Summerland Recreation is proud to offer the full spectrum of aquatic programming ranging from parent and tot swim lessons to private adult lessons.
The dynamic fitness and wellness classes range from Pilates, guided imagery, cooking classes and group fitness classes for adults and seniors.
An area that often struggles to have representation is teen programming. Many teens are busy with school activities or sports and do not have the budget to take classes. When participation is low, classes get cancelled.
Obesity and inactivity rates continue to climb among youth and teens. Statistics Canada reports that approximately one in five teens are classified as overweight or obese. Teens’ health is at risk.
This is where ParticipAction steps in. Together through British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, ParticipAction has offered grants up to $500 for communities to put on physical Teen Challenge classes.
Summerland has been a recipient of two Teen Challenge grants. Over the past year $1,000 has been put towards offering Teen Yoga classes at no or minimal cost. We had 16 teens sign up for our first round of free yoga sessions.
We brought in a well-established certified Dru Yoga instructor Cindy Tomochko to offer these classes to our teens.
Tomochko explains, “Teens are moving through a critical time of rapid growth and change which can be exciting. However with that, also stressful. The yoga has provided a safe, supportive and nourishing place to explore their potential through encouraging growing self-awareness, developing self-esteem as well as enhanced flexibility, strength, stamina, energy, concentration and with all that, better sleeps. With the experience of yoga, comes the ability to handle this inevitable stress that is a part of living and maturing into the young adults they are becoming. Interpersonal relationships with family and friends are also supported and enhanced with their increased ability to care for themselves in a genuine way. Better self-care and increased focus/concentration also helps with the learning process, school work and other activities they may enjoy.”
“Yoga has been a benefit to me in many ways. It has reduced my stress levels, increased my strength and flexibility, and helped me remain present in everyday life,” Teen Challenge participant Gabrielle Lucier says.
We currently are holding our second round of Teen Yoga sessions on Tuesdays from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Arena Banquet Room. It runs until March 10.
There is still room in the class for any teens interested in joining. Simply register at the recreation office.
The grant has also allowed the recreation department to purchase enough yoga mats for the entire class. The mats will be an ongoing fixture for future teen yoga classes.
If you have an idea for a new Teen Challenge activity, sport, or would like to offer your expertise email recreation@summerland.ca. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SummerlandRec.
Joanne Malar is the program coordination for Summerland Recreation, three-time Olympic swimmer, 2012 Olympic Commentator, kinesiologist and holistic nutritionist.