MARCH 2019 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
! Arkansas Trails to Hike,
pick a path Bike & Paddle
p luGETs PACKIN'
FOR SUMMER CAMP!
DIVORCE HURTS
IS THAT SCHOLARSHIP GET YOUR FAMILY THROUGH UNSCATHED A SLAM DUNK?
FREE FAMILY OUTDOOR SKILLS CLASSES AT LITTLE ROCK NATURE CENTER Learn a new outdoor skill for free, such as fishing, archery and airgun and outdoor cooking, at the AGFC Nature Center from our expert staff and earn patches along the way.
Wild About Dutch Oven Cooking: Beyond the Basics Sunday, March 10th, 1pm-5pm
Beginner Archery and Air Rifle Range Day
First Catch Friday: Fishing at MacArthur Park
Paddling: Learn How To Plan an Overnight Paddling Trip
Saturday, March 16th 12pm Great for kids and adults
Friday, March 22nd Great for all ages
Saturday, March 30th Fun for youth and adults
REGISTER YOUR KID OR FAMILY TODAY BY CALLING 501-907-0636 OR EMAILING HOLLIE.SANDERS@AGFC.AR.GOV
2 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Learn more at AGFCOutdoorSkills.com
SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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MARCH 2019 5 EDITOR’S NOTE
8 ADVENTURE & FUN CALENDAR, CRAFT & MORE!
12 ASK YOUR DAD
BEST BUDDIES - GABE HOLMSTROM
14 HEALTH & WELLNESS DIVORCE HURTS
18 EXPLORE & LEARN
IS THAT SCHOLARSHIP A SLAM DUNK?
22 GOOD EATS
TRAVEL-FRIENDLY TREATS
28 PICK A PATH
GORGEOUS ARKANSAS TRAILS TO HIKE, BIKE, STROLL AND PADDLE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
32 GET PACKIN' FOR SUMMER CAMP!
NEED TO MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR KIDS’ SUMMER BREAK?
38 KID APPROVED
TRAVEL ABROAD! - KAYCE GREEN
ON THE COVER: THE SUMMIT TRAIL, HEBER SPRINGS PHOTO COURTESY OF: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM.
4 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Moving, Shaking, Memory-Making
PETIT JEAN STATE PARK OFFERS FANTASTIC VIEWS AND PLENTY OF EXPLORATION!
This issue of Savvy is all about being active and enjoying the outdoors, creativity and movement with your kids. Get ready to shut off that game console (bye, Fortnite!) and start planning your family’s next big adventure. Travel writer and outdoor adventurer Jill Rohrbach gives some recommendations on a few nearby trails to hike, stroll, bike and paddle with the whole family on page 28. There’s plenty to do and see in The Natural State, and you’ll definitely work up an appetite during your explorations. Zara Abbasi is an expert on getting creative in the kitchen, and this month she offers a few travel-friendly food ideas for the kids. Whether you’re packing a picnic, snacks for a spring break road trip or flying the kid-friendly skies, you’ll want to check out her mobile munchies on page 22 to make sure you’re ready when hunger strikes. Summer may still seem so far away, but when it comes to planning for summer camps it's just around the corner. Now is the time to sign up, register, organize and coordinate your summer care. Flip to page 32 for a few local summer day camp and overnight camp highlights. If you’re sending a camper into the great outdoors you’ll want to keep a copy of our handy packing list on page 36, and remember the care package ideas on page 35 to let them know you’re thinking about them. We love seeing our kids compete in team sports, and it’s even better when they’re passionate and successful. But are we pushing kids too hard in the hopes of getting that coveted college athletic scholarship? Dwain Hebda talks with the Arkansas Activities Association on page 18 about the realities of sports scholarships and where young athletes should focus their efforts. We’re exhausted already just thinking about all the warm weather fun that’s headed our way! We hope you find something in these pages that makes unplugging a little bit easier, and family time a little bit breezier.
Amy Gordy Editor, Savvykids amy@arktimes.com
SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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PUBLISHER KATHERINE DANIELS | katherine@arktimes.com EDITOR AMY GORDY | amy@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER ART DIRECTOR | DIGITAL MANAGER KATIE HASSELL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS PRODUCTION MANAGER | CONTROLLER WELDON WILSON ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR MIKE SPAIN IT DIRECTOR ROBERT CURFMAN ACCOUNTING LINDA PHILLIPS CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ANITRA HICKMAN PRESIDENT ALAN LEVERITT
ARKANSAS TIMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
FIND US ON
6 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
contributors ANGELA E. THOMAS is a proud University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate and a member of its Alumni Board. For 11 years, she served Central Arkansas as editor for a locally owned magazine. Thomas is founder and owner of the greeting card company GODsent Greetings.
DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of four grown children. The emptynesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.
Th
ESN’T O D G N EARNI THIS! L E M I N ERT SUMM BETTER THA GET ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER ADVENTURE? The Innovation Hub summer camps are packed with exciting and fun hands-on camps designed to engage.
JILL ROHRBACH has 25 years of experience as a journalist and travel writer. She loves writing about travel destinations and outdoor adventures. She resides with her family in Northwest Arkansas.
From video game design and robotics to pottery and screen printing, we have camps your child will love. Visit arhub.org for a complete camp list. We look forward to seeing you this summer at Arkansas’ premier makerspace.
204 E 4th St, NLR 501-907-6570 arhub.org
MELISSA TUCKER spends her days working in web marketing. When not at work, you'll probably find her at the gym, on the playground with her kids or checking out too many books from the library. ZARA ABBASI lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children. She is a licensed attorney but you know her better as Little Rock’s friendly pastry chef and custom cake maker. She keeps busy with dessert orders, pop-up dinners, writing articles and doing anything food-related. Follow her on Instagram @Zaramadeit for her newest cake creations and dinner ideas.
KATIE CHILDS is a wedding, lifestyle and commercial photographer based in North Little Rock. When she’s not behind the camera, Katie and her husband, Jon, can be found rock climbing with their two pups in Northwest Arkansas and listening to embarrassing rap music.
