Carolina Parent February 2016 by Carolina Parent

February 2016 • Free

Is Your Child Ready for

OVERNIGHT CAMP?

BEYOND

GOOGLING

Search engine alternatives

5Valentine’s FUN Day Finds

Let’s Go on an

ADVENTURE! Extreme camp options in NC

February 2016 |

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Samiya, age 4 Heart transplant patient Patient ambassador

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John R. Christensen DDS, MS, MS

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Pediatric Dentistry

CONTENT â&#x20AC;ş February

Overnight Camps Is your child ready?

Let's Go on an Adventure! "Extreme" camps can turn kids into leaders and teach independence

Guide to Online Camp Content Discover where you can find camp content at carolinaparent.com

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 February Online 6 Editor's Note FYI 9 Community + Education 10 Health 12 Style

CO LU M N S 14 Tech Talk 17 Hammer, Nails &

Diaper Pails

18 Understanding Kids 36 Excursion

CALENDAR 37 Our Picks 38 Daily 38 Exhibits 43 Daddy-Daughter Dances 44 Performances

22 carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

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Win Prizes! Enter to win great giveaways, including a Lea Doll.

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Surprise Your Valentine!

Summer and Track-Out Camps

Indulge your loved ones

Or visit our Valentine’s Day

Search our online camp guide

with treats and gifts.

page on Pinterest.

to help your child discover new

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interests.

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FIT

Fit Family Challenge Help your family eat right and exercise more.

New SAT The redesigned SAT arrives March 2016. Make

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›

editor’s note

Memories of Summer Camp

t’s late afternoon in June 1985 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. I

enter my assigned cottage and head down the dusty hall to my room, where I find two bunk beds, a dresser and an open, screened window. First one in the room! I quickly claim the top bunk closest to the window and climb up. A feeling of independence and excitement overcomes me as I realize there will be no parent or teacher to guide my

morrismedianetwork.com

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

EDITOR

Beth Shugg · bshugg@carolinaparent.com

Associate EDITOR

Janice Lewine · jlewine@carolinaparent.com

ART and digital development DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts · melissa.stutts@morris.com

Assistant aRT DIRECTOR

Alexandria Tisdale · alexandria.tisdale@morris.com

WEB EDITOR

Odile Fredericks · ofredericks@carolinaparent.com

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Lauren Isaacs · lisaacs@carolinaparent.com

every action or decision for an entire week. That’s the summer camp memory that stands out most to me. Summer camp served as an extension of the carefree summers I experienced as a child, exploring my neighborhood or the creek behind my grandparents’ house for hours before checking in with any adult. Today’s children live in a very different world. As parents, we tread the line between free-range and helicopter parenting, but the moment our smartphones notify us of a nearby kidnapping or crime, we gather up our children and herd them into the house. This complicates our ability, and sometimes desire, to foster and encourage their independence. Summer camp offers today’s children a safe environment in which to experience and

Sales MANAGER

Shannan Legge · slegge@carolinaparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTs

Candi Griffin · cgriffin@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen · schen@carolinaparent.com Katie Hammond · khammond@carolinaparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore · ads@charlotteparent.com

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT KAREN RODRIGUEZ

PRESIDENT

learn the way we once did. Campers gain independence and confidence through making their

DONNA KESSLER

own decisions, especially in stressful conditions. Overnight camps are particularly beneficial

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING DONALD HORTON

in this way. On page 22, we make the case for overnight camp. We also present warning signs to look for in children who may not be ready for an overnight experience. But even if you think your child may not be ready, the camp counselors we talked to say they know just how to help homesick children fight through those emotions so they can reap the rewards of spending

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR SHELONDA WEST

PUBLICATION MANAGER KRIS MILLER

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR CHER WHEELER

time away from home. If your child has already mastered overnight camp and is looking for a mightier challenge, consider an adventure camp. Explore the benefits of sending your child to a North Carolina adventure, or extreme, camp on page 26. From hanging 10 on a Wrightsville Beach wave to shooting the Chatooga River rapids, nearby adventure camps offer exciting experiences that offer perceived, but not actual, risk in a safe environment. Travel to Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, on page 36 and discover nine alternative search engines to Google that may be worth checking out on page 14. Here’s to lots of happy campers this summer as you and your child explore the many day,

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Phone: 919-956-2430 · Fax: 919-956-2427 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 advertising@carolinaparent.com · editorial@carolinaparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

residential and track-out camp programs in and around the Triangle. We hope our February issue helps simplify your search.

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO William S. Morris III

Beth Shugg, Editor

February 2016 |

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President Will S. Morris IV

SINCE 1989, THE DUKE ADHD PROGRAM HAS BEEN LEADING THE NATION IN RESEARCH AND CLINICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND ADULTS WITH ADHD

Our specialty services include: • ADHD AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS • PARENTING CONSULTATION • PARENT & CHILD SKILLS GROUPS • CHILD/ADOLESCENT & ADULT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY • SECONDARY & COLLEGE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS GROUPS • MEDICATION MANAGEMENT • CLINICAL RESEARCH TRIALS FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL (919)-681-9185, OR VISIT US AT SITES.DUKE.EDU/ADHDPROGRAM/

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› FYI Primrose Schools donated 6,000 pounds of products to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern N.C. Photo courtesy of Primrose Schools

EDUCATION

WCPSS Students Learn to Write Code More than 25,000 Wake County Public School System students in more than 30 schools learned to write code Dec. 7-11 as part of the international “Hour of Code” event, part of Computer Science Awareness week. Hour of Code took place in 180 countries around the world. Its purpose is to inform educators about the importance of teaching computer science and to create awareness about the many jobs and opportunities available to students who learn code. To make code writing interesting, educators used tutorials that featured characters from “Star Wars,” “Minecraft,” “Frozen” and other films and video games. Learn more at hourofcode.org.

COMMUNITY

Schools Donate to Local Food Bank Children enrolled at 10 local Primrose Schools, as well as students at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, gave back to their community by donating thousands of food products to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina in December. Through Primrose Schools’ Caring and Giving program, part of the ABC11’s annual Heart of Carolina Food Drive, families donated more than 6,000 nonperishable food products to the food bank. During its drive in November, the Sanderson High School community contributed more than 244,000 pounds of food to the food bank. Learn more at foodbankcenc.org.

Underprivileged Children Enjoy Tea with Santa Old Saint Nick paid a visit to 35 underprivileged children on Dec. 14 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary during a special “Tea With Santa,” hosted in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County. The evening featured an elegant, kid-friendly buffet and tea service, and concluded with the reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” After spending one-on-one time with Santa, the children left with gifts and sweets. The event formally launched “The Umstead Difference,” an ongoing series of charitable initiatives by the hotel to contribute to the local community. Learn more at wakebgc.org and theumstead.com.

POLL

How old was your child when you first took him/her to the dentist? 1 YEAR

31%

2 YEARS

31%

3 YEARS

20%

4 YEARS OR OLDER

13%

MY CHILD HAS NEVER BEEN TO A DENTIST

carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

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FYI

health

Compiled by Katherine Kopp

Turn Off the Tube How Often Does Your Child Go to the Dentist? In the most recent statistics available from the American Dental Association (2014), among parents of children under age 18: • 64.6 percent reported that their children visit the dentist every 6 months.

A 25-year-long study recently published in JAMA Psychiatry reports that young adults who watch a lot of TV and have low physical activity may have worse cognitive function when they reach middle age. Researchers studied 351 adults, categorizing those who watched 3 or more hours of TV per day as “high” viewers. The researchers gave each participant three cognitive tests at the end of the 25-year study that measured executive function (their ability to manage time and resources to achieve a goal) and their ability to recall information. After adjusting for age, race, gender, education level, smoking, alcohol use and body mass index, the researchers found that participants who spent a lot of time viewing TV and who had lower physical activity levels were twice as likely to perform poorly. Learn more at media.jamanetwork.com (search for “how much TV”).

