File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

unplug and play

Kamloops families encouraged to Unplug and Play for Literacy Week

Jan 27, 2025 | 4:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — Literacy in Kamloops is challenging families to put down their devices and engage in free activities during the annual Unplug and Play Week, coinciding with Family Literacy Day on Monday (Jan. 27).

The initiative, which runs from Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, aims to promote a healthy balance between screen time and active family engagement while fostering key literacy skills.

“We’re just inviting families to take a break from their devices, find a little bit more of a healthy balance and check out some of the free activities that are going on,” said Jodi Lebourdais, program coordinator for Literacy in Kamloops. “It gives them an opportunity to sort of connect as a family and really dive into some of those key literacy skills that we learn when we’re not plugged in.”

This year’s event boasts the fullest schedule to date, featuring an expanded roster of community partners and daily free activities, including swimming.

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“This is one of the fullest schedules,” Lebourdais noted. “We had to really rethink how we were printing the schedule because it’s so full and we just have so many more partners that are interested in being involved.”

The 14th annual event, sponsored by Beem Credit Union, kicked off with the ABC Family Literacy Day on Jan. 25 at the John Tod Centre.

Throughout the week, families can participate in various events such as:

• All Ages Colouring Contest with Thompson Nicola Regional Library
• Take and Make Family Meal Kits
• Annual Family Magic Show
• Try-it Sledge Hockey
• Taiko Drumming
• Hispanic Tales and Crafts
• Family Fun Fitness and Swims

(Contributed: Literacy in Kamloops)

While some events require registration, many activities can be done at families’ own pace.

Lebourdais emphasized that the week also serves as a showcase for year-round community programs.

“A lot of these programs you’ll find going on around the community throughout the year. We just get an opportunity to showcase them,” she said.