Bear Essential News March 2021, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

March 2021 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

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See pages 17 thru 21

Summer

CAMP TIME!

In This Picture: Find a crayon, a pizza slice, a book, a spring flower, a 4-leaf clover, H2O, SPRING, a Girl Scout cookie, the Cat in the Hat’s hat and the word CAMPS.

KID CAMPS!

FEATURE

NEWS NEWS

CONTESTS

Camp Guide 2021

Every Drop Counts!

A View from Mars ‘D r. B◊’ Talks S cience

Win Cool Prizes!

There’s one for you!

Pages 17 thru 21

Water-smart tips & activities Pages 12 & 13

Spotlight on Texas Storm News Highlights page 5

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 7 & 22

Have fun & good luck.

Pages 11 & 16

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March 2021 •

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Science

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News Stories

Get the Scoop!

First ASU Sustainability Graduate Helps Explain Sustainability

by Reporter Nava Nelson, Homeschool

I recently had the opportunity to interview Brigitte Bavousett, the first-ever graduate of and now an undergraduate recruiter for ASU’s School of Sustainability, and my father, Dennis Nelson, who was recently a student there!

Bavousett says that her favorite part of her job is seeing the light in the eyes of students when they realize that they can play a part in helping the planet. She adds that what got her into doing this job was her love of nature. She has been to all 50 states, and takes time to go on a hike in every single one. The last two states she visited were South and North Dakota.

What is sustainability? Sustainability is taking good care of the Earth, such as recycling, saving water, and a whole lot more. “The whole point of sustainability is to make sure that we have what we need, and that we are going to be okay in 2050,” Bavousett explains.

Bavousett family at North Dakota bo undary She also says that it's better to drink coffee out of a ceramic mug than to drink out of a styrofoam cup everyday. The point? Drink homemade coffee rather than going out.

“We have to understand how some of our industries in the SUSTAINABILITY U.S. cause pollution and cause detriments to people’s health,

by Nava Nelson and how can we have those win-win-wins. Yes, we want strong economies and great jobs, but we need to make sure Sustainability is taking good care of that people have clean air and clean water coming into their the earth. homes and food that’s not full of chemicals,” she continues.

Fun Fact: Bavousett spent six years in the Soviet Union and is very interested in their culture.

Another Grad Weighs In I also interviewed Dennis Nelson, who went to the School of Sustainability when he was younger. He is also my father.

“I started at ASU in 2016 at the age of 41, and graduated in 2018,” says Nelson.

I asked him, “What is sustainability?”

“The definition from the Brundtland Report is probably the best,” he told me. It says, “‘Meeting today’s needs for resources without compromising the needs of future generations.’ I really like that definition because it suggests that it is possible to preserve resources for every generation after ours,” he explains.

“For me, what’s important is that we learn to consume less—less packaging, less meat, less fuel, less electricity, less stuff,” Nelson says. “If we can all start consuming less today, we have a better chance of ensuring that there is enough tomorrow.”

Sustainability is very important for the planet and its environment. Here are some simple but very helpful things that you and your family can do every day to make the world a better place to live: • Never leave the faucet running when you aren't using it.

• Always turn the lights off when you leave a room or car.

• Try to recycle everything that you can, including plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, etc.

• Use less of things like gasoline, electricity, food, and plastic.

Do You and Your Family Recycle & Reduce?

Find the Recycle & Reduce Poll online and answer these questions.

• Does your family recycle?

• Do you clean up litter when you spot it?

• Do you turn the lights and water faucet off when you are done using them?

Undoubtedly, sustainable living can make our planet better.

Spreading awareness will certainly help.

Totally doing our part to Achieve a sustainable life.

In our world today, we need to recycle more.

Not add to the waste.

Any person can help make the planet better, Because together we can make a big difference.

It may seem impossible, but Little by little, day by day, It’s not unachievable.

Today and tomorrow, we can make a difference.

You and I can do it!

To Take the Poll, Go To: https://www.surveymonkey.com /r/9TJQR7D

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March 2021

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On the lookout for gum disease

At your appointment, the dentist will check your mouth for gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause oral and facial pain, cause tooth loss or even something more serious.

Your dentist also checks for signs of oral cancer.

Finding and treating cavities Even if your teeth don’t bother you, cavities can still be forming and growing larger. Cavities are a sign of tooth decay, which can be painful and lead to tooth loss. Finding and filling cavities early saves the tooth and keeps little problems from becoming big ones. Your dentist also checks any fillings you already have, because sometimes fillings can fall out. To prevent cavities, your dentist might apply a sealant on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth.

X-rays give an overall picture

X-rays help your dentist see the overall health of your teeth.

Not only do they help determine the extent of cavities, but x-rays reveal the state of your wisdom teeth and problems below the gumline or inside the jaw. Usually your dentist will have x-rays taken of your teeth once a year.

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News Highlights

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Winter Storm Knocks Power Out in Texas

First Image Makes NASA Team Cheer!

Millions of people were left without power and water in Texas after a winter storm WALLOPED the Lone Star State last month.

The storm also left dozens of people dead and is expected to become one of the most expensive disasters in the state’s history. By comparison, Hurricane Harvey, the most expensive disaster in the United States in 2017, caused $125 billion worth of damage when it hit Texas.

