8 Alternative Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love!
8 Alternative Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love!By Jonquil Jardine Summer is coming up and parents are searching for the perfect summer camp experience for their kids. Traditional summer camps include hiking, leadership activities and games. But have you thought about circus, virtual reality or computer camp? They do exist and we’ve found a roundup of alternative camps your curious kid will love! Toronto, Ontario V4Lab Ages 12-16 years old This summer program is designed for students that like design, tech, science and engineering. Canada’s economy is continuing to grow and it’s important for youth to be exposed to various types of technologies. This two-week program covers Augmented Reality, Arduino as well as team-building activities. Additionally, all programs offered at V4Lab are taught by instructors in the industry! https://www.ryerson.ca/v4lab/program/ Toronto, Ontario NOT Sports Camp Ages 8-16 (Different camps for various ages) Let’s face it, not every child is into traditional sports offered at camps. Imagine a camp that offers Harry Potter’s favourite sport, Quidditch? Well NOT Sports Camp does along with other non-traditional games such as KIN-Ball, inner tube water polo, Capture the Flag and much more. Also, the camp is held mainly outdoors at University of Toronto’s Back Campus Fields which overlooks the city! https://kpe.utoronto.ca/summer-camp-not-sports Toronto, Ontario(with locations in Ottawa and Chicago!) GTA Photography Classes Ages 12-17 Is your child interested in photography? If so, they will love what GTA Photography has to offer! Your teen will have the chance to learn photography with the help of Instructors already in the industry. https://gtaphotographyclasses.com/kids-teens/ Elora, Ontario Summer Circus Camp at the Elora Centre for the Arts Ages 6-12 The Elora Centre for the Arts offers a week-long summer camp which focuses on acrobatics, juggling, clowning and much more. This program is for those that love endless possibilities! https://eloracentreforthearts.ca/event/summer-circus-camp/ Richmond Hill, Ontario The Steam Project Ages JK-Grade 8 (Different camps for various ages) The Steam Project is the camp you wish existed when you were a child. Unlike traditional summer camps, The Steam Project camp teaches Art, Technology, Mathematics and much more using a hands-on approach. Additionally, they have creative programs such as their “Tinker” summer program, which allow kids to design and create their own toys! https://www.thesteamproject.ca/a-different-camp Vancouver, British Columbia Windsure Adventure Watersports – Windsurfing Camps 12+ Does your child love the water? Well, we have the perfect camp for you! Windsure Adventure Watersports offers windsurfing camps that can combined with skimboarding, sailing and kayaking. Additionally, all classes include the use of a complete sailboard, wetsuit and life jacket
Anthony Alabi: From Football to “Family Reunion”
Anthony Alabi: From Football to "Family Reunion"From football fields to production sets, former football player, Anthony Alabi can be found tackling the new Netflix series, “Family Reunion” staring Tia Mowry-Hardrict. As we know, family reunions can be funny, hectic and entertaining. Portraying the fun yet disciplined dad, Moz, Alabi claims he is similar to the character he plays in many ways. We sat down with the father of two daughters to talk about being a dad, on screen and off screen. Congrats on your role as the character, Moz in the new show, Family Reunion. Can you tell us a little about the show? Thank you! Yes. Family Reunion is a new Netflix multi-cam comedy centered around the McKellen family. After playing 15 years in the NFL, my wife Coco and I decide to retire and move the family from Seattle to Georgia, in order to be closer to extended family and get back in touch with our roots. Seattle being Seattle and Georgia being Georgia, we were destined to have a lot of comedic conflict. You’ve acted in many TV series, what makes this series special? Well, for me personally, this is my first series as a lead. Because of that, it is and always will be special to me. As a show, it is the first all-black writer’s room, which is something special in and of itself. I think the fans will find that nostalgia of family comedies from the 90s. We lean into themes and references that are relatable and on the pulse of black culture. Why do you think having an all-black writer’s room is important for the authenticity of the show? I think an all-black writer’s room allows the show to be written in a way that is authentic to us. Meaning the show comes from a place where we are portraying black culture the way we see it and not a filtered version of it. Do you feel like you can relate to the character that you play? If so, in which ways? Haha! Moz and I are pretty similar in a lot of ways. Both played professional football. Both are fathers and we are both big kids at heart. I think we approach life in the same way with a lot of fun, discipline, and being exactly what we need to be when the situation calls for it. How old are your children? My daughter is two-and-a-half. My son will be one this
