blog

blog http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/ Hot Yoga = Hot Trend http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/hot-yoga-hot-trend/ Hot Yoga: A Whole New Yoga Experience 
Though this new trend has been offered in Pictou County for about 10 months now at PURL Yoga Studio in New Glasgow, a lot of people probably don’t know what it’s all about.
Hot yoga, or Bikram Yoga, was founded by Bikran Choudhury – a yoga guru from India- in the 1970s. There are 26 different positions to be performed in a heated yoga studio designed for deeper stretching of the muscles and to help prevent injuries, while also reducing stress and tension.
At PURL Yoga studio there are three infrared heaters on the ceiling to keep the studio not only hot but also humid. It is a great way to relax and burn some calories while you’re at it! But be sure to stay hydrated as the hot temperatures and sweating can cause dehydration. It should also be noted that hot yoga isn’t for everyone. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions, as well as pregnant woman should stay away from hot yoga due to the high temperatures. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:52:49 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/hot-yoga-hot-trend/ Register Now to Be a Nordic Walking Instructor http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/register-now-to-be-a-nordic-walking-instructor/ <pre><img class="left" src="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/_resampled/resizedimage363250-nordfic-walking.jpg" width="363" height="250" alt="" title=""/>WHERE: TRENTON PARK PAVILION</pre>
<pre>DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2012</pre>
<pre>TIME: 8:30 TO 4:00 PM</pre>
<pre>COST: $75.00/participant</pre>
<pre>Registration deadline is April 18th</pre>
<pre>Email <a href="mailto:coordinator@activepictoucounty.ca">coordinator@activepictoucounty.ca</a> to hold your spot or call 759-3502</pre>
 
This is your chance to get bring Nordic Walking and Fitness to your community.
Cost includes a printed basic instructor manual, the costs for the final exam, national certification, rental of poles for the day, 1 year membership for support from ASC Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking Basic Instructor Course throughout Canada
 Albert Sport Coaching is hosting various Basic Instructor Courses for Nordic Walking in Canada. This is a chance to get your community their very own Nordic Walking and Fitness program. By sending people to our course they will learn, how to bring Nordic Walking to your community. ASC Nordic Walking and its partner have a big mission; to promote the activity of Nordic Walking throughout Canada, making it the number one fitness activity of all Canadians. Help us reach this goal and send your community fitness leader to our 1 day Basic Instructor course.
Equipment to bring: Clothes for expected and unexpected weather, good jogging or walking shoes, drink bottle, snacks.
If you have: Bring own poles, heart rate monitor, video camera
Insurance: Is the participants responsibility
 
Course Time Line: Nordic Walking Basic Instructor Course
8.30 am Welcome, History of Nordic Walking, Equipment, INFO
9.00 am 7 Steps of NW (DVD)
9.30 am 7 Steps of NW in practice (Outside), 30 min Walk, Video (Snack)
11.00 am 7 Steps Work Tool, Common Mistakes, Video analyses
12.00 pm Anatomy, Physiology, Teaching, Marketing,
1.00 pm Lunch
1.30 pm Warm Up, Strength, Games, Stretching (Outside)
2.30 pm Warm Up, Strength, Games, Stretching (Theory)(Snack) 3.00 pm Exam 3.30 pm Course evaluation (certification) 4.00 pm Open for questions etc. (Course Ends) Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:45:34 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/register-now-to-be-a-nordic-walking-instructor/ Pictou County's Live Right Now You Tube Video http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/pictou-county-s-live-right-now-you-tube-video/ As part of the final stages of the CBC Live Right Now Capital of Canada challenge, Pictou County submitted a slideshow of pictures highlighting just a few of the amazing events hosted here each year. Three annual events that are activity-based and raise funds for local charities as well as the activities that we enjoy year-round. A few shots highlight the variety of events on March 24th and finally, the amazing story of Reese Hawkins and the community campaign to find a bone marrow donor.
