This is not your usual Pacekids enewsletter ...

Welcome to Pace by Pace!

You may notice things look a little different around here! We've given our e-newsletter a new name and a new look, and we're so excited to share it with you. Pace by Pace reflects the way we work alongside children and families — one step at a time, together.

Each month, here's what you can expect:

What's on the Way: Upcoming events and dates to mark on your calendar
Community Connections: Highlights from our incredible community of supporters and partners
Therapy Tip: Practical, helpful tips straight from our transdisciplinary therapy team
From the Families: Stories and words from the families who inspire everything we do
Memorable Moments: The happenings, milestones, and everyday magic from around Pacekids
The People Behind Pace: A spotlight on the dedicated individuals who make it all possible

What's on the Way

From Pacekids happenings to events with our community partners, here's what's on the horizon!

Between Friends: Camp Bonaventure

Camp Bonaventure is a fun, inclusive outdoor summer day camp in Calgary for youth of all abilities ages 4-17, featuring themed weeks, creative play, community outings, and exciting adventures. Campers build friendships, gain independence, and explore new interests in a safe, supportive environment - now hosting at 3 Calgary locations!

Financial assistance options are available for those who qualify, please contact Between Friends directly.

Learn More

Pacekids families can use code PACEKIDS5 to receive 5% off

Empowering Special Minds YYC:

Empower Summer Camp 2026

For questions, contact info@empoweringyyc.ca

An inclusive summer camp for children of all abilities, ages 6–12, running throughout July 2026. With themed weekly activities, small group support, and a compassionate team, Empower Summer Camp is a wonderful space for children to build friendships, confidence, and joyful summer memories. Full and half-day options are available.

Learn More

We Rock the Spectrum – North Calgary:

Summer Camp 2026

Join We Rock the Spectrum for themed summer camps filled with open play, arts and crafts, group activities, sensory exploration, and story time!

Ages 4 to 10 years old

Dino Diggers: June 29 - 30, July 2 – 3

Science: July 6 –10

Ocean: July 13 – 17

Space: July 20 – 24

Safari: July 27 – 31

Sports: Aug 3 – 7

Vehicles: Aug 10 - 14

9am – 1pm | $375/week or $80/day

Learn More

For questions, contact 403-454-0446

Community Connections

A heartfelt thank you to the partners and supporters who make our work possible!

Putting for Pace

We raised over $50,000 at the 7th Annual Putting for Pace Golf Tournament on June 10th, 2026! And thanks to Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by Altalink, that number could grow by up to 50% — meaning every dollar goes even further for children and families at Pacekids.

The weather conditions were tough, but the energy never wavered. Thank you to every golfer, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter who showed up and made it an unforgettable day; your generosity truly makes a difference.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We would also like to recognize and thank our generous sponsors whose contributions helped make this event possible:

Michels Canada – Presenting Sponsor
BD&P – Cart Sponsor
Cushman & Wakefield – Halfway House Sponsor
Acera Insurance – Hole-in-One Sponsor
Kal Tire – Hole Sponsor
Calitso IT Solutions – Hole Sponsor
Vital Partners Inc. – Hole Sponsor

Therapy Tip

Practical tips from our therapy team to support your child's growth and development at home!

Co-Regulation:

Calm is Contagious

By Shimaa Elshafie

B.A. & E, Psychology Behaviour Strategist, Early Childhood Services

Before children can calm themselves, they often borrow calm from the adults around them. This is co-regulation — staying steady so a child can find their steady ground too.

Instead of jumping straight to fixing or redirecting, try staying calm and present first.

What this can look like:

Lowering your voice and slowing your pace
Sitting beside the child rather than across from them
Naming the feeling gently: "This feels really hard right now."
Staying close, even without words

Why it helps:

Helps the child's body and emotions settle
Builds trust and connection
Models calm without adding pressure

A helpful rule of thumb: steady yourself first — your calm is often the quickest way to help a child find theirs.

From the Families

Hear directly from families whose lives have been touched by Pacekids!

Here's What Families are Saying about Pacekids!

At our most recent open house at Pacekids Sundance, we invited families to share what they love most about Pacekids.

"Pacekids is absolutely amazing. The staff are so helpful and kind, and the school is so beneficial to our kids' learning and development"

"Everything is adapted to kids with disabilities"

"I love how supportive and helpful the staff is here!"

Memorable Moments

Snapshots of the moments that remind us why we do what we do!

Pacekids Sundance Open House

To kick off National AccessAbility Week, Pacekids Sundance opened its doors to the community on May 30th! Families explored our classrooms, sensory rooms, and play spaces, and connected with our therapy team. Children enjoyed gelato, face painting, music, and inclusive play — plus incredible support from our community partners.

Therapy Team Creativity in Action

The Pacekids therapy team has been bringing creative play to life! From transforming the gym into a car wash where children practiced requesting, turn-taking, and key concepts like STOP and GO, to outdoor water play filled with bubbles and splashing fun. A huge shoutout to the team for making learning this joyful!

Pacekids 2026 Graduation

What a milestone! We celebrated our Early Childhood Services graduates at Pacekids Sundance on June 24th and Pacekids Sunridge on June 25th. It was a joyful send-off for our amazing children and families as they wrapped up the school year. We are so proud of everything they have achieved!

The People Behind Pace

Behind every milestone is a team that cares deeply!

Sussana Dikome

Classroom Therapy Aide at Pacekids Sunridge

“Sussana brings a remarkable amount of patience and genuine care to her role in the classroom. She takes time to connect with each child, always encouraging them to shine in their own way. Whether she’s laughing, playing, or joining in their activities, Sussana’s enthusiasm and warmth is contagious. Her beautiful and infectious laugh lifts everyone’s spirits, and her positive energy makes our team feel more like a family. We’re so grateful to have her with us!”

Poonam Raeewal

Pacekids Sunridge ECS Manager