8.7%

• 20.3 percent reported that their children visit the dentist once per year. • 4.4 percent reported that their children visit the dentist once every two to three years. • 10.7 percent reported their children had not visited the dentist at all in the last few years. • Approximately 22.9 percent of adults said they are either unsure or definitely do not plan to visit a dentist in the next 12 months. Source: American Dental Association

February 2016 |

The percentage of adolescents ages 12-17 who don't have health insurance. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Eat Right for a Healthy Heart The leading risk factor for death and disability in the U.S. is less-than-optimal diet quality, which, in 2010, was linked to 678,000 annual deaths of all causes. Major contributors were insufficient intakes of fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetables and seafood, as well as excess intakes of sodium. Eating healthier foods won't break the bank. In a comparison of 20 fruits and vegetables versus 20 snack foods such as cookies, chips and crackers, the average price per portion of fruits and vegetables was 31 cents (with an average of 57 calories per portion), versus 33 cents (and 183 calories per portion) for snack foods. Source: American Heart Association 2015 Statistical Update

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FYI

style

February

Style

Sweet but not saccharin, you can’t go wrong with these festive-but-chic Valentine’s Day finds you can use any day of the year! 2.

1. Bisous Heart 500 Milliliter Bottle, mybkr.com, $35 2. Je t’aime Set of Eight Boxed Cards, riflepaperco.com, $16 3. Neon Watermelon Tippi Sweater, jcrew.com, $79.50 4. Rose Gold Arrow-Split Cuff, wanderlustandco.com, $39 5. Blush Lecrew Ballet Slipper, stevemadden.com, $69.95 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent.

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› TECH TALK When you want just the facts. Wolframalpha.com indexes nothing but verifiable information about math, science, history and other topics, so it’s an especially good source for students. When you want to do good. Goodsearch.org is powered by Yahoo, which is now owned by Bing, so it won’t return different results. It will, however, donate a penny to the cause of your choice every time you or your kids use it.

When Google Won’t Do By Carolyn Jabs

nline searching is a basic skill every adult — and child — needs to master. Everything you might want to know can be found online, but you have to be

able to locate what you need when you need it. Google dominates the field so completely that “Googling” is synonymous with searching. That dominance worries some people, including the Federal Trade Commission, whose staffers prepared an internal report about how Google searches favor Google services over those of competitors. Google shares some of what it is doing behind the scenes on its own website (just search for “how search works” on google. com), but critics point out that there are inevitably assumptions and biases built into the search process. None of this means you should abandon Google, or websites using a Google-powered search function, but it’s good to be aware of alternatives that may be preferable under specific circumstances. Such as:

item is ranked by reading level, so it’s easier to pinpoint material that will be useful to a child.

When children are young. Elementary-age children are likely to be confused and overwhelmed by what they find on Google. Kidclicks.org produces a limited number of results, vetted by librarians. Each

When you want privacy. If you’d rather keep your search history private, duckduckgo.com or ixquick.com are good alternatives. Both websites promise not to record anything about you or your searches.

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When you want a simple answer. Ask.com is designed to respond to “natural language,” so you can type in a question like, “Why is the sky blue?” and get quick, authoritative answers. When you want a different spin. Bing.com, designed by Microsoft, uses its own proprietary algorithms so its results are a little different. Comparing the harvest on Bing and Google can be illuminating, especially for controversial topics. Bing also sweetens the pot with a rewards program that allows users to earn points that can be redeemed on websites like Amazon and Fandango.

When you want reliable health information. For research-based information you’d get from a physician, turn to curated medical sites like MedlinePlus (nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus) or KidsHealth (kidshealth.org). When you want context. Yippy.com collects information from a variety of other search engines and quickly files what it finds into folders that appear on the left side of the screen. When you want the human touch. Dmoz.org is developed and maintained by an enormous network of volunteers. Each site has been reviewed by a person instead of a robot. No matter what search engine you or your kids use, you’ll get better results if you follow a few simple rules: • Put words that go together in quotes. • Link words that are equally important with “and.” • Use a plus sign (+) to indicate words that are crucial to your search and a minus sign (-) to rule out words that aren’t relevant. • Most of all, teach your kids that what they find online is only as good as its source. Kids who can think critically as they search will have a huge advantage in a world awash in information. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs.

global learners • engaged • inquisitive • energetic • self-paced classroom leaders • responsible • self-disciplined • strong academics

Open House: Feb. 6th, 9 - 11am “MCS has fostered a great deal of independence in my child. He is responsible, sustains interest, and shows a keen interest in learning.” — Current Primary parent “The classrooms are beautifully prepared with age-appropriate furnishings, access to the outdoors, and consideration for various learning styles.” — AMS Review

Community is Our Middle Name We are a vibrant Montessori community where together, through our dynamic and relevant curriculum, we guide students toward self-discovery and the realization of their unique contributions to the world.

Montessori Community School | 4512 Pope Rd. | Durham, NC 27707 | (919) 493-8541 | www.mcsdurham.org

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HAMMERS, NAILS & DIAPER PAILS

Tails of Love

After

By Patrick Hempfing

"Mattie, will you be my Valentine?” On Feb. 1, I’ll pose this question to my wife of 30 years. She’ll be noncommittal. Over the 14 days that follow, I’ll continue to romance Mattie with poems, small gifts and various acts of service in an effort to convince her that I’m the Valentine for her. Finally, late in the evening on Valentine’s Day, Mattie will say “Yes, I’ll be your Valentine this year.” We started playing this game before we were married. It’s not Before easy to come up with fresh rhymes 14 times each February, even for a writer. A wiser man would have quit years ago. I thought things would get easier when my 10-year-old daughter, Jessie, was younger. She joined in the As the hairdresser efforts to convince her mom to select me. formed two tight ponytails to prepare Unfortunately, my proponent turned into Jessie’s hair for the scissors, I observed a my opponent during the last few years, as mother holding her 1-year-old son in the Jessie started lobbying for Mattie to choose chair next to Jessie’s. The little guy did pretty her. Could Valentine’s Day get any more well until the hairdresser broke out her challenging? Surprisingly, yes. noisy shaver, which resulted in a few tears. Jessie is now also campaigning on My eyes moved back and forth between the behalf of our dog, Sadie, who joined in the two young customers. One received a slight competition to be Mattie’s Valentine. Jessie trim, while the other lost a lot of hair. sends emails and handwritten notes, some My mind wandered back to the scene stamped with an inked dog paw, and often in our kitchen years ago, when Mattie gave with drawings or cut-out hearts, signed by Jessie her first haircut. At the time, I highly the dog. One example read, “Dear Woofy questioned her decision to do it herself, Mom, I love you! Be my Woofitine.” How as I remembered Mattie’s only haircutting can I compete with dog love? experience — the “trim” she gave our first Recently, though, I witnessed a dog. The long strands on our sheltie’s beautiful display of love that didn’t involve hindquarters touched the ground and poetry, flowers, chocolate … or removing dragged leaves into the house. Mattie made ink from a dog’s paw. The love came from some lopsided cuts, then had to even them Jessie’s head as she had 9 inches of hair cut out. The remaining fur barely covered the off and donated to an organization that poor dog’s behind. makes wigs for women fighting cancer. Of The hairdresser cut off Jessie’s two course, I had my camera and camcorder to ponytails and carefully placed them in a capture Jessie’s haircut. Mattie pulled away plastic bag, then posed with our pretty, from work. Even Jessie’s grandmother, who short-haired girl for some pictures. At happened to be in town, came to watch. The home, we addressed a padded envelope and beauty salon should have sold tickets. slid in the bag containing Jessie’s hair, along

