March 2014 by Minnesota Parent

March 2014

Rock on wild child!

Learning beyond class

The importance of creative play Page 14

Page 20

‘Divide and conquer’ parenting — too much ‘divide’? Page 12

Raheem, 4, and Ronak, 1, of Woodbury

the camp issue

OUT N AB LEAR E THAN MOR FERENT IF 100 D MPS! CA 71 Page

‘Pure fun’ at Camp Kesem • iCamp Big imagination on the small stage Bakken brainstorm • Spanish immersion STARTING ON PAGE 31

CONTENTS

camp issue the

CAMP RESOUR CES Page 71

Minnesota Parent March 2014

Departments 10 CHATTER 12 BABY ON BOARD The general weirdness of “divide and conquer” parenting.

ALL ABOUT ‘PURE FUN’

14 TODDLER TIME

At Camp Kesem, a normal camp experience is the goal.

Sometimes you just have to let your child paint in the bathtub.

By Cali Owings

16 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN How to select a new pediatrician.

APPLE CAMP

18 IN THE KITCHEN

Apple Camps give kids the tools to bring their visions to life.

So it’s not really spring, but you can start cooking like it is.

By Emily Mongan

20 TWEENS & TEENS

SMALL STAGE, BIG CREATIVITY An experience in building miniature theater productions. By Zoe Gahan

22 HOT STUFF Great products for the great outdoors. 24 GROWS ON TREES Make tax time a little less painful.

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR SLEEPAWAY CAMP?

26 BOOK SHELF

Factors to consider.

Stories for Our Fragile Planet and other books about nature.

By Julie Kendrick

BRAINSTORMING AT THE BAKKEN Science camps help kids brainstorm inventions. By Emily Mongan

Using out-of-school time for learning.

CULTURAL CONTEXT

28 RELATIONSHIPS How to focus on what’s working in your relationship. 82 REAL LIFE Chemical crusader Sara McLoone.

Out&About

Camp at Joyce Preschool offers life skills, cultural lessons.

Page 63

By Zoe Gahan

A CONSERVATION ETHIC Deep Portage offers camps for young explorers, hunters and wilderness enthusiasts. By Cali Owings

6 March 2014

On the cover Raheem and Ronak, sons of Sameera and Ravi Soni. PHOTO BY MANDY DWYER, GLIMPSES OF SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY • GLIMPSESOFSOUL.COM

GYMNASTICS TUMBLING TRAMPOLINE

From the editor

What camp is really all about

“I

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t was like we had our daughter back.” When I read those words while editing this issue, I think I had my first glimpse of what summer camp is really all about. Camp is a big deal at Minnesota Parent — because it’s a big deal to our readers. But unfortunately I never actually went to camp myself. Working here for seven years has meant I’ve worked on a lot of camp content, so I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the camp thing. Until I read the story with the daughter who was truly “back” when she returned from camp. The girl is nine-year-old Autumn, and she attended Camp Kesem, which is featured in this issue beginning on page 31. And Camp Kesem is a camp for kids with a parent who has battled cancer. And it’s a pretty great example of the power of camp. There’s a quote from the camp co-director a little further along in the story: “We want to make sure that camp is one week of pure fun.” Maybe that quote isn’t as dramatic as the first one. Or maybe it is. The idea that a group of kids facing such a challenge could get together with the goal of “pure fun” is pretty powerful. Camp Kesem isn’t about therapy, nor is it about providing an escape. Camp Kesem is about the same thing that all camps are about: A group of kids with something in common — be it an interest, a talent, a challenge or whatever — put together to have some fun. Throw in a little shared anxiety, newfound independence, and some new responsibilities — and a funny thing happens. Kids gain confidence. Here I’ll give you a third quote from the feature. “If it weren’t for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like a turtle hiding in its shell.” That one, from Autumn herself, sums it all up. I never went to camp myself, but now I do think I’m starting to understand what it’s really about.

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Dana Croatt, Interim Editor

Vol. 29 • Issue 3

Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnpubs.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnpubs.com General Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 • cdamlo@mnpubs.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Shannon Keough Jen Wittes Peter Dehnel Joy Riggs Kara McGuire Sean Toren Cali Owings Emily Mongan Zoe Gahan Julie Kendrick

Are you currently pregnant or had a baby during the previous month and interested in participating in a telephone-based health and wellness program? The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth • Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) • Program delivered to you via the mail and phone • Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly • Must not take antidepressants • Must have a history of depression • You will receive $100 for your time

Creative Director Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnpubs.com Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 • kmanson@mnpubs.com

Call 612-625-9753 or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 1212 S3.indd 1

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Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnpubs.com Advertising 612-825-9205 • sales@mnpubs.com Printing Brown Printing 60,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at news stands statewide. Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just $12 a year. Call 612-825-9205 for more information. Minnesota Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications. POSTMASTER send address changes to: MINNESOTA PARENT, 1115 Hennepin Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55403. Minnesota Parent is copyright 2014 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.

March 2014 9

MINNESOTA PARENT LIKES

Thin Mints and Tagalongs and Samoas, oh my! March is your last chance to get Girl Scout cookies! Girls Scouts in Minnesota and Wisconsin will be selling their tasty treats until Sunday, March 23. Use their convenient cookie locator at girlscoutsrv.org to find cookies nearest you. The program is about much more than just cookies and helps teach girls business skills, financial competence, goal setting, and people skills. Profits raised through the Cookie Program help to fund troop activities and community service projects. Find out more, and learn how your daughter could become a Girl Scout, at girlscoutsrv.org.

Allergies or medical conditions can create a unique challenge for children on the go or heading off to summer camps. To that end, Hope Paige had created a set of medical ID bracelets that are discreet enough in everyday wear so as not to draw attention, but will instantly provide necessary information to any camp counselor or medical professional if the need arises. They are customizable and available in a wide variety of colors. Check them out at hopepaige.com.

Don’t let packing for an overnight summer camp become a source of stress. Check with the camp to see what kind of storage space will be available, and have your child pack early to avoid problems. It might be tempting to over-pack just to cover your bases, but an over-full suitcase can lead to frustration for a kid or counselor as they dig to find the right items when they need them. Check the list created by The American Camp Association for a starting point of necessary items at campparents.org/travellight. And remember to break in any new shoes or sandals before camp to avoid blisters that can interrupt camp fun. Be sure to check out Hot Stuff on page 22 for some snazzy outdoor items.

If you have a budding artist on your hands, get this: The Guthrie Theater has announced a Shakespeare art contest for children grades 4–12 in association with The Acting Company’s production of Hamlet. The winner’s artwork will be reprinted as the cover image of the Shakespeare Classic program — an event designed to introduce Shakespeare to a younger audience — and their school will receive 50 free tickets to see the play. The deadline for submissions is April 4th. More details at guthrietheater.org/ artcontest.

Good food habits, early on: The Minnesota born LANA Nutrition Program helps introduce young children to healthy foods at their childcare or preschool, providing hands-on experiences to cook and taste a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many children who participate in the program have been shown to increase the amounts of these foods they eat in and out of school. The program, which stands for Learning About Nutrition through Activities, is the outgrowth of a successful 24-week program designed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota. And speaking of eating well, March is recognized as “National Nutrition Month” by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, so it may be a perfect time to open the door to conversations about healthy eating with your young ones. Learn more and see a video of the program in action at lananutrition.com.

MINNESOTA PARENT SAFETY

Camp season is fast approaching! Get a jump on your summer planning — and enjoy a day at Como Zoo in St. Paul — with the help of Minnesota Parent’s Camp Fair. You and your child can meet representatives from over 50 different camps and summer activity coordinators to find the best fit for everyone. Meet a Como Zoo animal up-close, get your face painted and enjoy live entertainment and music. The Fair will be held March 8th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit mnparent.com/camp-fair for more information. See you there! 10 March 2014

A recall has been issued that covers 11 models of Graco child carseats sold between 2009 and 2013. The buckles of the seat often needed excessive force to be unlatched, occasionally to the point of needing to be cut to free children. To see affected models visit mprnews.org/ story/2014/02/11/graco-recalls-car-seats

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Shannon

Keough

And then there were two

he idea of having two kids (or more) has always scared me a little. I’m an only child, so the prospect of having just one baby has never seemed “lonely” or “selfish” to me — things I’ve heard applied to the only child situation — just normal. And since I have no personal experience with sibling dynamics, I was concerned about how that might impact my ability to parent two kids. My husband often credits my inability to understand “playful” fighting or competitive banter to my only-child status. If I were to witness my two theoretical children in some standard-issue sibling argument, would I just stare at them in confusion, unable to comprehend it and respond appropriately? But then I became pregnant with a second child and I thought, “Well, why not?” Our daughter Lydia was almost a year and a half old when we found out, so the newborn days were well behind us. Lydia was sleeping well, generally jolly of temperament and had seemed like an actual little person (instead of a perplexing baby) for quite some time. Although in some ways it seemed “too soon,” and I could definitely remember the trials of the newborn period, I figured I could handle another child. My first surprise came with the onset of the first trimester. Although my first pregnancy was relatively easy, the second one was much more difficult. (See my November column, “What to expect when you’re expecting…again,” for more about that.) Add to that the fact of having to care for my active toddler, and I basically felt done-in before the contractions even started. Of course, the real surprises surfaced when we brought little baby Felix back from the hospital. At first, things at home seemed relatively calm. Lydia had been in a months-long “daddy phase,” so my husband Nick was able to seamlessly take on most of the toddler care with little drama. I, on the other hand, took on baby duty, dutifully getting up with Felix every three hours or so to address his hunger, diapers and so on. This went on with little incident for a day or two. Then Lydia became significantly ill for the first time in her young life. Throwing up, a fever, coughing, and so much

Instead of Nick and Shannon, it was now Nick and Lydia and Shannon and Felix. 12 March 2014

more. Since she suddenly refused to sleep alone in her crib, Nick shacked up with her in another room, staying awake all night long while Lydia coughed and moaned beside him. Meanwhile, the relentless, 24-hour newborn schedule started to seriously take its toll on me. And then, of course, we all came down with Lydia’s illness in the days that followed. Many parents of two have described the aforementioned “divide and conquer” coping strategy for handling two kids, and it made logical sense to me. I was expecting to fall into that dynamic, at least at the beginning. What I wasn’t expecting was how weird this would seem in practice. “It’s like we’ve split off into two new couples,” said Nick, and scarily, he was right. Instead of Nick and Shannon, it was now Nick and Lydia and Shannon and Felix. One day I heard Nick saying something to Lydia about “mama and Felix’s room.” I was reminded of a quote from the movie Before Sunset: “I feel like I’m running a small nursery with someone I used to date.” That said, I’m writing this while only a month into our new family situation, so we’re bound to get a babysitter and go out for dinner one of these days. And I have faith that Felix will eventually learn to sleep and move into his very own room, just like his sister before him. The newborn phase is a dire, but temporary, condition. Meanwhile, I’ve generally found that the transition from one to two kids isn’t quite as rough for me as the switch from none to one. Like my friend Jen said, “With the first one, there’s this existential crisis — who am I now? What’s happened to my old life?” Whereas with the arrival of a second, it’s all about the logistics — can we wedge another car seat into our 20-year-old Honda? How will I mix this mac and cheese while simultaneously bouncing a screaming baby? Is there time to watch another episode of Boardwalk Empire before the baby wakes up howling? Shannon Keough lives in south Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lydia. She can be reached at editor@mnparent.com.

Toddler Time Jen

Wittes

Rock on wild child! The importance of creative play

toddler tip

here is a sweet duality in the developing toddler brain — boundless imagination alongside a tendency to be extremely literal. We ask them not to actually eat the dusty, colorful fallen leaves on the ground and later make a “garden salad.” Or we watch as they stare — perplexed — at the dark sky, after the announcement that it’s raining cats and dogs. On the flip side — play a game of cloud-watching with a toddler and be blown away by what they come up with. “That cloud looks like a duck,” you say. Your two year old replies, “I think it looks like a turtle with an ice cream cone. Helping Grandpa mow the lawn. With Elmo.” Her budding mind’s creativity is incredible, and is in a sense sprouted from the same seed that makes a toddler paradoxically literal — belief in the impossible, everything new, glitter as pixy dust, and a chat with the man in the moon. She doesn’t quite understand the world yet and the possibilities are limitless. The time is ripe for exploration and creativity. I recently chatted with Molly Breen, a St. Paul native who taught music and dance to young children for years before becoming the director of Saint Anthony Park United Methodist Church Community Nursery School. She also leads a choir of — get this — children aged newborn to three. In her spare time? She’s working toward a Masters in Education, specializing in the early childhood years. As a mother herself, small, creative, ever-changing minds are kind of her thing. She enthusiastically talked with me about the importance of art, creative freedom, and imaginative play in a toddler’s development. “Current research shows evidence that the

14 March 2014

Embrace and Explore Go crazy with flour. Ask your child to describe the stars and record her observations. let a toe be a paint brush. Share your favorite song. Build a fort and call it a castle. Ask “What if?”

development of creativity and intelligence go hand in hand” Breen says. “Creative play makes kids smarter, that’s the bottom line. Actually, play makes everyone smarter!” This is good news for parents — playing with your toddler is one of the finer perks of the job! But how do we guide exploration without squelching the very nature of creativity with our rules and pre-conceived notions? How do we encourage freedom of expression with little people who are limited in their abilities and possess an independence level that is constantly in flux? And what if we’re not crafty? Is there any hope for the not-so-creative parent trying to help their child explore their artsy side? Worry not. You don’t need to know how to make a craft-show worthy reindeer out of a bag of pipe cleaners and a stick of glue, nor do you ever in your life have to use the word decoupage.

dance! take a walk and guess the names of passing dogs. let the child tell the bedtime story. delight in your own rediscovery of crayons.

“I’ve always thought that parents and teachers are like the architects, setting up structure, materials, and opportunity for open-ended play. After these opportunities are created, it’s time to get out of the way,” says Breen. She also encourages a “yes mentality” and an acceptance of some level of mess. This means allowing for materials to be used in a way you wouldn’t have predicted rather than immediately saying no. Again, this is within the structure initially created and does not require Mom or Dad to swallow frustration as they embrace a little Jackson Pollack on the duvet cover in the name of free expression. The structuring is merely trying something slightly closer to the parental comfort level while still honoring a little “come what may, rock on wild child” that accompanies our sweet toddlers. For example, I have occasionally set up a “bathroom studio” in which I put a variety of brushes and washable paints in the bathtub. The guidelines are: paint what you want, how you want, but only on the tub and tile. The “beyond paper” scenario allows for creative rebellion while falling a few steps short of painting on the walls. And by the way, if you’re cool with paint on the walls — go for it! Of course, not all art requires mess. Not in the mood for clay? Put on some music and pull out the rhythm instruments. (These can look an awful lot like pots and pans!) Find things around the house and use them in your living room band. Don’t be alarmed if your toddler decides to name the band Cookie Drum. Just go with it. There are so many wonderful ways to spark the imagination of your toddler. Beyond the desired developmental progress, you reap the benefit of togetherness, fun, a little mess, and occasionally a finished project for the fridge. Ah, a finger paint masterpiece on the fridge. Yes, Toddler Parent, that means you’ve arrived.

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Jen Wittes is the mother of two young children. Questions? She can be reached at editor@mnparent.com.

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hold. Some families will prefer a female pediatrician and some will prefer a male pediatrician, although this generally becomes more of a concern as kids reach their pre-teen years and often prefer a same-sex pediatrician. Many clinics provide websites with physician history, which can also be helpful as you select a pediatrician.

