by Jo Barnes –
You want your kids to be healthy and get the most out of life.
You make sure they get regular exercise, eat a variety of healthy foods, and … do some painting?
That’s right, painting or any other fine art activity! The Panorama Recreation programs reflect what many Canadian studies have shown: that the arts contributes to health and well being.1 When you take part in an arts class, you learn new skills, socialize with others, and express yourself in new ways all of which builds confidence, alleviates stress, and enhances health.
So what’s new in the arts line-up? Arts Sampler Week from September 11 to 17 features free demonstrations and sample classes. Forest Explorers, for children age three to five, kicks off in September. This new program, which originated in Germany, is an opportunity for little ones to not only get physical exercise through playing, walking and climbing, but to enjoy opportunities for storytelling, singing, and drawing. Close to nature, children are introduced to unique opportunities to learn about the world around them.
Over the years Panorama has endeavoured to include the arts in their youth programming including afterschool activities and Pro-D Day camp sessions.
“We have been working with our staff team to encourage them to try new mediums and different projects as much as possible,” says Jason Gray, Community Recreation Coordinator, Youth Programs.
Panorama offers diversity in arts opportunities. Are you aged eight to 14, love creativity and crafts? Crafternoons offers plenty of hands-on fun with seasonal projects such as holiday centrepieces, wooden pallet canvas art and holiday garlands. In October and November local event planner and craft specialist Emma McCormick leads two hour creative crafting workshops on how to make seasonal pieces for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Are you a dance enthusiast, singer, musician? Plenty of dance and music opportunities are available in sessions by instructors of Allegro Dance and Peninsula Academy of Music and Arts. The Cooking for Fun program is back! Youth can have fun in the kitchen preparing delicious Mexican, Italian and Asian dishes. New this season is Cookie Crumbles and Cakes, an opportunity for young people to prepare all kinds of sweet treats.
Even big folks can get in on creativity. Doodlebugs Parent & Tot (age three to five) returns, and this time parents and their little ones can have fun together making items like stained glass candle holders or painted birdhouses. To best accommodate busy family schedules, Doodlebugs is offered at new locations and times.
With so many options at Panorama, it’s best to check the website for details and registration: https://www.panoramarecreation.ca.
Whether it’s on the dance floor or on the forest floor, on the canvas or in the kitchen, Panorama Recreation promises art in their program mix.