Photos courtesy of Patrick Hempfing with her name and address. Many times, I’ve left the post office feeling happy that in a few days, a card, letter or photo I had mailed would make someone’s day. I won’t soon forget the feeling I had when I mailed my daughter’s hair. Love can be expressed in many ways. I’m confident that in the days ahead, I’ll overcome my daughter’s rivalry, as well as my dog’s, and win Mattie’s heart for another Valentine’s Day. And when I hug my Valentine this year, I’ll think about other husbands who are thankful they can hug their wives, regardless of how much hair either spouse has. If you’d like to learn more about donating hair to a good cause, check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths at pantene.com (click on “Beautiful Lengths”) and Locks of Love at locksoflove.org. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. You can follow Hempfing on Facebook at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and on Twitter @patrickhempfing. carolinaparent.com | February 2016

›

Understanding Kids challenges and failures with embarrassment or anxiety. These children may try to protect themselves from failing again by hesitating — or even refusing to take new risks. Parents of these children have to be more mindful of the emotional risks involved when signing up their kids for new experiences. Therefore, their 90 percent rule might be more like 95 or even 99 percent, keeping that sliver of doubt as small as possible. Specialized Camps

If you aren’t certain a summer camp would be a successful experience for your child,

Making the Most of Camp Experiences By lucy Daniels Center staff

Use the 90 Percent Rule The right camp should feel safe and comfortable enough for a child to manage the challenges and navigate the social aspects independently. In addition, it should encourage a child to reach just beyond his or her comfort zone and try new experiences. At the Lucy Daniels Center, we often recommend that parents use what we call the “90 percent rule” when making decisions about camps, school placement, travel, playdates, parties and other extracurricular activities. The rule is simple: Present a challenge to your child only if you are about 90 percent sure his or her experiences will be successful. Why 90 Percent? Children build healthy self-esteem when they feel competent and successful. The most

February 2016 |

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Social skills camps, for example, operate with a sensitivity to children’s emotional and social needs, and are led by instructors who

he right summer camp has the potential to support a child’s social and emotional development, and provide opportunities for growth. Selecting the right camp from the sea of possibilities can be an overwhelming task: How big? Overnight or day camp? Full day or half day? One week or eight weeks? With familiar people or in a new group?

This month, we will focus on some ways to go about making this decision while also factoring in your child's current developmental needs.

perhaps a more specialized camp would work.

important source of this sense of competency comes from experiences — challenges met and mastered. While you can’t really quantify certainty or uncertainty, we use the level of 90 percent as a way of representing near certainty, with only a small chance of failure. Parental instinct and judgment play a big role here. If you’re feeling unsure and perhaps even anxious about the experience, listening to those instincts is often the best way to go. Different Percentages for Different Children Some children are particularly resilient in the face of challenges and failures. They may become more determined to try again and succeed, or are able to cope with the upset or disappointment in a way that does not set them back. Parents of emotionally resilient children can, therefore, take more risks when signing their children up for new experiences. They may be able to use an 80 percent rule, since failures are not usually setbacks for their children. Other children respond to the same

pay special attention to the challenges of joining a group, meeting new people, playing and sharing with peers, and trying new experiences outside of the camper’s comfort zone. Our experiences providing social skills groups have taught us that some children have the capacity to thrive in an environment that is particularly sensitive to social and emotional difficulties. Making the Choice

Finding the right summer camp can be as simple as finding one that is centered on one or more of your child’s interests. However, depending on your child’s social and emotional development, even the most interesting camp may not suit his or her current developmental needs. Think about how your child does in a number of settings and use that information to make your best prediction of how successful he or she might feel in a new and unfamiliar group. Choosing a camp that meets all of your child’s developmental needs can provide for a rewarding and enriching summer experience. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more.

Browse summer camp options in the

2016 SUMMER

CAMPGUIDE carolinaparent.com/camps

Advertisers: Reach parents looking for summer camp options. Contact us today at 919-956-2430 or advertising@carolinaparent.com. carolinaparent.com | February 2016

Camp Section

ER M M SU S M T AR GRA O PR

June 13–August 12, 2016 www.artspacenc.org For a complete list of our camps for rising K–High Schoolers, please visit our website.

Summer days full of laughter, learning, and play is what we’re all about. Whether you need full-day, half-day, or mini camps, we’ve got you covered. REGISTER STARTING

FEBRUARY 4 FOR SUMMER CAMPS

ARTS ADVENT U USIC M E CRAFTS RE DR RTS RE SCIENC HIST A O ORY MA SP NATU FUN SKATE PLAY

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g | (919) 469-4091 car y.or f o n .tow www

Camp Section

24th Annual

Day Camp Fair

10am - 2pm Saturday, February 6 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919.945.1900 | www.universityplacenc.com

carolinaparent.com | February 2016

I s yo u r c h i l d r e a d y ?

BY TAMMY HOLOMAN

or many children, sleepaway camps are a rite of passage. They leave home every summer, take part in fun activities, learn new skills and make friends before returning home with a new sense of independence. But as a parent, how do you know whether your

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child is ready? And which overnight camp is the best choice? There are so many questions and choices involved that knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. But camp directors say overnight programs can do wonders for a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal growth and development.

Camp Section The Case for Overnight Camp Sleepaway camps teach kids much more than physical and academic skills, says Jill Moore, executive director for Camp Thunderbird, a YMCA of Greater Charlotte program for ages 7-16. “We help build resiliency, instill confidence and authenticity, and help children develop their best selves while doing what they enjoy,” she says. “It’s so much more than learning new activities. We help them figure out who they are, which is empowering, and we also focus on relationship building.” Camp Thunderbird is set alongside Lake Wylie and offers a range of team and individual activities on water and land, such as waterskiing, sailing, paddle sports and wakeboarding. “We also offer archery, riflery, fishing, climbing towers and zip lines, and arts programs … and we have a science and technology program that includes digital media, engineering and robotics,” Moore says. “We’re bringing kids together, stretching their comfort zones a little and teaching them about the real world. Most of them come home more confident, with an attitude of ‘Look what I did,’ and are really excited about the experience and looking forward to the next time.”

A Focus on Outstanding Outcomes At Camp Weaver in Greensboro, which offers programs designed for ages 6-16, Executive Director Jamie Cosson says the goal is to achieve three basic outcomes. “We want to nurture a sense of achievement and build self-confidence, foster relationships with our counselors, and create a sense of belonging and being a part of something for each camper,” Cosson says. In addition to activities like swimming, horseback riding, trampoline fun, zip lining, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, archery and a ropes course, Camp Weaver also teaches life skills, Cosson says. “We have an organic garden that teaches kids about growing foods and a Go Pro adventures activity where they film and edit their own video. We also have a mini-farm where kids can take care of adopted animals as

well. It’s really about building who they are as people.”

Is My Child Ready? If you have to persuade your child to go to camp, he or she may not be ready. The American Camp Association advises that children under age 7 who haven’t been away from home overnight may not adjust as well, and may benefit from attending a day camp first. Tony Campione, senior vice president of marketing and communications of YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh, which operates Camp Seagull and Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe and Camp Katana in Wake Forest, says homesickness isn’t usually as much of a problem as parents may anticipate. “We do a really great job of working with homesick campers, and our goal is to get them out there doing activities as a part of camp life each day,” he says. “A four-week overnight experience may not be something that every child is ready for, and we know that, so depending upon the child’s personality, parents may want to start with a one-week experience instead, and build up to a two-week and then a four-week camp. We will work with parents to determine whether the child may be ready.” Moore says a few cases of homesickness may creep in, but “If that’s going to take place, typically it’s in the evening, and we’re prepared to help when that happens. Of course we want them to detach from their phones and laptops and interact with one another, which can be different from what they’re used to, but honestly, they are so busy all day long and so tired every night, homesickness has always been something we’ve been able to work through successfully and doesn’t usually last very long.”

