In like a Lion and out like a Lamb

Welcome to March 2021.  We all know the proverb In like a Lion and out like a Lamb.  Like most proverbs, it grew out of folklore, which are simply stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.   These stories are ways to explain and guide people on how to work with the seasons and nature for the best possible outcome.  

In like a lion, out like a lamb is definitely rooted in the fact that March (for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere) is the month of transition from winter to spring, from cold to warm and a new cycle of growth and life. In today’s post, I thought it might be interesting to share some history and ideas around this proverb that might be lesser-known, and provide some fun craft ideas for the KCC Kids.

 In Like A Lion Out Like A Lamb….DID YOU KNOW???

• This proverb is dated to have been around as far back as the eighteenth century

  • One of the earliest citations of this proverb is in a collection of proverbs from author Thomas Fuller in 1732 (Wise Sentences, and witty sayings, ancient and Modern)

•  One origin myth of this proverb is rooted in the stars above:

• At the start of March, LEO (zodiac) is the rising sign.

• At the end of March, Aries (zodiac) is the rising sign.

• It is rooted in the seasonal changes that take place at the start of the month of March (end of winter) and the end of the month (start of spring).

  • There are seasons of exceptions where it is reversed and the month comes in like a lamb and goes out as a lion.

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 Paper Plate FUN!

Supplies

1. Two paper plates

2. Marker/Crayons

3. Brown, Yellow, and White Construction Paper

4. Glue

5. Cotton Balls

6. Scissors

 Easy as 1-2-3

 Pre-cut construction paper for the lion’s mane and ears for the lamb. Layout cotton balls for the lamb.

1. Draw a face in the middle of the plate

2. Glue either the paper or cotton balls around the edge of the plate. Be sure to leave room for the ears of the lamb.

 This craft was found online at the following link.  Click the link below to see a more detailed description of this craft. https://www.woojr.com/spring-in-like-a-lion-out-like-a-lamb-craft-project-for-kids/

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Supplies 

1. 2 paper plates with a circle cut from the center

2. 2 large craft sticks

3. Paint in choice of colour for the ears

4. Paintbrushes

5. Cotton Balls

6. Yarn cut into 3-4″ lengths

7. Glue

8. Tape

 Easy to do

1. Paint the centre of the plate the colour of the animal (orange for lion and grey for sheep).

2. Once the paint is dry, cut out the centre of the plate. These will be your ears for the mask. See the photo above for ideas on shape and size.

3. Put glue on the paper plate ring. Place either coloured yarn or cotton balls. Let this dry. May take an hour or longer.

4. Attach the popsicle stick with tape.

5. Place in front of your face and explore being a lion or lamb.

 This craft was found online at the following link.  Click the link below to see a more detailed description of this craft. https://www.stirthewonder.com/like-lion-like-lamb-mask-crafts/

 We would love to see any crafts you and your kids create.  Please be sure to share them with us!

Lastly, don’t forget to check your email for a copy of our March Calendar! Here you will fun lots of fun and informative virtual events for our KCC Kids, their siblings and caregivers, throughout the month of March. If you didn’t receive your calendar, or should you have any questions about it, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

National I want you to be HAPPY day!

Hey you cool cats and kittens (is that still, a popular thing to say? Or is the whole Tiger King thing kinda passed?)

 We are so happy to have been able to see some of your faces again since opening up on Feb 18th. We have missed you (again) so much! To mark just how happy we are to see you again, I want to inform you that (apparently) March 3rd is I Want You To Be Happy Day!

 Yes, according to holidayinsights.com, it is a thing. But even if it’s not some fancy “official” day or whatever, doesn’t it just sound like a lovely thing to do? So in the spirit of such a day, I thought I’d compile some things that maybe will make you happy too. Because all of us at KCC want each and every one of you to be as happy as you can be. 

 Note: While ending this whole pandemic monstrosity is very much so at the top of my list, unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of power. Could you imagine if I did!? Well until that time comes, I will provide what I can. The best and easiest being online videos. 

DANCING!

One thing not only the kiddos enjoy, but I myself is a good dance. Slap on some tunes and just bust a groove. Maybe add in some singing...I know I personally shouldn’t (dogs seem to start howling when I do), but you go ahead!

 Silly Animals!

So, just about everyone who knows me knows I love dogs. And many other animals, but dogs are just...the bee’s knees. Whatever your favourite animal of choice, I am sure you can find a funny video to go with it. Below are some of my favourites:

• The Oven Kid

• Screaming Goat

• Dog Tease

 Hopefully, these little videos have given you a little bit of happiness to add to your day. From all of us at KCC we want you to be the happiest you can be. 

 With happiness, joy and our support in difficult times. 

KCC staff

Inclusive Snow Fun For All!

Fun in the snow are some of my favorite winter memories! And, with all the white stuff we’ve been getting, I thought today was the perfect day to share a few fun and inclusive winter activities!

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Get on your winter gear, or hop in the car, and head out on a scavenger hunt! How many items can you find?

Bring the snow in!

Going outside to build a snowman, or play in the snow, doesn’t work for everyone. Or, maybe you just want to try something different! So, why not bring the snow inside! Get out your toys … build a snow village, a ski hill, or create your own little indoor snowman family. Have fun… and if the snow starts to melt, no problem, dump out the bin and head back outside to scoop up more! Gosh knows we have lots!