4 Ways to Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job
4 Ways to Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job By Jonquil Jardine Summer is almost here, and school is almost out. Many teens will be looking for a summer job to gain experience and make some extra cash. Working can be a great opportunity for teens to gain independence and work experience. Most importantly, it also teaches them about managing money, networking, confidence-building and work ethic. But, with little to no experience, how can they land a paying gig? We have four tips to help. 1. Assist Your Teen with Their Resume Resumes can be used as a marketing tool. It outlines an individual’s background, skills and education. But how can a teen create a resume with limited experience? “Simply add volunteer work or accomplishments,” says Toronto-based Human Resources professional Kulebika Natkunam. Some things to keep in mind while helping your teen with their resume include, avoiding formatting issues, which can be easily solved by using resume templates. Additionally, avoid spelling errors by using online programs to help with grammar. Lastly, a good resume is organized, informative and, most importantly, a representation of your teen’s goals and accomplishments. 2. Network with People You Know Networking is important for anyone seeking employment. For teens, networking means talking to everyone they know in hopes of creating an open dialogue that can help with future professional contacts. You can also help your teen network by using the connections you already have. For example, “Ask your friends if their companies are hiring for summer,” says Kulebika. Many companies search for candidates during the summer due to current employees taking leave. 3. Practice Interview Techniques with Your Teen Interviews can be one of the most important and nerve-wracking steps of the job hunt. One way you can help your teen reduce anxiety is by conducting “mock interviews” while providing feedback. It’s important that you provide them with constructive criticism along with examples of how to answer questions. Providing real-life examples that accompanies a behavioural trait will prove to be beneficial when your teen is in an interview, says Kulebika. For example, when responding to questions in the mock interview, make sure your child provides a real-life example such as, helping the neighbours clean their lawn, even though they didn’t have to. This is a real-life example. The behavourial trait can be helpful, kind and productive. Practicing and conducting mock interviews will not only help your teen better prepare for their interview but
5 Reasons to Take your Teen to Deerhurst Resort This Summer
5 Reasons to Take your Teen to Deerhurst Resort This SummerWant a fun getaway with the family this summer? An escape to Deerhurst Resort, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Toronto, is just the destination to experience a mix of cottage life with all the amenities of a four-star getaway. Situated in Huntsville, Ontario in the picturesque Muskoka region, Deerhurst Resort offers something for everyone in the family — including even the pickiest of teens. Need a reason why your teen will love a stay at Deerhurst? We have five. The amenities. The main lodge alone boasts several restaurants to cater to a myriad of tastes! In the morning, fuel your day with the breakfast buffet at the Eclipse Dining Room where your family can serve themselves early morning favourites, including pancakes, eggs and bacon, muffins and more. For a casual lunch or dinner, head to Maple Pub & Patio for pub classics, including burgers, pizzas and fish and chips. For a more sophisticated dining experience, the Compass Grill & Bar, located just steps from the main lobby, serves up tender plates of steak and wild boar, while still offering up teen-friendly fare such as beef tacos and chicken wings. To burn off all those delicious meals, the year-round rock-climbing wall and indoor pool offer the ideal opportunity to burn off energy and keep the kids happy, rain or shine! Want to connect with nature? Head to on-site Stoneleigh Farms to go on horse rides on the trail or visit the petting farm. The accommodations. This summer marks the introduction of Lakeside Lodge, Deerhurst Resort’s newest accommodations! With sizes that range from Studio to Three-Bedroom Lodges, guests can get the cottage experience on the water while enjoying all the amenities of the resort. These new accommodations boast a contemporary style with rustic accents and include an eat-in kitchen, gas fireplace and balcony. Not in the mood to cook? The main pavilion is a short 10-minute walk so you can enjoy dinners at the resort. The activities. To celebrate the opening of Lakeside Lodge, Deerhurst’s “This Is Summer” package offers fun daily activities until Sept. 1. Some activities are free and include an inflatable water park on the lake, sunset hike & campfire, early morning paddle experience and classic lawn games. Additional activities that can be booked include tree-top trekking, boat cruises and ATV tours, to name a few. The fun. Head into town
Oh Brother! Why you need this labeller in your life (right now!)
