VICTORIA – This year, more than 640,000 B.C. kids are looking forward to their summer break.
It’s an exciting time for kids, but for many working parents and caregivers, this means added pressure to find fun and safe activities for their kids to fill the longer days of summer.
Luckily for families throughout the province, local community centres and summer camps are offering opportunities for B.C. kids to make new friends while exploring nature, learning new skills and making the kind of memories that last a lifetime. As Canada’s natural playground, British Columbia offers stunning mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches and forests to explore.
With summer also comes the need to find quality child-care spaces for many families. Government has them covered with a new online Child Care Map that takes the guesswork out of the process of looking for licensed child-care spaces.
BC Early Years Centres are also open throughout the province to help support families with children aged 0-6 years to access early learning, health and family services under one roof. Here are some tips to help families welcome the sunshine:
Looking for a summer program or camp experience for your child?
Keep the kids physically active while making new friends through your local community centre or YMCA’s day camps and special events. Stop in for a schedule or check online.
Summer camps bring kids together to enjoy everything from sports to arts and crafts. Find one that best suits your child’s interests and give them the experience of a lifetime: www.camps.ca/british-columbia-camps.php
Take a road trip and explore the many attractions B.C. has to offer, from amusement parks to water slides: www.familydaysout.com/kids-things-to-do-canada/british-columbia
Get your kids involved in sports through viaSport multisport camps throughout B.C.: www.viasport.ca/regional-alliance
Get artsy with camps hosted by local museums and art galleries, including:
For Lower Mainland families, the possibilities are endless. For family events in and around Vancouver, check out: www.kidsvancouver.com/
When you’re home with the kids, don’t forget to encourage outdoor play, which helps connect kids to the natural world, develop important skills and contribute to their physical well-being. Plant a garden together or organize a fun scavenger hunt!
Summer camps and sports for kids with special needs:
Several B.C. organizations run specific programs for kids with special needs. Visit this site for one near you:
Is your child ready to stay at home alone?
There is no legislation or policy, federally or provincially, that dictates when a child can be left unsupervised. Because every child is different, parents must use their best judgment when deciding whether or not their child is ready to stay home alone.
Here are some general factors that parents should consider before leaving any child unsupervised:
How long will you be away? As a guideline, it’s best not to leave children under the age of 13 years unsupervised for a period longer than a few hours.
Who will they be with, what will they be doing and is there a neighbour or other responsible adult nearby?
Do they have access to a phone and can you be easily reached in case of an emergency?
Know your child. Some children are more mature than others. Make sure your child is ready for the added responsibility.
Summer in British Columbia is a great time to explore our beautiful province and make family memories to last a lifetime. No matter what your family has planned for the season, these are just some of the many options parents have to ensure this summer gets off to a strong start.
