Looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the kids?
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is inviting local families in to get a hands-on taste of Japanese culture.
The centre holds monthly Sunday Family Corner sessions, running from noon to 4 p.m. Families can drop in to enjoy hands-on activities making Japanese-inspired crafts and origami and trying out Japanese toys.
This past Sunday (May 15), kids and families got to try out sumie, or ink brush painting. The next session is set for June 12, when families can try their hand at “koinobori,” or carp-shaped windsocks. On July 10, you can try out origami.
And, of course, while you’re there you can see what all the museum and cultural centre has to offer. Check out www.nikkeiplace. org or call 604-777-7000 for information – or just drop in to 6688 Southoaks Cres. to see for yourself.
TEENS LEARN MINDFULNESS
Well, here’s a cool one from the City of Burnaby youth services department.
Mike Pandher, supervisor of the Summit Youth Centre, emailed to let us know about a successful Mindfulness and Meditation session that was held for teens during Youth Week.
The May 3 session was led by Dr. Suman Kollipara, of Peace Tree Society, who shared insights into how the brain works and the impact of stress on body and mind.
“By using only a few minutes of these scientifically tested practices a day, teens could help rejuvenate and reignite their energy for peak performance in day-to-day life,” Pandher explained.
Two youth speakers also shared their knowledge and experiences with meditation and mindfulness, leading to what Pandher called a “truly inspirational time.”
If your preteens and teens haven’t already checked it out, the Summit Youth Centre is at 200 Willingdon Ave., by Eileen Dailly Pool, and it offers a hang-out spot and a variety of programs and trips. Check out www.tinyurl.com/SummitYouthCentre to find out more.
ART FOR KIDS AT GALLERY
Is there an arty kid in your house?
Don’t forget about the Burnaby Art Gallery’s Kidz Club Art Nights, monthly gatherings that let kids try their hand at a variety of art materials and forms while they socialize with other kids and enjoy some light bites and music.
The Thursday night sessions run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the gallery (6344 Deer Lake Ave.), and each month is on a different theme.
On Thursday, May 26, the theme is Constructing Space, and on June 30, it’s Animal Prints. Each session costs $16.
Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca for more information or to sign up.
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER FUN
I know, I know, summer still seems like it’s far away. But for those families looking for day camps and programs, it’s really not all that far off.
A heads-up for local parents that registration has opened for Burnaby Neighbourhood House summer programs, including Youth Adventures for kids in grades 4 to 7, and Summer Fun Clubs for kids in kindergarten to Grade 3.
Registration starts on May 24 for the summer preschool program, which welcomes four- and five-year-olds who are starting kindergarten this coming September.
Check out www.burnabynh.ca for information, or call 604-431-0400.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send parenting- and family-related ideas and events to Julie, [email protected], or find her on twitter @juliemaclellan.
