An Ode to Kindergym
So many families will share a smile upon mention of Kindergym and Elke who has enthusiastically shared the spirit of "Kindergym" with young families in the South Cariboo for 14 years. What was the absolute best part for her? Meeting each and every child and parent, right where they are at each week in the Community Hall!
How many families can fondly recall the sound of wheels racing around the hall with laughter ringing through the vast space?
Elke's goal has always been to provide space for the kids to “fully express and explore their energy together in a safe place”.
Kindergym was started in Forest Grove in the late 90's by Kay Castle when she moved to the South Cariboo from Bowen Island. It was a community venture in the beginning, funded by parents and a small grant. Since then it has evolved and moved into the Community Hall in town and was taken over by the School District.
The program attendance was always strong with a decline only since the pandemic. Unfortunately, the School District is now canceling Kindergym and all pre-kindergarten programming will be brought into the school facilities, mainly into the Strong Start program.
Perhaps a group of parents will come together to keep Kindergym going for the children presently or restart it in the future. An initiative like this flows well into future developments and upgrades to the “school” (buildings and models) that are necessary for our society. we Vocational Support and Skills Development systems (one of the 18 Development Sectors covered by the Village Voice Gazette).
Reach out to village.voice.rln@gmail.com if you are interested in or want to connect with others who might take over coordination of this fun and valuable community initiative.
We will all surely miss the smiles and laughter, but of course we can always lovingly recall how to make saying good-bye easier.
Teddy Bear Teddy Bear
Turn around
Teddy Bear Teddy Bear
Touch the ground
Teddy Bear Teddy Bear
Jump up high
Teddy Bear Teddy Bear
Say good-bye
“Thanks for coming everybody”