Arlene Miljure

Arlene Miljure’s Kumon career began as an assistant. Shortly thereafter, she took over the Surrey-Guildford class and quickly became a leader in quality and efficiency. She has presented at numerous Instructors Conferences both throughout North America and internationally and is always a gracious host on study tours or when Instructors visit the Vancouver area. Together with her husband Charles, she continues to offer Kumon to children in North Surrey and works with new Instructors as both a mentor and collaborator.

Tak Endo

Tak Endo began his Kumon life as a high school student before becoming an assistant at the Surrey – Guildford Centre and finally, in 2006, the Instructor of the Surrey-Newton Crossing Centre. Tak’s unique background and membership in ITAC allow him to incorporate many different perspectives into his Centre.

Shoko Yamamoto

Shoko Yamamoto’s Kumon career began as a lead assistant in Nara, Japan in 1981. After moving to Vancouver, she worked as an assistant to Kumon Instructor, Mr. Takashita, one of the first Kumon Instructors in the Vancouver area, from 1989-1993. Toward the end of 1993, Shoko took over the Vancouver-Fairview Centre from the corporate Instructor. At that time there were only about 30 students, mostly Kokugo. The Centre was relocated to commercial space in Broadway Plaza in 2002. Always striving to find ways to improve her Centre, Shoko was a CMS Basic Pilot Instructor in 2007, introduced EFT tuition collection in 2009, and opened the Gateway Vancouver chapter in February 2010.

Wednesday, July 13

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden Tour, shopping in China Town and Dim Sum Lunch

Constructed by artisans from China for Expo 86, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an extraordinary place of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city. The first authentic classical Chinese garden ever built outside of China, the garden uses man-made and treasured natural elements to create a human interpretation of the natural world. This guided tour followed by some time alone leaves one in a very contemplative state.

Continue with an informative introduction and trial of Tai Chi: an internal Chinese Martial Art that is practiced often for health benefits. Your private instructor will aid in your attempt and explain the intricacies of this fine art form. A Chinese tea service will follow.

A traditional Dim Sum lunch is to follow. Includes: steamed shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, seafood hot & sour soup, pan fried prawns & scallops with mixed vegetables, pan fried sliced beef with broccoli, deep fried chicken with lemon sauce, fried rice, sesame balls and Chinese tea.

Cost: $116.00 CDN per person
Restrictions/Special Notes:
Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather, comfortable shoes and rain resistant jackets.
No age restrictions

Ocean Sea Safari

The Ocean Sea Safari, a 2-hour on-the-water adventure, explores the scenery and wildlife that make coastal British Columbia world-famous!

The tour begins with a short 25 minute motor coach transfer to the charming seaside community of Horseshoe Bay. Here, at the marina, all guests are fitted with one-piece Mustang Open Water “Integrity” suits to protect from the cool spray of the salty sea air. Next, grab a seat on a custom-designed, high-speed, 28 ft. rigid hull inflatable, Zodiac for a memorable ride!

With an experienced guide at the helm, guests will explore Howe Sound, a natural Fjord formed by surrounding Glaciers. Bring a camera and get ready to be amazed by soaring eagles, charmed by lumbering seals and delighted by playful sea lions- just some of the native wildlife living in the area.

Boxed lunches are included: gourmet deli style sandwich, fresh vegetables and dip, jumbo cookie and chilled juice box.

Cost: $176.00 CDN per person
Restrictions/Special Notes:
Minimum age restriction: 5 years old. Any one with previous back issues or pregnant should not sign up for this tour. Must be able bodied. Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather. Survival suits will be issued upon arrival. Closed toe, slip resistant shoes, no heals. Bring sunglasses and cameras.

Granville Island Market & Shops

Located on the south side of False Creek under the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Island’s Public Market, with its festive atmosphere and street entertainers, offers fresh produce, seafood and meats along with flower shops and an ethnic food fair. This is a common place where locals and tourists alike gather to watch water sports in the harbour, take photos of the colourful markets and the City as a backdrop and/or simply people watch. Guests will have time to browse the shops and stroll through the market.

Granville Island is full of local flavours: Artisans, Chocolatieres, Boutiques, Souvenir shops, Galleries and much more.

There will be an on-going shuttle service every 30 minutes from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Granville Island and return (starting at 10:00am and ending at 2:00pm).

Lunch is not provided on this tour however, there are many food stalls and restaurants in the vicinity.

