With kids back to school, they're trading in long summer days of running and exploring outside for books, pencils and homework.
But if you're looking for ways to keep them active, energized and in the great outdoors as much as possible, the Port Moody recreation centre has several new and returning programs designed for youngsters.
In Fairytale Fitness, kids aged five to seven years can build confidence as they stoke their creative fires while exploring the natural world around them. The program is led by a certified fitness instructor and includes yoga, nature walks, storytelling, dress-up and plenty of physical activity, with everything from dancing to marching and hopping.
Fitness instructor Melanie Montgomery said she established the class after taking her own kids on hikes in their Halloween costumes.
Incorporating a bit of dress-up into an outdoor exercise activity, she said, was just a fun, silly way to spark their imaginations that has proved popular with other kids as well.
If your little ones are looking for a more zen experience, there's Yoga and Art for Kids, a program for five- to 10-year-olds that mixes yoga poses, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and interesting art projects.
Montgomery said in previous classes, the projects have included creating mandalas, or creativity circles, using different textured items and doing yoga word walls, which draws on spelling skills and encourages little ones to treat each other with kindness and respect.
There's also a program for kids who need to work out a blast of energy. Boot Camp for Children, for ages six to 10 years old, offers a mix of cardio conditioning, strength, power and agility led by a certified instructor. And while it's more intense than Fairytale Fitness, parents need not worry they're signing kids up for an adult version of boot camp.
"We incorporate games into it so it's not so boring and structured," said Rebecca Lyne, the recreation programmer for children and youth.
Many of the recreation programs are ideal for kids who may not be involved in organized sports but still need an after-school activity to keep them busy, active and engaged, Lyne added.
FOR YOUTHS
Two new programs for youth will give them a chance to try out their downward dog and cobra while another will have them lacing up their kicks for an invigorating run.
In Yoga for Youth (ages 11 to 14), a certified instructor will lead the class in learning various yoga poses and breathing techniques while also incorporating lessons and wisdom that are invaluable for young teens.
"It encourages body awareness and self esteem," said fitness and yoga instructor Melanie Montgomery. And with all the pressures and stress that go along with entering the teenage years, the class helps youth let go of the drama and gossip, settle their minds and focus on self-acceptance and positive thinking.
The class takes place at Moody middle school but it's open to students throughout the district. It's also open to both boys and girls, although Montgomery suggested girls may find it particularly beneficial.
"It's a good way for teen girls to be aware of their body connection without it being related to something sexual," she said. "It's all about the mind-body connection."
The Youth Running Club meets at the recreation complex once a week for an hour-long warm-up and run through one of Port Moody's many outdoor trails.
Designed for youths aged 11 to 18 years old, the club provides an opportunity for youth to run outdoors in the safety of a group, even as the days grow shorter.
Children and youth recreation programmer Rebecca Lyne said the sessions include a warm-up, followed by a 35- to 40-minute run through Old Orchard Park, the Shoreline Trail and through Rocky Point Park.
Kids can probably expect a bit of a nature lesson as well, Lyne said, a subject she's passionate about. "It's really just a chance to get out and get active," she added.