GABE HOLMSTROM has been the executive director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership since 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he studied political science, and lives in the Governor’s Mansion Historic District with his wife, Katherine, and son, Gus. SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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March ADVENTURE & FUN
2-10 WYE MOUNTAIN
9 UNITY MARTIAL ARTS
DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
10TH ANNIVERSARY
Stroll through a field of flowers at the 40th annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival. It's seven acres filled with more than 20 varieties of daffodils, jonquils and narcissus, which makes for a perfect springtime family photo op! You'll also find arts and crafts, concessions and more. Admission is free. 23300 Highway 113 South, Wye. facebook.com/pg/DaffodilsOnWyeMountain
C R E A T I V I T Y
2019
A D N O L O N G C P A Y B Y T H
Celebrate 10 years at Unity Martial Arts with events at the dojo all weekend. Want more fun? Sign up for a spring break day camp, every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 18-22. unitymartialarts.com/visitors-kids/camps
D E V E L O P ME N T
M
8-31“CHARLOTTE'S WEB”
Kids and adults will love this play based on the classic book by E.B. White performed at the Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre. Follow along as Wilbur the runt piglet, who falls under the loving care of 8-year-old Fern Arable and Charlotte the literate spider, grows up into a fine specimen of a pig. arkansasartscenter.org
3 MARDI CRAW
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this lively fundraiser at the Little Rock Zoo from noon to 3 p.m. Crawfish Country Catering from Ville Platte, Louisiana, is serving up mudbugs and catfish. Enjoy craft brews, king cake, Cajun side dishes, live entertainment and animal encounters. littlerockzoo.com
9 ALPACAPALOOZA!
Join the celebration of urban and rural farming and bring the family for a day of local food trucks, artisanal food and goods, crafts for all ages and, of course, alpacas at Heifer Village and Urban Farm! heifer.org
8 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
M
Do ww
16 GARDENFEST
Welcome spring at Laman Library’s Gardenfest, featuring demonstrations, free DIY projects, live goats and birds of prey, door prizes and a plant/seed swap. This event on the library grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. offers something for all ages. Master Gardeners will be there to answer questions, and vendors will offer items for sale. Free hotdogs while supplies last. Admission is free and open to the public. northlittlerock.org/event/ gardenfest.
16 20TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The fun begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in North Little Rock and ends at Third and Cumberland streets in Little Rock. The parade features decorative floats, Irish dancing, Irish wolfhounds, candy, music and more. irisharkansas.org
23 THE GREAT
INFLATABLE RACE
This event is a fun run filled with inflatable obstacles that encourage you to jump, dive and bounce your way through. Get some exercise, support a good cause and create lasting memories at this playful event at Stone Links Golf Course in North Little Rock from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. thegreatinflatablerace.com
19 MEET NATURE CAT
Celebrate spring break by meeting and having your photo taken with Nature Cat, the star of PBS Kids’ “Nature Cat”! Enjoy hands-on activities about the wonderful outdoors and meet some of nature’s coolest animals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of Discovery! Tickets are included in regular museum admission or free for museum members. museumofdiscovery.org
30 DOWNTOWN DASH
Hit the pavement for a good cause at Junior League Little Rock’s Downtown Dash. This year’s theme is “Movie Madness,” and participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite movie character. A 1K kids’ event, Downtown Dash Jr., starts at 8 a.m., and the regular 5K gets moving at 8:30 a.m. Races begin at the Junior League building. jllr.org/downtown-dash
31BARKUS ON MAIN
This Mardi Gras parade is all about the dogs! Watch as dressed up, festive furry friends march down the Main Street Creative Corridor beginning at 2:30 p.m at Seventh and Main streets. The pre-party kicks off at noon and will feature live music from Dikki Du and The Zydeco Krewe, a beer garden by Rebel Kettle Brewing Co. and hurricane station, gumbo, crawfish boil and plenty of beads. barkusonmain.com
SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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Rock the Shamrock Design your own St. Patrick's Day shirt!
You will need:
Freezer paper Fabric paint Foam paint brush Iron Plain T-shirt Pencil Scissors or X-acto knife Cardboard to fit inside shirt
LEPRECHAUN SIZED!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Erin Go Bragh!
INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES 10 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
How to:
1. Draw your design on a piece of paper (or directly onto the freezer paper). Make sure it's the size you want for your shirt. 2. On a good cutting surface place freezer paper, waxy side down, over your drawing. Use an X-acto knife to carefully cut out your design. Don’t forget the inside details of your letters or shapes, you’ll need those. 3. Place cardboard inside shirt to keep the paint from bleeding through. 4. Arrange the freezer paper stencil, waxy side down, on your shirt. Make sure to place any small detail pieces. Remember, you’ll be painting the exposed area of the shirt. 5. Iron on the stencil using low to medium heat. Check all the edges of your design to make sure they stick to the shirt. 6. Use a sponge brush to apply the first coat of paint to the shirt. Wait 20 minutes or until dry, and do a second coat if needed. 7. Let fabric paint dry for a few hours or overnight. Remove stencil pieces carefully. WHAT A CUTE LITTLE LEPRECHAUN!
11218 PARHAM RD. / LITTLE 1 1218N.N.RODNEY RODNEY PARHAM RD.ROCK / LR 501.223.4929 501.223.4929
4822 N. HILLSN. BLVD. / NORTH LITTLE 4822 HILLS BLVD. / ROCK NLR 501.978.3154 501.978.3154
• INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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ASK YOUR DAD...
Best Buddies BY GABE HOLMSTROM
I’m the guy who has a buddy for everything.
Hunting buddy. Contractor buddy. Boat buddy. Plumbing buddy. It’s not out of the ordinary for me to get a call from someone who asks, "Do you know someone who can do…?" And, my typical response is, "Yep, I’ve got a buddy who does that." So a few months ago, my son, Gus, a towheaded, fort-building 5-year-old, started calling me his best buddy. My first thought was, “Hey this is pretty cool.” We build pillow forts, dinosaur Lego traps and generally make a mess of the living room—and everywhere we go. How awesome is this? Then it started to sink it. My mind went into hyper-drive and I’m thinking about him as a teenager, who I find myself in disagreement with, and who most certainly would not consider me to be his best buddy in that moment. What happens then? Do you ever get to be best buddies again? I have no clue. I’m not an expert in child raising or a pro parent by any stretch of the imagination. The fact that I was asked to write this is laughable! I let him eat cookies for breakfast, and not just on special occasions either! Sixteen-year-old Gus is not going to be my best buddy when I make him mow the yard for the second or third time to get it right. He definitely won’t be calling me his best buddy when I take the car keys, iPhone or whatever all-important electronic device exists in the future. And, I can only imagine the look on his face when I send him back to his room to finish the homework he was supposed to have done already.
