KidSafe offers at-risk children from the ages of 5 to 13 innovative learning programs, leadership programs, and access to activities they would not be able to afford on their own. Much of what we do is unique to KidSafe, and many of our programs are considered leading edge in terms of their approach. These are terrific kids who just need a chance to shine and to build on their strengths.
KidSafe programs run after school and during vacation breaks in 6 inner-city elementary schools located in the Greater Vancouver community: Grandview/?uuqinak’uuh, Florence Nightingale, Mt. Pleasant, Queen Alexandra, Admiral Seymour, and Macdonald.
With a low children-to-staff ratio and a familiar network of people attuned to their particular needs, KidSafe supplies each school with highly energetic staff, caring child support workers and a network of community and social services. Serving nearly 400 children, KidSafe runs free of charge thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, governments and organizations that want to make an impact within their community.
In Gardening for Growth, children plan, plant, tend and harvest vegetable and fruit gardens on the school grounds, while they learn about food, science and good eating habits. They pick up something about nurturing as well as a feeling of accomplishment. Cooking Fun for Families brings together parents, children and on-site staff for cook-learn-eat sessions focusing on balanced meals, nutrition, economy, recipes from many cultures, and usually laughter.
In addition, KidSafe also ensures a complete day’s nutrition for every KidSafe child through a healthy breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
Many KidSafe children experience challenges in school…but when reading is fun, it can become a healthy habit! Our Recreational Reading program presents literacy in a creative, fun format: composing rap lyrics, creating comic strips, performing comedy routines. Classroom teachers tell us that, at the end of summer, the KidSafe participants are more “learning ready” and look forward to returning to school. During Summer Science, children learn the ideas and language of science that will help keep them interested into high school. They have one full day each week of hands-on science experiments and planned explorations at Science World. KidSafe also offers children a chance to be part of an Enviro Club, where they are encouraged to brainstorm creative ways to address environmental issues such as climate change, increasing food security problems and recycling.
To address the specific needs and keep the interest of pre-teens, we have developed KidSafe Young Leaders for boys and girls in Grades 6 and 7. This tailored program gives pre-teens a summer to build confidence in their leadership capabilities through co-operative games and role model scenarios. Activities are designed to help strengthen decision-making abilities, build job skills and self-confidence, experience outdoor adventures and develop leadership skills they can pass on to the younger children. The Girlz Club is also offered for girls in Grades 5 and 6 to learn practical life skills, cope with issues stemming from peer pressure, and increase overall self esteem.
Bringing out the talent in even the shyest child are programs which include KidSafe Idol, Hip Hop dance classes, Crazy Crafts fine arts, Homework Help and the KidSafe Introductory Golf Program in conjunction with the University Junior Golf Society.
KidSafe day-trips also extend the youngsters' worlds. Community day trips are organized to explore new activities such as skating, kayaking, bowling and the ever-popular swimming day at Splashdown Park. Every time, there are exclamations of "I've never been to the beach before" or "This is my first time over a bridge."
