When was the last time you told your children to go play outside?
You can help them build lasting relationships with nature in Nature Rocks! summer camp in Coquitlam.
Nature Rocks! is a new camp where kids can explore and discover the outdoor world. Children will discover plants and animals, get crafty with eco-art, play outdoor games and go on nature walks.
The camp is based out of Victoria Park, 3435 Victoria Dr. in Northeast Coquitlam, situated close to untouched urban forests, creeks and more. The camp runs Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to kids seven to 12 years of age.
To register or for more information, call 604-927-4386 or visit www.coquitlam.ca/outdoors.
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Parents and children are excited for summer vacation but that doesn’t mean kids should take a vacation from learning, according to ABC Life Literacy Canada.
Research shows children who don’t read over the summer lose some of the literacy skills they gained during the school year and have a difficult time adjusting to school in the fall.
This summer, parents can try the following fun activities to keep kids’ skills sharp. (HSBC Family Literacy First offers four independent modules, each with a story and various activities designed to bring families together to practise literacy skills. Modules are available in three languages: English, French and simplified Chinese, with more languages to be added in the coming years.)
• Read the stories together.
• Paper boat stay afloat: Learning a new craft, skill or game is a great way to practice literacy. Download Module 1 to find directions for how to build a paper boat.
• Beat the drum: People practise our literacy skills when they follow directions. Download Module 2 to find directions for how to build an Iroquoian water drum.
• Sing along: Music is a part of almost every culture and community in Canada. Download Module 2 to find sing-a-longs in both official languages — and in simplified Chinese.
• Origami is a fun way to practise literacy skills. Download Module 4 to find out how you can make your own origami panda.
• Get active: Play the Hokey Pokey as you practise naming and singing the different body parts. Download Module 3 to find games and lyrics to practice naming the parts of the body.
• Trace your heritage: Where in the world is your family from? Download Module 4 and practise geography by mapping out your heritage.
For more information about HSBC Family Literacy First, visit: www.familyliteracyfirst.ca.
—ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. More information: www.abclifeliteracy.ca.
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Ever wondered where your water comes from?
You can find out with a Metro Vancouver watershed tour.
Every summer, the regional authority opens its protected watersheds — including Coquitlam’s, for those 15 years and older — to let people discover these pristine valleys first-hand. Participants will join Metro Van staff for an engaging and scenic guided tour.
Tours run Thursday to Sunday through September. Visit www.metrovancouver.org and search “watershed tours” to learn more. Registration is limited. Call 604-432-6430 or register online.
