Hot dogs, paddleboards and yoga.
Yep, says Julia Bresalier, this is one huge family picnic "Squamish style."
Bresalier is the facilitator of the Sea to Sky Community Services' family drop-in. She's sitting at a wooden table in Alice Lake Provincial Park, where in two weeks' time the inaugural Sea to Sky Community Potluck Picnic will be held (Thursday, Aug. 25).
Across from her sits Ann Marie McKenzie, a program supervisor for Big Brothers Big Sisters Sea to Sky Corridor.
"We've always talked about doing something like this together," Bresalier says excitedly.
McKenzie was planning an appreciation event for Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers. Bresalier was organizing an event for the community services' family drop-in. So they combined the two occasions.
Community resources throughout the corridor are slim, Bresalier notes, adding that in coming together, the organizations pool their assets. Besides fun and games, both women aim for the evening to bring awareness to their groups.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that brings together youth with adult mentors, set up a division in Squamish 30 years ago. Last year, the Sea to Sky Corridor branch had 71 children in its program. This year it aims to have 100 youth enrolled, McKenzie says.
Besides signing up for the yearlong commitment of becoming a child's mentor, adults with less time can join the organization's after-school program. One hour a week, volunteers meet youth at Squamish's elementary schools to shoot hoops, do arts and crafts or simply hangout.
"We need volunteers," McKenzie stresses.
The community services' family drop-in runs on a weekly basis. It stages workshops for parents, such as resolving sibling conflicts. Like McKenzie, Bresalier is always on the hunt for more resources and volunteers. She's looking for community partners, which would enable the drop-in program to present workshop series on specific subjects.
"It is a bit challenging," Bresalier admits.
The picnic is a good start at to branching out and giving the community a chance to learn about what is available in Squamish, she says. The shindig gets going at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Those who don't have transportation can take advantage of a free shuttle bus if they notify organizers in advance. Bring your favourite dish to share and a refillable water bottle.
For more information or to book a seat on the shuttle, visit www.sscs.ca or call (604) 892-5796.
