F a m i

Family
Wellness
Guide
An activity guide for
families at the
Alberta Children’s Hospital
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………… pg 3
Morning Activities
Coffee Hour…………………………………….……………………………… pg 4
Adult Swim……………………………………………………………………… pg 4
Drop in Play room…………………………………………………………… pg 4
Open Gym ………………………………………………………………………… pg 5
Afternoon Activities
Family Swim……………………………………………………………………… pg 5
Adult Swim ……….…………………………………………………………… pg 5
Inpatient Drop in Play room………………………………………… pg 5
Art Program…………………………………………………………………… pg 5
Story with Christina……………………………………………………… pg 6
Topsy Turvy Tales………………………………………………………… pg 6
Face painting…………………………………………………………………… pg 6
Evening Activities
Family Swim…………………………………………………………………… pg 7
Adult Swim ……….…………………………………………………………… pg 7
Movie Night…………………………………………………………………… pg 7
Craft with Amelia………………………………………………………… pg 7
Bingo………………………………………………………………………………… pg 7
Pet Night with PALS…………………………………………………… pg 7
Laughing Families…………………………………………………………… pg 8
Scrap Booking………………………………………………………………… pg 8
Origami…………………………………………………………………………… pg 8
Tickle Trunk Thursdays………………………………………………… pg 8
Gaming Night…………………………………………………………………… pg 8
Anytime Activities
Indoor……………………………………………………………… pg 9, 10, 11, 12
Outdoor……………………………………………………………pg 13, 14, 15, 16
Schedule at a Glance ………………………………………………………pg 17
Calgary Attractions………………………………………………………… pg 18
Family Liaison Council……………………………………………………… pg 19
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The Family Wellness Guide is a resource for families during
their child’s stay at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Our hope
is that this guide will provide families with information about
various activities that the Hospital and other local community
organizations have to offer.
This guide is designed for easy reference. It includes a
weekly calendar of activities in the back that is perfect for
deciding what to do at a glance, along with various maps to
help guide your way. Additionally, the activities are organized
by time of day: Morning, Afternoon and Evening, and they
are color coded to indicate which organization and/or
department are hosting that activity:
Red: The Family & Community Resource Centre (FCRC),
403-955-3272, 2nd floor of the Alberta Children’s Hospital
Green:Alberta Children’s Hospital Child Life,403-955-2593
Located throughout the Hospital
Yellow: Ronald McDonald House, 403-240-3000
111 West Campus Place NW (kitty-corner to Hospital)
Blue: Vocational Rehabilitation & Research Institute
(VRRI), 403-284-1121, 3304-33rd street NW
The VRRI is a public facility that provides recreation and leisure
opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. It is fully
accessible and is home to a heated salt water therapeutic pool,
full sized gymnasium, and aerobic studio.
Questions? Connect with the Family Support Specialists in
the Family & Community Resource Centre, located on the 2nd
floor, or call 403-955-3272 or toll free at 1-877-943-3272.
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Morning
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Coffee Hour
Monday through Friday, 930-1030am
Family & Community Resource Centre, 2nd floor
Have a break and join us for a coffee and some
conversation (tea, decaf and juice also available)
Adult Swim
Monday through Friday, 630-755am
Saturday and Sunday, 730-855am
VRRI, walking map on page 13
Why not? An early morning swim in a warm salt
water pool- Good way to start the day!
Drop-in Unit 2 Playroom,
*INPATIENTS and SIBLINGS only*
Monday through Friday, 900-1100am
Inpatient unit on the 2nd floor - playroom
Get out of your room and play with other kids.
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What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Open Gym
Monday, Wednesday 9-noon & Fridays 9am-1pm
VRRI, walking map on page 13
Shoot some hoops or play tag on a rainy day; large
area with wood sprung floors and access to all
equipment!
Afternoon
What:
When:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Family Swim
Monday through Friday, 11-1155am
Saturday and Sunday, 200-525pm
Adult Swim
Monday through Friday, noon – 125pm
VRRI, walking map on page 13
Swim in Calgary’s warmest salt water pool.
Drop-in Unit 4 Playroom,*INPATIENTS ONLY*
Tuesday and Wednesday, 130-300pm
Inpatient unit on the 4th floor - playroom
Get out of your room and play with other kids.