So just how bad did the weather get in Texas? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC), the coldest day was on Feb. 15, when the state’s average temperature was 11.8 degrees. On Feb. 16, Tyler, Texas, a city in the eastern part of the state, hit its coldest temperature on record since 1883: a whopping - 6 degrees!

photo co

urtesy of

NASA

“For those who wonder how After leaving Earth you land on Mars—or why it is so more than six months difficult—or how cool it would be ago, the Mars 2020/Perto do so—you need look no furseverance rover landed on ther,” said acting NASA Adminthe Red Planet on Feb. 18! istrator Steve Jurczyk. “PersePerseverance immeverance is just getting started, diately started returning and already has provided some incredible images. Video of the most iconic visuals in captured by the rover space exploration history. It showed the spacecraft reinforces the remarkable PLUMMETING, parachuting level of engineering and preand rocketing toward the cision that is required to build surface of Mars. While there is th and fly a vehicle to the Red was no audio of the landing, h it me w oned ho K. h O p d e e c Planet.” the rover has sent back a d n n ad la Persevera how it h s to t NASA has big plans 60-second audio clip in which o h initial s for Perseverance during a Martian breeze is audible its mission. Over the course of the next two Earth for a few seconds. You also can hear the mechanical Winter Storm Facts: years, which is one Mars year, the rover will explore sounds of the rover. · 3 storms Feb.10–20 the landing site region. According to NASA, the main Less than a week after the rover’s landing, NASA • Damage estimates: released a 360-degree PANORAMA of Jezero Crater, goal is for the rover to seek signs of ancient life and $10 billion–$20 billion a 3.9 billion-year-old dry lake bed. The image is collect samples of rock and soil for possible return to 11.8°F · Power outages: 4.3 million Earth. the first high-definition look at the crater, and it was · 300+ sheltered Feb. 16 at There is certainly no shortage of ground to cover. created after scientists at NASA stitched together 142 Mattress Mack’s Gallery Mars is slightly more than half the size of Earth. But images taken by the rover’s Mastcam-Z instrument, Furniture store in Houston while approximately 70 percent of our plant’s sura pair of zoomable color cameras. The two cameras face is covered by liquid water, Mars has no liquid are like high-definition eyes on Perseverance that In many parts of Texas, the cold temperatures water on its surface and instead is covered by rocks allow the rover to share its view with NASA’s team of were accompanied by snow and ice. Abilene, scientists and engineers back home. and dust.

Texas received a record 14.8 inches of snow!

Winter storm-related factors brought much of Texas to a standstill. The severe storm conditions caused most of the generating units to go offline, from coal-fueled power plants to FORT COLLINS, CO—This cute, furry-faced ferret has reintroduced thousands of black-footed ferrets wind turbines. Other power plants lost their is just a few months old and goes by the name Elizin the Western U.S., Mexico and Canada. But these pipeline supply of gas and were unable to abeth Ann. But if you were around at least 31 years offspring are all closely related and may lack the even generate electricity. ago, you might have met her, or at least a ferret that’s genetic diversity Many states often see much colder temgenetically identical to this KIT! a healthy populaperatures than Texas, which left many people Elizabeth Ann is a clone of a black-footed ferret tion needs. questioning why the state’s energy supply named Willa that died 31 years ago. The numbers of Although just was paralyzed by the winter storm. The short black-footed ferrets had plummeted back then, so bia kit, Elizabeth answer is that the energy suppliers had not ologists preserved Willa’s remains, including her DNA Ann has the invested in the measures needed to produce (genetic information), by freezing. unique genetelectricity in subfreezing temperatures.

What happened to black-footed ferrets, which are ics that Willa These energy producers knew that a part of the weasel family Mustelidae? In a way, scienhad—but three severe weather storm could pose a serious tists attribute it to habitat loss. Prairie dogs, the prey decades later. threat in Texas because this isn’t the first time of this species of ferret, were being exterminated by Scientists have that Texas has dealt with uncharacteristic, ranchers to protect the land for cattle grazing. high hopes that catastrophic winter weather. In February 2011, But the ferrets, which lived among the EXTENSIVE Elizabeth Ann an ice storm crippled Texas power plants for a will be able to burrow colonies of the prairie dogs, also died out and time. Studies were conducted and measures give birth and were thought to be extinct. were suggested about how to prepare the add her much From 1985–87, the last known black-footed ferrets state for future cold snaps and winter storms, needed genes to were caught and became part of a captive breeding but very few of those recommendations were the black-footed program. Just seven of these 18 survivors were able put into place over the last 10 years. ferret gene pool. to breed, yet since the 1990s, U.S. Fish & Wildlife photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife

Could Cloning Help Save a Species?

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March 2021

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“Teaching is a second career,” explains Dawkins, who previously worked in restaurant management. Dawkins says he wishes he had become a teacher earlier in life because it is a job he loves and feels is his calling. His mom was a special education teacher for 25 years and his uncle was also a teacher, “so it was always around me,” says Dawkins.

Dawkins taught a selfcontained classroom before moving to Tarwater. He says managing a restaurant and leading a classroom both require building relationships.

“It’s a balance of give and take,” he explains. “If you’re too demanding with employees or students, they’ll tune you out.” But when you take the time to establish a good relationship, Dawkins explains, “the more you can ask of them, and the more you can get out of them.”

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principal Diane Hale. “He also has a magical way with often ‘hard to reach’ kids.”

Dawkins is the faculty sponsor for the school’s math club, and parents notice the extra time he puts in to helping students learn. Parent Kristie Van Engelen nominated Dawkins, and notes that other parents have expressed their appreciation for the support Dawkins gives students and his ability to see their potential.

With students moving back and forth from remote to in-person learning this school year, Dawkins also “spoke to several parents about how their students are doing since being back in person,” Van Engelen writes.

Being back in the classroom can have its hiccups. Dawkins recalls the times in class when students start to take a drink from their water bottle and forget they are wearing a mask!

But a little water aside, Dawkins notes, “All kids are better in person.

I’m better in person…but they did well (during remote learning). I’m proud of them.”

