What started as a small community gathering 20 years ago has grown into one of Kamloops' favourite early years events. 

This year, the Annual Teddy Bear Picnic welcomed more than 1,000 children and family members for a morning filled with stories, songs, play, learning, community resources, and, of course, lots of teddy bears. 

The Teddy Bear Picnic celebrates the importance of early learning, family involvement, and community connections. It gives young children and their caregivers opportunities to play, learn, explore, and connect with the many programs and services that support families in our region. 

A special part of this year's event was the participation of SD73's StrongStart BC programs. StrongStart educators from across the district welcomed families, shared information about their programs, and provided fun learning experiences for children. Through play-based learning, StrongStart helps children develop early literacy, social skills, confidence, and a love of learning while supporting families and building connections to school communities. For many children, StrongStart is their first step on the path to Kindergarten. 

For the past 20 years, the Teddy Bear Picnic has brought together families, schools, and community organizations while sharing an important message: learning begins long before a child starts school. Events like this remind us that strong foundations are built through play, relationships, and positive early experiences. 

As we celebrate this special milestone, we thank all of the families, volunteers, educators, community partners, and sponsors who have helped make the Teddy Bear Picnic such a success over the years. 

Here's to 20 years of teddy bears, laughter, learning, and community—and to many more years of helping children get the best possible start. 

Story provided by Marianne Vande Pol, District Early Years Coordinator