What Parents Should Know Researching camps online is a great place to start, and the ACA website offers a wealth of information. Asking other parents about their child’s experience can also be helpful and, of course, costs and schedules must be taken into consideration. Campione suggests involving your child in the decision-making process.

“I’ve seen it work best when parents explore camp interests with their child, and it’s a building conversation throughout the year, not a week beforehand,” he says. “We place a lot of emphasis on skills development, so we ask parents before the kids even go to sit down with them and talk about some of the goals their child wants to meet over the summer. Then we can encourage the children to meet those goals, and it’s all done in an environment that’s entirely supportive and inclusive, to foster the child’s confidence.” Choosing a camp accredited by the ACA is one of the most important factors, experts say. The counselor-to-campers ratio is another concern. “We like to see at least two counselors in every cabin, and also recommend that parents talk to the leadership to understand the culture and climate of the camp,” Moore says. Cosson recommends asking about the screening process for counselors, as well as visiting the camp whenever possible. “It definitely helps to lay eyes on the camp facilities and meet the staff if you can,” he says. Campione recommends that parents look at the facilities to make sure they adequately meet their child’s needs. “And also look at what kind of training the staff receives, because those folks are going to be with their child every single day,” he says.

Where Memories are Made While choosing the right camp is an important decision, Moore doesn’t want camps to be viewed as competitive. “I have a passion and a desire for every child to go to camp, and I want all of their experiences to be incredible,” she says. “As camp directors, working together and supporting one another, we all serve kids better. And I want us all to be excellent in what we have to offer and how we make those things happen. That’s what matters the most.” For more information about making an informed camp choice, including a parent checklist, go to acacamps.org. Tammy Holoman is a freelance writer from Winston-Salem. carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

Camp Section

caryballetconservatory Give your child the very best! summer classes, camps & workshops for all ages & levels

3791 nw cary parkway

919.481.6509 www.caryballet.com

What are you doing this summer? Day & Overnight Camps Rising K-9th Teen Camp for Rising 10th-12th 956

For information, brochure & online registration www.newhopeccc.org 4805 NC 86 S, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 • (919) 942 4716 • INFO@NEWHOPECCC.ORG

Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

2016 SummerCamps

TRANSFORM YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY!

Learn more at campinvention.org or by calling 800.968.4332.

In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

919-996- 4800 l parks.raleighnc.gov

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go on an Adve n ture ! Adventure Camps Offer a Place to Set Goals, Become a Leader and Gain Confidence

Adventu By Mandy Howard

ave you ever looked into the eyes of a living, breathing sea turtle? Made a campfire in the rain? Challenged yourself to your limits by riding a wave? These are questions adventure camps throughout North Carolina pose to the thousands of children who travel from all over the world to participate in extreme camp experiences. From rock climbing and camping to surfing and snorkeling, North Carolina is home to dozens of world-renowned adventure camps.

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Camp Section  Teenage campers at Adventure Treks enjoy the thrill of climbing a mountain. Photo courtesy of Adventure Treks

What are Adventure Camps? Adventure camps, also referred to as “extreme” camps, focus on giving campers unique, lifechanging experiences that often feature direct interaction with the natural world. North Carolina’s abundant natural wonders stretching from the mountains to the sea offer campers many settings in which to test their mettle. Instructors at WB Surf Camp, located in Wrightsville Beach, teach campers to catch a wave the right way, as well as integrate ocean safety, marine science and conservation. Instructors at Adventure Trek, based in Hendersonville, set up a myriad of outdoor challenges in the nearby mountains. The camp also allows older campers to travel to locations ranging from the Pacific Northwest to British Columbia. Nearby Camp Pinnacle also offers a Ventures Program, which consists of day and overnight trips to explore surrounding parks, forests, mountains, waterfalls and rivers. All adventure camps aim to go above and beyond a typical camp experience to provide opportunities for kids to face new challenges, gain independence and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose an Adventure Camp? Now, more than ever, may be the best time to look into adventure camps for your children. These days, kids can fly jets, become superheroes and even create entire virtual worlds without ever having to leave the comfort of their couches. Adventure camps take them out into the world and teach them many of the skills necessary to becoming successful adults. One such skill is creating challenging but realistic goals. WB Surf Camp Director Will Ahlers says setting goals is an important component of the camp programs they offer. “No matter which program it is, from

“Remember, at age 14, Daniel Boone took his gun, left his house for a year, discovered Kentucky and came back home, feeding himself and camping out.” _ John Dockendorf, executive director of Camp Pinnacle and Adventure Treks

the guppy camps with our 5- to 6-year-olds all the way through our adult camps, we go through daily goal setting,” he says. “In any camp or school setting, anytime you are learning a new skill, goal setting keeps you in check as far as what is realistic and where you can push yourself. (Setting goals) also creates a great opportunity for our instructors to be supportive and good role models.” Another important skill taught in adventure camp settings is independence. Many Generation Xers grew up in a world where they hopped on a bike in the middle of the day and their only instruction was to be home by dark. Their children live in a very different world and, as a result, are not presented with as many opportunities to gain the independence and confidence to make their own decisions, especially in stressful conditions. At adventure camps, there are often activities that set up “perceived danger,” wherein campers are placed in new situations they have never been in before. They can feel that sense of risk and opportunity to fail while being in a safe and controlled environment with skilled instructors nearby. Navigating those risks and challenges not only bring independence, but also a sense of confidence because they faced a fear and rose to meet a challenge. This is just one of the reasons Camp Pinnacle and Adventure Trek Executive Director John Dockendorf is passionate about adventure camping. He believes the skills gained at adventure camps cannot be overlooked. “When you go to camp and you learn

how to mountain bike on a trail, go down a zip line that seems scary, climb to the top of a mountain when it was hard but you kept going — and when you were nervous about going to camp and being with kids you didn’t know — and suddenly you’re leaving the cabin with hugs and all these new friends ... you’re standing much, much taller when you get home,” Dockendorf says.

What to Look for in an Adventure Camp Above all else, parents vetting adventure camps should make sure safety is the management’s top priority. “We want perceived risk, not actual risk,” Dockendorf says. Ahlers describes his instructors as the best in the business. “They have to go through extremely thorough and comprehensive training where the majority of it focuses on specific ocean safety information,” he says. “How to keep your campers safe in the ocean is our utmost responsibility and we take it very seriously.” In addition, word of mouth reputation, staff retention and returning campers' feedback are all good indicators for what camp is right for your child. Whether it’s the thrill of catching that first wave, navigating a white-capped river or falling asleep under a blanket of stars, North Carolina adventure camps offer countless ways for your children to unplug and be immersed in the beauty of our state. Mandy Howard is a freelance writer and mother of three in Raleigh.

NORTH CAROLINA ADVENTURE CAMPS  Camp Pinnacle camppinnacle.com

 Adventure Treks adventuretreks.com

 WB Surf Camp wbsurfcamp.com

 Sea Turtle Camp seaturtlecamp.com

 Green Cove greencove.com

carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

Camp Section

2016 WAKE TECH

SUMMER CAMPS

Where teens can explore interests and “try a career on for size!” Biotech, Game Design, Robotics, Web Design, Drama, Photoshop, Public Safety Careers, and more!

summercamps.waketech.edu

2016 Summer Camp at the Woodcroft Club For brochure, registration forms and more information go to:

woodcroftclub.org

1203 W Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham

919-489-7705

Ages 3-5 & 6-11 • Swimming, Tennis, Crafts & MORE! • Early Arrival Options

Weekly Themed Camps • May 31 - August 26 • 8:30am-5:30pm

Find hundreds of camps online. carolinaparent.com/cp/camp-listings

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Camp Section

Life-Ready.

