Colorado Parent March 2022

Growing Great Families Since 1986

COLORADO SUMMER CAMPS

Connect Children to Nature Keep Kids Motivated When They Don’t Make the Team Get Your Preschooler Excited for Camp Is Monotasking the Answer to Your Parenting Stress?

MARCH 2022

55 Ideas for Family Fun

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Global VillaGe academy

Our families love Global Village Academy because…

Their children are learning their families’ heritage language.

Their children are becoming global citizens, learning through language and culture.

Their children are taught by teachers who come from all over the world.

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The school embraces diversity & cultural awareness.

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Aurora Douglas County Northglenn SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE

Every child learns in English plus Spanish, French, Mandarin or Russian.

K-8th Grade, Tuition-free, Public Charter Schools GVA Douglas County is K-5 grade.

Open the World for Your Child & Enroll Them Today!! gvaschools.org/learnmore

Aurora • Douglas County • Northglenn • gvaschools.org

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TREND ALERT

Family: Colie James Photography.

Video Portrait Sessions When England’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge released a short family film in honor of their tenth wedding anniversary—showing them exploring the countryside and sharing warm moments with their kids—they set a trend in motion. Though recording memories is just a cellphone touch away, many families are now adding video "portraits" to their professional photography sessions.

“People want videos instead of just photos because you can see walking and hear talking,” says Colie James, of Colie James Photography, a family photographer and videographer with a documentary style.

Hiring a professional means everyone’s included. “Whoever is (usually) taking the videos, often it’s mom, won’t be in any of them,” says Kellie Henriksen, of Kellie Henriksen Photography. A professional photo/video session, on the other hand, gets everyone in the picture.

“You can be in all of the clips, you can enjoy yourself, and you aren’t

Denver photographer and videographer Colie James shadows families to create documentary style video portraits.

constantly worrying about the angles, [or] whether it’s recording—the stress is gone,” adds James.

Incorporating video into the photo sessions is easy. “I’m able to switch from photo to video seamlessly without the family hardly even noticing,” says Danielle Roth, of Danielle Roth Photography.

While pictures and videos may live on our phones indefinitely, waiting for us to finally pull the memories together, a professional photographer/filmmaker creates a finished video product, with editing and music, that can be shared freely with family, friends, and social media.

Prices vary widely depending on the photo/video package and photographer, but can range from $400 to $3500.

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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SIMPLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRAFTS Celebrate the season of shamrocks and leprechauns with these adorable projects.

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BEST BETS FOR SPRING BREAK FUN Our guide to local attractions, craft and recipe ideas, family friendly events, vacation inspiration, and more.

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8 LOCAL BOOKSTORES FOR KIDS Support independent businesses while fostering a love of literature at these local shops.

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5 GREAT SPRING BREAK STAYCATIONS Whether you want to hang out in the Denver area or head to farther-flung mountain adventures, these staycation options will refresh you and your family this spring.

EDITORIAL edit@coloradoparent.com Editor Deborah Mock Senior Associate Editor Kara Thompson Editorial Assistant Anna Sutterer Copy Editor Lydia Rueger

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PRODUCTION Art Director Heather Gaumer Contributing Designer Tammie Schumacher

BRAND SERVICES Brand Services Director Carly Lambert Print Operations Director Megan Skolak

COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Creative Services Manager Chelsea Conrad Digital Advertising Manager Shundra Jackson Graphic Designer Caitlin Brooks Production Coordinator Alyssa Chutka Design Coordinator Mylie Hiraoka Creative Services Intern Dzifah Danso MARKETING Director of Marketing Piniel Simegn

ADMINISTRATION Billing and Collections Manager Jessica McHeard DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION circulation@coloradoparent.com 5280 PUBLISHING, INC. 1675 Larimer Street Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 P (303) 832-5280 | F (303) 832-0470 Visit us online at ColoradoParent.com CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daniel Brogan VICE PRESIDENT, REVENUE Zach Wolfel

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Bookstore: Heather Gaumer. St. Patrick's: GPoint Studio/Getty Images. Staycation: Daniel Milchev/Getty Images. Denver: Art Escobado/Getty Images.