How do I know that a version of these things is coming? Because, that's what buddies do. They learn and know each other’s personalities, their tendencies, their habits. I know he will try to push the limit to see what he can get away with, but then hopefully fall back in line. I think that is just part of life. Right along with being told “no,” and failing. I look forward to those times, to be there for him when he tries and fails at something. I hope he will grow from those experiences, just as not being allowed to do something will make him learn as well. I'm OK with not being his best buddy then. That's not what he deserves or will need at that point—he will need his dad. He’ll need me to tell him to get back on the bike and try again, to kick the soccer ball one more time, to show him how to assemble something once and let him do it on his own after that. It’s my hope this will make him a better person and a better friend to his buddies. All of this said, there will be plenty of time in the future to work on these life lessons with him. In the meantime, I’m going to fully take advantage of being a best buddy—eating cookies for breakfast and building the most outrageous forts possible with every single pillow and sheet in the house.
JUST A COUPLE OF BUDS DOING BEST BUDDY THINGS!
12 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Spotlight on Nonprofits
Photos by Katie Childs
Trust Tree
Who’s Leading? Founded in 2017 by musician and educator Correne Spero, Trust Tree is led by a group of female musicians, artists and arts educators with decades of experience. What’s It All About? Trust Tree is a nonprofit focused on music and arts programming for girls. Its flagship program is a summer day camp located in the Arts and Humanities Building on the UA-Pulaski Tech campus in North Little Rock. Trust Tree offers girls a welcoming space to fine-tune their creative voices with the guidance of uniquely experienced female mentors, facilitators and guest artists. Over the course of the camp, girls learn to strengthen self-confidence and build new leadership through the creation of art and music. When Can I Attend? Trust Tree will offer a free ukulele and string instrument workshop at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library March 30 from 10 a.m-1 p.m. You can register through the Children's Library. The 2019 summer camp offers two sessions: a one-week Songwriting workshop June 3-7, and a two-week Songwriting and Visual Art camp June 17-28. No prior musical experience is necessary. How Can I Help? Trust Tree provides the opportunity for girls in need of financial assistance to attend camp on scholarships through the help of individual donors. If you’re interested in helping, you can donate to the 2019 camp at trusttree.org/howtohelp.
• TWO TWIST SLIDES • WATER TUNNEL • RAIN DROP AND DEW DROP WATER SHOWERS • SPLASHDOME
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CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE • HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE.
PLEASURE PARK COMPLEX 201 W. MARTIN ST. JACKSONVILLE 501.982.SWIM(7946) www.cityofjacksonville.net Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30am – 6:30pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 12 – 6pm Admission $5 • $1 For Slides
Discover the joy of horseback riding! Private & Group Riding Lessons Ages 5 to Adults Helmets & Horses Are Provided With Lessons Boarding • Training Forever Forward
Since 1980 • (501) 563-6941 13405 Settlement Rd., North Little Rock, AR SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS
Divorce Hurts
Nobody leaves a divorce unscathed, but parents can put aside differences to guide kids gently through the process BY MELISSA TUCKER
When parents decide to get a divorce,
how to break the news to children is often the biggest concern, and Dr. Adam Benton, licensed psychologist and co-founder of Arkansas Families First, says there’s no getting around the emotional tension when it comes to having that conversation. “Last month, I did the interview on the birds and the bees, and, in both topics, I feel like these are times where you have one sit-down conversation, and then ongoing dialogues, but it’s going to be somewhat traumatic,” he said. “It’s made to be so formal, and there’s so much emotional tension around it. But at the same time, there’s no great way to do it.” When parents ask him how to approach that talk, he says it depends on the age of the children and what’s happening in their family.
“These are times where you have one sit-down conversation, and then ongoing dialogues, but it’s going to be somewhat traumatic” “If kids suspect it’s coming, it’s a whole different conversation,” he said. “But if the parents haven’t said anything at all, or if the kid’s only 2 years old, maybe they don’t have to have a big discussion. There’s not a one-size-fits-all. And sometimes the kids are more aware than parents suspect.” Occasionally parents will come to Arkansas Families First before they have the conversation, he said. “But most of the time, they come when things have blown up and aren’t going well, when there’s a lot of tension or there’s a custody battle, and the courts mandate the kids go to therapy. Or if the kids start showing behavior problems or acting out.”
14 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
“Divorce is essentially a grieving process for both parents and children.” Some ways to help kids going through a divorce are upholding routines and traditions, talking about feelings, or helping them visualize how their family might look in the future. “For kids, parents represent their stability and security, and it feels like their family has just been nuked,” he said. “It feels scary to kids, so helping to provide that stability in other ways with routines and traditions or adding new routines and traditions can be helpful.” Though they do offer therapy for children, Benton said it’s much more effective to treat the parents to help them learn how to help their kids. “I could see a kid once a week, or I can work with a parent, and the parent can work with the kid for hours a week. We see parents or children, but it’s a much more efficient method to help the parents to be healthy and let them help the child,” he said. And it’s best if parents seek counseling before the relationship starts rapidly deteriorating. “One of the biggest problems we see is when parents go for counseling, it’s typically too late,” he said. “They go because it’s a last ditch effort to save the marriage. There’s so much animosity and water under the bridge.”
Many relationships end during the teenage phase because that’s the time when parents are busy and stressed and don’t make time for each other, he said. Divorces are also common among families with special needs children because the stress level is so much higher. “It’s hard to have time together with your spouse when you’re so, so busy,” he said. “Marital satisfaction is at its lowest when you have teenagers and it goes back up during the empty nest phase.” He says there’s less stigma around mental health these days. “A lot of people will go to counseling on their own and marital issues can be part of their individual counseling. Kids are growing up knowing school counselors. When people feel persistently unhappy they should get help in whatever area of their lives so they can improve it. It doesn’t have to be long term or mean there’s a serious disorder or anything, and if people did that more often there would be fewer divorces.” But whatever the reasons and however it’s approached, he says divorce is essentially a grieving process for both parents and children. “Everyone has to grieve the loss of this image for their family and develop a new image of the future,” he said. “That process helps them adjust, and then they can feel hopeful again for what the future holds.”
. l a . e E R L s i B I e S l S g O g P u s i r Y t S e R h E T V O C d E n a R In Arkansas, mental health issues are affecting people of all ages and the suicide rate across all ages is at an all-time high. But there is hope. The BridgeWay provides a continuum of care that is safe, secure and serene. Just as each patient is different, so too are our programs. The BridgeWay is the only psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with distinct programs for seniors 55 and older, adults 18 and older, adolescents, ages 13-17, and children, ages 4-12. Whether it is for mood, thought or substance abuse disorders, we provide separate units for each population.
