Category Archives: Community

The YA! PROGRAM for Young Adults

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GUIDING HANDS RECREATION SOCIETY’S
TIPI CAMP NATURE RETREAT
ANNOUNCES:

The YA! PROGRAM for Young Adults

Crawford Bay, BC: Guiding Hands Recreation
Society announces the launch of a new YA! Program for Young Adults from
August 21-31, 2012. The YA! (Young Adult) Program is an 11-day wilderness
experience for youth 17-21 years of age. With an in-camp and mountain
adventure component, this transformative nature program leads young people to
discover who they really are and provides them with the tools to express this new
sense of self in effective ways.

The YA! Program began as a collective vision of instructors and participants in
the Tipi Camp’s wilderness programs for teens and children. Everyone agreed
we needed more. In 2011, the first-ever YA camp took place. The program was
a huge success, and has opened the way for an even more transformative and
empowering experience in 2012.

“This program has altered the course of my life in a hugely positive direction. I
am happier and healthier for the time I’ve spent here.” – Kyoko, YA participant
2011

This year’s YA! Program puts greater emphasis on nature immersion, inviting
participants to connect to the powerful elements of the mountains, forest, and
pure waters of Kootenay Lake through a variety of individual and group activities.
We have seen over the years that the power of wilderness immersion gives
young people space to uncover their own individuality in ways that are unique to
each person. Absorbing the power from wilderness, with supportive mentoring
from the staff and elders, each person receives the necessary self-awareness,
confidence, inspiration and passion to fan the flame of personal leadership in
their field of choice.

“The program has pushed all our true selves to the surface so we can really see
each other.” – Rosie, YA participant 2011

Insights from First Nation perspectives and ceremonies are woven into the
leaning experience. In the first four days, traditional purification lodge ceremonies
help set the tone for the journeying to come.

“Safe spaces are rare these days, especially for young people. This place, that is
so free from judgment and selfish thought, is a huge blessing.” – Kyoko

Participants have the opportunity to sleep in a tipi, backpack and camp in the
high alpine, and summit a major mountain peak. The young adults explore nature

journaling, create an action plan, join in food prep in the community kitchen,
connect with mentors and elders, and participate in lots of fun & games. At the
heart of the program are the enduring friendships and camaraderie amongst an
inspired group of young adults.

“You have given us a place where we can learn to trust people again.” – Kyoko

To give youth the quality of experience they deserve, and to fulfill the mandate
for low-impact mountain trekking, the program will only be open to 15
participants each year. To show their commitment to the program, those who
wish to take part must participate in a challenging admission process and involve
themselves in community-based preparatory activities for 2 months before the
camp begins.

The cost to the participant for this 11 day adventure is only $300 CDN,
which covers individual food costs. The remainder of the tuition is paid by grants
and donations from people and groups that understand what we are doing.
The real payment comes from the commitment and enthusiasm of each young
person.

Guiding Hands Recreation Society has educated people about the value of
nature and outdoor recreation for 24 years, and taught individual responsibility
for conservation, ecological awareness and sustainability. Under this mandate,
the society operates the secluded lakeside Tipi Camp on Kootenay Lake BC, the
base camp for the YA! experience. Partnering in this offering is the Self Design
High School of Nelson, BC. Self Design is an innovative alternative to public
school education.

Anyone interested in the YA! Program can go to www.tipicamp.bc.ca
The Tipi Camp is also on FaceBook. Applications can be made at: http://
www.tipicamp.bc.ca/events/ya/ya-application-form . Deadline is June 1.
Applicants will be invited to participate in the YA! Program based on a process
which includes a statement of interest and intention, and recommendations from
the members of the applicant’s home community.

For more questions or direct contact:

Sandra Bernier
P.O. Box 20, Crawford Bay, BC V0B 1E0 Canada
Phone: 250-505-3173
Email: ya@theeastshore.net

Jonathan Taylor
Phone: 250-354-7511 or email: jetnelson2009@gmail.com

Kids and parents take the Eco-Challenge

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Press Release

Monica Nissen & class

Beyond Recycling students ‘tuned out’ at Earth Hour, working all month on Eco-Challenge

Columbia Basin, B.C. — Beyond Recycling students in nine classes at eight schools in the Kootenays are participating in a one-month Eco-Challenge to reduce their energy use and lower their impact on the Earth.

