Bear Essential News May 2022, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

May 2022 Phoenix Edition

essential news

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Summer

Camp Guide

In This Picture: an apple, an ice cream cone, the word MOM, a sea turtle, a paintbrush, an arrow, a hamburger, the U.S. Flag, a telescope and the word CAMPS!

CAMP GUIDE

FEATURE

S ummer Camps! S ummer R eads!

Find one or two for you!

Pages 14 thru 18

plus, a Fun Review Contest Pages 10 thru 12

FAMILIES

NEWS NEWS

Darwin 's D iaries

Spotlight on Library of Congress News Highlights page 3

P laying with Color!

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 5, 9 & 14

Bear Hugs

Creativity can be the key Page 4

Let’s Go...

VALLEY METRO! STEAM Careers at Valley Metro

V

alley Metro is a team of individuals working to make transit a simple travel solution for our community. Many different careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) help create an efficient and sustainable transit system. We are providing ways to learn about what’s happening at Valley Metro in STEAM transit careers.

Come along and explore with us at valleymetro.org/ STEAM

Join the ! m STEAM Tea Valley Metro has some more Valley Metro Fun to explore.

Check it Out!

For more destinations: https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/destinations 2 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

B

News Highlights

A pair of Charles Darwin's notebooks have been INEXPLICABLY returned to their rightful home more than 20 years after they were mysteriously stolen.

Last month, the nearly 200-year-old notebooks were returned to Cambridge University Library in the United Kingdom. The books were covered in plastic wrap and tucked in a gift bag with an unsigned note wishing the librarian a happy Easter.

Darwin is famous for his research in evolutionary biology and is credited for the theory of natural selection. He was born in England in 1809, and he embarked on a voyage aboard the HMS Beagle as a naturalist in 1831. Darwin spent his time collecting samples of plants, animals, rocks and fossils throughout South America. When he returned to England in 1836, he continued his research and made groundbreaking discoveries.

Darwin used his notebooks to jot down his questions, ideas and parts of conversations he had with other people. In 1837, he drew a sketch of an evolutionary tree with the words “I think” written above his drawing. The famous sketch, known as the “Tree of Life,” is found in one of the two recently recovered notebooks.

Picture: Cambridge University Library / PA

Darwin’s Diaries Returned!

The University of Cambridge initially thought the notebooks were missing in 2001 after they were moved to be photographed in a different building while their permanent home was under construction. The notebooks are housed in Cambridge’s Special Collections Strong Rooms, which have approximately 28 miles of shelving! Ultimately, the university’s library houses about 10 million books, maps and manuscripts, and it was long thought the notebooks were incorrectly filed rather than stolen. After an extensive search in 2020, the library declared the books had likely been stolen. While the notebooks have been returned, the library says a police investigation is ongoing. The library is planning to put the notebooks on display in July as part of an upcoming Darwin exhibit.

“My sense of relief at the notebooks’ safe return is profound and almost impossible to adequately express,” said librarian Dr. Jessica Gardner.

Ready. Set. Whoaaa! FREE Summer Camps

Arizona families can enroll their kids who are in preschool thru 12th grade for free learning summer camps!

When it comes to learning, the last couple years of the pandemic have been tough on just about every student. To help students catch up on both the academic and the social aspects of learning, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey budgeted $100 million in state funds so any Arizona school age youth can attend AZ OnTrack Summer Camps for free.

“These past two years have been hugely difficult on students because of the pandemic, because they were not in school,” explains Camp Director Lisa Graham Keegan. “So their academics certainly suffered, but also their social skills and their social comfort and their CONFIDENCE. It’s been very difficult on children to not be together.”

About 600 camps—enough to handle around 120,000 happy campers—are set up already, and the state expects even more. “It looks like school campuses will be the biggest piece (of AZ OnTrack Summer Camps). But we also have the libraries, the

The World’s Largest Library!

Arizona Science Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA. The Boy Scouts (Grand Canyon Council) are offering overnight camps—it’s crazy fun!” Graham Keegan says. The Council also offers day camps. Girl Scouts Cactus-Pine Council is partnering with other camps to provide its services.

So visit AZOntrack.com and make plans with your parent. Having your friends attend with you will make going to camp even better! “They should go to AZonTrack.com, and click on the ‘For families’ button. And there’s a link to camps near you,” Graham Keegan says. “As you click on those camps, it will give you more information—what’s their start date, for how long, what ages are they targeting, what are they offering. And then you can contact the camp directly to get enrolled.”

Food and transportation will be provided by each site.

“Everybody just really wants to make this happen.

It’s just a joy to see the schools, the teachers, the youth groups understand how important this is right now,” Graham Keegan says. “There’s nothing more fun than doing work that you think matters and that people are excited about, so it’s a huge honor.”

Where can you find everything from Thomas Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream recipe to more than 140,000 comic books?

At the Library of Congress—the largest library in the world! The library houses millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. It’s also the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

The Library of Congress was originally founded in 1800, but the core collection was destroyed in 1814 when British troops burned the Capitol building, where the library was housed. The next year, Congress approved the purchase of Thomas Jefferson’s personal library of 6,487 books Library Facts: • Year founded: 1800

• Total items: more than 170 million

• Smallest book: “Old King Cole,” at 1/25” x 1/25”

• Oldest written material: a cuneiform tablet from 2040 B.C.

