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|  | Wade, Dennis, Amanda & Cass
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Summer will soon be here — and so will the Fun!We’re so excited to welcome the sunshine and all the joyful experiences that come with another Astonished! summer Our upcoming summer programming is full of opportunities to learn, connect, and explore together — and we can’t wait to share it with our Core Members and community. Check out what we have planned below:
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Summer Literacy
Twice a week at the University of Regina, Core Members will gather for afternoons of laughing, learning, and growing together through our Summer Literacy program.
A key part of this summer program is our beloved Book Club, where we read and discuss a novel, while supporting each other with comprehension and retention strategies through fun activities and creative conversations.
At Astonished! literacy goes beyond books! Core Members also explore other important areas like health literacy, financial literacy, and tech literacy — gaining confidence using popular apps like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and email. Summer literacy is meaningful, practical, and fun!
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Big Sky Summer Outdoor Adventure
Starting in mid-June and running until the end of August, this weekly program invites Core Members to get outside and soak up everything the Queen City has to offer.
From the thrills of the Queen City Ex to the energy of local festivals, from I Love Regina Day to peaceful nature trails through urban parks, each week brings a new adventure. And of course, what’s summer without pizza and games in the park?
These activities are a chance to be active, social, and engaged in the heart of our community.
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Core Members at the I Love Regina Day
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Garden of Wellness
The Garden of Wellness is back and blooming! This calming and creative space gives Core Members the chance to dig in — literally — by planting and tending to accessible garden beds. But that’s just the beginning. Weekly drop-in activities will focus on wellness through nature, art, and mental health practices.
Whether it’s planting herbs, painting under the trees, or just enjoying the sunshine with friends, the Garden of Wellness is a place to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.
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We’re ready for a season full of connection, discovery, and sunshine — and we’re so glad to share it with you. Let’s make this summer one to remember!
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Hot Dog and Bake Sale
Come by our garden site at the South Zone Community Garden (3303 Grant Road) on May 31st for a hot dog & bake sale fundraiser!
Funds raised help us offer summer programming like:
1. Garden of Wellness
2. Big Sky Summer Outdoor Adventure
3. Summer Literacy
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Growing Gratitude
Brenda and Ruth's Gratitude Story: “We are grateful for family, friends, community and the gift of the ever-evolving Astonished community!”
The 2025 Grow Gratitude campaign runs from June 1 to August 30.
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2025 AGM
Join us for our AGM
When: June 23rd, 2025
Location: University of Regina (classroom will be sent to those who register)
Light Supper: 5:45 pm
AGM Business: 6:30 pm
Register for the AGM by emailing BCV@beingastonished.com by June 17th
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Astonished! Selected as Charity Partner for 2025 Queen City MarathonWe are thrilled to announce that The Big Sky Centre for Learning and Being Astonished! has been chosen as a charity partner for the Annual GMS Queen City Marathon, taking place in Regina from September 5–7, 2025.
This partnership offers a meaningful opportunity for our community to support young adults with complex physical disabilities. Through our user-led programs focused on self-discovery, skill-building, literacy, vocation, and recreation, we strive to build an inclusive society where everyone can pursue their dreams.
If you’re planning to participate in any of the marathon events—whether it’s the 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or team relay— we encourage you to consider making a donation to Astonished! during your registration. Your support will directly contribute to our innovative programs and initiatives.
To learn more about the marathon and to register, please visit the GMS Queen City Marathon website. When registering, you can select Astonished! as your charity of choice.
We are truly better together!
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THRC 344 class
During the Winter 2025 semester, Student Researchers in A!TLC partnered with the THRC 344 Therapeutic Recreation: Chronic Conditions and Illnesses class, meeting on Thursdays. These sessions aimed to build connections between THRC students and Student Researchers, fostering collaboration to design engaging leisure and recreation programs for individuals with complex physical disabilities. The programs were tailored to reflect the interests of the Student Researchers and build meaningful relationships. We’re so thankful for our connections and meaningful collaborations with the University of Regina! Working together makes everything we do better—because we really are better together!
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April Social Club Event
We had an amazing time out at the Pass The Hat comedy night at The Exchange for our April Social Club Event! Our bellies hurt from laughing SO hard! Thank you to The Exchange for the great hospitality and going above and beyond with everything!
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Thank you to the City of Regina for the Social Development Grant, which partially funds our monthly Social Club events #bettertogether #comedynight #inclusivecommunity
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Music with EmmaMusic with Emma is a great time to get together, sing, reminisce over songs we all love, and make new memories! Thanks to Emma, who always brings such a FUN time with her! Check out some of the photos from our latest event in April!
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Thank You
To our Winter 2025 Fieldwork Students:
Aiden Doig
Jayda Lees
Nadine Domingo
Khushi Patel
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Thank You
We are thankful for our collaboration with the City of Regina. Astonished! receives funding from the City of Regina Social Development Grant - to partially fund the Social Club.
In the letter accompanying the grant, the city wrote “Your program provides supportive, meaningful, and accessible social, recreational, and cultural activities to young adults with complex physical disabilities. The committee acknowledged that your program responds to a great need in community and aligns strongly to the City’s social development priorities.”
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Thank You
Thank you, Fidelity Investments, for supporting the work of Astonished through a generous donation to support our overall programs.
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Thank You
Thank you to our volunteers. You helped to make this semester fly.
Volunteers: Sophia Sanchez, Mikaylia Davis, Wyatt Harkes, Elisa Wong
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University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
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Regina, SK | S4S 0A2 CA |
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