As parents we are our child’s role models, for our children to be active, we need to be active with them.  There is no better time than right now to get going.  Campbell River offers a wide selection of public parks and playgrounds that meet the needs of young children and families.  Dick Murphy Park on Tyee Spit is very popular and it has permanent washrooms, and a playground.  Exploring the wealth of trails and beaches is another great way to provide unique and precious opportunities for our children to experience the natural world.  The more children play, the happier they are, and the healthier they become.

“For the first time in recorded history our younger generations are expected to live shorter lives than their parents due to obesity.”
–Rob Merrifield, M.P. (Yellowhead) Chair of
the Standing Committee on Health, March

Time Spent Watching TV or Videos
Campbell River Children spend 10% more than the PIDACS National Average

Times per week in unorganized sports
Campbell River Children spend 13% less time in informal active play than
the PIDACS National Average

How do our children and parents use resources now?
Local UEY/SB6 Survey of 100 Parents: What programs/resources were most
important for you and your children?
27 % Family Gym
27 % Pool at Strathcona
21 % Family Place
20 % School

PIDACS Survey of 261 Kindergarten Parents: How do our families use
Recreational Resources?
91% Parks and Recreational Trails*
84% Beaches and Pools*
47% Ice Rinks and Skiing
44% Recreation and Community Centres
32% Provincial or National Parks and Campgrounds

* Statistically significant difference: higher than PIDACS Canadian National Average
As part of the Understanding the Early Years project, information was collected from 261 parents of Campbell River’s 2006-2007 Kindergarten children using the Parent Interviews and Direct Assessment of Children Survey (PIDACS). Some of the findings from these preliminary results of the data collection are shown here. Canadian or National averages are based on a total sample of 8942 children.

by Cheryl Jordan, Success By 6 Coordinator