Oh Brother! Why You Need This Labeller in Your Life (Right Now!) Label makers can be an organizer’s best friend. A simple label can instantly transform a space or object. And, while label makers have been traditional in style and use, Brother has upped the label game with a label maker that works with your Apple/Android phone and tablet to deliver personalized, easy labels. So, whether you’re labelling your office supplies (somehow, they always go missing, right?), creating personalized gifts (perfect for weddings!), or adding labels to your beauty supplies when travelling, Brother has a label maker and an app for that. Wondering how a labeller can help you de-stress and organize? We’ve created a list of creative ways you can use one! Ingredient & Spices If you’re the type of person that removes spices from the original container, then you will truly appreciate this next hack! Simply create labels for your spices. This will save you time from guessing which spice is in which bottle. Clothes Is your kid attending camp? Moving into a dorm? Are you doing some travelling yourself? Why not label your clothing to avoid confusion? By labelling your clothes, you help avoid someone accidentally taking your clothes. You can simply print out your name and add it to the back of a shirt. Also, Brother sells the perfect fabric tape (TZE-FA3) for this!PlantsMost of the time people throw away the box and label that comes with a plant. What happens when you forget which plant is which? Try creating labels and attaching them to a popsicle stick to avoid guessing. Additionally, you can simply add the labels to a plant pot, especially for indoor plants. The tapes are laminated, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use because the tape is waterproof and fade-resistant. Now you’re probably wondering which label maker you should get. Imagine a label maker that works with your Apple/Android phone and tablet to deliver personalized, fun labels. Or a label maker that allows you to choose the size and style of tape you wish to use. You can get all this and more with the Brother P-Touch CUBE PT-P300BT.Why we love the Brother P-touch CUBE PT-P300BTNo other labeller has an app or interface like this! The Brother P-touch Design&Print app, which you can download for free on iOS and Android devices, makes creating labels fun and easy. Once downloaded, you can create unique labels on your P-Touch
5 Ways to Get Your Teen More Active This Summer
5 Ways To Get Your Teen More Active This SummerIt may be called the lazy days of summer, but Health Canada recommends that teens engage in at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Not only does regular physical activity help maintain good health but it’s a great way to boost body image and confidence. While the end of the school year signals the end of gym classes and school sports, it doesn’t have to mean that physical activity comes to a stop. To keep your teen active all summer, here are five ways to encourage them to keep moving. By Rhiannon NessSign them up at Planet Fitness. The gym is offering teens aged 15-18 the chance to work out for freeat one of its 30+ locations across Canada until September as a part of its Teen Summer Challenge. They will be offering fitness classes with a certified trainer that are designed specifically for teenagers once a day, Monday through Friday. The gym is also sharing an important message about body positivity. “Planet Fitness is a judgement-free zone,” says Becky Zirlen, senior public relations manager at Planet Fitness. “So, this is the perfect opportunity for teens to try a gym!” Try cycling! Cycling is a great way to stay active, and it could be an important way of bonding with your teen. On top of that, it is a way that could keep the whole family active! In 2018, ParticipACTION released its Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth and found that only 35 per cent of Canadian kids and teens aged 5-17 are meeting the national physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity per day. Get the whole family on their bikes after dinner for an early evening ride! Enroll them in sports camp! Many community centres and schools like UCC Summer Camps and Camp UofT offer themed sports and fitness camps for teens. These camps are a great way to stay active while also giving them the opportunity to meet other teens with the same interest in sports and fitness. Find a program in your area—check schools, parks, community centres—for the perfect fit for your teen! Have fun. Encourage your teen to try different things until they find something they love that doesn’t feel like work. Toronto-based personal training specialist Leo Stafford suggests “that people do whatever grabs their attention.” This could be a sport that they