In his leisure time, Dawkins enjoys sports and reading about history and politics. He also likes books by author Dan Brown. The Colorado native moved to Arizona several years ago and says he enjoys the warm weather here.

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March 2021 •

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Get the Scoop!

Science Is for Everyone

by Reporter Briana Williams, Arizona Desert Elementary

BEAR 40 YEARS

7

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

Virtual Field Trips Make Learning Real for Students

at cosi.org which allows activities and additional

by Reporter Thomas Gunnigle things virtually.”

Waybright Technology Academy COSI’s largest exhibit is the dinosaur exhibit.

Virtual field trips are remote classes where According to Dr. B, it was created in partnership with the host shares their screen of an online the American Museum of Natural History in New guided tour such as the Holocaust Memorial York. “We have 3-D virtual tours of our exhibits at Museum or Ellis Island website. These trips cosi.org. There are six different exhibits, like energy help students virtually bond with each other and dinosaurs. COSI Connects Live allows you and lets students explore landmarks and to experience the event taking place such as an historical locations without actually being operation. You can also ask questions,” he says. there. My class is learning about U.S. History COSI also has the Color of Science, where they using Zoom, and we have already visited interview landmarks like the Statue of a person Liberty and the White House. of color in I also did field trips at school science the City of Lights Gets a Tower! using virtual reality before first Thursday On March 31, 1889 the Eiffel lockdown. Virtual reality lets you of every Tower opened in Paris visit cool places using immersive month. “Caleb technology, so it feels like you are Anderson was actually there. I visited many places around very interesting, and it was fun interviewing astronaut the world in VR, all from my school building.

Kathryn Sullivan,” notes Dr. B. I also drove an M1 Abrams and a Tiger IV COSI also does interviews during the Science (World War II era tanks) in virtual reality, Fest, the first week in May. Dr. B also has a new which is pretty cool. show that just started. “We did our first taping”, says I really like that my school lets us travel Dr. B. “It is called QED with Dr. B. You can air it at any and explore historic landmarks with virtual time around the world.”

Adviser: Karen Golden field trips, because travel is not always safe.

I think more schools should try remote field trips—they let students connect with each other and have experiences they might not

by Reporter Jilayn Doughty & Audrey Sublette, Prenda Microschools be able to have otherwise.

Science is everywhere and for everyone. It is something that allows us to ask and get answers. It makes us safe, helps develop new technologies and gives us medicine.

Dr. Frederic Bertley, aka “Dr. B,” President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), originally wanted to play professional sports.

“I am from Canada and I like hockey. When I was 9 years old, I received a hand-held video game. I was frustrated because it used too many batteries. They wouldn’t last long,” he explains. “In the basement I found an old lamp, cut the cable and connected it to the cable on my video game. In about 10 seconds, the game blew up and the outlet was smoking. That was my aha moment—I was hooked on the curiosity of science.”

Bio science or life science was Dr. B’s first interest. Medicine was interesting to him. “Actually, my parents told me not to let anyone tell you, you can’t do anything in this world,” he says. Dr. B thinks science is important because, “There are 7.7 billion people on this planet and science can definitely play a role to ensure people have food, warmth and have a happier life.”

COSI, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a science museum on the inside, very much like the Arizona Science Center. “We are about doing science, hands on outside. We have education outside and a website

BEATRES BI

Reporters Visit with Desert Critters Did you know that a saguaro is home to many animals? Saguaros give food and shelter to desert animals.

The animals and saguaros have a lasting relationship that keeps them all alive.

Bear’s Super Science Zoom Event was fun and interesting. We learned a lot from the guest speakers and the friendly animals that were shown. Robin Kropp, a long-time education specialist with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, spoke about desert critters. We met Albert, the Western screech owl, Malo, the desert tortoise, and Flower, the skunk.

The Western screech owl builds nests in saguaros.

So do woodpeckers. They make part of the cactus a shoe inside the cactus barrel, hollowing it out for a safe space to nest for their babies.

The skunk, Flower, eats insects and is a nocturnal animal. Nocturnal means the night life is for him.

Flower uses his white stripes to scare predators in the dark, but makes him easy to find if he is your pet.

The desert tortoise, Malo, has a hard shell and legs and nails that are good at digging. Their hard shell is like a bulldozer. They live near saguaros because they can get food and shelter from them. A tortoise helps a saguaro spread its seeds by eating the fruit on the saguaro, but its body can't quite digest the seeds. When the tortoise goes to the bathroom the seeds will grow into a saguaro and the process will happen again.

After that, Sita Stanfield, a Next Generation Ranger with Saguaro National Park (West) talked to us about wildlife places in our desert and how we track animals.

The event made us want to learn more about animals and how plants and animals need each other.

It was really cool to see the live animals on the video and hear their names.

Thank you for the fun event, Ms. Lane’s class enjoyed it! We can’t wait for the next one.

Adviser: Stacey Lane

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Growing, Growing,

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Strong!

Sponsored by

Fun tips on healthy foods, fitness and well being —from our family to yours!

Written by Maria Silva, MHA, RDN, CDCES Registered Dietitian at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Practice Good Eating Habits!

phoenixchildrens.org 602-933-0935

I

s your family always on the go? You’re not alone! It’s not always easy for parents to juggle their adult responsibilities like work and family life, and as a kid, you are in the middle of it all.

A perfect example is having to eat in the car while your mom or dad drives around town to pick up your older siblings from soccer practice. You might be trying to do your homework or watch a show or play a game on an electronic device while you’re at it.

When we eat while we attempt to do some other activity, we run the risk of becoming mindless eaters, which can be bad for our health.

Mindful eating is important for your health because it helps your body make decisions about the way you nourish it. It means having to pay attention to the food our parents buy, how they prepare it, serve it and eat it.