We live in an amazing community and here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf5dib8wX4E&amp;sns=fb" target="_blank">tiny snapshot </a>showing why.... Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:10:59 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/pictou-county-s-live-right-now-you-tube-video/ Community Video Contest: The Real Healthwise of Pictou County http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/community-video-contest-the-real-healthwise-of-pictou-county/ <h6><img class="left" src="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/the-real-health-wise-of-pictou-county.png" width="315" height="138" alt="" title=""/>Eligibility:</h6>
1. The Community Health Boards of the Pictou County District Health Authority are inviting active citizens to create a video in any style on the theme of “active, healthy lifestyles.” Your video should showcase a local group or event in Pictou County that would encompass one of the following six categories :
• Connecting with your Community (Eg. volunteer opportunities, support/self help groups, diversity/multicultural groups)
• Healthy Environment (Eg. active transportation, recycling, Go Green)
• Physical Activity (Eg. various activities and sports bike groups, running clubs, hiking trails etc.)
• Healthy Eating (Eg. food from local farmers, cooking groups, community gardens etc.)
• Safety and Injury Prevention (Eg. workplace safety, road safety, helmet use)
• Life Balance (Eg. alternative therapies, nicotine addiction treatment, counselling services, auricular acupuncture etc.)
2. This contest is open to residents/groups of all ages living in Pictou County.
3. All video submissions must be an original creation produced by your group. The submission must not contain any copyright material (music, brand logos, footage etc.) without written permission
<h6>General Information:</h6>
1. All submissions become the property of the Community Health Boards of the Pictou County District Health Authority. Submissions will not be returned to groups; therefore a copy should be made prior to submitting.
2. Prizes will be awarded as follows:
• $ 500 for the winning submission in each category
• $ 200 for the runner up in each category
• Naming rights to a seat in the Pictou County Wellness Centre (approx. value of $100) for an honorable mention in each category
3. To enter the contest each group member (and parents/guardians where applicable) must consent to the use, publication and transmission of their video and name without compensation in any Community Health Board, Pictou County Wellness Centre or Active Pictou County advertisement, publication or promotion for any informational purposes in its entirety.
4. The odds of receiving a prize depend on the number and quality of entries received. The Community Health Boards of the Pictou County District Health Authority reserve the right to modify the number of prizes awarded for each category based on the quality of submissions received.
5. Parental consent must be given for the participation of any applicants under the age of eighteen.
6. Any personal information collected for the purposes of the contest will only be used
for that purpose and in accordance with the Privacy Act. In providing such information, participants or their parent/guardian do consent to the use of such information as indicated.
7. All videos must be between 60 and 120 seconds
<h6>Selection of Awards:</h6>
1. A panel of judges selected by the Community Health Boards of the Pictou County District Health Authority will judge the entries. All decisions are final. Participants will be judged on the criteria attached.
2. If an insufficient amount of entries are received, or if those entries received are of poor quality, the Community Health Boards of the Pictou County District Health Authority reserve the right to award select or no prizes.
<h6>Entry Information:</h6>
1. All entries must be uploaded to the Active Pictou County Website by 5:00 pm on September 30th, 2012 using <a href="http://form.jotform.ca/form/21145180606243">this link.</a>
2. All participants must submit the entry release form with their video. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:02:39 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/community-video-contest-the-real-healthwise-of-pictou-county/ Show Your Support for Pictou County to Win the Title of CBC Live Right Now Capital of Canada http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/show-your-support-for-pictou-county-to-win-the-title-of-cbc-live-right-now-capital-of-canada/ Visit our Active Pictou County Facebook page for up to date information on this day-long event.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ActivePictouCounty#!/ActivePictouCounty">https://www.facebook.com/ActivePictouCounty#!/ActivePictouCounty</a>
It came together quickly with the help of an amazing group of volunteers. Thanks everyone!
Please spread the word and lets get large crowds out to all events!!