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Trend Alert! Family Video Portraits.

Better Sleep

4 Ways To Cope With Bad Dreams

Good Neighbors Community-stocked fridges provide accessible nutrition.

14

Solutions Supporting kids when they don’t make the team.

Nightmares are unpredictable and startling, but with a few strategies, parents and kids can make a smoother transition back to sleep.

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Snuggle and comfort your child after a nightmare. Let them share about their bad dream and offer reassurance of their safety as needed. Spend a minute talking about a good memory or a funny story to help kids transition to a calmer state.

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Keep a flashlight near your bed. It eliminates the need to turn on bright lights as you walk your child back to bed, or offers a soothing way to read a short book if needed.

Talk about what's real and what's make-believe. Scary scenes or characters in movies can spark bad dreams. As characters or story lines pop up, discuss the differences between what's there in front of you and what's imagined. Kids can then use this information to help them recognize that what happened in the nightmare was not real.

Slow down a hectic, overstimulating day. Do a few yoga poses with kids or play relaxing music while preparing for bed.

If you feel your child may need more support overcoming nightmares, Robin Goldstein-Lincoln, a licensed psychotherapist from Boulder, recommends looking for these signs: “If your child is having frequent nightmares, is distressed before going to sleep, exhibits more intense emotions or outbursts during the day or around bedtime, and/or begins to regress, such as wetting their bed Up to 50 percent of or resisting school or other daily activities, it is three- to six-year-olds advisable to seek the support of a professional.” and 20 percent of six- to Websites like findatherapist.com can help you 12-year-olds experience find the right support system for your family.

—Kristin Buchtel frequent nightmares.* *According to American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Let's Go Whirlyball: A quirky sport for family fun.

What We Love Finds for little booklovers.

play 23

Next Generation Break Dancers Young B-Boys and B-Girls push forward street dance culture.

wellness

27

Is Monotasking the Answer to Your Parenting Stress? This Boulder dad may have the key to preventing burnout.

learn

31

Stronger By Nature Where to find life-changing outdoor summer camps for kids.

Nightmares: Getty Images.

contents

good to know

contents

Got the next Sky Brown—13-year-old Olympic bronze medalist—in your family?

Check out these programs that give metro Denver kids pointers on skating form, safety, and culture.

Rocky Mountain Shred School teaches beginner to advanced skaters ages four to fiftysomething. Evan Kuzava, a pro with more than 20 years of experience, gives private and virtual lessons, and hosts parties and summer camps. Skate parks and homes around the Denver metro area. rmshredschool.wixsite.com Square State Skate owns two large indoor skating facilities where shredders of all ages can come for after-school sessions, private lessons, and camps. Loaner boards are available for newcomers. A loft with bar seating and WiFi is a nice spot for parents to watch their kids’ progress. Boulder and Denver, and skateparks in the metro area. squarestateskate.com

Curbside Skatepark’s four coaches help run Saturday Skate Clinics, private lessons, and an after-school program. The 11,000 square-foot space includes a snack bar and gear shop so kids are never short on grip tape, bearings, wheels, decks, or sick apparel. Ladies Skate Sesh every last Sunday evening of the month is open to girls of all ages and abilities. Sheridan. curbsideskatepark.org SkateStart, an instruction system and patented board design, helps beginners learn how to push, roll, and ollie with proper foot placement. Teachers bring the method to their own communities through classes, camps, and birthday parties. Railbender Park in Parker hosts a camp for novices age four and up.

Redstone and Tanks skate parks in Highlands Ranch offer beginner lessons, plus camps for those at a slightly higher level. Parker and Highlands Ranch. parkerrec.com, highlandsranch.org —Anna Sutterer

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Get Your Preschooler Excited for Day Camp 7 Activities to prepare little ones for their new experience.

happenings

39

Our Top Picks for Family Fun From basketball antics to abstract art for young learners.