• Languages represented: approximately 470

for $23,950. The collection has grown just a bit since then as it now receives some 15,000 items each working day and now houses more than 170 million items!

With such a large collection, there is no shortage of UNIQUE and rare items. The Library of Congress purchased a copy of the Gutenberg Bible in 1930, and the 15th century work is one of three perfect copies on vellum in the world. The library's Prints and Photographs Division contains more than 17 million visual images, and the Geography and Map Division holds more than 5.6 million items, making it the home of the world's largest collection of cartographic materials. The library also contains materials in approximately 470 languages!

Each year, the National Recording Registry (NRR) at the Library of Congress also chooses 25 recordings that document the range and diversity of our country’s sound.

This year, the NRR selected “It’s a Small World,” the theme song to one of Disney’s most iconic rides, to add to its collection.

The song has been played more than 50 million times since it debuted in 1964!

The Library of Congress is located across the country in Washington D.C., but you can explore the library online as well.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 3

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www.KidzConnextion.com 4 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

Summer is peeking its head around the corner and children will soon be shouting “school’s out!” with all the excitement that the idea of freedom brings.

Usually the first couple of weeks pass and all is well. Then boredom sets in.

As a caregiver you may be searching for new ways to keep children happy and engaged in activities for longer than a day.

While recently visiting a friend’s home, she took me to the backyard to share her grandchildren’s town. This town has been around for about 15 years with the older grandchildren still checking on their old grocery store and bakery. Now the younger grandchildren continue to enjoy the town spending many hours outside planning and ‘running’ the town. Stores and lots are delineated with rocks. These days Braden is the town’s sheriff while Colton, originally a robber, is now a rock collector. They’ve added a ‘dry’ pond with a resident ceramic turtle and a small rubber duck.

The town was begun after reading the book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran which is based on the childhood experiences of her mother who grew up in Arizona.

What wonderful memories are being made.

This idea might be just what a summer morning requires for happy kids and grandparents.

by Nicholas I. Clement, Ed.D.

4. Fluoride makes teeth _______.

5. Good dental care helps prevent_______ decay.

Imagination & Inspiration Help Kids Create Lasting Memories!

The Reading Pig goes to New York City!

1. You should________ in the morning and before you go to bed.

3. ______ helps get food out from between teeth.

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Address: _______________________________ ZIP: _______ E mail: ____________________________________________ Mail your entry by June 30, 2022 to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716

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Experience Some Colorful Fun!

by Reporter Briana Williams, Arizona Desert Elementary Colorful, splash of color, vibrant, fun, joyful and interesting! These are the words I am using to describe the Crayon Experience in Chandler.

When I first walked in the big door, there was a lot of color. It reminded me of a rainbow, only a splash of color. When I arrived at the experience I saw a machine that wrapped a custom crayon. The employees gave me coins and I was able to put it in the machine. The screen allowed me to put a message on the wrapper.

Another station helped put on the custom wrapper.

I went to a projector on a blank wall and it was a still image that looked like it was pouring paint. While under the camera, it appeared like there was paint spilling on me.

Another station had a paper that you could color.

I put the picture under a screen that projected onto another screen that showed the car I colored. It also made it look bigger.

There was also a pinwheel station where you placed a paper under the splash guard. The machine melted the crayon and I spun the paper. I could control the speed of how fast it went.

I came up to a vending machine and was able to put a coin in it. It had colored clay in it. When I got my clay, I went to a table that had many different tools I could use with the clay. I made a purple and green braided rope circle. I was able to display it at home after it dried.

I recommend that you go to the Crayola Experience because it is a great way to explore and see new things.

Book Takes Readers Around the World

by Reporter Ezekiel Perez Homeschool I recently read the book “One Moment in Time” by Ben Lerwill and Alette Straathof. It is fun! It is like going around the globe, from USA to Australia and from Scotland to India.

Adviser: Karen Golden

Activity Box Will Get You Moving

by Reporter Piper Perez, Kiva Elementary Movement in a Box is a really fun activity box designed for kids ages 3 to 6. Everything comes packed inside this big, fun box—two foam rackets, a birdie, soft snowballs and six cones. With these four different items kids can learn the following skills: locomoter, stability, manipulation and learning concepts. Each activity combines learning with Fundamental Movement skills.

The box comes with a card pack that shows you how to make fun games out of each of the props. Tennis, snowball toss and racket balance are all games that even 3-year-olds can play. And something my mom really liked about it was all the props fit nicely in a small bag and it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. We’re going to take it with us to the beach, but I wish I had Movement In a Box when I was younger.

Visit www.movementinabox.com to see the products and read about the Olympic athlete and her strength and conditioning coach who founded Movement in a Box.

Library on Wheels Visits School

by Reporter Amanda Vega, Arizona Desert Elementary Have you ever seen a library on wheels? The Tolleson City Library now has a library on wheels.

Book Mobile clerk, Chip, told me about the Library on Wheels.

