Contributed by Shuswap Children’s Association
Many of us in the office remember spending our Friday nights at Blockbuster video. Always greeted by the familiar blue and yellow signage, you just knew that things were about to get fun.
As soon as the car door closed, you would immediately check the new release section and, with great anticipation, would hope that behind the movie cover, there would be a copy of a VHS (eventually DVD, followed by Blue-Ray) case with the newest theatrical release. If you were lucky enough to snag what you came in for, it almost felt like your weekend was kicking off with a lottery win. Yet, even if you didn’t find the latest and greatest Hollywood hit, for a fraction of the cost, there was still the option of taking out a movie that you had watched a hundred times before but could never get enough of. As we made our way to the checkout, there was one final stop to make, and that was of course to load up on popcorn, pop and candy.
To this day, many of us reminisce about the nights of sitting on the couch, sharing popcorn and laughing with our families as we connected through tears and the movies that touched our hearts. This was family bonding at its best.
Research shows that spending time with family has many significant benefits. Shared experiences help to create stronger emotional bonds, better communication, and help promote problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Some studies even suggest that family time and laughter can improve cardiovascular health and cognitive function.
Whether it is a walk around the block, playing a board game, or sitting down to enjoy something together on a streaming service, these connections play an important role in our emotional, social, and physical well-being. In a world that is often so busy, we often need a reminder to slow down and take in the small moments.
To celebrate and promote the importance of family and community, this spring break, Shuswap Children’s Association will be hosting our 6th Annual Children’s Film Festival at the Salmar Grand. We hope you that you will join us between March 20th – 22nd, when we will be showing 6 different movies over three days. It is our hope that this event will create lifelong memories for children, parents, and families. While weekend trips to the video store are only memories for the generations that got to enjoy them, one day, parents and children will look back on the times they spent together with the same smile that we have when we fondly reminisce about the video store, and the time we spent in the company of the people we love most.
If you want to learn more or have any questions about Shuswap Children’s Association you can email us at info@shuswapchildrens.ca, visit our website at www.shuswapchildrens.ca or call 250-833-0164 ext 0. Referrals to our programs can be made through our website at www.shuswapchildrens.ca/referral-form or by coming to see us at 551 Trans-Canada Hwy NE in Salmon Arm, next to Royal Lepage.