Wednesdays *SPARKLE* the clown face paints!
Art Program
Tuesday and Thursday, 130-330pm
4th floor Art Studio
A chance for school age kids,
patients and siblings, to get their
hands dirty and their creative juices flowing!
RED: FCRC, GREEN: Child Life, YELLOW: Ronald McDonald House, BLUE: VRRI
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Afternoon Cont’d
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Story with Christina
Tuesdays, 330-430pm
Ronald McDonald House
Join Christina (Ronald McDonald House Teacher) for
an afternoon story.
Topsy Turvy Tales with *SPARKLE* or ~JUMPA~
and Miss Patsy!
Tuesday 3-4pm
Family & Community Resource Centre, 2nd floor
Make a new friend at story time. There is always a
craft afterwards.
Face Painting with *SPARKLE* or ~JUMPA~
Thursday, 3-4pm
Family & Community Resource Centre, 2nd floor
Why not be a tiger or a princess for the day!?
~Jumpa~ and *Sparkle*
RED: FCRC, GREEN: Child Life, YELLOW: Ronald McDonald House, BLUE: VRRI
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Evening
What:
When:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Family Swim
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 630-755pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 700-825pm
Adult Swim
Tuesday & Thursday, 830-925pm
VRRI, walking map on page 12
What better way to relax at the end of a hard day?
Movie Night
Monday, 615-800pm
4th floor Kinsmen Learning Centre Auditorium
Free popcorn and a movie on the big screen!
Craft with Amelia
Monday, 7pm until You finish your craft.
Ronald McDonald House
Get out and do something different
Bingo
Tuesday, 630-730pm
Main Gathering Space (cafeteria)
Meet new friends and win awesome prizes!
Pet Night with PALS
(Pet Access League Society)
Wednesday, 630-730pm
4th Floor Kinsmen Learning Centre, Auditorium
Come and get some love from some furry friends.
Did you know you can bring your pet into the Hospital for a
visit!? Call 403-955-2593 for more information.
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Evening Cont’d
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
Laughing Families
First Thursday of each Month, 600-800pm
B2-200, 2nd floor near main elevators and FCRC
Get the giggles and forget your worries!
Scrapbooking
2nd & 4th Thursday of each Month, 600-800pm
In the FCRC, or in B2-200 when Origami is running.
Create lasting memories; bring you and your ideas!
Origami with ~Jumpa~ and Friends!
Once every 2nd Month, in conjunction with
Scrapbooking. See advertisements for dates.
B2-200, 2nd floor near main elevators and FCRC
Take on a new challenge for your fingers.
Tickle Trunk Thursdays
Thursdays, 600-730pm
4th floor art studio unless otherwise advertised
Come and experience a variety of fun and creative
activities!
Gaming Night
Friday, 500-730pm
B2-200, 2nd floor,
Near main elevators and FCRC
Play awesome video games
on the BIG SCREEN!!
RED: FCRC, GREEN: Child Life, YELLOW: Ronald McDonald House, BLUE: VRRI
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It’s important to think of yourself during stressful times.
*Physical activity is a well known stress reliever!*
Anytime Activities
There are plenty of ways to get exercise while at the Alberta
Children’s Hospital. Below are various ways and/or places to
get some fresh air and exercise, outside and inside.
Indoor
If the weather is not agreeable, one can always do stairs or
walk the length of the Hospital! From one end of the Hospital
to the other is 200 meters.
Do that 5 times and you’ve walked a kilometre!
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The Family & Community Resource Centre (FCRC)
is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week; staff is available Monday
to Friday, from 8am-8pm.
There is a lending library, a kids
play area, computers for
internet access, a printer and
a fax machine.
Near the FCRC on the 2nd floor, there are two more spaces
open to families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
the Sacred Space and the Family Centre.
The Sacred Space is a quiet and comfortable place to get
away from the stresses of hospital life, and to allow for
meditation and prayer. All faith groups
are welcome, and it can also be reserved for
special religious occasions such as a baptism
or sweet grass ceremony. There are Chaplains
on site, weekdays from 8am-4pm (if you would like to see a
Chaplain please call the switchboard at 403-955-7211.)