Rebecca Eckler’s Blissfully Blended Bullshit
“Here's the story of a lovely lady……” Ok, this is where the comparison ends between the Brady Bunch and Rebecca Eckler’s blended family. In her new book, Blissfully Blended Bullshit: The Uncomfortable Truth Of Blending Families, Eckler gets candid about the realities of blending families and the hard truth behind what it means to meld a new life with exes, in-laws, new children, bonus children, bio children, households and even a dog. We sat down with Eckler to talk about her new book, falling in and out of love and what she wants you to know about being blended. By Rachel NaudWhy was it important to you to write this book? There are two reasons I thought it was an important topic to write about candidly. I didn’t realize how hard being in a blended family was, and it was only AFTER I would vent to girlfriends, who were in, or had been, in blended worlds themselves, that they would admit that they had the same issues. I had no idea what they had/have been going through, again, until after I was the one to start the conversation. Also, I realized there was nothing out there about what to do AFTER you blend families. There is a lot out there about the stepmother/stepchild relationship, but there was nothing about what to do when blended stops being so splendid, and all the BS that pops up in blended families. When you blend families, it’s not just about ‘How To Be A Step-Parent.’ Blending affects everyone, from our in-laws, ex-in-laws, our exes. When I read the stats on blending families, I was shocked. By the year 2020, there will be more blended families in North America than any other kind of family makeup, so, really, there is an epidemic of people blending, who have no idea what to do after they blend. I wanted to help, or at least share, what people are going to have to deal with, and hopefully they can learn from my mistakes. When you reach a certain age, and get divorced, and start dating again, there is a huge probability that you will be dating someone who already has children. And no one has really shared what it’s really like to blend, and all the variations of people who need to get along for blended to be splendid. I also wanted people like my parents, my (now) ex’s parents, and
10 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts She’ll Love
10 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts She'll LoveBuying for the mothers in your life can be hard. That’s why we’ve chosen 10 gift ideas for the women that do so much everyday. By Rhiannon Ness 1: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, $499, dysoncanada.caSpoil your mom with the best in luxury hair care. This hairdryer saves time and leaves a sleek finish compared to a regular dryer, so mom can get right back to her busy schedule! It relies on its power to dry hair fast instead of just using extreme heat, making this a healthier and quicker alternative to a regular hair dryer. 2: Breville Smart Tea Infuser Compact, $199, breville.com The Breville smart tea infuser does all the hard work for you. It knows the proper temperature and steep time your mother’s favourite tea needs, so she can just set the timer and go! 3: Casper Hybrid Mattress, $925+, casper.comMaximize your mom’s sleep by getting her one of these mattresses. They’re comfortable and limit the body pain that is usually caused by other mattresses. The mattress features temperature-regulating technology to prevent overheating, as well as upgraded support technology to address aches and pains for the most comfortable sleep. 4: Cute mom mugs, $14, chapters.indigo.caFor the caffeinated mother, these mugs show your appreciation for everything that Mom does (and she’s reminded every morning!). 5: Bite Beauty lip set, $39, sephora.com For the makeup lover, this Bite Beauty lip set contains three lipsticks, a lip balm and a lip mask in a travel pouch. Bonus: they’re cruelty-free and made in Canada! 6: Tropical iced tea set, $39, davidstea.com Kickstart summer with this iced tea kit from David’s Tea. The kit includes three teas, a spoon and a steeper so your mom can indulge in these tropical iced teas on a hot day. 7: Conversations with my Momby Lark Crafts $14, chapters.indigo.ca This collaborative journal is something you and your mom work on together. It features guided questions to get you talking about things you might never have mentioned before. This book is a conversation between each other and is something you’re both bound to cherish. 8: Pandora charm bracelet, $75, Pandora.net A Pandora charm bracelet is something you can add to every year. There are Disney charms, mom charms, grandmother charms, mother-son charms, mother-daughter charms—charms for every occasion and every mother! 9: Drunk Elephant Littles Kit, $110, sephora.comThis Drunk Elephant skincare set is great for all skin types. Whether your mom’s skin concerns are hyperpigmentation, aging skin or dullness, she will be sure to love the products