Chip is an ASU graduate and loves to read. His dream was to work in a library. Chip got the job with a one day application. Chip has been with the Tolleson City Library almost a year.

A typical day for Chip is driving the Library on Wheels and answering questions that patrons may

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

have. “When the pandemic hit, we closed the library and had curbside pickup,” says Chip. Also during the pandemic, they were losing the groups they had.

According to Chip, during and after the pandemic, they were still offering curbside pickup.

The Tolleson Library on Wheels came about to reach kids who could not go to the library. The Library on Wheels currently services Tolleson Elementary Schools, Tolleson High School, Tolleson Senior Center, and the Tolleson Recreation Center.

MORE LIBRARY, page 9 ➧

Did you know that morning, afternoon, and evening happen at different times in every part of the world? This book explains that children at one moment in time are doing different activities because each of them lives in a different time zone. For example, while it is morning in Brazil, and a child is in math class, in Turkey, a child is borrowing a book from the library in the afternoon.

There are 11 different children from 11 different parts of the world doing different things because they all have a different time of the day. It is a parade of cultures, languages, food and more.

I really loved it! I recommend this book to every child!

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May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 5

Growing, Growing,

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

T

he food you eat fuels your body and its functions. Your body needs food to give you stronger bones, help your digestive system function properly and have the energy to do what you love. But food is also a big part of our culture and our social lives. Whether it’s dinner at home, lunch at school, eating at the office, going out to eat, coffee with a friend, an after-school snack, religious and cultural holidays, or even parties and social gatherings, food— and your relationship with it—is a big part of life.

The food choices you make can sometimes be easy, and though at other, they can be quite difficult. One thing that doesn’t change is that these choices are always yours to make.

Learn to Eat Mindfully Because food is about so much more than fuel for your body, it’s essential to pay attention to your relationship with food. Practicing mindful eating means paying attention to what your body is telling you—are you hungry? Full? Inbetween?

One way you can do this is by asking yourself “How hungry am I on a scale of one to ten?”

It takes practice to identify your hunger scale and how each level feels. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at knowing when you’re truly hungry and when you’ve had enough to eat.

You may find you need less food than you thought to feel full.

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Make Smart Food Choices It’s important to make food choices that help you stay healthy and feel full longer. Here are some tips for doing that: • Choose more fruits and vegetables when you want a snack to help you feel full longer.

• Eat when you’re hungry rather than when you’re bored – and understand the difference.

• Have a plan for your food on busy days. Eat a balanced breakfast with enough protein and a serving of whole grains to give you fuel for the day.

• When eating out, choose smaller portions and try a sugarless beverage.

No matter the setting, your food choices are always yours to make. With support, checking in with yourself, and remembering why you eat, you can make choices to help you live a long, happy life.

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ebecca Thuer teaches fourth grade at Jack Barnes Elementary. She has been teaching for 29 years and has been in Arizona for 23 years.

Thuer says she came to Arizona from Chicago to visit her favorite brother. She went to a job fair and was hired on the spot, so she moved here!

Thuer has two brothers and two sisters—she is the oldest sibling.

She says that between caring for her siblings and working in her church nursery, she gained the experience that helped her decide to become a teacher. She says she has never questioned that decision, because “It is the best job ever!”

“Teaching is a great profession,” says Thuer. “I wake up every day excited to be with the kids.”

Her nurturing nature extends beyond the classroom. Thuer cares for a collection of animals and trees on her mini farm. She has horses, goat, chickens, fruit trees, nut trees and an herb garden.

“She has a whole farm,” writes student Makayla. The kids look forward to hearing about their teacher’s farm animals each morning, notes Makayla, and at the end of the year the kids “go to her house and have a party.”

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Learning about animals and plants is an integral part of her lessons, plus, “Animals are a great way to connect with kids,” explains Thuer.

She recalls one funny incident when an animal made a surprise appearance in class. Thuer says there was a big commotion with kids gathered around one girl. “The student put a kitten in her backpack,” explains Thuer. “She brought her baby kitten to school!”

Thuer encourages her students to get outdoors and explore the world around them. She says she remembers her own childhood filled with time exploring the woods, riding horses and being outdoors. She still enjoys being outside and advocates for her students to get away from screens and get out and do things.

“Things won’t happen if you don’t get out, explore life and live life,” she tells her students.

Thuer loves teaching all subjects, and says that is part of what makes her a well-rounded teacher. She loves that she has former students come back to visit her, and notes that it’ one of the best parts of teaching.

“It makes life well worth it to me,” says Thuer, “to have a job that makes me that happy.”

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May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 7

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ONE LOW PRICE! Arizona AQUARIUM 8 • Bear Essential News • December 2022

Thank You TEACHERS!

B

by Reporter Brett Eymann Transitions Delta Center

Boomer’s Brain Game!

It’s Time for Some Fun & Games with Boomer Bear

Boomer’s Words of Wisdom 2

1 5

7

You probably won’t get a chance to take a trip to the moon, but NASA is giving you an opportunity to participate in their ‘Send Your Name to Space’ project.

NASA’s Artemis I mission will be the first uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion Spacecraft. The flight will pave the way towards landing the first woman and the first person of color on the moon.

