Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Community Connections: Resources & Events

Welcome to the Community Resources page for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools! We believe in the power of collaboration between our schools and the wider community to ensure the success and well-being of all our students. Whether you are looking for support services, local organizations, or educational resources, this page offers a variety of helpful links and information to connect families, students, and educators to valuable community programs and services.

If you have an event, program or service that would benefit our students and their families, please email us at communications@sd68.bc.ca. Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools shares resources and events that meet the following criteria: 

  • Relevant to a K-12 audience. 
  • Non-profit, local organizations only. (Based in Nanaimo or the Mid-Island region).
  • Low to no-cost to families and caregivers. 
  • Event/organization aligns with the district’s commitment to a safe, inclusive and equitable learning community for all. 
  • The district reserves the sole discretion to determine what information is shared on this page. Postings are dependent on department capacity.
  • Information shared on this page does not equal endorsement and/or support from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. It is for information purposes only.

Programs & Camps

Registration is now open! Geneskool invites you to step into the shoes of a forensic investigator and unravel a scientific mystery. Collaborate with your fellow detectives in teams or 4-5. You can explore cutting-edge techniques, from DNA analysis to the intricacies of bacterial genotyping.

  • July 14-18, 2025
  • Registration fee $350 (bursaries are available)
  • Register today – deadline to register is June 29, 2025

Minerva offers an opportunity for youth to cultivate and enhance their emotional and mental wellness during the summer break.

Rise and Shine is a FREE wellness program for girls and gender diverse youth ages 15-24. There are seven workshops via zoom from 10-11:30am to help youth with their mental and emotional health. Sessions cover:

  • Self-awareness and thinking traps
  • Boundary-setting
  • Sandness and Depression
  • Self-compassion
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Self-care

Find out more – apply today.

Branch Out Learning is a Nanaimo-based company that offers recreational programs and workshops for children, designed to spark creativity, curiosity and lifelong learning. the programs cover a wide range of topics, including STEM, arts, movement, nature exploration and life skills.

More information can be found here.

UBC’s Summer Science Program is a one-week cultural, health and science program for Indigenous students entering Grades 9-12 in September 2025.

The program hopes to inspire an interest in pursuing post-secondary programs in health and sciences fields. The program is situated on traditional Musqueam territory (Vancouver), with most programming taking place in the First Nations House of Learning on UBC campus. The camp organizes workshops in drum-making, medicine bag crafting, a virtual reality medicine lab, and more!

Camp Elders organize Talking Circles and students have the opportunity to explore campus, learn about university, make friends, and connect with Indigenous mentors. Find out more; apply today.

Join PacificSport Vancouver Island for one of their summer camps. The camps run from June 30 to August 29, 2025 at Deverill Square Park, 200 Irwin Street, Nanaimo.

The camps are intended for children ages 3-12 years. Register for any week of summer camp and earn one entry into an all ages bike raffle. Financial aid may be available for families.

Find out more; register your child today.

The Mariners Volleyball Club (MVC) is excited to invite students to join their Summer Outdoor Beach & Summer Indoor Youth Volleyball Camps and Train & Play programs.

These are a fun, active and enriching way to stay connected during the summer months. The MVC camps and programs are designed for youth in Grades 5-10.

Registration is now open.

Do you know a youth between 14-18 years old looking to build leadership skills, make new friends and create a real impact in their community? Keystone is a FREE summer program focusing on leadership, teamwork, healthy choices, service to club and community, and learning for life.

It’s FREE to join; registration is required. Register today or email youth@bgccvi.com for more information.

bgc Central Vancouver Island and Old Navy host This way onward, your first step into the workforce. Youth from 15-24 years are encouraged to attend this program which is tailored to give hands-on training in the essential of job hunting and workplace readiness.

Examples include:

  • Resume building
  • Application tips
  • Job search straategies
  • Leadership skills

The program runs through July and August. Space is limited; email youth@bgccvi.com to find out more.

Events & Initiatives

Interested in inspiring your students to start building real-world financial awareness and knowledge for life.

Teachers of students in Grades 4-12 are invited to sign up for this FREE National Smart Money Event. This is a fun, entertaining and engaging way for students to learn about money! It’s designed to spark curiosity and confidence in students when it comes to money and business.

Sign up today.

  1. Fiddelium with the Nanaimo Cello Choir, the Nanaimo Suzuki Strings and Folk Band. Port Theatre Matinee Show, Sunday June 8. All seats $37.
  2. Fiddle Camp 2025 at Spruston Road Camp. August 5 – 8, 2025
  3. Find out more.

The VIDSS is hosting an Awareness Walk and Family Picnic. The event features a 2 km walk, followed by light snacks and a BYO family picnic.

  • Saturday, June 14, 2025
  • Airforce Beach, Comox
  • 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Grants

KidsSport Nanaimo provides grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids under 18 years in Nanaimo can play a season of sport.

The Chapter accepts applications and administers grants of up to $400 per child, per year. Apply for a grant today.

Contests

Econova Education launches this eco-comic competition for young people aged 8 to 19 years. Until June 30, 2025, students are invited to image and illustrate the City of the Future through a sustainable and innovative lens.

Students can express their vision of an eco-friendly future by proposing technological, collaborative or civic-minded solutions to rethink urban life.

Register a class or students for free on https://donorbox.org/events/745127/steps/choose_tickets  

Entries should be done on A4 size pager on 1-3 pages and can be in English, French or any Indigenous Language of Canada. Works to be sent via We Transfer to contest@econova.ca.

Calling all youth poets! The City of Nanaimo’s Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce, is hosting a Youth Poetry Competition. Submit a poem of any style, length or topic for a chance to win prizes.

Find out more and view an example.