21 BridgeWay Road, North Little Rock, AR 72113 1-800-BRIDGEWAY | thebridgeway.com SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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Signs of Poor Divorce Coping In Kids: • Falling grades • Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns • Changes in eating patterns • Changes in behavior, changes in hygiene • Less concern about things they used to be interested in • Emotional distance in teenagers, withdrawing and keeping to themselves; finding an escape in video games
16 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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EXPLORE & LEARN
Is That Scholarship a Slam Dunk? If you're banking on an athletic scholarship, you better know the rules of the game BY DWAIN HEBDA
Parents who imagine their pee-wee soccer or basketball athlete landing a big-time athletic scholarship need to take a
knee first and understand some facts about the system. That’s the message from officials at the Arkansas Activities Association and area university athletic departments. “Only 3 percent of all the high school kids out there are going to play at the next level and that’s Division I, Division II and Division III, which is nonscholarship. There’s 97 percent that are going to be finished when high school is over,” said Lance Taylor, executive director of the AAA. “I think a lot of people, students and parents, lose sight of that.” Last year, Taylor and Bob Gardner, then-executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations, penned an editorial warning parents to take a realistic view of landing an athletic scholarship. In it, they cited NCAA statistics reporting the average Division I athletic scholarship is worth only $10,400, compared to average in-state public institution cost of more than $25,000 and twice that for private institutions.
“It’s about their academics first, but there are great life skills that you learn from being in extracurricular activities no matter what it is”
18 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
The Arkansas Activities Association, the Arkansas Department of Education and the University of Arkansas surveyed the 2018 high school graduating class statewide to determine the effect of extracurricular activities, including sports, on various measurements. Just under half (46 percent) of the graduating class participated in some type of AAA-sanctioned activity. Roughly the same percentage of girls participated as boys (47 percent versus 46 percent), but ethnic disparities exist. More white members of the class participated (52 percent) than black (36 percent) or Hispanic (32 percent). Participation in AAA activities showed a positive impact in the following areas: • Attendance: AAA participants attended 95 percent of the school days during senior year, while non-AAA students attended 92 percent • ACT scores: AAA participants scored higher on their 11th grade ACT earning a 19.95 composite score compared to non-AAA students’ 17.98 composite score • GPA: AAA participants averaged a 3.32 GPA senior year, compared to non-AAA students’ 2.97 GPA • Discipline: AAA participants were involved in fewer disciplinary incidents (31.54 disciplinary actions/100 students) versus their nonparticipating peers (38.34 disciplinary actions/100 students) • Graduation rates: AAA participants graduated at a rate of 99 percent compared to non-AAA students at 89 percent
April 25-28
Little Readers Rock, April 27
Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center Fairy and folk tales rule the day including authors, animals, activities, book giveaways, and a live version of The Emperor’s New Clothes. In partnership with the Junior League of Little Rock.
WWW.ARKANSASLITERARYFESTIVAL.ORG
A D V E N T U R E N O L O N G C O N T R A C T S P A Y B Y T H E M O N T H C R E A T I V I T Y
Participation Pays in Multiple Areas
Arkansas Literary Festival
D E V E L O P ME N T MARTI ALARTS
Mar c h1 822 Downl oadt hef or msf r om www. uni t ymar t i al ar t s . c om orc al l 501 )6640604 SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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Taylor said many parents who don’t understand these facts of life end up unnecessarily pushing their kids through year-round participation and traveling leagues, to say nothing of employing an expensive strategy that’s doomed to fail. “Parents likely will spend more money for club sports than they ever regain through college athletic scholarships,” Taylor and Gardner wrote. Natalie Shock, associate athletic director with the University of Central Arkansas in Conway said the biggest misconception parents have about athletic scholarships is the near-myth of the full ride. The reality is, scholarship dollars simply don’t exist to fund every roster spot 100 percent and so most athletes get a sliver of what it takes to attend school. “Even though softball, for example, has 12 scholarships, we may have anywhere from 24 to 26 [players] from year to year on aid,” she said. “So you can do the math there. Very few are on a full ride.” Molly Caster, UA Little Rock senior woman administrator for athletics and a former scholarship athlete, said most families hamstring their collegiate strategy by not having a clear idea of the athlete’s end game. “Just be realistic with your goals and priorities,” she said. “Do you want to play Division I because you want to play the best? OK, then maybe
you’re going to look at less of a scholarship for athletics that way.” “Is an athletic scholarship the means for you to pay for school? Then even in the Division I world, maybe you’re going to aim for a mid-major if you’re not going to be an elite student-athlete. Are you going somewhere because you want to play or are you going there because they gave you the most money? That’s all hard for many students to understand.” Both Shock and Caster said the most damaging element of overemphasizing athletics in the name of college money is that endless games and practices often come at the expense of academics. This is not only detrimental to the student’s overall development, it’s a backward strategy when it comes to college aid. “Academics in high school are super important,” Caster said. “Ninth grade is when it starts to matter because colleges are going to look at that GPA and hopefully give you a scholarship for your academics. And on top of that, coaches are going to look for a strong student. The easier you are on the coach, the more likely you are to be recruited.” “So many coaches go after the academic kids that can also play, because if you can get an academic kid, they’re going to get academic money that can be combined with your athletic money,” Shock said. “We’ve got some track students right now that are on a full ride academically and all we’re doing is giving them books. Our coaches love those people because that gives them more money to go after somebody else.” Lance Taylor is quick to point out the long odds of paying in college are not an indictment of high school participation. To the contrary, studies continue to show that students who are involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, reap a number of academic and social benefits. The key, he said, is to maintain priorities. “It’s about their academics first, but there are great life skills that you learn from being in extracurricular activities no matter what it is,” he said. “That’s really the point. You want to learn from both of those. You want to have great grades, but you also want to learn all those things that you can use when you’re through playing.”
“Ninth grade is when it starts to matter because colleges are going to look at that GPA and hopefully give you a scholarship for your academics. And on top of that, coaches are going to look for a strong student.”