Snow Art!

A fun and creative alternative to playing in the snow is to paint it! This is a super fun and easy activity that can be done inside, or out!

• Simply fill some squirt bottles with water (or little bowls)

• Add some food colouring (make sure you use a lot!)

• Then turn the snow into your canvas

Frozen Bubbles!

Who doesn’t love bubbles! Well, the cold weather from mother nature can help to make bubbles even more fun… as now they will freeze! So, dig out your summer bins and find those bubbles, then head outside for some winter bubble fun. Whether they freeze, or not, you know everyone will have fun!

So, whether you’re heading out into the cold (be sure to bundle up!), or staying warm indoors, we hope you enjoy some of these wintery activities!

Don’t forget to take photo’s we would LOVE to see them 😊

Your friends at KCC!

What Do You Love To Do?

By: Jenny Kuspira - DSW

In my role as a Developmental Services Worker, I try to help find ways to make life easier, and more fun regardless of the challenges that may be present.  Today I wish to shift my focus from our KCC Kids to you, the family and friends of our KCC Kids.

 As we approach the middle of the month of February many of us turn our thoughts to that of love.  All sorts of love; romantic love, family love and the love of our neighbours and yes, let us not forget our pets.

One love that sometimes gets overlooked is self-love.  That ability to care for ourselves as much as we love those in our lives who mean the world to us.  Outside of my work at KCC, I have learned a lot about self-love and self-care which I will share with you today, wrapped up in my own words. 

 I have learned through my years at Kids Country Club, that those that keep giving from love (family and friends), can lose sight of their own needs and more to the point their wants.  I am not suggesting to stop loving or giving or doing for your KCC Kids.  I am inviting you to reflect some of that love back onto yourself.

 Oftentimes feelings of being “selfish”, “thoughtless” or “bad”, spring up and block us from even thinking about making time for ourselves. It can feel very complicated and exhausting.  This article today is just a friendly and gentle reminder, that self-love is important, and it is simple to do when you know-how.

 There are really only two key things to know about self-love and self-care…

It always FEELS good.

It is simple.

 It Always Feels good:

We all have those things in our lives that energize us, outside of our children.  Those things may be something we have enjoyed since childhood like:

• Riding a bike

• Drawing

• or climbing a tree.

It might be something new like:

• Gardening

• Cooking

• Going for a drive

• Laying in bed listening to music or,

• Tea with your journal or a good book. 

Whatever “it” is, It is yours.  It is that thing that always makes you smile and excites you just by the mere thought of it.  Whatever IT IS, it always feels good. 

It is Simple:

Self-care and love are simple.  Once you know what feels good, it is just a matter of doing it.  It is finding a way to weave it into the fabric of your life.  Like a golden thread that glistens and strengthens every other part of your life.  Self-care is a decision.  It is as simple as that.

 I am aware that caring for KCC kids can be wonderful, and exhausting, especially in these topsy turvy times of reduced support and services.  I want to help you think about what you might like to do for yourself.  When you choose to do something for yourself, It can feel counterintuitive to steal an hour or even ten minutes away from focusing on your children or caring for them, or just being with your children.  When you choose to take that time for self-care and self-love, you invest in yourself, and that is good.   Whether it is ten minutes or an hour, it will benefit you and in turn your child and your family. You will find energy, ease and laughter. That energy and those smiles and laughter can then be shared with your kids. 

Below is a list inspired by an article I found online.  I am including it for you to look through and think if there is something here that catches your eye.  Something that you can do, modified perhaps, due to the topsy turvy times we are living.  I have also included a couple of other links so that you can explore more ideas and what others have suggested for self-care. 

★     Buy yourself fresh flowers.

★     Take time for rest and relaxation.

★     Start the day with two minutes of meditation.

★     Treat yourself.

★     Read a good book.

★     Practice the art of saying "no."

★     Shake your booty.

★     Stand up straight and tall.

★     Smile.

★     Go for a hike or long walk.

★     Try something new cooking lessons, yoga.

★     Call your mom and tell her you love her (or dad, friend, etc.).

★     Snuggle up with your honey or 4-legged friend.

★     Allow yourself that piece of chocolate and savour every bite.

★     Shut off your email and cellphone for an hour.

• 50 Tangible Ways to Practice Self-Love

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/50-tangible-ways-to-practice-self-love_b_5632069

• 30 Ways to Practice Self Love and Be Good to Yourself

 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/30-ways-practice-self-love-and-good-yourself.html

• 5 Realistic Ways to Practice Self-Care as a Parent

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-realistic-ways-to-practice-self-care-as-a-parent/

I know from working with your KCC kids that they love you.  They want to see you smile and be happy as much as you want that for them.  Taking time for yourself is not selfish, or bad.  It is living an example of one of the most important life lessons; how to practice self-love and self-care.

One final thought and resource for you as well.  We are now providing a variety of unconventional respite services for you, your family, and your KCC children.  Below is our “MENU” of our new services.  Take a look and see how we might be able to help you find that ten minutes, or longer, that you might be seeking so you can invest some of your love into someone who truly deserves it,  YOU!   

