Active Star: A Northern BC Success Story in Physical Literacy
Sport for Life, through its Physical Literacy for Communities (PL4C) initiative, is proud to highlight the success of Active Star, a preschool physical literacy program led by Engage Sport North. Active Star is a FREE drop-in program tailored to meet the needs of preschoolers (ages 2–5) and their families during the colder months in Northern British Columbia.
Led by trained Engage Sport North leaders, Active Star provides a safe, welcoming indoor space where children can develop fundamental movement skills—such as running, jumping, and balancing—that form the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity. The program is thoughtfully designed not only to help children build confidence and competence in movement but also to foster a lifelong love of staying active.
For families, Active Star offers more than just physical benefits. It creates opportunities for social connection, allowing caregivers to meet, network, and share in the joy of movement with their children. By offering a free, inclusive environment, the program ensures that these vital opportunities are accessible to all families, regardless of background or income level.
Program Goals & Objectives
Active Star focuses on four key objectives:
- Safety and Accessibility: Providing a secure, indoor space for families to engage in physical activity during the colder months.
- Skill Development: Equipping children with fundamental movement skills that promote lifelong participation in physical activities.
- Social Connection: Creating an environment where families can form meaningful friendships and networks through shared activities.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring the program is accessible to children and families of all abilities and backgrounds, particularly those from equity-deserving or low-income communities.
Program Impact
In the 2023/2024 season, Active Star engaged over 1,200 participants across Prince George, Dawson Creek, and Terrace, delivering more than 280 program hours. Families have praised the program for its role in fostering both physical and social well-being during Northern BC’s long, cold winters.
Testimonial Highlights
“Active Star has been an essential part of our routine, especially in winter. It’s great to have a free indoor play space and the staff are wonderful.”
“Active Star is crucial for our child to socialize and stay active. It’s also a place to meet other parents—both kids and parents need a community like this.”
A Model for Inspiration
Active Star’s success highlights the transformative potential of physical literacy programs. With a proven track record in Prince George, Dawson Creek, and Terrace, Engage Sport North is exploring opportunities to bring this model to more Northern BC communities, such as Fort St. John and Prince Rupert.
By focusing on collaboration, Engage Sport North ensures that expansion efforts align with the program’s core values of sustainability and inclusivity. Sarah Saunders, Executive Director of Engage Sport North, said, “We’re committed to working with communities in Northern BC to expand the program and are always happy to offer guidance and advice for those looking to launch similar initiatives elsewhere.”
Get Inspired
Sport for Life encourages leaders, municipalities, and organizations to explore how programs like Active Star can create meaningful change in their communities. By fostering movement, connection, and inclusivity, Active Star serves as a blueprint for building healthier, more active futures for families everywhere.
If you’re inspired to learn more or explore developing a similar initiative, connect with Sarah Saunders at Sarah@engagesportnorth.com for guidance and support.
Inspire movement. Foster connection. Build community.