20 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Tips From the Next Level Natalie Shock, UCA, offers the following for athletes and parents: KNOW YOUR OPTIONS—If college money is your goal, don’t just focus on Division 1. Athletic money exists in other collegiate divisions, including junior colleges, which have no limits on what they can give. EMBRACE REALITY—There’s a rule of thumb among coaches: Athletes are typically one level below what recruiting sources say and two levels below what parents think. Assess your ability honestly and go from there. UNDERSTAND TRADE-OFFS—There’s no easy path to the next level. Golf or tennis might have fewer athletes competing for scholarships, but there’s generally less money to be had there, too. Molly Castner, UA Little Rock, offers the following for athletes and parents: BROADEN YOUR PARTICIPATION—Some athletes become hyperfocused on one sport when participating in more than one can head off burnout and provide a fallback scholarship option. START EARLY—Athletes need to get on colleges’ radar early. Sending inquiries in ninth grade is standard, sending out clips in junior high is usually overkill and waiting until senior year is death. HIT THE BOOKS—Many coaches see academic achievers as more coachable and generally less trouble. Given the choice between two students of equal athletic ability, great grades are often the clincher.
Park Big Rock Mini Golf & FunLD TRIP!
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Party house available for all ages!
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22 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Travel-Friendly Treats
Spring is a time to be on the go! Whether you’re hiking, packing a picnic or traveling abroad, don’t get stranded at snack time! BY ZARA ABBASI, PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CHILDS
Is it spring break yet?
Please, can it be spring break already? Is it just me or are other parents desperate for a break and a getaway, too? I, for one, AM READY! I need warmer weather, greenery and some time away from the same old routine and chaotic schedule. I need some good, oldfashioned family time and that always means good food, too. And, if you need to know one thing about me, it's that I absolutely love to travel! Our kids’ passports are full of stamps and we started traveling with the kiddos when they were as little as a couple of months old. We are fearless when it comes to traveling domestically or internationally with our kids. The trick is to plan but not over-plan. You obviously want to know what you’re doing, but you have to be able to wing it, too. One thing that has always helped us with our sanity is to pack a few snacks and meals for the trip. Whether it’s packing food for a road trip, a quick hike, or for a plane ride, I love bringing fun things to keep us not only satiated, but entertained, too. Bonus, it must taste good! Having to stop several times while on a road trip can become costly. The same goes for airport food. Thinking and planning ahead can not only save you extra money, but your sanity too. Have you ever had to look for a snack for your screaming kid while at an airport, but you’re already in line to preboard so you just stare off into an abyss while your kid screams? Yeah, me neither. However you plan to travel, one thing that needs to be addressed before moving on to food ideas and recipes is proper food storage and temperature. If flying, you always want to make sure you abide by TSA guidelines when packing food. Make sure your containers do not contain liquids and are not over the size required by the TSA. Secondly, and obviously, you don’t want to pack any containers that leak or are difficult for your kids to access. And, you want these containers to be conducive to what you’re packing inside. Next, you definitely want to consider how long you will be traveling and at what temperature to store your food. You don’t want to pack unrefrigerated meats and dairy for too long. Those are not easy to reheat and keep safe on the go unless you have a short drive or can assure that they will be kept cool properly. For those reasons, it’s best to pack food that is stable at room temperature. You want this food to be stress- and mess-free and the less handling you have to do with it, the better. You can always do the tried-and-true snacks and meals if you’re running low on time and creativity. Some easy-to-pack snacks are: fruit kabobs; granola bars; PB&J sandwiches; applesauce pouches; veggie sticks; and cheese crackers. Now on to some additional recipes and ideas if you want to change it up for a trip or two!
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PINWHEELS
I love pinwheels not only because they’re cute and bite-sized, but also because they’re so versatile! You can make a variety of things depending on your destination. If you’re just going out for a hike or to the park, these can easily pack a ton of protein via lean meats and veggies, too. They are ridiculously simple to make. Just figure out your travel time and the info listed above regarding temperature and dive in. I’ve provided a few varieties too.
My Favorite Combinations • •
Tortillas (can also use spinach tortillas) Spread of your choice. Examples include: cream cheese; peanut butter; Nutella; hummus; tapenade; whipped feta; mashed avocado; pesto; pasta sauce; or herbed ricotta. Fillings. Examples include: thinly sliced apples; spinach leaves; thinly sliced lean meats; berries and bananas; grilled chicken; dried cranberries; sun-dried tomatoes; pepperoni; thinly sliced vegetables; roasted peppers; shredded cheese; or roasted mushrooms.
• •
1. Spread one of the above selections on a tortilla. 2. Fill tortilla with any number of matching fillings and roll tightly. 3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours to overnight. 4. Unwrap and slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Store in Ziplok bag or storage container.
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• • •
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Whipped feta with olives, roasted peppers and grilled chicken Herb cream cheese with turkey, spinach, shredded mozzarella and cranberries Nutella with fresh berries Peanut butter with sliced bananas and honey Mashed avocado with turkey, veggies and shredded cheese Pesto, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach Cinnamon cream cheese and thinly sliced apples or pears Herb ricotta with thyme-roasted mushrooms Pasta sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni
SESASONED CRACKERS
Other than pinwheels, I love savory snacks! Chips are a billion-dollar industry for a reason. It’s because I shop like a 9-year-old with unlimited funds when I pull up to a rest area. I love to get a variety of Pringles, cheesy chips and anything else that catches my eye. But, again, that is neither healthy nor cheap. When I plan ahead, I love these ranch-flavored goldfish and oyster crackers. This recipe makes a ton and both adults and kids love grabbing a handful of these. 1 1-oz packet of ranch seasoning mix (I’ve also used zesty Italian in the past with great results) 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 9-oz bag of oyster crackers 1 6-oz bag of goldfish 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 2. In a small bowl, combine the oil and seasoning and mix well. (Option for adults: add a couple of teaspoons of crushed red pepper for a kick.) 3. Add in the crackers and mix to coat evenly. 4. Pour out the crackers on a large cookie sheet and spread out. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. 5. Allow to cool completely, then bag in individual containers or a large one based on your destination.
NO-BAKE COOKIES/BARS
Lastly, you have to have something sweet when you’re out and about. When you’re already planning and packing for a trip, the last thing you want is to bake some elaborate dessert to pack. I mean, no one will turn down brownies because we’re not insane! But that shouldn’t mean that you should make time to bake up a batch. A much easier chocolatey dessert that everyone will still gobble up is the chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie! A batch of these whips up in about 10 minutes! You can customize these to your liking by taking out some sugar or adding in more peanut butter, adding in mini M&Ms or chocolate chips. I love a versatile recipe! 1 cup milk or evaporated milk 1½ cup sugar 1 stick unsalted butter ½ cup cocoa powder 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup peanut butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1. Line either two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper for drop cookies, or line a 9-by-13-inch pan to make bars. 2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, cocoa and butter and heat on medium heat. KEEP STIRRING! 3. Boil for 1 minute while stirring continuously. You might want to set a timer. If you let the sugar mixture boil too long, you’ll have very hard cookies. 4. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. 5. Either pour entire mix into the pan and flatten and cool and cut into bars later, or you can use a large spoon and spoon out equal amounts of the mix to form cookies and allow them to cool before packing up. SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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PICK A PATH
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Gorgeous Arkansas Trails to hike, bike, stroll and paddle with the whole family BY JILL ROHRBACH Outdoor enthusiasts will find hundreds of miles of amazing trails in Arkansas designed for easy strolls, long hikes and mountain bikes. While most people think of trails as being on solid ground, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 2009 created trails on water to highlight the diversity of paddling terrain that also can be found in the state. With all the outstanding options, it can be hard to decide which path to take. Here’s insight on four trails offering great family fun.