Peter

Dehnel, MD

We are new in town and wondering how to best select a pediatrician. Many parents are often faced with choosing a new pediatrician for their children, whether due to a move to a new area or a change in clinics with new insurance coverage. Depending on your personal preference, wants, comfort level and style, you are highly likely to find someone that you — and your children — are comfortable seeing on a regular basis. One of the first considerations for many families is to determine which physicians and clinics are covered by your insurance policy. It may be easiest to select a pediatrician that is considered “in network” for your health plan, as this is often the most cost efficient. You will want to check your insurance coverage for specifics about your “in-network” and “out-of-network” providers. Another item to contemplate in selecting a pediatrician is size of the clinic, and if it is a “stand alone” facility or a part

16 March 2014

of a larger clinic system. This matters for things such as “after hours” (evenings, weekends and holidays) availability, alternative care options, etc. Ease of setting appointments and ease of getting through on the telephone to talk live with a nurse or doctor is another important factor to consider when you think about clinic size. Also, find out the likelihood of seeing your chosen pediatrician for well visits and/or sick visits and how the clinic addresses those issues. Finally, and, perhaps the most important in terms of care for your child(ren), is determining if a particular pediatrician is within a practice. Some additional considerations include if she or he has a particular area of interest within pediatrics (sports medicine, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, allergies, asthma, etc.). Board certification in pediatrics is generally a highly positive credential to

We are expecting a new baby in three months. How do we get our toddler ready for the arrival of her baby brother or sister? In spite of the great joy that it brings to parents and grandparents, the birth of a new brother or sister can be very disruptive to the future older sibling, especially if the older sibling is a first-born. Even under the best and most skillful of circumstances, it will likely take at least two or three months for your older child to get used to the idea of another child being in their “territory” and adjust to the fact that a new person is getting “way too much attention” from their perspective. Starting to prepare your child months ahead of time is a good idea. Trying to impart some notion of “ownership” by the older brother or sister can be very helpful, as well. For example, the phrase “your baby brother/sister” can go a long way to help them gain acceptance. Having the older sibling participate in caring for their new sibling — in age-appropriate jobs – can also help ease the transition. Having a grandparent, aunt or uncle around to give lots of extra attention to the older sibling has been key for an easier transition in some families. Finally, lots of reassurance from mom and dad that there is plenty of love to go around is a good principle to have. Regardless of the age of the children in your home, there can be unexpected surprises at any age. A six-year-old who previously was an “only child” can be much more challenging than a two-yearold. Adoptive children will add another dimension of transition if the adoptive child is a little older than the sibling and is ahead of them in milestones, too. Even if there are three children in your

home already, a new baby will require an adjustment by everyone. An important principle is to reinforce that there is an abundance of love, care and concern for everyone and that this new arrival is a very positive addition to everyone’s life. We are soon going on a family vacation to a warm climate soon. What items should we bring? Family vacations can be a great experience. A warm weather vacation after a very cold Minnesota winter will be welcome by your kids as much as you. Much of what you need to know and bring would also apply to a family going on vacation “up north” in mid-July. You definitely need to pack the sun screen (SPF 50 or higher for most kids) and insect repellent if you will likely be exposed to mosquitoes or other biting insects. Sunglasses and hats will help many kids and adults alike, with the intensity of southern sunlight. Rugged sandals are often overlooked, but work well for beaches, climbing and walking. Lots of hydration is important even before they start to feel thirsty because they will have a lot of insensible water losses that they are not used to having under five layers of winter clothing. Also, don’t forget long sleeves during the day to shield you from the sun’s rays or at night to keep you warm as the temperature dips. As always, safety is key to a successful family vacation. Safety in an automobile is as important while traveling as it is here. Water safety may present new challenges if your kids are just at the age of really wanting to be in the pool — or ocean — several hours of the day. NEVER leave a child alone in any water, for any reason. Finally, practicing “overload safety,” not trying to pack too much into each day, will lead to a better family experience for everyone. This column is intended to provide general information and guidance only and not specific medical advice. If you have specific questions about your child, please consult your health care professional. Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board certified pediatrician and medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Have a question for Dr. Dehnel? Email editor@mnparent.com.

RECIP

Think spring! Asparagus is the vegetable that most says spring. Get yourself in the spirit of the season with these recipes — or save them until local asparagus is available.

Italian asparagus sticks 1 cup panko

Preheat oven to 450.

1 Tbsp Italian herbs

Grease a large baking sheet.

½ tsp salt

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a bowl.

½ tsp garlic powder

Make an assembly line with bowls of whisked egg, flour, and the panko mixture. Dip the asparagus first into the flour, then the egg and then into the panko mixture, coating evenly and repeating with all the sticks.

2 large eggs ¼ cup flour 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed Marinara sauce

Place all of the coated sticks on the baking sheet. Arrange so they’re not touching, spray lightly with oil and bake for 3035 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Asparagus and bacon pizza 1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust

Preheat oven to 450.

6 tsp olive oil, divided

Cook and crumble bacon.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Place crust on an ungreased pizza pan, pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush top with 4 teaspoons oil.

2¼ cups asparagus ½ cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese

Top crust with shredded cheese, asparagus, and bacon. Drop spreadable cheese by teaspoonfuls over pizza. Sprinkle with pepper flakes. Drizzle with remaining oil.

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Bake 12-15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.

8 bacon strips

18 March 2014

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Asparagus and mushroom hotdish 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms ¼ onion 1 (4 ounce) packet saltine crackers 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ½ cup milk ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish. Steam asparagus until just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Saute mushrooms and chopped onion in olive oil until the mushrooms have given off their liquid, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the asparagus, tossing vegetables just until hot. Remove from heat. Crush saltine cracker crumbs and mix with cheddar and black pepper. Spread half the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the asparagus mixture over the crumb mixture. Whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth, and pour over the asparagus mixture. Spread the remaining crumb-cheese mixture over the casserole and sprinkle with pecans. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

March 2014 19

Teens&Tweens Joy

Riggs

Learning beyond the classroom

y kids generally enjoy school, but there are times — Monday mornings, for instance — when they complain that school takes up too much of their lives. I can understand the sentiment, even though I don’t believe it’s true. If you account for holidays, breaks and weekends, the total number of hours they spend in a classroom is much smaller per year than the hours they spend exploring and experiencing the world outside of school. Finding positive ways to use that out-of-school time isn’t a problem for them because they have multiple and varied interests, and they live in a family that has the ability to support their participation in summer and afterschool activities. But that’s not the case for many tweens and teens in Minnesota.

According to Youthprise, a Minneapolisbased organization that works to increase and improve opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, 32 percent of Minnesota students in grades K-12 are responsible for taking care of themselves after school, and only 12 percent participate in afterschool programs. Youthprise estimates that more than half of Minnesota parents struggle to find things for their children to do when they’re not in school. How kids spend that out-of-school time is important for both their social and academic development. Research shows that youth who participate in quality out-of-school programs acquire important life, social and communications skills, do better in school, and are healthier and happier. That’s why I’m glad to see that a growing number of schools, communities and organizations like

Youthprise are working together to improve out-of-school-time activities for kids and make them more available to everyone. Leading the effort in St. Paul is Sprockets, a citywide network of more than 170 afterschool and summer programs. Sprockets was launched in 2011 by Mayor Chris Coleman, Superintendent Valeria Silva, and the Second Shift Commission community advisory group. It provides training, professional development, coaching and data sharing for 50 organizations that serve more than 7,000 youth throughout the city. “The Sprockets network is a network of support. The organizations feel that they are a cohesive entity, even if they are located in different parts of town, because of the shared language about how to provide quality programming,” says Sprockets Director Eyenga Bokamba. The programs cover a wide variety of interests, from fine arts to sports to civic engagement. What they have in common is that all the program providers agree to undergo assessments of what they do well and where they could improve in four general areas: welcoming staff, spark (youth having fun), belonging, and safety. “Parents can think of it as a stamp of approval that they are undergoing these trainings and looking at ways to improve,” Bokamba says. “They are happy to have interactions and answer questions — that, to me, is an indicator of a dynamic system, and that’s exciting.”

more info

How to identify a quality afterschool or summer program Follow these tips from Sprockets (for more information, go to sprocketsstpaul.org)

eyenga Bokamba

A welcoming staff. Look for upbeat staff members who encourage young people to learn new skills by helping the youth take on tasks that build self-confidence. Ask: What are the staff’s qualifications? How far in advance are activities planned? Spark. Look for young people having fun. Participants should be energized, focused, eager and on task. Ask: Are the activities hands-on? Do the youth help choose or plan the activities? Belonging. Look for welcoming sociable interactions among all the participants. Smiles, eye contact and

20 March 2014

friendly conversation are good indicators of positive peer relationships. Ask: How are conflicts addressed? How is communication maintained between participants, parents or guardians and staff? Safety. Look for a clean space with drinking fountains and bathrooms nearby, safety equipment like fire extinguishers and a first aid kit readily available, and enough room to safely conduct the activities. Ask: Is there an emergency plan? Are background checks conducted on all staff and others who have access to the space? Are staff CPR certified?

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RESOURCES Sprockets St. Paul sprocketssaintpaul.org Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board ycb.org Youthprise youthprise.org

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763-392-4204 · lilsluggersstpaul.com The programs serve kids from prekindergarten age through high school. Bokamba says about 42 percent of Hamline University MNP 0314 12.indd 1 2/13/14 Lil 9:39 Sluggers AM MNP 0314 12.indd 1 2/12/14 4:27 PM participants are ages 10–14, and about 14 percent are ages 15–17. Parents can go to the program finder on the Sprockets website and plug in details like the type of program they’re looking for, the time of day, the area of town they live in, and the age of their child, and it will show them a list of different programs that fit those criteria. They can also find out whether there’s a fee, if scholarships are available, and if the program has bilingual staff members. Bokamba says the organizations work Stagecoach Theatre MNP 0314 H6.indd 1 2/13/14 10:46 AM collaboratively and communicate with each other regularly. If it turns out that a particular program isn’t the right fit for a youth, he or she will be referred to another program. “Their feeling is, we’re going to do the homework to find the right fit because ultimately that’s what we’re about,” she says. Skills the youth learn through these out-of-school programs — like how to navigate disagreements, how to articulate Christ-centered education grades 9-12 an opinion, and how to show leadership Small classes in a safe, nurturing environment — are skills that will serve them well in Affordable tuition with no hidden fees their adult lives. Bokamba says it’s exciting to be part of an organization that is helping the city reevaluate how it invests in youth, and what opportunities it provides for them to become involved, engaged citizens. “It’s nothing but positive — the potential it has to reshape the entire way that we interact, and what we expect from young people in terms of their participation,” she said. Joy Riggs is the mother of one tween and two teens. Questions? Contact her at editor@mnparent.com.

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OutdOOr fun DuluthPack Made right here in Minnesota, these backpacks are known for their durability — you can tell by their lifetime warranty — and won’t let a little (or a lot) of dirt or water wear them down. Let your little camper head out in style with the rustic envelope backpack perfect for shorter overnight stays or day trips, or with a box-style pack for older children or longer outings. Available in a range of colors. duluthpack.com • $90

Frogglez Goggles

SwimZip Long sleeves may seem counter-intuitive, but the intense UV-blocking power of this fabric means less hassle with slimy sunscreen. These zip-up suits, many of which have long sleeves, make it easy to run quick to the bathroom and to remove a wet suit when swim time is over. Additionally, the zipper is covered in the back so it won’t irritate sensitive skin, and the absence of tags and thick seams means the fabric is soft and itchfree — and chlorine-resistant to prevent thinning and unnecessary wear. swimzip.com • $29.99

Name Bubbles It’s always wise to mark your child’s belongings before they head to camp, but this time use Name Bubbles and there’s no risk of it washing away or rubbing off, as these are laundry and dishwasher-safe. Kids can choose a customized style and pattern that might make them more inclined to accept the labels over Mom’s old-fashioned marker. Beyond just name labels for all their items, you can buy alert labels to warn of an allergy or medical concern with easy-toread directions and phone number in case of emergency. namebubbles.com $19.88 for a set

22 March 2014

If you’ve ever had to struggle with traditional swim goggles, only to have them slide down your child’s head, pinch their ears or pull their hair, here’s a solution: An inventive dad created these non-slip, easy to use children’s googles that eliminate the frustration and discomfort normally associated with goggles. The unique shape of Frogglez Goggles mean smaller hands can put them on and take them off without much assistance, and the soft wide straps stay put throughout activities. And, as icing on the cake, they float! A great camp-ready item for those upcoming summer months. frogglezgoggles.com • $24.95

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LED Mini Camping Lanterns A small lantern with serious power. The narrow beam of a flashlight can restrict activities in low-light camping situations, but set one of these little guys up and you’re good to go with 360 degrees of light over 15 feet. Small enough and lightweight to send off to summer camp — using just 4 AA batteries — and equipped with a hook perfect for hanging it from a bunk. dorcydirect.com • $9.99

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LunchSkins If your child is heading off to day camp and bringing along a lunch, all those sandwich baggies each day can add up. Skip the plastic and get these reusable, toxin-free lunch sacks, with varying sizes for items from tiny snacks to fullyloaded sandwiches and full lunch totes with durable handles. Pop them in the dishwasher at night and they’re ready to go again tomorrow. A great range of patterns keeps lunch-time exciting, and who knows — might just get the kids excited about broccoli! lunchskins.com • $7.85 and up

March 2014 23

Kara

McGuire

How to make tax time less taxing

ax time. If you’re like many Americans, you want to rush through them, or outsource them and be done. That is, until

next year. But rushing through your taxes or failing to plan can mean costly mistakes, added hassle, or tax breaks left on the table. For parents with kids at home or in college, there are provisions in the tax code just for you that can add up to significant savings. Before you turn in those tax forms, double check the following: Is your name spelled right? Is your address correct? Do you have accurate and complete Social Security numbers for you and your kids. These are common mistakes. I’m not kidding. Last fall, the IRS was sitting on $153 million in undeliverable refunds because the agency couldn’t locate taxpayers. Have you entered the 21st century? E-filing your taxes and setting up direct deposit for your refund is the fastest, least-error-prone way to get your taxes off your plate and your money in your hands. Free e-filing is available for some taxpayers.

24 March 2014

Free fillable forms are available for everyone. Learn more at freefile.irs.gov. Even if you pay for online tax prep, it’s not expensive. I use TaxAct and am charged less than $25 to prepare and file both Federal and state returns. Better than slaving away with paper forms and a calculator. Any big life events? Significant life changes — getting married, moving, sending a child to college — alter tax circumstances. Kiplingers.com has a good series on tax planning by life event. Following are some of the key kid-related tax benefits. New addition to the family? Each child under 17 qualifies for the $1,000 child tax credit. That phases out at higher tax brackets, but is a welcome benefit for families who earn less. Parents who adopt qualify for an adoption credit of nearly $13,000 per child. It also has a phase-out for higher incomes. Check out “Tax Topic 607” for the skinny. Kids in daycare? If you require daycare, there is a little help. You can contribute to a pre-tax flexible spending dependent care account or take the dependent care credit

on your taxes. Actually, you can do both, so long as you don’t “double dip,” or take advantage of both programs with the same dollars. Since childcare is so pricey, my family has always used both to make the bite less painful. Remember summer camps and other activities that provide childcare while you work qualify as dependent care. Minnesota has its own special tax breaks for education-related camps. Some school supplies too. Revenue.state.mn.us has the details. Kids in college? For your college student, there are several tax benefits worth up to a few thousand dollars. Unfortunately, deciding which of the many programs you qualify for is tougher than it should be. The IRS “tax assistant,” housed in the “Tax Benefits for Education” section online, can help make sense of the credit mess in a few minutes. Any tax professional can also guide you. The important thing here is that you know they exist. Think forward. Yes, tax planning is important too. Owe too much? Big refund on the way? Then it might be time to readjust how much tax is withheld from your paycheck. Before

getting down to the nitty gritty tax calculation, though, think about your refund personality. While receiving a big refund technically means you’ve given Uncle Sam an interest free loan, some people swear by refund-as-forced-savings. And in this next-to-no interest rate environment, you’re not really losing much by way of forgone earnings. However, if you’re disciplined, changing your withholding so you receive bigger paychecks gives you ultimate financial flexibility. Have you made donations? Think back to all of the charitable donations you’ve made or the Goodwill runs you’ve taken for some additional tax savings. This will only work if you itemize your taxes. And you have to be somewhat organized because receipts are required. If tax year 2013 is a lost cause, get it together in 2014 with use of Turbo Tax’s free “It’s Deductible” tool, available online or as an app. Don’t forget about the future. As your income grows, you’ll be looking for all sorts of ways to reduce your tax burden. One of the smartest is to take advantage of pre-tax workplace retirement plans. It’s a double benefit because you are saving for your future plus your taxable income falls today. Better yet, many employers offer matching funds, free money you don’t want to leave on the table. Prior to April 15, you also have the option to fully fund IRAs for the previous tax year. It’s a funky rule, but don’t question it. Rather, take advantage of the extra time you have to open or fund an IRA or Roth IRA account. Roth IRAs won’t give you a tax break today, but you will be able to take the money out tax-free at retirement. Plus there are ways to tap the principal now without penalty, making it so versatile that I think of it as the little black dress of personal finance. Kara McGuire is a personal finance expert and St. Paul mom of three. Send comments, questions and story ideas to kara@karamcguire.com.

You can get there. We can help.

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Stories for a Fragile Planet Diverse, expansive and thoughtful, this book of traditional stories from around the globe is richly illustrated and tenderly poignant. Ten stories weave a narrative that highlights the importance of our stewardship of the earth, and a history of ideas that can teach young readers to look with kindness toward all humans and creatures on our planet. By Kenneth Steven Illustrated by Jane Ray $10.99

NATURE & OUR PLANET It Can’t Be True! This book of “incredible visual comparisons” will prompt wide eyes and fascination, as readers see the true scale and diversity of the world around them in tangible and relevant illustrations. See 1,320 Earths piled inside Jupiter, learn how far certain birds can fly, discover the age of the oldest tree and find out how many Empire State Buildings it takes to reach the bottom of the ocean. The comparisons made here give kids the tools to help comprehend our fascinating and extreme planet. $19.99

Nature’s Patchwork Quilt Build a web of knowledge of important habitats and ecosystems, from the desert to rainforest and everywhere in between. The pages are filled with mosaics of rich watercolor paintings, prompting the recognition of the interdependence of all creatures in their own habitats. With mentions of topics such as the food chain, biodiversity, and environmentalism, the book introduces children to complex concepts in a manageable way. By Mary Miché Illustrated by Consie Powell $8.95

26 March 2014

Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia The shear volume of information between these covers is astonishing. Keep an inquisitive young mind buzzing with this volume detailing Earth’s physical processes, its cultures and continents, and our own human impact on the planet. Children can explore the comprehensive sections — Planet Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Life On Earth, Climate & Weather, and a Country Factfile to name a few — which are rich with photos, maps, and diagrams to illustrate concepts. $29.99

My Nature Book: A Journal and Activity Book for Kids A fully hands-on, inspiring journal for children to fill with their own unique experiences. With activity pages, blank pages for drawing or writing, and activity suggestions, My Nature Book is a tool to build a life-long fascination with nature and the world around us. Prompts encourage in-depth exploration and consideration beyond merely observation, and facts and quotes reward curious minds. By Linda Kranz $12.95

The Book of Minnesota Skills A guide to living fully and taking advantage of the beautiful natural resources in our great state. Whether it’s down-right outdated or actually practical, this lighthearted book explores the true skills and know-how of living in our great state, from growing your own wheat (did we mention out-dated?) to exiting a chairlift gracefully, (now that’s one we could use!). While some of the skills may be beyond the average persons expertise, it’s the rich history lessons from local experts that make this book worthwhile for any Minnesotan. By Chris Niskanen $19.95

Sean

Toren

The best of my love

alentine’s Day has come and gone. Did my partner Edna forget it again, as chronicled in last year’s column? You might be surprised to read that it didn’t matter to me. Reason One is because I really got her attention last year. Reason Two is that I’m also seeing the bigger picture — as evidenced by an upcoming prostate exam (which, for some reason, has become very important for Edna, who’s been showing more concern for my well being). I was on hold the other day, waiting to make the appointment and listening to the canned ’70s music — when I realized I was tapping my toes to the “Best of My Love.” Was it The Eagle’s version, you may wonder, with its lost-love lament? Or maybe Olivia Newton-John’s sugar pop? Neither. It was The Emotions’ joyous, booty-shakin’ R&B romp with the heavily-repeated chorus: “Whoa, whoa, you got the best of my love!”