Summer Camps Join the fun and explore!

Half day morning • Half day afternoon • Full day

Camps starting June 13th Registration begins February 5th Convenient Midtown Location Before and after camp care available

CAMPS • Art • Sports • Science • Math • Engineering • Baking • 3D Printing • Writing • Theater • Building …and more

4523 Six Forks Road, Raleigh - 919.791.3056 - www.sttimothys.org

carolinaparent.com | February 2016

Camp Section

Guide to

Camp Content at CarolinaParent.com

Looking for a day, track-out or residential camp for your child? Browse hundreds of camp listings in our comprehensive camp directory to explore all of your options. carolinaparent.com/cp/camps-listings

Visit our Camps page to learn about the latest trends in camping and to discover our readers’ favorite camps. 

You’ll also find:

 Tips for helping your child deal with separation anxiety and survive life at camp without a smartphone.  Ways to save on summer camp expenses.  The benefits of survival skills camps.  What an arts-based camp can offer your child.  A checklist of summer camp supplies to pack.  10 reasons why teens should consider working at a summer camp.

And much more!

carolinaparent.com/cp/camps

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Camp Section

CHAPEL HILL TENNIS & SWIM CLUB

Like Us on

MMER S Um b e r s h i p s

403 Carrboro, NC 919-929-5248 403Westbrook WestbrookDrive Drive•• Carrboro, NC 27510 27510 ••919-929-5248

carolinaparent.com | February 2016

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

guide to

CAMPS

Find more camp options at carolinaparent.com/cp/camp-listings.

Brain Camp at LearningRx Raleigh

Camp Launching Pad

8305 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 207 919-232-0090 learningrx.com/raleigh

6421 Hilburn Dr., Raleigh 919-390-6700 launchingpadraleigh.com

Brain Camp is a cognitive enrichment program for grades 1-5 that is filled with fun activities that work on memory, attention and logic. Brain Camp is a week-long track-out program with a convenient early drop-off option.

Campers will explore their talents through creative, team-building activities that cultivate the mind, build social skills and practice good sportsmanship. Half-day morning camps June 20-24, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29 and Aug. 1-5. 10 percent sibling discounts apply.

Summer @ Saint Mary's School

First Friends Social Skills Camp at Lucy Daniels Center

900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-424-4028 sms.edu

Summer @ Saint Mary's offers weeks of in-depth enrichment and exploration while students master new skills and gain confidence. All-girls' and co-ed camps offer one-on-one and group time. June 20-July 29. Grades K-12.

Camp Shelanu at Levin JCC

9003 Weston Parkway, Cary 919-677-1400 lucydanielscenter.org

Children will practice positive communication with friends and successful group functioning. Preschool-grade K. July 11-22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $700 for two weeks, 10 percent early bird discount ( June 1, 2016 enrollment).

North Carolina 4-H Camps

1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham 919-354-4938 levinjcc.org/camp

520 Brickhaven Dr., Raleigh 919-515-8483 nc4hcamps.org

Camp Shelanu at the Levin JCC offers day camp in Durham for Kindergarten through 8th grade. We offer a traditional camp and specialty camps like Comedy, LEGO, Circus, Nature and more with daily swimming.

All North Carolina 4-H Camps are managed and operated through North Carolina State University. Youth do not need to be a member of 4-H to attend camp.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SEEK! EXPLORE! DISCOVER!

Camp Kidzu at Kidzu Children’s Museum

201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455 kidzuchildrensmuseum.org

Camp Kidzu offers half-day, playbased camps for ages 3-5. Camp themes include Under the Sea, Creepy Crawlers, Tiny Tinkerers, Lights! Cameras! Action!, Bees, Bats & Butterflies, and Kids in the Kitchen. June 13-July 29.

Durham Arts Council Summer Arts Camp

Registration begins February 1st

SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS FOR AGES 4 – 18

919-821-4579 x225 raleighlittletheatre.org

SPONSORS: City of Raleigh Arts Commission, United Arts, The News & Observer, Duke Energy, Golden Corral and Empire Properties

120 Morris St., Durham 919-560-2726 durhamarts.org

Visual and Performing Arts Camp for ages 5-13 features drawing, painting, clay, mixed media, dance, theater and chorus. Aftercare includes field trips. Teen intensives are also available.

Duke Gardens Nature Adventures Camp

420 Anderson St., Duke University, Durham 919-668-1707 gardens.duke.edu/learn/camp

100% French Immersion Preschool Afterschool • Tutoring • Camps Baby & Me Class • Storytime Native French Teachers Children and Adults of all Levels

CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER CAMP

5100 Lacy Ave, Ste. 104, Raleigh, NC 27609

919-790-1219 • lecoleraleigh.org L’Ecole is a non-proﬁt supported by the French government

Plant, prowl, create and grow in Duke Gardens’ weekly spring break and summer camps. Get inspired by nature and become a scientist, artist or inventor. Grades K-5 and teen workshops.

Irish Dance Summer Camps at the Lynn O'Grady Quinlan Connick Academy of Irish Dance Raleigh and Cary 919-604-9524 www.raleighrne.com

Try something new this summer, a fun-filled week with dancing, music, art and Irish culture from one of the top Irish Dance Academies. Camp weeks are June 20-24 and July 18-22.

Find more day, track-out and residential camp resoures at carolinaparent.com/cp/camps.

carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

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Camp Section

Now Enrolling Online for

2016 SummEr Camp!

Track Out & Summer Camp Open Monday- Friday 6am- 6pm

Full time & part time care ∙ Breakfast, lunch & snack provided Arts & crafts ∙ Field Trips ∙ Cooking projects Ages 5-12 years old ∙ 5 locations throughout Wake County Give us a call at 1-877-532-5439 www.kidseducationalcenter.com

carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2016

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EXCURSION Photo by K. Scott Whitaker

Legoland: Everything is Awesome! Planning is key before heading to this popular Florida theme park BY EMILY-SARAH LINEBACK

lthough my childhood included great theme park memories, my husband and I opted for “freestyle” family excursions — until Daken, our Lego-addicted son, discovered Legoland. By definition, theme parks come with age-expirations … so we went. We had one of our best family getaways yet. Legoland’s Winter Haven, Florida, location is its largest resort worldwide and includes 150 acres of rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, shops and the former Cypress Gardens, which was sentimental to me because I’d visited the gardens as a child. Legoland is geared to ages 2-12. Our son is now 11, and because of his Lego-love, he wants to go again. We had a blast, reveling in his excitement and enjoying it ourselves, in part because we defined our expectations and planned ahead. “Do your research,” urges Legoland’s public relations representative Brittany Williams, who advises would-be travelers to explore Legoland’s website to determine priorities before ordering tickets. “Bring your kids into the decision-making,” she suggests. We did this with Daken, and it made all the difference in determining which attractions were most important to us — individually and collectively — and in knowing key information to maximize our enjoyment of the day. We wanted to stay at Legoland Hotel onsite for a total immersion experience, but it was booked at the time we planned to travel, so we opted for the Hampton Inn in Winter Haven, a Legoland partner hotel. Its free, full breakfast and complimentary shuttle rides to and from the park saved us

