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.
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.
Seussical Jr.
Saturday, April 11 7 pm at the Malaspina Theatre at VIU.
Join Vibe Dance Studio and local youth in Vibe’s first-ever musical theatre production! Seussical Jr. is a fantastical, high-energy musical that weaves together Dr. Seuss’s beloved stories—primarily Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Gertrude McFuzz. Narrated by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, it centers on Horton the Elephant’s quest to save the tiny Whos of Whoville, highlighting themes of imagination, loyalty, and friendship!
Tickets can be purchased at the theatre ($15 for adult, $10 for youth age 12 & under) or in advance at the Vibe Dance Studio office at 1969 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo.
Youth Spare Blox
Monday, March 30 until June 8, from 5-6:30 p.m., at Park Avenue Elementary, 395 Eighth St., Nanaimo
Tuesdays, March 31 until June 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Uplands Elementary, 3821 Stronach Dr., Nanaimo
Mondays, March 30 until June 8, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Fairview Elementary, 205 Howard Ave., Nanaimo
- Tuesdays, March 31 until June 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd., Nanaimo
- Wednesdays, April 1 until June 10, from 8:30-10 p.m., John Barsby Secondary, 550 Seventh St., Nanaimo
Spare Blox is a youth-led open gym time designed for connection, movement and fun! This is a drop-in gym time where youth take the lead (with adult supervision) to play sports in a welcoming environment. No pre-registration is required, and space is limited.
Connect and Learn for Parents and Caregivers: Emotion Regulation
- In-person free event at Island Health – CICAPP Office, #40-1925 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
- Wednesday, April 15, from 6-7:30 p.m.
When kids frequently have big emotions, parenting can be overwhelming and tiring. Discover some strategies and skills that can mike easier for your kids and you, and learn about the critical role that parents and caregivers play to create positive change for young people.
Learn about emotional regulation and dysregulation from Nicole Allen, Register Clinical Counsellor.
This event is for parents/caregivers only, and is an informal opportunity to connect and learn with other families. There is no childcare provided for this program.
Questions?: email jess.murray@familysmart.ca
Connect and Learn for Parents and Caregivers: ADHD – The Real Deal
- In-person free event at Ladysmith Primary School, 510 6th Avenue, Ladysmith
- Wednesday, April 8, from 6-7:30 p.m.
ADHD doesn’t just affect the person living with ADHD – it also affects those around them. As parents of kids living with ADHD, we can benefit from learning what ADHD is and how to support our kids.
Learn from Dr. Duncan, child and adolescent psychiatrist, as he dispels some myths and explains how and why the ADHD brain work the way it does.
This even is for parents/caregivers only and is an informal opportunity to connect and learn with other families. There is no childcare provided through the event.
Questions? email: jess.murray@familysmart.ca
The Green Capes Lions Club
Small group of puppy raisers, service dog handlers and supporters of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
- Produces an annual Green Capes for Dog Guide Puppy Calendar featuring puppies that are currently in training to be future guide dogs for sale to the public.
- Price of calendars $20 to support the training and matching of service dogs to people with disabilities from all across Canada at no cost to the client.
- Currently training dogs for Canine Vision, Hear, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert, Seizure Response, Service and Facility Support.
- More info at https://greencapesforlions.com/
National Youth Climate Activism Award
Nurturing the Unstoppable Wave.
The National Youth Climate Activism Award honours Canadian students under the age of 20 and comes with a prize of up to $1000.
Make a video up-to 5 minutes long or write a short story of 500 words and tell us how you are taking meaningful steps toward improving the outlook for our planet with respect to climate change.
Application portal opens Feb 2, 2026.
Portal closes April 22, 2026.
Winners announced May 18, 2026.
Visit nationalycaa.org for more info.
Wilderness Wednesdays – StrongStart
Join strong start in the forest for the morning to play, explore and have snack (snack is provided).
Come dressed for the weather. bring water bottles, and a reusable cup for tea.
Entrance to forest at 3455 Littleford rd
Wednesdays – 9AM-11:30AM
April 8, 15, 22, 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
Make A Real Impact
Take action for the environment
Children between 13-18 years old are invited to join ER Teens to work on hands-on projects that make a real difference in their community.
- Create real change.
- Earn volunteer hours.
- Help the planet.
Sign up at https://www.earthrangers.com/EN/CA/er-teens/
Understanding ADHD and Autism
SD68 DPAC Parent Education with Dr. Michelle Francis
When: Wednesday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Forest Park Elementary, 2050 Latimer Rd.
Free to attend.
Join us for an informative session to better understand the signs and symptoms of ADHD and Autism. Learn what steps are involved in the diagnosis process. Come away with home tips and tricks on how to best support children at home and at school.
Child care is not available for this event.
E-mail dpacsd68treasurer@gmail.com with any question.
Register via Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sd68-dpac-parent-education-with-dr-michelle-francis-tickets-1984444484874?aff=oddtdtcreator
NLPS Spring Break Programs
Check out out Community Schools Spring Break Programs
Parent & Caregiver Workshops
Vancouver Island University, 4th Year Child & Youth Care students are pleased to collaborate with SD 68 Nanaimo Ladysmith School District to provide a series of parent workshops for caregivers of children and youth ages 13-18. Join us at either our in-person or virtual offerings 5:30 to 7:00 on the dates below. Dinner & childcare offered at each In-Person workshop.
