Program facilitator, Leah Rousselle, shows off her own gnome valentine creation
Military kids are getting creative, and they’re starting off with a very special Valentine’s Day craft!
Kids picked up everything they needed this week to create their own gnome-themed Valentine’s Day cards at home with their families. They’re encouraged to share their creation with a veteran through the annual Valentines for Vets program. Open to all Canadians, the Veterans Affairs Canada initiative invites your handmade cards and messages of thanks to veterans in long-term care facilities across the country, helping to show appreciation and support beyond Remembrance Day.
The valentines are the first in a series of take-and-make activities for kids 6-12 called Kreative Kids Virtual Programming. PSP Borden’s Community Recreation team is offering the free program for children of Defence Team members 24 January through 24 February as part of their Winter Program session. Kits, complete with the craft supplies needed for each project, are available for pick-up at the Buell Fitness and Aquatic Centre each Monday, and families will receive a pre-recorded video with instructions on how to complete the craft whenever they choose.
Crafts have been selected to accommodate all skill levels within the age range, and kids can either follow the templates provided or put their own spin on it if they’re feeling inspired. Registration is now open to participate in any or all of the remaining activities. Register as late as Sunday prior to the kit distribution, but don’t delay – kits are limited!
To register for Kreative Kids Virtual Programming, click here.
If you’d like to participate in Valentines for Vets, all card must be mailed by February 1. Those received after the deadline will be distributed next year. For more detailed instructions about where to send your Valentines for Vets and ideas for messages to include, click here. Valentines can also be shared on social media using #valentinesforvets.
What’s next?
- Straw weaving – January 31 pick-up date
- Infinity cube – 7 February pickup date
- Paper bag stars – 14 February pickup date
- Parachute chord bracelets – 21 February date
- Register by the Sunday before each pick-up date, availability limited.
- Happy crafting!
By: Emily Nakeff, Editor