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To Do Today

44

Ongoing Events

fresh mindset

46

Julie Stamm, a Denver author and mom living with a chronic disease, shares her insights on obstacles.

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Camp Showcase

on the cover

Photo: Getty Images

Evan Kuzava, from Rocky Mountain Shred School, helps his student, Miles, refine his skateboarding skills during a lesson at Denver Skatepark.

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

14 Keep Kids Motivated 27 Is Monotasking the Answer to Your Parenting Stress?

31 Camps That Connect Children to Nature 34 Get Your Preschooler Excited for Camp 39 55 Ideas for Family Fun

Skateboarding: Anna Sutterer. Globetrotters: The Original Harlem Globetrotters.

Skateboard Lessons for Young Shredders

N OW I S T H E T I M E T O

FIND A PRESCHOOL & ENROLL YOUR CHILD FOR THE FALL

Denver Preschool Program helps every Denver family access the power of preschool.

Resources to help you find a preschool that best meets your family’s needs Tuition credits to lower your monthly costs at more than 250 quality programs

Learn more at

DPP.ORG OR CALL 303-595-4DPP

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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good to know

BRIGHT IDEA

Add

COLOR to Your Day

TO MAKE: Purchase air dry clay in rainbow colors. Roll the clay for the innermost layer (purple) into a noodle shape. Repeat noodle shapes for each color, adding more clay with each layer. Stack the layers together in the shape of a rainbow. Next, flatten out white clay and mold it into simple cloud shapes.

Stick the clouds to the rainbow and let the clay dry according to package directions. For more fun, make extra shapes like a pot of gold or sunshine. With leftover clay, kids can knead colors together to make different shades and shapes. Manipulating clay is great for developing fine motor skills.

—Craft and photo by Makayla Shartle, who shares creative lifestyle ideas on her blog Makayla and Co.

BREAST MILK DONATIONS NEEDED

Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), based in Arvada, is in need of human milk donations to support babies in neonatal intensive care units across the country.

COVID-19 has exacerbated the need at banks in the U.S. and Canada. “Whether that’s because there’s an illness in the household or the mom herself is ill, babies who would normally have unfettered access to their mom’s own milk are struggling,” Rebecca Heinrich, director of MMB, says.

Visit the Donate Milk page on the MMB website for donor eligibility requirements, including minimum ounces and blood testing, and to fill out the donor interest form. rmchildren.org/mothers-milk-bank —Anna Sutterer

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

WHAT WE’RE READING:

Messy Minimalism: Realistic Strategies for the Rest of Us

You’ve likely heard at least whispers of the movement known as minimalism, as in: “Minimalism with kids? Ha!” But as any enlightened minimalist will tell you, the lifestyle isn’t just about bare wall perfection or moving your family into a 200-square-foot tiny home. Minimalism, says Rachelle Crawford, a mom of three and longtime blogger at Abundant Life with Less, is about paring back both material possessions and commitments in order to create more room (meaning space, time, and money) for the things that matter most to you. No mention of bare, white walls anywhere. In Crawford’s new book, Messy Minimalism, she shares her hard won strategies for real life minimalism (with kids, and a house, and stuff on the walls). She explains her personal form of minimalism with this clever formula: (minimalism – perfection + sustainability) x grace = messy minimalism. With revealing honesty and fun-mom-friend humor, Crawford shares her family’s journey, strategies for curbing consumption, and tips on decluttering different areas of the home. In readable—even for a busy mom—nuggets, Crawford inspires us to try out minimalism our way.

—Deborah Mock

Messy Minimalism: Broadleaf Books. Desk illustrations: Getty Images. Rainbow: Makayla Shartle. Milk donations: Mothers’ Milk Bank.

Looking for an easy afternoon craft? This cheerful clay rainbow requires minimal supplies and is easy for little hands to complete.

