Colour Your Summer with GVPL's 2025 BC Summer Reading Club!
2025-06-20 - 2025-09-06 | Greater Victoria Library
Join us for a summer of reading, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Summer Reading Club (SRC) runs from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, September 6, and is open to children aged 14 and under.

Pick up your SRC reading record starting Friday, June 20 at any GVPL branch.

How It Works

• Visit any GVPL branch to pick up your free SRC package, which includes your reading record and everything you need to get started.
• Read—or be read to—for 20 minutes or more each day. You can read in any format, in any language, and in any location.

• Track your progress on your reading record. One number equals one day of reading.

• Return to the library each week to collect your sticker and prize.

• Complete seven weeks of reading to earn a medal and celebrate your achievement.

Programs and Activities

Our goal this summer is to encourage kids and families to connect with their local branch and enjoy all the BC Summer Reading Club has to offer. Program highlights include:

Virtual Programs
Creative Colouring Workshop with Lauren Achtem
Tuesday, June 24 | 3:30–4:30 pm | Online via Microsoft Teams | Ages 8–13
Join this year’s BC SRC artist Lauren Achtem to design and draw a habitat for the SRC critters.

To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Lauren Achtem” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Registration closes June 23.

In-Person Programs
Magic Mango Monsters with Meneka Repka
Friday, July 25 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Juan de Fuca Branch | Ages 8–12
Create your own monster bookmark and learn about book illustration. Includes a reading of The Mango Monster by Derek Mascarenhas.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Meneka Repka” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Limited drop-in space may be available.

Comic Camp with Seraji
August 11–15 | Esquimalt Branch
• Kids’ Camp (Ages 8–12): 10:30–11:30 am
• Tween/Teen Camp (Ages 13–18): 1:00–3:00 pm
Join comic artist Seraji for a week-long workshop and create your own mini-comic.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Comic Camp” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number.

Paraplay Days on the Dock
2025-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Gorge Narrows Rowing Club, 2940 Jutland Rd #105, Victoria, BC, V8T 5J9, Canada
Engage in a variety of sports coached by various athletes and coaches! Get a chance to meet international level para athletes and coaches! Program will be hosted on Sunday’s, time of day will vary based on scheduled sports. Program is hosted at PISE & various locations throughout the Greater Victoria Area. Registration for each program closes the Friday prior to program. Program is possible through funding from OneAbility Questions? Email play@pise.ca

Questions?
For inquiries about Kids and Youth programs, email us at: play@pise.ca
For inquiries about Adult Programs email us at: programs@pise.ca

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Gorge Narrow Rowing Club
Cost: FREE
Reg: #7705
Note: Para Rowing with Gorge Narrows Rowing Club

Register Now

Fed 101 Presentation
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Interested in learning more about who we are and what we do?
Join us for a Fed 101 Presentation!
Who can attend:
Open to young people in and from care, service providers, caregivers and allies across the province
When:
Thurs, June 26, 2-3PM
Where:
Virtual – Teams
Learn more about the programs and services we offer, from our Youth Retreats to our Fed Family celebrations, and much more!
Sign me up!
Are you a young person interested in co – facilitating a Fed presentation or workshop? For more info on these volunteer opportunities contact Bailey.
Email: bailey.ingramjohnson@fbcyicn.ca
Phone: 778-951-3401

Summer of Love
2025-07-08 15:30 - 2025-08-26 17:30 | FNH Studio, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
Calling all teens! Come to the Fernwood NH this summer on Tuesdays to make art- free of cost, with snacks and supplies provided! Contact us for any questions around age range or accessibility.This program was made possible by Zoë Cassidy’s creative legacy and the generosity of his friends and family.

Stories in the Park
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Saxe Point Park, Victoria, BC, V9A 6G5, Canada
Join Esquimalt’s Recreation staff for story time in the park. We will be reading stories from Canadian authors followed by a themed activity. These stories are intended for children ages 2-5, but all are welcome.

~Meet at the flagpole~

July3rd – A Garden Called Home by Jessica J Lee & Elaine Chen
July 10th – This is a Tiny Fragile Snake by Nicholas Ruddock
July 17th – The only Lonely Fairy by Lana Button
July 24th – Lobster’s Vacation by Michelle Robinson
July 31st – Class Trip by Robert Munsch
Aug 7th – Super Small by Tiffany Stone
Aug 14th – Brave like the Buffalo by Melissa Allen
Aug 21st – A Bumblebee Sweater by Betty Waterton
Aug 28th – Emma at the Fair by Magriet Ruurs

Take part in our summer stories passport. Each week you attend you will receive a sticker!