Sometimes, if you’re getting enough torque off those cylinders that are there, the other cylinders aren’t so important anymore.

28 March 2014

Hearing the chorus over and over got me to thinking. I’ve had a few relationships that fell on The Eagle’s side of the fence, and a few on The Emotion’s side, and it has something to do with cylinders — such as in a big, fat 12-cylinder engine. I used to think that I had to share all 12 relationship “cylinders” with my partner — romance, intelligence, sexiness, good parenting, financial security, knowing where the keys are, fine cooking, caring, communication, kindness, friendship and desire to have (or not have) kids. I had a few relationships where the cylinders weren’t all firing and I had good reasons for not giving the best of my love, like the fellow climber who was in love with a married man while she dated me. And the Peace Corps volunteer who was “just about to leave” — for 10 months. This was much less the case with a fellow writer I met in grad school, the smart, beautiful “Kitty,” who also had a venomous sense of humor and a tongue wicked enough to wield it. I lured her back to Minnesota where she got a curator job at one of our big art museums. We started out revving at pretty high-RPMs, and I gave her more of “the best of me” than I’d given the others, but she also had me at my worst. I’d had a mountain bike injury and ruptured some disks in my neck, then blew out my rock-climbing elbows so badly I couldn’t climb. I was in pain and grumpy all the time — and needed someone to care for me more. Plus I was myopically finishing a novel and couldn’t broaden my focus to include her interests — which frustrated Kitty, who wanted to be “all-in” together. Maybe we just needed to accept that, although we were firing on most cylinders, we weren’t firing on a few that really mattered. I found it hard to tell her how awesome she was when she had so much going for her. I begrudged her this — and ultimately deprived myself of greater happiness with her. Or, heck, maybe we both just got out while the gettin’

was good. In any case, I learned my lesson, and when my present partner (and wife) Edna came cruising by I made sure we drove slowly even though we didn’t have all our shared relationship cylinders firing equally. I decided that the cylinders that were firing should get an awful lot of attention. I tell her when she’s looking good, and when her food is delicious, and how much I appreciate her smart, well-considered opinions — and what a loving mother she is to our son. To make sure your own shared cylinders are firing right and to give — and get — the best of each other, ask yourself these questions: Are your past relationships coloring your present one? Do you begrudge your partner some parts of you that they deserve? Is there something that you’re withholding? If there are some cylinders in your relationship that aren’t firing right, decide if you should fight for them or let them go. Sometimes, if you’re getting enough torque off those cylinders that are there, the other cylinders (like remembering birthdays or putting gas in the car) aren’t so important anymore. Finally, ask yourself if you are getting the best of your partner. Are they holding back? Can you draw them out? That’s what I had to do with Edna, when I demanded that she give me more attention through the mild lashing of last year’s post-Valentine’s Day column. Since then, she’s shared more of her love and care for me — even urging me to get that pesky prostate exam. Come to think of it, though, she did grin rather impishly when I thanked her for pushing me to make the appointment, and then mumbled “just making sure you really are getting the best of my love,” as she mimed the snapping of a examination glove. Hmm. Sean Toren loves living the full catastrophe in Minneapolis with his wife and son. He can be contacted at editor@mnparent.com with thoughts or suggestions.

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the ue camp iss 2014

A TYPICAL SUMMER CAMP

At Camp Kesem, a normal camp experience is the goal By Cali Owings

hen Jay and Penny Olson dropped their nine-yearold daughter Autumn off at Camp Kesem two summers ago, she was withdrawn — not her usual bright and bubbly self. Autumn shut down when her mom was diagnosed with cancer earlier that year. “It was like we had lost our little girl,” Jay Olson said. When they picked her up a week later, things were different. “She gave us a great big hug. It was like we had our daughter back,” he said. Camp Kesem is a free University of Minnesota student-run summer camp for kids and teens whose parents have or have had cancer. “If it weren’t for Camp Kesem I would probably still be like a turtle hiding in its shell,” said Autumn, now 11 and preparing for her third summer at the camp. “You’re not only worrying about your parents and their cancer, you’re worrying like every kid does how am I going to make friends? How is this going to work?” she said. Now in its third year, Camp Kesem is poised to help even more children like Autumn whose lives have been affected by their parents’ battles with the disease.

The Kesem experience Campers and co unselors having fun at

SU BM ITT ED PH OTOS

Camp Kesem.

Camp Kesem Minnesota started in 2012 when a group of University of Minnesota students raised nearly $30,000 to

March 2014 31

send 35 campers, including Autumn, to camp in Paynesville. It’s part of a nationwide network of college students across the country who raise funds throughout the year and volunteer to bring the camp experience to their communities. Today, there are 54 Camp Kesem chapters at colleges throughout the U.S. Kesem is Hebrew for magic — and the camps strive to “bring magic to families coping with cancer.” Alek Tomich, a University of Minnesota senior and one of the co-directors for this year’s camp, said Camp Kesem prides itself on not being too different from other summer camps. Campers can expect a pretty typical array of activities like arts and crafts, campfires, canoeing, hiking, fishing and games. “When you’re a kid and you’re dealing with a parent who has a cancer, you don’t have a lot of opportunities to have fun because you have so much on your plate,”

32 March 2014 Lundstrum Center MNP 0214 V3.indd 1

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he said. “We want to make sure that camp is one week of pure fun.” On the way to Camp Kesem for the first time last year, Melissa Reynolds said her son and daughter weren’t that excited. There were no smiles during camp registration and only one-word answers. “They were like ‘Why do we have to go to a camp and deal with cancer all over again,’” Reynolds said. It was a night and day difference when she and her husband picked them up. Ashlynn and Myca, known as Alfredo and 7evens at camp, talked nonstop and taught their little sister Amelia — who was too young to go last summer — all of the camp songs during the ride home to Pequot Lakes. This year, all three Reynolds kids plan to attend the camp — and they’re all excited. The University of Minnesota student group is working to raise $70,000 to send 85 campers to Camp Heartland in Willow River.

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State Fair Winner! Maggie Enestvedt, Age 7

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Autumn Olson and counselor "Seashell." submitted photo

Last year, about $50,000 sent 65 kids ages six to 16 to camp in Hayward, Wis. Camp Kesem Minnesota, which more than doubled in size since its inaugural year, has outgrown the camps that have hosted the group in previous years. The camp boasts a 3-to-1 camper to counselor ratio, Tomich said. So when the number of kids increases year over year, so does the group’s all-volunteer counselor count. To accommodate this year’s large group, Camp Heartland is “bigger than any other camp we’ve been to before,” Tomich said.

The Big ‘C’ While Camp Kesem has a non-therapeutic approach, the camp is uniquely designed to help address the kids’ experiences with cancer. During one night early in the week, campers participate in an “empowerment ceremony” where they’re invited to share their story and tell everyone what brought them to Camp Kesem. Kids aren’t required to participate, but many

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Myca and Ashlynn Reynolds. submitted photo

choose to open up about their fears and vent their frustrations with campers and counselors who’ve had similar experiences. Tomich said it’s really the only time they address cancer head-on. “You have to talk about it at some point,” he said. “It’s like the elephant in the room.” The emotional ceremony helps tie everyone together like a family. They usually hold it earlier in the week to make everyone more comfortable with each other so they can focus on having fun, he said. “We share our stories about our parents and what happened to us in our lives,” Autumn said. “All of the rest of the time it’s like you’re at a regular camp.” Most of the counselors can relate to the campers because they’ve had experience with the disease in their families. “[The counselors] were looking for something like this when they were a kid and it’s kind of like paying it forward now,” said Tomich, who lost his dad to cancer at age 8. Penny Olson was surprised when she learned so many of the counselors had experience with cancer. “They’ve been down a similar trail which gives them a direct connection with

34 March 2014

many of the kids,” she said. Counselors’ personal experience combined with specialized training helps them to tackle some big issues that other camps might not have to deal with — like a camper who says they’re not sure if their mom or dad will be alive when they get home. “It takes some practice to take their mind off that situation,” Tomich said. The camp experience helped Autumn open up to her parents about her feelings. “I was afraid to be by my mom, like if I was looking at her or talking to her and she’d die,” she said. “But I was afraid to be away from her because I was afraid she would die while I was gone.” After camp, she knew it was safe to talk to her parents. “She was afraid to tell me how she was feeling because she was afraid of hurting me,” Penny Olson said.

Beyond summer camp Camp Kesem’s influence extends beyond a week of summer fun to reunions throughout the year and a network of support for campers and their families. When Melissa Reynolds’ husband passed away from cancer in December, a dozen counselors made the three-hour

Camp snapshot Dates: Aug. 17–23, 2014 Location: Camp Heartland in Willow River Ages: 6–16 Application info: Interested campers should apply online at www.campkesem. org/camper-application Capacity: The camp is currently at 65 percent capacity for this year, Tomich said. If spots run out, prospective campers can put their names on a waiting list. In previous years, donors have come through to fund the camp experience for wait-listed kids. Give: You can help bring the Camp Kesem experience to a child affected by cancer. For donation information visit campkesem.org/minnesota/donate

trip to Pequot Lakes for the visitation service and funeral. It was just after finals week at the University of Minnesota and they delayed trips home to their families to spend time with Ashlynn, Myca and Amelia, Reynolds said. “It was such a testimony. Just look at the commitment and dedication these college students have to these little kids,” she said. The counselors that couldn’t make it sent a care package, referring to them by their camp names. Even Amelia, who hasn’t yet attended camp, was included and given her own camp shirt. Reynolds said the camp counselors have had a huge impact on her family. “It’s encouraging to look at them as mentors, as older kids, that have gone through it and are successful,” she said. “They’re still happy and doing something positive out of something negative.” Even though the camp is free, the Olsons donate each year to Camp Kesem to give the opportunity to another child. “It meant so much to us to have our daughter back so we decided to sponsor another kid so that another child could become whole again,” Jay Olson said He said he hopes to send Autumn to Camp Kesem as long as she can and maybe she’ll have the opportunity to be a counselor when she’s older. “They say ‘Once you’re in the Kesem family, you’re in,’” he said.

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the camp issue 2014

PHOTO BY LYON KEASLER

iCamp Apple Camps give kids the tools to bring their visions to life

n Apple store, with its neatly organized displays of high-tech gadgets and funky piped-in music, hardly seems like the type of place a typical summer camp would be held. There are no tents, no s’mores, no campfire sing-alongs (don’t worry about the lack of bonfire...there’s an app for that). But here, among the iPads and

By Emily Mongan

MacBooks, camp is in session. From mid-July to early August, Apple’s retail stores across the globe serve as “camps” for kids ages eight to 12 with an interest in filmmaking and learning more about Apple’s range of products and software. Over the span of three 90-minute classes, Apple store employees teach campers how to use Apple programs

like iMovie and GarageBand to create short movies that they write, film, edit, score, and sometimes even star in themselves. The camps are short and free, a welcome addition to any hectic summer activity schedule. But don’t let their brevity fool you; like the camp’s slogan says, the kids are there to get down to business and “make movie magic.”

March 2014 37

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Apple campers Joel DuBay and Bria Budziszewski score their films using iPads, while Bria’s mom Heidi Ripplinger checks in on their progress. PHOTO BY LYON KEASLER

The Apple Store in Uptown Minneapolis has held camp each year since it opened in 2010. The store operates as usual while camp in session, with campers grouped around one of the massive display tables to work on their projects and learn that day’s lesson. Apple Camps encourage kids to bring their own Apple devices with them, if they own any. If they don’t, the store offers iMac and iPads for the kids to use in the store. Siblings Wyatt and Bria Budziszewski were already plugged in and intently focused on their iPads before the session even began, playing around with apps and games. They were both first time filmmakers, but like many of the other campers they were certainly no strangers to using Apple products. Day one of each camp session begins with the fundamentals of filmmaking, like the basic parts of a story and popular movie genres. To spark inspiration, the instructors asked what good movies the kids had recently seen. Answers ranged from Despicable Me 2 to Star Wars, which the campers then broke down into genres. The instructors explained that genres like action, sports, and how-to videos were popular with young filmmakers at past camp sessions, but that

38 March 2014

kids were free to create their film about whatever inspired them. Each camper then received a piece of paper to use as their storyboard, where each scene would be sketched out into a cohesive story with a beginning, middle, and end. Pen and paper in hand, the campers began drawing. On the first day of Apple Camp, parents are invited to stick around while their kids work for a free parents workshop. There, they can learn how to set time limits and parental controls on Apple products. In addition to attending the parent workshop, many parents stayed in the store during the camp session to lend their kids a hand with the brainstorming process. Steve Kinny, dad of first time campers Dylan and Maddie, watched as Maddie sketched out a story about the family’s pets texting each other. Dylan had previous experience making videos in his fifth grade class, but Maddie’s tale of texting pets was her first foray into filmmaking. “It will be fun to see what she does with it,” Kinny said.

Lights, camera, action! Within minutes, several distinct stories

had been sketched out on the campers’ storyboarding sheets. Wyatt planned an instructional video explaining how to build an underwater observatory on the popular building block-based computer game Minecraft, while his sister had sketched out an adventure story that she would animate with Legos. Siblings Kaitlyn, Eric, and Briana Terry would be teaming up to create a bowling movie, to be filmed that afternoon when the family used their pass to a local bowling alley. All of the camera work for the films happens outside of the store, between the first and second sessions. Campers are encouraged to use their iPads, iPhones, and digital cameras to shoot video, and gather old photos and video that can be edited in if their story revolves around a past event. The editing happens during the second session, using iMovie and the iMacs available in the Apple store. After planning out their stories, campers are shown how to create songs using the music program GarageBand. They use the touch screen on the iPads to play a variety of virtual drums, guitars, and pianos to create a looping track that would serve as the score to their film. The Terry siblings each had their own ideas for the score, which they hoped would mesh later in the filmmaking process. “I have lots of drums, kind of hip-hop,” Briana said. “[Eric] has jazz, so we’ll try to put it all together.” After two sessions of working on their films, the campers returned to the Apple Store the next Saturday morning with their families in tow. But this time, there would be no brainstorming or editing. The kids walked past the giant table where they had brought their ideas to life, and headed towards three giant built-in screens at the front of the store. Apple Camps culminate on Day 3 with a short film festival, a chance for campers to show off their creations to family and friends. Unlike the first two sessions, the film festival takes place before regular store hours, giving campers a place that’s solely dedicated to showing off their work. Up first is Bria, whose Lego action flick expertly utilized sound effects to bring its jungle setting to life. The counselors admitted that one sequence involving a

boat chase and clever use of fishing line had them stumped when they first viewed it. Her brother Wyatt was next, with his how-to Minecraft guide that used text subtitles to explain each step of the project. Between each film, the counselors pointed out cool tips and tricks that the kids had learned during camps and put to practice in their projects, like adding text, sparkly special effects, or title screens throughout the film. The films continued, ranging from one about horseback riding to an intense movie trailer-style film about one camper’s promising baseball season. The filmmaking team of Briana, Eric, and Kaitlyn Terry did agree on a cohesive soundtrack in the end, with instant replay shots of their bowling games set to jazzy, upbeat music. Maddie and Dylan Kinny’s film became a family affair, not only starring the family’s pets but their parents and grandmother as well. In it, the family’s dog and cat appear to be texting back and forth (on iPhones, naturally) about their humans’ crazy party lifestyles. The texting looked so realistic, one counselor couldn’t help but ask Maddie’s special effects secret. “We put gravy on the screen,” she said. When the last of the credits rolled, Apple Camp officially came to an end. As the campers left with their families, the counselors encouraged them to return to the store with any questions they have about future projects, which may come in handy; some campers had already made more films in the time between the camp sessions and the festival, inspired by what they had learned in store. Apple Camps are definitely not your typical summer camp. They’re free, short, and take place in a space that’s usually reserved for shopping or camping out for the latest Apple product. But in just two short days, Apple campers had created something awesome that was entirely their own. They left the store with not just a basic knowledge of filmmaking, but the skills to use their Apple devices to bring any story they can imagine to life.

