|
|
|
|
| | ARPA's e-Newsletter |
December 2011
| |
|
In this issue ...
|
|
 Register Now for the 2012 Youth Development through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium Registration is now open to attend the 2012 Youth Development through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium. The 2012 YDRS Symposium will be held at the West Edmonton Mall's Fantasyland Hotel from March 11-13, 2012. This year's conference focuses on the advancement of knowledge surrounding children and youth development through recreation. Attendees will hear thought-provoking keynote addresses from recognized leaders in children and youth development, participate in informative, practitioner-focused sessions and workshops, and learn firsthand about children and youth development and its application in recreation. The event will focus on: - Highlighting the value of partnerships in children and youth development
- Promoting the concept of shared responsibility in children and youth development
- Promoting the Symposium to non-traditional partners in children and youth development
- Promoting youth involvement
- Ensure opportunities for networking are created
Rick Miller, the Founder and President of the international initiative Kids at Hope, is this year's main keynote and will be addressing YDRS delegates at the Sunday night banquet. Rick has spent 44 years education, advocating, caring and support the futures of all youth. His wit, humor and story-telling abilities captivate the imagination leaving everyone who hears him believing that all children are truly capable of success-no exceptions! For details about the 2012 YDRS Symposium or to register online, please visit: www.arpaonline.ca/events/ydrs-symposium/#symposium For more information contact: |
|
Federal Government Engages in Process for Developing a Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Region of Quebec, today launched the formal engagement process that will bring together the Government of Canada, provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and others to develop a new long-term plan for public infrastructure beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan in 2014.
The engagement process will take place in three phases over the next year:
Phase 1 - Taking Stock (Fall 2011-Winter 2012)
Taking Stock is about working with our partners to review the accomplishments and results of past infrastructure investments. The Government of Canada will work together with provincial, territorial and municipal partners to review past infrastructure investments and initiatives and examine their benefits for communities.
Phase II - Identifying Priorities (Winter-Summer 2012)
To help ensure all levels of government have the right information to make informed decisions on infrastructure investments, we will work with our partners and stakeholders, as well as with technical experts and academics, to build knowledge around five broad themes:
- Infrastructure and the Economy
- Infrastructure and the Environment
- Infrastructure and Stronger Communities
- Financing Infrastructure
- Asset Planning and Sustainability
Phase III - Informing the Next Agenda (Summer-Fall 2012)
Building on the work of the first two phases, we will have in-depth and constructive discussions with our provincial, territorial and municipal partners and other key stakeholders. Together, we will explore the broad principles and future directions for public infrastructure in Canada, and discuss key lessons learned from past plans and programs that can help develop the next long-term public infrastructure plan.
Completing the economic recovery remains our Government's top priority. Our new plan will help identify Canada's infrastructure priorities to meet the needs of Canadians and build a more prosperous, competitive, and sustainable economy," said Minister Lebel. "Working together with partners, we will take stock, identify opportunities, and build the foundation of a new infrastructure plan that supports economic growth and job creation.
"In the last few years, federal and municipal governments have worked more closely than ever to fight the economic crisis and rebuild Canada's aging roads, bridges, and water systems," said Berry Vrbanovic, FMC President. "Together, we can tear down the silos that prevent us from serving taxpayers in the best way possible. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Canada."
Keep up to date on the latest news from Infrastructure Canada on this development through their website.
(back to top)
|
|
ARPA Holiday Office Hours
Our offices will be closed from December 24th, 2011 to January 3rd, 2011. We hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
(back to top)
|
|
Coming to a Community near you!
In partnership with ACE, these rural Alberta communities are hosting a free one-day workshop on Community Building! Here is an update on the upcoming workshops in your area:
- Grande Cache: January 13, 2012
- Carstairs: February 8, 2012
- Hanna: March 1 and 2, 2012
- Clear Hills County: March 15, 2012
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about what it means to be an Active, Creative, and Engaged Community, gain an understanding of community leadership and community building, purchase a Community Building Toolkit that provides a variety of community development related tools, connect with like-minded individuals who are interested in enhancing quality of life, and provide inspiration for community leaders to take action.
Who should attend? Individuals or groups working in the quality of life sector such as: elected officials, business owners, youth, volunteers, and practitioners working in recreation, health, social services, justice, education, tourism, arts, heritage, culture, and others.
For more information contact:
Rose Carmichael
ACE Community Liaison
rcarmichael@aceleaders.ca
(back to top)
|
|
Youth Community Art Opportunity
The Michaëlle Jean Foundation and EQ3 have partnered to provide a national platform for young Canadians to express themselves on social issues, to share their creative vision of a better community with all Canadians, and to acquire mentors, industry contacts and transferable artistic and entrepreneurial skills.
Creative young people, aged 15 to 30, are invited to design and submit original artwork by January 10, 2012 around the theme: "Imagine...a Better Community" to generationart@eq3.com.
Winning entries will be selected by region and become part of a limited edition Generation Art product line available for sale at EQ3 stores across Canada in the spring of 2012. One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised will be reinvested in youth initiatives, through the Michaëlle Jean Foundation.
Winners will be awarded the Generation Art product featuring their winning design, a $200 EQ3 gift certificate and have the opportunity to spend individual time with EQ3 consultants!
Read more about the project!
