SOS is working to continue meeting needs despite the challenges brought on by this pandemic.We’re excited to share some wonderful new initiatives in this newsletter that will help us develop a reliable source of funding into the future. We also share some program updates, and information about this year’s Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive. Thank you for your continued support of SOS, we would not be making such a profound impact in our community, if it wasn’t for supporters like you. Click here or below to enjoy our Fall Newslettter!
We look forward to reconnecting with District 69 children, youth and families in a safe and respectful manner. In order to do so, we are following guidelines that are given by the provincial and federal government and closely monitoring COVID-19.
We want to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of our staff and volunteers, while still providing a fun environment and a safe space to socialize.
We plan to restart programs the week of September 21 and ending the week of November 27, 2020.
This is our first phase of restarting programs. Please note that dates and times of some programs have changed. We are unable to provide all programs due to limited staff and funding. Please check program details for changes in dates and times.
Notably the biggest changes are to our school-age programs:
Kids Movement: Play, Express and Grow (for boys and girls) – Grade 4-6
School Night Out (SNO) – Grade 7-9
Parksville Teen Night (renamed Youth Open Space) and Qualicum Youth Open Space for Grade 10-12.
We are unable to provide consistent, week-to-week programs, however we plan to do POP-UP’s, rotating through the programs every 3 weeks. This is so we can connect with our young people, receive their feedback, and be able to better support them for Phase 2 of our restart of programs.
There are a few things to talk about with your family/children before coming to any of our programs.
To participate in any of our programs you must:
Pre-register – This includes all participants that have been part of programs in the past to let us know if you are planning to return to programs
Register on arrival/contact– For new participants wanting to take part in any of our programs, we will take your name and number so that we can contact you for next availability of programs.
All programs will have reduced number of participants and reduced number of hours of programming; this is to ensure physical distancing, safety and time for enhanced cleaning protocols to take place.
School-aged groups – limited to 10 young participants
Family groups – 3 families maximum of 10 participants, this includes babies
TICTAC groups – 10 participants including children/babies
For families with young children, due to physical distancing and limited physical contact to your child from staff and volunteers, parents will need to closely monitor and be near their child/children
Daily screenings start at home. Parents and caregivers are responsible for assessing themselves and their children before coming to any of our programs.
Health & Safety measures for entry to program
Your health and safety are important to us.
Staff will be screening participants before they enter the building:
Screening questions:
Do you have symptoms of the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory disease?
Have you been outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
Have you been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case or outbreak?
If you answer YES to any of the questions, you must stay home, self-isolate and seek care from a health-care provider. You will not be allowed to enter the building.
Staggered entry into and exit out of programs – participants must not congregate and will be directed by staff when to enter and when to exit. Stay on marked lines/cones for entry and exit.
Everyone is expected to wear masks when coming into and during programs. The only exception is when eating and drinking. School aged children 9 years and above are expected to wear masks.
Before entering you must hand sanitize. If hands are visibly dirty, hand wipes are available to use. Please use hand-sanitizing stations throughout the centre and upon exit.
Practise physical distancing while in Centre. Keep 6 feet away from each other and from staff/volunteers.
Washrooms will be available to participants.
High–touch areas are cleaned frequently
Meals/snacks: Limited meals/snacks will be served by staff/volunteers.
Kids Movement: Play, Express & Grow: For boys and girls in Grade 4,5 & 6
We still want the opportunity to play, express and grow with kids. We want to hear what they maybe struggling with and support them as we reconnect through various activities.
No transportation available. Parents/Guardians to drop-off children.
No fieldtrips – all interaction at centre.
A healthy snack is provided.
Maximum capacity is 10 kids – 5 girls and 5 boys. Limited space available so please call/text/email ahead to reserve and confirm your child’s spot.
School Night Out: For Grades 7, 8 & 9
A safe space for young people to connect and express themselves through games, art, crafts and music. Adult mentors available to support, guide and listen.
Maximum capacity is 10 youth. Limited space available so please call/text/email ahead to reserve and confirm a spot.
Qualicum Youth Open Space: For Grades 10, 11 & 12
A safe space for young people to make new friends through music, arts, crafts, games and a relaxing environment with adult mentors available for support and a listening ear.
Maximum capacity is 10 youth. Limited space available so please call/text/email ahead to reserve and confirm a spot.
TICTAC (Time in Comfort for Tots and Caregivers)
For children newborn to age 5 years old that have not entered kindergarten yet. This is a welcoming and nurturing environment for parents/caregivers to take a break, refuel and recharge their energy while child(ren) can play with peers, building social and emotional skills through play and interacting with staff and volunteers to support their learning.
Pre-registration required. We can also take registrations over the phone or email to be put on waitlist.
We encourage families of 3 that are currently having playdates to be a “family bubble.” Otherwise, we will assign families together. Depending on number of children in a family, we may be able to accommodate 4 families.
Families pick one day and come for a total of 3 consecutive weeks in their “family bubble.” A new “family bubble” attends the program for the following 3 weeks, etc. Limited spots available for a total of 10 participants, this includes parents with children.
Please note this program is not for paid caregivers.
Complimentary tea/coffee station available with muffin and fruit basket available for parents/guardians.
Snacks for children will be to go – this will include fruit, crackers and yogurt tube. This will be given on their way out.
Limited physical contact from staff/volunteers so we ask parents/caregivers to be nearby their child(ren).
Family Night
For the family of kids ages 0-8* years old and their parents/caregivers. The focus will be for families to enjoy quality time together as we serve a meal and provide the entertainment such as arts and crafts, games, music and outings.
*Recommended age due to activities and wide range of ages, main idea is that child can be engaged in activities.
We are taking 3 families at a time for 3 consecutive weeks. Families will cycle through 3 weeks at a time. This way we can reconnect with our families and receive valuable feedback.
Meals will be offered but will be served by staff/volunteers.
Families will be assigned a table and they will be at same table for the duration of 3 weeks for eatingand activities.
We encourage families of 3 that are currently having playdates to be a “family bubble.” Otherwise, we will assign families together.
Limited physical contact from staff/volunteers so we ask parents/caregivers to be nearby their child(ren).
Education Assistance – For grade 6-12
Available time slots during the school year:
3:00 – 4:00 – Monday to Thursday
4:00 – 5:00pm –Monday to Thursday
One-on-one tutoring for school-aged young people that are currently enrolled in classroom in School district 69. Subjects that we can help out with will be English and Math only.
The SOS AGM will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7 pm online via Zoom. Please RSVP by September 9 by calling 250-248-2093 or email sos@sosd69.com. To view the invitation, please click here.
To view the introduction of candidates, please click here.
District 69 residents, we need your input. Please help us “Take Stock” of where we are now and how best to restart and re-imagine programs and services that support children, youth, families, adults and seniors in District 69 this fall and winter. We want to ensure we continue to deliver the most relevant and helpful services that our community needs as we rebuild community well being together. We invite you to take this short 10-minute survey before August 31. Please click here. Thank you!
