Experiential Learning Programs
Experiential Learning Programs
Fit 4 Tots
Fit 4 Tots is a movement exploration program where students in HKIN 425 and 426 can choose to volunteer for service learning. In addition to playing with tots (children under the age of 5), students collaborate with their classmates to create different physically and mentally engaging playgrounds each week. Connections to class material are easily made in terms of the physical growth and development of children (HKIN 425) and physical, social, and emotional health (HKIN 426).
Information For Parents and Guardians
Fit 4 Tots starts on September 13, 2024, and ends on April 4, 2025.
*PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE*
Time: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.* Starts September 13, 2024, and goes until November 29, 2024; Starts January 10, 2025 and ends April 4, 2025.
*Arrive at 10:55 a.m. and leave at 12:55 p.m. Cleanup begins around 12:45 p.m.
Place: The main gym at the Amelia Saputo Centre (used to be the Oland Centre). Please enter near the side door (near the entrance of the AUX/small gym).**
Age Requirements : Children aged five and under.**
**Older children are welcome on snow days and PD days as long as we can ensure the safety of the tots.
What We Do
Fit 4 Tots focuses on safe and interactive play. During the program, students will follow your child's lead about how and what to play. We do not specifically teach skills but encourage your child to explore the different types of movement on the playgrounds we've set up.
During Fit 4 Tots, feel free to play with your child, walk the perimeter of the gym, or connect with other parents/guardians attending the program.
Registration
Please use the following link: https://mysporthub.ca/Org/AntMltiFFTAK. It will take you to the Fit 4 Tots - Sport Hub site, where you can register your child.
The fee is $2 per family for each visit.
Hand sanitizer: There is hand sanitizer by the entrance. Please use it as needed, including when you arrive and leave.
Footwear: Please take off your outdoor footwear before entering the gym. No outdoor footwear is allowed. While you play, we suggest you wear indoor sneakers or go barefoot. We advise against wearing socks, as the floor can be slippery.
We suggest wearing layers to the gym as it can sometimes be cold and windy.
Our Volunteers
Our program is run by Angie Kolen, Ph. D., with the help of 10 to 15 student volunteers. Students are mostly 4th year Human Kinetics students taking either Health Education or Growth and Development classes, and all work regularly with the program. Students will be wearing masks during the program.
After the class, students will be reflecting on their experiences by paying particular attention to:
- Health
- Health education
- Health promotion
- Motor skills development
Parking
Parking on campus is paid. However, there are two-hour free spots in the Keating Centre parking lot (Lot 10) and in front of the Amelia Saputo Centre.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the program, please contact Angie Kolen, Ph. D., at @email or (902) 867-5340.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
There is NO Fit 4 Tots on Friday, October 18, 2024 (StFX Fall Study Break).
There is NO Fit 4 Tots on Friday, February 21, 2024 (StFX Winter Study Break).
You and your tot(s) are welcome anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
There is a drop-in fee of $2 per family per visit. A little box will be by the door to drop your toonie into. Please DO NOT come any earlier, as there is NO loitering in the hallways because of the construction. We will be waiting at the back door when we are ready for you.
Please enter the Amelia Saputo Center through the back doors (under the bleachers). Either the students working with meor I will be around to direct you. You might consider parking in the Student Union parking lot and walking around the turn and under the bleachers. Alternatively, park in the Keating Center parking lot and walk around the rink under the bleachers.
Fit 4 Life
Fit 4 Life is a low-organized games program that promotes physical activity to elementary school children. Students who choose to volunteer for this program will be highly engaged at all program levels, including ensuring safe, active transportation, participating in free play and snack time, and leading games/activities each week. Connections to class material regarding the physical growth, maturation, and development of children (HKIN 425) and physical and mental health (HKIN 426) are easily made.
Information For Parents and Guardians
Fit 4 Life starts on September 17, 2024, and ends on March 27, 2025.
Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Starts September 17, 2024, and goes until November 28, 2024; Starts January 21, 2025 and ends March 27, 2025.
Place: Dropoff for the program is at the AEC. Our staff will walk your child from the Antigonish Education Centre to the program, which most often takes place in the AUX gym of the Amelia Saputo Centre on the StFX campus.