VDRC - Art Group
2025-07-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Victoria Disability Resource Centre, 817A Fort Str., Victoria, BC, V8W 1H8, Canada
Our Art Group for persons with disabilities is going twice monthly this summer! Create a unique masterpiece with paints, markers or whatever helps express yourself!
We will provide supplies, including colouring books, canvases, felts, paint
When: July 18th, August 1st, and August 15th
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: 817A Fort Street

Annual Community BBQ – You're Invited!
2025-08-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
📅 Saturday, August 9th
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Fernwood Community Centre
Join us for an afternoon of good food, great music, and even better company at our annual Community BBQ!
Come together with friends old and new to celebrate community, connection, and the joy of summer.
🎶 Live Music
🌭 Delicious BBQ & Refreshments
💬 Meet new people & reconnect with friends
This free, all-ages event is open to everyone — whether you’ve been to our gatherings before or you’re brand new, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Come hungry, leave happy!

Play Time!
2025-08-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 3N8, Canada
When:

August 11, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join us at the park for some fun outdoor activities. We will have lawn games, light sports equipment, etc. Come spend some time with us in the fresh air and sun!
This is a FREE park activity

Related links

Follow our Facebook Event for updates

Contact phone
250-412-8518

Contact email
events@esquimalt.ca

Contact name
Tara Silva

Make Pinback Buttons
2025-08-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Victoria Disability Resource Centre, 817A Fort Str., Victoria, BC, V8W 1H8, Canada
Join us on Tuesday August 19th from 9:30-11:30am, for a fun peer activity: making pinback buttons! This will be held at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre, located at 817A Fort Street.
We will have pre-printed designs and the materials to make your own design. If you are bringing your own materials or designs, please make sure the dimensions range between 1-3 inches.
Register for the group at the following link: https://forms.gle/rfaMTSmcMQm44LXK7
If you have any questions or require any accommodation, please email recreation@drcvictoria.com.
Image Description: A poster for the Making Pinback Buttons workshop, with examples of button designs people can make. All relevant info is in the above post.

YOUth Showcase
2025-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | BC
Help Us Celebrate YOUth!
We are excited to be hosting our sixth annual Fed Family Summer Celebration, featuring our first YOUth Showcase:
Tues Aug 26, 2025, from 6:30 to 8PM.
Join us for an evening that celebrates the Fed’s amazing volunteers, 2-year members, and the accomplishments of our Fed Family.
Share Your Success
Are you a young person (ages 14-28) with care experience? Did you achieve a milestone recently? Send us your achievements to be celebrated during the YOUth Showcase!
We’ll be spotlighting achievements both big and small (e.g. receiving your first paycheck, buying a book you’ve wanted, learning to make a new dish, etc.). Submissions can be in written or visual format and the deadline to submit is August 22 at 9AM.

Let's Celebrate Grandparents
2025-09-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Slocan Park, 2750 E 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bring your blankets, folding chairs, and the whole family for a delightful day filled with fun, laughter, live music, games, delicious food, prizes and so much more!
Enjoy a delicious FREE meal from the Yo-Bones BBQ Food Truck (while supplies last). Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a musical performance from Burnaby’s favourite rock band, Rainshadow!

As well as…
Fun games and Activities
Live Music
Door Prizes
50/50 Prize Draw
Community Services Information Tables

September 7, 2025
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Slocan Park, 2750 E 29th Ave
Vancouver, BC

RSVP TODAY!

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:30 | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

Celebrate Sidney Tree Day By Planting Trees With Friends
2025-09-20 09:45 - 13:00 | Brethour Park, Sidney, V8L 4X1, Canada
Details

We will be planting trees & removing invasive plants in Philip Brethour Park to increase the health of the ecosystem and celebrate Sidney Tree Day!
The Town of Sidney will also be providing free trees (including garry oak, pacific crabapple, red alder, & big leaf maple) for community members to take home!
We will be working rain or shine.
Want to sign up without using Meetup? email kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca
WHY SIGN UP
You’ll:

Meet new people
Learn about local environmental issues
Improve your mental health in nature connecting with others
Get some exercise
Increase biodiversity
Get volunteer hours (if you need them)
Eat delicious snacks
Have fun!! 🙂 (even when it rains!)

