Hello one and all. Welcome to the 2024 edition of the Okanagan Family Magazine. We work hard to find interesting, engaging and local editorial for every issue and we’re grateful for all who help us put together our magazine. Steamoji is a new comer to our magazine and we welcome their holistic approach to science education for children. You’ll be very interested in their many kid’s camps and year round programs. Read Empowering the Innovators of Tomorrow.
Speaking of camps, we have a NEW Summer Camps section. Check out all the options for your kids this summer. Read a story called More Than a Camp where a boy makes news friends and gains self confidence while enjoying summer camp. It’s a wonderful example of empowerment.
Speaking of empowerment, it thrilled my heart to read Conquering Adversity Through Passion and Perseverance where Emily Young didn’t let her disability slow her down but instead challenged herself to go the distance and win a bronze medal in the World Championships. What an inspiration she is. Go Emily Go!
Someone who also inspires me with her passion is Rachel Davison. Her wholesome approach to growing and preparing food is simple but vital for a healthy lifestyle. Read Where Does our Food Come From? Learn how you can get your kids excited about where our food comes from and eating better quality food.
How to Manage Love and Career is a helpful article that gives you tips on how to improve your relationship with your partner. Finding that work life balance is difficult at times and we can all use help.
Are the kids bored this summer? Can’t find anything to do? Why not visit the library and bring some books home or go online to access digital versions. Great Summer Reads has some fantastic options for reading material for kids of all ages. There’s some silly options too so please check it out and find some laughter.
Maybe it’s time to get away, relax and get back to nature? Big White has tons of things to do for the whole family in every season. Read Economical Family Fun and start planning a mini vacation. Or why not Discover Your Favourite Hike in one of our many local parks. Or get lost reading Small Wonders in the Great Outdoors. Birds, plants, rocks, and lizards. It’s a beautiful reminder of how blessed we are to live here.
Don’t forget to see the largest Interior Art Festival: Artwalk. It’s a family friendly art festival in Lake Country. For more information read Lake Country Artwalk. There’s something for the whole family including paint-offs, crafts, poetry and food trucks.
On a more serious note, fertility problems can be heartbreaking. Dr. Kathy Wise has some useful information and advice for those facing this particular challenge.
Everyone deserves the right to an inclusive space that provides appropriate accommodations and support. Read our article Bridging Differences Through Inclusion and learn how little acts can start big changes and build a stronger community. And if you have a child who doesn’t know how to deal with fear, Marie Hartwell-Walker has the do’s and don’ts in her article 7 Ways to Help a Child With Fear. You can help your child navigate a scary experience so they can become stronger and more confident.
And lastly but definitely not least, the article As Simple as a Sweater is about foster parents and how intertwining your life with someone else’s can bring echos of love, hugs and laughter for generations. Fostering involves joining forces, supporting each other and creating a stable emotional foundation. It’s something we all need.
Enjoy the 2024 Okanagan Family magazine. It’s put together with love.