreaksSpitfires Kids Athletics

Sign up for 7 Weeks of Summer Camp for ages 5 to 12. “Kicks, Bricks & Breaks” will feature kickboxing and self-defence with Spitfires, amazing LEGO creations with Bricks4Kidz and some camps will learn Hip-Hop Dance with JEDI Urban Dance Studios.

250.462.4700

www.spitfiresathletic.com

featured

Energyplex Summer Day Camps

Register for full day camps for kids ages 5-11 at Energyplex this summer that encourage fun, fitness and friends!

250.765.4486 www.energyplex.ca/day-camps

featured

Heat Sports Camps

Heat Athletics invites you to join some of their nationally recognized varsity coaches, along with some top student athletes, in attending a fun-filled week of skill development and game tactics in the sport(s) of your choice.

250.807.9322 www.goheat.ca/camps

featured

Jump2it Summer Day Camps

Jump2It in partnership with Bricks4Kidz and Kelowna Gymnastix present fun summer day camps that are designed to stretch your kids creative brain, physical strength and social skills.

778.484.2524 www.jump2it.ca


kids fun magazine - summer 2014

Documents