<img class="left" src="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/_resampled/resizedimage388600-poster-LRN-March-24th.jpg" width="388" height="600" alt="" title=""/> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:54:57 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/show-your-support-for-pictou-county-to-win-the-title-of-cbc-live-right-now-capital-of-canada/ Are You Balanced? http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/are-you-balanced/ How’s your New Year resolution progressing? If you’re like 88 percent of the world population, as reported in a 2001 GNC poll, you’ve most likely forgotten about this rite of passage that sparks hope for a healthier and heartier New Year. So why do New Year resolutions have a tendency to fail after a few weeks? Simply, the human body does not react well to massive overhauls and gutsy change. The key to success is very simplistic – make many small changes instead of one large change.
Brett Blumenthal’s new book, “52 Changes: One Year to a Happier and Healthier You” encourages readers to make small changes on a weekly basis, culminating into a year’s worth of changes. I started this program after downloading the book to my Kindle reading device this holiday season and have managed to successfully stay on top of the weekly changes despite a busy lifestyle. The changes are small and manageable, including drinking more water, climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator and keeping a “food journal”. The book offers resources and links to a free online assessment to guide you to an area of your life which requires more attention.
While I recommend reading the book (you can request a copy at your local library), you can independently incorporate small changes into your life, as well! And with March Break approaching, what better time to start than now! Below are a few tips for a healthy and happy March Break:
• Attend a healthy cooking class at the grocery store
• Participate in creative programming at the local library
• Purchase food from local businesses and the Farmer’s Market that is in season
• Try cross country skiing with a friend at Trenton Park
• Enjoy the time away from school and work and ensure you sleep the recommended 7-9 hours
For more balanced living tips or for more information on the “52 Change” program, visit: http://www.sheerbalance.com/ Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:48:30 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/are-you-balanced/ What to do when the warm weather hits! http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/what-to-do-when-the-warm-weather-hits/ Finally it seems that winter has (almost) come to an end. The sun is shining, the snow is melted and the potholes are once again a part of our Pictou County life.
During the cold winter months, venturing outside can be a challenge, however, as the days become longer and warmer, it's a great chance to get outside and get some much needed vitamin D.
A few great ways that I've been doing it include:
<ul><li>Running with my dog. When the path was icy or covered in snow, running outside was not easy and could be dangerous, but now I'm excited to once again get out and exercise with my furry friend. He always has more energy and it forces me to keep his pace too; a great trainer.</li>
<li>Opting to walk to nearby locations instead of taking the car. Living in pictou county, I find that we all spend way too much time driving around, even to close destinations. As spring begins, I'm vowing to walk as much as I can. It's a great way to get your heart rate up and breath in some fresh air as well as reducing your carbon footprint.</li>
</ul>This leads to my next activity, and I've been itching for this one all winter:
<ul><li>Finally getting my bike out again. Spin classes are fun, but nothing can compare to the feeling of that first bike ride of the year. Personally, I’m a road-biker, but any type of biking can give you that rush. Go for a ride just for fun, or choose to bike to work or school or a friend’s house. The more people get into this awesome activity, the better the health of Pictou county will be. If you find yourself considering it, go talk to the friendly workers at Pictou County Cycle who are always happy to assist in decision making and where you can even rent bikes for test rides.</li>
</ul>So to conclude, no matter which way you do it, get outside and enjoy the beautiful sun, and don’t forget your sunscreen! Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:30:59 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/what-to-do-when-the-warm-weather-hits/ Barefoot Shoes: New Trend in the Fitness World http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/barefoot-shoes-new-trend-in-the-fitness-world/ <img class="left" src="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/barefoot-running-shoe.jpg" alt="Example of Barefoot Sneaker" width="166" height="102" title=""/>If you pay much attention to footwear, you might have noticed that some people are now wearing these strange looking shoes with individual toes. These are known as barefoot shoes.
Barefoot footwear is a new trend that has been popping up in the fitness world. It is based on the philosophy that humans were naturally intended to run and walk barefoot on the front of their feet, rather than as we do in our highly supportive sneakers. Barefoot shoes have minimal cushioning, and maximal flexibility; they allow your feet to move naturally and use all of the supporting muscles in the feet that are inactive when wearing traditional running shoes, while also protecting your feet from contact with the ground.