Lorance Creek Natural Area
A paved foot-trail and boardwalk lead the way to a diverse environment spread out along the banks of Lorance Creek, located just a few miles outside of Little Rock. The short hike is only about half of a mile roundtrip and is ADA accessible. Interpretive panels explain the two different ecosystems found here—the Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Here, you find a mix of both upland pine hardwood forest and a bald cypress/tupelo swamp. Open water contains both beaver ponds and sandy washes overlain with black gum. Small streams and seeps intertwine the features. Expect the trail to drop as it heads into the bottomland. Look for plant and animal life of these forested wetlands. Bring your insect repellent, particularly in the muggy months. This one’s definitely easy for smaller kids and strollers.
LORANCE CREEK NATURAL AREA 28 MARCH 2019 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
Little Rock
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
LITTLE MAUMELLE WATER TRAIL Little Rock
Little Maumelle Water Trail
The Little Maumelle is easily accessed from downtown Little Rock, making it a quick escape for those in central Arkansas. This waterway can be paddled year-round. It’s great for watching wildlife, immersing yourself in the slow pace of nature or enjoying the fun of fishing. Canoes and solo kayaks are available for rent at Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center. Put in at the park boat launch, then paddle down the river trail for as far as you like before turning around and paddling back. There are a few riffles and wade areas in the upper portion, but it’s mostly calm paddling. Check with the park staff, though, if there’s been heavy rain and the water flow is fast because that can make it difficult to paddle back upstream to your put-in. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Look for ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, all kinds of waterfowl, beavers, deer, raccoons, possums and water snakes. As you paddle back to the launch point, look for views of Pinnacle Mountain. You can always combine your water excursion with a hike on one of the many other park trails through the woods or even to the point of the Pinnacle.
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MOUNT KESSLER
Photos by Novo Studio
Fayetteville
Mount Kessler
Mount Kessler in Fayetteville is an iconic experience for anyone who wants to travel to Northwest Arkansas. While plenty of people hike and run the trails on Mount Kessler, mountain bikers in particular love this singletrack. The stacked loops provide anything from a 3- to 12-mile ride for intermediate to advance riders. It’s mapped, signed and family friendly. Riders earn their climb to the amazing ridgeline trails but enjoy a rewarding downhill ride back to the car. Park at the Mount Kessler Trailhead at 2600 W. Judge Cummings Road, where you’ll also find a regional park. A 1.3-mile connector trail winds from the trailhead to the singletrack on the mountain. Bring plenty of water and a snack. Take the Spellbound trail for beautiful overlooks and a ride through large boulders. Crazy Mary offers rewarding views on the other side of the mountain.
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
The Summit Trail
Sugarloaf Mountain in Heber Springs is home to several hiking trails, including the popular Summit Trail. This well-maintained trail is a moderate incline leading to rocky formations that can be climbed to reach the plateau of this 690-foot erosional remnant near the Little Red River. It’s worth the effort for a view that extends for miles in every direction. However, it’s definitely a trail for older kids and adults who are able to climb rock and be mindful of the mountain edge. The mountain got its name from early white settlers to the area. They called it Sugarloaf because it looked like the shape of the loaves of unrefined sugar in use at the time. The Osage Tribe who used to live there called it Tonawanda. Other trails on the mountain include the Tonawanda Base Trail, accessible Hidden Pond Trail and the Wildlife Trail. Bring your phone or camera for the fabulous photo op from the top. Binoculars are great, too.
THE SUMMIT TRAIL Heber Springs
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Get Packin' for Summer Camp! Need to make plans for your kids’ summer break? Whether you need daily childcare or are just looking for opportunities to get them out of the house and exploring new horizons, central Arkansas is filled with excellent summer camp options. Check out a few highlights and start making plans now before they fill up! BY AMY GORDY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VENUES
ARTS ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SUMMER STRINGS CAMP
Junior musical prodigies will delight in this five-day intensive program for violin, viola, cello and double bass players. Private lessons are also available. Ages: Elementary, junior high and high school levels. Students must have at least one year of string study on their particular instrument. Location: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Dates and times: June 24-June 28; 1:30-5 p.m. Cost: $150 before June 1; $175 afterward. arkansassymphony.org.
BALLET ARKANSAS SUMMER INTENSIVE
All dancers are required to have at least three years of dance training to audition. Ballet Arkansas Summer Intensive is an intermediate/ advanced level program. Dates and times: July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2. Cost: $400 per student (1 week); or $725 per student (2 weeks). Location: Ballet Arkansas Studios, 520 Main St., Little Rock. balletarkansas.org/summer-intensive.
INNOVATION HUB
Summertime learning doesn't get better than this! The Innovation Hub summer camps are packed with exciting and fun hands-on camps designed to engage. From video game design and robotics to pottery and screen printing, your child is sure to find an activity they will love. Ages: 10-17. Cost: $175. For a complete class list, dates, times visit arhub.org.
JUNIOR ARTS ACADEMY
Kids will discover the worlds of theater and fine art in this two-week summer day camp. The session closes with “Play & Display,” where parents are invited to see the young thespians perform original short plays on the Children’s Theatre Main Stage, and view their artwork on display in the Arkansas Arts Center. Ages: 6-9. Dates and times: June 3-14; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $448 for members; $560 for nonmembers. Register at arkansasartscenter.org by May 3.
