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5th Annual VINEC Playshop Details for Children Aged 6 Years Old & Older

All Playshops begin at S1-Picnic Shelter. Please meet your educators there 5 minutes before your Playshop begins.

PLAYSHOP #1 (Saturday, June 13th, 9:30am – 10:30am)

  • Bear and Cougar Safety: Come and participate in a youth appropriate Bear and Cougar Awareness Training, where your children will become Junior Conservation Officers! I will provide safety information for encountering bears and cougars as well as provide human conflict preventative information around attractants and peoples homes. Available space is for unlimited forest friends (parents/guardians required to attend) and 1 educator (North Island Zone | Conservation Officer Service | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Campbell River – Gordon Gudbranson).
  • Build a Home for a Mason Bee: Kids will be instructed and participate in making their own mason bee house for their garden at home. Each child will receive a fun activity handout with information on why it is important to have bee in our world. Available space is for 10 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Cumberland – Jody Fink). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Creating Stories in the Forest: I have always believed the most valuable part of storytelling is the connection fostered between teller and listener. Both my children love listening to stories, especially those from my own imagination! Today we are going to create our own stories from the forest. We are going to make our own story stones, and story characters using nature. Once we are done we will work together to tell a story that you can bring home and enjoy with your family! Available space is for 12 forest friends (parents/guardians of the registered welcome to attend) and 2 educators (Saplings Outdoor Program, West Vancouver – Heather Fraser & Mei Lin Chan). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Knife Safety: This workshop will introduce participants to safe and effective use of a knife and we will learn how to use our knives for fire making. Please keep in mind that this workshop is one and a half to two (1-½ to 2) hours long, so it may end at either 11am or 11:30am (for those parents/guardians who are not intending to stay, please return at 11am). Available space is for 16 forest friends who are 7 years old and older…or younger, if they are ready (parents/guardians required to check-in with educator) and 1 educator (WildSpirit, K’omoks territory – Bruce Carron). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • “Mission: Park Scout“: Come with me for an exciting adventure, as we explore the beautiful Rathtrevor Park. Let’s see if we can find where the deer sleep, the owls perch and the heron fish. If we were wild at Rathtrevor, where would we find fresh water, shelter, food and medicine? We’ll be on our feet, exploring the area around the campsite. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack if necessary. Please note that we will be making lemonade or cold mint tea and will be using lemon or mint and honey. Please also note that this Playshop is 2 hours and ends at 11:30am. Available space is for 8 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Hairy Otter School of Nature Wizardry, Campbell River – Chelsea Holley). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Wild Craft Play – The Game: It’s like a video game, but in REAL LIFE. Embark on character development, questing, gold treasure hunts, hand-crafting, fortress building, capture the flag at a whole different level, and lots of tomfoolery all in one day!  Join us for a full day of play. Dress for adventure. Wear CLOSED TOED SHOES, appropriate clothes for the weather, bring extra water and snacks. Click here to view a video of the game. Please note that this Playshop has 2 sessions. Session 1 begins at 10am and ends at 12pm and session 2 begins at 2pm and ends at 4pm. Registered children are required to attend both sessions. Available space is for 50 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend, as we need a 1:6 adult to child ratio) and 2 educators (Wild Craft Play, Courtenay – Jamie Black and Swan Lake Nature Preschool Alumni, Victoria and École Puntledge Park Elementary Grade 4 Student, Courtenay– Araina Krentzel).

PLAYSHOP #2 (Saturday, June 13th, 11am – 12pm)

  • AdventureSmart: “Hug-a-Tree and Survive”: A professional volunteer from Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) wearing full gear will provide advice to children and their families on how to avoid getting lost…and what to do if you do get lost. Before coming to to the KIDS Campference, it is important for participants to go to the www.adventuresmart.ca web site and for children to view the brief online video, “Hug-a-Tree and Survive,” about a child lost in the woods. Our group will discuss the actions of the child. Hug-a-Tree and Survive gives us an efficient way to get across 4 important messages that have saved lives of people of all ages – so parents, please check out the AdventureSmart web site, even if you do not sign up for this playshop. Thanks! Available space is for unlimited forest friends (parents/guardians required to attend) and 1 educator (AdventureSmart, Parksville – Cynthia Pollak).
  • Bear and Cougar Safety: Please details in PLAYSHOP #1.
  • Decorative Nature Mobiles: Using found objects from the forest and beach as well as some feathers, beads and artsy odds n’ ends we will create charming, decorative hanging mobiles to brighten up your windows. Available space is for 12 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Fanny Bay – Megan Moon). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!

  • Kringspelen: Kringspelen (‘ring games’) is a concept well known in Europe. Children play active games, and depart from a circle. Rudolf Steiner, who founded the Waldorf schools, recognized the importance Kringspelen have on motoric and social development, and as such, they are part of the overall curriculum. Eva will introduce Kringspelen with a few fun games, and she will bring beanbags and rhythm sticks to accompany those games. Available space is for 20 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Comox Valley Waldorf School, Courtenay – Eva Bubb).