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February is Black History Month! This is a time for all of us to recognize and reflect on past and present experiences, challenges, and successes of Black people within our own communities and abroad. 

Little history lesson for my fellow nerds in the back, in 1995, after a motion by politician Jean Augustine, Canada's House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month and honoured Black Canadians. In 2008, Senator Donald Oliver moved to have the Senate officially recognize Black History Month, which was unanimously approved. Now that info I found on the good ole Wikipedia, but along with that little taster of information, I figured we could look into some other interesting facts that I also found along the information highway.  

• Liberia was founded and colonized by expatriates. The West African country is one of two sovereign states in the world that started as a colony for ex-slaves and marginalized Black people. Sierra Leone is the other.

• Tice Davids, a runaway slave from Kentucky, was the inspiration for the first usage of the term “Underground Railroad.” When he swam across the Ohio River to freedom, his former owner assumed he’d drowned and told the local paper if Davids had escaped, he must have travelled on "an underground railroad." (Davids actually made it alive and well.)

• Rapper Jay-Z reportedly developed his stage name as a reference to New York's J/Z subway lines, which have a stop in his Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, neighbourhood.

• Before he became an NBA legend, Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

• Condoleezza Rice entered the University of Denver at the age of 15 and earned her Ph.D. by age 26.

• Because he worked during the height of segregation, most of the homes designed by African American architect Paul R. Williams had deeds that barred Black people from buying them.  

• Martin Luther King Jr., Barbara Walters, and Anne Frank were all born in the same year, 1929. 

• The Black Lives Matter movement was nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Other recipients of the Nobel prize for antiracist movements also include Albert Luthuli in 1960 and Nelson Mandela in 1993.

 So there is just a small sample of some of the challenges and achievements that have shaped Black History. While we celebrate their successes, let us also be reminded of the dark history in which they suffered, and work together to support a future with the equal and fair treatment of all people of colour. 

 If you have any other interesting facts for Black History Month, please let us know, we would love to hear them. 

Wishing you an educational Black History Month and a wonderful February. 

From all of us at KCC!

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Let’s Calm Down

Today we are going to talk about “Calm Down Jars”. For some of you, this may be a new topic, and for others, it will just be a great reminder. Either way, these jars are a wonderful tool to support children who are struggling with big emotions. Especially children with sensory processing, Autism, ADHD or anxiety. They are a popular tool since they are inexpensive, easy to make, and actually help! An added bonus is they are also a fun craft to do with children!

So, first things first… what is a Calm down Jar?

Well, it is any jar (we recommend plastic to reduce the risk of breaking) that can be filled with a simple mixture of …

• Glue,

• Glitter

• Food colouring,

• Warm water.

You can also customize it to your child with the addition of some small toys they like. Such as Lego, Shopkins, etc.

*We recommend an adult use strong glue (hot glue, crazy glue etc) to seal the lid onto your jar, once it is completed. This will help prevent little hands from being able to open it.

How do you use it?

SHAKE, STOP, WATCH & WAIT! - Yup, it’s that simple!

Anytime your child (or you) starts to feel stress, anxiety, anger or any big emotion, grab the jar and SHAKE! Shake it hard and fast for as long as you need. Then stop, watch and wait… as the glitter and items inside slowly settle. Repeat this process as many times as you want.

How does it work?

A calm-down jar acts as a visual anchor, or grounding point, to help bring a child’s focus to one place when things start to feel out of control or overwhelming.

The shaking: The shaking of the jar acts as a safe physical outlet to replace more harmful outlets children may use such as hitting, kicking, biting or self-harm. It also provides something called “proprioceptive input” to their body. The proprioceptive system is located in our muscles and joints. It detects and controls force and pressure and provides us with a sense of body awareness. The proprioceptive system has an important regulatory role in sensory processing, so proprioceptive input can assist in controlling responses and have a calming effect on children who are overwhelmed by sensory stimuli.

Watch & wait: While holding the bottle and watching the glitter and items slowly swirl and fall, a child’s hands and eyes will be brought to their midline, this can help to organize their nervous system. Their fast heart rate and shallow breathing will start to slow and the soothing visual stimulation will help put them into a relaxed almost meditative state. The entire process provides a child with a short “time out” opportunity, without any feelings of consequence or shame.

How to implement it?

As with most calm-down strategies it is best to introduce a calm-down bottle to your child before they are in a heightened state. Have them help you make it (it’s a really fun craft activity) discuss what it is, how it works and when it can be used. Then together shake it, play with it… maybe even have a little dance party, pausing the music to calm down and watch the glitter fall.

Then, simply keep it easily accessible, so the next time you notice your child starting to escalate grab it, shake it, and hand it over to them. Slowly over time, you may notice they begin to reach for it (or ask for it) when they start to feel these emotions themselves. And, as always, children learn best by example! So, the next time you feel yourself starting to get stressed or upset, grab the bottle. You too will receive all the same benefits as your child, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity for them to see you model its use and benefits.

Check out this short video to make your own calm down jar with Joanne, from our London Team. And, if you make some jars please send us pictures. We would LOVE to see them!

Thanks,

Your friends at KCC.

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LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!