WILDWOOD ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS
This summer music festival and arts camp is designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced students who are interested in studying music in a creative and musically nurturing environment. WAMA students learn and perform alongside professional faculty and guest artists from across the country. Ages: 6–18. Dates and times: June 3-July12. wama.wildwoodpark.org
YOUTH CHEFS CULINARY CAMP
Inspire a love for cooking at UA-Pulaski Technical College’s youth cooking program. Choose from sessions in baking, cake decorating and general culinary craft. This camp fills up quickly, so register ASAP. Ages: 10-17. Dates and times: June 3-28 (multiple sessions), Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $250 if registered before May 10, $275 after May 10. Location: UA-Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at 130000 Interstate 30, Little Rock. uaptc.edu/youthchef. SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2019
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EDUCATIONAL
ARKANSAS GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL
This state-funded four-week residential program hosted for the first time at Arkansas Tech University helps high school seniors explore cutting-edge theories in the arts and sciences. Students are challenged to develop creative and intellectual skills that will ready them for their lives beyond high school. Students must fill out an application form and receive a nomination from their school to attend this program. Ages: High school seniors. Dates and times: July 7-Aug. 3. Cost: Free. Sign up: This program is highly competitive and spots are limited. The application deadline for 2019 has passed; however rising high school juniors should consider now for 2020. Look for application information in the fall at atu.edu/ags.
SUMMER AT ASMSA
Rising sophomores are invited to apply to spend a tuition-free week at Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences & Arts in Hot Springs. Choose from four residential camps focusing on computer analysis, math and programming; fine arts and humanities; biomedical sciences; and entrepreneurship and innovation. Dates and times: June 16-21 (and additional biomedical sciences camp is available in July). asmsa.org/outreach/summer-at-asmsa
SCIENCE SAMPLER WEEK AT MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
Can’t decide on just one topic? Then try a science sampler! Each day campers will explore something different. The 2019 topics include: “Ologies,” Scientist Fan Club, Mythbusters, Mad Scientist and H20 Let’s Go! Ages: 6-8 and 9-12. Dates and times: June 24-28, July 29-Aug. 1; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $275 for members, $300 for nonmembers. Sign up: Call 501-537-3073, or visit museumofdiscovery.org.
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SUMMER LAUREATE UNIVERSITY FOR YOUTH (SLUFY)
SLUFY is an educational program through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that offers a wide variety of enriching courses in math, science, the arts, social studies, language arts and more. This program is geared for high-ability students and allows them the opportunity to meet other talented students and form friendships that last long beyond the summer program. Ages: Grades K-8. Dates and times: Monday-Friday, July 8-19; 12:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $300. Sign up: Applications are available online at ualr.edu, or call 501-569-8757.
SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP
Summer day camps at Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs offer exciting opportunities for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more. Choose from multiple camp topics including: Environmental Science, June 2428; Science Explorers I, July 1-5; Science with a Twist, July 8-12; Minecraft in Real Life, July 15-19; Wizarding World of Science, July 22-26; and Science Explorers II, July 29-Aug 2. Ages: 6-9 and 10-12. Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $200 for members, $225 for nonmembers. 501-767-3461 or midamericamuseum.org.
ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMPS
Young animal lovers will enjoy any of the camps offered at the Little Rock Zoo throughout the summer. Choose from halfday or full-day in a range of topics including zookeeper training, technology in conservation, crafts, exploration and more. Ages: 5-13. Dates and times: June 3-Aug. 9, half-day or full-day. littlerockzoo.com.
CARE PACKAGE IDEAS
Care packages aren’t necessary—being able to attend camp is all the reward kids need! But, if you want to send a little surprise, here are a few fun ideas to keep campers happy.
MAGIC BOX
Send a few easy magic tricks (with instructions) for kids to entertain new friends.
GLOW IN THE DARK
Make nighttime a little more fun with a box full of glow-in-the-dark gear for the whole cabin. Think glow sticks, bracelets, star stickers, etc.
FRIENDS FOREVER
It’s not a real camp experience if your kid doesn’t come back covered in friendship bracelets! Send a box of colored thread, mini clipboards, lanyard lace, keyrings and beads.
Join us on May 4th for the 12th edition of Tour de Toad! This fun, family-friendly ride is the official cycling event of Conway's Toad Suck Daze, and a great way to support literacy in central Arkansas! Special thanks to our sponsors:
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WHAT TO PACK!
Packing for an overnight camp doesn’t have to be stressful. Planning ahead, reading the camp’s rules and talking with other parents can ease the burden and help make sure you have everything your kid will need. Don’t: Send anything that you or your child can’t live without if it’s damaged or lost. Do: Put a label on everything! Permanent marker works great for most things, and personalized iron-on labels are best for clothes. It might even be helpful to include the packing list in your child’s trunk or suitcase to help him or her keep up with things. Here’s a list of camp essentials to help get you started
CLOTHING
Jeans Raincoat or poncho Shorts Swimsuit and coverup Swim shirt with UV protection T-shirts Pajamas Socks (pack extra!) Underwear (pack extra!)
LINENS
Bedding if required Pillow Beach towels Hand towel (dries faster than a beach towel, and is convenient for daily use)
PERSONAL
Prescription medications (alert the camp director) Comb or brush Deodorant Feminine products Bug repellent Lip balm Shampoo and conditioner Liquid body wash Sunblock/aloe vera gel Toothbrush/toothpaste Razor and shaving cream Reusable water bottle Wet wipes Hand sanitizer
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ACCESSORIES
Baseball cap or sun hat Glasses/contacts Cleaning solution Sunglasses Goggles Small backpack or tote Waterproof watch
FOOTWEAR
Cleats (if needed) Shoes (closed-toe) Sandals for the shower
ENTERTAINMENT
NATURE & OUTDOORS
ARKANSAS 4-H OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Campers learn great teambuilding skills at a variety of Arkansas 4-H overnight camps located at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, 10 miles west of Little Rock. Cloverbud Camp is a three-day family overnight camp for children (ages 5-9) who are accompanied by a guardian. Junior Camp (ages 9-12) offers an independent three-day overnight experience with a fun, competitive Summer Olympics theme. Adventure and Challenge Camp (ages 13-15) offers the three-day ExCEL Leadership program, which includes a ropes course, swimming, campfire and other camp activities. Also find STEM, culinary, craft and forestry camps. Dates and times: throughout July. Cost: varies. arkansas.4honline.com.
CAMP ALDERSGATE
Enjoy a unique overnight experience at Arkansas’s only nonprofit uniquely dedicated to serving kids with special needs and medical conditions. The camp offers traditional summer camp activities such as campfires, singing, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, swimming and nature hikes. Ages: Varies by camp session; call for details. 501-225-1444 or campaldersgate.net.