  • Paint a Paddle: Who lives in the ocean? Who LIVES down there? Learn about the mysterious ocean creatures and paint your favourite one on your very own paddle. Available space is for 10 beach buddies (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2 educators (retired teachers – Jill Peacocke and Gary Aylward). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!

PLAYSHOP #3 (Saturday, June 13th, 2pm – 3pm)

  • Decorative Nature Mobiles: Please see details in PLAYSHOP #2. THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Discover Owls: This educational presentation includes a visit from one of our glove-trained owls representing a special education ambassador in support of the program content. Once the owl is on display to the students, we interact with the students (question/answer opportunities as well as guiding to the answers if needed) to identify the very unique adaptations of owls for the life they live as a ‘raptor’. Although the bird cannot be touched, our various bio facts and props do allow for students to touch after the presentation and thus get a sense of what the bird feels like. Available space is for 30 forest friends (parents/guardians required to attend) and 1 educator (North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, Errington). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Drums are Fun!: Play with sound and rhythm and each other…let’s make NOISE with our voices and drums! Available space is for 8 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2 educators (retired teachers – Jill Peacocke and Gary Aylward). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Let’s Explore Seaweeds: We will explore our wonderful coast line. Using our nature science to observe, wonder, and identify some of the rich seaweeds found in our waters. Activities will include a scavenger hunt, art activity, and beach side miso soup cook out (includes soy and gluten if this is a problem just let me know and I will supply an alternative seaweed treat for your child). Available space is for 15 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Courtenay – Tomiko Collins). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • “Mission: Park Scout”: Please see details in PLAYSHOP #1. Please note that this Playshop is 2 hours and ends at 4pm.
  • Nature Curiosity Walk and Scavenger Hunt: Honour your child’s sense of curiosity, and natural observation skills on this hour-long journey of exploration, and co-learning around the paths and beach.  This nature walk and scavenger hunt is suitable for both younger children and older siblings to accommodate families who wish to stick together. Available space is for 15 forest friends (children must be 6 – 10 years old) (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 5 educators (Muddy Boot Prints, Vancouver – Belva Stone, Cheryl Fontaine, Sarah Eakins, Pat McGinness and Misachi Mori). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Playful Storytelling: We will play active games, listen to an oral story and then create our own stories using animals, nature that is around us, our bodies and imagination. If there is time, we will make our own pinecone birds to use in our stories. Available space is for 15 forest friends (children must be 6 – 8 years old) (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1-2 educators (SD72 Elementary Teacher, Campbell River – Chelsea Badger).
  • Wild Craft Play – The Game: Please see details in PLAYSHOP #1.
  • Yoga in the outside world: Join Laura for a fun filled Playshop that will connect you to your mind, body, spirit and our outdoor environment. Breathing with the trees and jumping and moving our bodies like the waves of the ocean. We will play, we will move our bodies and we will have fun! Breath in the fresh air while supporting our bodies feel nourished! Available space is for unlimited forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Saplings Outdoor Program, West Vancouver – Laura Burki).

PLAYSHOP #4 (Saturday, June 13th, 3:30pm – 4:30pm)

  • Bird Language Theatre and Games: A short interactive performance of Bird Skits presents the 5 languages of songbirds. Available space is for 20 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2 educators (Fianna Wilderness School, Gabriola and Comox Valley – Kester Reid and Stephanie Mackay).
  • Build Your Own Adventure Playground: Come and join our educators and use your imagination to create your own adventure playground. You’ll have an opportunity to build and exploring using a wide variety of green elements, natural materials, “upcycled” loose parts and tools. Available space is for 15 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2 educators (Saplings Outdoor Program, West Vancouver – Heather Fraser & Emerson Chan). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Clay Creatures: Make creatures out if clay, adding natural elements for decoration. Available space is for 12 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Nanaimo Forest Kids, Nanaimo – Kaleigh McGinnis).
  • Let’s Explore Seaweeds: Please see details in PLAYSHOP #3. THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
    Graphic Problem Solving for your Tribe: Moving forward as a healthy community means planning together. Planning with the environment in mind is a challenge for any well meaning human! Creating storyboards is a fun creative and collaborative exercise to team build, share and work through difficulties TOGETHER in an effort to narrate our collective future goals. EVERYONE should have a voice in their future. Use this graphic tool to organize yourself, your Tribe and your community today! Available space is for 15 forest friends (parents/guardians of children 6 & 7 years old required to attend, parents/guardians of children 8 and older welcome to attend and interested adults welcome to attend without children) and 1 educator (Earth Art Studios, North Vancouver – Michelle Peters).

