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 Travis Allison

Web Page: http://www.ourkidsmedia.com/

Profile: I am the Social Media Manager for Our Kids Media. I have held several senior management positions including the Executive Director of a non-profit organization that ran several children's summer camps. I have managed a staff of 65 and over 200 volunteers a year. I have a real specialty in 3 specific areas: Leadership, Marketing and Project Management. Because of my work in leadership, facilitation and environmental stewardship I have been a speaker at province-wide conferences in Toronto and Montreal and in 2009 I was chosen to be a speaker at a 3000 delegate international conference in Atlantic City

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    Tying Your Own Shoes

    March 9th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Families, Special Needs by Travis Allison

    Tying Your Own Shoes is a documentary about four artists who happen to have special needs.

    An animated movie about Petra, Matthew, Daninah and Katherine, who all have Down Syndrome, Tying Your Own Shoes takes a look at how art affects self-esteem and perceptions of ability.

    Launching to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, people can go see the film on March 14 & 21 (10 a.m.) at NFB’s Mediateque centre for media technology in Toronto. You can RSVP by calling 416.973.3012 – it’s free.

    There is also a workshop with the artists where people can try out the different techniques used in the film.

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    All I ever needed to know, I learned at riding camp…

    March 9th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Camp, Camp Q & A by Travis Allison

    At age 10 my parents decided to send me to summer camp, not any summer camp mind you – but one where I would come home everyday stinking to high heaven.  I am not sure if they sent me to horseback riding camp because they knew I would love it, or because it would be a great excuse for them to force me to bathe.

    Whatever the motivation behind the decision to send me to horseback riding camp, it piqued my interest in horses, horsemanship and equitation.

    Twenty years later I have turned that one summer into a life long interest and a modestly paying career.

    I could sit here and list all of the virtues of horses and horse sport, but my computer would run out of memory.  The fact of the matter is that horseback riding is fun!

    Although I only look back with fondness at my first summer at riding camp, I wish that my parents had been a little more educated in what to look for in a summer riding program.  Although I emphasize fun when looking at any program, it is important to look for a facility that has quality school horses and certified instruction.

    Are the horses:

    • At a good weight? (should only be able to see a hint of ribs)
    • Friendly?
    • Many different shapes and sizes?

    Healthy, friendly and safe school horses are a must at any riding facility.  At summer riding programs this is extra important.  Most new riders start off by attending a summer riding camp and they are just starting to become educated in horse handling and behaviour.  There is nothing worse than having a terrifying experience before ever having gotten on a horse in the first place.  This is also where the quality of instruction and supervision is of utmost importance.

    Are the instructors:

    • Ontario Equestrian Federation certified ‘Instructor of beginner’ or higher (Coach I)?
    • First Aid and CPR trained?
    • Friendly, effective communicators?

    Are the counsellors:

    • Experienced with horses?
    • Friendly and responsible?

    Horses are large animals, and one must become familiar with them with the guidance of experienced, patient and friendly instructors, counsellors and staff.

    The Equine industry at the moment is coming to a cross road.  We are quickly approaching a time when it will be required to have the proper certifications and credentials to teach riding lessons.

    Recently, the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) changed its learn to ride program, instructors certification and coaching certification programs to reflect this shifting trend towards formal equine and equestrian education.  Finding a summer riding camp that employs OEF certified instructors and coaches ensures that these individuals have achieved a set level of standards and are qualified and capable of teaching safe and effective riding lessons.

    Horseback riding camps can sometimes feel like a tough decision because not many parents know the right questions to ask concerning their children’s equestrian education.  Write down some questions to ask the prospective camp.  Take the time to visit the facility where your children will be spending their time.  Observe a lesson or two.

    Here is a sample list of questions to ask a prospective horseback riding camp:

    • How many horses do you have?
    • How many children usually attend your camp program?
    • How many counsellors do you employ/how many children are there per counsellor?
    • Are all of your counsellors experienced with horses?
    • Will there be staff in the barn to help my child tack up/groom/manage his or her horse?
    • Are your riding instructors and coaches certified by the OEF or another governing body?
    • How many students are in a riding class?
    • How much will my child ride each day?
    • What other activities do you offer?

    About the writer:

    Laura Shell works at the York Equestrian Riding School in Stouffville, Ontario.

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    What’s On: Week of March 8-14, 2010

    March 8th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Camp, News, Private Schools by Travis Allison

    Welcome to What’s On, The Our Kids blog’s weekly roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the week ahead!

