More Than 50 Reasons to Celebrate. This year, CareChex® named Conway Regional: #1 Hospital in the Central Arkansas Market for Medical Excellence in Overall Hospital Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Patient Safety in Orthopedic Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health (2018)* Plus, 49 other prestigious awards* In addition to our full and dedicated team, we would like to thank you, our patients, for continuing to trust Conway Regional for your healthcare needs. *CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.
One Team. One Promise.
EDITOR'S NOTE
STAFF OWNERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith EDITOR Sonja J. Keith ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears St. Joseph School students were “Loving 501 KIds” as they prepared to participate in the 10th Annual Kids Run Arkansas sponsored by the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center. St. Joseph had the largest participation for the ninth year in a row and earned a $2,500 scholarship to purchase physical education equipment. (See more photos from Kids Run Arkansas on Page 7 and in the June edition of 501 LIFE.)
Nick Walker
Celebrating kindness in the 501
Levi Gilbert
As schools begin to wrap up and summertime is around the corner, 501 LIFE is all about celebrating and encouraging kindness in this month’s edition. This edition’s cover story was inspired by students at Greenbrier Westside Elementary School and their efforts to promote kindness during a special week observed earlier this year. Students participated in extra activities and dress up days to encourage one another to be kind. We applaud second grade teacher Jacklyn White
who spearheaded the effort. 501 Kids and 501 LIFE are jumping on the bandwagon by encouraging kindness among young and older throughout the year. In fact, if readers will take a photo with a copy of the magazine while doing an act of kindness, we will include it in an upcoming edition and on social media. Here’s to “Loving 501 Kids” and spreading the kindness message in the 501. Have a great summer!
features&columns On the cover For this month’s cover story (Pages 8-11), Greenbrier Westside Elementary School second-graders Kolby Kotcher (from left), Ella Reeves with Leo (class pet), Sydney Yarbrough and Martial DeLoach at the school Kindness Tree. (Mike Kemp photo)
4 Calendar There are a lot of fun events coming up over the summer, including the annual Conway Kids Triathlon.
12 Health Arkansas is home to a variety of troublesome and even dangerous insects. In order to enjoy the outdoors, we should find ways to do so safely.
14 Parenting Pool noodles are one of those toys that you feel like you need to have as part of your summer pool toy collection, but they can also have other fun uses.
ART DIRECTOR
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tom Keith
CONTRIBUTORS Donna Benton Dr. Angie Betancourt Brittany Gilbert
Amy Routt Katelin Whiddon
501 KIDS EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Angie Betancourt Leslie Burrows Dr. Sher Craig Stephanie Crockett Brittany Gilbert Gloria Massey
Nicole Rappold Lanette Rogers Amy Routt Katelin Whiddon Stephanie Worthey
501 Kids is published five times a year by 501 Advertising and Publishing (701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.327.1501). The contents of 501 Kids are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 Kids. 501 Kids is produced on recycled paper.
EVENT
Conway Kids Triathlon on Aug. 11
Robert Garrison dons his bike helmet during the second portion of last year’s Conway Kids Triathlon. This year’s event, presented by First Security Bank, is scheduled at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Hendrix College. The Conway Kids Triathlon, presented by First Security Bank, is a Conway tradition in its 21st year and will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at Hendrix College. Completing a triathlon takes commitment, training and support from your family. Every year, hundreds of kids cross the finish line, achieving a personal goal and helping the Conway Kids Tri board achieve its goal to provide an event that helps build healthy kids and healthy families. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Soul Food Café Mission, a critical mission to the Conway community. The goal is to donate $12,000 again this year. Every year, the mission provides services for close to 50,000 individuals with over 30 percent under age 18. Community Connections, a non-profit organization in Central Arkansas providing 4
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extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families, will organize a “special needs division” for the Conway Kids Tri again this year. Last year, 22 kids competed in this new division and the results were tremendous and heartwarming. For more information on this division, visit communityconnectionsar.org. A fundraiser breakfast will be held at Stoby’s Restaurant on Sunday, July 22, to promote the Conway Kids Tri and raise money for scholarships for the special needs division. Course distances are doable for kids of all ages. Kids between 6 and 10 complete a 50-yard swim (two laps in the pool), 2-mile bike course and half-mile run. Kids between 11 and 15 complete a 100-yard swim (four laps in the pool), a 4-mile bike course and a mile run. The event is perfect for a “first time” triathlete as
well as those who enjoy the sport and are competitive. The course is very safe and fun for kids of all ages and abilities. “The Conway Kids Triathlon is a great event for kids, families and our community,” said Conway Kids Triathlon Race Director Pete Tanguay. “Making the commitment and training together as a family is a great way to schedule time together and work together to build healthy kids and families during the summer. Watching these kids come across the finish line, it is clear something great has happened in their life, an accomplishment that will stay with them and motivate them as they enter the next school year the following week.” For more information about participating in the event or becoming a sponsor, go to ConwayKidsTri. com or contact Tanguay at 501.908.3876 or pete@ rock-pond.com. Online registration opens on Tuesday, May 15.
