friday, june 4, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW25

Kitsilano PreschoolSEPTEMBER 2010 REGISTRATION!

Located at the 4th & Highbury • Jericho Military Family Resource Centre(1 block west of 4th & Alma @ Highbury)

For more info about the program ask for Kits Preschool at 604-225-2520 ext.2709or preschool@kitshouse.org / 604-736-3588 or email lisa@kitshouse.org

Now accepting students from 33 mths - 5 years old. This program follows a play-based approach to education, focusing on emergent curriculum and early literacy, developing social skills in a co-operative child.

Morning Session:Mon, Wed & Fri.9:30am - 12:00pm(Three year olds)

Afternoon Session:Mon, Wed & Fri.1:30pm - 4:00pm(Four year olds)

We help children become Kindergarten-Ready!

Kidz beat

Creating a playroom for your children isn’t just a matter of throwing some toys and a sofa in a room. A great

playroom that your kids will love and use from 7 to 17 years old, takes careful planning and a number of considerations.

Parents commonly make three design mistakes when cre-ating a playroom for their kids, according interior designer and program head of BCIT’s Diploma of Technology in Interior Design program, Dixie Hudson. They go cheap, they decorate for a very specific age, and they don’t antici-pate future needs.

“Parents will often buy the least expensive pieces for the room, thinking it’s just for the kids,” explains Hudson. “But then the kids end up spending a lot of time in there. The playroom is probably one of the most used rooms, so for storage and for seating, purchase long-term items.”

While your child may be into that Thomas the Tank Engine sofa or Dora the Explorer toy chest now, once those char-acters fall out of favour as your child grows, you’ll be faced with having to redecorate the room. Instead, Hudson says that for bigger ticket items like storage and seating, you should “stay with more conservative, basic styling so that you are able to change the less expensive items, like cush-ions or paint on the walls, every two or three years.”

As for storage, think about what you need today, but consider what you’ll need moving forward. “Parents will purchase a small unit for storage for today, but a year later, they need more storage and then purchase a different unit, and so on. Several years later, there are so many units of a different style, look and character that the space is full of visual clutter, even if it’s tidy.”

Here some tips from Hudson on how to plan and decorate a functional and fun playroom.

Determine the function of the room. Yes, it will be playroom, but what types of play? Ask yourself, “Are the kids going to watch TV and play video games in this space? Is the space reserved for “low-tech” play such as

arts and crafts, painting or drawing, board games, reading and/or activities such as dancing to music?” Decide what needs to be stored and what types of boxes, bins or shelv-ing are required.

Create flex space. Plan for open space too. Children of all ages need open space where they can lie down, play games on the floor, or just chill out.

Choose the character or feel you want. The paint colour or materials that you choose will encourage or invite children to play in that room.

Storage, storage, storage. Don’t scrimp on storage or buy poor-quality shelving. The storage will have so much use and needs to really stand the test of time. Secure stor-age to the wall so that it’s safe for earthquakes and but also for kids to climb. Storage should be easily accessible to kids to put away their own toys. Cupboard doors are always a plus, as they can conceal everything.

Comfortable seating. Invest in good-quality sofas or two lounge chairs where you love to curl up to read the children a book or to watch movies. Make sure it’s com-fortable so they are enthused to use it. Built-in seating with storage below is a good, efficient option as well.

Finally, Hudson offers some tips for a room that will truly stand the test of time:• White storage units always help a basement or a darker

room appear spacious and bright.• Floor material such as marmoleum or cork (both eco-

conscious choices) are durable for a huge amount of hard use. Or you can purchase inexpensive carpet for areas of the room where you might play games on the floor and lie on cushions on the floor.

• For a gender-neutral look, stripes and bold geometric pat-terns with both “girl” and “boy” colours are great accents in a room with neutrals.

• Walls can be covered in cork boards or chalkboard paint. If you’re putting up either, don’t be stingy—try covering an entire wall!

Creating the ultimate playroomBeetling 3D ZebraIf you’ve got a room that needs a focal point, these 3D wall sculptures are incredible. We love the Beetling 3D Zebra. It’s made of lightweight material and affixes eas-ily to the wall. Great for boys and girls. Designed

and manufactured in the Lower Mainland. Retails for $499 at www.beetling.com.