Refrigerator: Anna Sutterer.

good neighbors

good neighbors

Nourishment for All

By Anna Sutterer

“F

ree Food” and “Comida Gratis.” The colorful words painted on fridges placed around Denver send a simple yet profound message to the local community: There is enough for all of us.

Denver Community Fridges (DCF), a mutual aid organization launched in December 2020, operates six refrigerators and small cabinet pantries placed outside of local businesses in the city; one in Globeville, three in Five Points, one in Sunnyside, and one in Baker.

Individuals can walk, bike, or drive up and contribute fresh food and personal care items, or take whatever they need.

One hundred to 200 people—youth to age 65 from 11 different ZIP codes—use the fridges every week. Some visit them daily, others sporadically to cover gaps between other food assistance programs.

Because fridges are open 24/7, families are able to pick up or drop off before or after work, on the way home from an extracurricular activity, or during a slow weekend afternoon.

“We’ve heard stories of parents who wanted to elevate the community, but they didn’t have the time or energy to make commitments,” AJ Boglioli, DCF general operations manager, says. “With DCF, they can buy extra diapers, baby food, and menstrual products while doing their regular grocery shopping, and drop them off at a fridge/pantry. Parents find it to be a great way to participate in mutual aid, while involving the kids, without disrupting their busy lives.” denvercommunityfridges.com

Our free, weekly newsletters are your guide to MILE HIGH FAMILY FUN! SIGN UP NOW AT COLORADOPARENT.COM

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Sign up to be a point person for a fridge; that means cleaning and organizing once a week. Distribution volunteers drive to partner organizations to pick up supplies and bring them to fridges. Monetary donations help DCF make trips to grocery stores for restocking. Add a few items to your shopping list—check the DCF guidelines on what’s appropriate to bring. Follow @denvercommunityfridges on Instagram for updates on supply needs at each location.

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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solutions

When They Don’t Make the Team (or the Cast or Staff) A theater director, mom, and sports instructors suggest ways to keep kids motivated after rejection.

By Courtney Drake-McDonough

Photos, highlight: Getty Images.

THE SPORTS INSTRUCTOR SAYS… THE THEATER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SAYS…

“To help reframe their (a child’s) disappointment in a more positive manner, here’s what I remind young people: 1. This is only one person’s opinion based on a snapshot of ability.

It doesn’t define you unless you allow it to.

2. If a coach doesn’t see your value, is that a place you really wanted to be? You don’t want to be where your value isn’t appreciated.

3. Everything happens for a reason, and while it can be hard to see it in the moment, you simply weren’t meant to be on that team.

4. You have two choices: fold, or push forward. Will you let this rejection cause you to quit or lose your confidence? Or will you shake it off, push forward, and decide to prove others wrong?”

—Jessica Barnes Kulp, owner/lead softball pitching instructor, Pitcher Perfect, LLC, and mom of four, Denver

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

“Define ‘success’ at a tryout as elements within a child’s control (having a great attitude, strong effort, and good communication), and prize their willingness to try for something above all.

There’s great value to be found in disappointment—including data. The feedback a child receives as to why they weren’t selected can highlight areas for improvement.

Model resilience by sharing and showing your own failures and responses, and clearly communicate that failure is normal, universal, and necessary for growth.

Be intentional with praise and feedback for your child or their teammates because kids evaluate themselves on what parents highlight most (performance, wins/losses, effort, or progress). If a child only hears about their volleyball talent or musical prowess, it’s easy for their entire identity to become tied up in that singular activity, making disappointment particularly debilitating.”

“Remind your child that in order to get to the gold of performing, you have to take a risk and audition first.

Even if you don’t get the role, the experience of auditioning provides growth as an artist and allows you to practice being vulnerable on stage.

Suggest that kids allow themselves to lean into the disappointment and take 24 hours to be really disappointed. The key is to not stay in that feeling. After 24 hours, they could make a list of three things to accomplish—find another audition, get feedback, or don’t focus on it for a few days to clear their head and be ready for next time.

