I was recently asked to pull together a list of resources for subsidized, low cost and free ways to engage in physical activities on and around campus. I thought I’d share with you the list that was created:

1) The Bird Coop offers students access to the gym for $25 a term

2) AMS Minischools offers various workshops such as yoga and dance

3) Gold’s Gym on campus offers a student discount

4) There is information in the Guide to Resources and Supports for Parents on Access & Diversity’s website to services on campus and in the Greater Vancouver area.

5) All of Vancouver’s community centers offer low income individuals and families discounts on programs. Check out the Old Barn Community Center for more information.

6) UBC’s BodyWorks Fitness Centre offer’s classes and coaching.

7) The UBC Pool (pool & gym) is free if you’ve paid your athletics student fee. Check their schedule for details on swim times.

8) UBC’s Rec has a Health Promotion Team. They offer a weekly free activity every Thursday in Term 1 & 2. For more information click here.

9) The City of Vancouver’s Leisure Access Card Program.

Please let us know if you have more resources to add.

As we are nearing the end of our first week of school I wanted to extend a welcome and welcome back to you all!

This forum is being run with the intent of connecting parents on campus with each other, events, initiatives and information that might be relevant to our lives as student parents. If you have any family relevant news, activities, resources, links, etc that you’d like to post here please let me, CJ Rowe, know via email at cj.rowe@ubc.ca.

Thanks!

Please contact Sasa as she is interested in hearing from those who will be needing childcare spaces in the new SUB. Hopefully you can be a part of what is developed.

Sasa Pudar
Associate Vice President, External Affairs
AMS Student Society of UBC Vancouver
P: 604 822 2050 F: 604 822 9019
avpexternal@ams.ubc.ca

UBC Continuing Studies is offering three parenting workshop series this spring:

Making Movement Matter: Creating developmentally Appropriate, Inclusive, Physical Activity Experiences for Children

Gail Wilson, MPE
Building on the research and experience of the UBC School of Human Kinetics, this course provides evidence-based resources for parents, coaches and activity leaders wanting to support children’s optimal health and development. Explore innovative guidelines and techniques for designing activities to match the development of participants in order to maximize the positive impact that involvement in physical activity and sport can have.

2 Thu, May 19 & 26, 7-10pm; Robert F. Osborne Centre, UBC. $120+HST

Nutrition Survival for Families with Young Picky Eaters

Gail Hammond, PhD, RD; Whitney Hussain; Evon Ho
It’s sometimes difficult to make kid-friendly meals that are both satisfying and nutritious. Learn about easy tools and resources that support kids in being comfortable with both new and familiar healthy everyday food options. In the first session, parents and guardians learn techniques and can share and discuss strategies with like-minded parents. In the second session, parents and children learn together in a fun, kid-friendly environment. Finish the class with a new toolbox of ideas to try at home.

2 Sat, Jun 4 & 11, 9am-12noon; Tapestry at UBC, 3338 Wesbrook Mall, UBC. $120+HST

Risky Parenting: Navigating Your Child’s Teen Years Successfully

Suzanne Jolly, MEd
Being a parent of a tween or teen has unique challenges. Focusing on family power dynamics and communication patterns, this interactive course offers key information on coping techniques for teens and highlights substance abuse and violence prevention. Learn how teenage brain development impacts behaviors and how you can change your interactions to promote healthy relationships with your children.Gain practical skills and a concrete understanding of how to help your family be healthier and more successful.

4 Wed, May 4-25, 6-9pm; Irving Barber Learning Centre, UBC. $195+HST

For more information and to register visit http://www.cstudies.ubc.ca/wellness/courses.html.

The UBC Daycare Parent Council is a registered non-profit foundation which represents the parents of the UBC Acadia Road Childcare both to the facility’s administration and to relevant arms of UBC, which subsidizes and houses it. The Council is composed of parents representing each UBC Daycare Centre, as well as staff representatives from UBC Child Care Services. The Council meets monthly during the academic year. Ongoing activities and roles of the Council include advocacy, funding child care centre improvements and fundraising.

This is a great website that offers us all a more indepth view of child care issues at UBC. You’ll find reports, practical information and ways to have your concerns/issues voiced.

Welcome to FarmWonders by ubcfarm

More than just the food you eat!

The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC farm introduces FarmWonders Summer Camp: an innovative, educational and fun summer day camp for children. FarmWonders is a student-run community education initiative committed to promoting environmental awareness through science-based farm learning. We aim to offer a unique experience that allows children to explore the wonders of science at the farm and discover the mysteries of the food that they eat. Find out more here!

To find out more about what’s happening at the UBCfarm this spring & summer visit their website for more information.

Do you live at UBC or in Kits? The Fruit and Veggie Deal, run out of the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, is a great deal and a great way to get fresh produce at the end of the month when finances might be tight. For $17, you get a large bin of fruits and veggies once per month (in the 3rd week of the month). For more information, check out their website.

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and UBC Housing & Hospitality Services, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, welcome you to participate in the third annual Multicultural Family Resource Fair.

Our goal is to bring Westside families together with community organizations and service providers passionate about promoting healthy early childhood development and supporting newcomer families adjust to their new home. Continue reading →

Everyone of us needs a break, time to relax, reflect and move through our bodies. If you can etch out a little time for yourself during the school term, are interested in yoga, and aren’t too far from Hastings and Cambie you should check out Yoga for the People. They offer different kinds of yoga classes and each class is run by donation. Visit their website for more information.

Do you live on or around campus? Are you looking for fun and low cost things to do with your family? If so, check out the upcoming list of events at the Old Barn Community Center (http://www.oldbarn.ca/)! From family film nights to community celebrations like the Lunar New Year Party there are a lot of fun family oriented things to do.