FEBRUARY 2016 |

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time and money. We arrived in Winter Haven the night before, in time for a grown-up meal at a local favorite restaurant (accomplishing two of our usual eating-out goals). Harry’s Old Place, which specializes in seafood and a full array of child-friendly dishes, offered a lakefront setting, casual atmosphere and mix of diners that made us feel like part of the town. The next morning I felt fully prepared as we entered Legoland, which was like walking into a child’s dream world. Because we had surveyed the website, we knew which lands to focus on, and Daken came prepared to trade mini-figures with employees, who wear mini-figures on badges. Once we checked showtimes, we had a full plan. A crucial pretrip decision was whether to purchase a one- or two-day ticket. We chose the one-day option with the waterpark added to it. This worked fine because we had one child and unexpected, game-changing “exit tickets” — a small-scale version of Legoland Premium Play Bands, which allow you to skip the long lines and enter a ride via the exit line. (Each ride may only be entered once per hour.) We scored these surprise tickets from a shuttle driver simply by waiting for the next shuttle when ours filled up right before we stepped onto it. The exit tickets saved us precious wait-time, which is how we managed to do everything we

wanted. For our next trip, we’ll opt for twoday passes or buy the Premium Play Bands. A rainstorm came at lunch, so we ate. While food options are plentiful and reasonably priced, you can bring your own food and drinks into the park. We dove into the deli-like Market Restaurant because it was nearest to us and we were still full from breakfast. We marveled at Miniland USA — impressive Lego versions of major cities — and stopped in strategically placed shops. (How can you visit Legoland and not buy Legos?) I’d only change two things: I should have chosen a bigger backpack to allow room for more stuff, and we should have planned an extra day in Winter Haven to explore the area — specifically, Fodor’s top10-rated Safari Wilderness Ranch and Bok Tower Gardens, which includes a 2.7-acre interactive children’s garden. But at day’s end, we mailed postcards within Legoland to the grandparents and ourselves, which arrived a week later and made us smile at our short, powerful declaration: Everything was awesome! To plan your excursion, visit legoland.com and visitcentralflorida.org. Emily-Sarah Lineback is a Triad-based writer and editor.

February OUR PICKS

Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

Open House at Blue Jay Point County Park Celebrate nature at Blue Jay Point County Park’s open house Feb. 6, 1-4 p.m. Use a dip net in the pond, learn about the importance of water quality, try your hand at air painting, make animal-shaped snowflakes and more. Admission is free. Take a nonperishable food donation for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay.

Photo courtesy of Blue Jay Point County Park staff

“The Lion King”

Photo courtesy of Donn Young

See the popular stage musical of Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Durham Performing Arts Center Feb. 16-March 20. This Tony Award-winning production follows the wild adventures of a young African lion named Simba and showcases memorable tunes from the animated film, including “The Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Purchase tickets, $43-$83, at ticketmaster.com.

Revolutionary War Living History Day The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough celebrates its 16th annual Revolutionary War Living History Day Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Festivities take place at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, also known as the Historic Alexander Dickson House, with additional events happening throughout downtown Hillsborough. Enjoy live military drills by local re-enactors, children's activities, demonstrations by local resident John “Blackfeather” Jeffries about Occaneechi life and more. Admission is free. Historic tours are $5/person. on.fb.me/1OPgDo6.

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CALENDAR

daily Willie Otey Kay created this satin gown in 1954. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History

1 MONDAY

Parent/Child Clay Workshop: Thrown From the Wheel. Durham Arts Council Clay Studio, Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. 10-11:30 a.m. $15-$18. Parent and child get creative by making ceramic artwork together. Ages 2-14. Registration required. durhamarts.org.

2 TUESDAY

EXHIBITS “HEY AMERICA! EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE BIRTH OF FUNK” Through Feb. 28 – A new genre of American music, called funk, emerged during the 1960s. Musical genius Nathaniel “Nat” Jones of Kinston and other African-American musical pioneers from eastern North Carolina helped to create funk when they joined up with James Brown in 1964. The exhibit case features seven items, including musical instruments, a green jumpsuit and dress shoes that are associated with Brown and the musicians who worked with him. FREE. North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

“EXTREME MAMMALS: THE BIGGEST, SMALLEST AND MOST AMAZING MAMMALS OF ALL TIME” Through March 27 – This exhibit explores the diversity, ancestry and evolution of numerous species, ranging from huge to tiny and from speedy to sloth-like. It features spectacular fossils, vivid reconstructions and life-like models, including a 15-foot-high touchable model of the extinct Indricotherium, the largest known land mammal. Purchase tickets online. $15 adults, $10 ages 3-12, $13 students. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 919-707-9800. naturalsciences.org/exhibits/special-exhibit.

“TREASURES OF CAROLINA: STORIES FROM THE STATE ARCHIVES” Through June 19 – This exhibit features one-of-a-kind documents, photographs and other media from the State Archives of North Carolina. See the earliest will known to exist in North Carolina, a Civil War letter from a wife to a husband and more. FREE. North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org/see-our-exhibits/current-exhibits/treasures.

“MADE ESPECIALLY FOR YOU BY WILLIE KAY” Through Sept. 5 – For nearly six decades, Willie Otey Kay transformed dreams into dresses for generations of Tar Heel brides, debutantes and partygoers. The esteemed Raleigh designer overcame hardship and transcended racial boundaries to create a successful business. Discover the woman behind the fashion in this exhibit. Free. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org/see-our-exhibits/current-exhibits/treasures.

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ADHD Community Education Seminar: Mindful Parenting for ADHD. Duke Child and Family Study Center, 2608 Erwin Rd., Pavilion East, Ste. 300, Durham. 6:30-8 p.m. FREE. 888-275-3853. Learn principles of mindfulness and ways to use these strategies in parenting a child with ADHD. psychiatry.duke.edu/divisions/ child-and-family-mental-health/ duke-child-family-study-center. Nature Families: Squirrely Squirrels. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. $5/family. 919-662-2850. Learn about squirrels, make a craft, read a story and go squirrel sighting. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Nature Peekers: Busy Beavers. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 10:30-11 a.m. $2/child. 919-870-4330. Read “Busy Beavers” by Lydia Dabcovich and investigate beaver fur and more. Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs. with parent. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Parent/Child Clay Workshop: Thrown from the Wheel. See Feb. 1. 4-5:30 p.m. Storytime at Saint Raphael Catholic School. Saint Raphael Catholic School, 5815 Falls of the Neuse Rd., Raleigh. 8:30-9 a.m. FREE. 919-865-5754. Read “Olivia Saves the Circus,” learn about circus animals, enjoy a take-home treat and be entertained by a juggling act. Sessions are 8:30-9 a.m. and

10-10:30 a.m. Register for a session by calling 919-865-5754 or by emailing mmorgan@saintraphael.org. saintraphaelschool.org. Wizened Woodchucks and Weather Predictors. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 3-4 p.m. $5/family. 919-856-6675. View weather equipment you can make with recycled and natural materials, and put the park’s colonial weather proverbs to the test. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

3 Wednesday

Kids Fun-Days: Amphibian Adventures. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Registration required. townofcary.org. Nature Friends: Sassy Squirrels. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child. 919-662-2850. Explore the adaptations of squirrels through stories, crafts and a nature hike. Ages 6-9. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Nature Stories: Alphabet Soup. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 1-2 p.m. $4/child. 919-870-4330. Explore the letters of nature and go on an alphabet hunt. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Nature Watchers: Nutty Squirrels. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 1-2 p.m. $4/child. 919-662-2850. Learn about squirrels, gather nuts in a fun game and make a squirrelly craft to take home. Spy on the squirrels at Crowder as they jump from tree to tree searching for the perfect nut. Ages 3-5. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

4 Thursday

“Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage.” Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$65. Take the family to enjoy a live symphony orchestra performing music from “Star Trek,” while film and TV footage from the popular franchise is shown on a large screen. ticketmaster.com. Tips for Understanding and Supporting Your StrongWilled, Persistent Child. Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $20/person, $30/couple. Learn strategies to help an opinionated child. For families with children ages 3-6. Register online. projectenlightenment.wcpss.net.