NASA invites everyone worldwide to participate in this free virtual project. Visit www.nasa. gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/ and enter your name and create a pin number and you can generate and download your boarding pass. You name will be added to a flash drive that will fly aboard Artemis I. Due to safety checks NASA has delayed the launch, but they are hoping to launch the spacecraft in May or June. Once the rocket is launched, the SLS rocket will go on an approximately 26-day mission which it will spend six days orbiting the moon before returning back to Earth.

When you send your name around the moon with Artemis I, it will be like you took a trip to the moon without actually leaving home for your mission.

More Library Continued from page 5 The bookmobile services 150 to 300 people a month. “Taking advantage of high school reading helps to grow your readership,” says Chip. “When kids see the bookmobile, they are excited to check out stacks of books.”

According to Chip, there are currently 500 – 700 books available for check out in the bookmobile. Types of books include, graphic novels, fantasy, fiction and non-fiction.

Chip’s plan for the future with the bookmobile is to go to parks and programs. A new Tolleson City Library is currently being built. It will have computers, conference rooms and a senior center.

Adviser: Karen Golden

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

8

Volume 43 • Issue 8

9

www.bearessentialnews.com Editor & Publisher

1. The smart, witty and good-lookinʼ mascot of Bear Essential News (2 words) 2. Kids and parents who use the newspaper 3. You’ll find Boomer and his hidden pictures on the front _______ .

4. The type of paper Bear Essential is printed on 6. Bear Essential is the best one of these for kids.

7. Journalism term for the big, bold titles that go with news stories

Sales Director & Publisher

Stephen B. Gin

Nancy Holmes

City Editor

YR Coordinator

Copy Editor

Art Director

Mike Loghry

Gary Shepard

Renee Griffith

10

Julie Madden

Bear Essential News for Kids®

11

ANSWERS — Across: 5. YOUNG REPORTER, 8.

YEARS, 9. BEAR ESSENTIAL, 10. EXCELLENT, 11. LETTERS’ Down: 1. BOOMER BEAR, 2. READERS, 3. COVER, 4. NEWSPRINT, 6. NEWSPAPER, 7. HEADLINES

Down Clues

4

6

Across Clues 5. A kid who reports for Bear Essential News (2 words) 8. Bear Essential has delivered great news for kids for 35 of these!

9. Boomer writes for this funtastic newspaper (2 words).

10. Another word for really, really good 11. “________ to Boomer,” Boomer Bear’s advice column

3

Continued from page 5

Send Your Name to Space

You and the entire school team have made this school year a success for the students and the community.

A crossword that’s all about Bear Essential News!

Get the Scoop!

is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity.

Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students.

Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories.

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©2022 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved • 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax# (520) 792-2580 • Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

What Are You

Boomer’s Bookshelf Faves

READING

PICTURE THIS!

Fun stories for kids of all ages: Abuela

by Arthur Dorros Flashlight image: shutterstock.com

this

SUMMER? B

ooks are a magical method of transportation. Like a time machine, a book can take you into the past or into the future. Time travel is possible when you lose yourself in the pages of a book of historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy.

Books can take you to faraway places without the use of a plane or a rocket ship.

A book is a virtual reality device that allows you to see the world in a unique way—even envision an imaginary world— without the aid of an expensive headset or any new-fangled tech. If you have summer vacation plans, a book is a great traveling companion—it can go anywhere you go and keep you entertained while you are EN ROUTE. Audio books can be fun for the entire family during a road trip.

Author Nnedi Okorafor reflects, “I love books. I adore everything about them. I love the feel of the pages on my fingertips.

They are light enough to carry, yet so heavy with worlds and ideas.”

A book introduces

10 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

you to people you might never otherwise meet, and gives you a way to see through their eyes and better understand their experiences. You can learn about real people in a MEMOIR, history or non-fiction book.

While sometimes made-up characters become real to you—some become lifelong friends that you revisit over and over again.

E.B. White, the author of beloved classics “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” noted, “Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people—people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.”

According to the American Library Association, kids who participate in a summer reading program are less likely to suffer from summer slide, the loss of skills that happens when kids are out of school. The key to successful summer reading is finding the right books, ones that spark a kid’s interest and keep them engaged with the story.

A great way to find books that are right for you is to talk to your librarian. Visit your library’s web page—many offer reading lists and book reviews. You can also visit your local Bookmans to find a variety of books and much more!

You can find summer reading lists for kids, and lists of recommended audio books and graphic novels, too, at ala.org/alsc/booklists.

Enter to WIN Boomer’s

Book Review CONTEST!

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

by Grace Lin Click, Clack, Moo

by Doreen Cronin Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

by Mo Willems Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

by Kevin Noble Maillard

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE The Bad Guys

by Aaron Blabey Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney Frindle

by Andrew Clements Knights vs. Dinosaurs

by Matt Phelan Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

by Judy Blume Book list continued on next page

No matter where you live, odds are your local library has a summer reading program just for you! Some of these programs include fun family events and celebrations, and you may even be able to win some fabulous prizes. The possibilities are endless!

Maricopa County Reads will have 65 libraries and tens of thousands of kids and teens participating this summer. Kids can earn cool prizes by joining this summer reading program, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 1.

