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Camp Sparkle and Sparkle Saturdays bring support and community to Spokane families By Taylor Shillam For children and teens affected by cancer, finding support and genuine connection is an essential component of their care. In Spokane, Cancer Pathways is making that possible through its year-round creative arts therapy programs, including Camp Sparkle and Sparkle Saturdays. Founded in 1996, Cancer Pathways has remained committed to its mission of “facing cancer together,” providing free programs and support groups designed to empower and educate families touched by cancer. While the nonprofit is based in Seattle, its Spokane programs offer local families opportunities to connect, learn, and heal through creativity and community. Camp Sparkle: A Summer of Healing and Friendship Camp Sparkle is Cancer Pathways’ free summer day camp for children and teens ages 5-17 who have been impacted by cancer. According to the organization, Camp Sparkle is designed for kids “who have been impacted by cancer – either from a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one.” This includes children whose parents, siblings, or friends are affected, as well as those who have experienced a loss due to cancer. Through the duration of the camp, participants engage in therapeutic activities, learn about cancer in an age-appropriate way, go on field trips, and, perhaps most importantly, form lasting connections with peers who truly understand their experiences. Campers are divided by age: campers aged 5-12, Junior Counselors aged 13-15, and Counselors aged 16-17, ensuring everyone has access to both support and leadership opportunities.  Camp Sparkle is offered in Spokane along with five other locations in Washington, making it accessible to families across the state. Sparkle Saturdays: Extending the Magic Year-Round To bring the supportive camp experience beyond the summer, Cancer Pathways hosts Sparkle Saturdays. These events allow children and teens to participate in therapeutic arts activities while parents engage in dedicated support groups, all facilitated by licensed clinical social workers. Sparkle Saturdays aim to bring the “magic of camp to families throughout the year,” giving Spokane families ongoing opportunities for creative expression, emotional support, and community connection. These events follow the same thoughtful approach as Camp Sparkle, offering age-appropriate programming for children in Kindergarten and older. Exact Spokane dates are announced through the organization’s Camp & Family Program email list – be sure to stay connected with them on social media and at CancerPathways.org .    Building Resilience Through Community Programs like Camp Sparkle and Sparkle Saturdays highlight the vital role of emotional support in the cancer journey. By fostering creativity, connection, and understanding, Cancer Pathways helps young patients and their families navigate challenges with hope and resilience. As the organization puts it, its programs create “a space to empower and educate our community,” giving kids and teens the tools to face cancer together, not alone. For Spokane families looking to get involved or learn more, registration and program updates are available through Cancer Pathways’ website and email list, ensuring that local children and teens continue to have access to life-changing experiences that brighten their journey with cancer. To learn more about Cancer Pathways’ efforts in Spokane and beyond, visit CancerPathways.org .

From mountain runs to city lights, explore the best ways to enjoy the season By the Like Media Team Snowy Adventures in Spokane • Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park • Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon • Underhill Park Sledding Hill • Ski Lookout Pass • 49° North Mountain Resort Hit the SlopesMt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park delivers classic winter adventure just a short drive from Spokane. Spread across expansive terrain on the southwest slopes of the mountain, it offers a mix of beginner-friendly groomers, wide intermediate cruisers, and steeper upper-mountain lines that keep experienced skiers and riders engaged. With its blend of open runs and wooded areas, the mountain offers plenty of variety for every level. Night skiing is a signature experience here. On select evenings, the hill glows under the lights, giving guests a chance to carve turns after sunset with views of the city in the distance. The Nordic area adds even more ways to explore, featuring miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails that wind through quiet forest. A vertical drop of roughly 2,000 feet, multiple lifts, and well-maintained terrain make it easy to spend the whole day lapping your favorite runs. Afterward, the lodge provides a welcoming place to warm up, refuel, and relax with a laid-back mountain atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a family outing, seeking a full day of riding, or hoping for a peaceful escape in the winter woods, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park offers a true Inland Northwest winter experience. Glide and Slide Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon Experience Spokane's winter magic at the Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon, a 650-foot winding path perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Unlike a traditional rink, this unique design adds an adventurous twist to the skating experience. It offers beautiful views of the park and its iconic landmarks, such as the Spokane River and Clocktower. Twinkling lights create a festive ambiance, making it ideal for families, couples, and friends. The Sky Ribbon Café nearby provides a cozy retreat where you can warm up with hot cocoa or cider after a fun-filled skate. Skate rentals and heated areas are available to keep you comfortable throughout your visit. Whether you're enjoying themed skate nights or just looking for a fun winter activity, the Ice Ribbon is a must-do for a perfect day of outdoor fun in Spokane. Indoor Fun When It’s Cold • Mobius Discovery Center ( MobiusSpokane.org ) • Wonderland Family Fun Center ( WonderlandSpokane.com ) • Northtown Mall – Shopping, Dining, & More ( NorthtownMall.com ) • Spokane Children’s Theatre ( SpokaneChildrensTheatre.org ) Spokane Iconic Sledding Hills FAMILY FRIENDLY – Manito Park    Manito Park’s gentle sledding hill near the duck pond is perfect for families and younger kids looking for safe, snow-filled fun in Spokane.   IDEAL FOR ALL AGES – Valley Mission Park Valley Mission Park offers a balanced sledding hill with moderate slopes, making it an excellent spot for kids and adults to enjoy winter adventures together.   ADVENTURE SEEKER – Underhill Park   Underhill Park delivers steep, thrilling runs for those seeking an adrenaline rush. It’s the ultimate sledding destination for adventurous sledders in Spokane.   Stay Warm with Indoor Entertainment Concerts, Comedy, Theater, and More! First Interstate Center for the Arts - FirstInterstateCenter.org Fox Theater - FoxTheaterSpokane.org Spokane Arena - SpokaneArena.com The Art Spirit Gallery - TheArtSpiritGallery.com Spokane Civic Theatre - SpokaneCivicTheatre.com

January 17-18 Masterworks 4: Symphonic Dances arrives at the Fox Theater January 17–18, led by conductor James Lowe and featuring Spokane Symphony trombonist John Church. The program includes Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Creston’s Fantasy for Trombone, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. Saturday’s performance begins at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm, preconcert lecture at 6:30 pm). Sunday offers a 3 pm show (doors open at 1:30 pm, lecture at 2 pm)—details at FoxTheaterSpokane.org .

The Springhill Suites offer luxurious rooms in an area central to family activities, waterfront activities, and downtown Coeur d’Alene with fantastic amenities for your stay. Springhill Suites by Marriot BACK The Springhill Suites offer luxurious rooms in an area central to family activities, waterfront activities, and downtown Coeur d’Alene with fantastic amenities for your stay. VISIT WEBSITE

Peak comfort for a quiet getaway. The Lakeview lodge is like a lakeside oasis, close by to outdoor recreation, wineries, trails, and the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. Lakeview Lodge BACK Peak comfort for a quiet getaway. The Lakeview lodge is like a lakeside oasis, close by to outdoor recreation, wineries, trails, and the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. VISIT WEBSITE

The One Lakeside offers the best of modern Coeur d’Alene, housing rooms, condos, dining, lounging, and a bar along with the comforts of home and walking distance to the beach. One Lakeside BACK The One Lakeside offers the best of modern Coeur d’Alene, housing rooms, condos, dining, lounging, and a bar along with the comforts of home and walking distance to the beach. VISIT WEBSITE