5 Friday

Curious Creatures: Hawks and Owls. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.-noon. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Discover wildlife, their habits and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration required. townofcary.org.

6 Saturday

Birding With Vernon. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Join bird enthusiast Vernon for an easy walk while listening for feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. All ages. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. MLK/Black History Month Parade. Assembles at 3501 Fayetteville St., Durham. 12-2:30 p.m. Free. Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as Black History Month, in this annual Durham parade. durham-nc.com/ includes/calendar-of-events/AnnualDurham-MLK-Black-History-MonthParade/79459. Nature Stories: Alphabet Soup. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. carolinaparent.com | February 2016

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1-2 p.m. $4/child. 919-870-4330. Explore the letters of nature and go on an alphabet hunt. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E Maynard Rd., Cary. 11 a.m. Free. Read “Silly Wonderful You” and enjoy fun activities. barnesandnoble.com. Tales and Trails: Stories Around the Campfire. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 5-6:30 p.m. $20/resident, $28/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Learn about nature as the sun sets. All ages with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org. Valentine’s Craft Workshop for Parents and Children. Renaissance Montessori School of Cary, 610 Nottingham Dr., Cary. 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon. $10/child. 919-439-0130. Child and caregiver make and take home crafts suitable for Valentine gifts. Registration required. renaissancescholars.com/ save-the-dates. Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival. Downtown Wake Forest. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Celebrate Mardi Gras with music, entertainment, face painting and a walking parade for all ages. wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forestmardi-gras.aspx. Weather Wonders. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 11408 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 3-5 p.m. $5/ child. 919-996-6764. Make and use weather instruments to help predict the weather. Ages 5-8. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

7 Sunday

Young Ecologists: Salamander Search. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Join preserve staff to search pools for salamanders. Ages 10-13. Registration required. townofcary.org.

February 2016 |

8 Monday

Forest Friends: The Salamander Room. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child. 919-387-4342. Learn about pillbugs, read a story and make a roly poly stick puppet. Ages 3-5 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/ parks/harrislake. Nature Tots: The Salamander Room. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10-10:30 a.m. $2/child. 919-387-4342. Learn how salamanders are different from lizards. Ages 1-3 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

9 Tuesday

Eco-Express: Log Life. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 1-3 p.m. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Take the fast track to nature. Ages 8-12. Registration required. townofcary.org.

10 Wednesday

“Extreme Mammals.” North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 ages 3-12, $13 students. See an exhibit that explores the diversity, ancestry and evolution of numerous species. Purchase tickets online. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

11 Thursday

Open Bounce. Pump It Up, 10700 World Trade Blvd., Ste. 112, Raleigh. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8/child, $6/sibling. Free for parents. Enjoy inflatables. Wear socks. Register online. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.

12 Friday

Astronomy Nights. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 11408 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 6-8 p.m. $2/person. 919-996-6764. Enjoy an indoor presentation before going outdoors to view the moon, stars and more using the preserve’s telescope. Ages

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5 and older. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov. Bird Walk. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 9-11 a.m. Free. 919-387-4342. Take a walk to count the variety of birds in the area. All ages. Meet at the picnic table at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/att. Crowder by Night: Night Birds. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 4:30-5:30 p.m. $5/family. 919-662-2850. Take a night hike to learn about owls and other birds that are active at night. Dress for the weather. Appropriate for ages 6 and older. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Family Wildlife Series: Owl Prowl. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $5/family. 919-870-4330. Learn about owls and go on a hike to listen for them. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Introduction to Birdwatching and the Great Backyard Bird Count. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 919-387-4342. Learn tips to identify birds. Hike along the shoreline to practice new skills and count birds. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Kids Fun-Days: Buggin’ Out. See Feb. 3. Nature Nuts: Coyotes. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org. Night Out in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 6-9 p.m. $18/ resident, $23/nonresident. 919-3875980. Spend a night out in nature

making memories with new friends. Ages 8-12. Registration required. townofcary.org.

13 Saturday

Afternoon Backyard Bird Count. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 1-2 p.m. Free. 919-662-2850. Join a park naturalist on a 1-mile hike around the pond and help to identify and count the birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Learn how to identify backyard birds by sight, sound and other signs. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Birding Wagon Ride. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $4/person. 919-387-4342. Take a wagon ride through the back roads of the park to view birds and record observations. All ages. Meet at the wagon on the playground. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Breakfast With the Birds Hike. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 9-10:30 a.m. Free. 919-856-6675. Enjoy doughnuts with a cup of hot chocolate before taking a leisurely walk with a park naturalist to identify and count birds. Take a mug for each family member. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Great Backyard Bird Count: Birdie Benefits. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. Noon-3 p.m. Free. Stop by the manager’s office to enjoy birdrelated games, activities and crafts. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. Junior Naturalist: Log Life. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-2 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org. Kids’ Art Activity. Southern Home Crafts, 111 N. Salem St., Apex. 4-6

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› p.m. Free. 919-233-1598. Ages 4 and older enjoy a free art activity. Kids Get Crafty: Bird Bonanza. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child. 919-662-2850. Use natural objects to create birds found in the woods and build your own make-believe bird. Paint pictures using feathers and learn the importance of color in birds. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Love is for the Birds! North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 10-11:30 a.m. $8/member, $10/nonmember. 919-537-3770. Learn to identify common winter birds by sight and sound. Visit the bird-feeding station for up-close encounters and make recycled feeders to take home. Ages 6-12 with adult. ncbg.unc.edu/youth-family. Nature Nuts: Coyotes. See Feb. 12. Owl Prowl. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 6-7:30 p.m. $5/family. 919-387-4342. Learn about owls. Hike along the trails to search for them. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E Maynard Rd., Cary. 11 a.m. Free. Read “Love Monster and the Last Chocolate” and enjoy fun activities. barnesandnoble.com. Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 11408 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 2-4 p.m. $5/child. 919-996-6764. Look for tracks and signs of wolves, coyotes and foxes and make a plaster cast of a favorite wild dog’s paw to take home. Ages 5-8. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

14 Sunday

Family Feature: Happy Valentines Day, Mother Nature. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5/family. 919-662-2850. Make homemade Valentine presents, including a nesting ball and a bird feeder, for feathered friends. Create a card from natural objects to give to a special someone while eating a Valentine’s Day snack. Ages 3-5. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Harris Lake Bird Walk. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 1-3 p.m. Free. 919-387-4342. Help park staff add to the Great Backyard Bird Count by walking along the trails and shore to identify birds in the various habitats at the park. All ages. Meet at the restroom pavilion. Registration required wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Love Birds. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. 919-856-6675. Explore how birds begin courtship displays to attract mates and warn off rivals, and also what they do to set up house. Try to attract a feathered friend by learning a

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Daddy-Daughter Dances Father-Daughter Dance and Mother-Son Ball Feb. 6 – North Raleigh Hilton at Midtown, 3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh. 6-10 p.m. $65/ couple. 888-445-7810. Fathers and daughters and mothers and sons enjoy music, food, photographers and vendors. Register online at celebratefamilyevent.eventbrite.com. Tickets will not be sold at the door. celebratefamily.biz.

Daddy-Daughter/Mother-Son Dance Feb. 6 – Cary Ballet Conservatory, 3791 N.W. Cary Pkwy., Cary. 6:30-9 p.m. $45/couple, $10/additional sibling. Ages 4-13 wear party attire and enjoy a special evening with their parent or guardian featuring refreshments, music, games, a photographer, raffles and door prizes. Call 919-481-6509 to register. caryballet.com.

Town of Cary Father-Daughter Dance Feb. 5-6 – Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury O’Dell Place, Cary. 6-9 p.m. $39/couple. 919-462-3970. Dads and daughters enjoy a special evening of music, dancing, a photographer and fun. Ages 4-12. Advance ticket purchase required. townofcary.org (search for “father-daughter dance”).

