BC Grassroots Rugby Summer Blog - Week 1
BC Grassroots Rugby has finished their first week to kick off the start of summer 2021!
As many of our supporters and readers know, BC Grassroots Rugby hosts annual summer camps. However, for those of you who are new to the BC Grassroots Rugby family, BC GRF is a community development non-profit organization working to provide opportunities for youth of all backgrounds to participate in safe, organized sport during the summer. The summer camp program transpires from July 5th to August 29th, with a range of days for each camp. The camps are set up in different areas all over Vancouver island. Therefore, the children of each region are met in an area that is both accessible and familiar to them.
WEEK 1 EVENTS
This week’s focus was on BC GRF staff, known to most as orientation week. The three-day orientation began on Monday July 5th, and ended on Wednesday, July 7th.
Throughout the week old and new staff members were able to bond, train and plan in preparation for the upcoming summer events. This included guest speakers, team building exercises, and planning activities for the summer. Also, BC GRF staff were instructed by Doug Branchflower from World Rugby in getting their Level 1 coaching certification program.
Six groups participated in orientation week, each of which belong to the six constituencies of BC Grassroots Rugby. These include: Cowichan/ Malahat, Esquimalt/Sooke, Kelowna, Nanaimo/ Ladysmith, Port Alberni, and Victoria. These constituencies are headed by a program supervisor, each of which had something to say about the first week of summer 2021.
MEET OUR 2021 PROGRAM SUPERVISORS
CHRISTIAN HILL
My name is Christian Hill. I am the program supervisor in Kelowna. So far the program has been off to a great start. We have organized a few pop up events and we are starting to see our impact in the rugby community increase every day. From cleaning the Vicars/Crows clubhouse, setting up beach rugby events, and other community events planned for the future, the team is keen to grow rugby in Kelowna.
GAVIN PUREWAL
My name is Gavin Purewal. I am the program supervisor in Port Alberni. Last week we had our orientation which was awesome. It was really powerful bringing in a bunch of individuals from so many unique backgrounds. We were able to plan and prepare for a really energetic group of 6-8 year olds that we are working with this week, and in weeks to come.
RANDALL BARTON
My name is Randall Barton. I am the program supervisor in Cowichan/ Malahat. Our team has gotten off to a quick start running camps across our region. The team got off to a good start on Monday with the three day orientation where they were able to get to know each other and decide on their goals and how they want to proceed throughout our two month program. As supervisor, I am excited to see what our team will achieve this summer. We have a great balance of youth and wisdom. We are very eager to get going!
CHANELLE CHALLENGER
My name is Chanelle Challenger. I am the program supervisor in Victoria. This past week consisted of introductions, development sessions, and scouting locations for summer camps and pop-ups. . The members of each constituency were able to become acquainted with one another and the organization’s prime goal. Orientation week consisted of lots of curiosity and questioning, which was met by amazing answers to help clarify and create a better understanding of what the summer will hold!
GABRIEL CASEY
My name is Gabriel Casey. I am the program supervisor in Esquimalt/Sooke. This past week was filled with so many firsts - from introductions, development sessions, and the locations where we’ll be working. Everyone had the opportunity to become familiar with all the constituencies the organization operates in as well as the ultimate mission of the organization. Orientation week was filled with so many wonderful questions and really helped all of us to learn as much as we could about what's to come!
BROCK STALLER
My name is Brock Staller. I am the program supervisor in Nanaimo/ Ladysmith. Last week, our group made their introductions at Brentwood secondary. We have a unique group in the sense that we live in areas such as Qualicum beach, Nanoose Bay, Nanaimo and Gabriola. Our group is spread all over the place and our goal is to reach as many different communities as we can. We want to impact as many kids as we can, especially in communities where rugby opportunities are limited. Our team also built partnerships with the local community; we are helping deliver camps at VIU, the Stz’uminus First Nation and at School for Strength in Nanaimo. Our youngest member is 16 and our oldest is 29. Our unique backgrounds and rugby experiences make the Nanaimo/Ladysmith constituency agile and strong.
With BC GRF staff trained and ready for the upcoming summer weeks, the last days in week 1 were used for some pop-up and plays, and other fun activities which included the kids!
Highlights of the week
The Cowichan/Malahat team hosted pop-up and plays at Brentwood and QMS, Queen Margaret School. They also worked alongside a canoeing competition. This was a great experience for the team!
The Kelowna team spent Friday morning cleaning the Vicars/ Crows clubhouse as part of Community Outreach!
WHAT IS COMING UP?
Nanaimo/ Ladysmith - Youth camp at Dover Bay Secondary School, 6135 McGirr Road Nanaimo (10am- 2pm) Wednesdays. We are also looking forward to having a camp on Hornby, Denman and Gabriola island! The 4-day rugby camp on Hornby Island will run from August 6th - August 9th.
Kelowna - U10/u13 pop up and play is happening Tuesday and Thursday at 9am at Glenmore Rec Park. We are also going to be starting our “ball drive” this Friday, July 16th, to collect gently used balls for members of the community who may not have access to sports equipment.
Port Alberni - We are looking forward to working with our 14-18 year olds on Wednesday nights (6:30pm - 8pm) at the Port Alberni Black Sheep Rugby Club. They have not had any rugby for over a year and a half and were putting in a tremendous effort before covid shut everything down!
Esquimalt/Sooke and Victoria - Nothing says day of fun in the sun like Beach Rugby! We are looking forward to beach rugby at Willows (3pm-5pm Mon., 10am-12pm Tue., 11am-2pm Sat.) and our Flora session with Ray Barkwill (8pm Thu.).
Cowichan/ Malahat - Kerry Park Summer Camp (10 am - 12pm) Thursdays will be a fun way to start the day!