The Family Centre is a lounge
area for both inpatient and
outpatient families. It is a
great place to have lunch, play
a game, or just relax.
The Family Centre has books,
magazines and games, a TV,
a nutrition area equipped with a fridge and microwave, and
laundry facilities. We envision this space as a place where
families can get away from the bustle, make connections with
other families, and always get a free cup of tea. This is a
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shared space and we expect that families will treat it, and
others using the space, with respect. If you have any
questions about the Family Centre, please contact the Family
Support Specialists in the FCRC.
The Ronald McDonald House is
support for out of town families in
need of accommodation (speak to
a Family Support Specialists if you
need a referral). It is also open to
families needing of a change of scenery; Calgary families using
the Hospital over extended periods of time, or out of town
families using the Hospital for the day. The House has four
large TV lounges, a library, a fully equipped kitchen and
gym, and evening activities. Just call the house, at 403240-3000 (ext 0) with any questions or to let them know that
you would like to come and use their facilities.
Did you know the Family & Community Resource Centre’s
Community Education Service offers free education
sessions on a variety of child health topics?
Come by the FCRC or check out www.fcrc.sacyhn.ca for an
education calendar, to register, or to view past sessions.
There are numerous fitness centres and arenas in the City
of Calgary located close to us. Nearest to us is:
o Shouldice Arena and Athletic Park
1515 Home Road, NW
o Father David Bauer/Norma Bush Arena
2424 University Drive NW
o Foothills Aquatic Centre
2915-24ave NW
o Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre
1520 Northmount Drive NW
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The Alberta Children’s Hospital is
neighbours with the University of Calgary.
Only walking distance away, the U of C
is home to the Nickle Arts Museum.
Hours of Operation, September 1 - April 30
Monday to Friday: 10am - 5pm, except Thursdays: 10am - 9pm
Saturdays: 1pm - 5pm, closed long weekends
Hours of Operation, May 1 - August 31
Monday to Friday, 10am -5pm
Cost: Children under 6 are free, seniors: $2, ages 7-64: $5
Tuesday is FREE admission day!
Call 403-220-7234 for more information.
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Outdoor
The Alberta Children’s Hospital also has two outdoor walking
routes. A short route (indicated in purple) begins on the main
floor, exit out the staff door by ICU, and follow the paved
path to the left. The path goes around the outside of the
inpatient area, through the backyard garden and leads to the
Gordon Townsend entrance.
The long route (indicated in red) starts at the main entrance,
take a right at the foot of the driveway, around to the back
via 24th ave., follow the paved pathways sandwiched between
Children’s Way and the steep hill down to Shaganappi Trail,
and take a right on West Campus Drive back to the main
entrance of the hospital.
*Please be aware of limited access in certain
entrances/exits which may lock after hours.*
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Calgary’s River Valley offers numerous walking and hiking
trails, parks and playgrounds, picnic areas and water access.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital is situated within driving
distance of three regional parks that are open 5am-11pm in
the summer and 8am-10pm in the winter:
o Bowness Park is located at 8900-48ave NW. It
features a spray pool, BBQ pits, mini golf and boat
rentals, café and lagoon ice skating. For more
information call Parkside Café at 403-286-8668.
o Edworthy Park is located at 5050 Spruce Drive SW,
just off of Bow Trail. You can access the park two
ways: from the north (parking lot at the bottom of
Shaganappi Trail) and walk across the bridge, or from
the south at Spruce Drive and 45th St. SW. The park is
mainly used by family picnickers (there's park and
barbeque area), cyclists and rollerbladers (extensive
concrete trail), and hikers (on trails that stretch
throughout the woodland).
o Shouldice Athletic Park is located at 56th St. NW and
Bowness Road. It is situated along the banks of the
Bow River near the TransCanada Highway. The park
features nine softball diamonds, numerous soccer
fields, football fields, tennis courts, and one Big League
diamond. Privately operated batting cages are available
onsite as well as a concession stand that is open during
major tournaments.
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Below is a list of local parks that are within walking distance
of the Hospital. They are located in our neighbouring NW
communities of Varsity (to the North), and University Heights
(to the south). Below is a map that will help you get to these.