No Good Nick’s Sean Astin
No Good Nick's Sean Astin We first fell in love with Sean Astin, watching him play Mikey in The Goonies. We then cheered him on in the critically acclaimed movie, Rudy, and we laughed through the Lord of the Rings trilogy watching him play the trusty sidekick to Frodo Baggins as Samwise Gamgee. Today, Astin is playing a character closer to home – and his heart – on the new Netflix show, No Good Nick. Portraying the loveable dad, Ed, Astin says is the closest character he’s ever played to himself. We sat down with the actor and father of three daughters to talk about being Dad, on and off-screen. Congrats on the new show, No Good Nick! It’s very unique compared to other family shows on Netflix. How would you say this show stands out? No Good Nick takes a more dramatic, intriguing turn. It’s more of a thriller. The lead character is a 14-year-old criminal, breaking the law. It’s entertaining but a little disturbing. It’s made for binge-watching and it’s very plot-driven. What drew you to the character, Ed? I’d like to believe I AM Ed. I like that in this strangely unique show of intrigue, Ed gets to be typical. He’s dependable. Reliable. Upbeat. Happy. According to the synopsis of No Good Nick, “The series will be highly serialized and show how each character is flawed in their own way. People make mistakes and can sometimes do the wrong thing for the right reasons.” How would you say this pertains to your character? For all the reasons I describe Ed as being reliable and typical, as the show goes on, there are other aspects of his character that are revealed that are less than appealing or morally certain. It’s unsettling when these moments come about. I hate it when I see what Ed does and he’s not the perfect family dad — Ed and the “Edness” that I know. But, of course, the writers are correct in wanting to make it more specific. At one point in the show, all the stuff in our garage goes missing and Ed calls the police and insurance and his attitude is cavalier. You think he would be a rule follower. You have three kids, as a parent how do you relate to sometimes making mistakes and/or being flawed? Frequently. You know, I’m so disappointed in myself a lot for not being better. My life philosophy and sense of myself
How I Helped my Daughter Transition from Dorm Life to Living on Her Own
How I Helped my Daughter Transition from Dorm Life to Living on Her OwnBy Sara Dimerman After my younger daughter’s first year away in residence at university, I thought that we were pretty much done with questions such as, “How long after the best before date can I keep yogurt?” and “When should I choose ‘permanent press’ on the washing machine?” However, after she moved into a house with four other girls for her second year away from home, I learned that there were many more questions to come – such as how to make hot chocolate on the stove like the way I make it for her at home. And I continued to encourage them because being able to ask for direction when you’re not sure what to do is an indication that you’re not ashamed to show that you don’t know everything there is to know, especially when living alone. I think it’s great that students living in residence during their first year away at university buy meal plans. This way, at least parents know that their teens won’t be starving or having to worry about what to buy and make for meals. Especially in addition to adjusting to living independently and managing time and responsibilities like never before – laundry and getting themselves up in the morning, for example. By the time second year rolls around, most students are tired of cafeteria food and showing a great deal more appreciation for home-cooked meals when they come back to their nest for visits. However, many are not quite prepared for the effort it takes to think about what they need to put into their fridge and cupboard (often only on one or two of the assigned shelves), making time to shop for those ingredients and then cutting and cooking them up, after a long day of classes. Even though my daughter has an interest in cooking (and often sends pictures so that she and her dad – the cook in our family – can compare their creations), she often lacks the energy or space required to cook a meal for herself. So, we agreed to pay for weekly meals in a box ( three at a time which allows for six dinners over the course of a week) which still means that she has to prepare the food, but this saves her the time of shopping for as many ingredients, teaches her to