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the issue 2014

camp

A camper gets some hands-on puppet experience at In The Heart of the Beast Theater. photo by bruce silcox

small stage

big creativity By Zoe Gahan

Campers get an immersive experience building miniature theater productions

March 2014 41

Campers practice their toy theater production. SUBMITTED PHOTO

ou’ve heard of the Big, Bad Wolf, but how about the Big, Bad Pig? He wears a bowler hat and suspenders, a monocle wedged in his pudgy pink face, and runs a nuclear power plant on the side — that is, according to campers at In

The Heart of the Beast Theater’s Fractured Fairy Tales Toy Theater Camp. The camp is a collaboration with the Loft Literary Center, inviting children to take traditional fairy tales and ‘fracture’ them in satirical and imaginative ways, before challenging them to create a toy theater performance for family and friends at the end of the week.

A long tradition Toy theater, as In The Heart of the Beast’s Education Director Bart Buch explains, is a unique and intimate combination of art and performance that allows artists complete control of the production. Originally sold as kits of popular plays in the 19th century, a typical toy theater sits about a foot or two tall and looks just like a miniature stage. Inside the theater, puppets cut from cardstock and paper, and suspended by strings or small sticks, dance and twirl at the whim of the puppeteers. “It’s a little like pre-TV, or primitive TV. That’s how we explain it,” says Buch. In the Heart of the Beast Theater (HOBT) prides itself on repurposing old materials, and discarded cardboard boxes provide the perfect frame for a make-it-

42 March 2014

yourself toy theater, upon which endless sets, paints, tiny curtains, and ornaments may be placed. “[Toy theater] gives the kids an overview. They can create an entire theatrical production, including the set, the costumes, and the puppets. It gives them an immersive design and performance experience in a way that they have control of almost all the variables in a show.”

Building skills In a spacious though cluttered room, edged with heaps of craft supplies, seven children between the ages of nine and 11 immersed themselves in the process of bringing their fractured fairy tales to life. The campers clearly embrace the creative freedom they are given, enthusiastically warping traditional fairy tales to reflect

their wry sense of adolescent humor, often informed by surprising observations. No longer does Jack dutifully climb the beanstalk to steal golden eggs and provide for his mother, but instead spends his days nose-to-screen, playing video games on his cell phone. Campers Siri and Sanna, who together wrote and built Jack and the Beanstalk — NOT!, featuring the lazy Jack, both enjoyed imagining and creating the characters. “It can be kind of complicated,” says Sanna, referencing the problem-solving involved in the whole process, but said also that she has enjoyed herself during the week. Her group partner, Siri, nodded agreement. “The campers took the images they wrote out, and figured out how to represent them in artwork,” says HOBT counselor, Lynette LaRue. “Then the challenge is to make it 3D after that. They had to reconfigure, scene-by-scene, what the action is, and that’s been a really fun challenge for them to work through.” Watching the campers, it is evident that creating a toy theater production requires more than just the writing of a fun story. Considerations of size, such that puppets fit properly in the small theater, was something each of the three small groups worked through uniquely. Campers chose instruments to create a range of sound effects — just what sound does a teleporter make? — and did vocal exercises throughout the week to perfect the performance of each character’s unique voice. They also learned various literary techniques to help in their writing. Linda Back McKay, the counselor from the Loft Literary Center who helped primarily in the writing of the fairy tales — but could be seen assisting in the construction of the characters and sets — spoke of the writing process: “We had each of them write their own ideas...and I did some editing. We talked a lot about similes, metaphors, and images and tried to include some of those concepts in all of the pieces we wrote.” Working on a production that spans such a variety of art forms — the children wrote, sang, acted, painted, and drew throughout the week — allowed for the campers to learn new skills, but as well

ResouRces In the Heart of the Beast Theater, known for its beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and plays that comment on themes of community, spirituality, and nature, is located in Minneapolis. The theater offers a range of camps each summer for a variety of ages (preschool to adult) and interests. See more camp information at hobt.org or call 612-721-2535.

delve into areas they already held an interest in. Buch emphasizes the collaborative element that goes into creating each production. “There’s a place for kids that are shy, there’s a place for kids that aren’t shy, there’s a place for kids who just want to make, so you’ll see them take different roles. [The counselors] split them up into groups of two to three, and then a lot of times one person takes a more theatrical lead, and one person takes a design lead.” Evan, Elliot, and Oliver, the brains behind The Big, Bad Pig, exemplified this division of creative work. Elliot, who has a propensity for “taking things apart and putting them back together,” as he put it, easily stepped into the roll of set designer, deftly gluing and cutting to create buildings and props. Evan was busy drawing, shading, and detailing the three little wolves, and Oliver added the finishing touches to the monstrous, pink pig. “What was really beautiful was when the children started making their own stories and ideas come to life by drawing the characters, and then figuring out their voices and having it all happen and come to life on stage,” says Back McKay of watching the campers throughout the week.

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Future plans As this collaborative camp was a new endeavor for both The Loft and HOBT, Buch recognized that the format of the camp might change in the coming years depending on what worked and what needs adjustment. Though the element of toy theater will remain the primary focus, Buch looks forward to working with a variety of literary forms and genres. “We’ve done haikus with toy theater before, which is a really great thing, because it leaves a lot of room for interpretation,” says Buch.

March 2014 43

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Sleepaway camp — is your child ready? By Julie Kendrick

When it comes to deciding whether or not a child is ready for a sleepaway camp this summer, many parents rely on the successful completion of some major life events, including getting through most nights without wetting the bed, or happily managing an overnight sleepover at a friend’s house.

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While those are excellent indicators, there are some additional cues that a savvy parent may want to consider. We talked with parents whose kids are camp veterans, longtime counselors, and child mental health professionals to dig a little deeper into helping you decide when your little one is ready for a few days — or even a whole summer — away at camp. “What happens after the parent drives

the issue 2014

camp

away and the kids get on the bus to camp with their counselors is really different than what you might expect,” says longtime Urban 4-H Camp at Bay Lake counselor Nathalie Young. The southwest Minneapolis resident, now a freshman at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, says that she is very familiar with the phenomenon of the child who clamps onto the parent’s leg, sobbing “don’t make me go!” but who perks up as soon as a parent’s brakelights disappear in the driveway.

Drama queens and brave fronts “We try to get kids distracted, involved and making friends right away,” says Young. “We’ll start with name games, help them meet new people, and talk about how much fun we’ll have when we arrive at camp.” While the drama-queen-turnedhappy-camper is certainly a category of camper with whom most counselors are familiar, Young also notes that this type has its less well-known counterpart.

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46 March 2014

“I’ve also seen kids who put on a brave and cheery face, maybe because they really wanted to go to camp right up until that moment, or because they don’t want to worry a parent. They’ll be all-smiles with mom or dad, but tears start as soon parents leave.” Never fear, says Young, “No matter what a kid is going through, we find ways to get them focused on fun stuff as soon as possible.”

Key indicator: go with the flow Young does agree that the dry-bed and successful-sleepover indicators are good ones for determining if you’ve got a camp-ready child this year, but she also points to another factor. “Sleeping over at a friend’s house does show that a child can be away from home overnight, but, other than that, camp isn’t really much like a sleepover.” She says that a more important factor might be to consider whether or not your child can readily and easily participate in large-group activities, and be flexible enough to adapt their desires to those of the group. “We have strict rules about the campercounselor ratio, so it’s not possible for a child to stay alone in the arts and crafts area, for example, finishing a project, if it’s time for the group to go swimming. If you have a child who can do community activities and go with the flow, then they’re more likely to be ready for a positive camp experience,” she says.

Mental health professional’s perspective Young’s advice is reinforced by Beth Dahline, a social worker and school-based mental health program supervisor at

resources Urban 4-H Camp at Bay Lake • Open to non 4-H members • Grades 4–8 • July 21–25 and August 4–8 • $350 • z.umn.edu/summercamp • Contact: Alneida Madrigal, 612-624-7603 Washburn Center for Children • 612.871.1454 • washburn.org • Offices in Minneapolis, Minnetonka and Brooklyn Park

Washburn Center for Children in Minneapolis. “Being able to participate in group activities is important,” she says, and builds on that milestone with several other practical questions that parents could consider. “Can they make decisions for themselves, and understand themselves enough to enroll in activities that are good fits for them? Can they know when they need to use the restroom and speak up about it? Are they able to be responsible with their belongings? Keeping track of both shoes is going to be necessary,” she says with a laugh. On a more serious note, she suggests, “Parents should consider whether their child will know when they are hurt or when they need to ‘shake it off.’ They also should know to use their voice when it’s critically needed, and to ask adults for help.” She notes that most parents begin exploring sleepaway camps when children are around ages eight through ten, but she urges that developmental factors are much

more important considerations than age. She also cautions parents to make sure that kids have an accurate understanding of what happens at camp. “They might have an idealized view of nature, and not realize that bugs, heat and rain are also part of the whole picture,” she says.

Talk to the camp director Dahline urges parents to visit camps in advance, if possible, or at least to have a conversation with the camp director. “You know your child better than anyone — if they’re a picky eater, can’t fall asleep easily, or wake up with the first ray of sun. You should directly ask the camp director, ‘How do you handle this situation?’ and see if you’re satisfied with their response.” Understanding the camp’s policies toward bullying, for example, is something that parents will want to explore in advance, especially if their child might be a target.

March 2014 47

The buddy system — pros and cons

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Some parents seek to ease their child’s experience at sleepaway camp by having them attend with a friend. While that idea can be successful in alleviating pre-camp anxiety, it can also be prone to pitfalls, Dahline says. “It really depends on the personality and flexibility of the child. If you have a very shy kid who wants to go to sleepaway camp with a friend, you should spend some time wondering out loud with them how they might react if the friend makes a new friend at camp, or goes to sit with someone else. It’s a good idea to have that conversation with both kids, and with the friend’s family, too.” Sometimes, Dahline says, hesitant sleepaway campers may have more success attending camp with a sibling. “Especially if they go to school together, the child is already familiar with the idea of the sibling doing their own thing during class time, but being available if support is needed.”

What parents say Nicole Celichowski, a St. Paul mother of three, says that sleeping styles might be one of the biggest factors to consider. “Will they get themselves to bed at a civilized time, or will they be a train wreck the next day? Still, that might be a good learning experience all around, if you think the kid can handle it,” she says. Julie Brown Price, of Eden Prairie, found that easing into the sleepaway experience worked best when her daughter Hannah was younger. “One camp held a one-night sleepover in the middle of the day camp session. The camp staff got the kids excited about this one special night, so it was highly anticipated,” she recalls. St. Paul parent Margaret Jones believes that even a bit of homesickness can be a good life lesson, too. “Both our boys went away to camp for two and four-week sessions when they were young. They were certainly lonesome at times, but they were also very proud of themselves for getting through it.”

the issue 2014

camp

Brainstorming at The Bakken

Science Day Camps help kids dream up inventions

By Emily Mongan

The saying

“necessity is the mother of invention” very well could have been said about the Summer Science Day Camps at The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, where kids are challenged to dream up inventions of their own and bring them to life. At a recent camp session, 8-year-old camper Shifa was hard at work on a light-up jewelry box that hid a battery-operated circuit of LED lights under its pink and glittery exterior. When asked what inspired her to create such a flashy piece, Shifa said inspiration came easy. “My earrings had no place to go.” The Bakken camps, which have been held at the museum named for Medtronic co-founder

March 2014 49

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Invention Programs Coordinator Andre Phillips assists a camper with her invention in The Bakken museum’s workshop. PHOTOS BY LYON KEASLER

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and implantable pacemaker inventor Earl Bakken for over a decade, operate on a simple premise: think it, make it, improve ymcacampmiller.org it, and show it. Early on in the weeklong Just 2 Hours North of the Twin Cities! session, campers sketch out their proposed designs, drawing on their imaginations and personal experiences for YMCA - Duluth Area MNP 0314 12.indd 1 2/13/14 11:08 AM Summer Engineering Camps inspiration. This “think it” part of the (Itasca Community College – Grand Rapids, MN) process can be daunting for many Explore engineering applications & careers • Engage in hands-on team projects & experiments • Build professional & problem campers, said Invention Program Coordisolving skills • Enjoy recreational & traditional camp activities nator Andre Phillips. Session 1 Senior High Engineering Science Camp “The tricky thing with the word June 16-20 (entering grades 11-12, fall 2014) invention is that it’s not always something Session 2 Senior High Engineering Design Camp July 6-12 (entering grades 10-12, fall 2014) new,” Phillips says. “We have to stress that Session 3 Junior High Engineering Camp invention can just be your version of July 16-19 (entering grades 7-9, fall 2014) something that already exists, or a better Call Kim Damiani at 218-322-2370 kimberly.damiani@itascacc.edu http://engineering.itascacc.edu version of something that exists.”

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Try, try again After their ideas are on paper and they’ve been trained to safely use the tools available to them in the workshop, the campers get to work. For a few hours each day, they work alongside volunteers and counselors to bring their creations to life. This particular day, the campers were focused on the “improve it” part of the invention process, encouraged by the counselors to think of how they could make their project better with more features or a revised design. Like any good inventor, the campers at The Bakken understand that there are several trips back to the drawing board between the original idea and

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Obviously it doesn’t always look like how you want it to look like. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s not as good...But it’s always really cool. — Miriam, camper

A camper adjusts the wiring for the working headlights of her miniature RV project.

the final product. “Obviously it doesn’t always look like how you want it to look like. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s not as good,” says third-time camper Miriam. “But it’s always really cool.” Each day at the Summer Science Day Camps begins with a scientific “challenge” that revolves around that day’s theme. On “improve it” day, the campers gathered on the roof of the Bakken for their challenge, lined up behind rows of air compressors equipped with empty plastic bottles. After a round of test launches, the campers broke into teams and set to work on a common goal: turn the bottle into a rocket that would fly further than the rest. Some campers added paper fins and nose cones to their rockets, looking to make their bottle as aerodynamic as possible. Others chose a more aesthetic route, wrapping their rocket in colored electrical tape (one rocket was decorated like a bee, but unfortunately didn’t fly like one). If their design didn’t perform as well as they had hoped, they went back to the drawing board before the next round, bouncing ideas off of each other and the counselors to settle on a new and improved design. This trial-and-error way of creating is at the core of the Bakken’s camp philosophy; that campers shouldn’t think of any missteps in their project as a failure, but rather as a chance for improvement. “Being the Bakken museum we often fall back on the story of Earl and the pacemaker,” Phillips said. “He

March 2014 51

didn’t invent the pacemaker, but he made a better pacemaker. He improved the design.” After the morning challenge, the campers headed back downstairs to continue work on their projects. Second year counselor Sandra Walton was on hand in the workshop to offer words of encouragement, and supervise campers as they used tools like saws and soldering irons. But aside from that, she said, the students’ work was all their own. “A lot of them do fail, and we want to teach them not to get upset,” Walton said. “But you want to do it so that you’re not taking over their project or doing most of it for them.” With only one day left before the “show it” phase of their projects, the campers left the workshop one by one to test their inventions in the adjacent classroom. One girl piloted a motorized paddleboat in a tub of water, while another put the finishing touches on a model RV with working headlights. Nine-year-old Miriam, now a pro in her third year of The Bakken camps, led a mirror-plated robot around the room on a small leash that connected to its on/off switch. Miriam explained that the skills she learned in her previous years at The Bakken had led up to this year’s invention, which she lovingly nicknamed R.O.B. (short for Remote Operated Bot).

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“I learned soldering when I first came here, and it’s always been my favorite.” Miriam said, showing how R.O.B’s wire leash was soldered together. “I’ve learned a lot of cool things here.

Girl power Standing in the chaos of the workshop, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of two dozen campers hard at work. But after spending enough time in the workshop, one detail became obvious: This particular week, there were no boys. All of the Bakken’s weeklong camp sessions are co-ed, with the exception of one. For five days each summer the Bakken camp goes girls-only, a tradition that began eight years ago. “In this age group, it’s really easy for boys to just take over and dominate the small groups,” Phillips said. “But we like to make the all-girls camp so they can feel like they’re not competing with really boisterous and loud boys.” Positive parent feedback has kept girls week going strong, so much so that some parents ask to sign their daughters up for it even though they’re not within the fourth, fifth, or sixth grade age range. Phillips explained that even he takes a step back during girls only week, to allow the female counselors to have more one-on-one interaction with the campers. “We like to try to take down the image

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(Young Entrepreneurs Camp) 2/5/14 4:35 PM

Campers work on their inventions in the workshop alongside volunteers and counselors.

of science and engineering as a boy’s ‘thing,’” Phillips said. “We like to have an all girls’ camp to show that yeah, there is a place for women in this industry.” The boy-free atmosphere is something that many of the campers appreciate, including Miriam, whose first two camp experiences were during co-ed weeks. “Girls can be gossip queens,” she admitted. “But once in awhile I do enjoy this, a lot.” Between the morning challenges, games, and afternoon magic tricks, campers may have a hard time differentiating between what’s a game and what’s science at the Bakken day camps. Even the time devoted to science projects seemed like fun, with girls encouraging one another and cheering when their inventions worked. This concept of learning through play is exactly what the Bakken camps are striving for. Though it may just seem like fun and games to the campers, every activity is structured to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, which then translates to their inventions and time in the workshop. “They have all these good ideas, and they get excited,” Walton said. “They just play around with it, and then they learn by having fun.”