Calendar The Sacred Heart School Bazaar will be held Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2. Brand new this year is Plinko with a Google Chrome Book as the prize. Also new for 2018 is an escape room and a video game trailer. Various other activities will be available for all ages on both nights, including a midway featuring kiddie land games, Bingo, a ham and bacon stand, a silent auction and other attractions. The traditional spaghetti/ sausage and turkey/dressing dinner will be served in the school gym from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, with carry-out dinners available. For more information, contact Sacred Heart School at 501.354.8113 or sacredheartmorrilton.org. Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier will host is 33rd Annual Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 7. Family and friends are invited for a day of games and contests. Sack races, pedal boat races, watermelon seed spitting and water balloon toss are a few of the fun events planned. Free swimming and pedal boating. No admission. For more information, call 501.679.2098. Adventure Day Camp is planned in June and July at Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier. The boys camp, for ages 7 to 11, is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, through Thursday, June 21.The girls camp, for ages 7 to 11, is Tuesday, July 10, through Thursday, July 12. The camps, which are supervised by the park interpreter, will introduce young people to the wonders of the natural world through a variety of experiences, including hiking, camping skills, kayaking, nature programming and more. Spaces fill up quickly so early reservations are encouraged. Admission is $75 and includes gear, materials and some meals. For more information, call 501.679.2098.
There will be 900 antique auto related swap meet spaces at the 60th Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet and Show at the Museum of Automobiles near Morrilton. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Parks)
The 60th Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet and Shows will be held Tuesday, June 12, through Saturday, June 16, at the Museum of Automobiles near Morrilton. There will be 900 antique auto related swap meet spaces, 90 arts and crafts spaces, 500 car corral spaces for cars for sale and 100 RV parking spots with no hookups. Two car shows are planned on June 16 — one for unmodified antique cars and one for everything else. For forms and info go to motaa.com or call 501.727.5427. Free admission and the public is welcome. Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier will host a Summer Star Party from 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The dark night skies of the park are a wonderful backdrop for stargazing with the Central Arkansas Astronomy Society. Their volunteers will have telescopes available for viewing and will be available to answer questions. Admission: Free. For more information, call 501.679.2098.
The City of Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department will present the Maumelle 4th of July Parade at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. There is no fee to enter a float or group in the parade, and awards are given for best entries in several categories. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of ’76.” For more information, visit maumelleparksandrec. com. The Fifth Annual Cardboard Boat Race, presented by the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department, will be held after the parade, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lake Willastein. For information, visit maumellechamber.com. The St. Joseph Bazaar will be held Friday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 4, in Conway. The event includes a spaghetti dinner, box lunches, a midway, raffles, an online auction, games and carnival food. For more information, visit sjsbazaar. weebly.com. Proceeds support St. Joseph School. Summer 2018 501lifemag.com | 5
LOVING KIDS
Toad Suck Daze Run and Tadpole Trot Sonja J. Keith photos
The 35th Annual Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run, presented by Baptist Health Heart Institute/Arkansas Cardiology, was held May 5 at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School. The event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Fun Walk and Tadpole Trot races. Over the years, the race has raised more than $411,000 for non-profit organizations. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit a variety of local non-profits: HAVEN (a residential shelter for abused girls) Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County CAPCA (empowering individuals and families so they can succeed) Main Stage EdUCAtion (connects children to performing arts through field trips) Conway Athletics (help to resurface the Conway High School track) The Conway Kiwanis Club is the main organizer of the event, which is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau and sanctioned by the Arkansas chapter of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Other major sponsors are Kohl’s, TLC Pediatrics, Nabholz Client Services, Arkansas Eye Care Group, Regions, Arvest, Conway Corporation, Smith Ford and Patterson Eye Care.