Registration is now open at MaricopaCountyReads.org or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org.

Kids, teens and even adults can earn fabulous food or activity prizes by reading books, listening to audio books or attending online or community events. Earn enough points and you can get tickets to a Phoenix Mercury game or an Arizona State Park pass. Weekly drawings and the grand prize will award some lucky readers with passes to Legoland Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium or tickets to Childsplay or the Superbowl Experience.

The Maricopa County Reads summer reading program went online in 2013. Participation has reached up to 88,000 readers in a single summer! This award-winning online summer reading program is provided by the Maricopa County Library District to all public libraries within Maricopa County.

Participating libraries include these districts: • Avondale Public Library • Buckeye Public Library • Chandler Public Library • Glendale Public Library • Mesa Public Library

Hair Love Write a Matthew A. Cherry book review and send it to Boomer!

How Do Dinosaurs Say You could win four Good Night?

by Jane Yolen LEGOLAND Discovery Center/SEA LIFE Aquarium If You Plant a Seed annual passes. Plus, your

by Kadir Nelson review may be published online Otis or in the pages of Bear Essential

by Loren Long News. Let other kids know what books they should check out!

Where Are You From?

See page 12 in this issue for more details.

Your Local Library Has a Reading Program for You this Summer!

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

by Julia Sarcone-Roach

by Yamile Saied Méndez

You Are (Not) Small

by Anna Kang

• Peoria Public Library • Phoenix Public Library • Scottsdale Public Library • Tempe Public Library • Tolleson Public Library

The reading program encourages kids to read at least 20 minutes a day, whether it is a physical, digital or e-book. This year’s theme, Oceans of Possibilities, reminds readers that books offer endless choices. Just like a deep sea diver, a reader can plumb the depths of a different world, explore diverse perspectives and get insights into new experiences just by opening a book!

To learn more about the Maricopa County Reads summer reading program or to sign up, visit your local library or go to:

MaricopaCountyReads.org • CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has a Summer Reads program for you, too! Every customer who purchases a book receives a stamp card. When you buy 10 books, you get one free and Bookmans donates a book to a local nonprofit. There are also fun activities planned at Bookmans as part of the weekly Summer Kids Events series.

Check at your neighborhood location or visit bookmans.com later this month for more details.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

What Are You

Boomer’s Bookshelf Faves

READING

PICTURE THIS!

Fun stories for kids of all ages: Abuela

by Arthur Dorros Flashlight image: shutterstock.com

this

SUMMER? B

ooks are a magical method of transportation. Like a time machine, a book can take you into the past or into the future. Time travel is possible when you lose yourself in the pages of a book of historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy.

Books can take you to faraway places without the use of a plane or a rocket ship.

A book is a virtual reality device that allows you to see the world in a unique way—even envision an imaginary world— without the aid of an expensive headset or any new-fangled tech. If you have summer vacation plans, a book is a great traveling companion—it can go anywhere you go and keep you entertained while you are EN ROUTE. Audio books can be fun for the entire family during a road trip.

Author Nnedi Okorafor reflects, “I love books. I adore everything about them. I love the feel of the pages on my fingertips.

They are light enough to carry, yet so heavy with worlds and ideas.”

A book introduces

10 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

you to people you might never otherwise meet, and gives you a way to see through their eyes and better understand their experiences. You can learn about real people in a MEMOIR, history or non-fiction book.

While sometimes made-up characters become real to you—some become lifelong friends that you revisit over and over again.

E.B. White, the author of beloved classics “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” noted, “Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people—people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.”

According to the American Library Association, kids who participate in a summer reading program are less likely to suffer from summer slide, the loss of skills that happens when kids are out of school. The key to successful summer reading is finding the right books, ones that spark a kid’s interest and keep them engaged with the story.

A great way to find books that are right for you is to talk to your librarian. Visit your library’s web page—many offer reading lists and book reviews. You can also visit your local Bookmans to find a variety of books and much more!

You can find summer reading lists for kids, and lists of recommended audio books and graphic novels, too, at ala.org/alsc/booklists.

Enter to WIN Boomer’s

Book Review CONTEST!

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

by Grace Lin Click, Clack, Moo

by Doreen Cronin Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

by Mo Willems Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

by Kevin Noble Maillard

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE The Bad Guys

by Aaron Blabey Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney Frindle

by Andrew Clements Knights vs. Dinosaurs

by Matt Phelan Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

by Judy Blume Book list continued on next page

No matter where you live, odds are your local library has a summer reading program just for you! Some of these programs include fun family events and celebrations, and you may even be able to win some fabulous prizes. The possibilities are endless!

Maricopa County Reads will have 65 libraries and tens of thousands of kids and teens participating this summer. Kids can earn cool prizes by joining this summer reading program, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 1.

Registration is now open at MaricopaCountyReads.org or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org.

Kids, teens and even adults can earn fabulous food or activity prizes by reading books, listening to audio books or attending online or community events. Earn enough points and you can get tickets to a Phoenix Mercury game or an Arizona State Park pass. Weekly drawings and the grand prize will award some lucky readers with passes to Legoland Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium or tickets to Childsplay or the Superbowl Experience.

