Community Programs
Community schools are natural centres for activity in neighbourhoods and can play a key role in improving outcomes for communities.
LTCES offers regular community drop-in programming, workshops, and events, providing safe and accessible points of connection for community members.
We are continually building community partner relationships and providing joint programs such as the Repair Café, Earth Day Free Store, and Community Connections Day.
We are working to build connections to place and land through use of the Roy Stewart Morrison Forest and our Community School Garden and Outdoor Hub.
Upcoming Programs
In addition to free weekly gym and art night drop-ins, we are excited to offer our annual Gardening Workshop Series and Earth Week Free Store this spring. This page is updated as new programs are added, so check back here regularly!
If online payment for the garden workshops is a barrier, email LTCSCoordinator@sd71.bc.ca
Drop-in Community Art Nights
Thursdays, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
January 19 – March 16, 2023
FREE (Donations welcome)
Connect over creativity at Lake Trail Community School! Drop-in Community Art Nights provide a positive space to make arts and crafts together. No prior art-making experience necessary.
There will be lots of supplies on hand and new projects presented each week by the facilitators. Or you can bring your own projects and work in the company of others.
Facilitated by Larissa McLean and Patricia Cribb-Baskin.
This program is a collaboration between LTCES and Comox Valley Arts (CV/A).
Drop-in Community Gym Nights
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00pm
January 19 – March 16, 2023 (except Feb 9)
FREE (Donations welcome)
Community Gym Nights are a fun and positive way to practice skills, get your daily dose of physical activity and spend time with neighbours and friends.
Facilitators will plan different activities with input from participants. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Facilitated by Cory Bowater, Tom Skinner and Shawn Thir.
This program is a collaboration between LTCES and Courtenay Elementary Community School Society.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
6:30 – 8:30pm
$20 (Bursaries available)
Have you ever wanted to start your own plants from seed but don’t know where to start? Or have your attempts at growing seedlings resulted in skinny, leggy plants?
Farmer and garden instructor Arzeena Hamir will help demystify the technique, recommending equipment that’s already in your home or recycling bin.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
6:30 – 8:30pm
$20 (Bursaries available)
“What is eating my veggies?!” can be a common question. Farmer and agronomist Arzeena Hamir will help you identify pests that are in your garden and when it’s necessary to take action.
The workshop will look at identifying and controlling aphids, slugs, and early weeds. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions for other pests that they’re dealing with.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
6:30 – 8:30pm
$20 (Bursaries available)
Composting makes use of waste and livens up soil. And it’s easy to do! But there are some obstacles to overcome – fear of rats, smells and work being the main ones. Come learn the secrets of safely and quickly making rich nutritious compost out of your kitchen and yard waste.
Learn why, how, where, when, and what with Master Composter, and Organic Master Gardener, Joyce McMenamon.
Earth Week Free Clothing Store and Clothing Repair Café
Thursday, April 20, 2023
3:30 – 6:30pm
FREE
Community members are invited to come and shop (for free) at our Earth Week Free Clothing Store!
You can also bring your own clothing items in need of repair, and our volunteer menders will help you fix them at the Clothing Repair Café.
We are currently accepting donations for the Free Clothing Store! Bring your gently used, clean clothes and accessories to Lake Trail Community School, 805 Willemar Avenue on the following dates and times:
March 13-17 & March 20-24
9:30 – 11:30am or 1:30 – 2:30pm.
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please email programs@ltces.ca
Drop-in Community Art Nights
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00pm
April 27 – June 8 2023
FREE (Donations welcome)
Connect over creativity at Lake Trail Community School! Drop-in Community Art Nights provide a positive space to make arts and crafts together. No prior art-making experience necessary.
There will be lots of supplies on hand and new projects presented each week by the facilitators. Or you can bring your own projects and work in the company of others.
Facilitated by Larissa McLean and Patricia Cribb-Baskin.
This program is a collaboration between LTCES and Comox Valley Arts (CV/A).
Drop-in Community Gym Nights
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00pm
April 27 – June 8 2023
FREE (Donations welcome)
Community Gym Nights are a fun and positive way to practice skills, get your daily dose of physical activity and spend time with neighbours and friends.
Facilitators will plan different activities with input from participants. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Facilitated by Cory Bowater, Tom Skinner and Shawn Thir.
This program is a collaboration between LTCES and Courtenay Elementary Community School Society.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
6:30 – 8:30pm
$20 (Bursaries available)
Unseasonal weather can have a devastating effect on your garden. Early heat; late frost; spring storms; anything is possible. Responding to unpredictable conditions and rapid weather changes is crucial to success.
Explore specific techniques for safeguarding your produce, and strategies for coping with varying conditions with Permaculture Design Consultant and organic food gardener Elaine Codling. Timing seeding and transplanting, choosing vigorous starts; setting out and protecting transplants, and weather protection options for all seasons will be discussed.