MENTAL HEALTH

By: Michaela Cromwell, RPN

Life is about perspective, choosing to look at the negatives or choosing to look for the positives. In the times that we are living in, trying to see the positives can sometimes be pretty hard. Now more than ever, it’s important to talk about our mental health.

Mental health is a big factor in everyday life, and for some people, it can make the easiest tasks seem like climbing a mountain. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 38% of Canadians say their mental health has declined due to COVID-19.

We don’t want you to be a statistic. We’re here to listen and help, and there are many different resources available to you.

GET CONNECTED NOW!

I never thought that I personally would have to figure out how to cope in a pandemic. And, while I could focus on everything that it has taken away from me, I am choosing to look on the bright side. Adventures that were planned were cancelled, but there will always be time for another adventure. I’ve learned how to grocery shop and meal prep better since I didn’t want to have to deal with the grocery stores if I missed ordering an ingredient. I’ve also learned how to appreciate what I have more, and that you can find just about anything to make a DIY project at the Dollar store! All of these new things and my DIY projects, have helped me to get through the craziness that has resulted from the pandemic.

Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic one day it will end, and we will be able to say how it taught us so much!

“Though the storm may be rough, it will end and the sun will shine”

On January 28th it’s Bell Let's Talk Day. Since 2010-2021 Bell Let’s Talk initiatives have provided the knowledge and/or tools necessary to reach 4,422,134 Canadians with access to mental health services.

It is so important to look after yourself, both mentally and physically, and there are many different things you can do to practice self-care.

Bell Lets Talk has created a fun activity sheet below, that can help you get started.

To visit Bell Let’s talk for resources and information CLICK HERE

Please take care of yourself! You matter, and we care!

Your friends at Kids Country Club.

Family Support: New ways we can help!

Welcome to 2021!  Have you ever noticed how saying the right thing can help brighten someone’s day?  Have you ever experienced the same “thing” but when framed differently by a phrase or new perspective, a light shines on it and helps to make that “thing” better and maybe even new?

One phrase that may apply to last year could be,

“Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”.

 I say with confidence there is no stronger community than our KCC family, both the families and the teams at both homes.  We must take a moment to pat ourselves on the back (especially you the families) for persevering, being creative, and consistent in what we do to show our love and support for our KCC children.

 2021 is the opportunity we are going to embrace to explore as many ways as possible to keep supporting you, our KCC family.  We would like to reframe a tough situation with the phrase:

 “Variety is the spice of life”.

 We are excited to have the opportunity to explore outside the box on how we can help you and create some magnificent moments with you and your children in 2021. 

 The staff of KCC have created a menu of choices.  A menu of opportunities for us to support you in new ways, to make 2021 an incredible year. 

Please look over our menu below, and be sure to share with us what supports you would like by completing our survey here.

 Wishing Everyone a fantastic 2021!

Written by: Jenny Kuspira, DSW

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

By: Nicole Harris, RPN

Dare I say… Good Riddance 2020?!

Well, we made it! We are finally at the finish line of 2020. While unfortunately, COVID will not end when 00:01 on Jan 1st, 2021 comes, there is something to be said about people’s love of fresh starts. And what better fresh start than a New Year. Say what you will about New Year's resolutions, but I know there are quite a few things bouncing around in my own head that I want to change about myself. Simple things too like try to take a little bit of time for myself in any kind of capacity. Whether I spend an hour working out or two minutes to actually wash my makeup off, it would still be time that I had invested in me that would give me a better outlook. Sure, I am not going to get washboard abs after a handful of irregular workouts, but I will get the workout endorphins and all that jazz and just overall feel better about myself. And I think that’s something we all need. 

Another thing that we should look at is some of the good things that happened this year. While yes, it was mostly a major pain in our behinds and it made our lives miserable, I’m sure there were good things that happened for everyone this year. So, here is a shortlist of some good things from this year if you haven’t quite found yours just yet.

• There is regrowth happening following the Australian wildfires of 2019 https://www.insider.com/photos-of-life-returning-after-australia-wildfire

• Microbes could be living on Mars https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/22/science/nasa-mars-rover-life.html

• Shelter adoptions skyrocket with some locations struggling to keep up https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/high-demand-for-pets-1.5637516

So, that is just a small amount of some good things you can find that happened in 2020. And like I said, just because the year changes doesn’t mean all the bad stuff is going to go away, but we can work together to make some good come from all this bad. 

With love, support and hope for a happy New Year from everyone at Kids Country Club.

Thank you For Your Generosity!

Tree of Hope Campaign

With big smiles and grateful hearts, we send out a BIG Thank you to those who have donated and helped decorate our Kids Country Club Tree of Hope this year. Our children and staff have had lots of fun making special Thank-you ornaments which we have hung on our tree to remember and acknowledge each of you!

Thank you to:

• Darryl Morgan

• Nikolas & Kiralyn

• Helen

• The Hornblower Family

• Sherry

• Sam Barber

• Grant Rees

• Steve & Sylvia

We would also like to recognize a local business, PROCESS GROUP of Cambridge! Thank you for caring about the children in your community and showing it with your very generous donation of $750.00!

As a non-profit, the support and caring of people like you truly matter! Your donations help us purchase items our operational budget may not cover (such as up-to-date medical equipment and special cribs) so we can provide amazing children with the quality care they deserve and give their families the support they need!