Alli and Emily Rippy. Audrey and Jack Atkins, who live in Texas and ran the Toad Suck Daze 5K, their ninth this year.
Jace Gruchalski and his mom, Rhonda. Jackson and Emma Burroughs.
Keaton and Presley Sublett. Sidney and Shayne Lattimore.
Haven Sligh (left) and Cora Fulmer. Cameron (left) and Hudson Cox.
Tatum Lasker (front), Trinity Lasker (back, left), Talyssa Lasker. 6
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Mallory Lefler and her daughter, Lakyn.
Jonas and Alina Schurko.
Kids Run Arkansas Sonja J. Keith photos
The Berg Family: Blakely (from left), Robin and Evan.
Brooklyn Vaden (from left), Harper McKeen and Olivia Lee.
Kelli Perkins (front) with Kaleb and Kiana Larkin.
Kinslee Leftwich (front, from left), Ryleigh Leftwich, Peyton Waters and Preston Leftwich (back).
Laney Orahood (from left), Hollan Charton, Ella Orahood and Kaitlyn Deaver.
Tyler Ussery (front, from left), Jayden Bennett, Lawson Ussery; Mikah Roberts (back) and Isaac Foiles.
More than 1,000 participated in the Annual Kids Run Arkansas on April 27 at the Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center. Under the guidance of Mallory Lefler, the center’s fitness coordinator, Kids Run Arkansas® celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and is open to kids of all ages. Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry was the title sponsor. This year’s event was held in the south parking lot of the fitness center, near the new Tucker Creek Trail entrance and included some of the trail. Schools with the highest percentage of participation receive scholarships for their physical education programs. This year, $10,000 was awarded. Schools earning scholarships: First – St. Joseph - $2,500 Second – Woodrow Cummins Elementary - $2,250 Third – Anne Watson Elementary - $1,500 Fourth – Jim Stone - $1,200 Fifth – Ellen Smith Elementary - $900 Sixth – Julia Lee Moore Elementary - $575 Seventh – Conway Christian School - $400 Eighth – Theodore Jones Elementary - $300 Ninth – Marguerite Vann Elementary - $225 Tenth – Ruth Doyle Middle School - $160 For more information about Kids Run Arkansas, contact Lefler at 501.450.9292, ext. 309, or mtate@ conwayregional.org. (See more photos from this event in the June edition of 501 LIFE and on the 501 LIFE Facebook Page.)
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COVER STORY
Kindness
Greenbrier students take part in initiative
Greenbrier Westside Elementary School second-graders Kolby Kotcher (from left), Ella Reeves with Leo (class pet), Sydney Yarbrough and Martial DeLoach at the school Kindness Tree. The students are dressed in superhero attire for “Powered by Kindness Day” at the school. by Sonja J. Keith Mike Kemp photos
Students in the 501 were learning about and showing kindness in fun and unique ways, thanks to a nationwide program. The Great Kindness Challenge, held earlier this year, is all about creating a culture of kindness for all. Presented by Kids for Peace, it is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was co-founded in 2006 by Danielle Gram, a high school honors student, and Jill McManigal, a 8
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mother and former elementary school teacher. It started as a neighborhood group of kids wanting to make our world a better place and has grown into an interconnected network of young peacebuilders worldwide. According to the group’s website (thegreatkindnesschallenge.com), “At the heart of The Great Kindness Challenge is the simple belief that kindness is strength. We also believe that as an action is repeated, a habit is formed. With the Great Kindness Challenge checklist in hand, students have the opportunity to repeat kind act
after kind act. As kindness becomes a habit, peace becomes possible. “The Great Kindness Challenge is a grassroots movement that is making schools, communities and the world a kinder and more compassionate place for all. Working together, we joyfully prove that KINDNESS MATTERS!” At Greenbrier Westside Elementary School, second grade teacher Jacklyn White led the school’s observance of the special kindness week with the help of the Kindness Club, which she oversees. The Kindness Club, which meets on
Second grade teacher Jacklyn White at the Kindness Station at the school. Fridays, is one of the clubs at the school. Students participated in different activities as part of the weeklong kindness campaign. “It’s been such a great week,” White said.