The Maricopa County Reads summer reading program went online in 2013. Participation has reached up to 88,000 readers in a single summer! This award-winning online summer reading program is provided by the Maricopa County Library District to all public libraries within Maricopa County.

Participating libraries include these districts: • Avondale Public Library • Buckeye Public Library • Chandler Public Library • Glendale Public Library • Mesa Public Library

Hair Love Write a Matthew A. Cherry book review and send it to Boomer!

How Do Dinosaurs Say You could win four Good Night?

by Jane Yolen LEGOLAND Discovery Center/SEA LIFE Aquarium If You Plant a Seed annual passes. Plus, your

by Kadir Nelson review may be published online Otis or in the pages of Bear Essential

by Loren Long News. Let other kids know what books they should check out!

Where Are You From?

See page 12 in this issue for more details.

Your Local Library Has a Reading Program for You this Summer!

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich

by Julia Sarcone-Roach

by Yamile Saied Méndez

You Are (Not) Small

by Anna Kang

• Peoria Public Library • Phoenix Public Library • Scottsdale Public Library • Tempe Public Library • Tolleson Public Library

The reading program encourages kids to read at least 20 minutes a day, whether it is a physical, digital or e-book. This year’s theme, Oceans of Possibilities, reminds readers that books offer endless choices. Just like a deep sea diver, a reader can plumb the depths of a different world, explore diverse perspectives and get insights into new experiences just by opening a book!

To learn more about the Maricopa County Reads summer reading program or to sign up, visit your local library or go to:

MaricopaCountyReads.org • CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has a Summer Reads program for you, too! Every customer who purchases a book receives a stamp card. When you buy 10 books, you get one free and Bookmans donates a book to a local nonprofit. There are also fun activities planned at Bookmans as part of the weekly Summer Kids Events series.

Check at your neighborhood location or visit bookmans.com later this month for more details.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

Book list continued from page 11

PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

WILD ADVENTURES

Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen

ANIMAL TALES

Barbed Wire Baseball

by Marissa Moss

Because of WinnDixie

by Kate DiCamillo

The Borrowers

by Mary Norton

I Am Malala

by Malala Yousafzai & Christina Lamb

Brown Girl Dreaming

by Jacqueline Woodson El Deafo

by Cece Bell Esperanza Rising

by Pam Muñoz Ryan Front Desk

by Kelly Yang (see

book review on page 14)

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O’Dell Matilda

by Roald Dahl The Sea in Winter

by Christine Day

Charlotte's Web

by E.B. White The Cricket in Times Square

by George Selden The Mouse and the Motorcycle

by Beverly Cleary The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate Shiloh

by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor The Simple Art of Flying

by Cory Leonardo

12 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

Harriet the Spy

by Louise Fitzhugh Holes

by Louis Sachar The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

FOR OLDER KIDS

Cool books for middle school readers: Akata Witch

by Nnedi Okorafor Almost American Girl

by Robin Ha Code Talker

by Joseph Bruchac

Legend

by Marie Lu Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Send Us Your Review!

You Could Get Published & Win Passes to SEA LIFE/Legoland Discovery Center Send in your book review, and you might win four annual combo passes to SEA LIFE and Legoland Discovery Center! You may also see your review in Bear!

Review a book, graphic novel or an audio book. Give a short summary of the story, but don’t give away important plot points. No spoilers! The summary should only be a SMALL part of your review.

Explain what you liked or did not like and be specific. Did you relate to the characters? Did the humor tickle you? Did the suspense keep you turning the page? Does the story have a message? Who is the target audience? Has this author written other books you enjoy or might want to check out? Find some background information about the author and share what you think is interesting.

Would you recommend that other kids read this book? Why or why not?

Email your review to Boomer@BearEssentialNews.com Use subject line “Summer Reading Review.” Or mail your review to Summer Reading Review, 2525 E. Broadway, #102, Tucson, AZ 85716.

Contest deadline is July 15, 2022.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 13

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 9

Book Tells a Family’s Story

by Reporter Madison Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 The book “Front Desk” is a very memorable story written by Kelly Yang. It tells about 10-year-old Mia Tang and her struggles as she moves from China to California. Mia wants to enter an essay contest to win a motel for her family to stay in because she thinks that this will change their luck in California. She uses all of her pennies and her dad’s lucky pennies to get $300 to enter.

When her mom finds out what Mia wants to do she tells her to just stick to math because her English writing skills are not good enough.

Even though her mom thinks that she can not do it, Mia enters the contest because she knows that her family would benefit from the motel.

I enjoyed the different points of view that were included in this story.

Some of my favorite characters were Mr. Yoa, the bossy and wealthy motel owner, and the main character, Mia, a kind fifth-grade girl whose family struggles financially as they live in and work at the Calivista Motel. The story is told in such a way that it creates vivid images of the characters and events included in the book.

The moral of the story is that even if you have challenges, you can rise above them with the support of good friends. I recommend the book “Front Desk” because it’s a very interesting story with unexpected twists. This book is the first in a series, so you can continue to read more about Mia in “New From Here” and “Room to Dream.”

Kids!

Write a BOOK REVIEW, and enter to WIN Passes to SEA LIFE/Legoland Discovery!