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2/13/13 1:45 PM March 2014 53

Counselor Carmen (left) leads a Spanish song and dance session at the Joyce immersion camp.

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Muchas culturas

2/14/14 4:11 PM

Spanish immersion camp at Joyce Preschool offers life skills, cultural lessons Story by Zoe Gahan â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Lyon Keasler

n oft-expressed regret of adults is the missed opportunity to learn a second language in those precious and fleeting years when language acquisition is a joyful task of exploration and acceptance for young minds, not the daunting

undertaking many older language-learners encounter. Beyond the practical benefits for living and working in a hyper-connected world, being bilingual is linked to improved performance in cognitive tasks, and to retaining mental agility in later life. With these benefits, proven in study and after study, it is no wonder parents are opting to give their children an upper hand by providing an immersion-based educational environment, like the one offered at Joyce Preschool in Minneapolis.

54 March 2014

the issue 2014

camp

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nces and Advent e i r ure pe for all abilities! x s E

Immersive learning (Aprendizaje inmersivo) Beyond its regular school-year calendar, Joyce offers Spanish immersion camps during the summer months, where native Spanish-speakers lead children through activities such as outside play, songs, and small group activities focused on giving a cultural context to the language they are learning. “Our summer camp program is usually focused around having things of different Latin American countries and Spain and focusing on introducing the kids to the culture of those countries,” says Sarah Clyne, the executive director of the preschool. The camps host between 15 to 20 children, ages three to eight, each week. With teachers from a range of Latin American countries and with experience in early childhood learning, as well as assistants from a local high school, the campers are welcomed to explore the language through play, song, and dance. While some campers may already have a basis in Spanish, either through their own immersion-based education or from

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Campers explore the various toys and games at Joyce before the Friday Fiesta.

speaking with their parents, children with little to no experience in the language thrive just as well. “Kids are very open to observing language, and catch on very quickly. We use a lot of strategies, like repetition, visual support, singing songs, and having really solid teams so the kids know what to expect. Those are all ways that we make this a safe environment for children to play with language and also to comprehend what’s being said to them,” says Clyne. The environment for the camp is truly one of play and exploration, a stark contrast to the rigid or formal lessons many students in higher grades may experience when learning a language. A gentle but firm “¡Cuidado!” (Careful!) from camp counselor Carmen Paucar prefaces the arc of a toy as it sails across the room, which is brimming with small voices and hands exploring books, toys, and ideas. The children are excited for the end-of-camp Friday Fiesta, where parents and family are invited to join them for a pizza lunch, and get a first-hand look at their child’s experience.

Community space (Espacio de la comunidad) During the 2013 summer camp season, Joyce Preschool was finalizing its move from an Uptown, Minneapolis location to the new, nearby building where its main offices and classrooms will be located. Sarah Clyne noted, “It is really nice to be in a space that is reflective of the quality of the program.” Though there were various unpacked boxes in a few rooms, and the general energy of a large move

56 March 2014

lingered, the hallways of the new space were filled with songs and voices of children, creating a warm and inviting community space, very much the goal Joyce Preschool strives for. “It’s about family, it’s about community, [and] it’s about creating and building those relationships. It’s more than just a preschool,” remarked Clyne. Indeed, the tagline for the institution, “Muchas culturas, one community,” only further her statement. It should be noted that navigating the institution as a non-Spanish speaking parent would not be a problem, as almost all staff is bi-lingual.

Summer ProgramS arts 路 athletics 路 academics

Summer Program information available online at

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March 2014 57

A counselor reads to Joyce campers.

• Workshops • Summer Camps • Registration for Weekly Classes • Preschoolers, Beginners and Adults

O’Shea Irish Dance at The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Avenue · St. Paul, MN 55104 www.osheairishdance.com info@osheairishdance.com · 612-722-7000

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Teaching to learn (Enseñar a aprender)

We use a lot of strategies, like repetition, visual support, singing songs, and having really solid teams so the kids know what to expect. Those are all ways that we make this a safe environment for children to play with language. — Sarah Clyne, Executive Director, Joyce Preschool

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Those families that are involved in either the camps or the preschool are diverse, some native Spanish speakers, some bilingual, and many with no second language experience themselves. It is again the drive to give children the opportunity to acquire unique skills early on that has brought them all here. Often times, the children strengthen their own skills by teaching their parents or other students what they’ve gained during the camp. Pat and Jill MacKenzie, parents of five-year-old Sophia, said they have friends who have sent their children to Spanish-immersion preschools, and they thought the summer camp offered a unique opportunity for their child to try it out for a short while and see if it piqued her interest. “She enjoys coming here, everyday she wants to come here,” said Pat. “She sings us the songs in Spanish at home that she’s learning everyday.” Pat mentioned he had experience with Spanish as part of a job many years back, and through his child’s involvement in the camp has worked on re-strengthening some of those skills. His experience mirrors that of many other parents. Michelle Peterson, parent of camper Harley, spoke of her past experience with Spanish in high school and college, as well as in a study abroad program. “I think it’s important to learn multiple languages, and we can’t expect that everyone is going to speak English.” The children’s excitement to show their parents all they’d experienced in the week was evident, as first-year camper Ida ran to her mother Kelly Rikansrud and exclaimed, “I learned a song!” Ida was attending the camp with her older sister, Nora, who had attended the camp the previous year. As Kelly took a seat, Ida sung portions of the songs they had learned, and told her mother what different words meant. It’s no secret that teaching a subject strengthens those skills in the teacher, and as the children educated their parents, it became

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clear that the learning taking place extends beyond the few hours a day the campers spend at Joyce.

A universal word (Una palabra universal) As the camp wound to an end, after songs and dance and conversations among the adults, there was a moment of quiet in an otherwise boisterous morning as lunch was eaten. “¿Quieres pizza?” asked one counselor of a parent, who responded with an admittedly tentative ‘gracias’ when accepting the slice. These many families, some native Spanish-speakers and many hearing it for the first time, were joined together briefly in a safe and welcoming space around the ideals of education, intercultural acceptance, community, and the ever-universal pizza.

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SUmmer CAmpS At JoyCe preSChool These week-long day camps give kids ages three to eight a chance to explore Spanish language and Latin American culture with native Spanish-speakers through songs, dancing, crafts, and outdoor play. No language experience is necessary, and the counselors work to accommodate every level of skill. Even fluent Spanish-speakers are encouraged to join. Enrollment is first-come, first-served and opens in spring of each year. See joycepreschool.org/summercamp for more information.

March 2014 59

the ue camp iss 2014

‘ThaT conservaTion eThic’

Deep Portage offers camps for young explorers, By Cali Owings hunters and wilderness enthusiasts

n a 6,300-acre wildlife preserve, summer campers hunt, fish, hike and swim throughout a diverse northern Minnesota landscape of forest, lakes, rivers and bogs. Founded in 1973, the Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack is a nature preserve and conservation education center that opens its expansive grounds every summer to hundreds of young explorers, hunters and wilderness enthusiasts for camp. While other summer camps focus on youth growth and development, Deep Portage Executive Director Dale Yerger said the focus of their camps is conservation education with a woods, water and wildlife theme. “Here we really promote wise use of natural resources and that conservation ethic,” Yerger said. Throughout the year, Deep Portage is open to the public and hosts school groups for mini-camps and learning opportunities. It’s accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as a center for environmental education. Deep Portage offers four different camps throughout the summer that focus on firearm safety and deer hunting; bird hunting; and conservation. Looking to kill two birds with one stone so to speak? Campers can receive their Minnesota Department of Natural

60 March 2014

Resources firearms safety certificate as part of the reserve’s popular Forkhorn I camp sponsored by the Minnesota Deer Hunters’ Association. Kids who already have their firearms certification can learn to hunt and cook game birds or complete advanced deer hunting camps. Parents and grandparents can learn about sustainability, invasive species and natural resource planning alongside the kid campers during the Izaak Walton League camp — a partnership with the Minnesota division of the national conservation group. For a taste of everything the memorial forest and wildlife preserve have to offer, Deep Portage hosts a condensed threeday camp. Deep Portage usually has 50-60 campers for a session, Yerger said. Instead of small sleeping cabins, campers share large bedrooms in the main lodge — like “a bunch of little cabins under one roof,” Yerger said. Between year-round staff and seasonal camp counselors, he said the camper to counselor ratio is about 3:1. The staff is always 50 percent female to create a comfortable environment for both boys and girls. “It’s a great role model for so many of our instructors to be women — for girls to feel really good about what they are doing and what they’re entering into,” Yerger said. Depending on the camp, children will

have about two hours of more structured educational activities followed by time for different recreational activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking or climbing the indoor rock wall.

A new renewable focus While the camp has always emphasized wildlife and natural resource conservation, Yerger said Deep Portage made a “big commitment” to energy conservation about five years ago. Since 2009, they’ve installed wind turbines, wood-fired boilers and solar systems to heat buildings and generate electricity. After a nearly $870,000 investment, the preserve is now carbon neutral. For campers who are used to traditional energy sources at home, it’s yet another learning experience. “When they come back to campus and take a shower, they realize the shower came from our solar hot water evacuated tubes,” Yerger said. On a good day, the solar water system produces about 700 gallons of hot water, or 80 percent of the camp’s need. “They really get to live with it,” Yerger said.

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Hunting Deep Portage’s most popular Forkhorn I camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to get their state firearm safety certification and learn to be an ethical hunter. “[There are] not so many camps where you can get an education on how to safely and ethically use a bolt-action rifle or a shotgun,” Yerger said. The Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association partners with eight camps, including Deep Portage, to offer the training. Last year, about 60 percent of all campers throughout the state received a full or partial scholarship from local MDHA chapters. Kim Nelson said the experience at the Forkhorn I camp is “above and beyond” typical firearm safety and education. “It’s not just a normal firearms safety camp, it’s the master’s degree,” Nelson said. Instead of learning online or in the classroom and being asked to apply knowledge on a field day with a DNR instructor, Nelson said the camps offer a more hands-on learning approach.

March 2014 61

DEEP PORTAGE CAMPS

Summer Camps, Women’s Events & Family Adventures

1-888-800-9558

www.Eagle-Bluff.org

Located 5 miles NW of Lanesboro, Minnesota

Eagle Bluff MNP 0314 H6.indd 1

2/14/14 11:52 AM

Forkhorn I Dates: June 8–13, June 15–20, July 20–25 (all girls), Aug. 3–8 Ages: 11-16 Cost: $400, $375 for Minnesota Deer Hunters Association members Sponsorships available through local MDHA chapters. Mini Camp Dates: June 30–July 2 Ages: 9–16 Cost: $200 Isaak Walton League Dates: July 27–Aug. 1 Ages: 9–16 Cost: $400 per child, or $700 for child and a guardian Application info: Download a camp registration form at deep-portage.org/campreg.pdf or call 218 682-2325.

For example, students will be tested on different carrying positions for different types of weapons, she said. “[At camp] they will have the students stand up and give them a stick that’s supposed to represent their gun,” she said. “The children will have to real-time show the teachers how that hold is on that gun.” Beyond firearm safety, campers develop a deeper knowledge of their prey and hunting practices like compass orienteering and emergency procedures. “We set the standard for youth education as far as hunting goes,” Yerger said. More than 10,000 kids have learned to hunt at Deep Portage, he said. The Forkhorn I camp is open to kids and teens ages 11–16 and previous hunting experience is not required. “Some kids have a chance through their families to be exposed to all of these things, but many kids do not have that opportunity,” Yerger said. He said he hopes that young hunters go on to set a good example and be “ambassadors” for the sport. “Very importantly for young hunters that we train, we want them to go out and represent hunting really well,” he said.

of the Visitation MNP 0314 H4.indd 62Convent March 2014

2/19/14 2:55 PM

Out About

ongoing

The Scarecrow and His Servant Î Based on the book by Philip Pullman, The Scarecrow and His Servant follows a scarecrow and his servant Jack on their dangerous, comical and chaotic journey to find Spring Valley. When: March 11th through April 6 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: $16; $10 lap passes for ages 3 and under Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

Balloonacy Î This tale of an unlikely friendship between an isolated old man and a gregarious balloon is “sweet, often silly... and will draw a big smile on your face.” For preschool age and up. When: March 25th through May 4 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: $16; $10 lap passes for ages 3 and under Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

Parent PICk

Rhythm in Motion: Mu Daiko at the Cowles

Strumply Peter Î A toy opera inspired by the cautionary poems 19th century German physician Heinrich Hoffman composed to entertain his children. Recommended for ages 8 and up. When: Through March 9th, ASL performance March 8th Where: Open Eye Figure Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $10 child; $13 student; $15 general; pay as able option available, $5 minimum Info: openeyetheatre.org or 612-874-6338 Submitted Photo by AAron FenSter

Î Minnesota’s premier Japanese taiko drumming ensemble takes to the stage with a blend of music and choreography that explores the limitless possibilities of rhythm in motion. Special family performance, see information March 8th. When: March 7–9 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Cowles Center for Dance, Minneapolis Cost: $14–$34 Info: thecowlescenter.org or 612-206-3600

Progression Course for Teens Î A 6-session course for teenagers dealing with mental health issues. The classes are designed to empower young people to take charge of their lives and

March 2014 63

Out About PARENT PICK

Ultimate Dinosaurs  A large-scale interactive exhibit to experience the ferocious and relatively unheard of dinosaurs of ancient South America, Africa and Madagascar who evolved in isolation. Integrating technology and fully articulated specimens, the exhibit explores the how and why of these dinos’ isolation, as Pangea split and drifted apart so many millions of years ago.

2 Couples Communication Parenting Workshops: Saturday, Feb 8th & Mar 1st

Learn How to Fight Fair! Saturday, Mar 15th

Healthy Attachment, Emotional Intelligence INFO:

When: Opening March 1st Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: $12 kids/seniors; $21 adults Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

(612) 296-3800

The Postpartum Counseling Center www.postpartumcounselingcenter.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

Postpartum Counseling Center MNP 0214 V6_#2.indd 1 1/21/14 3:33 PMto

handle difficult situations in healthy, effective ways. When: Tuesdays, March 18th to April 22nd Where: Fuller Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE, registration required Info: namihelps.org or 651-645-2948 ext. 106

Mommy+Me Music Class  Explore music, rhythm and movement with your children under 3 years old. When: Every Thursday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Where: Teeny Bee Boutique, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: teenybeeboutique.com or 612-644-2540

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice  Be transported back to the Cretaceous Period of 145–65 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the terrain. Explore what they’ve left behind and learn about how they lived, with a variety of activities and research stations for children, plus touchable dinos! Designed for ages 3 to 10.

64 March 2014 Como Zoo MNP 0213 V6.indd 1

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When: Through May 26th Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.95 per person; FREE for members Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Tail Time!  Enjoy a story for babies through preschoolers at the magical Wild Rumpus Bookstore. When: Every Monday, 10:30 a.m. Where: Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: wildrumpusbooks.com or 612-920-5005

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day  Poor Alexander is having a crummy day, but audiences of all ages are sure to have a wonderful time with this hilarious play. When: March 7th through March 23rd Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins

Cost: $15 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

1 SATURDAY Nature Rocks!  Enjoy family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more. When: 9:00 a.m. to noon Where: Staring Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Priaire Cost: FREE Info: edenprairie.org/outdoorcenter or 952-949-8479

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Free First Saturday: The Big Screen  Enjoy free gallery admission and family activities, designed for children ages 6–12. This month, screenings of children’s films from around the world start at 11:00 a.m. When: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

Free Family Flicks: Imagine That  Enjoy a free movie. First-come, first-serve to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Animal Feeding at Springbrook Nature Center

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 Watch the animals feed and learn about the predator/prey relationship. Meet an animal after the feeding. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley Cost: FREE Info: springbrooknaturecenter.org or 763-572-3588

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12/12/132014 12:16 PM March 65

Out About 2 Sunday Free Family Fun day: Photo Scavenger Hunt Î Explore a different topic each week through hands-on activities that everyone can enjoy at their own pace. Drop in anytime throughout activities. When: 1:00 p.m. Where: Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: threeriversparks.org or 763-694-2015

3 Monday My Preschooler & Me: Puppet Escapades: Woolapolooza Î Enjoy activities before the puppet show, which features friendly farm animals. Take a hike on the farm after the show. Reservations recommended. When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista Cost: $4 Info: threeriversparks.org/events or 763-559-6700

6 THurSday animal Families Î Como Zoo’s Lil’ Explorer Thursdays include story time, activities, and plant or animal guests for ages 1–3. The activities are designed to improve skills such as sorting, counting, naming and more. When: 10:00 a.m to noon When: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

8 SaTurday Live animals Î Meet a snake, salamander and toad, and see turtle shells, snake skins and more. Designed for children 3–10 years. When: 10:00 a.m

66 March 2014

Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE Info: ci.maplewood.mn.us or 651-249-2170

Free Family Flicks: Ella Enchanted Î Enjoy a free movie. First-come, first-serve to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Copper Street Brass Quintet Î An interactive, musical experience for families with children of all ages. Learn about brass instruments and watch a concert. When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Free Second Saturday: Gadgets & Gizmos! Î Enjoy free admission to the Bakken Museum and explore electronics by taking them apart and seeing their inner workings. When: 11:00 a.m. Where: Bakken Museum, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: thebakken.org or 612-926-3878

Saturday Live! Woodland Puppets present “ollie’s Garden day” Î Meet Ollie and his backyard neighbors, and help protect his carrot patch from rabbits. When: 11:15 a.m. Where: Central Library, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-266-7034

13 THurSday Seeds & Sprouts Î Como Zoo’s Lil’ Explorer Thursdays include story time, activities, and plant or animal guests for ages 1–3. The activities are designed to improve skills such as sorting, counting, naming and more. When: 10:00 a.m to noon When: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

Kids Class: Tasty Irish Treats Î Children can learn about traditional Irish recipes such as soda bread, scones and pastries. Intended for children 5–12, while parents shop at the Market. When: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Mississippi Market, 1500 W. 7th Street, St. Paul Cost: $25/$22 co-op members Info: msmarket.coop/events or 651-690-0507

14 FrIday Beautiful Big Cats Î Designed for preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult, the class encourages environmental awareness. ‘Beautiful Big Cats’ helps children explore the world of big felines with artifacts, songs and stories. When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Where: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: $15/child, adults FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

Why?: The original Pour-Quoi Tale Î Working in collaboration, The Children’s Theatre Company and In The Heart of the Beast Theatre will perform this original script with experimental puppetry, theatre and music. The French term ‘por-quoi’ story describes a fictional story that explains how something came to be the way it is, such as a legend or folk tale. When: 7 p.m.

Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: TBD Info: hobt.org, 612-721-2535 or childrenstheatre.org, 612-874-0400

15 Saturday Banfield’s Super Pet Saturday Î Read a book to a therapy dog! Encourages reading and animal interaction. When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Saturday Live! Magician Matt dunn Î An interactive, fast-paced magic show for all ages. When: 11:15 a.m. Where: Central Library, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-266-7034

university of Minnesota toy testing Î Help rate new toy designs by the U of M’s Toy Production Design Class. Learn about the process, see “sketch models” and come back on April 11 to see the final prototypes. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Why?: the Original Pour-Quoi tale Î See description, Friday the 14th When: 7:00 p.m. Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis

Out About SUBMITTED PHOTO BY EAMON COYNE

PARENT PICK

Rock the Cradle  89.3 The Current and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota present a day full of interactive activities for parents and their children to experience music, art, books, theater and community. Designed for children up to age 8. When: March 2nd from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts and The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: thecurrent.org or 612-870-6337

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Complete Cremation Services Professional • Dignified • Economical

18 TUESDAY

20 THURSDAY

Special Imagination Corner

Fantastic Frogs

 Join MacPhail Early Childhood Music Specialists in an interactive music program focused on the seasons, movement and instrument play.

 Como Zoo’s Lil’ Explorer Thursdays include story time, activities, and plant or animal guests for ages 1–3. The activities are designed to improve skills such as sorting, counting, naming and more.

When: 10:30 a.m. Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Minneapolis Chapel 4343 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-2435

Edina Chapel 7110 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (952) 924-4100

19 WEDNESDAY

21 FRIDAY

Star Watch Astronomy

Why?: The Original Pour-Quoi Tale

 Use a telescope looking through the open roof in the observatory and ask an astronomer questions about what you see. If conditions are cloudy, a large screen inside will provide visuals of the night sky. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Cremation Society™ of Minnesota “We are Minnesota’s Cremation Specialist” Serving the entire state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Owned and Operated by the Waterston Family.

www.cremationsocietyofmn.com 68 March 2014 Cremation Society MNP 1113 NR2-Urn V6.indd 1

When: 10:00 a.m to noon When: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

10/17/13 10:40 AM

When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Staring Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Priaire Cost: $12 Info: edenprairie.org/outdoorcenter or 952-949-8479

 See description, Friday the 14th When: 7:00 p.m. Where: In The Heart of the Beast Theatre, Minneapolis

presents the 8th annual

22 SATURDAY Primate Potluck Family Class  Participants will prepare breakfast for Como’s primates and watch them enjoy the food. Learn about primate behavior and conservation of habitat.

 Learn about nature and make new friendships at this class offered by the Nature Center and Early Childhood Family Education. Parents and children stay together for the whole class. Designed for children 5 and under. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE, registration required Info: ci.maplewood.mn.us or 651-249-2170

Why?: The Original Pour-Quoi Tale  See description, Friday the 14th When: 7:00 p.m. Where: In The Heart of the Beast Theatre, Minneapolis

SS EE IO N

2 014

When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Como Zoo Park and Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: $15/person Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

ECFE Nature Family Fun: Sap Into Syrup

Como’s

Saturday March 8 2014 10aM-2pM

animals

unleashe

y Simply inting b a p e c a f

Jane!

at Como park Zoo & Conservatory

Speak face to face

interac

tive bo oths!

with dozens of camp instructors

25 TUESDAY Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate  Activities for adults and kids ages 3–5 to spark creativity. When: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with gallery admission Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

For more information: www.mnparent.com/camp-fair or 612-825-9205

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Camp ResouRCe Guide academic Bell Museum Science Discovery Day Camps Unearth unforgettable camp experiences at the Bell Museum. Weeklong Science Discovery camps include outdoor adventure, space exploration, lab activities, real scientific specimens, University research…and lots of fun! June 9-August 29, grades K-6. New this year: half-day preschool camps! Minneapolis 612-626-9660 bellmuseum.org

Camp Invention Led by local educators, the weeklong Camp Invention experience immerses elementary children in hands-on activities that reinvent summer fun. Children spend their time building original prototypes, creating a personalized motor-powered vehicle, and taking apart electronics to construct a pinball machine. 40+ locations in Minnesota, including: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Chaska, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Farmington, Fridley, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Mendota Heights, Minnetonka, New Brighton, Robbinsdale, Shoreview, St. Paul, Stillwater, Wayzata, White Bear Lake, & more! 800-968-4332 campinvention.org

Ecology Credit Camp at Wolf Ridge Have a passion for the outdoors? Ecology Credit Camp means wilderness adventures plus serious science. Create and present your own research project. Work with resource professionals. Travel the BWCAW and Superior Hiking Trail. Earn college or high school credit. Finland, MN 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org

Gifted & Talented Summer Institute, The (GTI) Find your challenge south of the river. A partnership of south metro school districts, managed by ISD 191 Community Education. GTI provides gifted and talented youth in grades K-12 opportunities for challenge and exploration. Classes run late June through July. Half- and full-day, weeklong course options in a variety of core disciplines. Eagle Ridge Jr. High 13955 Glendale Rd, Savage 952-707-4150 giftedtalented.org

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ICC Summer Engineering Camp Explore the world of engineering through hands-on project work, industry tours, and team design challenges; live and work at Wenger Engineering Center, Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN. Sr. High (Science): grades 11-12, June 16-20; Sr. High (Design): grades 10-12, July 6-12; Jr. High: grades 7-9, July 16-19. Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids 218-322-2370 engineering.itascacc.edu

iD Tech Camps at Macalester Weeklong, day, and overnight summer programs for ages 7-17. Students develop iPhone and Android apps, program in C++ and Java, design video games, produce films, build robots, create websites, and more. Small classes (8:1 ratios, guaranteed) led by tech-savvy staff. Also two-week, precollege Academies for ages 13-18. Macalester, Stanford, Yale, & over 80 top universities nationwide 888-709-TECH (8324) idtech.com

952-226–3000 1140 Vierling Dr E, Shakopee 952-236-1699 4590 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park 763-269–6969 649 S Snelling Ave, St. Paul 651-698–6284 5871 Neal Ave N, Stillwater 651-300–2252 4711 Hwy 61 N, White Bear Lake 651-888–2541 7060 Valley Creek Plaza, Woodbury 651-330-4184 mathnasium.com

Minnehaha Academy Summer Programs Our high-quality program offers more than 60 half-day and full-day athletic, enrichment, and academic classes for grades pre-K-12, including courses for credit for grades 9-12. 4200 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis 3100 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis 612-728-7745 minnehahaacademy.net/summer

Junior Achievement Summer Camp

Minnetonka Community Education

Campers will learn how to run a successful business through a variety of fun, interactive activities. Held at JA’s unique kid-sized city, this camp is the ultimate real-world simulation. The June session focuses on STEM careers; the July session will appeal to the budding entrepreneur. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest 1800 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood 651-255-0037 jaum.org

Offering more than 500 camps and classes for youth ages birth to 18. Language immersion, computer coding, robotics, theater, aquatics, leadership, cooking, sports, and so much more. 5621 County Rd 101, Minnetonka 952-401-6800 minnetonkacommunityed.org

Mathnasium At Mathnasium, we make math make sense for students in grades 1-12. Our expert math instructors give individualized instruction using the proprietary Mathnasium Method in a challenging, encouraging, and fun environment, helping students catch up and get ahead! 5111 W 98th St, Bloomington 952-886-4382 9724 Schreiber Terrace N, Brooklyn Park 763-269–6969 1960 Cliff Lake Rd, Ste 112, Eagan 651-815–0303 16378 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie 952-500–2138 17581 Glasgow Ave, Lakeville 952-891-1100 13720 83rd Way N, Maple Grove 763-269–6969 4785 Cty Rd 101, Minnetonka 952-500–2139 3505 Vicksburg Ln N, Ste 900, Plymouth 763-567–8143 14043 S Hwy 13, Savage

Providence Academy Summer Programs Building on academic excellence and strong Christian values, Providence Academy's summer programs offers a variety of academic, enriching, and fun experiences! We offer activities from architect design and driver's education to clay molding and basketball as well as a full-day camp. 15100 Schmidt Lake Rd, Plymouth 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org/summer

School Chess Association Summer Day Chess Camp All levels of chess instruction, professional educators tailored to the student’s individual needs. Fun activities include swimming, water slides, field ball, Magic the Gathering, soccer, tennis, roller skating, bowling, fishing, sign language, and role playing games. Program Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 23-26, July 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31, August 4-7, 11-14. Registration forms online or call Lorene 763-593-1168. St. Louis Park Recreation Center 3700 Monterey Dr, St. Louis Park schoolchess.org

advertiser listings Science & Engineering Camps Works Museum, The Camps for girls and boys in grades K-7 who love to explore, design, and build! Kids learn how things work through fun, hands-on science and engineering projects. Discover messy chemistry, Lego Robotics, electricity, architecture, and more! Camps run June– August 2014. 9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington 952-888-4262 theworks.org

Summer@MPA Learn, Connect, Grow, Experience, and Explore with Summer@MPA! Engaging summer classes in Academics, Athletics, and the Arts for ages 4–18. Also featuring Middle School Adventure Weeks and Panther Camp—full daycare in a camp setting. Learn more online! Mounds Park Academy 2051 Larpenteur Ave E, Maplewood 651-777-2555 moundsparkacademy.org/summer@mpa

arts Adventures in Cardboard Summer Arts & Creative Play, Outdoors Summer outdoor mythic play near the Twin Cities! Weeklong, full-day programs. Construct a giant castle, get lost in colossal mazes, build suits of armor, outdoor live-action games of arms and armor, and swimming. For more info or online registration visit: julianmcfaul.com Fort Snelling State Park, Minneapolis Lake Valentine, Arden Hills Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie 612-532-6764 julianmcfaul.com

Art Academy, The City Pages Winner: Best of the Twin Cities! Year-round traditional drawing and painting classes and camps for students ages 5-18. Exceptional student/teacher ratio. Homeschool Program. A Renaissance Program for adults also offered. See samples of student artwork; visit our website. Call for a brochure. 651 Snelling Ave S, St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net

Art Camps at Studio Seven One week painting and drawing camps for students ages 7–18. Compositional elements will be explored through landscape and figure studies. Students will paint and draw both in the studio and outside. Trips to

galleries and museums included. Camps are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $485 per week, all materials are included. kahlowcurtis@hotmail.com. 708 N 1st St, Minneapolis 612-376-0381 studio7mn.com

beARTrageous beARTrageous is all about creating happiness and unleashing creative power. Our camps encourage kids to explore themselves, their community, and the world through art. We cherish the unique perspective of each child. Kenwood, Minneapolis 612-423-7554 be-artrageous.com

Hamline Young Writers Workshop This creative writing day camp is a chance for high school students, ages 15-18, who are passionate about creative writing to explore the craft, connect with other young writers, and work closely with Hamline’s Creative Writing faculty and published authors. Hamline University, St. Paul 651-523-2479 hamline.edu/hyww

Kidcreate Studio Kidcreate offers art camps for young artists ages 3-12. Camps are designed to inspire and educate in an environment filled with fun. Camp themes include Ballerina, Dolls, Messy Art, Lego’s, Star Wars, Glow-in-theDark, Masters on Canvas, Clay, and many more. EdenPrairieMN@kidcreatestudio.com, WoodburyMN@kidcreatestudio.com. 7918 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie 952-974-3438 kidcreatestudio.com/eden-prairie-artstudio 1785 Radio Dr, Ste F, Woodbury 651-735-0880 kidcreatestudio.com/woodbury-art-studio

Loft’s Young Writers’ Program, The The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers more than 100 classes this summer that foster creativity, enrich talents, and create friendships. Classes run all summer for ages 6-17 at all skill levels. Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis 612-215-2575 loft.org

Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD) Join us at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a series of innovative, handson, and engaging visual art and design camps and classes for kids and teens ages 5-18! Weeklong and multi-week options.

Scholarships available. 2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis 612-874-3765 mcad.edu/youth

Phipps Summer Art Camp, The Partial-day and full-day classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, animation, fiber arts, jewelry-making, and mixed media, as well as creative dramatics, musical theater, and magic, for preschool through teens, taught by experienced artists, June 16– August 15. Phipps Center for the Arts, The 109 Locust St, Hudson, WI 715-386-2305 thephipps.org

Camp resources Minnesota Parent’s Camp Fair March 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Summer’s here! Or, at least it will be when you attend Minnesota Parent’s 8th annual Camp Fair. Get a jumpstart on planning for day or overnight summer camps, be it music, art, technology, sports, and everything in between. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 1225 Eastbrook Dr, St. Paul 612-825-9205 mnparent.com/camp-fair

dance/Music/ Performance Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs Summer Day Camp Calling all boys and girls who love to sing! Join us for a week (July 21–25) filled with singing, music games, and arts activities. Singers will explore their vocal potential and increase their confidence in singing. Age range: grades 2-5. Cost: $88. 9:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. angelicayouthchoirs@gmail.com. Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington 952-563-8572 angelicacantanti.org

Camp Pillsbury Camp Pillsbury is fully elective with strong programs and activities offered in Performing Arts, Music, Circus, Visual Arts, Technology, Water Sports, Sports, Horseback, and so much more! We offer 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 week sessions for boys and girls ages 6-17. 314 S Grove Ave, Owatonna 844-800-CAMP (2267) camppillsbury.com

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Camp ResouRCe Guide Center for Irish Music, The All ages and abilities will explore and grow musically within the context of the Irish tradition. CIM offers creative and active introductory and intermediate camps on whistle, song, fiddle, harp, and drumming as well as mythology, travel-themed, and performance camps. 836 Prior Ave N, St. Paul 651-815-0083 centerforirishmusic.org

Circus Juventas Travel the globe without ever leaving our Big Top! Our full-day, weeklong camps explore a vast array of circus arts from Morocco to Mongolia, China to Russia. Reserve your spot now to be a part of one of the most talked-about and unique summer camps in the Twin Cities. 1270 Montreal Ave, St. Paul 651-699-8229 circusjuventas.org

Concordia University Musical Theatre Camp Take center stage at Concordia’s overnight musical theatre camp June 22-27! Students will explore musical theatre performance and technique with a faculty of theatre, dance, and music professionals in a stateof-the art theatre facility. Room and board included. For grades 7-12. 1282 Concordia Ave, St. Paul 651-603-6209 csp.edu/musicaltheatrecamp

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) Summer Programs Two unique summer programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul provide fun and challenging orchestral experiences for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students of all abilities, ages 8–18. No auditions required; scholarships available. Details and registration at gtcys.org or call 651-602-6800. The Historic Hamm Building 408 St. Peter St, St. Paul 651-602-6800 gtcys.org

Lucy’s Outdoor Dance Camp Lucy's Outdoor Dance Camp in year 10 at Lake Harriet! This summer, learn original choreography from shows on Broadway NOW, make a dance camp movie, and all of the usual fun~ theater, games, swimming, nature, art and dance. Reserve your spot today at lucysdancecamp.com or contact Lucy: lucys.dancecamp@gmail.com. Lake Harriet, Minneapolis 612-720-1517 lucysdancecamp.com

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Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts Become a triple threat at Lundstrum Center’s musical theatre camps! All camp intensives taught by Broadway veterans and include level appropriate training in dance, voice, and drama, which students apply to full musical productions. June 9-20: Camp 1, ages 4-12; June 23-August 3: Camp 2, ages 13+. 1617 N 2nd St, Minneapolis 612-521-2600 lundstrumcenter.org

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage Lyric Arts students explore and grow with high-quality learning and performing opportunities for students of all ages. Our popular half- and full-day camps offer a variety of ways for students to develop performing skills and build self-confidence through exercises in stage movement, voice projection, acting technique, improvisation, and more. 420 E Main St, Anoka 763-233-0804 lyricarts.org/workshops

