Posted on Dec 19, 2013
Hike Nova Scotia is happy to announce that the next Hiking Summit will be held in Parrsboro, NS on April 11-13, 2014. Mark these dates in your calendar and stay tuned for more information on the program, registration and other details in the New Year!
Hike Nova Scotia
www.hikenovascotia.ca
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Posted on Dec 10, 2013
This holiday season, Stepping Up partners are sharing ParticipACTION’s message – consider purchasing gifts for children and teens that will help them discover the fun of active play, physical activity and sports participation — and while you’re shopping, please consider picking up an active toy or two to donate to a local toy drive.
Opportunity – The C100 Cineplex Cinemas Toy Drive! Dec 12 – Dec 13 Cineplex Dartmouth Crossing & Bayers Lake. http://www.c100fm.com/Events/Event/Toy-Drive
Here are some gift ideas to consider:
Soccer balls, Basketballs, Footballs
Hockey sticks and equipment, skates (don’t forget helmets too)
Toboggans/sleds, Snowshoes, Pedometers to encourage active transportation
Tricycles, Bicycles and Scooters
Fitness DVDs for youth
Boxing gloves and bags
Yoga mats, Balance Boards
Twister (remember Twister?!) and other “active” games
Skateboards, Ride-on toys for toddlers and preschoolers
Rollerblades, Stilts or Pogo Sticks, XC skis
Weights and resistance bands (teens)
Snow toys and shovels (for fort building)
Gift certificates to a fitness facility or recreation centre, community fitness centre memberships, Swimming, climbing and downhill ski lessons …and don’t forget simple items too such as jump ropes, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, frisbees, Devil Sticks, play tunnels, inflatable punch bags, play bowling sets… and how about a swing for the backyard that encourages active outdoor fun all year round?
No matter how it is measured, physical activity rates of children and youth across Canada are low. In Nova Scotia, physical activity levels have been on a downward trend and appear to be continuing to fall for older students.
In NS, there is a huge decline in activity between Grades 3 and 7. Less than 30% of Grade 7 students and less than 5% of Grade 11s are currently meeting minimum physical activity guidelines for health. Girls in the older grades are consistently less active than boys, and almost no Grade 11 girls (0.9%) are meeting the standard.
Active Play offers physical health, cognitive, emotional and social development benefits. It improves motor function, creativity, decision making and problem solving skills but most of all its about FUN!
For more information on the Bring Back Play campaign donating active toys visit http://bit.ly/18IHAvt or contact Sarah MacKeigan, [email protected] / 490-7348
Read More »Posted on Dec 09, 2013
Hike NS believes that a love of the outdoors and of hiking starts at a young age, so we encourage families, schools, Scouts, Guides and other child- and youth-centred groups to get out on the trails! Hiking with children and youth can be so much fun. It’s not rocket science; just keep safety in mind, prepare properly and have some neat activities planned for the trail. View the webpage here.
Read More »Posted on Dec 09, 2013
By Renée Hartleib
What happens when a group of female hikers get together to work on a trail? Not only does the work get done, but the end result is absolutely beautiful. “Anyone who’s ever worked with a woman knows that the job always gets done, and in addition, there is incredible attention to detail.”
That’s Fran Wyman, a Hike Nova Scotia member, and the co-coordinator of the annual “Ladies Only Trail Building Weekend” in Pictou County. Six years ago, she and Ellen Wilcox created this now annual event, as a way to be involved in the work of the Cape to Cape Trail Group.
This unique trail, still being built, is envisioned to traverse 400km from Cape George to Cape Chignecto, crossing four counties. Over 100 volunteers have given their time and sweat to build this trail-set to become Nova Scotia’s first long distance foot path-covering some of the most spectacular vistas in Nova Scotia. Read full article here.
Photo credit: Ellen Wilcox
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