To mark the beginning of this Eco-Challenge—and of greener habits—they marked Earth Hour last Saturday, March 31, at 8:30 pm. That means they turned off the lights, unplugged the computers and experienced life without the buzz of all that electricity. Now, they plan to go ‘beyond Earth Hour.’

“Students have been studying and debating as part of the Beyond Recycling curriculum,” said Monica Nissen, Wildsight’s Beyond Recycling program manager. “They’re excited to see how they can reduce energy use in their own homes, how they can create less waste to go to landfills, and how they can support local food producers.”

The Beyond Recycling blog is a flurry of activity, as students from Jaffray to Blewett have posted short articles on what they’re learning in Beyond Recycling and why it’s important to them.

“I liked this lesson today because it taught us what we can do to prevent climate change,” wrote Kacie, a Grade 6 student at Twin Rivers Elementary in Castlegar.

(Read more at www.beyondrecycling.ca/blog.)

Nissen hopes parents of Beyond Recycling students will help conduct home energy and waste audits.

“The kids know how to do the audits,” Nissen said, “but the parents know where the natural gas and electricity bills are, and have a better idea of how much garbage and recycling their families have each week.”

Wildsight’s Beyond Recycling education program works with partners at FortisBC and the RDCK to deliver Beyond Recycling to different classes around the Columbia Basin every year. It’s a 20-week curriculum that covers a lot of ground. In the Nelson area, students at Blewett Elementary School, Trafalgar Middle School and Brent Kennedy Elementary School are participating this year.

“When you add it all up,” Nissen said, “figures show if everyone on the planet lived like North Americans, we’d need more than five more planets to meet everyone’s needs.”

“Kids grasp how untenable this is. They want to do something about it. And they can—but it really helps to have their parents on side.

“Let yourself be inspired by your child’s commitment to action,” Nissen said. “And have a great Eco-Challenge—and beyond.”

Voice Your Opinion on the Future of Mountain Biking at Morning Mountain

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Press Release:
The Nelson Cycling Club has partnered
with the Ministry of Forests and the
RDCK to create a comprehensive plan
for future development of multi-use
recreation and mountain biking trails
at the old BlewettSki Hill and the area
extending up to and beyond Giveout
Creek FSR.
A charrette workshop for the Nelson
Cycling Club was held on February 13
 to garner ideas on how the area might
 be developed into a thriving
non-motorized, multi-use and mountain biking area
for Nelson. From ideas and comments generated through the workshop, a draft
plan has been created for the Nelson Cycling Club in order to establish a clear
direction for how trail development, and public amenities, among several other
things, may occur over the next several years at this important local recreation
area.

Justin Dexter, Recreation Officer for Recreation Sites and Trails BC has been
working with Nelson Cycling Club representatives and Studio 9 Architecture +
Planning Ltd. to develop the plan which they hope will help the Cycling Club
access funding from various sources who see the value in developing multi-use  
and mountain biking trails in the area. “The plan, which calls for a
revitalization of the Morning Mountain Recreation Site, is a timely proposal
because it is a worthy candidate for various funding opportunities. In
addition to developing the old Blewett Ski Hill area into a mountain biking
and multi-use destination, the trail network extending up to Giveout FSR and
above would be a good investment for the City of Nelson and its surrounding
areas. There is potential to transform the entire site into the premiere
mountain biking destination for Nelson. Rossland has had tremendous success
in achieving this by capitalizing on the draw of the Seven Summits trail,
there’s no reason Nelson can’t do the same.”
Mountain bikers, hikers, and all outdoor enthusiasts that have an
interest in this area are encouraged to visit nelsoncyclingclub.blogspot.com
to view a draft version of the plan and to provide input. Information about
the plan will also be available at local bike shops.

