Current Programs
Yoga for Parents
Details: Starts Apr 23, 2024 – Tuesdays 10am (Except Apr 30) @ The Yoga Loft
Description:
A huge shoutout to Rosie for her incredible generosity and dedication! She’s graciously organized a space at the yoga loft, complete with equipment and props, to offer Yin Yoga sessions just for you!
Starting next week, join us every Tuesday at 10 am at the Yoga Loft for rejuvenating Yin Yoga sessions. (exculding April 30th) These sessions are by donation to cover the rental of the space, and they’re open to all current members of BVCLS. The continuation of these sessions relies on interest and participation
Don’t miss out on this chance to rebalance your nervous system and find inner peace with Rosie’s exceptional Yin Yoga expertise. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Ready to embark on this wellness journey?
See you on the mat!
Perennial Plant Sale
Details: May 25, 2024 – 9am-2pm, Ranger Park Building
Description:
Join us for a day of blooming excitement and community fun! Support our Non-Profit Society and our education and youth recreation initiatives.
- Education Booths
- Food Trucks
- Music
- Plant Sale
- 50/50 Raffle
Bring your family and friends for a day filled with laughter, learning, and plants galore!
Spring Fling Family Dance
Details: May 3, 2024 – 5pm-9pm, Glenwood Hall
Description:
- Potluck at 5pm
- Called Dance at 6:30PM
- DJ Don’t Panic at 7:30PM
Tickets:
- 4 and under: FREE
- Youth and Kids: $7
- Adults: $12
- Family (4 or more): $35
Climb High 24/25
Details: Application is Open
Description:
Climb High is an outdoor adventure program based in Smithers, for youth aged 14-18. Participants spend 50 days exploring the local wilderness and learning to climb rock, ice and mountains, travel and camp in winter, kayak or canoe flat and gently moving water, plan meals and pack for overnight trips, cook, navigate and stay safe in the wilderness.
Why Engage in Outdoor Adventure?
There are many benefits of exploring the wilderness, starting with physical and mental health. The different motions of hiking, kayaking, climbing and skiing can build a strong body and excellent balance.
Equally important is the quiet, solitude, and immersion in the rich variety of life on this planet. The reward is a clearer sense of place in the world, a realization that home is larger than our house or town, that although we are very small we are a part of something grand, universal and restorative. Many people find wilderness trips leave them feeling both at peace, and ready to face new challenges.
But outdoor adventure is more than just being outside. Climbing, paddling, and moving through rugged mountain terrain mean navigating situations with uncertain outcomes, evaluating opportunities and risk and making decisions that matter, and working with a team to keep each other safe. We can develop many valuable skills and attitudes, including self-confidence, focus, trust and teamwork, resilience in the face of hardship, optimism and determination.
Wilderness travel, where we rely on ourselves and our companions, builds strong character and even stronger friendships
Application and Registration
Interested youth can apply to the Climb High program by submitting their answers to the application questions at the link below.
When we have enough applicants, we will schedule a date to get together to meet each other and the group leader. After that, successful applicants will be asked to submit a deposit to hold their place in the program.
Lego and Robotics Club
Details: Apr 10 – May 29, 2024 on Wednesdays , Ages 6+, $10/class, EdGE Learning Centre
Session one 1:30-2:45pm: building challenges; Session two: 3:30-4:45pm: Building and Coding challenges (previous experience with Robotics recommended)
Description:
Bring your ideas and we’ll make them come to life! This is a non competitive exploratory club, will be tailored to ages and abilities to build on their current skills.
Join us for a weekly exploration of the world of Lego and robotics! In this club, we will begin by exploring the design ideas of Yoshihito Isogawa. We will move through designing simple machines and clever contraptions. Equipped with these ideas, we will then begin applying them in the world of Lego robotics. This is a self-paced, exploratory, and super-fun club!
Debate Club
Details: Apr 4 – Jun 27, 2023 @Thursdays 3-4:15pm, Ages 13-15, $30 fee, EdGE Learning Centre
Description: Debate Club. Online course “The Art of Debate” by Wondrium – The Great Courses. 1/2 hour video followed by 45 min practice/discussion. There will also be some guest speakers. Why: To learn how to make a case for your opinion and how to listen with an open mind. Learn how to research a topic and think critically, not reactively. Learn how to think on your feet and make sound arguments while speaking in front of a group. Learn how to understand differing perspectives, how to have a change of heart, and how to change the hearts of others. Important Note: Focus will be on developing debate and public speaking skills, debate topics will be kept light and fun. Given the nature of debate however, this will be a safe place to make mistakes, say the ‘wrong’ thing, and risk being offensive in order to learn and grow. There will be snacks.
