by Doreen Marion Gee –
September 3: Sea Shirt Sunday. Create your own ocean-themed fashion tee, pillow or bag. Bring pillow case, cloth bag or T-shirt (white shirts available for purchase). $2 for fabric paint. 1 to 3 p.m. All ages. Regular admission; passes and memberships accepted. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. www.salishseacentre.org. 250-665-7511.
September 12 to October 17: Kids Yoga. Children will enjoy mindful movements with music, storytelling, visualization and games. Class activities will build confidence and self-regulation skills, improve concentration and foster creativity. Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Seven to 12 years. $75/1 child; $140/2; $200/3. McTavish Academy of Art. Register: www.mctavishacademy.ca. 778-351-0088.
September 13 to October 18: Imagination Investigation. Kids will be super sleuths, investigate the world of insects, unravel the mysteries of movie-making, explore weather patterns, construct a race car and make a special key chain. Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. Six to 10 years. 6/$115. Greenglade Community Centre Room 6. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
Sept.13 to Nov.1 or Sept.16 to Nov.4: Creative Movements for three to five year olds – Journey into Space. As they fly in rocket ships and march around planets, tiny tots will explore a variety of movements that will introduce them to dance fundamentals, with a sprinkle of yoga. Session 1: Wednesdays or Session 2: Saturdays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. $100 / session. McTavish Academy of Art. Register: www.mctavishacademy.ca. 778-351-0088.
September 16 to November 4: Teen Jazz/Contemporary for Boys & Girls. This fun-filled class incorporates both jazz techniques and a combination of jazz, ballet and modern (contemporary). Beginners and experienced dancers alike will enjoy the exciting mix of styles. Saturdays, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. 12 to 15 years. $120/session. McTavish Academy of Art. Register: www.mctavishacademy.ca. 778-351-0088.
September 17 to October 22: Mermaid Lessons. Fall classes are different this year – because they are in Mermaid School! Tons of fun as kids learn how to swim like a mermaid and play mermaid games. Sundays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Seven to 10 years. 6/$66. Panorama Recreation Centre Leisure Pool. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
September 21 to November 9: Good Morning Storytime. The littlest tots will love magical stories, fun songs and rhymes, and playful movements. Thursdays,10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Zero to five years. Free, Drop in. Sidney/North Saanch Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. 250-656-0944.
October 1: Crafting With Nature: “Thanksgiving Table Centrepiece.” Little ones will enjoy a walk gathering natural craft materials, followed by apple cider and baked treats while they create a beautiful table decoration to take home – with lots of adult help. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Two years+. $20. Greenglade Community Centre Room 7. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
October 6 to November 17: LEGO Stories. Lots of giggles and fun as kids build their favourite LEGO creations while listening to stories – then display them in the library windows. Every second Friday: October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Age five+. Free. Sidney/North Saanch Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. 250-656-0944.
October 19: Cookies, Crumbles and Cakes: Ooey-Gooey Goodness – Cinnamon Buns & Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. In this exciting, hands-on baking class, kids will learn how to create delicious treats. All ingredients and supplies provided. Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Seven to 12 years. $14. North Saanich Middle School Food/Textiles Room. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
October 20: Science Sea Day. Celebrate the world of science on this Pro-D day. Lots of fun-filled learning for kids with scientific demonstrations, thrilling (non-exploding!) experiments, presentations and special guests. Friday,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages. Free with admission. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. www.salishseacentre.org. 250-665-7511.
October 20: Pro-D Day $2 Skate. Hey kids, spend your day off having fun swishing over the ice with your friends. Friday, 1 to 2:20 p.m. All ages. $2 admission. Panorama Recreation Arena A. www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
October 28 to December 16: Sportball Multi-sport – Me and My Dad. A wonderful opportunity for tots and parents to play together while children learn the introductory skills of eight different sports. Games and skills taught in a fun way, to build confidence. Saturdays, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Two to four years. 7/$112. Greenglade Community Centre Gymnasium. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
October 29: Animal Grossology. Who loves all those icky and yucky things about animals? How about slug slime, owl barf and the scoop on poop? Enjoy worms, slugs, and spiders in this “gross” class. 12 to 3 p.m. All ages. Drop in anytime. Admission by donation. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. www.swanlake.bc.ca. 250-479-0211.
November 1 to 22: Biology Buddies – November Themes: “Winter Adaptations”, “Three Little Bears”, “Sneaky Spiders”, and “Bird Tools.” In this series of four two-hour sessions, preschoolers are gently introduced to the wonders of the natural world. Two choices: Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Four to six years. $60 / four-class session / members, $80 non-members. Pre-registration required in person or by phone. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. www.swanlake.bc.ca. 250-479-0211.
November 5: Sea Shirt Sunday. Create your own ocean-themed fashion tee, pillow or bag. Bring pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (white shirts available for purchase) and $2 for fabric paint. 1 to 3 p.m. All ages. Regular admission; passes and memberships accepted. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. www.salishseacentre.org. 250-665-7511.
November 10: Giant Board Game Night. Hey teens: challenge your pals to some giant board games tonight at Teen Lounge: Giant Jenga, Yahtzee, KerPlunk and more. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. Grades six through eight. Free drop-in. Greenglade Teen Lounge at Greenglade Community Centre. www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
November 14: Pinterest Lab – Geometric Wooden Wall Art. Create your own masterpiece by painting on wood in an artistic geometric pattern. Supplies provided and pieces ready for hanging. Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nine to 12 years. $15. Greenglade Community Centre Room 6. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
November 24: Pro-D Day $2 Swim. Hey kids, spend your day off having fun splashing, swimming and playing in the water with your friends. Friday, 1 to 3 p.m. All ages. $2 admission. Panorama Recreation Pool. www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
November 25: Pottery – Make a Mug! Enjoy sticking your hands into clay and creating a beautiful mug. Come by yourself or with a family member or friend. Supplies included. Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Two years + with parent or 16 years+. $25. Greenglade Community Centre Room 3. Register: www.crd.bc.ca/panorama. 250-656-7271.
November 26: Oh Deer! Kids will become deer experts as they celebrate all the members of the deer family with deer bingo, deer crafts, deer games and lots of touchable deer items. Sunday, 12 to 3 p.m. Drop in anytime. All ages. Admission by donation. Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
www.swanlake.bc.ca. 250-479-0211.
