The new winter Recreation Guide comes out in today’s Western News, and that means you have plenty of new year’s resolution opportunities to help you and your loved ones have a healthier and happier 2012. We have the largest offering of programs in years for those six months old to 60-plus
One of Canada’s champions of children’s health passed away last month. Dr. Fraser Mustard, who may be best known as “the aspirin Doc” (he first came out with the aspirin a day benefits study), was also a leader in the studies on the strong benefits of early pre-school education, recreation and creative development. He was given the Order of Canada for his continued mission to convey the major importance of a child’s experiences in the first six years of life. The results are outstanding and reinforce what we have always believed: that social interaction, creative play and interactive fun all help a child later in life and especially in the teen years.
Speaking of teen years, the same positive outcomes can be realized by our youth. Although it is a lot harder to figure out what will be popular with that age group. The new Recreation Guide has pages of activities like Teen Zumba and Yoga, Babysitter Training and even a super cool Kayak Rolling Class in the pool.
Other studies consistently show that seniors who learn new skills and hobbies have a better chance of keeping these “grey cells” firing, not to mention the “cardio” benefits of getting active.
We have new programs for all ages. Preschoolers can take “Musical Adventures with Ms. Bee” or try our “Best Morning of the Week” on Mondays or Fabulous Fridays with a different theme each week. New for school-aged children, we have the “Kids Winter Fun” outdoor adventures with Hoodoo Adventures or “Loonie” Gym Time every Thursday, after school at the Community Centre. Teens can try Apex Extreme Tubing, Outdoor Winter Survival or Girls Only Hawaiian Nights with poi and Polynesian hula dancing.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a jump start on planning those new year’s resolutions or why not give the gift of getting active? Do you know that we have the Christmas Bundles Gift Package for $29.99? This includes a $30 community gift certificate, a pedometer worth close to $20, a pair of two-for-one coupons for the pool or fitness room at a value of up to $60 and you get to help someone feel good for longer than just Christmas morning.
For more information on our programs go to www.penticton.ca and click on the rec guide or call 250-490-2426.
Bob Pope is the recreation co-ordinator with the City of Penticton.