The importance of both free and guided play

Young children develop optimally when they can engage regularly in both free play and guided play. In free play, children practice moving at their own pace and discover their own areas of interest. With guided play, they learn to listen, to share and interact with their peers. 

“Play is the highest form of research,” Albert Einstein once said. Pediatric studies agree, suggesting different forms of play contribute to every aspect of a child’s development to help them reach for their full potential. The many benefits include:

NVRC celebrates Family Day with free events!

In keeping with helping the community stay active and healthy, NVRC is offering free family-friendly events (public swim, family skate, pottery, open gym, art and movement workshop, parent participation playtime) for Family Day. 

Please note that public health guidelines are in effect and some activities require advance registration. For a full listing, click here.

Generations of embracing community

Florence Baillie (née Patterson) knows North Vancouver well. Growing up in the 1950s, Florence’s father owned a candy/tobacco shop on Lonsdale Avenue, and she attended North Vancouver High School (where North Vancouver Provincial Court is located today). 

Happy spring! It is time for renewal, rejuvenation and spring cleaning! Have you heard of The Buy Nothing Project, a hyperlocal, no money exchanged, gifting economy? If you have something unused in your closets or have some time and talent to spare (or if you are in need), check out the Buy Nothing Project .

The Lunar New Year is referred to by different names. In China it is Chunjie or Spring Festival, in Korea Seollal, in Vietnam Tết Nguyên Đán, in Tibet Losar. Masses of people travel from the cities to their home towns to be with family, resulting in the world’s largest annual human migration.  

Hit the Slopes

Head to one of the three North Shore mountains this winter break to ski or snowboard with your family. Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain all have adapted the ski experience to make it COVID-safe with increased cleaning and physically distanced lift lines. Remember to bring your mask and reserve tickets online in advance.

For a season that revolves around delicious treats, gifts and good times, the winter holidays are too often synonymous with stress and busyness. This year has added on a whole new layer of challenges, but that’s OK! With physical activity in your back pocket, there are still plenty of ways to stay happy and healthy during the festive weeks.

I hear giggles echoing down the stairway as I’m escorted through the hall up to the Lonsdale Licensed Preschool located above NVRC’s Memorial Gym on East 23rd Street.  I’m worried the children will become self-conscious when I enter the room, especially when they can’t see the smile behind my mask. The reality of COVID-19 means they don’t get many visitors.  I need not worry, they are so engrossed in activities they are completely oblivious to the strange woman chatting with their teacher.  

Sports, whether in groups or solo, can have life-changing effects on those who make them a part of daily routines – and not just in the physical sense. Take Dominique Tremblay, for example, a two-time Paralympian and now devoted father residing in Laval, Quebec, whose entire life is rooted in sports.

1. Go on a self-guided art tour – outdoors and free
   North Vancouver is home to over 150 unique, public art installations that can be found in community plazas, municipal buildings, commercial developments, parks and nature trails. Go on a walking or biking treasure hunt to admire them all. Here’s a full listing plus map.
2. Take a hike!