Kids and winter are an interesting mix.
Between all the effort it takes to get them outside and all the fussing that happens when you do get them out there, the end result can often be days and days at a stretch where the only time anything happens is when you’re able to get out for some grocery shopping.
I know I was certainly that way as a kid.
I may have lots of fond memories of cross country skiing and enjoying the outdoors, but my parents always tell a different story.
If you’re experiencing anything like that right now, you’re not alone. The cold weather makes everything that much more challenging and, eventually, you end up with a bad case of cabin fever.
Everyone does. It’s just as much a part of winter as snow falling to the ground. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, though.
The Summerland Community Arts Council is running an After-School Art Program for kids 9 and up starting on Jan. 18.
This is a great opportunity for getting your kids out of the house during the winter and to encourage their creativity, essentially making it the perfect winter outing.
The After-School Art Program provides kids a chance to try their hand at drawing, painting, mark-making and building for six sessions at the Arts Centre on Wharton Street.
Even if your kids aren’t climbing the walls, programs like this are an excellent way to encourage your kids to try something creative.
Sometimes kids are looking for something like this without even realizing it and giving them a chance to create and use their imaginations could be the thing that sparks a life-long love.
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I’ll continue to encourage people to at least try out programs like this with their kids on the off chance something sticks and a kid finds their outlet.
The programs runs from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and costs $72 for six sessions.
For more information contact the Arts Council. If you find that you really would like to get out of the house a bit and maybe try something new or creative, then don’t forget the Arts Council is also offering a series of workshops intended to let you try out an activity you’ve always wanted to try out.
The next session is all about the ukulele with Linnea Good and is sure to be a great time. For more information visit: http://summerlandarts.com/programs/workshops.
Do you have any creative and interesting ways to beat cabin fever in the winter? Let me know. I’m always interested to hear how art helps people get through this season.
Douglas Paton is a Summerland writer and musician. If you know of a local arts and culture event, contact him at dgpaton80@gmail.com.