Let’s get some pizza!

Images: shutterstock.com

Some what?

Meal-Time Message Word Game!

Unscramble the words below the lines in RED letters to find the secret message.

Mindful

________________ ___________ _________

me

Ready to practice mindful eating?

Try this activity at your next family meal:

What is the texture? Is it crunchy or soft?

What does it taste like? Is it salty, sweet, bitter or savory?

How does it smell? Is it fruity, strong or sour?

info@bearessentialnews.com

Thank you, Nancy Holmes Sales Director 1-866-NEWS KID

THLEAHY

!

Don’t forget to be grateful to our parents for providing us food. Being grateful also helps us become mindful eaters. Enjoy!

Bear Essential News is pleased to provide this free educational newspaper directly to Maricopa County homes like yours.

Distributed monthly with the Sunday Arizona Republic, Bear Essential wants to know if you enjoy receiving this literacy award-winning paper for young people, sharing it with your kids or grandkids, what you like best, what might be added in the future, etc.

OREM

Next, explain to your alien friends how the food made you feel. Do you feel full or are you still hungry? How do you know? Everyone’s experience with food is unique.

If you practice this activity every day, you can eat anything, even pizza and cake. It will help you not feel bad or anxious about the foods you eat, because with practice, you’ll learn to pay attention to your body and not overeat. You’ll enjoy every bite without the need to have one after another.

We’d LOVE hearing from YOU!

Please share what you think by emailing us at

ELPSH

______ _____ ___________ ____________

Pretend you have visitors from Mars. Our alien friends want to know what foods you are eating since they have never seen it before. How would you describe it to them?

Start by removing all distractions and focusing on eating slowly, so you can pay attention.

Explain it to an alien!

be

TINGEA

March 2021 •

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BEAR 40 YEARS

Image: shutterstock.com

We LOVE to Read!

Find great books to read and so much more at your local library! Are you looking for books by your favorite author?

Do you need free wi-fi? Have a page of homework to print?

Looking for something fun like an online storytime or take-home STEM activity?

Your local library has it covered.

A

ccording to Lee Franklin, Community Relations Manager for Phoenix Public Library, “We offer a wide, diverse variety of services online and thousands of resources with a library card.” There’s a lot on the menu for kids and parents alike. “We have an active, robust kids page,” Franklin notes, plus, “We have a lot of great resources for parents helping kids navigate online school.”

You can put the book you want on hold and pick it up from curbside services.

All Phoenix Public Library locations (except for South Mountain Community Library) have curbside services six days a week. Check the hours for your branch at phoenixpubliclibrary.org. You don’t have to be in a car. You can walk up or even ride your bike for curbside service— just remember to wear your mask and observe social distancing.

Do you miss browsing for some books? You can pick up a book bundle based on your age and interests. In fact, talk Curbside pick-up at a Phoenix Public Library to your curbside helper, let them know what kind of books you like, who your favorite authors are, what you want to learn more about. They will make a personalized book bundle for you! They will “provide that library expertise” on the spot, says Franklin.

Besides book bundles, you can grab a bundle of DVDs, a MACH1 to Go! bag or a youth meal through Phoenix Library curbside services. MACH1 to Go! bags are filled with STEAM activities to keep kids of all ages engaged.

Nine locations offer free meals for kids through Kids Café and St. Mary’s Food

Bank Alliance. You will also be able to pick up a game board for the Summer Reading Program that launches May 1.

You can find online storytimes, a virtual escape room, comics, homework resources and so much more on the Kids page at the Phoenix Public Library website. If you need to print homework, find the Mobile Printing instructions on the website. Free public wi-fi is available from 16 Phoenix Library location parking lots from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Franklin says that between curbside services, online programs and social media, “You could do something with us 24 hours a day.” Librarians are being creative and innovative in “thinking of ways to replicate the library experience as much as possible,” she adds.

All you need in order to take advantage of all of these great programs is a library card. If you don’t already have a library card, you can register for an eCard at the Phoenix Library website.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program will start May 1.

The reading program begins June 1 and runs through Aug. 1.

This year’s Summer Reading Program, Tails and Tales, will include physical game boards, virtual badges and programming, and lots of reading fun.

Check your local library branch for details, or go to MaricopaCountyReads. org. You can go to the website and submit your email now to get a reminder when the program starts.

For more information on what your local library has to offer, visit the websites below

phoenixpubliclibrary.org

MaricopaCountyReads.org

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March 2021

Girl Scout Daisies Grow in Pre-K, Kinder Program Girl Scout Daisies are future leaders. These kindergarten and first grade girls prove that they are not too young to learn important life skills.

They are growing in so many ways!

Daphne and her Daisy Troop used part of their Girl Scout Cookie proceeds this year to give back to the community by planting seeds to grow fruits and vegetables. They plan to plant their seedlings in the garden of a local family shelter, to be a food source for the shelter and its families.

Last year Daphne and her troop used cookie funds to buy books and items to donate to the kids at Ryan House. Projects like these teach

young girls like Daphne to identify issues in her community and to help create change. The Daisies worked together, learning team building skills, communication and project management skills. Girls can set their own goals through the cookie program and work with their troop to accomplish their own goals and troop goals.

Being a Daisy can help your girl make friends and build connections, especially during this time.

She will build confidence in herself, use her voice, and learn entrepreneurial skills.

Does your girl want to make a difference? A lot of youngsters want to and don’t know how to Daphne and her tro op

bought books, bears and more for kids at Ryan Hous e last year.

start. Girl Scouts helps them by giving them a platform to help make change in their community. Daisies also earn badges, or petals, based on what they want to learn.

Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is hosting its annual program, Daisy Launch.