From all of us at Kids Country Club, we send out a BIG THANK YOU, and wish everyone a Happy & Healthy Holiday season!

The staff of Kids Country Club

The Most Delicious Time of Year

Jenny Kuspira - DSW

The countdown is on and Christmas is just around the corner. There are so many great things about the holiday season. Reaching out to family and friends, exchanging gifts, and of course the food. For many people, Christmas dinner is the biggest event. Sitting at a large table and passing down the mashed potatoes, or carrots and the gravy, you cannot forget the gravy. It is all so delicious. There is one tradition that I feel might outshine Christmas Dinner, which is the making of a gingerbread house. There is also of course the gingerbread boys and girls decorated with icing.

In honour of such delicious Christmas traditions, we thought it would be fun to share some interesting trivia about gingerbread, a link to a recipe, and a reading of the Gingerbread Man.

Gingerbread Trivia! Did you Know???

• There is a national gingerbread house day on Dec 12th and a national gingerbread day on June 5th.

• It was an American Monk back in 992AD that traveled to France to teach the french priests how to make gingerbread.

• Gingerbread is any baked good that has ginger and molasses or honey.  This can include, cookies, breads, and houses 

• Ginger is known for its unique and delicious flavour, and it is also known for its ability to help soothe an upset belly.  In fact, many early sailors and explorers would have ginger cookies to help make them feel better when they became seasick or nauseous.

• In December 2013 in Bryan Texas, the world’s largest gingerbread house was created.  

  • It was 10 feet tall

  • 42 feet wide

  • 60 feet long. 

  • It was built to raise money for a local children’s hospital.  They raised over $150 thousand dollars.  Below is the link to read more 

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2013/12/largest-gingerbread-house-for-charity-gets-us-in-the-christmas-spirit-53612/?fb_comment_id=225996767571660_612440

Gingerbread Man Recipe

Hands-On: 1 hr   Total: 3 hrs 50 mins Yield: Makes 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• ¼ cup hot water

• 1 cup molasses

• 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

• Royal Icing

• Buttermilk Frosting

• Assorted candies

• Assorted decorator sugar crystals

Directions:

• Step 1
  Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.

• Step 2
  Stir together baking soda and 1/4 cup hot water until dissolved; stir in molasses.

• Step 3
  Stir together flour and next 4 ingredients. Add to butter mixture alternately with molasses mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Shape mixture into a ball; cover and chill 1 hour.

• Step 4
  Preheat oven to 350°. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough with a 4-inch gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

• Step 5
  Bake at 350° for 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets 2 minutes; transfer to wire racks. Cool completely (about 30 minutes).

• Step 6
  Spoon Royal Icing into a small zip-top plastic freezer bag. Snip 1 corner of bag to make a small hole; pipe faces on cookies, or spread cookies with Buttermilk Frosting. Decorate cookies as desired with candies and sugar crystals.

• Step 7
  Enjoy !!

Some Gingerbread Jokes

https://funkidsjokes.com/gingerbread-man-cookie-jokes/

Q: What did the Gingerbread Man put under his blanket?

A: A cookie sheet.

Q: Why did the Gingerbread Man go to the school nurse?

A: He was feeling crumby.

Q: Who was the most dangerous cookie?

A: The Ninjabread man.

Story Time: The Gingerbread Man

Now it is time to sit back and relax and enjoy a short story about the Gingerbread Man. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kv9cGUttc9OlvrxPolmLO8LdzwO2Y9IO/view?usp=drivesdk

SNOW DAY! A perfect time to snuggle up and read our KCC Winter Newsletter

Not sure what it’s like out your window today, but here in Cambridge, we woke up to a world of white. With everything beautifully covered in a blanket of snow! So, it seemed like the perfect day to share our KCC Winter Newsletter. Be sure to check out Page 4 for some fun activities you can enjoy this winter season!

So, get comfy, grab a hot chocolate, and snuggle in to read what’s happening at Kids Country Club!

And don’t forget that today is ….

GIVING TUESDAY!

A global movement, after the craziness of Black Friday & Cyber Monday, dedicated to giving back to the community! Check out page 2 of our Winter Newsletter, or read more on our website, and learn about how you can give back through our Tree of Hope campaign!

Happy Tuesday, everyone … Stay safe and warm.

Your friends at KCC!

Giving & Gifting Part 1: Tree of Hope

How is December only just over a week away? It feels as though this year has passed in a blur. A blur personally for me, of a quiet house both at work and home.

So, to try and gather some normalcy around this time of year, the staff here at Kids Country Club have been busy trying to bring some festivities to the houses. Last year, both homes worked together to make cards over the holiday season that people could purchase to support our organization. While we would have loved to do this again, given the current pandemic, we figured this wouldn’t be our safest option. So, for this year’s campaign, staff and children are working together to make and decorate festive salt dough ornaments to hang on the Kids Country Club “Tree of Hope”. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted, and donations over $20 will be issued a tax receipt. After donating, your name (or any name you request) will be added to one of our ornaments and placed upon our tree. Weekly, new photos will be posted on the Kids Country Club Facebook page to Thank our donors, share the fun we’re having, and show the progress of our tree. 

To join in on our fun, donations can be made at the Kids Country Club webpage, or by clicking the button below.