Owyn Toy BoxThis toy box is a great piece for a playroom. As an accent to the built-in storage you may have, this gender-neutral design is made for kids 2+ years. It has two easy lift-off lids, and it’s made of eco-friendly plywood, with non-toxic paints, and low-voc water-based polyurethane. Retails for $525 at www.babybot.com

Fatboy Bean Bag ChairsDixie Hudson loves these chairs. “They are terrific because they envelop little kids and they love sinking into them while teenagers love to slouch in them. They are very sturdy and easily moved throughout the room.” The Junior

(shown here), retails for $198. Find it at www.fatboy-canada.com.

by Emma Lee, contributing writer

3 Great Playroom Décor Items

EW26 The VancouVer courier friday, june 4, 2010

Kitsilano Kids Club SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Ages 6-8 & 9-12 years

Spaces are fi lling up fast!

8:00am-5:30pm • Monday to FridayLocated at 7th & Vine

For more information please contact604-736-3588 ext 35

lisa@kitshouse.org • www.kitshouse.org

$165/week $135/week $640/month $610/month4 day Stat.

Holiday weeks4 weeks

July 5-July 304 weeks

Aug. 3-Aug.27

Our new High Ropes Course is not only Big,it’s Totally Awesome !

Sasamat Outdoor Centre

Something Big is comingto the woods this summer

Just One Hourfrom Vancouver

A RealSummer CampExperience

3302 Senkler RoadBelcarra, BC 604-939-2268

www.sasamat.org

5-Day Resident Campsfor Ages 8-15

Wilderness Canoe Tripsfor Teens

Transportation is provided

Summer Camps at False Creek

www.falsecreekcc.ca or call: 604-257-8195

Preschool Explorers (3-5 yrs)9:00am-12:00pmor 12:30-3:30pm$79 p/week (each camp session)

Junior Explorers (6-10 yrs)9:30am-4:30pm, $159 p/weekFun fi lled excursions, games and sports

Waterworld (8-12 yrs) 9:30am-4:30pm, $159 p/week*A water-based daycamp

Youth Explorers (12-15 yrs)9:30am-4:30pm, $159 p/weekOutdoor adventures and leadership

5 day SUMMER CAMPS

$175 + tax

FUN with LEARNINGJuly 12-16 • July 19-23

• August 9-13, 2010

Ages 9-129:00am - 3:00pm

Vancouver Branch6111 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Junior First Aid +Babysitting Certifi cate

Lunch included

Tel. 604-321-7242

Kidz beat

Check out the ads in this section for contact info. on great ideas for your kids this summer. It’s all about

learning and having fun! Here are some examples:

Why not try Summer Day Camp through St. Johns Ambulance? This course is filled with exciting activities and plenty of learning for young people. They will learn first aid requirements, with emphasis on working with oth-ers as a team. It’s suitable for youngsters from 9 to 12 years of age or older. Visit the nearest location at 6111 Cambie Street, 2nd Floor, for more information.

StageCraft Theatre School summer camps are a con-densed version of the school’s main Musical Theatre Program. These performance-oriented camps give students of all ages the opportunity to train in Dance, Voice and Drama with specialized, highly-qualified teachers, as well as the chance to be involved in a production from conception to performance. Each class will perform a showcase of work on the last day of camp.

HR MacMillan Space Centre is holding its Galactic Crusader Camp; two sessions to choose from, in July and August. These passports to adventure are for kids going into grades one through three, in which campers embark on a series of challenges involving science experiments, simula-tions and problem-solving. Grade four to six kids will enjoy Voyage to Mars, including boot camp outer-space style!

Sasamat Outdoor Centre (accredited by the BC Camping Association) has provided quality camping expe-riences and outdoor education to children and youth for over 35 years. Free play (safe, but unstructured) is the mandate at Sasamat. Once in a healthy outdoor environ-ment, kids can try challenging, new activities and master new skills, without the pressure of passing or failing. Life-long memories of friendship and bonding with nature are guaranteed!