Northland Youth Music Program (N.Y.M.P.) The Northland Youth Music Program has been providing summer music education experience at an affordable price with concert and jazz band programs for over 15 years. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend starting July 13, 2014. Program Office: 9670 E Elm Rd, Poplar, WI Summer Program: Superior Senior High School, Superior, WI Dorms at University of Minnesota Duluth 715-364-2234 218-340-0512 nymp.net

715-468-2414 shelllakeartscenter.org

Sing Minnesota August 11-15, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sing Minnesota is a weeklong day camp for girls and boys, ages 8-12 sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir. While focusing on choral singing, campers also participate in other creative arts — drama and movement, visual arts, and outdoor fun and games! $325, scholarships available. Concordia University Buetow Music Center 300 Hamline Ave N, St. Paul 651-292-3219 boychoir.org

StageCoach Theatre Arts StageCoach Summer Camps give equal emphasis to the three main Performing Arts elements of dance, acting, and singing. Age appropriate camps for ages 6-16 provide real musical theatre experiences for your child, culminating in a fully staged musical. Edina & Minnetonka: 952-300-5893 St. Paul: 651-775-2849 St. Louis Park: 952-367-6032 stagecoachschools.com

SteppingStone Theatre School for Young Actors This spring and summer youth ages 2-17 will spark their creativity at SteppingStone Theatre. Young actors tap into their potential in unique ways—building confidence and acting skills while having tons of fun! Scholarships/membership pricing available. 55 Victoria St N, St. Paul 651-225-9265 steppingstonetheatre.org

O’Shea Irish Dance Camp

Theatre Arts Training (TAT) Children's Theatre Company

Director Cormac O’Se original member of Riverdance. Highly skilled technical training for preschoolers through adults; for competition, for fun, and for fitness! Weekly Classes: Mondays-Thursdays. Beginners Spring and Summer Camps — registering now! The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Ave N, St. Paul 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com

TAT is a comprehensive program that offers a nurturing environment in which each individual child will find his or her unique voice while having fun and exploring the creative process within a community of their peers. (Ages 4-18). MIA 2400 Third Ave S, Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/education/ classes-and-camps

Shell Lake Arts Center

Triple Threat Training Ordway’s Professional Musical Theater Intensive

With programs in jazz, rock band, show choir, art, theatre, dance, and more, the Shell Lake Arts Center is like nowhere else! Just two hours northeast of the Twin Cities in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. Come join us for the experience of a lifetime! 802 1st St, Shell Lake, WI

This two-week intensive in musical theater connects young people with experienced instructors to hone their vocal, acting, and dance technique, as well as enhance their audition skills! Audition required for

aDvertiser listings admission. Auditions February-March. July 14-18 & July 21-25, 2014. $750 Tuition for two-week session (scholarships available) for ages 13-18. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington St, St. Paul 651-282-3115 ordway.org/education/triplethreat

Young Fiddlers Association of Minnesota July Fiddle Camp July 21, 22, 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. American and Swedish fiddling taught by ear, plus folk dance and craft. $245 by March 31, add $20 per month until $305 after June 30. Wednesday pizza lunch and evening performance. Mary Allen, director youngfiddlers@yahoo.com. Roseville Covenant Church 651-323-4106 youngfiddlers.com

Zenon Dance Company & School Summer Camps Weeklong camps for ages 6-14. Each day of camp includes two technique classes and a choreography class where participants will work together to create a dance performed on the last day! Hip Hop camps: July 21-25 and August 4-8. Interdisciplinary Camp: July 28-August 1. 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 612-338-1101 zenondance.org

Day American Swedish Institute Have fun exploring a different Swedish or Nordic theme each week including Pippi Longstocking, Vikings, or cooking through dance, studio arts, music, imaginative play, and outdoor games. Perfect for kids entering grades 1-5! Thursdays, July 10-August 21. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $50 per session. 2600 Park Ave S, Minneapolis 612-871-4907 asimn.org

Animal Humane Society’s Unleashed Camp An animal-themed summer day camp at Animal Humane Society for students entering grades 3-10. Camp includes animal-related educational activities, animal interactions, special guests, field trips, and more. Register online today. Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, & Woodbury 763-489-2220 animalhumanesociety.org/camps

Archaeology for Kids One-Day Camp Get ready for an archeological dig at Historic Fort Snelling. Campers, ages 1014, will spend the day with archeologists and historians who will help them learn how to do archeological work including research, digging and sifting at a recreated dig site, and working with scientific equipment in a lab. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Arts on the River Day Camp Campers, ages 9-11, play music, create stories, build books, and bake bread all while exploring how the riverfront district was built, rebuilt and is now a rich cultural area. Children experience four top arts centers: Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and MacPhail Center for Music. Mill City Museum 704 S Second St, Minneapolis 612-341-7555 mnhs.org/summercamps

Davy Crockett Summer Camp Campers will learn the skills Davy Crockett and others like him used on the frontier including tracking animals, using flint and steel, and 1800s soldiering. Campers, ages 9-12, will also learn about American Indian history and much more. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Finishing School for Young Ladies In this one-of-a kind day camp, young ladies will dress up in Victorian outfits and learn about Victorian fashion, etiquette, dancing, and poise. Open to girls 9-12. Session I: June 16-18, Session II: July 14-16. $220/$200 for MNHS members. Alexander Ramsey House 265 S Exchange St, St. Paul 651-296-8760 mnhs.org/summercamps

Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life Pioneer Days: School, Work, & Play Children travel back in time to experience 1800s life at school, work, and play in this three-day pioneer camp. TuesdaysThursdays in July; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $99. Just one of our four great camps — fun for kids ages 3-10; family-friendly pricing. 2097 W Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life Pioneer PeeWees The perfect camp for younger children ages 3-5. Each camp covers one pioneer or Dakota-related topic and includes an activity and craft to make and take home. Full list of topics on RCHS website in March. Wednesdays, July 9–August 20; 9:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. $19 per class. Just one of our four great camps — options for kids ages 3-10; family-friendly pricing. 2097 W Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Half Pint Mini Horse Camp 5-12 year-olds join Half Pint Horse Foundation and our miniature horses to learn how to groom, lead, bathe, and care for horses! A very safe alternative to horse camp as the minis are all under 30 inches tall! High View Stables, Chaska 612-802-6209 halfpinthorsefoundation.com

History Detective Camp Become a super-sleuth and use clues to solve a mystery at the Ramsey House. Kids will explore the Ramsey House, artifacts inside the home, letters, journals, and recipes. Campers, ages 11-13, will comb through the evidence to reveal the mystery. A new mystery will be presented each day. Alexander Ramsey House 265 S Exchange St, St. Paul 651-296-8760 mnhs.org/summercamps

Huck Finn Summer Camp Campers, ages 9-12, will explore the book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and its themes of adventure and childhood fun through hands-on activities in the unique setting of Historic Fort Snelling. Activities include fishing, hiking, cooking outdoors, canoeing, and more. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

ISD 191 Community Education Summer Programs ISD 191 Community Education offers activities and camps for your K-6 student. Drawing, Chess, Sports, Swimming, Dance, Theater, and Recreation classes are offered throughout the summer at an affordable cost. We focus on fun! Various district locations in Burnsville, Eagan, Savage 952-707-4150 communityed191.org

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R E M M U S R E V DISCO SUMMER RALLY DAYS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 – SUNDAY, MARCH 2

GET SPECIAL DEALS

SUMMER POWER

at ymcadiscoversummer.org Need more information? Attend the

YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS FAIR

Grades K-5 Summer Power is your answer to quality care and exciting adventures. We offer ﬂexible 3-, 4-, and 5-day options. Kids enjoy their day in small age appropriate groups and participate in activities such as rafts, group games, sports and weekly ﬁeld trips.

Saturday, March 1 • 9 a.m. – Noon

SUMMER SPORTS Grades 1-6 Youth will have the opportunity to learn new skills, practice and play new sports. Y Summer Sports is a safe, fun, non-competitive sports program designed to build teamwork, leadership skills and self-esteem.

SUMMER UPROAR Grades 6-8

ymcadiscoversummer.org Membership not required. Financial assistance available.

Summer Preschool SP Kindergarten Summer Power Summer Sports Summer Uproar Specialty Programs 14-SP03_MP_Mar

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Uproar provides an exciting combination of spirited adventure and growth. Participants get their ﬁrst taste of leadership as they help to plan their summer activities. Participate in weekly ﬁeld trips.

R YMCA CAMPS Ages 7-17. Located on Lake St. Croix, two miles south of Hudson, WI. Campers participate in a wide variety of traditional camp activities or select a specialty camp such as horseback riding, rock climbing, sailing and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.

CAMP ICAGHOWAN Ages 7-16. Located on Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI. Icaghowan offers traditional camp and a variety of unique specialty camps focused on activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, river canoeing, ﬁshing, technical tree climbing and skateboard camp. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.

CAMP IHDUHAPI Ages 7-16. Located on Lake Independence just 22 miles west of Minneapolis, MN, Ihduhapi offers youth a traditional experience or sailing and horseback riding specialty camps. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions. Leadership development programs for grades 8-11.

CAMP WARREN Ages 7-16. Camp Warren, located in the north woods on Half Moon Lake near Eveleth, MN, offers girls-only sessions the ﬁrst part of the summer and boys-only sessions later in the summer. Camp Warren has a strong tradition of progressive activities including sailing, archery, tennis, photography and horseback riding.

YMCA FAMILY CAMP CAMP DU NORD All Ages. Located on the edge of the BWCA on Burntside Lake, Camp du Nord offers a totally unique week-long camping experience for families. Cozy woodland cabins with kitchens range from rustic to upscale. Tent camping sites, full/partial food service also available. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, nature and arts programs are offered as family activities and for children’s age groups. Relax at days end with an authentic Finnish sauna.

TWIN CITIES DAY CAMPS

For more information:

612-230-9622

ymcadiscoversummer.org YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES CAMP MENOGYN Ages 12-18. Camp Menogyn is located on the Gunﬂint Trail 30 miles north of Grand Marais, MN. There are no roads leading to Menogyn, so all campers cross West Bearskin Lake by boat to arrive at this beautiful, intimate wilderness setting. Our focus is on the small group, DAY CAMPS compassionate guided wilderness canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing trips that are Camp Christmas Tree 6365 Game Farm safe, fun and enriching. Rd., Minnetrista, MN 55364, 952-544-7708. Traditional day camp is located on 45 acres at CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Dutch Lake near Mound, MN. Ages 12-18. Located on Burntside Lake near Ely, MN, Widji offers high-quality canoe and backpacking adventures in the BWCA and throughout North America. Widji wilderness trips are focused on respect and values that build skills for life, and a relationship with the environment that is unparalleled.

YMCA DAY CAMP AGES 4 - 14 YMCA Day Camp provides a week full of exciting camp activities like canoeing, archery, ﬁshing, camp crafts, cookouts, swimming and more! Day camps facilitate a great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Kids are home each night. Bus transportation is available at most locations.

YMCA DAY CAMPS: SPECIALTY CAMPS Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try out something new at one of our YMCA specialty camps! Campers spend approximately 2 hours each day in their specialized activity. The remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp activities.

ges 4-5 )

CAMP ST. CROIX

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YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMPS

YMCA Camp St. Croix – DayCroix 532 County Rd. F, Hudson, WI, 612-465-0560. Traditional day camp is located on 400 acre site overlooking St. Croix River. Camp Guy Robinson 3100 217th Ave NW, Oak Grove, MN, 763-785-7882. Traditional day camp is located at Lake George Regional Park. Camp Heritage 7732 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN; Traditional day camp held across from Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. YMCA Day Camp Ihduhapi 3425 Ihduhapi Rd., Loretto, MN 55357, 763-479-1146. Located on Lake Independence. Day Camp Ihduhapi offers the beautiful, north woods feel of camp. Camp Kici Yapi 13220 Pike Lake Trail NE, Prior Lake, MN 55372, 952-835-2567. Traditional day camp is located on 80 acre site in Prior Lake. Camp Kumalya 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo, MN, 651-731-9507. Traditional day camp held at Lake Elmo Park Reserve in Lake Elmo. Camp Manitou 9910 Briarwood Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362, 763-535-4800. Traditional day camp is located on 1200 acre site on Lake Bertram and Long Lake in Monticello, MN. Camp Spring Lake 13690 Pine Bend Trail Rosemount, MN 55068, 651-456-9622. Traditional day camp held at Dakota County Spring Lake Park Reserve in Rosemount.

Camp Streeﬂand 11490 Klamath Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044, 952-898-9622. Traditional day camp is located on Lake Kingsley in Lakeville.

Christmas Tree DayCroix @ Camp St. Croix Guy Robinson Heritage Ihduhapi Kici Yapi Kumalya Manitou Spring Lake Streefland

Membership not required. Financial assistance available.

Camp ResouRCe Guide Kids R.O.C.K. Summer Program Kids R.O.C.K. is the place to be for a summer to remember! Each week follows a fantastic theme along with swimming, ice skating, group games, and field trips! Pay only the weeks you come! Veterans Memorial Community Center 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights 651-450-2585 funatthegrove.com

Little House in the Big Fort Summer Camp Experience the life described in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s "Little House" books. Campers, ages 7-11, will sing the songs, play the games, and make the food and crafts that Wilder learned while growing up on the western frontier in the 19th century. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Playworks Summer Camp 2014 Discover Minnesota! June 9–August 29. Open to kids entering grades 1–6. Children explore their world through field trips to zoos, museums, beaches, parks, and more. Plus, arts & crafts, science, playtime with friends. Enroll by March 31st and $65 registration fee is waived. FT or PT. Daily. Meals Included. 2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake 952-496-6811 playworksfun.com

Roseville Parks & Recreation Have an awesome summer by attending these camps in Roseville. Includes day camps; theatre camps; sport camps such as basketball, football, cheerleading, golf, tennis, track and field, volleyball, lacrosse; and nature camps. Online registration available. 2660 Civic Center Dr, Roseville 651-792-7110 cityofroseville.com/parks

Soldier One-Day Camp "New recruits" will learn about the lives of soldiers during the 1820s at Fort Snelling. Campers will learn to march and drill, watch musket and cannon firings, and more. For ages 8-12. June 7, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6-12 Academic & Sports Camps Art, basketball, bowling, football, golf,

76 March 2014

science, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling camps led by varsity coaches and professional faculty June, July, and early August. As low as $50/week. Grades 4-9 for most camps. 1200 Oakdale Ave, West St. Paul stcroixlutheran.org/camps

Textiles & T-Shirts: Fashion Design with a Historic Accent Campers, ages 12-16, use 21st century technology to create their own designs inspired by historic textiles. Campers look at historic textiles, talk to design pros, then create an original, wearable T-shirt incorporating historic inspiration and your textile ideas. Funding by Best Buy Children's Foundation. Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd, W St. Paul 651-259-3015 mnhs.org/summercamps

University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs Explore more with exciting topics and new discoveries on the Twin Cities campus. Hands on academics, arts, and sport instruction combine with quality recreation to create a summer like no other. Offering over 200 weeklong day camps for ages 5-15. https://www. facebook.com/UofMYouthPrograms. St. Paul Gymnasium 1536 Cleveland Ave N, St. Paul 612-625-2242 http://recwell.umn.edu/youth

YWCA of Minneapolis Camp in the City YWCA of Minneapolis offers a full-day summer option, exploring our urban environment. Weekly field trips, cultural events, swimming lessons, and many other active, creative, and enriching activities await. Parents tell us that kids in our program are never bored! Children’s Center at Downtown: 1130 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 612-215-4189 Children’s Center at Midtown: 2121 E Lake St, Minneapolis 612-215-4328 Children’s Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital: 800 E 28th St, #15103, Minneapolis 612-863-0971 Children’s Center at Travelers: 80 W 7th St, St. Paul 651-310-7779 ywcampls.org/ece

Zoo Camp Join our summer Zoo Camps where specially trained naturalists guide your

child in discovering the natural world. We have hands-on camps for toddlers through 12th grade. Our weeklong (or single day) camps explore oceans, rainforests, farm animals, and even Zoo careers. Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley 952-431-9320 mnzoo.org

Horseback Riding Golden Ridge Stables Want to Hug A Horse? Our amazing summer day camps include a daily riding lesson and “hands on” horsey fun. Year round quality lessons for youth and ladies on well-mannered school horses. Conveniently located via Cedar Avenue or I-35 South; just 15 minutes south of MOA. Visit our website for details! 8315 W 190th St W, Lakeville 952-469-4640 goldenridgestables.com

Lost Creek Ranch Lost Creek Ranch Camp Confidence is the best overnight camp for horse crazy kids! Campers get their "own" horse. Ride a minimum of four hours every day! Individual attention. Make new friends and begin a lifelong passion for horses. Less than one hour from the Twin Cities. N6842 570th St, Beldenville, WI 715-273-6070 lostcreekranch.info

Sunnyside Stables Horsemanship Summer Camp Sunnyside’s camp is a place to discover horses and new friends. Each day includes riding — rain or shine, as we have an indoor and outdoor arena as well as scenic trails. You will discover the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact, and balance to develop independent riding skills. 15400 Emery Ave E, Rosemount 651-226-2027 sunnysidestables.org