D&D Club
Details: Wednesdays 1:30-3pm, Jan 24-Mar 13, 2024, Ages 8-15, 4-8 participants, lead by Connor Farrel, $45 fee, EdGE Learning Centre
Description: The kingdom of Dorkona has been threatened by the evil kingdom of Arakazamble. Thought to have fallen centuries ago, the Dread King is raising an army, once more to destroy the kingdom. Trek through dungeons, battle monsters, and find ancient magical artifacts, all in the hopes of stopping the Dread King and his assistant Geekum before it’s too late.
What:
Embark on a thrilling journey into the mystical realm of Dorkona, a land steeped in ancient magic and teeming with mythical creatures. In this Dungeons and Dragons campaign, players find themselves at the center of the battle for the kingdom.
The story begins in the small trading village of Riverfort, where the players are adventuring to the ancient library and find knowledge on how to defeat the evil kingdom of Arakazamble. On the way, they must avoid Geekum, and any other dangerous things.”
Players must assemble a diverse party of heroes, each with their unique skills and backgrounds, to thwart the rising darkness. From traversing enchanted forests and navigating treacherous dungeons to engaging in epic battles against malevolent Sorcerers and other mighty beasts, the adventurers will uncover the secrets of the Dread King’s villainous plots.
Friendships will be tested, alliances forged, and moral choices made as the party delves deeper into the heart of the mystery. The fate of Dorkona rests upon the shoulders of these intrepid adventurers. Will they rise to the challenge and become the saviors of Dorkona, or will the kingdom be taken over by the Dread King?
Prepare for a campaign filled with magic, mystery, and moments that will shape the destiny of Dorkona. The adventure awaits, and only the bravest will emerge victorious in this tale of heroism and destiny.
Cottonwood Book Club
Details: Last Thursday of every months @1-2pm, starts Sep 29 2024, EdGE Learning Centre
Description:
Previous Programs
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Description: Join a series of fun, inclusive, and accessible activities!
Details: Mar 18-23, 2024 – Various Locations
Mar 18 11AM-12:30PM: Sensory-Friendly Swim @BV Pool
Mar 19 3PM-5PM & 6PM-8PM: Bracelet Make & Take @EdGE Ranger Park Building
Mar 20 6:30PM-9PM: Movie Night ‘Champions’ @The Old Church Smithers
Mar 21 12PM-1:30PM: Video View & Chat @Child Development Centre
Mar 23 11AM-1PM: Cat Cafe @EdGE Ranger Park Building
Cat Cafe – Adoption Event & Fundraiser
Details: Mar 23, 2024 – 11am-2pm, Ranger Park Building
Description:
We are excited to announce the launch of the very first Cat Café in Smithers, co-hosted by the NW Animal Shelter and EdGE Learning Centre! Due to overwhelming interest in the Cat Café, and in our commitment to creating an inclusive and sensory-friendly environment (for both people and cats), we have decided to transition from a drop-in café to scheduled timeslots for entry to the Cat Lab.
In the Cat Lab, you’ll have the purr-ivilege of cuddling and playing with adorable animals that are available for adoption. Entry is by donation, and your generosity will directly support efforts by the Northwest Animal Shelter to provide love and care to animals in need.
To ensure it’s a purr-fectly delightful experience for everyone, we are limiting sign-ups to 10 people per 20-minute timeslot, spread out between 2 rooms. We kindly ask that each participant only sign up for a single session to give others the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience. At our Cat Café, we embrace flexibility to accommodate everyone’s needs. We understand that schedules can be tricky to adhere to, and transitions may take time. So, if you don’t arrive exactly on time, don’t worry – we’ll do our best to accommodate you in the next available timeslot, ensuring you don’t miss out on the cat cuddles and fun activities.
But wait, there’s more! If you arrive early or simply want to hang around after your session, we have a paw-some lineup of activities for you to enjoy, including:
- Cat Toy Make-and-Take
- Book Nook featuring cat and neurodiversity-themed books
- Cat Cafe Coffee Bar and Neurodiversi-tea Station
- Delectable treats to satisfy your cravings
- BRAINBOW pop-up shop for some fun neuroaffirming accessories, stickers, and more.
For the safety and comfort of all visitors to the Cat Café, please remember that children 12 and younger need to be accompanied and supervised by parents or a responsible adult. Additionally, please review the guidelines (see below) to ensure it is a paw-sitive experience for all.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support. We look forward to seeing you at the Cat Cafe! 🐾
VIMFF World Tour 23/24
Details: February 10, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Description: Presented by @arcteryx, we invite you to be inspired and join us on February 10th at 7:00 pm at the Della Herman Theatre for our Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. This event showcases several films from the @Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and includes an incredible lineup of captivating stories from around the world. It is a fundraiser for our Climb High Outdoor Education Students.
