by Doreen Marion Gee –
December 3: Friends of the Library Open House Celebrate the wonderful work of the “Friends of the Library” who raise funds for special projects and work hard to make the library an amazing place for everyone! Music and refreshments. 2 to 3 p.m. All ages. Free drop-in. Sidney/North Saanich Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. 250.656.0944.
December 9: Bubble Makers An exciting shallow water scuba diving adventure for kids. A PADI “discover scuba” program introduces you to the wonders of life under the water. Waiver required. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 8-13 yrs. $32. Saanich Commonwealth Place. Register: www.saanich.ca. 250.475.7600.
December 10: Greenglade Teen Lounge – Holiday Movie Night Teens will love their fave holiday movies on the giant inflatable screen. Plus there’s more: pizza and popcorn! 6 to 8 p.m. 11-16 yrs. Free. Greenglade Community Centre. www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
December 10: Stand-Up Paddleboard for Kids Using specialized paddle boards designed for kids, children will learn how to stand-up paddle. Ability to swim in deep water required. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 8-14 yrs. $20. Saanich Commonwealth Place. Register: www.saanich.ca. 250.475.7600.
December 11: Grandma and Me and the Christmas Tree Big treat for little ones: Special time with grandma. Enjoy some tea and cookies, make a tree ornament, sing songs. Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. 3-6 yrs. $24 (for the couple). Saanich Commonwealth Place. Register: www.saanich.ca. 250.475.7600.
December 13: Cooking for Fun: More Cheese Please A fun way for kids to learn the practical skills of cooking. Make grilled cheese sandwiches and yummy mac ‘n cheese. Ingredients supplied. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 7-12 yrs. $15. North Saanich Middle School Foods Room.
Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
December 23: Winter Holiday Storytime Kids, have fun with Virginia, the nice library lady – and celebrate the season with rhymes and songs. Then make a simple winter-themed craft. 10:30-11:15am. All ages. Free. Sidney / North Saanich Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. Register by emailing sidney@virl.bc.ca or phone 250.656.0944.
January 9 to March 13: Gym Bugs Gymnastics Prepare children for a lifetime of athletics – learning coordination, body control and motor skills. Children earn a ribbon at the end. Mondays, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. 4-5 yrs. 9/$99. Falcon Gymnastics Facility. Register:
www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
January 14 to March 18: Ukulele for Kids Learn how to play the ukulele and sing basic songs. Gain skills in strumming and picking and playing strings and cords. Fee includes work book and CD. Saturdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. 8-12 yrs. 10/$100. Peninsula Academy of Music Arts. Classroom. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
January 20 to February 24: Mermaid School – Level 1 Ever fantasized about being a mermaid? Poof! goes the magic wand: Learn basic mermaid swimming techniques, tail skills, and mermaid games. Tail rental included. Fridays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. 8-14 yrs. 6/$66. Panorama Recreation Pool. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
January 21 to March 4: Invader Defence – Alien Invasion! Oh no, aliens are coming and you have to defend Earth from attack! Build your own video game and live the fantasy. Create game rules and characters. Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. 7-12 yrs. 6/$120. Greenglade Community Centre Room #6. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
January 26: Special Australia Day Storytime It’s a special Australia Day Storytime. Learn about Vegemite, kangaroos and
didgeridoos. 10:15 to 11 a.m. Age 0-5 yrs. Free. Sidney/North Saanich Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. Register by emailing sidney@virl.bc.ca or phone 250.656.0944.
January 27 to 30: Family Literacy Weekend Family Literacy Day, January 27, is an annual national initiative to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. The library is extending the event from Friday to Monday. Enjoy activity stations and special guests. All ages. Free. Sidney/North Saanich Library. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. 250.656.0944.
January 29: Circus Skate Step right up to the “Big Top Circus” theme skate. Victoria Costumes will provide character costumes and treats. Sunday, 1 to 2:20 p.m. All ages. By donation to the Sidney Food Bank. Panorama Recreation Arena A. ww.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 2 to 23: Good Morning Storytime Tiny ones will love visiting the library with Mom or Dad for stories, songs and rhymes. Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Age 0-5 yrs. Free drop in. www.virl.bc.ca/branches/sidney-north-saanich. 250.656.0944.
February 3: Bricks 4 Kidz – Kidz Night Out Fun night out for kids with LEGO-based games, challenges and movies. Create motorized models, build as a group or with self-directed free creation time. Pizza and drinks. 6 to 9 p.m. 5-12 yrs. $35. Greenglade Community Centre Room #6. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 7: Doodlebugs Parent & Tot Art Class – LOVE Valentine Canvas Accompanied by parents, little ones will enjoy creative craft-making. Make a mini-masterpiece with supplies included. Afterward, free swim for one parent and tot in the pool. 4:30 to 6 p.m. $15. Panorama Recreation Poolside Room. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 18: ARTRAGEOUS Hey teens, tap your creativity, go wild, and be the next outrageous Picasso! Everything is free: Greenglade Teen Lounge, pizza and shuttle afterward to Panorama Recreation for Saturday Extreme Swim. 6 to 8 p.m. 11-16 yrs. Greenglade Community Centre. www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 23: Fight Back for Teen Girls Girls learn invaluable tools to keep them safe in today’s world. The goal is to be “street smart,” to prevent girls from being victimized. Teens learn the physical skills to “stun” an attacker, giving themselves the chance to flee. 6 to 9 p.m. 12-18yrs. $50. Greenglade Community Centre Room #6. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 24: Muddy Fun in Clay Pro D Day Camp Kids sculpt and hand build projects, supported by a helpful pottery instructor. They’ll have fun using new exciting shapes and creating little clay masterpieces. Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 6-12yrs. $35. Location: Greenglade Community Centre Room #3 Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
February 24 to March 31: Learn to Figure Skate An introductory course to teach little skaters the first steps to twirls, spins, and jumps. Kids should know how to skate forward and stop. Fridays, 4 to 4:40 p.m. 5-13 yrs. 6/$48. Panorama Recreation Arena A – Ice. Register: www.panoramarecreation.ca. 250.656.7271.