Studies have found that the increased use of muscles from these shoes can significantly increase strength in the lower legs and feet. These shoes are made for all purposes, and can be used for running, walking, training, hiking, and many more activities.
Recently, you may have seen commercials with NHL hockey player Mike Cammaleri sporting an Adidas version of the shoe during his training. Barefoot running is a growing trend in the fitness world, however it’s not for everybody. While some people love the freedom of barefoot shoes, others prefer the support of a sturdy running shoe. Experiences vary from person to person in these shoes, but it is definitely a unique feel that I would recommend testing out for yourself.
 
--
Chad Sutherland
Northumberland Regional High School
Students' Council Co-President 2010 - 2012 Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:57:53 -0300 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/barefoot-shoes-new-trend-in-the-fitness-world/ Fans Make Teams http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/fans-make-teams/ Hockey season is slowly coming to an end and now is the time to get out there and cheer for you friends, family and neighbors! There is nothing better then fan support. To get the team pumped up! The sound of people cheering, there is no better sound!
After spending all the time in rinks that I have, I realize this, not only for hockey but for any sport. The morale of the players grows so much with the cheers. How would you feel if you were out there playing a sport and had no one watching you. Noone to cheer you on when you scored a goal, got a basket or hit a home run. No fun at all right? Think of that when your sitting at home with nothing to do on a saturday night. You dont even have to know someone on the team, just cheer for your home team! Whether it’s Trenton girls basketball or Thorburn Golden Hawks hockey. Who cares! Just cheer! Makes you feel good as well. You can scream out a lot of frustration and noone would even notice!
So far the Weeks Major Midgets have put out Cole Harbour in 4 out of the best out of 5 but they trail behind Dartmouth 2. And its still a best 3 out of 5 so they need the support. The next 2 games are at home at the JBM Saturday March 3rd 730pm and Sunday March 4th at 1pm! These are going to be really good games and they need your support!
The Weeks Jr A Crushers start the best 3 out of 5 Tuesday night here at the JBM at 730pm, and the Scottsburn Bantom Majors start the best out of 3 series Saturday night at 730 at the Trenton rink.
Get out there and cheer your team !!
For the Pictou County Minor Hockey schedule go to <a href="http://www.pcmh.goalline.ca">www.pcmh.goalline.ca</a>
 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:33:28 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/fans-make-teams/ Curling Rocks in Pictou County http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/curling-rocks-in-pictou-county/ February 23 was "Curling is Cool" day.
Bet you can't name many other sports that have an entire day dedicated to their coolness can you? All of you non-curlers out there may have heard this and asked yourself "What is so cool about curling that it has an entire day devoted to its awesomeness?" To that I would respond, everything!
Curling is a game of precision. It's not quite like soccer where you can kick a ball as hard as you want at 24x8 feet of mesh and have a good chance of getting it in. No, curling is a game of inches, if you slide the wrong way by a few centimeters even you might miss the shot. It's not like boxing when the only person you have to rely on is yourself. Curling requires four people with a specific skill-set working together as a team to try and land a 40 lb piece of granite closer than the other team to the centre of four rings at the opposite end of the ice. It is a game where even the slightest miscommunication with a teammate may cost you the game.
I have had people tell me curling is a breeze, it sure doesn't look hard. Then those people would step on the ice, and fall sliding out of the hack the first time. It is a game that challenges every muscle in your body and causes you to think even more than you did in high school calculus.