Chestnut Ridge Daddy-Daughter Dance Feb. 14 – Camp Chestnut Ridge, Morris Center, 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd., Efland. 5-8 p.m. $20/couple. $5 additional daughter. 919-304-2178. Girls and their fathers spend an evening dancing, playing games and more. Purchase tickets online. campchestnutridge.org/#!daddy-daughter-dance/cie2.

carolinaparent.com | February 2016

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See Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's elephants one last time before they retire in May. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

PERFORMANCES RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS “CIRCUS XTREME” Feb. 3-7 – PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh. $13-$65. Enjoy extreme thrills, exotic animals and extraordinary performers. See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets. ticketmaster.com.

15 MONDAY

Curious Creatures: Coyotes. See Feb. 5. Eco-Express: Finding Flying Squirrels. See Feb. 9. Family Wildlife Series: Great Backyard Bird Count. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 10-11 a.m. FREE. 919-870-4330. Older participants take a short hike and practice bird count data collection, while younger participants count how many different kinds of birds can been seen from the park’s front porch. Enjoy a bird story and make a peanut butter suet feeder to take home. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Great Backyard Bird Count: Become a Birdwatcher. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 1-4 p.m. $10/child. Learn what makes birds interesting and gain skills to become a birdwatcher. Create bird-friendly items for a yard. Ages 6-13. Meet at the Beech Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. Little Historians: Our Founding Fathers’ Feathered Friends. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child. 919-856-6675. Discover the natural characteristics about birds, learn about the use of birds in national symbols, and make a bird-themed Great Seal to take home. Ages 5-7. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Majestic Eagles. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10-11:30 a.m. $5/family. 919-387-4342. Learn about bald eagles. Discover eagle habits and history, compare your arm span to that of an eagle and create an eagle craft. Take a hike to the fishing pier to look for eagles soaring high over the lake. Take binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

16 TUESDAY

Feb. 4-21 – Fletcher Theater, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. $30-$68. This ballet kicks off the company’s tribute to William Shakespeare in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his death. Delight as Shakespeare’s popular love sonnets are interpreted through movement and dance. See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets. carolinaballet.com.

ADHD Community Education Seminar. Duke Child and Family Study Center, 2608 Erwin Rd., Lakeview Pavilion East, Ste. 300, Durham. 6:30-8 p.m. FREE. 888-275-3853. Parents take part in a session that provides an overview of the impact of ADHD on the family and outlines specific strategies, including resources to help parents advocate. psychiatry.duke.edu/divisions/child-and-family-mentalhealth/duke-child-family-study-center.

“GREASE”

17 WEDNESDAY

“LOVE SPEAKS”

Feb. 9-14 – Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. $24-$92. Join the Rydell High School class of 1959 including Danny, Sandy and the rest of the gang as they sing their way through such classic hits as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and other favorites. See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets. nctheatre.com/shows/grease.

mating dance. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

FEBRUARY 2016 |

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Wee Walkers: At Home in a Hole. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Children delight in discoveries of shapes, colors and textures in nature. Ages 1 and older with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org.

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18 Thursday

Citizen Science Thursday. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 3-5 p.m. Free. 919-387-4342. Help park staff with science projects. Take a water bottle and wear sturdy shoes. Ages 8 and older. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Wee Walkers: At Home in a Hole. See Feb. 17.

19 Friday

Children’s Winter Walk. JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. $5/child. 919-513-7011. Chase away the winter blues with a hike through the arboretum’s winter garden. After the hike, warm up inside with a book and a winter craft. Meet at the Visitor Center. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Registration required. jcra. ncsu.edu/events/details.php?ID=1203. Foxes and Coyotes. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 11408 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 12:45-2:15 p.m. $5/child. 919-996-6764. Learn about foxes and coyotes, look for their tracks and make a craft. Ages 3-5. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov. Stagville Under the Stars. Historic Stagville, 5828 Old Oxford Hwy., Durham. 6:00 pm. Free. 919-620-0120. Hear African tales about the night sky and peer through telescopes to take a tour of the stars. stagville.org. Winter Evening Campfire. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 6-7:30 p.m. $5/ family. 919-387-4342. Take a blanket or chair and bundle up by a campfire to enjoy stories and marshmallow roasting. All ages. Meet at the

Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

20 Saturday

Bird Box Building. Little River Regional Park & Natural Area, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont. 2-3:30 p.m. $5/box. 919-7325505. Build a nest box to help attract bluebirds, chickadees and wrens to a backyard. Ages 6 and older. Meet at the large shelter. Registration required. 919-732-5505. orangecountync.gov/departments/ deapr/little_river_regional_park_ and_natural_area.php. Eco-Explorers: Birds. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919387-5980. Children make treasured memories while increasing their knowledge of plants and animals. Ages 7-10. Registration required. townofcary.org. Family Gardening Workshop: TeePEAS! N.C. North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 1-2:15 p.m. $8/member, $10/nonmember. 919-537-3770. Help plant peas in the vegetable garden and learn how to build a teepee for a pea plant to grow on. Ages 5-10 with adult. Register online. ncbg.unc.edu/ youth-family. Foxes and Coyotes. See Feb. 19. 10:30 a.m.-noon. “It’s TICA Time” Cat Show. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Holshouser Bldg., 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $5/person. See top pedigree cats compete in seven different rings. Enjoy vendors selling treats and toys for feline friends. itsticatime.com/showinfo.

Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E Maynard Rd., Cary. 11 a.m. Free. Read “The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit,” and enjoy fun activities. stores.barnesandnoble.com/ store/2647. Visions of Vultures. Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh. 2-3:30 p.m. $5/child. Discover the fascinating world of vultures with a costumed nature instructor. Take a hike to look for vultures in the park and make a craft. Register online. Ages 6-12. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

21 Sunday

Family Programs: Finding Frogs and Salamanders. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-3:30 p.m. $18/resident, $25/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Search for frogs and salamanders. All ages with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org. Family Winter Walk. JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5/child. 919-5137011. Chase away the winter blues with a hike through the arboretum’s winter garden. After the hike, warm up inside with a book and a winter craft. Meet at the Visitor Center. Ages 3-10. Registration required. jcra.ncsu. edu/events/details.php?ID=1204. “It’s TICA Time” Cat Show. See Feb. 20. Natural Explorations: Bark and Buds. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. Free. 919-856-6675. Learn to identify trees by recognizing their bark and buds. Hike out into the woods and practice keying out trees by their winter characteristics. Ages 7 and

older. Registration required. wakegov. com/parks/yatesmill.

22 Monday

Full Moon Night Hike. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 6:30-8 p.m. $5/family. 919-387-4342. Explore the park after dark and listen for the sounds of the night on an evening hike. Wear good walking shoes and take a water bottle. All ages. Meet at the Loblolly Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

23 Tuesday

Home School Day: Geology Rocks! Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 10-11:30 a.m. $6/child. 919-856-6675. Test physical and chemical components to discover the identity of rocks and play a rock cycle game. Learn how rocks have been used in milling grains and take a hike to the mill dam to discover its geologic foundation Ages 8-14. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

24 Wednesday

“Extreme Mammals.” See Feb. 10.

25 Thursday

Kids Fun-Days: Birds of a Feather. See Feb. 3. a.m.-noon.

26 Friday

Meteorology Masters: Weather Instruments. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 11408 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 3-5 p.m. $5/child. 919-996-6764. Measure the atmosphere using an anemometer, hygrometer, barometer and sling psychrometer. Make a weather

CALENDAR POLICY The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, visit carolinaparent.com by the 8th of the month for the next month's issue. Readers, please call ahead to confirm dates and times. This calendar may include some events not intended for young children.

February 2016 |

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