SPECIAL STATION At the school, a kindness station was set up that students could visit during recess to work on and complete one of 50 different challenges. Tasks varied from making a card for someone to smiling at different people. “It was something they could do at home or at school,” White said. “Each student was encouraged to complete 10 each day in hopes that they would have 50 for the week.” Representatives of the community volunteered their time to man the kindness station and help students as they completed their kindness challenges. Among the volunteers were PTO members, Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick, high school ambassadors and the Greenbrier police and fire departments. “The students have loved having the volunteers here.” As part of the emphasis on kindness, West-
side students participated in a school-wide art contest. The entries were to depict kindness. The winning artwork was made into a poster and all other entries were shared with the Greenbrier Nursing Home.
KINDNESS TREE Among the activities, students were also encouraged to write and or draw on paper hearts kindness acts and messages. The hearts were displayed on a wall at the school to form a Kindness Tree. Some of the messages included: • Be kind to each and every person. • Spread kindness. • Eat. Sleep. Live kindness. • Tell someone they look nice. • Be nice to everyone. • Kindness is contagious. • I love kindness. • Be the best version of you.
THEMED DAYS To encourage participation, the school
KINDNESS continued on Page 11
Summer a great time to encourage kindness About: The Great Kindness Challenge is a positive and uplifting program that creates a culture of kindness in schools, communities and the world. Using a 50-item checklist, schools and families are challenged to complete as many acts of kindness as possible. How: It’s easy! Families sign up online, download and print the kindness checklist or use an interactive Great Kindness Challenge app. Guided by the kindness checklist, families have fun and show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS! Who: For everyone, everywhere. When: The Family Edition is year-round. The School Edition is an annual one week challenge during the last week of January. Share: Inspire others with your kindness by posting photos online and include the hashtag #GKCfamily. Content can also be uploaded directly through the Family Edition website page. Source: thegreatkindnesschallenge.com Summer 2018 501lifemag.com | 9
KIDS OF THE MONTH WILLIAM “MARTIAL” DELOACH
SYDNEY YARBROUGH
AGE: 9.
AGE: 8.
CITY: Greenbrier.
CITY: Greenbrier.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science and math.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Writing.
FAMILY: Mom and stepdad (Angela and Ron Chambers), along with two dogs and a bearded dragon.
FAMILY: Mom and Dad (Elvis and Tira Yarbrough).
FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Hibachi is favorite meal and fruit as a snack. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SHOW KINDNESS: I like to help people clean their messes. MORE INFORMATION: Martial has a very creative imagination and enjoys writing stories. When he grows up, he wants to be a martial arts master.
ELLA REEVES AGE: 7. CITY: Conway. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Reading. FAMILY: Casey Reeves (dad), Heather Reeves (stepmom), Shari Price (mom), Joe Price (stepdad), Sean Reeves, Logan Reeves, Olivia Price, Ava Price and Quinn Reeves. FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Chocolate. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My family. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SHOW KINDNESS: I like to show kindness by helping others. 10
Mike Kemp photos
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FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Strawberries. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SHOW KINDNESS: Giving hugs and helping others any way I can. MORE INFORMATION: When I grow up, I want to be a designer!