Join the Pre-Teen Artistic Adventures Program at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Kids can contribute to their community through art. This 10-week program for youth ages 9 to 12 will help them learn about different types of art, about using recycled materials to create cool things and how art has a role in creating community and public spac-es. Come early for snacks and ‘hang-out’ time; Thursdays at Kits House, Youth Room, 2325 West 7th Ave.

False Creek Community Centre offers Junior and Pre-school Day Camp. For Juniors, this recreational day camp offers a week of water fun, outdoor games, day treks to local parks and fun activities centred around the theme of the day. Simply pack your child’s backpack with clothing for the weather, proper clothing for various activities and include a healthy lunch, snacks and water. Find out more at the Centre, entrance to Granville Island.

LET’S GO! Summer Camp Round-up

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010 THE VANCOUVER COURIER EW27

CHILDREN’S COLOURING CONTESTWINNER will receive two tickets to the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre.Drop off your entry at the Courier or email to courclasscontest@van.net

Name__________________________________________________________________

Phone No. ____________________________________________ Age _______________1574 West 6th AvenueVancouver, B.C. V6J 1R2

Kids beat

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WEBB’S Holiday Acres

Visit our website: www.webbsholidayacres.ca

Horseback RidingHeated SwimmingPool, Arts & Crafts

Games, HayridesDances, Songs

CampfiresNature Walks

VolleyballBasketball & more

Children’s Camp ~ Aldergrove, BC

Group bookingsalso available

604-857-1712

Girls & Boys6-14 years old

$385 - $485 per week(GST included)

604.351.7761bfitzgerald@tutordoctor.com • www.tutordoctor.com

1 1One on One IN-HOME TUTORING FOR ALL GRADES & SUBJECTS

AVOID SUMMERLEARNING LOSS!!

$50 OFF

SUMMER JUMP START PROGRAM*Discount applies to purchase of new package between May 1 - July 31, 2010

Summer Camps

EW28 The VancouVer courier friday, june 4, 2010

Lucas Martin

turns 5 on June 26th!

April 24 – Sept 26

Book your Birthday Party now

604-252-3663 | www.pne.ca

Playland is perfect

for celebrating birthdays!Playland is perfect

for celebrating birthdays!Playland is perfect

for celebrating birthdays!Playland is perfect

for celebrating birthdays!

Packages include PlayPasses,

rock climbing, basketball

and a White Spot Triple O’s

or Pizza Pizza meal for

one low price.$27.95Birthday

PlayPasses only

per child (plus tax)

June 1 Samito Daniel Oguri .......3Alyssa Lu ........................6June 2 Adam Zerbinos ...............8June 3 Miranda Butler ................7Yuka Lee .........................5 June 4 Coleridge Walsh ...........10June 6 Sheila Grant Duff ..........11Isabella Sophia Sia .........1June 8 Oksana Bugera ..............4

June 10 Angelyna Morel ..............6June 11 Willow Browne ...............9Marcus Andre Berner .....5June 12 Leonardo Rasales ..........5June 17 Matilda Cormier ............11June 18 Roya Bardshiry .............12June 20 Lili Cormier .....................9June 21 Erica Pomponio ..............1

June 22 Cole Timko .....................3June 23 Heather Lu ......................7Caitlyn Sauriol ................6Rojina Bardshiry ...........13June 24 Ava Francis .....................3June 25 Zharvin Carl Virtudazo ....2Alicia Saya ka Ng ...........4June 26 Lucas Martin ..................5June 30 Meghan Yuen .................6Michael Chang ................2

Happy Birthday to all these JUNE Kids!

SHREK Forever After soundtrack features music from Weezer, Scissor Sisters, Beastie Boys, Lionel Richie,

The Carpenters and more!

ENTER TO WINthe soundtrack to

Forever AfterSHREK

Commercial Drive DQ/OJ1629 Commercial Drive

604-568-4542Kitsilano DQ

2601 West Broadway604-732-3704

BirthdayMake a wish come true Birthday Club Entry FormName: ______________________________

Phone # _____________________________

Turning _______on: ____________________

Send to: The Birthday Club, 1574 West 6th Ave., Vancouver BC V6J 1R2. Deadline for entries for the upcoming month is June 25, 2010.