See page 12 for contest & entry information.

40 YEARS!

Bear

May 2022 Phoenix Edition

news ntialialnew esse s.com www.bearessent

®

Summer

Camp Guide

Find Your Copy of Bear Essential News this Summer at Your

local library : a apple, an icecream In This Picture

CAMP GUIDE

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14 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

2022

CAMP GUIDE Now that more and more adults and children are vaccinated and the number of COVID cases is going down, things are starting to return to near normal.

Kids will be looking forward to going to camp this summer. And, with summer camps limiting spaces again this year, the camps will fill up quickly.

Sending your child to summer camp has always been an important way to let them try new things and learn new skills. A five-year study of 18–to –25–year–old former campers by the American Camp Association proved that summer camps helped these individuals have more success in high school, college and in their career by providing social skills, leadership skills and more.

(This study can be found at www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/ camp-impact-study).

Getting a child out of their comfort zone and attending a summer camp with new kids and new adult role models can help the shy child become more outgoing, learn teamwork and develop leadership skills.

At summer camps kids make new friends that might become friends for a lifetime. Kids can gain confidence by working together to problem solve, and they might try a new skill like cooking, pottery, archery, rock climbing, canoeing or horseback riding.

Summer camps are a great way to get your child to unplug from technology.

Instead of spending time watching television or being on a cell phone, tablet or the Internet, kids can experience the outdoors, nature and animals or even get bold enough to scale a rock wall or try zip lining.

Take a look through Bear’s Summer Camp Guide and see what your child can discover this summer. There are camps that teach acting, dancing, history, swimming, arts, sports, academics, STEM and STEAM, and even animal care.

Some camps are day camps where campers are dropped off in the morning and return home in the afternoon, and others are resident camps where campers spend about five days away from home in a cabin or cabana.

Most camps explain what to expect from their camps, CDC guidelines and safety and more on their websites.

Listings start on page 16

Don’t Miss Out! Register for Girl Scouts Summer Camp Today Don’t miss Girl Scouts Summer Camp 2022! Now is the time to register for camp to make sure her summer is filled with adventure and new friends. Camp starts on June 5.

Girl Scouts Summer Camp is a great place to make like-minded friends, and girls feel more comfortable taking safe risks and trying new things in this safe all-girl space. Whether she’s learning outdoor skills (like fire safety or outdoor cooking) or getting creative, your girl can feel like herself in an environment created just for girls.

Your girl can feed her sense of adven-

ture by trying a new skill like archery, rock climbing or canoeing. Maybe she will flex her creative muscles by putting together a skit or play and performing it in front of her new friends.

With camp properties in Phoenix, Payson, and Prescott—you're sure to find a program that’s right for you. You don’t have to be a current Girl Scout to go to Girl Scouts Summer Camp. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Some popular camp programs include horseback riding. But whichever camp you

Campers learn mountai n biking techniques an d prepare to go on a tra il ride.

choose, your girl will have a great experience that includes: • Archery • Outdoor arts & crafts • STEM activities • Nature hikes • Teambuilding and games • Making new friends • S’mores making and more!

Different camps have a variety of structures to suit new or seasoned campers, younger or older girls, or those attending a camp for the first time.

Don’t miss out on a fun-filled summer adventure.

Getting ready to climb the Register now! obstacle course and zip line Learn more at night! about summer camp programs and register at www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp!

Join Girl Scouts today!

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

@GSACPC May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 15

continued from page 14

AZ ON TRACK SUMMER CAMPS

June–August Multiple locations statewide Free for Arizona students pre-K–12 www.azontrack.com

AZ OnTrack Summer Camps, launched by Governor Doug Ducey, offers FREE half-day and full-day options throughout the state for all Arizona public and private school students pre-K–12. Campers will enjoy fun, in-person education and enrichment activities that will pique their curiosity and re-ignite their love of learning while preparing them for the 2022–23 school year. Camps will offer instruction in mathematics, literacy, civics and credit recovery as well as adventure, enrichment, and social skill building. Meals and transportation are offered to Campers. Find Camps near you at www.azontrack.com. Be sure to check back often, as new Camp locations are being added weekly!

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

Sign up for summer Enrichment & Fun at BGCAZ’s high-quality, 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 (13–18) will create exciting service learning projects that will build selfconfidence 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.

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. Click on the Join tab to sign up for the Kids Club or 1317 to get discounts.

CAMP ZOO AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

455 N. Galvin Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-286-3800 June 6–July 29 www.phoenixzoo.org/camps-programs/ camps/

Welcome to Camp Zoo 2022: Build the Zoo! This year, Camp is all about finding out what it takes to help save animals. Campers will discover the different ways we look after the animals at the Zoo, while tackling challenges to help save their counterparts in the wild.

They will spend the mornings on the trails, enjoying close encounters with the animals and learning from their care teams, as well as playing games and hanging out in the splash pads. The afternoons will be spent working in groups indoors to tackle design challenges related to their theme, and more Camp Zoostyle fun!

Incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) principles and going through the design, build, test, and revise process, campers will use what they’ve learned about the animals to create real-world solutions and top off the week presenting their design.