KOLBY GOTCHER AGE: 8. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math. FAMILY: Mom, dad and twin brother. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SHOW KINDNESS: Help people when they are hurt on the playground. I like to help animals because they can’t speak for themselves. I like to find things that people do well and then compliment them. MORE INFORMATION: I would like to be a vet when I grow up so I can help as many animals as I can or work at PetSmart.
KINDNESS from Page 9 observed a different theme each day with students, teachers and staff encouraged to dress up to match the theme. Students who dressed up and completed at least 10 challenges each could participate in classroom drawings for prizes. The themes for the week were: Monday: Crazy for Kindness Wear crazy hair or socks Tuesday: Peace, Love & Kindness Wear hippie attire/tie dye clothing Wednesday: Never Too Old for Kindness Dress as a senior citizen Thursday: Powered by Kindness Dress as your favorite superhero Friday: “Pawsitively” Kind Wear your favorite Greenbrier Panther attire Students were also given special kindness bracelets. “They can pass it on to someone doing a kindness act.” “They have loved it,” White said of the themed days. “We have had so much participation. We have had so many smiling faces.”
‘Loving 501 Kids’ and showing kindness 501 LIFE and 501 Kids would like to encourage young people in Central Arkansas to spend time this summer showing kindness. Check out thegreatkindnesschallenge.com to sign up as a family and for ideas. Some of the sample tasks include making a donation to a local animal shelter, take a treat to local firefighters, read a book to a younger child and volunteer in the community.
IMPACT The kindness initiative is observed not only in other schools across the U.S., but also in other countries, according to White. For more information on the kindness initiative, visit thegreatkindnesschallenge.com. According to the site, more than 10 million students in more than 90 countries have participated in the campaign. More than 500 million acts of kindness have been recorded. The site contains information on how families
“As young people show kindness, we encourage their parents or another adult to take their photo with a copy of 501 Kids to submit to share with readers,” said editor/publisher Sonja J. Keith. “What a fun way to spend the summer.” Photos will be published in an upcoming edition of 501 Kids. Please send photos and caption information to info@501lifemag.com or 501 LIFE, 701 Chestnut St., Conway AR 72032. can also encourage kindness. White said the campaign, which took place three years ago on a smaller scale, is designed to help children consider what they say and do when interacting with others. “This is the first year we did it this big and tried to involve the community,” White said, adding that she thinks it will become an annual event at Greenbrier Westside. “It is impacting the culture of our school and has helped our students be more aware of other people’s feelings.”
O F F E R I N G Smarter WAYS TO SAVE. With the right resources, big dreams turn into even bigger accomplishments. What’s your better? Get there with us.
Member FDIC Summer 2018 501lifemag.com | 11
HEALTH
Watch out for dangerous insects
by Katelin Whiddon
Arkansas is a beautiful state and we are blessed to have so many outdoor activities to participate in. Arkansas is also home to a variety of troublesome and even dangerous insects. In order to enjoy the outdoors, we should find ways to do so safely.
ANTS Ants are found everywhere. While most ants are a nuisance, they are not necessarily harmful. Fire ants can be, however, quite dangerous. Fire ant mounds are typically easy to identify – usually looking similar to a pile of dirt. Mounds can also be found in rotting wood. Mounds are generally in open, sunny areas. Oftentimes, they are around edges such as of landscape edging or where grass meets concrete or gravel. Stepping in a fire ant mound happens far too often when walking without paying attention to your feet. Almost immediately fire ants will swarm and sting. Most times, numerous ants will sting at a time. Most people react with painful red bumps that are usually fluid filled. These stings may be present and painful for a few weeks. In most cases, over the counter creams and treatments can help relieve the pain with fire ant bites. Occasionally these can get infected or a person may be allergic to fire ant bites. If your children have serious effects, excessive swelling or any tongue swelling or trouble breathing, get them to the doctor or emergency department ASAP.