Reassure them with this: Know that directors choose actors based on a hundred different factors so don’t assume you aren’t talented if you don’t get a role. You may get 10 noes before you get to a yes.”

—Katie Pagel, director of mental performance, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club and striveperformance.net

—Bernie Cardell, artistic director, Vintage Theatre

THE MENTAL SKILLS TRAINER SAYS…

MAKE A WITH ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPLASH ARTISTIC SWIMMING TEAM

Is your child interested in swimming, g ymnastics, and dance?

Ar tistic swimming might be your ticket!

Tr y an Olympic spor t with us!

Summer camps and clinics will be held in June, July, and August.

See our website for specific dates.

rmsplash.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US AT OR EMAIL INFORMATION@RMSPLASH.ORG

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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good to know

Bumper: Kostiantyn Filichkin/Getty Images. Whirlyball: Anna Sutterer.

WhirlyBall, A Quirky Sport for Family Fun This mash-up game offers a good time to competitors and non-athletic folks alike.

by Anna Sutterer

A game that combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars—the visual makes your head spin, huh?

WhirlyBall, aptly named, is for just about anyone; players just need to be 54 inches and taller. Two teams battle it out by zipping up and down a court, passing a whiffle ball around, and shooting it at sensored backboards for points. Those who haven’t played any of the elemental sports, or don’t consider themselves athletes, shouldn’t shy away from the activity; each bumper car drives only up to four miles per hour, equalizing the speed at which players make moves. Head to the Colorado Springs WhirlyBall location—the sole one in the state—to give it a go.

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

HOW TO PLAY:

SNAG A SCOOP.

This tool is akin to the head of a lacrosse stick, but with a wide plastic frame. Consider it an extension of your catching/throwing arm—no hands are allowed to pick up the whiffle ball.

BUCKLE UP.

Pick a “WhirlyBug” bumper car in your team’s color and get ready to push the pedal to the metal. Twirl the 360degree joystick-like crank to turn and even put your rig in reverse. Heads up: It takes a game or two to become an agile driver on the court, which makes the whole process more hilarious watching players scoot back and forth and get all mixed up.

MAKE SOME PLAYS, OR JUST HORSE AROUND.

Throughout the 10-minute game intervals you’ll find there are things you’re good at, and elements that need practice. You might be a great catcher of passes from your teammates, or a sharpshooter that can hit the ball against the 10-foot goal (think: basketball). Even if ball and scooper dynamics don’t suit you, ramming your car into opposing players, like a hockey hip check, to block or throw off a shot is a valuable skill.

NEED TO KNOW: Courts are available for rent at $250 per hour for four or more players. Groups can anticipate about five games per hour and can rotate players throughout.

Order pub appetizers, salads, wings, burgers, pizza, sundaes, or drinks from a stocked bar to keep everyone’s game energy up.

Extend your stay by playing table tennis, cornhole, or a round of bowling at one of six lanes. whirlyball.com/colorado-springs

CHECK OUT OUR HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS Calling all homeschool students! We offer a variety of programs for budding scientists, eco-superheroes and natural explorers.

10th & York Street

Register today at botanicgardens.org

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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what we love

1

Treat a

Keep your child’s books organized with these Acrylic Alphabet Bookends. The set includes two transparent (and super trendy) bookends that would look perfect on a dresser or shelf. $59, crateandbarrel.com

BOOK LOVER

2

Download the Epic! app to gain access to more than 40,000 popular children’s books.

The platform was designed for kids age 12 and under and has options for a free subscription, which allows you to read one book per day, or a paid version that offers unlimited reading.

Free, getepic.com

Finds for budding bookworms.

By Kara Thompson

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3

Get books delivered straight to your doorstep with the OwlCrate Jr. Monthly Subscription Box. Designed for readers ages eight to 12, each box contains a newly published hardcover novel, a letter and signed bookplate from the author, plus an activity, game, or additional book. $30 per month, owlcrate.com

3

4

Sew this cozy Reading Pillow by following a beginner-friendly pattern on the Polkadot Chair blog. The free tutorial is ideal for kids who are learning stitching skills.