Cost: $44.00 CDN per person

Thursday, July 14

North Shore Adventure

This exhilarating tour commences with a brief drive through world famous Stanley Park with the glorious Rose gardens and the waterfowl floating on Lost Lagoon. The park is exited via the Lions Gate Bridge arching over the entrance to Vancouver’s Inner Harbour and connecting the downtown core to the mountain-sloped North Shore.

The tour continues into the Capilano River Canyon where you will enjoy approximately 1 hour at the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge! Here, the thrill to walk across the world’s longest suspension footbridge swaying 230 feet above the white water in the gorge below awaits you. Once you have traveled across this suspension bridge you will have an opportunity to walk with the birds along a connection of seven smaller suspension bridges linked in the trees. The highest bridge here is 90 feet high and towers over guests below. For the true "Adventurous" type, the "Cliff-hanger" walkway is a heart-stopping experience on a series of unobstructed, cantilevered and suspended walkways, jutting out of the granite cliff base above Capilano River.

Then its off to the base of Grouse Mountain, where you will board the “Super Skyride.” This aerial tramway will whisk the guests up an unforgettable “five minute mile” close to the 4,000 foot peak of Vancouver’s highest mountain. In winter, a skier’s delight, in summer, wooded trails and lakeside walks provide the visitors with a reunion with nature. Here, you can absorb the spectacular 360 degree view, take in the unique Theatre in the Sky audio visual show “Born to Fly” or marvel at the display of quaint tree trunk carvings. The Mountain is also home to a wildlife habitat with two very active Grizzly Bears. Not to be missed, you have the opportunity to get up-close and observe the bears in their natural habitat!

A lunch box will be served at Grouse Mountain to be enjoyed in the chalet or taken outdoors for a picnic: West Coast Baguette, Veggies and dip, BC apple, Kashi granola bar, beverage.

Cost: $197.00 CDN per person
Restrictions/Special Notes:
Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather, comfortable shoes and rain resistant jackets.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden Tour & Dragon Boating

Constructed by artisans from China for Expo 86, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an extraordinary place of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city. The first authentic classical Chinese garden ever built outside of China, the garden uses man-made and treasured natural elements to create a human interpretation of the natural world. This guided tour followed by some time alone leaves one in a very contemplative state.

From the gardens, guests will re-board the motor coach and head to the water! Dragon boat racing began more than 2,000 years ago on the banks of the life-sustaining rivers in the valleys of southern China as a fertility rite to ensure plentiful crops. The first participants were superstitious and the race was held to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for prosperity - and the object of their worship was the dragon. The dragon in the Chinese zodiac is a traditional symbol of the water said to dominate the clouds and rains. These first races long ago were meant to mock mythical dragon battles. Today, you will be racing in the beautiful inlet of False Creek as you pass by: Olympic Village, Granville Island and trendy Yaletown!

Lunch is not provided on this tour, however, a light snack & bottled water will be available prior to boarding the dragon boats.

Cost: $109.50 CDN per person
Restrictions/Special Notes: Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather, comfortable shoes, athletic wear and rain resistant jacket if needed . No age restrictions. Lockers & washrooms available on site at the dragon boat dock.

Sea Quest Scavenger Hunt

Transfer by bus to the quaint seaside village of Horseshoe Bay on Howe Sound. Howe Sound is a natural Fjord formed by Glaciers and surrounded by the beautiful neighbouring islands known as the Sunshine Coast.

Upon arrival to the marina, guests will be divided into teams of 4 guests before embarking on a unique West Coast voyage of discovery! (Please note, the driver's of each boat must be 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license). A full safety briefing and orientation will be given before guests embark their vessels. Today’s mission is to search and return with as many correct responses to questions that can only be answered by exploring the coves and inlets of the spectacular Howe Sound via self-drive mini speed boats.

This extraordinary setting of mountains, forests, islands and tidal water provides the perfect backdrop for the Sea Quest adventure. Customized quest packages are provided that include a colour map, instructions, a cleverly written question packet along with safety equipment. After the 2 hour on-water activity, return back to the marina to see which team scored the highest on their West Coast Canadian Quest!

Transfer back to the hotel via motor coach.

Cost: $148.00 CDN per person
Restrictions/Special Notes:
Lunch is not provided on this tour.
Minimum age: 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by an Adult supervisor.
Drivers: must be 21 years old and bring valid driver’s license with them on tour. There must be one cell phone per boat within the teams of 4 for emergency contact purposes. Cell phones are available for rent at the marina. Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather with rain resistant jacket. Closed toe and slip resistant shoes advised, no heals. Bring sunglasses and cameras.