WASPS/BEES Wasps and bees are out in full force now as well. Check your house and outdoors for nests and hives. Bees and wasps may be found near flowers, shrubs and trees also. If you see a wasp or bee, try to walk away slowly. Screaming, swatting or yelling may aggravate them and cause them to sting. Stings may swell and itch for several days. Try applying ice or itch cream to help with symptoms. Again, if symptoms are severe, contact your child’s pediatrician. If any breathing problems occur, seek emergency care immediately. 12 | 501 LIFE KIDS Summer 2018
TICKS Ticks are a common problem in the South, especially in wooded areas. There are some ways to try to keep ticks away: Try not to roam around in wooded or untreated areas. Dress in long sleeve shirts and pants that don’t allow much free skin for ticks to attach to. Also try to tuck pants into socks to keep ticks from crawling up pant legs. Try using a safe insect repellent to deter ticks. There are numerous over the counter products as well as homemade natural products that can still protect you and your children without harsh chemicals. Be sure to inspect your children for ticks after being outdoors. Ticks like to hide in skin folds and creases. If you find a tick, it is very important to remove the whole tick (including the head) as soon as possible. Ticks can cause a variety of illnesses that can be very dangerous. Monitor for a bulls-eye like rash around the tick bite as well as any other strange symptoms including, but not limited to, rashes, and fever. If you have any questions or concerns about ticks or tick borne illnesses, contact your child’s pediatrician. The spring and summer seasons are a great time to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. Always be sure to use caution and watch for potential dangers for yourself and your children. If there are any symptoms you are concerned about after a bite or sting, please reach out to your child’s healthcare provider.
A native of Conway, Katelin Whiddon is a family nurse practitioner at Central Arkansas Pediatrics. She and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, she has her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
NEWS
St. Joseph School's Class of 2018 continued a decade-long tradition April 30 by riding bicycles to school. The seniors arrived on campus at 7:15 a.m. and rode around Downtown Conway and the high school campus before classes started.
ENJOY THE WALK
We are here until 9:00
FirstServiceBank.com CONWAY | 2475 Washington Avenue | 501.932.5050 CONWAY | 540 United Drive | 501-932-9700 CLINTON | 486 Highway 65 North | 501.745.7200 GREENBRIER | 134 Broadview | 501.679.7300 LITTLE ROCK | 12921 Cantrell Road | 501.801.7402
Summer 2018 501lifemag.com | 13
PARENTING
Pool noodle possibilities
by Brittany Gilbert
Pool noodles are one of those toys that you feel like you need to have as part of your summer pool play collection, but if we’re all being honest, they’re kind of pointless, right? Find new purpose for your pool noodles this summer. Put those old pool noodles to good use, or pick some up from the store for really cheap and have some endless fun this summer. But, get ready for your neighbors to ask why you always have so many.
Ring toss Take one pool noodle and make it in to a circle by using duct tape to tape the ends together. Cut another pool noodle in half. Now you have the ingredients for pool noodle ring toss. Use a pencil as a stake and slip the pool noodle over it to keep it in the ground. Take turns tossing the ring.
Makeshift games Pool noodles are also great for making end goals. 14
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Use pencils as stakes and slip the ends over to create an arch. Voila, a goal. You can also use these pool noodle arches to create an obstacle course. Get creative with different obstacles, but these noodles would work great for arches that have to be jumped over or crawled under. Slip the noodles over stakes and leave them straight in the air and then kick or dribble a ball while weaving in and out of noodles placed about a foot apart. Use four pool noodles to create tic-tac-toe. Cut off five pieces from the end of two different colored pool noodles. These discs that you cut will serve as your Xs and Os (but obviously won’t be actual Xs and Os). Use other pool noodles to serve as tic-tactoe frame for your game. Another idea is to play water balloon baseball. Of course, keep in mind that you will need to be prepared to get messy. This can be a great way to cool off after your obstacle course. Only supplies needed are a couple of pool noodles and water balloons.
Rainy day activities There will be rainy days. Being prepared with a few activities in your tool belt will help with the rainy day blues. Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and elevate one side on a couch or stairs, and then have an epic hot wheel race. Use painter’s tape to lay out a car track throughout the house, furniture included. They even sell car track tape online for this very reason. Kids love it!
Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. She and her husband, Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at b.gilbert37@gmail.com.
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