Shortly thereafter, we ventured off to Whistler for a winter get-away with 11 adults. We had a great time swimming, tubing, dancing, shopping and just hanging out with our friends! Then, we hosted our first annual ‘Winter Extravaganza’ at the Coast Capital Playhouse on January 17th and 18th. The event began with a beautiful song ‘We are Superstars’ written and dedicated to the Rec & Leisure participants by staff Brahmo Robinson which he and two of our participants Cory Pennington and Andrew Kison performed both evenings. The song was followed by a choreographed dance by our ‘Dance Party’ troop, then a magic show by ‘The Great Mardini,’ and ending with two very hilarious versions of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ which were wittily written by staff Braden Deans whose scripts just keep getting better and better!

We started our Winter/Spring Semester on January 22nd and introduced three new classes: Kidz Club, Sportstars and Relationships, all which are going exceptionally well! Kidz Club meets for an hour and a half once a week for kids ages 9—12. The kids are making friends and spending their evening doing really neat activities. The class has given the parents an opportunity to network with one another and Rec & Leisure would like to welcome both the KIDZ and their families to the program.

In February, we took our Semi-Famous Players to Toni & Tina’s Wedding for an entertaining evening out. Everyone had a great time and gathered some great ideas for our next performance of ‘Wedded Bliss’ on June 20th and 21st @ SHS!

Finally, 20 participants and 8 staff went to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ March 25th—the 30th. Everyone had a great time in Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo, and Sea World. It truly was the trip of a lifetime and many dreams came true!!!

I would like to acknowledge the truly amazing Rec & Leisure staff who continue to go above and beyond all expectations within this program. For 5 nights, 6 days, the staff embarked on a ‘Trip of a Lifetime’ with 20 young adults. These staff should be commended for giving 100% of themselves throughout the trip and making dreams come true! Before our team went on this trip, the staff worked exceptionally well together, however both during and after the trip, it became abundantly clear that the team operates very much like family. The staff are motivated and passionate about making every moment a memorable one for the participants in the program.

Rec & Leisure puts on many large scale events throughout the year and each staff brings an appreciated energy and enthusiasm to each. The wonderful job they do on a daily basis is commendable and they deserve this recognition! Also, a big thank you to our newer staff members, Fay Holzer, Ryan Thompson and Melanie Bedard! Way to go Rec & Leisure!

Thank you for making a difference!

Julie Kolstrup (Program Manager)

We Need Your Help!

Rec & Leisure is a completely fundraised program and relies on the Semiahmoo Foundation and generous donations from the public.  We receive no government funding for what is an essential service.  Recently we requested feedback from a random sample of parents and received very specific comments as to what this program offers families and participants.  In the New Year, we will be focusing on receiving government funding for this very essential service.  This is where we need your help.  We need as many people as possible to submit their comments in writing to us.  If every family who accessed this program were to do so, we'd have over 70 letters, not to mention those who come to our Friday Night Drop In.  We would greatly appreciate if you could please take the time to do this.

Thank you.  We look forward to another year of fun-filled activities in 2008.  A big thank you to all the individuals and their families who support the Rec and Leisure Program with their continued support and enthusiasm.  It is a pleasure to serve you all!

Julie Kolstrup