By Adam Donnelly

Kamloops libraries keeping kids busy over spring break

Mar 16, 2019 | 2:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — Like many other medical waiting rooms throughout Kamloops, it was a packed house Saturday morning. What separated this waiting room from most clinics and RIH were the patients.

Teddy bear health was the focus, as TRU nursing students took time to examine all kinds of stuffed creatures.

“It was a partnership with the TRU Student Nurses Association,” Catherine Schmidt, Adult Services Coordinator with the Thompson Nicola Regional Library explained. “[The kids] are learning to take care of their stuffed animals, their teddy bears, and by virtue, they’re also learning to take care of themselves.”

For the students, it was a chance to practice the skills they’ve been learning in their first year of the TRU Bachelor of Nursing program.

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“I thought it would be a great opportunity to take advantage of the skills I’ve been learning,” Savannah Dee told CFJC Today. “Interacting with younger children, parents. Establishing a relationship, putting skills we’ve learned in clinical into practice.”

The nursing students also ensured the teddy bears they saw were in tip-top condition.

“Kids are keeping their teddies really healthy, which is great to see,” Dee said. “[They] learned how to use a stethoscope, learned about germs and how to wash their hands[and] taking shots… making sure they’re not too scared if they ever come to the hospital.”

While the Teddy Bear Clinic was geared towards younger kids, the Thompson Nicola Regional Libraries in Kamloops are hosting a number of events geared towards children and teens over the coming week as a way to keep kids minds engaged during their week-long spring break.

“The library is a free public space where people can come and be comfortable, learn new things, meet new people,” Schmidt said. “During spring break we like to offer educational activities and things that are just for fun. Things like our STEM Program, our Maker programs, they help keep kids engaged throughout spring break… so they’re learning new skills they might be offered through the school.”

For a full schedule of events, to register for a spring break program, or for more information about the library click here.