“vancouver blossoms” by David Wise licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post by Helena Zhu, Women Students Program Assistant at Access & Diversity

While your kid(s) might be delighted that they have a two week break this spring (Saturday March 7 to Sunday March 22), you might be wondering how you’re going to attend classes and get your work done. Fret no longer. There are a number of affordable day camps available to you in Vancouver. Here is a short summary:

YMCA

YMCA of Greater Vancouver offers perhaps the lowest-cost camps for the entire duration of spring break, from March 9 to 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For $147, your 6-12 year old(s) can stay either at the Langara Family YMCA (282 West 49^th Ave.) or Robert Lee YMCA (955 Burrard St.), both a 30-minute bus ride from UBC. Both camps include a trip to Fort Langley and Science World, sports, games, and the recommended 90 minutes of daily physical activity.

YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to cover part of the cost.

UBC Camps

Can you imagine easier drop-off and pick-up than right here on campus? Over spring break, your kid(s) can dive underwater with the Scuba Camp at the Aquatic Centre, explore the forest with UBC Ropes Course, or shine in the spotlight with the Performing Arts camp. UBC’s Spring Programs are mostly half-day, week-long camps that cost between $133 and $288. The good news is that most of these courses are eligible for Community Service Card discounts.

The Old Barn Community Centre

Right behind Thunderbird Residence, the Old Barn Community Centre is conveniently located. The only downside is that these camps are a little pricey, though you can get 10 percent off with a University Neighbourhood Association (UNA) Access Card. Literary and writing camps from 9 to 4 p.m. cost $270 for five week days. Two-hour-a-day camps for 3-5 year olds cost $150 for five week days. You can register for camps and apply for a UNA Access Card on UNA’s website.

Dunbar Community Centre

If you would like more flexibility in your child(ren)’s spring break activities, Dunbar Community Centre has independent day camps every week day for children 7 to 12 years old. For $40 a day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., your child can go bowling, to the movies, and to attractions such as Science World and the Aquarium. For children anywhere from 1 to 12 years old, the community centre also offers hour-long and half-day programs in cooking, writing, and even good manners, among others. For more details, please see pages 10-11 in its Recreation Guide. You may qualify for discounts with the Leisure Access Program.

Kitsilano Community Centre

Located about 25 minutes by bus from UBC, Kitsilano Community Centre offers some creative programs, from building NASA space program models to seeing their LEGO creations in motion with motors. These 3-hour creative programs cost $177 for five sessions, while more traditional, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. programs cost $149 for five week days.

West Point Grey Community Centre

Located a 15-minute bus ride from campus near Jericho Beach, West Point Grey Community Centre is closer than both the Kitsilano and Dunbar community centres. West Point Grey has probably one of the longest programs for 3-5 year olds, at 4 hours a day, $145 for five days a week. For children 6-12, the program including activities such as baking, swimming, and skating cost $145 for five week days, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Skating at Robson Square” by Steve Tannock licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post by Helena Zhu, Women Students Program Assistant at Access & Diversity

After powering through January, we finally get a break in February on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 9! Vancouver has plenty of low-cost and free activities to keep both you and your little one(s) active and bonding.

Robson Square Ice Rink
Situated in the heart of downtown, Robson Square Ice Rink offers free skating, skate rentals, and music for the whole family. The rink is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free hot chocolate from noon to 4 p.m. You can get to Robson Square by busses 14 and 4 from UBC, getting off at Robson St.

UBC Aquatic Centre
UBC Aquatic Centre is open on Family Day with obstacle inflatables set up in the deep end, and two headed dragon set up in the shallow end from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pool is free to UBC students and $2 for others during the period.

Kerrisdale: Skate for Half Price
Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena (5670 East Boulevard) is offering half-price skating on Family Day from 4:15-5:30 p.m. Family rates with discount would come to $1.45 per person. Skate rental costs $2.86. Those part of the Leisure Access Program, which low-income Vancouver residents can apply for, can swim, skate, and rent for free at the Kerrisdale Community Centre. For more information, please call (604) 257-8121.

Kitsilano: Family Day Festivities
Drop by the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Family Day for free family-friendly activities and entertainment. For more details, please reach the community centre at (604) 257-6980.

West Point Grey: Free Zumba, Arts and Crafts, Bouncy Castle
At the West Point Grey Community Centre (4397 West 2nd Ave.), families can enjoy free activities from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The day will start with zumba for all ages from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the main celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents and children can enjoy arts and crafts, playtime, and a bouncy castle.