Here's a sneak peek of baking fun from both our homes and some of our completed ornaments so far. We’ve also included the salt dough recipe, so you too can enjoy some ornament making fun of your own!

Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup table salt

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

  ————————-

1. Preheat oven to 300 F

2. Mix ingredients

3. Roll out dough to approx ⅛“ thick using parchment paper on both sides

4. Cut out your shapes and make a hole in the top for a string

5. Cook for 1 hour or until hard, then let cool

6. DECORATE!!!

So, let’s see how many names and ornaments we can get on our tree. Maybe Batman, Wonder Woman, or Captain America will even join in on our fun! And, keep a lookout next week for another way to support us here at Kids Country Club. 

Wishing you all the best,

Nicole H RPN - and the KCC Gang!

Staying inside, an opportunity for FUN!

The weather is getting to be a bit cooler and the days are getting darker sooner. We can find ourselves spending more time inside than outside these days. The good news is that there are lots of fun things you can do, in addition to cuddling up for a movie or sharing a wonderful meal with your family. As one of the full-time DSW staff in Cambridge, I know from experience three things most kids enjoy are, stories, songs, and colouring.

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STORIES…

So here for you is a short story I created just for our KCC family. Inspired by the cold winds and the magic that every child holds within them.

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SONGS…

Here also are some links to youtube that have great songs to sing along with, or just listen to together.

• For our older KCC kids

• For our younger KCC kids

• Some Disney FUN!

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COLOURING…

Also,to save you some time, below are some fantastic links to coluring pages.

• Crayola

• Free colouring pages

We would love to see and know what you have been doing to keep busy on these colder days. Be sure to share with us and you may just find your artwork or photos in a future blog post!

Jenny Kuspira, DSW

Remembrance Day

We remember you, honour you, and Thank you!

Hello everyone, hope you are well. Hard to believe this year is getting closer and closer to an end. Halloween has just passed and soon the winter holidays will be upon us (whichever you celebrate). Until then, we have a very special day to recognize as well. One where we recognize the sacrifices so many gave before us and continue to do so in the name of our country’s freedom. While we remember those we have lost and who are forever wounded, let us also give thanks to those currently serving. 

One thing that is sometimes overlooked for our soldiers, is the life after the military. Military life changes many aspects of a person, making it sometimes very difficult to reintegrate into civilian life. One thing that many have taken to doing is starting their own business. Through Prince’s Trust Canada, we are able to access a database of veteran-owned businesses and services. The link provided below can not only put you in touch with veteran businesses but also provides means in which to mentor a veteran looking to start their own business. 

https://www.princesoperationentrepreneur.ca/canadian-veteran-business-directory 

From all of us at Kids Country Club, we thank all of our past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their sacrifice.  

Nicole H, RPN

Pack your pajamas - Phase II is here!

We are excited to be welcoming our children back for overnight visits as we entered Phase II of our re-opening yesterday – November 2nd. Throughout phase I we have been able to offer families respite by enjoying fun-filled day visits with the children. However, with the approval of Public Health, our Board, and the Management team we are thrilled to now be able to move back to overnight visits again.

It has taken a while for us to reach Phase II in our re-opening plan, as we have been intentionally slow and steady to ensure the safety of our families, and staff, as our top priority!  We will continue to be vigilant in maintaining strict cleaning and sanitization protocols, working closely with Public Health, and keeping a watchful eye on the community and school boards. However, for our children, what matters is the fun will continue and sleepovers are happening again!

Should you have any questions or inquiries regarding Phase II, please visit our COVID page here, or contact us directly, we are always happy to hear from you!

Cheers,  

The team at KCC

“BOO” from the KCC Crew!

Halloween fun and safety for 2020

As with many things in this crazy year of 2020, Halloween will need to be a little different this year. However, different doesn’t have to mean less fun! And, we here at Kids Country Club are ALL ABOUT THE FUN! So, whether you are heading out or staying in, we wanted to share some tips and ideas to make your Halloween a safe and SPOOKTACULAR one! 

TRICK-OR-TREATING… Should we stay, or should we go?

Depending on the region you live in and your family circumstances, the answer to this question will be different for everyone! However, if you are planning to head out for traditional trick-or-treating fun, please check out safety tips from Public Health below. 

• Stay home if you are feeling ill, even if you have mild symptoms, or if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

• Turn off your porch light and don’t hand out treats if you are sick, even with mild symptoms, or self-isolating.

• Stay within your public health unit region.

• Only go out with members of your household.

• Only trick-or-treat outside.

• Both trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy should wear a face covering — a costume mask is not a substitute and should not be worn over a face-covering because it may make it difficult to breathe.

• Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two meters apart if you are waiting.

• Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects, such as railings and doorbells.

• Whether you are collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer.

• If you are giving out treats, do not leave them in a bucket or bowl for children to grab. Consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.

• Check with your local municipality or public health unit for additional advice or restrictions that may be in place in your area.

  Also, you can print and display one of the posters below to let people know if your home is handing out candy this year.

AT-HOME HALLOWEEN FUN

However, if your family has decided to stay in, no worries! We have LOTS of fun ideas to help you enjoy a FA-BOO-LOUS night together! 

1.PUMPKIN FUN! 

