What an amazing Easter weekend!

From egg hunts to pony rides out at The Barn, kids and families were all smiles the last couple of days.

We’re all smiles around here this week since, in celebration of CVK’s last run at birthday festivities, Shanley Keith over at Kids Shack is offering readers a special discount all week!!!

If you haven’t made it over to her new location on Fifth Street, then get up and get moving (she’s got the coolest surfer gear, GREAT shoes and clothes your kids will go crazy for). Shanley is offering 15% off all new stock through Sunday. Just tell staff that you saw the discount over on CVK and the savings is YOURS!

Here’s what’s happening around the area this week:

- Girls ages 11-16 are invited to come out and play softball with Comox Valley Minor Softball from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday (March 29 at the CRA fields at Lewis Park. There will be demos, play games, pizza eating and fun. The cost is $10. Get all the details from Kathleen at 338-1646 or rogkat@telus.net.

- Students in grades 9 to 12 who are active in the community through volunteering, have strong academic skills and are promoting positive work habits are now eligible for the City of Courtenay $250 Student Bursary. All the details are available at your local school. So, check with staff.

- Think Green. Turn Out the Lights. For one hour on March 29 (Saturday), people from all over the world will turn their lights out for an hour. So, plan on hanging out in the dark from 8 to 9 p.m. Saturday and watch the energy consumption of the world drop exponentially. Being a part of this tremendous display of how much energy we actually consume - and can save - is a great way to show your family about energy conservation. So, mark it on the calendar and get your candles out.

- Get your tickets now for the Co-Val Choristers production of the Ugly Duckling HONK! Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 4, 5, 7, 8, 11 and 12 as well as two 2 p.m. matinees April 6 and 13 at The Old Church Theatre, 755 Harmston. Tickets are $12 for opening night and $15 for other shoes. Call 339-7676 for more information.

- Don’t forget about Dr. Seuss for kids this week. Check out this lively presentation for kiddos ages 3 to 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Courtenay Library. It’s FREE and super fun.

- Are your kids theatrical? Jump in (it starts tomorrow) to Musical Theatre Camp with Joey Clarkson.
Rehearsals covering script, choreography and vocal work and concludes with a performance for family and friends. This is beneficial for the performer and also for the students wanting to learn about stage managing and shadow directing. Students work on activities that focus on developing skills in the student/actor. While the final presentation is important, success is ultimately measured through the learning/self development that comes from the rehearsal process. Empathy, sensitivity and concern for others are emphasized throughout the program.This class will be held 9:00-1:00 March 25-28 at TheatreWorks Centre for Perfoming Arts in Courtenay. The class fee is $50. Call 334-2208 or 702- 4797 for registration and information.

- The Spring Schedule of kiddo activities is out for the Black Creek Community Association Check out the website for registration information:

For the pre-school set, BCCA offers the following:

Parent & Baby Salsa – Bring your baby in a snugly and bond while moving to the beat of Latin music. Taught by Sacha Scott, the class takes place on Fridays, April 4th – May 9th from 10 – 10:45 am.

Baby Steps Ballet – Geared to 3-5 year olds, this class, led by Sacha Scott, will teach them basic ballet while developing motor skills, coordination and a love of dance. The class takes place on Fridays April 4th – May 9th from 11 – 11:30 am.

Soccer Tots – This popular non-competitive class fills quickly so register early to insure your child’s participation. Coach Jane Stark imparts skills through games and soccer-skill building activity. Held at Miracle Beach School Fields, it takes place on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5 pm for four weeks, beginning April 22.

Creative Movement – Taught by Maggie Schofield-Reid for many years, it is almost a right of passage for 3-5 year olds in the area! In this class, Magi introduces them to popular children’s music while leading them in the basics of movement and coordination. The classes are held on Mondays from 2 – 2:45 beginning April 14th.

Parent & Peanut — This weekly drop-in program provides a friendly, supportive environment for parents and small children. Crafts, play stations, games, songs and stories are common elements. There is no fee, but parent participation in all areas is requested. P&P takes place on Thursdays from 10:30 am – noon from April 3 through May 29.

For youth, we proudly offer:

Intro to Ballet – Veteran dance instructor Magi Schofield-Reid has been known for launching many budding ballerinas in this class aimed at 5 -7 year olds. They will learn the foundation for all forms of dance while developing physical strength, poise, grace and movement. The class takes place on Mondays from 3 – 4 pm beginning April 14th for nine sessions.

Ballet – Aimed at the 8-12 year old, this structured class focuses on developing ballet technique. Taught by Sacha Scott, it will be held on Wednesdays from 3:45 – 4:30 pm beginning April 2nd.
Jazz It Up! – this new fun and engaging class will foster a love of the jazz form. Children will develop motor skills through age-appropriate routines with upbeat Latin music. Instructor Sacha Scott offers this 12-session class to two age groups on Wednesday afternoons beginning April 2nd. Ages 5–7 will meet from 3 – 3:45 pm, while 8 -12 year olds will meet from 4:30 -5:30 pm.

Youth Soccer – Soccer drills and non-competitive games mark this popular class for the 6 -11 year old set. Taught at the Miracle Beach School fields by Jane Stark, the classes begin April 22nd from 5:15 – 6:15 pm for eight weeks.

Baby-Sitter Training – Taught by Helen Hilton, this class covers all the aspects needed to be a safe, responsible baby sitter. The content follows the Red Cross and BC Safety Council standards, and participants will receive certification. The one-day session will be held Monday, April 21st from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm and is geared to ages 11-14.

Learn to Sew – A one-day workshop where children ages 8-12 will acquire the basic skills and make practical items to take home, including a gift for Mother’s Day. Taught by Janine Calder, it will be held on Saturday, May 3rd from 1 – 5 pm.

In addition, in late April and May, the renowned drawing instructor Katherine Douglas Knappett returns to Black Creek to teach Free Flow Fantasy/Manga Drawing for ages 12-17, and Drawing Fun in the Great Outdoors for the 7-11 year olds.