Once complete, your little reader can stash their books in the pillow’s pocket. $10, shop.polkadotchair.com

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Bedtime stories just got even better. If you’ve got a kid that’s totally obsessed with a book character, these Books to Bed Pajama Sets will be a hit. The cozy PJs come in a variety of prints featuring characters from classics like Steam Train, Dream Train; Eloise; and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. $37, pinkprincess.com

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5

Got a late night reader? Make sure they’re not straining their eyes by providing them with a book light. The lightweight Owl LED Disc Light clips on to books and has a flexible neck so your kid can adjust it as needed. $10, target.com

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Phone: Getty Images.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Camp Guide

SHOWCASE Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

AF Sports Camp

2169 Field House Dr. USAFA | 719-333-2116 goairforcefalcons.com/camps

6901 Wadsworth Blvd 720-898-7200 | arvadacenter.org

Welcome to Air Force Sports Camps! We will offer sports camps in the following sports: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track/cross country, volleyball and wrestling.

There’s something for everyone at the Arvada Center!

Students ages two to 18 engage in the arts through a variety of camps across a broad assortment of disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, dance, ceramics, digital arts, and more.

Ascendigo Autism Services

Camp Greenwood

Ascendigo Autism Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen, Colorado. We provide opportunities for growth and independence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Camp Greenwood in Greenwood Village is the place for summer fun! Offering youth ages 5-12 a way to be active and have fun. Our full-day camps include weekly themes, swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts, special events and field trip Fridays.

818 Industry Pl., Suite A, Carbondale 970- 927-3143 | ascendigo.org

Colorado Adventure Point

Lakewood, Colorado | 720-266-2143 coloradoadventurepoint.org

Come to CAP’s STEM Camp to experiment with chemistry, technology, and physics with a variety of experiments and challenges! In addition, the campers get to enjoy our climbing wall and archery range! Use code COPARENT for $25 off of your registration fee!

Curious Jane

55 Clermont St, Denver | 908-433-0528 curiousjane.fun/camp/denver/

Curious Jane runs summer camps for girls entering grades K-9th, all revolving around science + engineering + design. Curious Jane builds confidence through making things and is a space to be creative and inventive in a high-energy environment.

5801 S. Quebec Street Greenwood Village 720-838-2496 | GreenwoodCamps.com

Colorado Conservatory of Dance

3001 Industrial Lane #12, Broomfield 303-466-5685 | ccdance.org

June 20 - July 30 Summer programs are offered for dancers of all ages, abilities, and aspirations, from toddler through adult. Cost: varies. Week long camps now available. Age range: 1-99.

CU Science Discovery

4001 Discovery Dr., Boulder | 303-492-7188 colorado.edu/sciencediscovery K-12 summer programs cover a wide range of STEM topics. Half & full day programs, taught by subject experts, offer hands-on activities designed to inspire kids to engage with their interests. From ecology to biotech—there’s something for everyone!

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space

Various Locations in Aurora 303-739-6888 | auroragov.org/daycamps

The city of Aurora has a camp for every kiddo! Enjoy sports camps, cooking, nature, adventures, aquatics, art, theatre and so much more! Every age group (from 18 months to 17 years old) is invited to join the fun. Register today!

Colorado Mountain Club 710 10th St., Suite 200, Golden 303-279-3080 | cmc.org/youth

Adventure outdoors this spring and summer with CMC’s camps and courses for grades 1-12. Get hands-on experience, make friends, gain confidence, and learn valuable outdoor skills. Day camp and overnight options. Financial assistance available.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts 1101 13th St | 303-446-4892 denvercenter.org/education

DCPA Education offers summer camps for imaginative students from PreK through high school.

