Skill: Balance

For many children in early-years programs, learning happens at play centres—themed play areas with a specific focus. Here’s how to create simple play centres at home.

During the seasonal limbo when it’s too cold for golf yet not snowy enough to start cross-country skiing, you might wonder what there is to do with a golf course’s wide open, flurry-dusted acreage. Well, look no further than your own two feet! In line with the CBRM Recreation initiative to support opportunities for adults … Continued

These simple skating games will help kids gain balance and coordination while they have fun on the ice.

The Vivo Play Project gives kids the opportunity to let loose, play freely, and get dirty.

StoryWalk combines storytelling and physical activity by placing laminated pages from picture books in public places.

Caleigh MacPherson, a soccer player for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers, fell in love with the sport from a very young age. She was just four years old when she first started playing soccer, but she said the fact that she spent time spent playing other sports too is what helped her become the high-performing athlete … Continued

Once primarily the domain of teen boys, skateboarding’s diverse culture and physical benefits are now attracting people of all ages and genders.

The Active for Life fortune teller inspires movement, from balancing on one foot to catching a ball to crab-walking.

It’s important to understand how yelling in the stands might affect your child’s focus and his or her overall enjoyment of the game.

My youngest son, Cam, has always been full of surprises. With a flair for the dramatic, Cam decided that he would make his grand entrance into the world more than 12 weeks early. With the ensuing medical issues, including collapsed lungs, chronic lung disease, infections, viruses, heart concerns, and prolonged gastrointestinal and feeding issues, his … Continued

This September, Cape Breton will play host to the first-ever Just Paddle It! Festival in Eskasoni. The event, hosted by Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC), in partnership with CBRM Recreation, Eskasoni First Nation, and several other community stakeholders, will take place Sept. 20-22 in Crane Cove and will offer canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle sessions. … Continued

Connecting residents with nature CBRM Recreation is committed to connecting residents to nature. Being a community surrounded by water, we think it’s important to provide recreational opportunities that take advantage of our natural resources. One program we’ve introduced is standup paddleboarding, also known as SUP. This is an excellent activity that can become a lifelong passion. The … Continued

Teaching a child to ride a bike must be one of the toughest activities. It certainly has been in our house. “Parent fail” reverberates in my head when my daughter tearfully says she doesn’t want to ride her bike. We started with a pedal-less strider bike, which was great for her to learn to balance … Continued

Middle school is a tough time to find activities to participate in. It can be nearly impossible in rural communities. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation Department along with the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage decided to mend this gap for young girls ages 12-16 with the program “After The Bell” (ATB). ATB is a … Continued

Learning to ride a bike without training wheels is a rite of passage for many of us. This journey for most comes with many falls, cuts and bruises even with our helmets, elbow and knee pads on. Though there is not a way to completely bypass falling off our first bike, there is a steadier way … Continued

In 2015, the Unama’ki Sport Association held its first Unama’ki Riders snowboarding program. The goal was to provide youth ages 12 to 18 with the opportunity to learn how to snowboard. Since then, the program has continued to grow and provides an opportunity for Aboriginal youth to be active throughout the winter months. Winner of … Continued

In partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Recreation Department, the Shred Sirens is an all-female skateboarding group that runs out of Youth Centre in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The group grew out of an existing beginner skateboard program run by the CBRM Recreation Department. It takes place year-round: in the summer month, at municipal skateboard parks across the community and in the … Continued

Last year, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Recreation launched a year-long, 52 Hike Challenge. The challenge encouraged participants to do one hike, every week, for one whole year. Some who complete the challenge do so in a little as 52 days; that is the beauty of the self-guided challenge. Registered participants would receive a journal to … Continued

Learning how to ice skate is a common rite of passage for most Canadians. Do you remember how it felt when you were first able to skate on your own? The crisp air on your face as you glided along the ice, maybe dreaming of that first goal, first race, or first spin? Perhaps you … Continued

Hand dexterity is a critical skill best developed while young

With these helpful tips, your family will be prepared for a season of winter hikes!

Resources introduce more kids to the physical, emotional, and social benefits of dance

DOWNLOAD PLAYBOOK PDF Day 1: Hopscotch Skill: Hop 20 minutes This activity develops dynamic balance, coordination, and rhythm required for activities at older ages such as running, skipping, hopping, and dancing. More» Day 2: Underhand Catch Skill: Catch 15 minutes This activity develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, and the ability to track moving objects … Continued

DOWNLOAD PLAYBOOK PDF Day 1: Tightrope Skill: Balance 15 minutes This activity develops coordination and balance as kids try to walk a straight line on a rope lying on the ground. More» Day 2: Mirror Mirror Skill: Agility, Balance, Hop, Jump, Run, Skip 10 minutes This activity develops coordination and balance as kids try to … Continued