Woodloch Stable Horseback riding weeklong day camps, group and private lessons for 8 year-olds and up. Two-day pony camps and private lessons for 4-8 year-olds. Individualized attention and structured lessons in Western and English riding. We have a professional, patient, and caring staff, as well as safe horses in a clean, modern facility. We are dedicated to giving your child a safe and enjoyable riding experience

advertiser Listings at an affordable price. Family owned! 5676 170th St, Hugo 651-429-1303 woodlochstable.com

Language Berlitz Kids® Summer Language Camp Berlitz provides engaging programs yearround for children and teens designed to excite and motivate them to learn a new language. Expect all the educational advantages Berlitz is famous for — Summer Camps, After School programs, and Private and Group Tutoring available. Berlitz Minneapolis Learning Center 6800 France Ave S, Ste 180, Edina 952-920-4100 berlitz.us/summercamps

Joyce Spanish Immersion Summer Camp Joyce offers weeklong Spanish Immersion camps at its Park Avenue location — a fun, multicultural experience for ages 3-8! Field trips, a weekly fiesta, and more! Three sessions in August; visit our website for details. 3400 Park Ave S, Minneapolis 612-823-2447 joycepreschool.org

Other Minnesota Children’s Museum At Minnesota Children’s Museum, hands-on play builds lifelong learning. Each of our seven galleries is uniquely designed with a child’s busy brain in mind. Every visit is packed with experiences guaranteed to nurture problem solving, fuel fun, and cater to the curious at heart. 10 W Seventh St, Downtown St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Totino-Grace Summer Camps This summer, Totino-Grace can help your child explore new activities, expand current interests, discover talents, and develop emerging skills. Totino-Grace offers a variety of fine art and athletic summer camp experiences for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Hockey and Swim camps will be held off-site, please see website for details. 1350 Gardena Ave NE, Fridley 763-571-9116 totinograce.org/summercamps

Venture Photography At Venture we capture your precious

moments in time and beautifully present them in our stunning hand-crafted product. Our innovative photography, exceptional quality, and first class customer service continues to redefine family photography, creating lasting memories for generations to come. 6551 York Ave, Edina 952-345-3392 venturephotography.com/minneapolis

Visitation School Visitation’s Summer Solution offers a variety of fun summer options, including athletic activities, visual and performing arts, science experiments, and academic enrichment opportunities for children in grades pre-K-12. Visit visitation.net/summer for more information. 651-683-1751 visitation.net/summer

Overnight Camp Agawak for Girls Camp Agawak for Girls, est. 1921, is much more than a traditional camp. It’s an oasis for growth, friendship, and self-discovery. Quality instruction in over 40 activities. Schedules tailored to camper interests. Excitement, adventure, friendships, and fun awaits each camper. 7851 Agawak Rd, Minocqua, WI 715-356-5383 agawak.com

Camp Birchwood At Camp Birchwood the experience is about lifelong skills, friendships, and memories that develop at camp. We provide campers with opportunities for making their own choices, encourage them to challenge themselves and to discover who they are through a long list of available activities. Northern Minnesota 800-451-5270 218-388-4402 Girls Camp: campbirchwood.com Boys Camp: birchwoodforboys.com

Camp Bovey Campers gain swimming skills by certified instructors, engage in outdoor games, experience outdoor living skills, and gain hands-on experience fishing, canoeing, hiking, archery, etc. Nutritious meals and snacks provided daily. New this year: Visual Arts Studio Camp (photography, painting, sculpture, etc) and Performing Arts Studio Camp (theater, music, dance, etc). Northwestern Wisconsin 612-787-4030 esns.org/campbovey

Camp Olson YMCA Since 1954 Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life changing experiences for youth and young leaders through quality camping programs. Traditional summer camp available as well as specialty programs in sailing, horseback riding, nature study, and leadership development. 4160 Little Boy Rd NE, Longville 218-363-2207 campolson.org

Camp Quest of Minnesota We combine traditional outdoor activities with learning sessions on science, critical thinking, and humanist ethics. Campers also participate in a service project, and our theme for this year is visual arts. Two weeklong sessions: July 20-26 and July 27-August 2. Voyageur Environmental Center 7000 County Rd 15, Minnetrista 651-300-2267 cqminnesota.org

Camp WeHaKee Have fun, build friendships, be yourself! More than 40 activities that each girl chooses. Campers from around the world. Exceptional staff! At the heart of WeHaKee is relationship. Just three hours from Minneapolis in Northern Wisconsin! N8104 Barker Lake Rd, Winter, WI 800-582-2267 wehakeecampforgirls.com

Clearwater Camp for Girls The Northwoods of Wisconsin provide a spectacular backdrop for girls ages 8-16 to build confidence, adventurous spirits, and friends for a lifetime while participating in over 25 activities including sailing, horseback riding, waterskiing, camping trips, and more. 7490 Clearwater Rd, Minocqua, WI 715-356-5030 clearwatercamp.org

Girl Scouts River Valleys' Summer Camps All girls, including non-Girl Scouts. Four locations with varied scenery and outdoor opportunities. Traditional and horse camps, wilderness experiences, swimming, boating, biking, archery, arts and crafts, robotics, and more. Day and residential sessions. Financial assistance available. Camp Elk River, Elk River Camp Lakamaga, Forest Lake Camp Northwoods, Mason, WI Camp Singing Hills, Waterville 800-845-0787 girlscoutsrv.org/camp

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Camp ReSouRCe Guide Tamahay Camp for Girls Tamahay Camp for Girls is an overnight camp for girls ages 7-16. Two and four week sessions available. Tamahay is a unique camp where skills are learned, friendships are made, and a sense of responsibility is gained. Our small sessions enable campers to get to know everyone at camp. Come ride horses, swim, sail, and much more at Tamahay! 21566 County 84, Akeley 218-652-3033 tamahay.com

Wolf Ridge Summer Camp At Wolf Ridge, learning is the greatest adventure there is. The trees, animals, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and sunsets will change before your eyes. So will you. Camps and wilderness trips last 4-28 days. Come explore with us this summer! Finland, MN 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org

YMCA Camp Miller Unplug, connect, belong! The oldest Y camp in the state of Minnesota offers safe, affordable adventure. Activities include horseback, high ropes, climbing, boating, archery, outdoor skills, and more. Just two hours north of the Twin Cities. NEW recruitment discount SAVES up to $300! Sturgeon Lake 218-372-3188 ymcacampmiller.org

Specialty Bricks 4 Kidz High-energy, fast paced LEGO® themed camps where kids will discover, explore, invent, and create. In these unique half-day camps, 5-13 year-olds will build incredible motorized creations, play games, and have lots of fun using LEGO® bricks. West Metro: 612-758-0245 Locations at bricks4kidz.com/ tcwestmetro Southeast Metro: 651-206-2701 Locations at bricks4kidz.com/semetro

Camp Odayin For children with heart disease, Camp Odayin provides day or residential camping experiences with outdoor or creative activities in a medically supervised environment. Staffed with pediatric cardiologists and nurses. Residential: July 14-18 (ages 13-15), July 21-25 (ages 16-17), August 4-8 (ages 11-13), August 11-15 (ages

78 March 2014

8-11). Day: July 28–August 1 (ages 6-7). Crosslake & West St. Paul 651-351-9185 campodayin.org

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Nationally recognized technology camps for ages 3–14. Where learning is fun, innovative, challenging, and hands-on. With over 300 camps in Minnesota, we offer exciting classes in Robotics, Video Game Design, Movie Production, Animation, Solar, Aerospace, Rollercoaster Engineering, and more! Throughout Minnesota 651-730-9910 computerexplorersmn.com

True Friends is the new parent company of Camp Courage and Camp Friendship. Offering residential and day camp sessions at five MN locations. Specializing in programs for people with developmental, physical, or learning disabilities. Needbased scholarships are available. Camp Friendship: 10509 108th St NW, Annandale Camp Courage: 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake Camp Eden Wood: 6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie Camp Courage North: 37569 Courage N Dr, Lake George Camp New Hope: 53035 Lake Ave, McGregor 800-450-8376 truefriends.org

iD Tech Academies Gain a competitive edge and learn how programming, app development, game design, filmmaking, or photography can become a college degree and even a rewarding career. Two-week, pre-college, intensive summer programs for ages 13-18: iD Programming Academy, iD Game Design & Development Academy, and iD Film Academy. Stanford, Lake Forest, Princeton, & more 888-709-TECH (8324) idtech.com

Mad Science of Minnesota Mad Science camps get kids excited about science with hands-on activities and take home projects. A large variety of camps are offered throughout the Twin Cities area including Rockets, Flight Academy, Robots (Jr. and Sr.), Secret Agent, Eureka, Jr. Scientist, Kids in the Lab, CHESS, and more. 519 Payne Ave, St. Paul 651-793-5721 mn.madscience.org

St David’s Center’s Summer Adventure Summer Adventure is a therapeutic recreation program for teens and young adults with special needs. With a focus on recreation and socialization, participants develop positive peer relationships while they have fun! Sky Zone, Valleyfair, Twins Game, MN Zoo, and more! Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, & Minneapolis 952-548-8700 stdavidscenter.org/adventure

Swift Nature Camp Let your child’s natural curiosity for nature be discovered. Located just two hours from Minneapolis, we are a traditional co-ed camp, with focus on nature and environment. A First Time Campers Program is available for campers who have

Whole Learning School, The For students with autism and intellectual disabilities. Using a web-based curriculum, as well as direct teacher instruction, The Learning Cube provides additional or maintenance learning in math and/or literacy. The hands-on Learning Project will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), project-based learning, infused with art. June 16-August 7. 9400 Cedar Lake Rd Door #7 St. Louis Park 763-231-2700 twls.org

Sports and Fitness Academy of Holy Angels Summer Experience Summer Experience offers over 40 oneweek camp offerings in June ranging from sports to art. Camps last two to four hours per day so that participants may do two camps in a week. Costs range from $40$90 for a weeklong camp. 6600 Nicollet Ave S, Richfield 612-798-2621 academyofholyangels.org

AKA All Sports Camp AKASPORT, now in its 10th year, offers year-round multi-sports programming with its afterschool classes and the highly coveted AKA All Sports Camps which include a multitude of sports (Archery, Golf, Soccer…endless), field trips, nutrition,

advertiser listings and fitness education. Blaine, Long Lake/Orono, West St. Paul 651-447-2454 akasport.org

Bethel University Overnight & Day Camps Bethel University Christian Sports Camps help athletes develop fundamentals and build confidence in their skills. We provide both challenge and encouragement, allowing campers to develop a positive attitude. Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, X-Country, Tennis — All ages. Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Dr, St. Paul 651-638-6397 bethelroyals.com

Gleason’s Gymnastic School What better way to spend summer than learning something new at Gleason’s Gymnastic School? Our fun facility and our professional instructors combine to make Gleason’s classes a tremendous learning experience for children of all ages and experience levels. 2015 Silver Bell Rd, Eagan 9775 85th Ave N, Ste 500, Maple Grove 651-454-6203 gleasons.com

InnerCity Tennis Summer Camps Learn a sport you can play for a lifetime in a fun, group setting! Outdoor lessons at park locations across Minneapolis. Indoor classes at InnerCity Tennis. Camps open to boys and girls ages 4+ of all ability levels. Scholarships available! 4005 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis 612-824-6099 innercitytennis.org

JOTP Soccer Day Camp Innovative, fun, and unique, each JOTP themed camp focuses on different soccer skills. Designed to attend multiple camps. Morning training and afternoon free play soccer with Splash Court and Inflatable Fields. Lunch and snack provided. Weekly fee of $99-$135. ADMIN@ JOYofthePEOPLE.org. Joy of the People Soccer Center 890 Cromwell Ave, St. Paul 651-252-1775

Little Gym of Edina, The Anytime Summertime Camp For kids ages 3-12. The most flexible camp in town lets you pick one day or as many as you want! Each week has a fun new theme with games, art, physical activity, and a whole lot of fun. 8223 Hwy 7, St. Louis Park 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn

Loppet Adventure Camp Experience a variety of outdoor adventures, including rollerskiing, mountain biking, orienteering, adventure racing, swimming, canoeing, capture-the-flag, ultimate frisbee, and more at Theodore Wirth Park! All equipment is provided. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Ages 9-13. Scholarships available. Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis 612-604-5333 loppet.org

Minnesota United FC Minnesota United FC is a professional soccer team playing in the North American Soccer League. Our mission is to make professional soccer an accessible source of pride for people in Minnesota. The club is devoted to being a pillar in the local community. These new camps bring our level of professionalism and GREAT soccer to YOU! West St. Paul, Rogers, Hastings, Monticello, Eagan, Hudson, Crystal 763-231-9866 mnunitedfccamps.com

Nike Tennis Camps Come join the fun and get better this summer at the University of Minnesota Nike Tennis Camp. Overnight and Day Camp options for boys and girls, ages 9-18 of all ability levels. Special Tournament Training component offered during the second and third session. University of Minnesota 800-645-3226 ussportscamps.com/tennis

Revolutionary Sports Provides weekly instructional classes and camps that combine learning sports and child development for a positive, sports experience. Over 15 sports offered. Classes start at age 2. Camps start at age 4 and offered during spring break, no-school days, weekends, evenings, and summer. Half-day, full-day, early drop-off, late pickup. Metrowide Locations 612-234-7782 revolutionarysports.org

Richfield Gymnastics Club Summer Day Camps Richfield Gymnastics Club offers summer day camps Monday through Thursday mornings, throughout August. Fun, fitnessbuilding, themed activities, and gymnastics instruction. Camps are open to girls and boys, ages 5+ of all ability levels. Packages start at $70 per week. Richfield High School Gymnasium Entrance

7001 Harriet Ave S, Richfield 612-798-6386 richfieldgymnasticsclub.org

Southwest Christian High School Southwest Christian High School offers sports camps for students entering grades 6-8 including volleyball, girls and boys basketball, and girls and boys soccer. Camps run one week during the month of July (see website for specific dates) and cost is $99. Have fun and develop skills with great coaches in a positive atmosphere! 1981 Bavaria Rd, Chaska 952-556-0040 swchs.org

Twin Cities Trapeze Center Circus Camp Circus camp! Students enrolled in our weeklong, half-day camps will experience a variety of circus disciplines (including Flying Trapeze, Static Trapeze, Acrobatics, Circus Bike, and more!), then showcase their skills in a Circus Performance on Friday afternoon! 719 E Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul 651-262-9477 twincitiestrapeze.com

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Summer Camps Vertical Endeavors’ summer camp program provides a fun-filled experience for campers ages 6-17! Your child will have the opportunity to learn proper climbing techniques and they’ll leave camp with a sense of self-reliance and accomplishment. VE St. Paul: 855 Phalen Blvd 651-776-1430 VE Minneapolis: 2540 Nicollet Ave S 612-436-1470 VE Duluth: 329 S Lake Ave 218-279-9980 verticalendeavors.com

West Lutheran Sports Camps West Lutheran High School offers a variety of sports camps for grades 5-8 including Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, and Football. Camps run from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Thursday and offered throughout the summer months. West Lutheran High School 3350 Harbor Ln N, Plymouth 763-509-9378 wlhs.net/camps

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Real Life “I think a lot of new parents relate to this sense that their job is to protect their children.”

Has your family been affected by toxic chemicals?

Unfortunately, we have. Our home is located in Minneapolis’ “Arsenic Triangle” in midtown, which is a Superfund site. After purchasing our home, we discovered that our soil samples exceeded safe levels of arsenic and had to have the soil remediated. And because our home is almost 100 years old, it also contains a fair amount of lead paint. So we must get our children’s blood tested periodically to check for lead exposure. It’s maddening that we are paying the price for toxic chemicals from my parent’s generation. How did you get involved in the Stroller Brigade?

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Sara McLoone In October of 2013, Minneapolis mom Sara McLoone and her young daughter Scout packed up their stroller and flew to the country’s Capitol to participate in the “Stroller Brigade.” The gathering’s purpose? To demand a change to the outdated laws overseeing toxic chemicals. While the Chemical Safety Improvement Act hasn’t yet had any major successes, McLoone is encouraged Q&a What spurred your interest in reform for by Minnesota’s actions to toxic chemical laws? Absolutely it was the experience of ban certain chemicals, and becoming a mother. I think a lot of new shares some of her history parents relate to this sense that their job is to protect their children. I was just kind of and tactics in the fight to keep bowled over by how prevalent toxic chemicals were in so many products ourselves and kids healthy. — Zoe Gahan

82 March 2014

already in our home, and I quickly became frustrated at how common they were in products intended for infants and children.

The Minnesota-based Healthy Legacy Coalition sponsored my trip. Healthy Legacy is a coalition of 37 Minnesota organizations who came together in 2006 because of the growing body of evidence linking rising rates of disease and exposure to toxic chemicals. Due to the work of Healthy Legacy, Minnesota has been a leader in protecting children’s health from toxic chemical exposure by passing groundbreaking policies that restrict toxic chemicals in children’s products such as baby bottles, food packing and body products. How do you protect your family from unhealthy items?

We try to keep things simple: eat simple foods that are grown with either no or minimal pesticides and avoid products containing fragrance, especially synthetic fragrance. Around the house and yard we try to limit any exposure they could get to paint chips and dust, particularly around windows and thresholds. And we took the extra precaution of putting in raised beds for our vegetable garden. What encourages your activism in this area?

I’m most encouraged by the successes we’ve had here in Minnesota banning BPA and formaldehyde in kids’ products. It shows that the political will is there when parents expect results from our legislators!

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