Led by professional teaching artists, our classes fuel creativity to help all skill levels improve and develop their acting craft. Scholarships available.

Camp Guide Showcase | March 2022 | 19

Denver Equestrians Horse Camp

Every Child Reading

Four Mile Historic Park

Daily horseback riding lessons, unmounted equine education (safety, horsemanship, horse care, etc.) and a Fun Show on Fridays! Campers are divided by (age 5-15yrs) and experience level. Our progressive Youth Riding Clubs are available year-round!

Super Stars Summer Camp is an engaging, fun, 5-week O-G reading intervention camp.

Students receive high-quality 1-1 or max-4 group, individualized reading instruction along with math and writing to grow skills and self-confidence.

Join the homespun fun at Four Mile Historic Park!

Give your kids an opportunity to learn about Colorado history in an immersive and engaging outdoor environment. Designed for students 1st - 5th grade, this program will be a summertime favorite!

Littleton 303-973-0077 | denverequestrians.com

Fun Factory Camp 2500 E 4th Ave FunFactoryCamp.com

At the Fun Factory Camp we learn something new everyday. From creative activities to nature explorations we love to engage the mind and the body. Come join the fun! A perfect fit for 1st5th grades.

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Highlands Ranch & the surrounding areas 303-791-2500 | HRCAonline.org/Camps

Enjoy a summer of fun with HRCA! Keep the kids busy, entertained, and educated when they are out of school. From full day to outdoor adventure, sports to STEAM, HRCA’s camps have something for everyone!

Lighthouse Writers Workshop 3833 Steele St, Denver 303-297-1185 | lighthousewriters.org

Lighthouse’s Young Writers Program camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, selfexpression, and excitement about writing. In-person and virtual camps are available.

20 | Camp Guide Showcase | March 2022

Great Denver Area 720-288-7396 | EveryChildReading.org

Gold Crown Foundation Sports Camps

Lakewood, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com For 30+ years, the Denver Nuggets Hanzlik Hoop Camp and Summer Volleyball Camp focus on sports skills development for 2nd-10th graders. They will help your child stay active, build confidence, gain social skills and have fun, on and off the court.

Iliff Preschool Summer Camps 4140 E. Iliff Ave. Denver 303-757-3551 | iliffpreschool.com

Est. in 1963, camps centered on outdoor play for ages 1-12 emphasize fun, creativity, and positive peer relationships. Focus is placed on adventure and a lot of play- and field trips (for ages 4 and up) which enrich weekly themes. June 6 - Aug 18.

MSU Denver Roadrunners Camps Metropolitan State Univ. of Denver 303-615-0888 roadrunnersathleticscamps.com

Come play with the Roadrunners! Camps available for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track & cross country, golf and volleyball! Ages: K-12 Prices and dates vary.

715 S Forest St. 720-865-0800 | fourmilepark.org

Gold Crown Foundation STEAM Camps

Lakewood & Edgewater, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com Youth will explore their creative side through our various “STEM + the Arts” Camps. They include LEGObotics, Podcasting, Animation, and Upcycling.

We focus on the social and emotional development of youth, ages 10-18, through creative technologies.

KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs 877-202-1554 | kidztopros.com

KidzToPros is bringing the best in STEM, Arts and Sports Summer Camps to locations across Colorado!

Kids ages 4-14 can build new skills, friendships and interests as they engage in hands-on learning led by expert instructors.

Montessori Children’s House of Denver - Summer Day Camps Mayfair, Park Hill, Central Park 303-322-8324 | mchdenver.org

We live for moments when excited children discover new interests & talents. Our theme-based camps use hands-on, real-world experiences, guided by trained Montessori educators, to give children a chance to explore the world and their own unique gifts.

Ocean First Swim School

Parker Arts Enrichment Camps

Performing Arts Academy Campers embark on the exciting journey of putting on a fully staged musical! Performing Arts Summer Camps and Musical Theater Shows for preschool high school. One-week and two-week, half-day or full-day camps throughout June and July.