    Monday March 8

    Special Event | MPS ETOBICOKE
    One week band performance trip to Cuba
    MPS Etobicoke, Etibicoke Area, ON, View School Profile

    Special Event | MPS ETOBICOKE
    High School Europe Trip – 14 day trip to Italy and Greece
    MPS Etobicoke    , Etibicoke Area, ON, View School Profile

    Tuesday March 9

    March Break Camp | SPORTS WESTERN SUMMER CAMPS
    March Break Camp registration ends March 11.
    Sports Western Summer Camps, London, ON | View Camp Profile

    Wednesday March 18

    Open House | LYNN-ROSE HEIGHTS PRIVATE SCHOOL
    6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Open House.
    Lynne-Rose Heights    , Toronto, ON| View School Profile

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    The Week on Twitter: 2010-03-07

    March 7th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News by Travis Allison

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    My Olympic View #7 – Thomas

    March 5th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Children, Families, Private Schools by Travis Allison

    Day Seven:

    Today is Sarah’s race day and everyone got up early to go to Cypress Mountain, which is very close to my school. We watched all of her races and many others too. It was very exciting and Sarah tried really hard and was talking to people on television. She did not make it to the finals but I was happy to watch and see her compete.

    Day Eight

    Me and my parents went downtown to watch the metal ceremonies and everywhere people were singing O Canada like at assembly at school. All the streets had tons of lights and it we could walk on the roads…I liked that part. Everyone was smiling and wearing red and had flags on their faces. Ginny got a picture of Sarah and Maelle for me and it showed her gold metal.

    [Mulgrave School Grade 3 student, Thomas, is reporting to Our Kids about his Olympic experience. For an introduction to the story click here.]

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    The Week on Twitter: 2010-02-28

    February 28th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in News by Travis Allison

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    Families Gear Up for March Break Camps

    February 26th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, Camp by Travis Allison

    As the close of winter draws nearer, kids anticipate the beginning of spring. And with that, spring break! But as space at Toronto’s best March Break camps fills before you can say “School’s out!” parents must act fast. Luckily, Our Kids Go to Camp is here to help.

    The highly anticipated time of spring break is almost here, and parents know they must make sure their children reap the full benefits of a rare week off from school. Instead of letting them spend their days in front of the television or sending them to expensive daycare centres, March Break camps are an extremely attractive option. That’s why spots in a wide variety of camps fill up fast, very fast. That’s also why Our Kids Go to Camp Magazine and www.ourkids.net are here to help.

    “The amount of camp choices out there is daunting for a family starting their research. They ask ‘Do I want a sports camp, an arts camp, an educational camp?’” said Our Kids Go To Camp editor David Field, “We’re here to provide a helpful guide for these people.”

    Camps offer children plenty of benefits—they can learn, explore their passions, be active, and build lasting friendships. But most importantly, have fun! Our Kids Go to Camp Magazine and http://www.ourkids.net/march-break-camps.php offers parents with quality advice on how to find the right camp, how to prepare for camp, and what kids love about camp. We also provide an extensive listing of March Break camps around the country for interested families to explore.

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    Toronto’s Private Schools Offer Much More than All-Day Care

    February 23rd, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Blog, News by Travis Allison

    Ontario’s new all-day kindergarten programs to roll out this fall are making Toronto’s public schools appealing choices for busy, working families. But the benefits that private schools offer GTA parents and children still extend far beyond before- and after-care.

    With Dalton McGuinty’s full-day kindergarten programs coming to Ontario elementary schools this fall, journalists and administrators are concerned that private school enrollment will decrease. But Our Kids Media, Canada’s experts on private schools across the country, know that the private and independent schools of Ontario can offer much more to a family than just all-day care.

    “Private schools have been creating responsible, successful graduates for decades,” said David Field, Editor of Our Kids Go to School Magazine, “Parents aren’t choosing private education just for the convenience of all-day classes.”

    The benefits of private school are extensive and long-lasting. Smaller class sizes and lower staff-to-student ratios ensure that each child receives the attention they need to succeed. Private schools throughout Ontario are known for their safe and welcoming environments, allowing children of all ages to reach their full potential and make lasting friendships. Extensive extracurricular activities and specialized academic programs let students find their passions and explore them in an instructive environment. And parent-teacher relationships are open and strong, so families can make sure their children are receiving the education they desire.

    For more detailed questions and answers about private schools you can visit our community section.

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