Hello everyone! Did you have a busy weekend outside? Here are some ideas to have an energetic week!

Do you have a child interested in skateboarding? Here are some Skateboarding 101 tips and how to choose a helmet!

Do you have a fidget spinner in your toy box? Here are some fun activities to try with it!

Here are some ideas for being active without sports, including: hiking, biking and yoga. And ideas on how to get kids to love being active!

Here is a fun way to learn your ´ABCs´, make your body into a life size alphabet! Have fun! 

This week´s blog post is all about water, safety, and bubbles! Read on.....

Every child loves a sprinkler! Here are some games to play while the garden is also being watered! 

Check out this list for some of the best swim spots in Powell River and a strong reminder about water safety from a drowning investigator.

Easy backyard summer games are a must on sunny days, here are some ideas! Including simple things like water balloons, a game of drip, drip, drop (like duck, duck, goose), and sponge toss!

And, BUBBLES! Here is how to create a giant bubble maker (hint: 2 straws and a string), plus the *secret* soap formula! Check out this recycled bottle bubble blower! Be safe and have fun everyone!

Most summer activities and camps are cancelled; but, the magic of the season is not! Let´s try to recreate that fun and magic at home! Find some ideas here!

Here are some fantastic camp ideas, including: throwing a living room camp out, card games, scavenger hunts, and water balloon fights! This list includes 7 camp games which consider physical distancing.

If you are comfortable with your child attending an actual day camp, this one for 4 - 6 year olds, happening July 20 - 24 in Powell River, looks amazing!

This is an interesting article about the least and most risky activities to consider this summer.  Hint: hiking, beaches and other outdoor activities are the safest choices. 

Children today are playing outside less than our generation. Now is the time to get outdoors! Here is a great resource as to why it is so important for our children.  

Jumpstart, Canadian Tire´s program which supports all children gaining access to sport and physical activity, is offering this virtual summer camp.  You can also follow their Facebook page. 

​And, if you have a nature lover in your crew, consider this BC Wildlife Federation Virtual camp. For a cost of $20 (use code ´ohcanada´ at checkout for $10 off until July 11), you can purchase a ´Camp pass´ that will give you access to 7 weeks of weekly courses, on topics such as: bees/pollination, survival skills, ecosystems and animal identification. Best for children 4+

​We only have 18 summers with our ´babies´! Let´s embrace those warm evenings, sprinkler games, and sticky ice cream fingers! Have a good week!

Eat local! Urban homesteading! Food security!
Terms that are top of mind these days as we have witnessed disruptions to the global food system. By supporting local farmers, or growing it yourself, you are creating a healthier and stronger food system for yourself, your family and our community. ​ It is never too soon to teach children where food comes from and may help stimulate an interest and palette for homegrown, vibrant food!

Lift Food Security Project in partnership with Tla´amin Nation have created the Good Food Box. Packed full of nutritious fruits and veggies, local whenever possible. Anyone is welcome to purchase a box for $25. You can find out more on this Facebook page or order online here.

Have you heard of The Urban Homesteading School of Powell River? They offer courses and tips on homesteading and self reliance. Recently, they have launched the Pandemic Merit Badges, find out more here. The badges are geared towards adults; but, there is no reason you cannot get the little ones involved in some of these projects! 

Join the Urban Chicken Movement! Three chickens are allowed in most Powell River backyards. You can find out more details here. Join the local Backyard Chicken Facebook Group here, for tips, info, and exchanges. Alternatively, buy local eggs. The Powell River Market has a post about local eggs here. Due to current circumstances the weekend Farmer´s Market is shop only, you won´t find the kid´s play area that we all know and love! You can also shop online and just swing by to pick up your order.

The summer growing and harvest season is hitting full swing. We are fortunate to have many farm gate purchasing opportunities, including veggies, berries, eggs, and honey. Home Grown magazine is a great resource, check it out online here. 

Maybe getting some dirt on your hands is just what you need to find balance during these uncertain times? Join a work bee at Blueberry Commons, check their Facebook page for details and upcoming dates!
Have a great Canada Day week! We are so fortunate to live where we do, let´s celebrate it!

Summer is here and it is bike season! Now is the time to get outside and ride! 

A bike parade is a fun, festive and safe way to get outside. Join a few friends, while maintaining social distancing. Here is an article about bicycle safety, in our current circumstances.

But first, you need to decorate your bike! Here is an idea for handle bar streamers, made from supplies you likely have around the house. You could also decorate with stickers, pipe cleaners, and artwork.

For a little inspiration, here is one of our favorite books about cycling, ´Along a Long Toad´, by Frank Viva, read aloud. Here are more great books about bike riding.

Maybe you have a little one on a tricycle or maybe this is the perfect time to make the move to a two-wheeler! Here and here are some tips for taking the leap.

Some adults have been learning to ride for the first time too! It is hard not to be happy on a bicycle, just what we need in these uncertain days! 

Hello and Happy Monday! Powell River has tons of accessible camping; but, you can also create a remarkable adventure at home! 

You don´t need to pack and plan, instead just step out your back door. Here are some ideas to make backyard camping extra special!

No backyard or grey weather? Bring the outdoors in with these fun projects. 

Here are some yummy ideas for kicking your campfire cooking up a notch! Even if it is in your own kitchen, or on your bbq, and heading to a blanket in the backyard or deck!

There are so many benefits to getting outside and breathing fresh air (even just opening a window), including reducing stress, improving sleep and overall feelings of wellness. Check out Outdoor Play Canada, a network of organizations working together to galvanize outdoor play movement across Canada.

Hello! We hope you had a lovely weekend! Here are some ideas for this week:

Do you have an empty shoe box around? Why not make a puppet theatre, as seen on the blog Almost Makes Perfect? See full instructions here. And, you will also find a link to the printable puppets.

Are you looking for a new healthy snack idea? How about ´ants on a log´? We learned to make them last Monday, with Strongstart at Home.

We cannot wait to welcome you back on the ORCA bus, in the future! Have a great week, friends!

Have you heard of Growing Chefs? They do fantastic work in Victoria and Vancouver, by having chefs go into classrooms and help students learn more about growing, cooking, and eating healthy food! With the current situation, they have switched to online learning, here are the first three lessons:

• Lesson 1 - Garden Talk (Planting)
• Lesson 2 - Vegetable Exploration
• Lesson 3 - What Vegetables Do For Us

Do you have toilet paper rolls headed for the recycle? How about turning then into some toilet roll crafts? See some fantastic ideas here. Image from Alisa Burke.

Check out the Dance Parent 101 youTube channel for some motivation to get the whole family moving!

Discover ´little listeners´ stories read on Audible here.

​Have a good week everyone!

Do you need to move? The National Ballet School is offering free online dance class for kids aged 3-6 years old, you can find them here. Plus adult ballet classes can be found here. 

​Do you need to catch your breath at breakfast time? Watch live safaris here, first thing in the morning 6am - 8:30am. You can interact with the guides by asking questions on YouTube or Twitter!
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​Take care everyone!

Watch live animal cams from the San Diego Zoo. We especially love the apes and baboons! 

​Got ants in your pants?! How about trying a Cosmic Kid´s Yoga video.
And for the adults, local yoga studio Elements Movement is offering a free community yoga class on Sundays at 9am, email Andrew for the Zoom link: ElementsMovement1@Gmail.com