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.
Children’s Garage Sale Extravaganza!
- Multi-family garage sale dedicated to children’s toys, clothes, and more.
- If you want to join us at Quarterway School gym on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to sell your items, email info@blossomtreecounselling.com to secure your table.
- Entry to garage sale is free, asking $20 per table to participate.
Africa Day
- Held May 30 at the Beban Park Social Centre from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- A vibrant celebration of cultures, stories, and the beautiful community of Africans and people of African descent here in Nanaimo.
- Features African special cuisine, black businesses and vendors, culture and community, kids’zone and family activities, and music from Africa
- More info at: https://www.afro-fusionsharqidance.ca/africaday.
Prom Closet 2026
Prom Closet Nanaimo 2026 is providing formal wear for graduating students from any high school.
Gowns and formal suits through appointments at the closet starting February 24, 2026.
Appointments are required in advance and can be made by email to promcloset.nanaimo@gmail.com
Appointments are being scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Weekly Indigenous Culture Night
Join us in building community, meaningful connection and honouring Indigenous culture.
From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., held Wednesday until at least May 27.
All families are welcome.
Hosted at the following elementary schools in rotation: Brechin, Chase River, Rock City, and Pleasant Valley. See calendar for details.
Kidovate Nanaimo
Kidovate is an entrepreneurship market for high school and middle school aged students to see goods that they have made or sourced.
Kidovate is being held in Nanaimo on April 18 at the Nanaimo North Town Centre mall. We expect the Nanaimo market to have at least 50 vendors and encourage youth age 12+ to make or acquire products to sell at a free market table. Come support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
More at www.kidovate.ca.
Vancouver Island Symphony Community Day
- Takes place Saturday, April 25, at the Port Theatre.
- Musical Instrument zoo from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Port Theatre Lobby.
- Open Rehearsal from 11:00 a.m. until noon on the Port Theatre Main Stage.
- This Free Symphony event invites children ages six and up to the Port Theatre for a day of musical exploration, experimentation and fun. Participants can meet a musician, try out an orchestral instrument (must be ages 6+) listen to a rehearsal and learn what it takes to put on a symphonic concert.
- The event is FREE but you must book a ticket to participate in the Open Rehearsal.
More info at www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.
FREE Earth Day Celebrations
Join us for EARTH DAY celebrations on Sunday, April 19, 11 am-3 pm at Bowen Park Complex.
Community Booths
Children’s Activities
Food Truck
Nanaimo Action Climate Hub (Climate Cafe) at 11:30 am
This is a FREE event for the whole family.
Learn On – bgc
FREE Drop-in program for youth ages 13 – 18
A place to explore careers, apply for scholarships and jobs, or just hangout
Wednesdays 3;30PM – 5:30PM
John Barsby Secondary
English Language Learning Room
Climate Coders
A STEM program for youth
Curious about coding and technology?
Climate Coders is a hands-on program where you’ll learn how to use CyberPi technology to build simple coding projects and explore how tech can help solve real-world challenges. No experience is needed!
Tuesdays, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
20Fifth Street
youth@bgccvi.com
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.
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/
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.
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.
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)
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.