NEXT BIRTHDAY CLUB WILL PUBLISH JULY 9TH, 2010Hey Kids... Simply send us your name & birthdate and we will publish it the month of your birthday on our special Birthday Page. You will also be automatically entered to WIN a birthday prize from H.R. MACMILLAN SPACE CENTRE & UNIVERSAL MUSIC. Winners will be contacted by phone in addition to an announcement in the paper.

Find your Wayout of the June maze!

start

end

friday, june 4, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW29

Congratulations!Best of luck to the class of 2010

www.opposition.bc.ca

Mable Elmore, MLAVancouver-Kensington6106 Fraser St.,V5W 3A1(604) 775-1033

mable.elmore.mla@leg.bc.cawww.mableelmore.ca

Shane Simpson, MLAVancouver-Hastings2365 E. Hastings St.,V5L 1V6(604) 775-2277

shane.simpson.mla@leg.bc.cawww.shanesimpson.ca

Hon. Ujjal Dosanjh, Member of Parliament

Vancouver South

6408 Fraser St.Vancouver, B.C., V5W 3A4Tel: 604-775-5323Fax: 604-775-5420dosanu1a@parl.gc.cawww.ujjaldosanjh.cawww.twitter.com/ujjaldosanjh

Congratulations Graduates!

It has always been my goal to be a difference-maker in the community. I served as Editor-in-Chief of the 2008-2009 Yearbook at Britannia, reducing the Yearbook debt from $10,000 to $2,500, which helped relieve some financial bur-den on the school. I am a Socials and English tutor at the school’s Homework Club, President of the Graduation Ceremonies Committee, Grade 12 & District Representative on the Student Council and a Global City Issues Club member. One of my

most significant contributions to the community would be serving as Senior Director of Marketing and Special Events of the 2009 Crossroads Conference, devoted to spreading student aware-ness of local issues, and connecting them with city leaders to make meaningful proposals and solutions. I am headed to the University of Toronto this fall to study International Relations. I hope to one day work for the foreign service of Canada or the United Nations.

Sammy LauBritannia Secondary

Over the course of the last five years, I have immersed myself in many aspects of my school’s extracurricular activities. On top of being Prime Minister of the Killarney Student Government, I have also been a key member of Student Street Squad, Yearbook, Link Crew, and Grad Committee. I have managed to maintain a level of high academic standing, while working two part-time jobs, and giving countless hours of service to the school and community. In recog-nition of my achievements, I recently received

the prestigious James Edmunds Memorial Scholarship, as well as the Killarney Principal’s Award, Sir John A MacDonald Youth Leadership Award, Silver “K” Award, Killarney Mini School Award, MacCorkindale Elementary PAC Award, Killarney Student Government Leadership Award, and the Killarney Cougar Mart Initiative Scholarship. In the fall, I plan on attending McGill University to study biological and life sciences, in hopes of one day attaining a job as a health care professional.

Vanessa LinKillarney Secondary School

Matthew has been a tireless volunteer both within Fraser Academy and in the larger com-munity. A Scouting Area Youth Commissioner, he organized two area youth forums where young Scout members could voice their opinions and ask questions. At school, Matthew established the position of Group Youth Representative—a contact for youth in various Scout groups. A volunteer for three years at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Matthew did crafts and

activities with children; in 2009 he was hired part-time to help with birthday parties, coor-dinate volunteers and supervise tour groups. At Fraser Academy, Matthew has been a key member of the Community Service Club (as well as many other school clubs). He has been a recipient of many awards for his service, most notably the Thomas Peter McNamara Award for Outstanding Citizenship and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Level Award.

MatthewRichardsonFraser Academy

Rowena Cacapit describes herself in her schol-arship application as follows: “In the fall of 2005 I was a fresh young grade 8 who was just enter-ing high school. I had no idea what to expect or exactly what to do. Now at the end of my graduating year I find myself doing everything possible while my time in high school is quickly ticking away. I know that I have developed far beyond what I could ever have hoped for. I used to be extremely shy before my high school experiences helped me build character, find my true personality and make me what I am today; an outgoing, bold leader”.