Family programs at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House start this week! Located just 25 minutes away from UBC by bus, the House offers five programs, four in their Kitsilano location and one, “My tween and me parenting program”, on the UBC Point Grey campus:

1. Family FUNdamentals program for parents with children 3 & 4: 6 sessions from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24, 1-2:30 p.m., $20/$15 Family Membership.
2. Expressive Art Group for Newcomer Pre-Teens (aged 9 – 12): 8 sessions from Jan. 20 to March 10, 4-5:30 p.m., $30/$20 Family Membership
3. Multicultural Women Support Program: 9 sessions from Jan. 23 to March 20, 10 a.m.-noon, $15/$10 Individual Membership
4. My Tween and me parenting program for parents with children 7 – 12 years old: 8 sessions from Jan. 24-March 14, 10 a.m.-noon, $15/$10 Individual Membership. Location: Acadia Park Commons Block (2707 Tennis Crescent)
5. Food Skills for Newcomer Families: 6 sessions from Feb. 6-March 13, 5-8 p.m., $15/$10 Individual MembershipAll programs provide free child minding and snacks.

The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is located at 2305 West 7th Ave., Vancouver. For more details, please see the attached posters.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Patricia Paz at patricia@kitshouse.org or 604-736-3588 ext. 128. If you are in need of a subsidy please contact Patricia Paz for a subsidy application.

“View west from Cypress mountain” by Casey Yee licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Post by Helena Zhu, Women Students Program Assistant, and Hannah Barath, Co-op Student Assistant at Access & Diversity

Finances can be tough especially around this time of the year. Student loans are running low and the seasonal break can be a stressful time for many. If you are looking for support there are a number of programs and services that might be a viable option for you here at UBC and in the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA).

Emergency Funding

If you find yourself in an emergency financial situation or faced with an unexpected expense, UBC has emergency funding that Canadian students can apply to. It will be counted as a university loan. You do not have to have student loans to be considered. International students can apply for funding in order to complete the current term or travel home in cases of family emergency. Unfortunately, long-term bursary funding is not available for international students, but you are encouraged to looking into funding in your own country. Should you wish to seek these options, you can contact your Enrolment Services Professional or make an appointment with an advisor.

Food Banks and Low-Cost Food

The Alma Mater Society has a Student Food Bank that provides emergency food relief to current UBC students. With a valid student ID, current students can receive up to one bag of groceries for individuals and two bags for families per visit, up to six visits per term. The AMS Food Bank also provides referrals to other Lower Mainland food banks. Note that the Food Bank is closed between December 17^th 2014 and January 5^th 2015.

There are many other food banks in the GVA. If you don’t know which location is closest to you, call the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society at 604.876.3601. At the bottom of the page on this website you can find a list of some of the other food banks in the Lower Mainland. You can also check out the regularly-updated schedule of places that offer free or low-cost meals, which is compiled by the City of Vancouver.

Family Fun

Fun family activities don’t have to be expensive. There are several holiday themed activities in Vancouver that are free and family-friendly!

On Friday, December 5^th a big tree lighting ceremony is happening at Jack Poole Plaza from 5.30 to 7 pm. This free event will have live music and entertainment, but if you cannot make this date you can still see the trees until the first week of January. Another event to consider if you want to see Christmas lighting is the Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival. You can see the lights all through December (until 10 pm every day), but the recommended days to go are December 13^th and 20^th.

Many Christmas markets are expensive, but the fantasy-themed fair Imaginarius Fantasticus has free admission and entertainment for all ages. If you want to go, it’s at International Village Mall on December 6^th and 7^th between 12 and 6 pm. If you happen to be downtown on December 7^th, also make sure to check out the Rogers Santa Clause Parade.

Lastly, you can skate for free at Robson Square if you have your own skates. If you don’t you can rent skates (including helmet) are available for $4.

Gifts, Clothing and Other Resources

Low income families in Vancouver can register with the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau between December 3^rd and 19^th. Gifts include toys, clothing and food vouchers. If you do not live in Vancouver the website also lists other Christmas Bureaus in the Lower Mainland.

New clothes are expensive, but there are alternatives. On the second floor of the Student Union Building at UBC there is a “free store”. There is a variety of clothing and other things available. Find it in SUB 245, where the AMS Resource Groups are located. Keep in mind that the SUB holiday hours may be different than during the academic year.

You can find a very thorough list of thrift shops in the Vancouver area and Lower Mainland (and many, many other resources) in the Single Mother’s Resource Guide made by Vancouver Status of Women. Also make sure to check out the Guide to Resources & Supports for Parents prepared by Single Parents on Campus. If you are looking for in-person support, consider the YWCA Single Mother’s Support Services or contacting your local community centre.