In honor of this recent holiday, go to your local club and try out a new sport. It is a great way to get out, be active and have fun. Whatever you do, don't say curling isn't cool because, as any curler will tell you, curling ROCKS! (That's a curling pun for all of you non-curlers, the things that are thrown down the ice are called rocks :)) Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:57:38 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/curling-rocks-in-pictou-county/ How to Earn Points for Pictou County’s Attempt to be CBC’s Live Right Now Capital of Canada http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/how-to-earn-points-for-pictou-county-s-attempt-to-be-cbc-s-live-right-now-capital-of-canada/ As the buzz around the CBC’s search for the Live Right Now Capital of Canada grows, Active Pictou County Coordinator, Rae Gunn, would like to share some tips with local schools, businesses and community organizations.
“The first step is to go to www.cbc.ca/liveright now/ and activate the “app” on your Facebook account,” says Gunn. “Be sure to sign up with ‘Pictou’ as your community – we’re trying to win this as a county.” The contest is Facebook-based and points are awarded when residents sign up, join or create groups or events, and commit to one of the challenges. The focus includes a variety of tools to motivate Canadians to drop unhealthy habits and pick up healthy ones instead.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
<ul><li>Schools - Encourage school teams, afterschool programs, clubs, health centres or student councils to create groups and promote events, such as winter carnivals, intra-murals and tournaments.</li>
<li>Workplaces - A great time to kick off a wellness committee and brainstorm activities to bring co-workers together. Start a lunch time walking group and use the Live Right Now site to recruit members.</li>
<li>Community Organizations – publicize your event (i.e. Curl for Cancer, Bowl for Kids, YMCA programs) with this simple and FREE advertising tool.</li>
</ul>Remember the challenge’s winner will be announced on April 13th, so let’s shake off the winter blahs and connect with friends and neighbours.
For more information please contact coordinator@activepictoucounty.ca , follow on twitter by searching APCcoordinator, visit on Facebook (join the Active Pictou County – LRN group), or on the web at www.activepictoucounty.ca. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:35:44 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/how-to-earn-points-for-pictou-county-s-attempt-to-be-cbc-s-live-right-now-capital-of-canada/ Guided SnowShoe Hikes Planned for Pictou County http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/guided-snowshoe-hikes-planned-for-pictou-county/ If you wanted to visit some interesting trails in Pictou County, but were hesitant to go alone...here's your chance to tag along with experienced hikers.
Option #1
Cape to Cape Trail Committee of Pictou County Trails in partnership with Scotsburn Recreation and Hike Nova Scotia invite you to meet at 12:30 p.m Sunday, February 5, 2012 for a snowshoe/hike on the Cape to Cape Trail section from Millsville to Scotsburn, approximately 8 kms and taking three hours. Please register for this outing by contacting Fran Wyman at (902)924-2910 or at info@capetocapetrail.ca . Detailed directions will be sent to those who request them. Snowshoes may be reserved, too, in case of snow.
 
Option #2
Hike Nova Scotia invites you to a guided snowshoe or hike on part of the Old Laggan Road on Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00. Meet at Phil and Fran Wyman’s house at 1808 Laggan Road. Please register for this outing by contacting Fran Wyman at (902)924-2910 or at fran.wyman@gmail.com . Detailed directions will be sent to those who request them. Participants should arrange for snowshoes themselves. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:22:19 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/guided-snowshoe-hikes-planned-for-pictou-county/ Winter Carnival Weekend in Scotsburn http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/winter-carnival-weekend-in-scotsburn/ Join the residents of Scotsburn as they "Take the Roof off Winter" February 3rd to 5th. There is a full schedule of events from family dances, winter walks, sleigh rides, guided snowshoe hikes, pancake breakfast and more.
For full descriptions click <a href="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/Uploads/winter-carnival-2012.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:52:19 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/winter-carnival-weekend-in-scotsburn/ Wheelchair Curling Clinics http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/wheelchair-curling-clinics/ Where: New Caledonian Curling Club, Pictou
When: January 14/15 1:00-3:30pm and January 21/22 1:00-3:30pm
Who: Open to wheelchair users, their families and coaches of all skill levels.