To register or for further information
Stephanie.mccune@viu.ca
IN-PERSON
JOHN BARSBY SECONDARY
MARCH 10: MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
MARCH 12: PARENTING A DIGITAL GENERATION: ONLINE SAFETY
APRIL 2: GRIEF AS A LIVING THING
VIRTUAL: ZOOM
MARCH 19: GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS: SEXUAL HEALTH
MARCH 26: YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE
To register or for further information: stephanie.mccune@viu.ca
Royal Soccer Club Day Camps
- Ages 5 to 13
- July to August weeks
- Morning and full day sessions
- Before and after care available
Mornings starting from $165/week
Full days starting from $249/week
*Limited time, discounts vary, see website (royalsoccerclub.com).
Additional discounts for week 1 and 6 (four day weeks).
Visit website for more details.
Volunteer opportunities available as well.
Fling into Spring Bingo Activity
A free springtime activity held from Tuesday, Feb. 17, until Friday, March 27.
Unplug and play with your family!
How to take part:
- Bring your child to Volunteer Nanaimo (3148 Barons Rd.), open Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Pick up a Bingo card (or download it from our website (www.volunteernanaimo.ca).
- Complete two lines for a Bingo.
- Enter into a draw for a chance to win a prize.
Pacific Sport Vancouver Island Spring Break Camp 2026
Spring break camps for participants between 3-12 years old.
Multi-sport, arts and crafts, park play and more!
Costs $175 per week.
Week One runs from Monday, March 16, until Friday, March 20.
Week Two runs from Monday, March 23, until Friday, March 27.
Drop off at 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., pick up from 3-3:30 p.m., at Fairview Elementary school, 205 Howard Ave.
Registration through QR code, or through this link.
Mariners Volleyball Club Spring Break Camps
Spring Break Youth Volleyball Camps by Mariners Volleyball Club, designed specifically for boys and girls in Grades 3-7.
Spring break camps promote physical fitness, social connection, skill development, mental wellness, and inclusivity.
Two separate weeks of camp programs available from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 27.
Each camp program costs $150 + GST + SportLoMo fee.
All camps located at McGirr Elementary School, 6199 McGirr Rd.
More information and online registration available through this link.
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Colouring Contest
April is oral health month, and the CDHA is hosting their annual “Attack the Plaque” kids’ colouring contest.
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Entries can be uploaded to: cdha.ca/NDHWcolouring
or mailed to: 1122 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 2Y7
For more details, including a downloadable colouring sheet, visit www.cdha.ca/colouringcontest.
Ladysmith Steelers Football
Registration now open for spring 2026.
Practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, games on Saturdays.
Atoms 2016-2018 $100
Pee Wee 2014-2015 $120
Junior Bantam 2012-2013 $120
ladysmithsteelersfootball@gmai.com for registration.
Bowen Park Afterschool Nature Club
Late registration welcome!
This is a weekly, two-hour outdoor program celebrating all the wonders of nature.
For children 5-11 years old.
Winter: Mondays, Jan. 5 to March 30.
3-5 p.m. Bowen Park (Room 5) Course ID# 147720
$135/9
Discover BMX Racing – Nanaimo BMX
Nanaimo BMX is excited to welcome new riders for the 2026 season, starting Easter Sunday. BMX racing is one of the most exciting and accessible youth sports available, welcoming riders of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds.
What is required?
- A bike (BMX or mountain bike to start)
- A helmet (full-face recommended)
- Long sleeve shirt & pants
- Close-toed shoes
- Loaner bikes and helmets are available
Find out more: NANAIMOBMO.COM
info@nanaimobmx.com
erase – Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities
Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities
Everyone Welcome!
Upcoming Remote Sessions:
*Please click on the specific date you would like to register for.
January 21, 2026
March 11, 2026
May 13, 2026
Recommended for Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up as a way to facilitate the conversation of safe and caring use of technology at home and in the community. (60 minute session)
KeyNote Speaker Series with VI Symphony
Discover the vibrant commitment of Vancouver Island Symphony to music education. At the Vancouver Island Symphony, we believe in the transformative power of music and its ability to inspire and educate. Our unwavering commitment to music education within our community is a testament to this belief.
Emphasizing our commitment to lifelong learning, we are proud to again present the KeyNote Speakers Series. This enlightening series of lectures, available as pay-what-you-can, offers a unique perspective on music’s role in culture and education, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation.
Join us at the Vancouver Island Symphony as we continue to foster a love of music and learning in our vibrant community. Together, let’s create a harmonious future inspired by the power of music.
Details and pay-what-you-can tickets here: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/keynote-speaker-series/
BCG Youth Drop In
North Nanaimo Library Branch
Wednesdays
3:00PM – 5:00PM
Youth ages 11 – 18
Youth Art Collective – Nanaimo Art Gallery
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
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
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
Programs Designed for those with Diverse Abilities
Check out what the City of Nanaimo has available for programs for those with diverse abilities!
KidsSport Canada
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.
Check out the City of Nanaimo’s Resource guide for youth!
City of Nanaimo & BC Gaming 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
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.