CAMP TANAKO
This faith-based overnight camp, nestled on 27 acres just outside Hot Springs, near Lake Catherine State Park, offers a multitude of programs to accommodate new and experienced campers. If it’s your child’s first time camping, consider the Family Camp or Mini Camp to ease them into the experience. Tanako offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, swimming, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, sports, worship, hiking and more. Ages: Rising 1-12 grades. Dates and times: May 28-Aug. 2. Cost: $105-$438. tanako.org.
Disposable camera Flashlight (make sure it has new batteries) Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes Journal Pens Drawing pad Family photo FERNCLIFF SUMMER Stuffed animal OVERNIGHT CAMP Card games This popular faith-based camp Favorite book located just 10 miles west of Little Rock offers more than 30 camp experiences. Ferncliff provides day camp and overnight camping programs in an atmosphere of caring and acceptance. Activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, games, sand volleyball, mountain biking, crafts, worship, campfires and more. Ages: 6-18. Dates and times: Several sessions available June-August. ferncliff.org.
LAKE NIXON
Get some sun and all-day outdoor fun at this nine-week summer day camp, where kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including camp songs, arts and crafts, nature hikes, team games and sports, swimming, volleyball, basketball and more. Ages: K-5 (new this year is Middle School Summer Camp for grades 6-8). Dates and times: June 3-Aug. 2; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $150 per child; $130 per second child attending the same weeks and within the same household. Location: 18500 Cooper Orbit Road, Little Rock. lakenixon.com/day-camp.
SPORTS & FITNESS ARKANSAS FOOTBALL CAMPS
These football camps held in Fayetteville cater to a variety of skill levels, from rising firstgraders to high school seniors. Each camp allows students to work directly with coaching staff and lower division coaches to improve overall football skills. Sessions include: Youth Half-Day Camp (age 5-11); Razorback Specialist Camp (age 12-21); Junior High Overnight Camp (age 10-14); High School Overnight Camp (age 13-19); and more. Dates and times: June 2-15, times vary. Cost: $40-$210. totalcamps.com/chadmorrisfootballcamps.
FIRST TEE OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS SUMMER GOLF CAMP
Get young golfers working on their backswing and developing character at one of the First Tee of Central Arkansas summer golf camps. The First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by teaching life skills through the great game of golf, and provide affordable access to the game while developing character through golf ’s positive values. Dates and times: June 11-14, June 25-28, July 9-12, July 23-26, Aug. 6-9, 8:30 a.m.-noon (all camps) Cost: $85 for members, $135 for nonmembers. thefirstteecentralarkansas.org.
GYMNASTICS DAY CAMP
Once school is out, get your kid tumbling through the day at River City Gymnastics. This camp is a fun, activity-filled program with your child’s health and fitness in mind. There is plenty of time to play, tumble, develop gymnastics skills and do arts and crafts. Ages: 5-12. Dates throughout summer, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $40 per day. Sign up: Visit river-city-gymnastics.com.
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kid approved Travel Abroad!
JUST DO IT! INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH KIDS SOUNDS DAUNTING AND IT’S EASY TO GET ANXIOUS ABOUT THE DETAILS. BUT IF YOU FIND YOURSELF FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE CONSIDERING IT, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND GO FOR IT.
DON’T FORGET A LIGHTWEIGHT, FOLDABLE TRAVEL STROLLER TO ADD A FEW EXTRA HOURS TO A DAY OF SIGHTSEEING.
GO WITH THE FLOW AND ALLOW FOR FREEDOM. WE RELAXED RULES AROUND THINGS LIKE BEDTIME AND SCREEN TIME. WE ATE ICE CREAM EVERYDAY. WE SAID “YES” MORE.
KAYCE GREEN IS AN ATTORNEY
AT LAW OFFICES OF GARY GREEN AND AN ADVENTURER. SHE AND HER HUSBAND, MATT PRICE, LIVE IN HILLCREST WITH THEIR TWO BOYS, AGES (ALMOST) 4 AND 5. LIKE MOST THINGS IN LIFE, TRAVELING ABROAD WITH KIDS REQUIRES A NICE MIX OF PLANNING AHEAD AND LETTING GO. HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS AND TIPS FROM KAYCE’S TRAVELS:
BRING THE GEAR THAT WORKS FOR YOU. THEY LOVED SLEEPING ON FLYTOT, AN INFLATABLE BED FOR THE AIRPLANE.
MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT! WE HAVE A BIG EXTENDED FAMILY, AND TRAVELING TOGETHER MEANS WE GET TO BRING THE VILLAGE ALONG FOR THE RIDE. OUR BOYS GET EXTRA QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS—AND WE GET BUILT-IN BABYSITTERS! A NOTE ON LONG FLIGHTS: THIS WILL PLAY OUT WORSE IN YOUR HEAD THAN IN REAL LIFE. PRE-ORDER KIDS’ MEALS; DOWNLOAD MOVIES; PACK SNACKS, EXTRA CLOTHES, FIRSTAID KIT, KID HEADPHONES AND SURPRISE TOYS.
FIND UNIQUE SOUVENIRS. WE SAT ON THE ROCKS NEAR THE SEA AND HELD OUT OUR HANDS TO CATCH WHAT NEW PEBBLES CAME IN WITH THE SURF. AS WE SIFTED THROUGH, WE CAME HOME WITH A BEAUTIFUL SELECTION WE WOULDN’T HAVE FOUND IN A STORE.
GET THE KIDS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE DESTINATION. HISTORY, FLORA AND FAUNA FACTS ARE FUN AND USEFUL. PRACTICING LANGUAGE BASICS GAVE THE KIDS SOME AUTONOMY—IT ALSO CONNECTED THEM TO THE CULTURE.
THEY ALSO ENJOYED FINDING SWORDS AT A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE!
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MARCH 2019 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
! Arkansas Trails to Hike,
pick a path Bike & Paddle
Get Packin' For Summer Camp!
+ Travel-Friendly Treats
p lusDIVORCE HURTS
Get Your Family Through Unscathed
IS THAT SCHOLARSHIP A SLAM DUNK?
MARCH 2019 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
! Arkansas Trails to Hike,
pick a path Bike & Paddle
Get Packin' For Summer Camp!
+
Travel-Friendly Treats
p lusDIVORCE HURTS
Get Your Family Through Unscathed
IS THAT SCHOLARSHIP A SLAM DUNK?
MARCH 2019 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
! Arkansas Trails to Hike,
pick a path Bike & Paddle
Get Packin' For Summer Camp!
+
Travel-Friendly Treats
p lusDIVORCE HURTS
Get Your Family Through Unscathed
IS THAT SCHOLARSHIP A SLAM DUNK?