Community Connections: Resources & Events

Last updated on

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.

Pacific Sport Pro-D Day Camp

Pacific Sport Pro-D Day Camp

Programs & Camps

October 24, 2025

$80 for the day

Ages 5 – 12

Morning

Drop off at 8:30AM – Location TBC

Halloween arts and crafts

Multisport

Lunch

Weiner roast

Afternoon

Fishing

Watching trout release at Colliery Damn Park

Pick up at 3:30PM at Colliery Damn Park

More info and register here

Guiding youth through the storms of life - Rainbows Nanaimo

Rainbows Nanaimo

Programs & Camps

Guiding out youth through the storms of life. For all children

Trained volunteers and school staff facilitate small groups in which kids learn about their feelings and coping skills for handling life changes.

2221 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5J3

Wednesdays

October 1 – December 3

6:30PM – 7:30PM

For more information contact Taylor LeBrun – rainbowsnanaimo@gmail.com

www.rainbows.org

Play It Forward

Play it Forward

Resources

Now accepting new, gently used, or extra sports equipment for families in Nanaimo.

A leadership project by 4th-year VIU BSN Students

Drop off Dates

October 15, 2025 | 4PM – 7PM

October 29, 2025 | 4PM – 7PM

VIU Parkinglot U – Infront of Windsor Trades Building on Wakesiah Ave.

Community Giveaway Day

Famililes encouraged to come and choose the equipment they will need

November 27, 2025

4:00PM – 7:00PM

Nanaimo Community Dances Halloween After Party Dance

Nanaimo Community Dances Halloween

Events & Initiatives

Saturday, November 1

6:00PM – 9:00PM

Bowen Park Auditorium

All Ages – Family and Diverseability Friendly

Join in person or on Zoom

Sign up today!

BGC Youth Drop In

BCG Youth Drop In

Programs & Camps

North Nanaimo Library Branch

Wednesdays

3:00PM – 5:00PM

Youth ages 11 – 18

BGCCVI Haunted House

BGC Haunted House!

Events & Initiatives

Ghost tours | Costumes | Halloween fun!

Beban House

2290 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Entrance by donation

Family friendly night

Friday, October 24

6:30PM – 8:30PM

Full Scare Night

Saturday, October 25

7:30PM – 10:30PM

Noteworthy Kids - VI Symphony

Noteworthy Kids Sing- VI Symphony

Programs & Camps

Do you have a child who loves to sing?

The Vancouver Island Symphony’s Noteworthy Kids Choir, led by VIS choir director Patricia Plumley, is perfect for children aged 7 through 12.

No experience is necessary!

Learn more about the program and register at https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/noteworthy-kids-sing/

Youth Art Collective – Nanaimo Art Gallery

Youth Art Collective – Nanaimo Art Gallery

Programs & Camps

Learn directly from professional artists and engage with
the Gallery’s exhibitions, gaining inspiration that will launch
you into the next generation of artists. Connect with other
teens in the region and grow your artistic community!


Thursdays: 4:00-7:00 PM
Age: 14-19 Years
Registration Required

Teen Art Drop-In – Nanaimo Art Gallery

Teen Art Drop-In – Nanaimo Art Gallery

Programs & Camps

Experiment with different materials, hang out with
friends, and join our creative community. Don’t miss
out on the creative vibes and great company!


Wednesdays: 3:30-6:30 PM
Age: 12-17 Years

Affordable Dental Care for Families

Resources

The clinic offers high-quality dental hygiene services at a reduced cost, $35 for adults and $20 for children.

This could be a valuable resource for families in your school community; particularly those who do not have dental insurance and those who are covered by insurance programs, such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, that only partially cover their treatment costs.

Appointments are booked by calling our dental clinic at 250-740-6240 or by emailing dentalclinic@viu.ca

StrongStart Nature Play days

StrongStart Nature Play Days are Back!

Events & Initiatives

Join us for a morning of nature play!

You will be greeted in the parking area

Please note:

  • Children and families only, no furry friends please
  • In case of extreme weather, an update will be emailed to families who are registered for StrongStart and posted to NLPS social media
  • Regular StrongStart centres will be closed on these dates, so join us outside!

Check out our StrongStart page for more details on our regular program!

Colliery Damn Park – 635 Wakesiah Avenue

9:00AM – 10:00PM

Neck Point Park – 1055 Morningside Drive

9:00AM – 12:00PM

Oceanside Volleyball Club - Girls grade 6 and 7

Oceanside Volleyball Club

Programs & Camps

Develop skills to prepare for the upcoming season!

Find out more

Spare blox - FREE youth hangout!

Spare Blox

Programs & Camps

The ultimate place to have some fun with other youth in your community!

Age 10 – 14

Monday, Sept 8 – March 9

5:00PM – 6:30PM

Park Avenue Elementary

Age 11 – 15

Monday, Sept 8 – March 9

7:00PM – 8:30PM

Fairview Community School

Age 10 – 14

Tuesday, September 9 – March 10

6:00PM – 7:30PM

Fairview Community School

Age 10-17

Tuesday, September 2 – March 10

6:30PM – 8:00PM

Oliver Woods

Age 13-17

Tuesday, September 10 – March 11

8:30PM – 10:00PM

John Barsby Community School

Age 10-14

Tuesday, September 11 – March 12

6:00PM – 7:30PM

Chase River Elementary School

Programs from the City of Nanaimo for those with Diverse Abilities

Programs Designed for those with Diverse Abilities

Programs & Camps

Check out what the City of Nanaimo has available for programs for those with diverse abilities!

Find out more

RDN Active Living Guide

RDN Active Living Guide

Programs & Camps

Find out what’s going on in the regional district! Register for your favorite events today!

Read the guide here!

KidsSport Canada

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.

City of Nanaimo & BC Gaming Grants

Grants

Have a look at the community and youth grants available:

  • Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth innovation component
  • Enviroment
  • Public Safety
  • Social Planning Grant
  • Community Program Development Grant
BGC – This Way ONward

BGC – This Way ONward

Programs & Camps

This Way ONward is a job-readiness program that provides the next generation with the first jobs, mentoring, skills, and confidence they need to find their way in today’s job market.

Find out more!