Island Parent Online (Formerly Kids in Victoria)

Each day focuses on a theme that is reflected in the day’s activities, discussions, and games. Our goal is to teach children how to grow, harvest, and cook healthy food in a fun, hands-on, and engaging way, and provide them with opportunities to expand their physical, social and practical skills in order to live sustainably. Campers learn team building and leadership skills through activities and games at KinPark. Many of our activities and games promote group problem solving, and leadership-taking for those who are older and wish to take on more responsibility at camp. Aside from gardening, planting seeds, harvesting crops, and cooking, other activities include yoga, sports, crafts, games, reading and telling stories as well as swimming at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.

The popular ‘BioBlitz’ events of the past have set the stage for this year’s special event—Nuit Blanche—to be dazzling. Parks Canada staff and guest experts will host the public from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm on August 10th at Roesland to explore what nighttime mysteries sparkle under the sea and up in the sky. Have you ever wondered what swims below the ocean’s surface under the cover of night? Staff from the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea will dive into this topic, using light to attract, scoop up, and identify underwater species. With any luck, we will marvel at a fairy dust-like phenomenon in the water, bioluminescent plankton, which lights up when stirred around. PFDs will be provided for dock activities, but bring one if you have it. Curious about those elusive critters who swoop around your head at night? Parks Canada scientists will be recording the sounds of bats in real time to identify and track the number of species. This technique is used to monitor bats around Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and detect White-Nose Syndrome, which has wiped out up to 95% of bat populations in Eastern Canada. BC’s sixteen species of bats is the most in any province, making this work even more vital. Lie back, look up, and watch the stars in the company of the Royal Astronomical Society. Using a telescope, they will guide you in spotting the Perseids Meteors that will be cascading across the sky. Look forward to seeing one of the largest constellations, Boötes, home to the third brightest star in the sky, Arcturus. The Pender Island Museum will be open and serving hot chocolate, so bring a blanket to warm up on the verandah. A bus will be running to Roseland from the Community Hall. A bus schedule will be posted in advance of the event.

Escape the city lights and enjoy the stars from within the walls of Fort Rodd Hill. Join Parks Canada staff and local experts from the Royal Astronomical Society for a night of astronomy and galaxy exploration. Peak through large telescopes and witness this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower. Take part in special presentations, participate in hands-on activities and join a night photography tutorial. Make it an overnight stay! Two options available: - Rent a tent. Participants have the opportunity to stay overnight in a four or six-man tent. $55 or $70 per tent rental (four or six person), which includes a tent, camping pads, lanterns. - Bring your own tent. Fees TBA. Reservations for tenting options must be made in advance by calling (250) 478-4389.

Leaving competition on the sidelines, this program uses connections to your child’s world to teach sports. The coaches will help you find strategies to teach your child basic sport skills in a fun way. NCCP Certified instructors will use games, songs and positive reinforcement, to ensure that your child experiences the joy of learning 10 sports in a comfortable, sporty environment. Call 250.370.9101 to register

Leaving competition on the sidelines, this program uses connections to your child’s world to teach sports. The coaches will help you find strategies to teach your child basic sport skills in a fun way. NCCP Certified instructors will use games, songs and positive reinforcement, to ensure that your child experiences the joy of playing 10 sports in a comfortable, sporty environment. Call 250.370.9101 to register

The day is filled with fun activities including the Quarter Mile Swim, canoeing, kayak races, 3 on 3 volleyball tournament, swimming races, chalk art contest, land games for kids, music in the park, whistle, splash and flip triathlon, watermelon eating relay, lifeguard relay, and more. A BBQ concession is available from 11:00am until 3:00 pm.