There are multiple ways to participate, including virtual options, joining and forming new Daisy troops, and even summer activity boxes. These boxes (three in all, one for May, June and July)

A Daisy Troop helped this garden grow.

will keep your girl busy this summer and help to jump-start her Girl Scout adventure!

It's a great time to sign up your Pre-K–1 girl to be a Daisy. Then watch her grow! Find more details at www.girlscoutsaz.org/daisylaunch.

Join Girl Scouts today!

Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

March 2021 •

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March 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

15

Boomer’s Boredom-Busting Activity Page

Let's Go to Mars!

Join Boomer Bear on a journey through the Mars Maze.

Welcome to Mars!

Happy 117th Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts and would have been 117 years old this month.

He is celebrated around the world for his popular children’s books.

Dr. Seuss Fun Facts: • Dr. Seuss wrote over 45 books for children

• There are exactly 50 words in “Green Eggs and Ham” and it’s his most popular book—with more than 8 million copies sold worldwide!

• His first book was ‘On Mulbery Street’ —printed in 1937

• His last book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” —printed in 1990

Boomer’s Hand-Made Book Project!

Your book can be whatever you want to make it—the possibilities are up to you!

Fill it with copies of favorite family photos or your own drawings. Share your creative side with a short story or group of poems. Write about your favorite family memories.

If you do your writing, drawing or attaching of photos to the pages before you assemble the book, remember to leave a margin

You’ll probably want to show them the things on Earth that you really like—including your family, friends and home town.

Make a list of the first 5 things you’ll share!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

• His real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel

You will need: Paper (plain, scrap, paper bags) Pens, pencils or crayons Ribbon or fastener Hole punch Optional: Accordion Photos, stickers or fold other embellishments

When You Meet a Martian:

(a space about 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide) so that none of your words or images get lost in the binding—where the pages are held together.

Make a mini book by using long strips of paper (you can cut paper bags to make them) and then folding them accordion style (see illustration). Use a hole punch and make one or two holes on one side of booklet, then use a ribbon or fasteners to hold your book together.

A mini book can be used as a coupon book for mom or dad. Write your own coupons pledging to do a household chore, grant a hug, clean your room, or whatever you can think up that will give mom or dad a reason to smile and brighten their day!

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

Boomer's Book Ranch Recommendations!

Howdy readin’ partners!

It’s been a slow-poke winter here on the ranch, but I’ve just rounded up a herd of good reads fer all you bookish desperados out there. One of ’em might be just the thing for you to cozy up with at a campfire tonight.

Pre-K—1 Roy Digs Dirt by David Shannon Pre-K—3 All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

Grades 2—5, Graphic Novels Dog Man #9 Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey Grades 3—7, Graphic Novels Tresspassers by Breena Bard Grades 7—12, Chapter Books Illegal by Francisco X. Stork

The Ballad of Dongbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

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March 2021

Looking to Get Out of the House? or Looking for an endof-year Field Trip?

Come Join Us, and see our NEW BABIES, including a penguin, a tapir and two baby giraffes!

Enter Bear’s

ONLINE Coloring Contest!

START by going to BearEssentialNews.com

and click on the Coloring Fun button at the top of the page. (contest for kids 3–17 yrs)

NEXT

choose the artwork of Boomer that you want to color. When you are finished, download it (png) or “print” as a PDF and email the file as an attachment to

Zoo, aquarium and safari park with 6,000 animals, 8 shows daily, tons of rides, a thousand thrills and a million smiles.

All in One Day! Everyday! (masks required)

info@bearessentialnews.com

Be sure to include the young artist’s first name, age (3–17 years old) and a parent’s phone number.

OR print out the artwork and mail with name, age & parent’s phone number to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd, #102 Tucson, AZ 85716 Winners will have their entry posted on Bear’s website & be mailed this great prize…

Arizona’s Ultimate, Year-Round Family Fun Destination. Arizona’s Largest Collection of Exotic Animals!

Entry Deadline: April 30, 2021 Northern Ave. & the 303 Freeway 623-935-WILD (9453) • WildlifeWorld.com

5

$

off Admission Per Person • $20 Value Not valid with any other discounts

Good for Four People!

4 Kid Winners will Receive…

The Child

talking plush toy! from the Disney+ series The Mandalorian 8-1/4" tall, for ages 3 and up

To get started, go to

BearEssentialNews.com

March 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

17

Bear’s

CAMP GUIDE • 2021 Some camps will be virtual—using Zoom or Facebook Live platforms—but there also will be day camps and residence camps.

Things parents should look at when choosing a summer camp include how the camps are complying with Covid-19 regulations and suggestions set up by the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC has prepared a Readiness and Planning Tool so camps and youth programs can design their programs to keep everyone, from campers to counselors, safe.

The CDC states that the more people that camp staff and campers interact with and how long they are together can increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading to others. The highest risk is when many campers are not from the same local area, such as city or state, and they interact with each other without staying socially distanced. The lowest risk would be for a small group of campers to stay together with each other all day. Campers should practice social distancing and not share items like art supplies, sports equipment etc. Outdoor activities are highly encouraged, and having campers come from the same local area is a high priority.

Hand Sanitizer The CDC recommends that camps train and educate all staff members and volunteers in the camp on how to handle emergencies, daily well-check routines, constant cleaning of shared equipment and surfaces like desks, door handles, games, etc. A list of supplies like masks, hand soap, hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), paper towels, tissues, antibacterial wipes, cleaning supplies, no touch/foot pedal trash containers and other items are explained in the Readiness and Planning Tool. There are also suggestions and guidelines on what camp staff should do if anyone gets sick.