Who doesn’t LOVE some good ol’ pumpkin carving! Get your creative juices flowing and make that boring orange pumpkin into a funny, silly, or scary face. Or, maybe not a face at all?!  

For some tactile fun, let your kids get their hands in and squeeze and squish some slimy pumpkin “guts”. Then, carefully pick out the seeds and cook them up to enjoy a yummy (and healthy) snack! 

Maybe try re-creating a pumpkin version of your own family - don’t forget to include your furry family members too! 

However, if ooey-gooey pumpkin guts aren’t your thing, or if your kiddos have a sensory aversion, skip the actual carving and get out your craft supplies to decorate away!

2. CANDY HUNT

This activity is simple and sure to please! Think Easter egg hunt - Halloween style! First, find all the perfect nooks and crannies around your home and yard to stash the Halloween candy. Make it as easy or hard as you’d like, and then sit back and relax as the kids go wild trying to find every last piece!

Photo: https://www.fun365.orientaltrading.com/article/halloween-candy-graveyard-ideas

For older children, or to make things are a little more interesting, turn your candy hunt into a scavenger hunt by simply printing out the clues provided below. Or get creative and make up your own clues!

3. GET YOUR GAME ON!

Family Game Night -- Halloween Style!

Boo Bingo

Play a round, or two, of BOO Bingo. The winner gets … you guessed it … CANDY! Get everything you need to hold your very own Halloween Bingo game at www.artsyfartsymama.com . Or, simply click here to get a free copy of their download! These cards are not only a pefect Halloween theme, but they work great for any age group as they use images instead of words! Thanks Artsy Fartsy Mama!

Toilet Paper Mummies

Thankfully, the great toilet paper crisis of 2020, has come to an end! So, your family can enjoy this game that's both simple and loads of FUN!  

1. First, create teams of two - 1 mummy & 1 mummy wrapper.

2. Give each team a few rolls of toilet paper. 

3. Set the timer and go!

   The first team to have their mummy wrapped from head to toe - WINS! 

doughnut EATING CONTEST

This is a game and snack in one! And… come on… who doesn’t love doughnuts!

1. Tie a length of rope between two trees (or any item that it can be safely secured to) and have each family member sit or stand under the rope.

2. Tie an individual piece of ribbon to a doughnut (one per player) and secure it to the main rope. You want the doughnut to hang just slightly above their mouth.

   The Game: Eat your entire doughnut -- no hands allowed -- without letting it fall off the rope. The first person to successfully finish their doughnut wins! AND BONUS … everyone gets to enjoy a doughnut!

CANDY JENGA

This game puts a chocolate twist on a classic family game! As, instead of using wooden blocks you get to use Halloween Candy!  

1. To start, grab a handful of your relatively flat Halloween Candy (think Kit-Kat, Smarties, and Hershey bars) 

2. Then, take turns stacking one piece of candy at a time, to slowly build a tower.  

3. The first person to knock the tower down loses — AND the winner gets to keep the loot! 

4. WIND DOWN TIME!

Well, after all that fun and sugar, it can be hard to wind everyone down! So, what better way to end your night, then snuggling up with a (not too scary) Halloween movie.

Check out the link below for a list of family-friendly favourites! Then, get your PJ’s on, snuggle up together and enjoy!

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2661/halloween-movies/

No matter how you plan on celebrating Halloween this year, stay safe and have fun! Oh, and take lots of pictures to send our way! We would LOVE to see your smiling faces decked out in your costume and enjoying some Halloween festivities! 

Wishing you all a FANG-TASTIC Halloween! 

Your friends at KCC

Pasta… Pasta... Pasta!

Hello to all of our KCC families.  October seems to be flying by quickly with Thanksgiving already done, and Halloween just around the corner.  Is it possible to squeeze any more into these 31 days? 

YES!!! I discovered that:

October 17th is NATIONAL PASTA DAY

and

OCTOBER 25th is WORLD PASTA DAY.  

Two days that are dedicated to paying tribute to a food that has become a staple in many cuisine options.  It is versatile, it is healthy (in the right portion size and varieties), and it is DELICIOUS.

As the staff at both homes know, pasta is one of the favourite foods for many of our KCC kids. To help you celebrate, I have put together this wee post to share some interesting pasta facts and activities.

FUN FACTS — DID YOU KNOW?

🍝  It is estimated that there are over 350 different types of pasta

🍝  National Pasta Day began in 1995

🍝  40 Pasta Producers held the first World Pasta Conference in Rome Oct 25th 1995

🍝  Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing the first pasta maker to North America

🍝  Spaghetti and Meatballs are a North American dish (Not from Italy)

Here are the sites I used to research, in case you want to learn MORE….

https://www.italymagazine.comz/dual-language/so-how-many-pasta-shapes-are-there

https://www.nationalpastaday.com/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/62565/5-foods-thomas-jefferson-introduced-or-made-popular-america

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PASTA ACTIVITIES

 Cartoon Fun:

Attached are two fun cartoons that you can print and glue pasta to be hair or part of their clothes and create some amazing fun new characters.

Pasta Necklace:

Using some delicious supplies like Penne pasta (dry and uncooked) and string or ribbon, you can make a beautiful necklace.