Cost: Free registration
Instruction (on &amp; off ice): wheelchair curling rules/regulations, equipment, skills/techniques, game play
Instructor: Trendal Hubley-Bolivar (Member of 2011 NS Wheelchair Curling Team &amp; Coach)
Registration/Questions: Katarina Hakansson k-hakansson@hotmail.com and 240-9870 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:02:11 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/wheelchair-curling-clinics/ Register Now for Pictou County Athletics http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/register-now-for-pictou-county-athletics/ Registration for Pictou County Athletics (track &amp; field), indoor session will be held Thursday Jan 5, 5:30-8:00pm and Sunday Jan 8, 5:00-6:30pm in the North Nova Education center cafeteria. The program is open to anyone in grades 7 through 12 and will run Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings 5:30-7:00pm in the North Nova gym in New Glasgow with the program starting on Sunday Jan 8th.
Our Run Jump Throw (grade primary-6) registration will be held on Monday Jan 30, 5:30-7:00 and Wednesday Feb 1, 5:30-6:30 at the GR Saunders school gym in Stellarton. Session starting on Feb 1st running every Monday and Wednesday evening from 5:30-6:30 in the GR Saunders gym.
For more information email pictoucountyathletics@hotmail.com or check our website www.picotucountyathletics.com
 
Volunteers are always welcome! Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:50:16 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/register-now-for-pictou-county-athletics/ West River Valley Accepts the Challenge http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/west-river-valley-accepts-the-challenge/ <pre>The Challenge! </pre>
<pre>Lismore has challenged the West River Valley, and every other community in Pictou County, to accumulate 4000 kilometres of active living by March 18.</pre>
<pre>Together we’ll travel the distance around Nova Scotia! You just have to accept the challenge and record your daily recreational activities.</pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;">Come kick it off!</pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;">Sunday, January 8 at 2 pm</pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;">Durham Community Hall</pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;">Join us for a 3-5 km walk, chair yoga class, or bring your knitting</pre>
<pre>All participants welcome, everyone from preschoolers to great-grandparents (ages 4 to 100 years)</pre>
<pre>For more information contact:</pre>
<pre>Donna Williams 396-3294</pre>
<pre>Janet MacKenzie 485-1498</pre>
<pre>Marlene Macauley 485-8107</pre> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:26:06 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/west-river-valley-accepts-the-challenge/ Hike NS Host Snowshoe Summit http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/hike-ns-host-snowshoe-summit/ Hiking &amp; Snowshoeing Summit 2012
Saturday, January 28
Hike Nova Scotia invites individuals and groups with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing to
the first of an annual Nova Scotia Hiking &amp; Snowshoeing Summit. This one-day event will take place
on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Maitland
Bridge. The Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia's hiking culture, which includes sharing best
practices, stories and networking opportunities. It will help us grow a hiking, walking and snowshoeing
culture in the province. The Summit is part of Take The Roof Off Winter.
 
Agenda
Taking place at Keji’s Visitor Reception Centre from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, here are a few highlights for
the day’s agenda. Once registered, a more detailed agenda and other specifics will be sent to you
outlining the over 15 presenters.
<pre>• Keynote by Michael Haynes, author of four guidebooks including Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia and</pre>
<pre>spoke regularly on CBC radio for 15 years on hiking and the outdoors: The state of hiking trails in</pre>
<pre>Nova Scotia and vision for the future</pre>
<pre>• Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director, CREDA Cape Chignecto Provincial Park: Creating partnerships</pre>
<pre>and growing the hiking adventure markets</pre>
<pre>• Garnet MacLauglin, of Cobequid Trail Consulting: Mobilizing community, school and youth around</pre>
<pre>trail development</pre>
<pre>• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada: Hiking adventures and expansion</pre>
<pre>• Stories from the Trail: Join us as we showcase 8 hiking presentations in rapid fire that will leave</pre>
<pre>you wanting more</pre>
<pre>• Panel of government representatives from Economic and Rural Development and Tourism,</pre>
<pre>Environment, Natural Resources and Health and Wellness on hiking and trail issues in NS</pre>
<pre>• Long distance hiking opportunities in the province and more…</pre>
A guided snowshoe hike will happen the following morning, Sunday, January 29 in the park at 10 am.