Most camps have a disclaimer on their website explaining how they will be following Covid-19 protocols during their camps. They should have a list of how many campers will be together at a time, what campers are required to bring with them (mask, lunch, snacks, water bottles), how they will keep campers social distanced and more. If you do not see this information on a camp website, do not hesitate to give them a call and ask questions so that your camper and your family stay safe.

Some camps may require that parents fill out a health questionnaire asking if anyone in your household has had Covid, been tested or vaccinated and other general health questions.

Campers will be expected to do their part as well to ensure that their camp experience is fun, memorable and safe! Measures to limit the spread of Covid 19 include wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands frequently and staying home if you have a fever, feel sick or have any symptoms.

The CDC Readiness and Planning Tool can be found at this link: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/camp-planning-tool.pdf

GEL

MORE CAMP GUIDE, page 18

Photos: shutterstock.com

Just like everything else this year, there will be changes with summer camps.

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March 2021

Bear’s

CAMP GUIDE • 2021 continued from page 16

ARIZONA WORLD OF BASEBALL 1730 E. Elliot Road • Tempe 480-775-9800 info.azwob@gmail.com www.azwob.com

Indoor baseball and softball facility.

A safe and friendly environment to work on becoming a more accomplished player. We offer batting cages as well as Hitting, Pitching, and Catching lessons.

Keep checking our website for upcoming information for World of Baseball’s Summer Program for kids.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE VALLEY 602-954-8182 BGCAZ.org

Sign up for summer Enrichment & Fun at BGCAZ’s HighQuality, affordable summer Program. Morning programs

will focus on engaging and fun academic and social enrichment to prepare students for fall.

Afternoons will include arts, sports, games and more! Teens will create exciting service learning projects that will build self-confidence and leadership skills and count for volunteer service hours. Weekly program fees for youth 5-12 start at $60 and financial aid is available at all Clubs. Teens are free with Club membership.

Open 7 a.m-6 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch are included daily in the full-day programming.

Check BGCAZ.org to find your local Club.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

BLACK MOUNTAIN BMX

24024 N. 11th Street • Phoenix 602-999-5979 All Ages www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257

All ages and all experience levels are welcome! Clinics, Practice and Racing. Visit www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257 for full details, location, directions and more.

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE MESA: 8034 N. 19TH Ave PHOENIX: 1056 S. Country Club Dr

www.bookmans.com Check out Bookmans.com for weekly family friendly events and activities.

CAMP ZOO AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

455 N. Galvin Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-286-3800 June 7–July 31 phoenixzoo.org

info@evct.org EVCT has four different in-person summer camp programs: Imagination Theatre Camp for kids age 5–8, Musical Theatre Camp & Theatre Workshop Camp for kids age 8–15 and a Four Day Acting Intensive for kids age 11–17. Participants learn performance techniques, teamwork, communication skills and have FUN in a non-competitive, educational atmosphere. Instructors are local theatre professionals in the field of dance, music and theatre. CDC guidelines are in place for all of our great camp experiences.

Reserve Summer Camp Ads & Guide Listings

NOW!

Children will have fascinating adventures with the natural world this summer at Camp Zoo. Each age-appropriate, weeklong session is filled with animal encounters, activities, games, in-depth investigations and organized free-time. Class size will be limited to allow for social distancing and face coverings are required at all times. Camp Zoo is for students entering K- 8th grade in the fall of 2021.

Let Bear do the work for you!

Reach families through AZ Republic, elementary and middle schools!

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE Summer Theatre Camps

PHX: 480-752-2327 • TUC: 520-792-9930 FAX: 520-792-2580

4501 E. Main St. • Mesa 480-756-3828 June 1–July 16 Ages: 5–17 www.evct.org/camps

Don’t Miss Out! Nancy@BearEssentialNews.com

March 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

EMCC Kids College 3000 N. Dysart Rd. • Avondale 623-535-2730 www.estrellamountain.edu/kids-college We offer a huge variety of kids camps for ages 8–16. Many classes are taught by experts at our college: Culinary, AutoCAD & 3D printing, woodworking, gardening & animals, Cheer, Dance, Sign Language, Spanish & Gamemaster techniques.

BEAR 40 YEARS

Tuesday and Thursday 1 p.m.–4 p.m. tlgparadisevalleyaz@thelittlegym.com www.thelittlegym.com/ParadiseValleyAZ/ parties-camps/camps#schedules

School may be out—but fun is in!

Day camp at Little Gym of Paradise Valley gives your kid the summer camp experience without the bug bites, poison ivy, sun burns and week-long commitments. Combining fun physical activity, games, arts & crafts we’ll help your child beat the summer heat by staying cool at The Little Gym. Look for details online.

GIRL SCOUTS — ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

Four Camps • Phoenix, Prescott, Payson 602-452-7000 June-July Girlscoutsaz.org/camp

Find Adventure. Get Outdoors!

Hiking, climbing, swimming, archery, stargazing, ceramics, canoeing, – and much, much more! Girl Scout Summer Camp is a great place to meet new friends and make memories – you don’t have to be a Girl Scout, and Troops don’t attend together.

There’s something for every girl to discover in our safe, all-girl environment. Plus, we offer pricing options for every budget and are among the most affordable thanks to generous supporters and our iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER ARIZONA

855-450-0558 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 135 • Tempe Ages: 3–10 Arizona@LEGOLANDDiscovery.com www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona/ Jump into the biggest box of LEGO bricks EVER at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona! With two rides, a 4D Cinema, plus 12 build & play zones, there is something for children of all ages. Tickets are limited, book online to guarantee admission.