Net-meter Renewable Energy System meeting

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Press Release Invitation

Cascadia Poster Learn to build using solar power, green roof,and clay-wood construction. Attend our spring presentationseries or on-site summer workshops.

The local branch of the Cascadia Green Building Council has designed a new public washroom for Art Gibbons
Memorial Park in Rosemont, Nelson. The goal of this project is to construct a demonstration net-zero energy building that showcases healthy, local, energy conserving materials.

The building will be constructed with local clay and wood-chips, a vegetated green roof, and covered seating around the exterior of the building. Construction is set to begin in April, 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by September, 2012

BRING THEM HOME! Fashions Making a Difference.

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Press Release:

Plan on joining others at a special fundraiser at Finley’s on Friday, March 23rd at 8: PM.
The Nelson Refugee Committee (NRC) is hosting a spring active-wear fashion show
from select stores in Nelson. This special night is in support of two young women from
Burma resettling in Nelson. Hsa Moo and Htoo Paw have spent most of their lives behind
barbed wire in a refugee camp. It’s time to Bring Them Home!

The Nelson Refugee Committee has successfully worked with the East Kootenay Friends
of Burma to remove the final barriers for the immigration of Hsa Moo and Htoo Paw.
Coming to Nelson will be a daunting transition for them. Nevertheless, because of
who they are, the NRC is confident that they will live productive, successful lives and
contribute in many ways to the community.

Htoo Paw, in her late 20’s, was born in Burma. Her village was burned in 2000. She
has been living in a refugee camp ever since. Htoo Paw has a good level of education,
having completed high school and a special Personal Development Course which taught
English, computer literacy, as well as life skills. Her work experience includes teaching,
childcare, care for the elderly and individuals with special needs.

Hsa Moo is a leader among her people. She is vice-president and programmer for the
Karen Student Networking Group, is the Producer of Radio Free Asia in Mae La Oo
Refugee Camp and is working as a social worker in her camp village.
With incredible perseverance, Hsa Moo has completed High School, a Leadership and
Management Course and has recently received a diploma from the Australia Catholic
University. Hsa Moo was born and raised in the camp more than 25 years ago.

The Karen people, (pronounced Kah- Ren), are indigenous to Burma and are one of the
many ethnic groups persecuted there. On-going internal skirmishes, military repression of
ethnic minorities, forced relocations based on economic strategy, and pervasive poverty
have resulted in a constant exodus of political and economic refugees. Hsa Moo and Htoo
Paw, who are cousins, are members of the Karen tribe.

The Nelson Refugee Committee has committed to sponsoring these two special young
women for one year, or until such time as they become independent. This means that the
NRC will meet all their basic needs, help them assimilate into the community, assist them
in furthering their education and help them find employment. Successful fund raising for
all of this has been ongoing for two years, but a further $15,000 must be raised before the
young women arrive.

BRING THEM HOME! Is the latest fundraising event organized by the Nelson Refugee
Committee. Special thanks go out to Esprit de la Femme,Gericks, Ripping Giraffe,
ROAM, Valhalla Pure, Sacred Ride, Streetclothes, and Village Ski Hut for their
participation and to Ed Natyshak for acting as the evening’s host.

Tickets for Bring Them Home! are $10 at Otters or $15 at the door.

The Nelson Refugee Committee is a constituent group with the East Kootenay Friends
of Burma, a registered non-profit society, and supported by the Nelson United Church,
and the Development and Peace group of the Catholic Parish of the Cathedral of Mary
Immaculate.

For further information, please contact 250-505-5581

Fracking Info Session

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Press Release:

Creative Commons, Google Image

The Nelson Chapter of the Council of Canadians and the West-Kootenay EcoSociety
are presenting an information session on the controversial issue of “fracking” on March
22, World Water Day at 7:00 p.m., Seniors Branch 51, 717 Vernon Street (across
from Extra Foods). “Fracking” is a technique involving the injection of millions of litres
of water and thousands of litres of unidentified chemicals underground at very high
pressure creating fractures in the underlying shale rock formations to extract the
natural gas below the surface. Join Dan Woynillowicz of the Pembina Institute for a
provocative presentation that will explore the climate change and water impacts of
shale gas development in BC. Both the issues and solutions facing British Columbians
will be discussed. Dan joined the Pembina Institute in 2001 as a policy analyst, and is
now the Director of Strategy & Communications. For further information go to http://
canadians.org/water/issues/fracking/index.html.