REGISTRATION
First time coming out? Fill this out: [http://bit.ly/2WdZeAT](https://greenteams.formstack.com/forms/greater_victoria_green_team_volunteer_registration_form)
18 or under? Get your parent/guardian to fill this out: [http://bit.ly/parentguardianform](https://greenteams.formstack.com/forms/greater_victoria_green_team_volunteer_registration_form_guardian)
You only ever have to fill this form out ONCE
RSVPing
Before you sign up, please make sure you are fully committed to participating. We ensure there is enough staff, buy refreshments and bring gloves/tools based on the number of people signed up.
By RSVPing and not showing up, or changing your RSVP at the last minute, you may be taking a spot away from someone who wants to participate. Lets honour each other’s time and be considerate of one another.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may come up. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP right away.
SET UP & TAKE DOWN
Want to come early and help set up and/or stay a little longer and help with take down? Email [Kaitlin@GreenTeamsCanada.ca]([REDACTED]
MEETING SPOT
Meet us at the entrance of Brethour Park located off of Ocean Ave W near the address 2075 Ocean Ave W.
PARKING
Parking is available in the gravel parking lot in front of Brethour Park off of Ocean Ave W
CYCLING
Plan your bicycle route with CRD Bike Map
BUS
There is a bus stop nearby at Ocean Ave W and Epco Dr
Plan your bus route with BC Transit Victoria
CARPOOLING
Log in & use “comments” at the bottom of this page to say you need a ride or can offer a ride. You may also send us a message to include in an email to attendees.
Staff will not coordinate rides, they will only pass on the info that you are offering/looking for a ride.
Please ensure you communicate meeting points and times clearly and prioritize your safety. Community members who carpool do so at their own risk.
Staff cannot offer rides
WASHROOMS
The Town of Sidney will be providing a portable toilet on site for this activity
WHAT TO BRING

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
Long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorny plants, & insects
Refillable water bottle with water (we have water for refills)
Sturdy closed toe shoes/boots
Rain jacket in case it rains
Hat
Your own gardening gloves, tools and/or safety glasses if you prefer – otherwise we’ll provide these.

WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU

Gloves, tools and safety glasses
Education and demonstration on what we will be doing (no experience necessary!)
Refreshments (e.g. baked goods, veggies, fruits, granola bars)
Photos of you in action
Volunteer letters (on request)

FLOW OF THE ACTIVITY
At 9:45am sign in, followed by instruction and engaging in this activity. Halfway through we’ll take a break, go back to engaging in the activity and then we end at 1pm.
PARTNER
This activity is being made possible thanks to financial support and direction from our Community Investment Partner, The Town of Sidney
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All Greater Victoria Green Team activities take place on the traditional and unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, the Lekwungen speaking Songhees & Esquimalt peoples, and the nations who form the Te’mexw Treaty Association. We respectfully acknowledge the longstanding relationships these groups have with the land that stretch from time immemorial to the present day. We are extremely grateful to be able to run environmental stewardship activities on these lands.
Questions? Email [kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca](severine@greenteamscanada.ca)

Book Launch - At Power To Be
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Prospect Lake, 4633 Prospect Lake Rd., Victoria, BC, Canada

Introduction to Individualized Funding for Families
2025-10-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hills Cross Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 2M7, Canada
Join us for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized Funding.
Registration will allow you to join the in-person session virtually.

Join Vela Canada, CLBC, The Family Support Institute and The Victoria Association for Community Living for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized funding: what it is and how it works, the different ways families can use it to support the unique needs of their family member and the resources and supports available.

If you live in Victoria and would like to attend the session in person, please register here.

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

ADHD & Autism Series - Free webinar
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
The Adult ADHD Centre & The Adult Autism Centre are launching a free webinar series, “ADHD & Autism,” featuring Dr. Anita Parhar and Dr. Gurdeep Parhar.
The inaugural session, titled “I have been diagnosed with ADHD, could I also be Autistic?” takes place on October 15, 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM PDT / 6:00–7:00 PM CDT / 7:00–8:00 PM EDT.
This interactive event is open to individuals, families, and professionals seeking expert insight on dual diagnoses, with opportunities for practical guidance and live Q&A.
Registration is free, and all are welcome to attend this informative session on the overlap between ADHD and autism.

Young Sibling Peer Support Network
2025-10-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Virtual Event
Find support for children and youth aged 8-11 who have a sibling with a disability! The Young Sibling Peer Support Network hosts free, monthly online peer groups for siblings of people with a disability or chronic health condition. For now, online groups are open to siblings living in the Victoria, Vancouver, and Prince George regions.
Siblings anywhere in BC can also check out the following resources:

Sibling Resource List: A collection of supports and information created to help families.
Recommended Books: A curated list of books for siblings and families, available through the BC Children’s Hospital Family Library in person or online.

To learn more about the peer support groups, you can watch this Information Video on YouTube, or contact 604-875-3594 or siblingcentre@cw.bc.ca
Victoria:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Vancouver:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Prince George:
Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
