Program aims to restore play in a world where structure rules

A new after school and summer program promises to put the fun back in being a kid.

Firefighter and former canoe/kayak coach Trevor Marshall has started a new company, MAPS, to help children age five to 12 develop lifelong skills in a playful and productive way.

"Too often today children are put into a specific sport whether they like it or not," said Marshall. "They are told you have to play hockey because Sidney Crosby plays hockey. Well what if they aren't the best player, or what if they want to choose their own sport?"

Marshall said he looked at his own two boys, Oscar, 8, and Max, 6, and knew he wanted the best for them. And sometimes, he said, if you want something done right you might as well do it yourself.

He has 17 years of professional coaching experience and said it is now time for him to dedicate his life to a program that will show kids that being active can be a lifelong habit.

Marshall has Zachary Keating and Sarah Cameron onboard as staff and will also bring in other professional coaches.

The program is run out of the gym in the Grace United Church on Queen Street and will be taking participants to other spots in Dartmouth, such as the outdoor gym across from the Dartmouth Common, Birchcove Beach and Sullivan's Pond.

MAPS exposes kids to different sports every week, allows them to follow their progress through regular reports from the coaches and helps them discover where their talents and passion will lead them.

Marshall said he wants to restore play in a world where structure rules.

"As many of us have experienced, sport has a way of being too structured and MAPS gives participants the opportunity to explore and be imaginative all the while maintaining certain boundaries," he said.

"Our unique learning style allows participants to follow their progress and map their improvements. This gives them the understanding of what they have accomplished and shows them how they have improved."

The program will start on July 5 from the home base at Grace United and you can register for one week or the whole summer.

Pick ups will be arranged in the fall in the MAPS van from any school in HRM.

An open house will be held at Grace United Gymnasium from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 30.

For more information go to www.lifemaps.cc.