Contact Information: Sandra Nelken, 352-5274

Rosemont Public Washroom Natural Building Project

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Press Release

The local Kootenay/Rockies branch of the Cascadia Green Building Council has designed a new public washroom building for the City of Nelson, to be constructed at the Art Gibbons Memorial Park in (Rosemont) Nelson, BC. The goal of this project is to construct a demonstration net-zero energy ‘natural building’ showcasing local, healthy, low-embodied-energy materials and alternative building methods.

The building will be integrated into the landscape with curved walls constructed of natural clay and wood-chips, a vegetated green roof, and covered seating around the exterior of the building. Local construction services and materials will be used throughout the project including FSC-certified timber structure and roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels with a net-metering system to achieve a net-zero energy building.

The City of Nelson has commissioned the new washroom building which will be constructed by local contractor
Ellenwood Homes and local volunteers through volunteer-parties and workshops. The solar panels will be donated by Omineca Solar Designs. Construction is set to begin in April, 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by September, 2012.

Cascadia is providing public education about natural and green building methods through a series of introductory seminars co-sponsored by the Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST), weekend workshops held throughout the construction, and an open house planned for September 2012. Introductory seminars will be held on Wednesdays at The Seed, 607 Front Street, starting at 7pm. Dates include: Net-meter Renewable Energy Systems (March 28), Wood-chip Clay Wall System and Natural Plaster (April 18), and Vegetated Green Roof (May 16).

On site workshop schedule:

• Wood-chip Clay Infill & Clay Brick Production (June 2-3, 2012)

• Vegetated Roof Plantings (June 16, 2012)

• Wood-chip & Clay Brick Wall Construction (July 14-15, 2012)

• Natural Plaster (July 28-29, 2012)

• Renewable Energy Systems and On-Demand Hot Water (September 16)

Please register for seminars and workshops at the Building Tree, 621 Herridge Lane, Nelson, BC (info@buildingtree.ca, 250.352.7933). For more information, contact Shari Imada at kr@cascadiagbc.org.

Please visit www.Cascadiagbc.org for more information on your local green building council.

To see a drawing of the project: Rosemont Washroom Perspective Drawing

CREATIVE KOOTENAY KIDS CAMP MARCH BREAK

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Loving Spirit, Columbia Basin Trust, Our Fellow Local Artists & Artists To Be  are excited about the CREATIVE KOOTENAY KIDS CAMP MARCH BREAK 2012!!! This is our 4th Bi-Annual Art Camp & Public Art Show at The Silverton Gallery. Featuring a Local Talented artist each day sharing their craft with Children ages 4 & up!!! Mon March 19th-23rd, 9am-3pm. $125 Early Bird Rate ( by March 6th ). Art Supplies included. On Saturday March 24th 1-3pm YOU ARE ALL INVITED to view the wonderous Spring Themed masterpieces made by the children at their week long Art Intensive. Come on out to encourage & support our local young Artists To Be!!! For a copy of the program & featured artists, connect with Anastasia Love- 250-358-7773 or lovingspirit@rocketmail.com

Parenting as a Spiritual Practice

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Parenting Workshop Feb. 2012 Nelson – posterPress Release:

A two-day course on applying an integral perspective to the early years of 
a child’s life: Doing the Work, Discovering the Ease!

We will explore, learn about, and practice:

  • Meeting our whole child—a being made of body, mind, soul, and spirit.
  • Understanding our child’s unique stage of development, strengths & growing edges, and type, so that we neither expect too much nor too little, and can parent in alignment with who our child is (and is becoming!).
  • How parenting is intimately connected with who we are, and therefore dependent on our own growth and consciousness.
  • Riding paradoxes, for example, offering our child unconditional love andproviding direction, guidance, and at times very clear boundaries and correction.
  • Parenting within an evolutionary context—lifting the bar of what parenting can be by bringing evermore consciousness to the task, whilst not creating more self-doubt or stress about our ability and capacity to parent.
  • Navigating the interface between our own family culture and that of the world at large with grace and clarity.