(back to top)
|
|
Touched by Recreation
Melissa St. Dennis
At the end of October, I attended the ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop. Though I have no background or experience working in the sector, I was drawn by the opportunity to learn. I went to sessions on the power of recreation and parks in Aboriginal communities, the importance of thinking large and acting locally, and many more. I even spent time "speed dating" ARPA past presidents! And to my surprise, as someone new to the world of networking, the real learning happened between sessions. I'll be the first to admit that before the conference I didn't fully comprehend the breadth and depth of the recreation and parks field. I took the sector for granted and was unaware of the benefits and nature of its impact on my life. It was through the conversations I had with the other delegates at my table, between the sessions, and in the hallways that opened my eyes to the essential nature of recreation and parks.
|
|
ChooseWell Award Ceremonies
ChooseWell communities were recognized in November for their work in promoting active living and healthy eating.
The Northern Awards Ceremony was to be held on November 17th, 2011 in Morinville. Unfortunately, the province was faced with inclement weather in the form of a "Prairie Clipper" and the formal event was cancelled. A dinner was still held for local community members and those who had already made the trip to Morinville. The Southern Awards Ceremony was held in Okotoks on November 24th, 2011 and went off without a hitch. Karen Driedger provided an energizing keynote address, while Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson provided greetings on behalf of the town and ARPA President Terry Welsh spoke on behalf of the Association. In total, 15 awards were handed out and the feeling amongst participants was positive and upbeat.
|
|
|
Farewell 2011 and Welcome 2012!
Communities ChooseWell would like to thank all communities who made 2011 a glowing success.
Highlights of 2011 include:
- 153 community registrations
- 34 recognized communities
- 83 communities participated in one or more of the three new ChooseWell Challenges
- 178 reports and 34 success stories received from 60 communities
- Two major corporate sponsors: Sobeys and PlayWorks
- Four webinars piloted; 69 total participants and an average webinar satisfaction level of 4.5/5
- Disbursement of approximately $60,000 in funds & resources for reducing barriers and programming aimed to promote active living and healthy eating
- Dissemination of over 27,000 Healthy U Resources
Be sure to keep a look out on the ChooseWell homepage for the 2012 registration information. In the meantime, check out our new Success Travels video highlighting the great work of ChooseWell communities in 2011.
|
|
2012 Recreation Industry Awards
On Thursday, May 10th, 2012 the Recreation for Life Foundation (RFLF), it's allied partner, the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), and their many sponsors and supporters will present the second biennial Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence gala. This event will be hosted in Calgary at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
The Recreation for Life Foundation Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence is a province-wide initiative that recognizes the achievements of individuals or teams within the corporate, business and private sectors who symbolize the very best in our field and communities.
Using recreation as a catalyst, the winners are those who help contribute to healthier and more active communities by utilizing and applying an understanding of community commitment and development strategies.
Through these awards, recognition will contribute to community leaders increased citizen engagement, higher levels of participation in active living, recreation, and sport, healthier people reflecting balanced lifestyles, and more diverse and culturally rich communities.
The RFLF is presently seeking nominations in all award categories. Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 19, 2012.
For more information contact:
Kathleen Badry
Fund Development Manager
kbadry@recreationforlife.org
www.Awards.RecreationforLife.org
(back to top)
|
|
HIGH FIVEŽ Training 
ARPA is hosting the below HIGH FIVEŽ workshops in January and February 2012.
Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD)
This workshop provides in depth training in the HIGH FIVEŽ Principles of Healthy Child Development. Front-line leaders will understand what they need to do to ensure each child's social, emotional and cognitive needs are met and gain knowledge, tips and resources to enhance their programs as well as their relationships with children and other staff members.
DATE: January 19, 2012
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta
QUEST 2
This workshop will help supervisors and management to improve the quality of children's programs by learning how to measure it with the HIGH FIVEŽ scientifically validated Tool. Supervisors and managers will get practical training on the use of QUEST 2 and will gain access to the HIGH FIVEŽ database. They will learn how to enter their data into the database to help them continually track their progress as well as identify areas of need.
DATE: January 20, 2012
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta
Becoming a HIGH FIVEŽ Trainer
This workshop is designed for the person responsible for training front-line staff, working with children ages 6-12, in a recreation setting. Using proven HIGH FIVEŽ research, tips and techniques HIGH FIVEŽ Trainers ensure front-line leaders will understand what they need to do to ensure each child's social, emotional and cognitive needs are met. Once someone within an organization is certified as a HIGH FIVEŽ Trainer, it is easy for them to deliver PHCD, Principles in Practice, and Quest 2. It helps organizations improve the quality of their recreation programs by making a commitment to continuous improvement in the area of healthy child development.
DATE: February 2012
LOCATION: Location and Date to be determined based on those interested.
If you are interested in participating in any of the HIGH FIVEŽ Sessions, please visit www.arpaonline.ca/program/high-five to register or contact Joline Veitch at 780-638-2915 or jveitch@arpaonline.ca.
(back to top)
|
|
 Ask the ACE Team! Have burning questions on what's going on in ACE? Email us and we'll send your question to our team of ACE leaders, contractors, coaches, ACE Communities and ARPA staff members!
|
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Investing in Leisure Literacy
Tools and Strategies to Enhance Leisure Awareness Wednesday, December 21: 10:00 - 11:30 am Host: Carol Petersen Cost: Free To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/
|
|
Upcoming Events
YDRS Symposium
Date: March 11-13, 2011
Location: Fantasy Land Hotel, Edmonton AB
Recreation Industry Awards of ExcellenceDate: May 11, 2012 Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, Calgary, AB CenturyVallen Recreation for Life Charity Golf Tournament Date: June 11, 2012 Location: The Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Edmonton, AB
|
|
REConnect is a monthly e-newsletter published by the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association. For more information, please contact arpa@arpaonline.ca.
|
|
|
|
|
|