To get your tickets: Pick up with Cash at Local Supply Company, by email: program.director.edge@gmail.com,
by online: https://communityswag.ca/collections/Edge Learning Centre
Family Bonfire and Dance Party
Details: February 6 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Description:
West Coast Seeds Fundraiser
Details: Feb 2024
Description: West Coast Seeds gives back 40% on each packet purchased, which goes directly to our Nonprofit Organization (EdGE Learning Centre), when you order through this link https://fundraising.westcoastseeds.com/
Science Fair
Details: January 30 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Grade k-12 homeschool students, $FREE, EdGE Lerning Centre
Description: Calling all homeschool students with a passion for science! Showcase your creativity and ingenuity at our exciting homeschool Science Fair. Whether you have a love for experiments, inventions, or discoveries, this event is the perfect platform to display your scientific projects and ideas. From homemade robots to fascinating biology experiments, this fair welcomes all curious minds. Join us and take a step towards the regional science fair, where you can propel yourself even further in your scientific journey. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to explore, learn, and shine!
Homeschool Kids Variety Show
Details: March 17, 2023, 5 – 7 pmfee, EdGE Learning Centre
Description: Exhibit, Show, Tell, or Perform! Open to all home learning families.
Drama Cooperative
Details: Feb 1 – March 8, 2023, Wednesdays 2:15pm-3:15pm, Open to all home learners ages 4 – 10
Description:
Mentorship
Details: 2023
Description: Providing support services, coaching, life skills, tutoring, and/or interest-based mentorship.
Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
Details: Dec 2023
Description:
Strength and Yoga with Lisa
Date: 2023
Learners: Ages 11+
Instructors:
Costs: $60 for 6 weeks
Location:
Description: Develop an attitude of an athlete who: desires to always strive to do their best and to improve in areas that bring them closer and closer to their goals, dreams, greatest joy and well-being; to take pride in what we do and never give up; to develop win attitude that promotes winning for everyone.
FIRST Lego League
Date: 2023
Learners: Ages 9-14
Instructors:
Costs:
Location:
Description: FIRST Lego League is a global STEM and Robotics competition. Working in teams of 3 – 5 people, kids participate in a robotics challenge, research and design an innovative solution, and present their ideas to a panel of judges. Winning teams have the opportunity to compete at the provincial and world level! There will also be an official qualifier event in Smithers this year!
Robotics Club
Date: 2023
Learners: Ages 8-12
Instructors:
Costs:
Location:
Description: Join this after school program for a weekly exploration of the world of robotics! This year we will be learning how to design and build robots, program virtual and real-world robot designs, and solve robotic and real-world challenges. This club will be self-paced and exploratory.
Mind Sports Club
Date: 2023
Learners: Ages 9-18
Instructors:
Costs:
Location:
Description:
Cup Stacking: Cup Stacking is a worldwide sport that increases focus, hand-eye coordination, and agility in a fun, fast-paced environment!
Chess: Chess is one of the oldest and most popular board games. It teaches logical thinking, decision making, patience, and strategy.
Speed Cubing: What started with the Rubik’s Cube has turned into a global phenomenon of focus, memorization of algorithms, and coordination!
Flow Learning Lab’s STEM Camps
Date: 2022
Learners: Ages 9-15
Instructors:
Costs: $120 (Half Day) – $240 (Full Day)
Location: Edge Learning Centre
Description:
Welcome to EdGE Learning Centre’s NID STEM Camps with Nick Telles!
Each camp will move through a range of STEM activities such as logic puzzles and technology exploration – including digital music & art, robotics, animation, and video game design. All materials and technology are provided!
EdGE of the Wild Club
Details: 2022
Description: EdGE of the Wild is an outdoor adventure club for young people organized by the EdGE Learning Centre in Smithers. It is led by EdGE instructor Derek Willmott. Club activities may include hiking, climbing, paddling, skiing or any other way to explore the outdoors.
Transportation will generally be in Mr. Willmott’s truck or other private vehicles. Vehicles may be driven by participants’ parents or possibly by older participants who hold an appropriate license.
Outdoor adventure activities have inherent risks, but we believe that experiencing uncertainty and making careful decisions to manage risk is an important part of learning to be independent, and that outdoor adventure with an experienced mentor may be the best way to practice these skills. Although we will attempt to minimize them, we cannot completely eliminate risks, including the risk of serious injury or death. Parents of participants should think carefully about their values around risk and rewards, and what their response would be to an accident. A permission form and waiver will be required for participation in any EdGE of the Wild outing.
