Little Local - March 5

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Howdy! I’ve spent the last week putting the finishing touches on the spring edition of Little Local Crew, and founding members should start seeing their envelopes arrive next week!

It sounds like this Sunday could be the last time we switch to daylight saving time. I’m not sure any of us are going to enjoy soccer at what will feel like 7:30am.

BC is planning to move to permanent daylight saving time, though many sleep experts say permanent standard time would actually be better for our bodies.

I’m curious what you think. Vote in the poll below 👇🏼

Crew Mail!

Founding members who signed up for Little Local Crew will be receiving their first mail-out next week! I’ve spent the past few weeks carefully planning, designing, and packing these spring envelopes, and I hope your kiddos love the goodies inside.

If you missed the first round but still want to join Little Local’s Quarterly Crew Mail, I might be able to sneak a few more envelopes into next week’s batch… 😉

Camp Season’s Almost Here

I know it’s only March, but many of Victoria’s summer camp providers are already open for registration. Others are gearing up to open later this month and next, including our municipal rec centres.

If you’re starting to think about summer camps, here’s a handy list of when local rec centre camps become viewable and when registration opens.

Speaking of camp planning… I’ve been quietly building something that I think will make things a lot easier for Victoria families.

A simple, week-by-week Camp Planner designed specifically for Victoria families.

You’ll be able to:

• Browse local camps by week
• Filter by age and duration
• Assign camps to each child
• See your entire summer at a glance
• Get reminders before registration opens

✨ Hoping to launch this next week! Stay tuned.

Name, neighbourhood, and your family crew:
Graeme Sailor, Casey Vandonk, Jude (2 on Saturday!), Huxley (dog). We live in Harris Green!

What you do (for work, passion, or both):
As a family we run Beany Bites, making delicious snacks (mostly smoothie melts for littles) from simple ingredients here on Vancouver Island. Last year I started as a pedicab tour operator to help pay the bills as we get the business off the ground.

One place your family has loved lately:
Francis/King Regional Park! One of the best in the area and we just stumbled across it. Such a great spot for a walk in the woods with little people to look up and actually take things in 🤩

A family meal that actually works at your house:
Tajine! Most of the ingredients can come out of a can and it's SOOO good. Plus leftovers are even better than the original meal, and you can dress it up if you want to. We'll add dairy free yogurt, cilantro and fresh olive oil when we want to jueje it up a bit.

Something small that has made parenting easier recently:
We found a mini umbrella stroller with a small tear in the bin... Sometimes you just don't want the big uppa baby 🤷

Upcoming

🛍️ Victoria Kids Consignment Spring Sale
Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8
Shop gently used kids clothing, toys, and gear at the Eagle Ridge Centre during this popular seasonal consignment sale. [Info]

🛍️ Community Garage Sale
Saturday, March 7 | 9am–1pm
Browse tables of secondhand treasures, kids’ items, household goods, and more at this community garage sale. [Info]

🌱 West Shore’s Seedy Saturday
Saturday, March 7 | 11am–3pm
Celebrate the start of gardening season with seed swaps, local growers, and hands-on activities for families. A fun way to learn about gardening and connect with the local food community. [Info]

🎼 Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
Saturday, March 7 | 3pm
Maestro Mouse leads a playful orchestral adventure inspired by the animal kingdom in this kid-friendly concert by the Victoria Symphony. A wonderful first symphony experience for young music lovers. [Info]

👩‍🦰 Victoria Women’s Expo
March 7–8 | 10am–5pm
Browse a wide range of local businesses, wellness products, fashion, and services at this popular annual expo celebrating women in business and community. [Info]

🐦 Egg-cellent Nests – Guided Walk
Sunday, March 8 | 1:30–3:30pm
Join a naturalist for a family-friendly walk in Francis/King Park exploring the fascinating nests and breeding habits of local birds as spring nesting season begins. [Info]

🔬 Tot Tuesday: Plankton Power
Tuesday, March 10 | 10:30–11:15am
Little ocean explorers can learn about the tiny but mighty world of plankton through stories, activities, and hands-on discovery at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. [Info]

🐾 Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
Saturday, March 14 | 4pm
A colourful, music-filled live show featuring Gabby, Pandy Paws, and friends on a magical adventure to save the rainbow. Perfect for preschoolers and young fans. [Info]

Ongoing

🧱 20th Annual LEGO® Brick Exhibit at the Sidney Museum
Now – April 6
Marvel at incredible LEGO creations built by local and regional builders, with detailed displays that will impress kids and adults alike. A classic family favourite that’s easy to pair with a day in Sidney. [Info]

📸 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
On now
Award-winning nature photography from around the world at the Royal BC Museum. A stunning exhibit for all ages. [Info]

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Little Local! Please reply with any feedback and suggestions :)

P.S. Would you like to get your business in front of thousands of local Victoria families? Email us at [email protected].

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.