BLACK MOUNTAIN BMX 24024 N. 11th Street • Phoenix 602-999-5979 All Ages

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE Summer Theatre Camps

www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257 All ages and all experience levels are welcome! Clinics, Practice and Racing. Visit

4501 E. Main St. • Mesa 480-756-3828 May 31–July 15 Ages: 5–17 www.evct.org/camps info@evct.org

Black Mountain BMX

We Are OPEN and

RACING!

For Dates and Times, check our website

602-999-5979

www.blackmountainbmx.com 16 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE continued 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 professional in the field of dance, music and theatre.

GIRL SCOUTS — ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

Four Camps • Phoenix, Prescott, Payson 602-452-7000 Register Now June-July

www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/camps/summercamp.html After a safe and successful camp season last year, the GSACPC Camp team is thrilled to invite girls back for another year packed with more of what you love. We are looking forward to troop, day, resident, and miniresident camp options! We’re also excited to offer programs we know you’ll love – aviation, STEM, equine, and the new installations of rock climbing, bouldering, and zip lining at Parsons Leadership Center!

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AZ OUTDOOR ED Multiple six-day options • Payson 602-955-7747 x239 June–July All Youth 13+ www.azoutdoored.org

Utilizing our Scout camps and programs, these six-day programs are available to all youth ages 13 and above. Young men and women are encouraged to get involved, enjoy the outdoors, create friendships, and explore new hobbies and interests as they learn in a safe, structured setting. Our traditional summer camp program is also available for all youth to participate in, regardless of your

current Scout affiliation!

Youth Adventure Day Camp—Ages: 6–10. This drop-off day camp is designed for youth to come and enjoy a themed week of activities and fun Monday–Friday during the summer months. Sign up for a week of activities happening at the Heard Scout Camp where our trained staff will provide fun, safe, and engaging programs for kids ages 6–10. Each week will offer different adventures to choose from including swimming, cooking, STEM and more.

Spade Ranch At Camp Geronimo—Ages: 14–18. Join us for our second ever Drone Camp where you will learn how to build a drone and how to utilize it in everyday life. Or, get in touch with your “wild side” in our Spade Ranch program where you’ll experience an outdoor adventure unlike any other, from exploring caves to rappelling down waterfalls, there is bound to be adventure for all! You can also get your feet wet with Fish Camp, where you will fish in Arizona’s beautiful creeks and streams, learn about the local ecology and have a ton of “fin”!

R-C Scout Camp—Ages: 6–10. R-C Scout Camp is a resident camp (overnight) experience for families serving children ages 6–10. Programs for this partner and pal experience may include horseback riding, arts and crafts, STEM activities, field activities and more. Youth have the chance to learn and develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness through awesome activities while spending uninterrupted quality time with their families.

Appropriate Adult Supervision

Kool Kids

Free swim for boys and girls 17 & under at Phoenix public pools.

Call (602) 534-6587 For locations: www.phoenix.gov/parks/pools

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.

Listings continue on page 18

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 17

www.visitsealife.com/arizona/

continued from page 16

THE LITTLE GYM OF PARADISE VALLEY AND SCOTTSDALE 4225 E. Windrose Dr. Suite 111 • Phoenix 602-996-1380 Ages: 3–12 years Classes start at $45 per session tlgparadisevalleyaz@thelittlegym.com www.thelittlegym.com/parties-camps

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

MARICOPA COUNTY READS Registration begins May 1, 2022 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

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

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

Group event packages available.

PHOENIX CENTER FOR THE ARTS SUMMER CAMP 1202 N. 3rd St. • Phoenix 602-254-3100 May 16–Aug 21 Ages: 6–17 info@phoenixcenterforthearts.org phoenixcenterforthearts.org

Make art a part of summer with classes at Phoenix Center for the Arts in downtown Phoenix and Thunderbird Arts Center in north Phoenix. Anime & Manga, drawing, painting, piano, voice, guitar and dance classes are available throughout the summer for children of all ages. In-person and online classes are available and range from $96 to $157, financial aid available.

SEA LIFE ARIZONA AQUARIUM

855-450-0559 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 145• Tempe Ages: All Arizona@SEALIFEUS.com

18 • Bear Essential News • May 2022

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 23– Aug 5 Ages 4–16, $250/week and 10% sibling discount.

Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–1p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Aftercare available for $125/week Mon–Thurs from 1–4 p.m. Field trips are included every Friday with complimentary lunch.

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

VALLEY OF THE SUN YMCA CAMP SKY-Y 5725 S. Senator Highway • Prescott 888-747-2894 May 29–July 30 david.madden@vosymca.org azycamps.org

Located in the heart of Prescott National Park, this summer overnight camp is a big adventure for kids ages 7-16–the fun and freedom of being outdoors, while learning new skills, and making new friends will make memories that will last a lifetime. Fun-filled weeks with activities including archery, paint ball, crafts, canoeing, games, rock climbing, and much more–will make a summer experience your kids will love! Sign up today!

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 years will enjoy high energy themes each week. Customize your days or week with Full and Half day options. The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is USAG Safety Certified with complete background checks. Come MOVE-LEARN & XCEL with us.

May 2022 • Bear Essential News • 19

20 • Bear Essential News • May 2022