Register Now!
We have limited space for this event, so please register early to secure your spot and ensure that you
can attend. Registration is $10 for Hike NS members and $15 for non-members and includes lunch
and snacks. Register online here: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E24X899ME. The
deadline for registration is January 25, 2012. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:18:55 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/hike-ns-host-snowshoe-summit/ Heartwood Youth Media Team http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/heartwood-youth-media-team/ <table style="width: 548px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td>
<h1>Heartwood Youth Media Team</h1>
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<div>December 6th, 2011</div>
HeartWood Youth Media Team
Are you a young person interested in learning about digital media production and using your skills to help make positive change in your community? Or maybe you work for a company or community organization and are looking for an affordable way to produce a video about your community event, or promote your local products using social media?
The HeartWood Youth Media Team is a new initiative, aimed at supporting young people from across the province to become digital story-tellers, artists and entrepreneurs in their communities. With support from the NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Media Team will support each other through social media and face-to-face meetings to produce stories and art celebrating community stories.
The Youth Media Team also provides entrepreneurial opportunities to youth to put their skills to work. Thus, the youth participants can make a digital media contribution to your community organization, event or company for a very reasonable fee. By doing this we hope to provide affordable digital media pieces for Nova Scotian organizations and companies as well as hands-on learning opportunities for young people to use their interests and passions to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
If any of the above interests you, call us today! Call Ryan Veltmeyer at the HeartWood office: 902-444-5885!
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</tr></tbody></table> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:31:13 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/heartwood-youth-media-team/ Holiday Swim Schedule at the Pictou YMCA http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/holiday-swim-schedule-at-the-pictou-ymca/ <img class="left" src="http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/assets/Uploads/_resampled/resizedimage147137-pool-girls.jpg" width="147" height="137" alt="" title=""/>The School Holiday Break is almost here and if you're like me - you'll be looking for some things to keep the kids busy. The Pictou County YMCA has an adapted Aquatic Schedule for from December 19th to January 6th which includes lots of swim times for kids and their families.
Rec Swims (children aged 8 yrs and older can swim unattended) are daily (Monday to Friday) from 2 pm to 4 pm. Cost: $3.00/each.
Family Swims are Monday 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Tuesday to Friday 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Cost is $5.oo each or $20.00/family. These swims are usually a bit quieter and adults do need to go into the pool with their children.
As always, if you're a member, these activities are FREE!
For a full Aquatic Schedule call the YMCA at 752-0202. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:20:35 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/holiday-swim-schedule-at-the-pictou-ymca/ Community Physical Fitness Challenge http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/community-physical-fitness-challenge/ Community Physical Fitness Challenge
Greetings to Community Activity Co-ordinators:
This is the third year our rural community in Pictou County has enrolled in the Community Physical Fitness Challenge. As you can see from my attached newsletter, it is a program we devised to get our people more physically active at a time of the year when many perhaps would rather stay in the warmth and comfort of their homes.
We have found that once people sign up for this program and start making daily entries in their tally sheet, they want to do something every day. Our oldest participant, a 92 year old knitter, can’t wait for us to start year three. We also have school children as young as 7 years old involved.
The first two years we tied our goals into the Winter Olympics and the Canada Winter Games. This year our goal is up to 15,000 kms, which is the distance to walk around our province four times. As we circle our beautiful historic province we are issuing a challenge to every other rural community to also become involved in our program.
You can use our model as reverence and change it to meet the needs of your community.
Read through this literature. Should you have questions feel free to contact me at 902-926-2589 or through e-mail at butlerdon@live.ca
We all know that living in rural Nova Scotia is one of the best places to be in this world. We also know that being physically active makes for a healthier life. Here’s an opportunity to do something wonderful for your community.
Sincerely,
Don Butler Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:32:08 -0400 http://www.activepictoucounty.ca/blog/community-physical-fitness-challenge/