THE LITTLE GYM OF PARADISE VALLEY AND SCOTTSDALE

4225 E. Windrose Dr. Suite 111 • Phoenix 602-996-1380 May 16–Aug. 7 • Ages: 3–12 years $35 per day for members $45 per day for non-members Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

MARICOPA COUNTY READS

Registration Begins May 1, 2021 Program runs: June 1–Aug. 1, 2021 maricopacountyreads.org

For more information about this reading program, visit the website!

While you’re there, go on a journey of discovery! Visit fabulous destinations such as Hogwarts, Narnia, Oz, and Middle Earth!

OCTANE RACEWAY

Ages 3–12 School Recess Dates and Summer Break

9119 E. Talking Stick Way • Scottsdale 602-302-7223 www.octaneraceway.com

Full-time indoor/outdoor competitive kart racing, a one-third mile track, mini-bowling, video games and more. All racers must be at least 5’ 4”. Brickyard grill and outdoor patio. Group event packages available.

MORE CAMP GUIDE, page 20

NEW Socially distanced curriculum with Enhanced Health and Sanitization

Black Mountain BMX

We Are OPEN and

RACING!

For Dates and Times, check our website

602-999-5979

www.blackmountainbmx.com

(480) 596-5343 xtremegymnastics.com 14000 N. Hayden Rd. • Suite 102 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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March 2021

Bear’s

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER. Summer camp is back! Join us for all the fun as we explore, create, and discover our way through this one-of-a-kind experience for ages 5-12.

HANDS-ON STEM ACTIVITIES SPORTS, ART, AND GAMES HEALTHY SNACKS COOL GEAR

Ask about flexible scheduling options!

FREE REGISTRATION + 1 FREE WEEK* FOR NEW FAMILIES.

26 schools valleywide! Sign up today.

877.794.6704 • TutorTime.com *Programs and hours of operation may vary by school. Enrollment is on a space available basis. One coupon per child; one time use; not valid with any other offer or discount; no cash value. Learning Care Group is not responsible for and cannot replace or redeem lost, stolen, destroyed or expired coupons. Offer not valid for Learning Care Group associates or their immediate families. Offer valid at participating locations only and subject to availability. Offer does not guarantee enrollment. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. ©2021 Learning Care Group (US) No. 2 Inc. Certain restrictions may apply to subsidy families.

April 30. Offer provides up to 1 free week of tuition between XXXXX-XXXXX. Please see below for offer specific details. Must enroll by XXXXXX. 3/15 – 6/4, ’21. Tuition credit, equal to one week of enrolled tuition, will be applied in the 5th week of continuous enrollment. Child must enroll for a minimum of 2 full days per week. Available only when full tuition is paid in advance by check or ACH payment. Offer provides a waiver for the new enrollment registration fee, valued at approximately $150 depending on facility. New enrollments are defined as those that haven't been enrolled in any Learning Care Group, Inc. facility in the last 6 months. Registration fee credit is applied upon enrollment.

Check Out ALL Our Guides Online!

BearEssentialNews.com

CAMP GUIDE • 2021 continued from page 19

PHOENIX CENTER FOR THE ARTS SUMMER CAMP 1202 N. 3rd St. • Phoenix 602-254-3100 June 7 to August 6 Ages: 7–14 info@phoenixcenterforthearts.org phoenixcenterforthearts.org

Online Summer Arts Camp with Rising Youth Theatre, where kids use theatre, dance, visual art and more to connect and create together. Choose from four different twoweek sessions where kids can bring their “fandoms” to life using their own creative voices, with guidance from professional artists. Sessions explore connections to pop culture stories and worlds, finishing with a performance sharing and celebration.

Sessions include Mystery Bag containing all the camp supplies and surprises. Early Bird $250 (Ends April 30) Regular $300 (Starting May 1)

SEA LIFE ARIZONA AQUARIUM

855-450-0559 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 145 • Tempe

Ages: All Arizona@SEALIFEUS.com www.visitsealife.com/arizona/ Dive into SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, home to Arizona’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel!

Discover thousands of creatures such as sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and more in more than 30 exhibits. Tickets are limited, book online to guarantee admission.

SETH KOREY TENNIS Summer Tennis Camp

7421 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale skorey777@gmail.com www.sethkoreytennis.com 1- week sessions run May 24th - August 6th. Ages 4 - 16. $195/week with early bird discount before April 30 and 10% sibling discount. Monday - Thursday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Aftercare available for an additional fee. Camp includes tennis instruction and games, lunch, and swimming and daily themes! Optional field trips on Fridays. skorey777@gmail.com for more information.

Online registration: www.sethkoreytennis.com/ summer-camp-2021

March 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

TUTOR TIME

26 Schools Valley-Wide 877-794-6704 May 31–August 13 www.tutortime.com/educational-programs/ summer-camp/

A busy summer is a fun summer. Make this summer like no other at Tutor Time’s Camp One-of-a-Kind, which is brimming with activities and features weekly and bi-weekly themes that may include science, geography, zoology, art, fitness, games, and STEM learning. Your child will enjoy immersive learning experiences, fun projects, cool gear, and healthy meals. Choose your favorite camps, or go all summer long. Younger siblings at home? We offer programs for younger children too! Get ready for summer camp experience that’s totally unique! Call us at 877-7946704 or visit tutortime.com to learn more and find your local school.

UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK

7608 W. Cactus #101 • Peoria 623-203-7169 sscheffert@uptownjungle.com peoria.uptownjungle.com

Uptown Jungle is more than a trampoline park, it’s a city-style indoor playground metropolis that allows kids to enter into a world where they become a superhero, rock climber, explorer or even an uptown ninja warrior all inside a child-safe environment.

Enjoy Trampolines, Climbing Walls, Spider Tower, Mini Zip, Super Slides, Ninja Course and more!