Rowena has devoted over 1000 hours to leading and choreographing the school Dance Club. She has also spent many hours volunteering with the Youth Corp under the sponsorship of the John Oliver Community School Team and acted in the school’s recent production of A Midsummer

Night’s Dream. She is a Provincial Finalist for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program

Perhaps Rowena’s most impressive accomplish-ments have been on the wrestling mat. As a recent article on the Vancouver School Board’s website put it, “her voice is barely louder than a mouse and her stature at 44 kilos is not much more either; but her determination and the size of her heart are immeasurable on any scale”. Defying all odds she became John Oliver’s first Gold Medalists in a quarter decade and the first ever female wrestling champion for the school at the 2010 Canadian Juvenile Wrestling Championship held April 9-11, 2010 at Simon Fraser University.

She is a scholar, dancer, actress, volunteer and now National Juvenile Champion and Provincial AAA Wrestling Champion.

Rowena CacapitJohn Oliver Secondary

Mini School graduate Michaela Berkow has been actively involved in volunteer work throughout her high school years. One of her greatest contributions to the community has been her service to the Louis Brier Home and Hospital. For five years, Michaela has been a regular volunteer at this nursing home where tasks have included running weekly movie nights, delivering mail, and escorting residents to various programs. Presently, she spends two hours a week brightening residents’ days with her friendly visits.

A French horn player in Point Grey’s symphonic band, Michaela has also acted as co-chair of Point Grey’s Music Executive for the past two years. This student-led club meets once a week and is responsible for stage set-up, ticket sales, and the general organization of music performances. Michaela’s position as leader is essentially that of a volunteer coordinator, requiring a significant portion of time and dedication, which she has gladly given.

MichaelaBerkowPoint Grey Secondary

This special feature highlights high school graduates who’ve displayed an outstanding commitment to school and community service. Each year schools are included on a rotating basis.

It has always been my goal to be a difference-maker in the community. I served as Editor-in-Chief of the 2008-2009 Yearbook at Britannia, reducing the Yearbook debt from $10,000 to $2,500, which helped relieve some financial bur-den on the school. I am a Socials and English tutor at the school’s Homework Club, President of the Graduation Ceremonies Committee, Grade 12 & District Representative on the Student Council and a Global City Issues Club member. One of my

most significant contributions to the community would be serving as Senior Director of Marketing and Special Events of the 2009 Crossroads Conference, devoted to spreading student aware-ness of local issues, and connecting them with city leaders to make meaningful proposals and solutions. I am headed to the University of Toronto this fall to study International Relations. I hope to one day work for the foreign service of Canada or the United Nations.

Sammy LauBritannia Secondary

Rowena Cacapit describes herself in her schol-arship application as follows: “In the fall of 2005 I was a fresh young grade 8 who was just enter-ing high school. I had no idea what to expect or exactly what to do. Now at the end of my graduating year I find myself doing everything possible while my time in high school is quickly ticking away. I know that I have developed far beyond what I could ever have hoped for. I used to be extremely shy before my high school experiences helped me build character, find my true personality and make me what I am today; an outgoing, bold leader”.

Rowena has devoted over 1000 hours to leading and choreographing the school Dance Club. She has also spent many hours volunteering with the Youth Corp under the sponsorship of the John Oliver Community School Team and acted in the school’s recent production of A Midsummer

Night’s Dream. She is a Provincial Finalist for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program

Perhaps Rowena’s most impressive accomplish-ments have been on the wrestling mat. As a recent article on the Vancouver School Board’s website put it, “her voice is barely louder than a mouse and her stature at 44 kilos is not much more either; but her determination and the size of her heart are immeasurable on any scale”. Defying all odds she became John Oliver’s first Gold Medalists in a quarter decade and the first ever female wrestling champion for the school at the 2010 Canadian Juvenile Wrestling Championship held April 9-11, 2010 at Simon Fraser University.

She is a scholar, dancer, actress, volunteer and now National Juvenile Champion and Provincial AAA Wrestling Champion.

Rowena CacapitJohn Oliver Secondary

EW30 The VancouVer courier friday, june 4, 2010

BRENTWOOD TOWN CENTRE BRYANSBRIDE.COM

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West Point Grey Academy proudly salutes its Graduating Class of 2010 4125 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver • www.wpga.ca

WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY