“I feel I’m creating a foundation to shape the future of our society. I’m a big proponent for social learning: learning how to read people, to get along with others, to be kind and help people: to be an upstanding citizen.”

“When I work with the children in our Early Years and Kids on The Go programs, I feel I’m creating a foundation to shape the future of our society. I’m a big proponent for social learning: learning how to read people, to get along with others, to be kind and help people: to be an upstanding citizen.

The programming looks like fun, and it is! But I would like the parents to know that the children are learning all the time. There’s a purpose behind each activity we do. We are always working on a skill or a quality. For example, if we plan a throwing game for the gym it will be to work on that gross motor skill, I’ll pause the game periodically to provide tips about how to add power or accuracy to their throw, then we’ll continue learning through play.

I am a trained teacher, so I’ve worked in a lot of the schools, but what’s unique about this program is the collaboration amongst the Program Leaders. We usually have six or seven program leaders working in the Kids on the Go program each day, all bringing different perspectives, different experiences and different talents to the table. It’s a real highlight of my work to be part of a team of awesome, passionate program leaders.”

More information:

The Early Years Programs are play based recreation programs that help prepare children for kindergarten. Visit whistler.ca/EarlyYearsPrograms

Kids on the Go (KOTG) is an after-school program offering activities like games, crafts, cooking, sports and outings out of the Myrtle Philip Community School. Visit whistler.ca/KOTG

Photo credit: Dave Buzzard