Pasta Jokes:

 Where does pasta go dancing?

The meatball

How do you say goodbye to an Italian chef?

Pasta la vista!

Why didn’t the fettuccine go out for Halloween?

It was too alfredo!

 (https://thoughtcatalog.com/maria-monrovia/2018/06/pasta-puns/)

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Wishing everyone a safe and delicious World Pasta Day on October 25th.   If anyone creates anything pasta related (even a delicious bowl of Mac and Cheese) be sure to share with us and we will share it with the rest of the KCC families right here on our blog.

— Jenny Kuspira, DSW

Happy Thanksgiving -- Lets get CRAFTY!

Hello Everyone!

All of us here at Kids Country Club hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving, however you were able to celebrate. Unfortunately, many of us were not able to have the same traditional get-togethers that we have had in the previous years, but we hope you were still able to connect with those you love and remember all the great things to be thankful for. Like cake!

So last week, myself, our awesome DSW Jenny, and our fabulous Administrative Assistant Corie decided to smoosh our beautiful brains together and put together a couple of festive and seasonal crafts that everyone could do. We have even provided photographic evidence of just how awesome it can be to make these!

First up: Turkey Heads

What you will need: construction paper, scissors, tape or glue, and some feathers.

Steps:

1) cut brown paper bands, white and black circles for the eyes, and a big orange triangle beak.

2) glue all together

3) stick feathers in

4) slide that lovely headdress on, and you my friend are ready to mingle with the best of them. 

It Takes Two to Tango: Leafy Wreath

What you need: paper plate or some kind of sturdy paper cut into a donut, leaves, and glue

Steps:

1) frolic in your yard and just happen to collect leaves along the way

2) glue leaves to your paper donut. And...that’s it.

Go team simplicity!

Strike Three: Autumn People

What you need: more leaves, glue, marker, and paper

Steps:

1) When the neighbours aren’t looking, proceed to jump into their leaf piles and stuff your pockets with cargo — leaves!

2) Glue various sized leaves to your paper.

3) Draw your dude or dudette a face fierce enough to make Tyra Banks proud. 

Four’s a crowd: Copy and Paste

What you need: even more leaves (or reuse...go crazy), paint, paper

Steps:

1) Gather new or used leaves

2) Slather them puppies with some paint on one side

3) Press them onto the paper - painted side down

4) Lift and reveal your amazing creation!

Well, that’s all of our crafts for now. We hope you enjoyed some of them, I know we did!

Wishing you all the best!!!

— Nicole H RPN, Jenny K DSW, and Corie B Admin Assistant

(And the rest of the gang at Kids Country Club) .

Falling for Fall!

By Nicole H, RPN

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I love fall. Between the cooler weather and snuggly sweaters, the changing of the leaves and the return of yummy food, it’s my favourite time of year. You know what else is great about fall? Halloween! Now yes, before you say it “But Nicole, what about the pandemic?” Well to that I say, why not dress up for fun? OK so yes, part of the joys of Halloween is getting free candy just because you walked to your neighbours place in a weird getup, but come on everyone! The weird getups are totally fun too! And you can always hide candy around your home or yard.

Now unfortunately for me, I was not blessed with a very…imaginative mind. When I find the idea, I am crafty enough to do it. But coming up with the idea? Not so much. I also have a habit of sometimes procrastinating on things and then having to rush my socks off to get something together. So for anyone else in my lovely group here, I am here for you! I have put together some ideas of costumes that are not only easy to do but also can be done on the cheap. A dig through the recycling, back of the closet, or your local thrift/dollar store, can help you put together any of these cool costumes.

Number One: Guess Who?

Required items: Red or blue shirt, cardboard, markers, duct tape, and some scissors.

Cut out a frame, write “Guess Who?” on it, and duct tape it to your shirt (or just hold it in your hands). Wear your colour of choice and BAM. You are done, my friends. 

Number Two: The Classics - Alvin and Scooby

Nothing quite like a good rummage in the back of the closet to see what’s hiding back there. Hopefully nothing spooky! Just pick your character and maybe add some tape if needed in the case of Alvin, and you’re done, my friend. 

Number Three: Splish Splash I was takin’ a bath!

Required items: White clothes, white balloons, and some bath stuff.

Dress up in all white and attach some balloons to yourself. Cart around your favourite bath toy and don a shower cap if you have one. Ta-da you are a bubble bath. 

Number Four: Give me kisses!

Required items: Massive amounts of tin foil and some paper and markers. 

Fashion yourself a little dress out of your copious amounts of tin foil (you can use paper towel to stuff to give some volume if you like) and a little hat. Create the famous Hershey Kisses tag and add it to your hat. 

Number Five: Let’s go for a dive!

Required items: Black clothing, 2-liter pop bottles, duct tape, and paint.

Paint your bottles some funky fun colour and tape together with duct tape. Make some straps to attach to yourself and don your black attire. Now you look like you’re ready for some deep-sea adventure. Bonus points if you have goggles and the like!

So there you have it, some easy and cheap ideas to get all dressed up this spooky time of year. While it may not be the door to door fun this year that we have enjoyed in the past, at least have yourself a little fun. And if all else fails, candy goes on 50% off on November 1st and there’s bound to be lots.

Nicole H RPN