OCRA After School

Our after school program caters to children ages 7-12.

Since its inception in 2015, OCRA has seen a huge shift in focus. If any business wants to be successful they must focus on moving forward, and to know where they are going one must first know where they have been. With over 11,000 kids coming through our doors in the last 3 years we have found one common interest, and that’s kids just want to be kids again.

This includes activities such as:

• Running
• Jumping
• Swinging
• Climbing

With our newly developed after school program, our goal is to help kids be kids again, by enjoying some of luxuries we had when growing up and not have the constant distractions that exist today cloud those abilities.

Canadian youngsters are spending too much time in front of screens and not enough time participating in "heart-pumping physical activity," and the lack of exercise is damaging the health of their brains, according to a new report.

The latest findings of the ParticipACTION report, released Tuesday, gave Canadian kids a D+ grade for their overall level of physical activity, marking a slight improvement from the past four reports where they have received a D-minus grade.

Researchers found that only 35 per cent of children from the ages of 5 to 17, and 62 per cent of kids from the ages of 3 to 4, are getting the recommended physical activity levels for their age groups. Both groups are also getting more screen time than is recommended.

In addition to the negative effects this is having on cardiovascular health, muscle strength, sleep and weight, the report’s authors found that this lack of physical activity is having consequences in the classroom.

They found that children who get the recommended amount of physical activity are more creative, better able to solve problems and less likely to make mistakes or suffer from mental health problems like depression and anxiety than their peers that do not. They also have better memories, longer attention spans and better self-esteem.

"From increased cognitive skills to improved mental health, physical activity has profound impacts on kids’ brain health," said Mark Tremblay, the chief scientific officer of ParticipACTION and the director of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute’s Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group. "So, for their brains’ sake, it’s time to get kids sitting less and moving more.”

The benefits were seen in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders, too.

"Children and youth who are least active or who have brain-based disabilities may have the most to gain," Tremblay said.

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children from the ages of 5 to 17 spend at least 60 minutes day participating in physical activity. For kids from 3 to 4 years old, that number is at least 180 minutes.

But the report notes that "some physical activity is better than none.”

OCRA After School program will for sure get your kids the min amount of exercise needed. Our staff are Obstacle Course Certified, CPR certified, have a valid background check, and are also Autism certified but the Ausome group in Ottawa.

_{Our awesome certified staff after the Ausome certification.}

What is a typical day like in the OCRA After School program?

Kids are dropped off, we will be contacting the local schools that OCRA is in bus zones to arrange a drop off for your child or a they will be picked up by one of our branded OCR vehicles.

Once dropped off they will get some unstructured play time, followed by a snack and homework time.

4-5pm will be our Obstacle Fit Kids Class (details here)

Pick up is at 5pm, if you require a later pick up between 5-6pm an additional fee of $50 on your bi weekly payments will be applied. During this time the kids will be chilling in the cafe, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and would you believe it, socializing with their peers face to face and not on Fort Nite.

What schools are involved in the OCRA After School program?

• Pinecrest Public
• Knoxdale public School
• Manordale Public School
• Briargreen public school
• Ecole Elementary School
• Our Lady of Victoria
• St. John the Apostle

What is the cost for the OCRA After School program

The cost is $200 bi-weekly (plus taxes and additional fees if applicable). It includes 5 kid classes, homework time and snacks. For pick up additional costs apply.

How do I register my child?

If you want to register your child for this awesome After School program, first you must have a valid waiver filled out then give us a call. Let us know what school they are from and if they will require a pick up, or will be dropped off. We will be organizing pick ups for those that require it, please contact us as restrictions do apply.