  • Kringspelen: Kringspelen (‘ring games’) is a concept well known in Europe. Children play active games, and depart from a circle. Rudolf Steiner, who founded the Waldorf schools, recognized the importance Kringspelen have on motoric and social development, and as such, they are part of the overall curriculum. Eva will introduce Kringspelen with a few fun games, and she will bring beanbags and rhythm sticks to accompany those games. Available space is for 20 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Comox Valley Waldorf School, Courtenay – Eva Bubb)

 

PLAYSHOP #5 (Sunday, June 14th, 9:30am – 10:30am)

  • AdventureSmart: “Hug-a-Tree and Survive”: A professional volunteer from Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) wearing full gear will provide advice to children and their families on how to avoid getting lost, how to stay warm and dry, how to make yourself ‘big’ and help rescuers find you….and what to do if you do get lost. Before coming to the KIDS Campference, it is important for participants to go to the www.adventuresmart.ca web site and for children to view the brief online video, “Hug-a-Tree and Survive,” about a child lost in the woods (please click here for video). Our group will discuss the actions of the child. Hug-a-Tree and Survive gives us an efficient way to get across 4 important messages that have saved lives of people of all ages – so parents, please check out the AdventureSmart web site, even if you do not sign up for this Playshop. Thanks! Available space is for unlimited forest friends (parents/guardians required to attend) and 1 educator (AdventureSmart, Parksville – Louise Osborn).
  • Build a Home for a Mason Bee: Please see details in PLAYSHOP #1. THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Fire Lighting: Explore different methods of fire lightning… from lighter over flint and steel to bow drill. Discover how to care for your fire to be safe, warm yourself by it, but also how to cook something on it. Available space is for 15 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Canadian Outdoor Leadership Program, Campbell River – Julia Tashiro). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Friendly Forest Fending for Survival: An interactive session, sharing ideas and introducing concepts, skills, materials and awareness pertaining to the 5 steps in the boreal region land survival pattern. (1) First aid: Self-awareness and preventative care for heat and cold, (2) Fire: Natural and commercially available materials, preparation, and starting, (3) Shelter: Principles, materials, location, and improvising, (4) Signals: Principles and using natural and man-made materials and (5) Water/food: Body needs, sourcing, treatment. Available space is for 12 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Search & Rescue, Comox – Joshua Heilik). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Graphic Problem Solving for your Tribe: Please see details in Playshop #4.
  • Music In the Wild: All around us there are instruments to be found in nature; and within our bodies we have the most incredible instruments of all: our voices! Using the Elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth as our guide Joanna invites everyone to explore the sounds of Nature’s orchestra. We will create Soundscapes using our voices and body percussion, with the addition of the instruments we have found during our walk, and we will sing songs that celebrate Wild Nature. We begin with a guided meditation in which everyone listens with their heart to the sounds around them. Then we head out in pairs on a scavenger hunt to find the instrument that we are drawn to. Does it come from Water? From Air? From the Earth? Or from Fire? We come back and share the voice of the wild in a Circle Song. Finally Joanna will teach the songs from the 4 elements: Xie Xie Ni Shuie, Gratitude Comes Sweet, Fire Goblins and You Can Dream This Too. And because we live in the Salish Sea Joanna will teach the Salmon Song. Available space is for 18 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2-3 educators (Jobird’s Sensing Bliss Embodied Music and Movement for Kids of all Ages, Cumberland – Joanna Finch and TBA). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Salmon vs. Seals and the Salt Marsh Secret: Participants learn about an important kind of salmon habitat called salt marsh. Actual plants we find on the beach will provide the basis for recreating our own salt marsh habitat. We then place the salt marsh along a make shift water body (blue tarp) and play a tag game called salmon vs. seals. Through the game we see how salmon use salt marsh as a secret weapon to escape from seals. The game will show how important salt marsh is along areas such as Kus-kus-sum. Available space is for 16 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 2 educators (Comox Valley Project Watershed Society, Courtenay – Caila Holbrook and Wren Vorster). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Sea Kelp Bulb Calming Stick: Come join us as we connect to the ocean with one of its treasures, the bull kelp. I will supply dehydrated kelp bulbs, while the children find the perfect driftwood stick for it and we’ll fill it with sea glass, calming herbs and crystals, wrap it with leather and decorate. The children will leave with a completed rattle, that they may use to relax the inner waters and minds. Available space is for 6 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1-2 educators (Little Leaves, Thriving Roots, Victoria – Serena Flying Fox). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!
  • Story Stones: I would like to share a Playshop where forest friends create story stones. While individually painted, when the stones come together, the opportunity for a collaborative and shared storytelling journey unfolds. Join me if you’d like, to see where our collective imaginations can take us! Available space is for 10 forest friends (parents/guardians welcome to attend) and 1 educator (Cowichan Valley – Samantha Garstang). THIS PLAYSHOP IS FULL!

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(PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH AT 5PM)

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