Age Requirements: Children in Grades 3 & 4 .
What We Do
The Fit 4 Life program aims to help children develop strength, flexibility, and endurance. During the program, children will participate in various activities to help them try different forms of movement, such as free play, low-organized games, relays, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, gymnastics, and skating/ice play.
A healthy snack (most often fruit) is provided.
Registration
Please use the following link: https://mysporthub.ca/Org/AntMltiFFLAK. It will take you to the Fit 4 Life - Sport Hub site, where you can register your child.
Fees **
Program fees are based on the number of days a child attends the Fit 4 Life program per week.
One session (e.g., only Tuesdays): $30 per term (i.e., fall or winter) or $60 for both terms.
Two sessions (e.g., Tuesday and Thursday): $60 per term or $120 for both terms.
Three sessions (e.g., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday): $90 per term or $180 for both terms.
**Fees can be waived as needed.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the program, please contact Angie Kolen, Ph. D., at @email or (902) 867-5340.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
There is NO Fit 4 Life on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (October 15-17, 2024, due to StFX Fall Study Break).
There is NO Fit 4 Life on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (February 18-20, 2025, due to StFX Winter Study Break).
There is NO Fit 4 Life on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (March 11-13, 2025).
Motor Activities @ X (MAX)
Motor Activities @ X (MAX) community lab offers individuals with and without disabilities the opportunity to work alongside university students and be included in different physical activity environments both on and off-campus. (HKIN 385, 395, 445, and 457).
Students can volunteer for the following MAX activities:
- Adapted Aquatics
The HKIN student-led adapted aquatics program modifies teaching strategies, skills, and equipment to meet the needs of children of all ages and ability levels. Activities have a high instructor-to-child ratio to provide an environment that fosters physical, social, therapeutic, and cognitive benefits.
The goal is to develop sufficient safety and swimming skills so that every child may become as comfortable as possible in the water. This program is available to local elementary and high school students.
- Inclusive Physical Activity Program
Motor Activities @ X's Fall program allows children of all abilities to discover a sense of adventure through theme-based physical activity, creative play, and socialization. All activities are geared towards helping children learn to play new sports, develop their skills, build self-confidence, and most importantly: be active and have fun during the school day.
- Learn to Skate
As instructors, HKIN students provide individualized support to children with and without autism spectrum disorder participating in a community-based learn-to-skate program.
- Sledge Hockey/Para Hockey
In partnership with Antigonish Minor Hockey, HKIN students work inclusively with local minor hockey players with and without disabilities to increase access to community-based sport via para hockey. Community-based para hockey is part of the Antigonish Bulldogs House League which takes place each Sunday (October to March HKIN students lead these sessions along with weekly practices.
- Keppoch Adapted Walking Program
HKIN students provide access to snowshoeing at Keppoch for adults with and without disabilities from local community-assisted living facilities. HKIN students also provide inclusive activities for children with disabilities at Keppoch Family Fun Days.
Please contact @email for more information.
Recreational Gymnastics Program
The Recreational Gymnastics Program is open to Human Kinetics students who take HKIN 227: Advanced Instruction and Certification in Gymnastics. Students will gain valuable experience coaching children in the StFX Community Recreational Gymnastics Program. Children are between the ages of 4 and 13 and attend this afterschool program on a weekly basis.
HKIN students will provide children with the opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills and basic gymnastics skills. Kelly Thompson leads the StFX Community Recreational Gymnastics Program.
For more information, contact Kelly Thompson at (902) 867-3896 or email @email.
Strength and Conditioning Interns
Working with the Head Strength and Coach Josh Crouse, students will be assigned to a varsity or club team and work with the athletes on improving their strength and conditioning. Students will also work with individuals in the community who are seeking their expertise.
For more information, contact Josh Crouse at (902)-867-2218 or email @email.
Student Athletic Therapists
Students in Years 3 and 4 are assigned to a varsity or club StFX team and learn rehabilitation techniques and injury prevention and treatment. They will attend all practices and games (travel). Students will also volunteer for special events and can be assigned to local sport teams. This opportunity is facilitated by the former Head Athletic Therapist, Tara Sutherland.
For more information, contact Tara Sutherland at (902) 867-2231 or email @email.