The indoor park features a huge variety of action-oriented fun activities that guarantee

BEAR 40 YEARS

that your kid will have a blast while getting an excellent workout.

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM

16501 W Northern Ave. • Litchfield Park 623-935-9453 Open 365 days a year www.wildlifeworld.com Student and group field trips welcome!

Feed the Lory parrots, learn about animal ambassadors and see some display natural behaviors during a Wildlife Encounter Show.

Meet baby animals in our children’s play area and petting zoo. Call for rates. We accept cash, check or purchase order.

XTREME GYMNASTICS

14000 N. Hayden Rd. #104 • Scottsdale 480-595-3543 June–July Ages: 3–12 xtreme@xtremegynmastics.com xtremegymnastics.com FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while having a blast. Children ages 3-12 yrs. will enjoy high energy themes each week, incorporating our New SOCIALLY DISTANCED curriculum and enhanced sanitization. The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is USAG Safety Certified with complete background checks. Come MOVE-LEARN & XCEL with us.

!

Happy Camping

Register Now for Summer Camps

Serious Fun.

The Little Gym of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale 4225 E. Windrose #111 • Scottsdale, AZ 85032

602-996-1380

tlgparadisevalleyaz.com@thelittlegym.com

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March 2021

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Flying High in Buckeye

by Reporter Amanda Vega, Arizona Desert Elementary Imagine seeing flying jets and old planes turning in the air.

Christa Lancaster, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Buckeye, has recently taken over the air show. Lancaster used to only do the Arizona SciTech Festival and aviation related part of the show. “I brought in a plane that could be painted on. It stayed on that way until the next stop at the air show and they would do it all over again.”

According to Lancaster, the air show has been in Buckeye for 10 years. It began with just viewing the planes, getting inside and seeing the planes up close.

They partnered with Copperstate who handle ultra-light and small planes.

This year the air show was virtual. In the past, the three-day event had a Kid Zone for the kids with a bounce house, zipline and a mural they could paint on.

This year, she says the city marketing team worked with a pilot from Scottsdale to make a video of the plane that would be in the air. Videos included an F-35 from Luke Air Force Base. John Melby also flew a two-seater plane with the mayor of Buckeye in the passenger seat. Melby also did stunts in the video.

Lancaster says, “Next year we hope everyone will be able to join us in person,” she says.

Adviser: Karen Golden

AZ SciTech Festival Made February Fun

by Reporter Tre Hallberg Homeschool Have you ever been on a Zoom with a gecko? I didn’t think so, but I have. Thanks to SciTech, I can learn all about STEM without having to leave my couch.

On “Things Tuesday,” I got to learn about Static Electricity and Heat Energy, how Plasma Globes and Radiometers work, and all about UV lights. How Plasma Globes Work was a great one, and now I’m working to convince my mom to buy me one. Also, on “Make it Monday,” I was inspired to get out my dominoes again, and I built a large domino chain reaction. Science Scattergories on “Fun Friday” was, as described, very fun.

I really appreciate how well the Arizona SciTech Festival is working around the Covid-19 Pandemic. I would like to thank them for teaching STEM to all ages because I remember how fun it was to learn science in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, and now I still very much enjoy learning about it in 6th grade. I looked forward to each day in February when I got to tackle days like “Water Wednesday” and “Field Trip Friday.”

March 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

Let’s Go...

VALLEY METRO! Valley Metro and Reading Take You Places Valley Metro buses and light rail trains transport you all around the city. Reading can transport you all around the universe. You can do it just about anywhere and many transit riders read while traveling. Reading is fun! You can do it alone or with your friends and family.

d,, ad ea rre o o t t e e v v o e e llo esse W We h he t t y y l l l l a a i ci ec pe nssiitt.. an e essp ttrra t t u u o o b ab kss a ok essss oo ue b bo g gu u u o o y y n an C Ca hyy?? w wh

It makes us laugh.

Pigeons can’t drive the bus.

Or can they?

We get to travel with CJ and his grandma and meet lots of interesting people along the way.

Valley Metro Fun We want you to have fun learning about your transit system.

Enjoy transit activities at

https://www.valleymetro.org/ transit-education/valley-metro-fun.

The wheels on the bus go round and round with movable parts.

Now, draw your favorite book cover!

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March 2021

Spring . . . Grow, Bloom, Shine!

Make a Milk Carton Planter

Shamrock Milk Mixer

When you’ve finished your carton of milk, you can re-use it for some springtime gardening fun!

Supplies: Milk carton Scissors Duct tape Phillips-head screwdriver Potting soil Herbs or seeds of your choice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold milk • 2 tablespoons pistachio-flavored instant pudding and pie filling mix • 1 chocolate-mint sandwich cookie, crumbled

Directions:

Pour the milk into a tall glass.

Add instant pudding mix and stir with a fork to dissolve. Stir in the crushed cookie. Serve immediately.

Color the artwork!

Instructions: 1. Remove labels from carton, clean with soap and water, and let drain.

2. Lay carton on long side and cut out one long side—this will be the top side!

Cover the edges you cut with duct tape to avoid paper cuts and to help maintain shape. Save the piece you cut for step 6.

3. On the side opposite where you cut, poke 8 to 12 holes, spaced a few inches apart.

4. Get creative and decorate it!

5. It’s about to get messy! Fill your carton half way with soil, place your seeds on and fill soil on top of them—up to 1 inch from the top pf the carton.

Cut out the top side & tape edges Front side of Planter Box!

6. Place the piece you saved from step 2 underneath your planter to protect the surface below.

Punch holes in bottom side

Don’t Forget!

Give Your Plants Water and Sunlight to Help them Grow!

Decorate front, add soil & seeds

Visit us online for more fun & recipes!

www.arizonamilk.org