What else might you like to know about this course…?

** It is made up of experiential, explorative, practical and theoretical components.

** This course is at least as much about you as a parent as it is about your child. The shifts in perspectives, the work and growth we suggest and teach are pretty much all directed at you… You and I and all of us growing up (and waking up) in order to help our children grow up.

** This workshop is practical and useful. Especially in the realm of parenting it all comes down to the actual practice – what you think and intend is a first, very important step; who you are, how you show up, and what you do, however, is what really makes the difference for your child.

** We will share the underlying principles and overarching perspectives at work in an integral approach to parenting. A shift in perspective holds much more weight and resilience in the face of ever-changing situations and conditions, than if we simply offer you numerous concrete suggestions that may or may not fit your particular circumstance and child. As you understand, integrate, and then make use of them, you will be better equipped and able to find your own solutions and responses to the many circumstances you will encounter on a daily basis.

** Because of our emphasis on the inner work of the parent, and the underlying principles/practices of integral parenting, this course will be applicable to your journey as a parent whether your child/children are new-born, six years old or twelve… However, our general focus in on laying a solid foundation during the early years of a child’s life. Pregnant parents and those considering becoming parents are very welcome too!

Past participants share their experiences of taking this course >>

Main course facilitator: Miriam Mason Martineau is a mother. She holds an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Zurich,with specialization in Youth and Child Psychology, and has been working in private practice as an integral therapeutic counselor since 1993. She is presently writing a book on Integral Parenting and is passionately interested in parenting as a spiritual path – both in theory and in practice – a humbling and delightful adventure it is! She is vice-president of Next Step Integral, an international organization that brings an integral perspective to ecology, education, parenting and community. She lives in Winlaw, BC, with her husband, Stephan and their 8-year old daughter, Adonia.

The Kootenay Co-op Store Finds New Home

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Press Release Newsletter:
After many years of looking for a much-needed new space, our search is over. We have entered into a contract to purchase the property at 708 Vernon St. (currently Extra Foods).
We will take possession on June 1, 2012 and will spend the next several months working through the options of how to best develop our new property.
There will be numerous opportunities for members to be informed and involved in the redevelopment process, starting now!
1. Find out more by checking out our FAQ sheet (paper copies available in store).
2. Come to our Special General Meeting
On Monday, March 19 at 7:00 pm at the Best Western Baker Street Inn, we will be holding aSpecial General Meeting. We will be asking members to vote on a Special Resolution*regarding the use of the Co-op’s financial reserves towards the property purchase. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate this important moment in our Co-op’s development. We hope to see you there!
And, of course, we will continue to communicate plans and ask for input as we go.
The best way to get up-to-the-minute information on this and all Co-op activities is to make sure that you are signed up to receive our Newsletters, Classes & Events Enews . Please note that this list is different than our Produce and Store Specials Enews– thoughwe’ve sent this particular email out to everyone on all lists, due to the importance of the news to all of our members and customers.Go to the website and click on the Enews button to make your selection.
We’ll also be giving regular updates in our newsletter, On the Table, and on our Kootenay Co-op Facebook page.
A huge thanks to our General Manager Deirdrie Lang, the Board’s Redevelopment Committee (Paul, Abra, Leon, Deirdrie and Paula), the Board of Directors and our Project Manager, Russell Precious for their dedication and hard work!

*PROPOSED RESOLUTION

The Board of Directors will be proposing the following ordinary resolution:
LIMITATIONS ON INVESTING
Resolved pursuant to Rule 39 of the Association that the directors must not invest over 75% of the financial reserves of the Cooperative at any one time without the prior approval by the special resolution of the members:
That the Cooperative invest over 75% of its financial reserves for the sole purpose of acquiring and developing the property described as 708 Vernon Street, Nelson, British Columbia.