A Day in the Life at Naramata

Mornings begin together. Children, youth, families, and staff gather on the Commons lawn for a joyful community welcome, filled with singing, movement, and shared presence. A grounding way to start the day.

Following all ages opening time, children and youth who are registered in a program head off with their peers and leaders. Mornings are filled with creative, story based play, expressive arts, inclusive games, spiritual practices, Indigenous learning, and community building experiences that honour curiosity, creativity, and belonging.

At noon, children and youth reconnect with their caregivers to enjoy lunch together.

Afternoons are a time to find your own rhythm with friends and family. Whether it is playing at the beach, inventing games, reading a new book, making art, hiking, biking, or simply resting in the shade.

In the early evening, the wider community comes together again for all ages activities, offering playful, meaningful ways to connect across generations. A few nights a week, teens can also look forward to later evening gatherings, thoughtfully facilitated by their program leaders.

Children and youth are invited to participate in all-ages gatherings throughout the week. 

A detailed weekly schedule will be available when you arrive. 

Childminding for toddlers

Naramata Centre’s Childminding offers safe, nurturing, play based care for toddlers ages 2 to 4 while a parent or legal guardian participates in a registered morning adult program. Childminding runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm during Summer Sessions.

Children enjoy a gentle morning with sensory play, music and movement, outdoor exploration, stories, imaginative play, and creative art. Time is held in a steady, kind rhythm, including free play, a group activity, outdoor time, and a calm transition back to caregivers.

Childminding is an optional add on at $175 per child per week. Spaces are limited.

Drop off and pick up

Families sign children and youth in and out each day with program leaders.

Only the adults listed on the registration form may pick up a child or youth. For childminding, toddlers must be signed in and out by a parent or legal guardian each day with the childminding team.

What to bring

Please send your child or youth each morning with:

• A labelled water bottle
• A hat and weather appropriate layers
• Sunscreen already applied before program, plus sunscreen in the bag if you would like it reapplied
• Comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor play
• A small bag with any required personal items

• For childminding, bring diaper bag and water bottle

Allergies, medical needs, and medication

We want your child to be safe and supported.

Please share allergies, medical needs, sensory considerations, mobility needs, and support strategies during registration so leaders can plan well.

Toileting and care needs

Children are encouraged to use the washroom before the program begins. If your child is in a stage of occasional accidents, please send a change of clothes and let leaders know discreetly at check in.

For childminding, children who are still in diapers are welcome. A parent or guardian will be contacted to return and change their child as needed. If your child is unwell, please keep them with you and do not bring them to the program.

If a child becomes sick during the morning, we will contact the caregiver listed on the registration form for pickup.

Our values and approach

Our leaders are trained, supported, and guided to offer programs that are:

Child honouring
We respect children’s spiritual expression and trust in their inherent wisdom. Our approach is encouraging and grounded in meeting each participant where they are.

Adaptable
We value the collective experience over rigid agendas. Leaders stay responsive, flexible, and attentive to the needs of the group.

Cooperative
Programs are non competitive and centred on collaboration. Participants are invited into shared responsibility for shaping a caring, connected community.

Attentive
Leaders are present and observant, responding to individual needs while also tending to group dynamics and the overall emotional climate.

How we put this into practice

We create welcoming spaces where every participant knows they matter by:

• Engaging with warmth, presence, and openness

• Using inclusive, accessible language

• Inviting reflection, play, and shared experiences

• Focusing on relationship building rather than behaviour management

• Staying curious and responsive

• Paying attention to stages of group development when planning and leading

Safety and care

The safety and well being of children and youth is a shared responsibility and a top priority.

• Adult to participant ratios are generally 1:7 for under 12 and 1:10 for ages 12 plus, with staffing adapted to the age mix in each group
• One parent or guardian must be onsite or reachable by cellphone during program hours
• Regular head counts when moving between spaces and periodically throughout the program
• Leaders hold current Criminal Record Checks
• Leaders are trained in emergency procedures including fire, earthquake, and other natural events
• Thoughtful attention to sun safety, hydration, and weather conditions
• Leaders are never alone with a participant in a private space
• A first aid kit is always accessible, and at least one leader holds First Aid and CPR certification

Inclusivity and belonging

We are committed to creating programs where all children and youth feel seen, respected, and safe.

Leaders practice inclusion by:

• Intentional use of language that respects diversity extending welcome without making assumptions about gender identity, family system, beliefs, relational behaviours, or other expressions of identityIf you are wondering if your child will be able to participate fully or has specific support needs needs can be met in the group, please contact Jenne, Summer Program Manager at summerprograms@naramatacentresociety.org

Questions

If you are wondering if your child will be able to participate fully or has specific support needs ’s needs can be met in the group, please contact Jenne, Summer Program Manager at summerprograms@naramatacentresociety.org

For all questions regarding children, youth, or childminding, contact Jenne, Summer Program Manager at summerprograms@naramatacentresociety.org