Braemar’s Walking School Bus
August 29th, 2023
Registration Information
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY) is excited to launch our new program this September, Kid Commute — a Walking School Bus initiative (WSB). This initiative is made possible by funding from TransLink, provided as part of their regional Youth Travel Strategy. The program is being delivered by us at SCY in partnership with the District of North Vancouver and the North Vancouver School District.
Registration is now open! We invite you to sign your child(ren) up and be a part of this fantastic opportunity to promote safety, health, and community spirit at École Braemar Elementary. Families who have pre-registered must also fill out the registration package.
How do I register?
To register, please fill out and return the form attached. To fill out the form, you can:
1. Download and fill out as a PDF. Send the form via email to us at walkingschoolbus@scyofbc.org
2. Print form, fill out, scan or take a photo and send via email to us at walkingschoolbus@scyofbc.org
3. Print form, fill out, and drop off physical copy at SCY office at #102 - 1678 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Registration Package is due Friday, September 7th.
Please note that should there be a surplus of interested student participants, participation will be determined through a lottery system, with an exception — priority given to participants with parent/guardian volunteers.
The Walking School Bus will not be running the first week of school. Stay tuned for the September start date.
Support the initiative and volunteer as a Parent/Guardian Walk Leader!
While we greatly appreciate your enthusiasm about the initiative, we have a shortage of volunteers. This does endanger the program, as Kid Commute greatly relies on our dedicated parent volunteers to accompany the students during their journey to and from school. It's a fantastic opportunity to actively engage in your child's school life, interact with other parents, and make a positive impact in the community. We urge you to consider volunteering for at least two shifts a week. Your involvement will make all the difference!
To volunteer, please fill out the Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form. (Please note that the volunteer form is for Society for Children and Youth of BC, and not Braemar Elementary.)
What is a Walking School Bus?
Kid Commute is a program designed to create a safe and enjoyable way for children to travel to and from school. It involves a group of students walking together under the supervision of dedicated adult Walk Leaders, creating a "bus route" children can join and walk to/from school together.
What are the benefits of participating in a Walking School Bus initiative?
By participating in this program, your child will experience numerous benefits, including:
· Safety: Walking in a group with trained adult Walk Leaders ensures that children are visible, supervised, and adhere to road safety rules, promoting a safe journey to and from school.
· Physical Health: Walking to school helps children incorporate exercise into their daily routine, promoting better cardiovascular health, improved concentration, and increased energy levels.
· Social Interaction: The Walking School Bus fosters a sense of community by allowing children to build friendships, engage in conversations, and create lasting memories with their peers.
· Environmental Awareness: By choosing to walk rather than using motorized transportation, your child will contribute to reducing air pollution and the carbon footprint, promoting a greener and more sustainable future.
To find out more about Kid Commute, visit our webpage.
The Kid Commute - Walking School Bus Team