1. 3834 40 Avenue
2. 3725 36 Street
3. 3931 Vardell Road
4. 25 Varsville Place
5. 4120-37 Street
6. 2320 Usher Road
7. 2032 Ungava Road
There is also a wading pool park near the Hospital;
Canmore Park, and is located at 19 St. & Chicoutimi Dr. N.W.
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Did you know you The Alberta Children’s Hospital is
home to the longest picnic table in North America!
Make history by having a picnic there!!
The Ronald McDonald House also has adult and children’s
bikes to borrow, a fenced playground area, 2 BBQ’s and a
large deck with patio furniture. Please just call in advance
and talk to the staff about the availability.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Child Life runs a
Healing Garden Program in the backyard, which
offers a combination of art and horticultural
therapy. Just outside the Gordon Townsend
School on the lower level, there is a green house
and some accessible planter boxes. If you
and/or your child would like to be involved with
the Healing Gardens please call Sandy Baggott at
403-955-2593.
Emily’s Backyard (EBY) is a play area at the Alberta Children’s
Hospital, located just inside the main entrance. Both outpatient
and inpatient families may access this free service for patients and
siblings. Professional staff and volunteers engage children in fun
activities in a safe and caring environment. EBY is designed for
short term stays (max of 1.5hours) and parents must remain onsite.
You can register up to two weeks in advance by calling 403-9552500, or by emailing [email protected].
Hours: Monday to Thursday 830-4pm, Friday 830-3pm
This Program is funded by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation
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*Please come to the FCRC for a larger version of this*
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Calgary is a city with tonnes of leisure and recreational
opportunities. Beyond Alberta Children’s Hospital and the
ideas in this booklet, there are lots other places one can
explore.
For free City of Calgary activities check out their website
at www.calgary.ca/recreation, or call 403-268-3800, option 1.
Calgary Attractions
Calgary Zoo
http://www.calgaryzoo.org/
Calaway Park
http://www.calawaypark.com
Heritage Park
http://www.heritagepark.ca
Telus World of Science
http://www.calgaryscience.ca
Aero Space Museum
http://www.asmac.ab.ca/
Calgary Tower
http://www.calgarytower.com
Fort Calgary
http://www.fortcalgary.com/
Glenbow Museum
http://www.glenbow.org/
Calgary Olympic Park
http://www.canadaolympicpark.ca/Summer.asp
Calgary Spaceport
http://www.calgaryspaceport.com/
The Military Museum
http://www.themilitarymuseums.com
Before heading out check out www.calgaryattractions.com/ as
there is great savings for the listed attractions.
Questions?
withwith
a Family
in the FCRC,
you Connect
need helps
anySupport
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information!
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located on the 2 floor, or call 403-955-3272.
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Family Liaison Council
“The voice of Children and Families at Alberta Children’s Hospital”
Who are they?
They are a parent advisory committee that represents
families who use the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
They support, promote and advance high quality,
family centered care.
They represent parents in reflecting the family perspective
on many hospital and community health committees, such as
ACH Child Health Advisory Committee, Multicultural
Committee, Ethics Education & Support Committee,
Environmental Care Committee, Inpatient Advisory
Committee, Family Centered Care Committee and many more!
What is Family Centered Care?
Family Centered Care is a philosophy, an attitude and an
approach to the care of children and their families.
Family Centered Care recognizes the family as the constant in
a child’s life while the service systems and the people within
these systems change.
For more information visit www.familycenteredcare.org
The Family Liaison Council meets
the third Monday of the month,
Sept-June, at the hospital.
You can join or bring up an issue by calling 403-955-7097, or
emailing [email protected]
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The Family Wellness Guide was compiled by
Jillian Coulas (BCR), practicum student for
The Family & Community Resource Centre, and completed
by Monica Hudj (BCR, Family Support Specialist)
In partnership with
Sean French, the Director of Development of the
Vocational Rehabilitation and Research Institute (VRRI),
Sandy Baggott, Special Program Coordinator of Child Life,
and Tara Kowalchuk, Family Recreation Coordinator
of the Ronald McDonald House.
PLEASE RECYCLE ME OR SHARE ME WITH ANOTHER FAMILY!
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