3015 Bluff St. Boulder 303-444-7234 | oceanfirst.blue

20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker 303-805-3374 | parkerarts.org/EDUCATION

Our Marine Science Mini Swim Camp immerses your swimmer into the wonders of the underwater world.

Each day includes pool time and focuses on new marine topics emphasizing the amazing ocean, its inhabitants, and how we can protect it.

Register now! Parker Arts is excited to partner with some of the best enrichment providers in Colorado to offer a fun and educational summer for kids.

Camps offered include half-day and full-day options from June 6 through August 5.

Highlands Ranch 303-900-7041 | paacolorado.org

Queen Bee Music Association

Renaissance Adventures

Rocky Ridge Music

Queen Bee’s Kids Bluegrass Camp (July 11-15) in Crested Butte is for campers ages seven-15. Kids learn the fiddle, guitar, banjo, or mandolin, write songs and play in a bluegrass band in a fun setting.

Camp is for beginner and intermediate musicians.

In Adventure Quest, your child is the hero of a mythic quest in an incredibly fun, award-winning outdoor experience. Campers co-create adventures with unique characters, overcome dynamic challenges, and duel with safe foam swords. Ages 6-17.

Summer music camps for beginners (ages 10 - 15): Jumpstart String Fundamentals and Música Mariachi!

We’re serious about making music fun at our mountain campus near Estes Park. Experts teach the basics of music to prepare students for success.

Crested Butte, Colorado | 505-278-0012 queenbeemusicassociation.org

East & West Boulder, Denver, and Littleton 303-786-9216 | renaissanceadventures.com

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

STAR Institute

Centennial, Lone Tree, Littleton, Sheridan 303-347-5999 | ssprd.org

There’s something for everyone at South Suburban summer camps! Activities at full-day camps include games, crafts, swimming and more. Campers can also discover new interests at one of our specialty sports, arts or enrichment camps.

6911 S Yosemite St, Centennial 303-221-7827 | sensoryhealth.org

STAR Institute is the leading therapy center for children with differences in sensory processing and neurodivergences where sensory challenges are common. We offer camps focused on motor mastery, language development, sensory and social skills.

465 Longs Peak Rd, Estes Park 303-449-1106 | rockyridge.org

St. Mary’s Academy Wildcat Summer Camp 4545 S University Blvd. Englewood 303-762-8300 stmarys.academy/summer2022

Join St. Mary’s Academy as we dive into 8 weeks of summer fun! Live on the wild side as we adventure through our beautiful state, states of matter, and sports like soccer and dance. Register today!

1–9 WEEKS OF COVID-SAFE FUN! Traditional Day Camp with sports, arts/crafts, water play, and special events.

Tripping Camp with hiking, ropes courses, and ice cream.

We’ve got goats, chickens, gardens, multiple fields, gyms, cooking kitchens, climbing walls, and much more!

DREAMBIGDAYCAMP.COM 303-377-1805

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Storycamp Dangercamp

6500 W Dry Creek Pkwy 603-770-3358 | storycampdangercamp.com Explore the forest and bring stories to life through aerial dance and stilt-walking. With 38 acres and a cottonwood grove, we combine circus, bushcraft, art, and theater into a child-directed, nature-based program that kids love.

Summer Programs at the International School of Denver 7701 E First Place, Unit C | 303-340-3647 isdenver.org/summerprograms

Your child will explore the world while moving their body, expanding their mind, developing new skills, and forming new friendships. With new programs each week for your camper and flexibility to fit your summer schedule.

Uncorked Kitchen

8171 S. Chester St. Centennial 720-907-3838 | uncorkedkitchen.com

In our kitchens your junior chef will slice, dice, and sauté their way through the summer. With a variety of themes for camp weeks we can teach your student who is brand new to cooking, and one who is ready to explore cuisines of the world!

Summer at Kent Denver School 4000 E Quincy Ave, Englewood 303-770-7660 | kentdenver.org/summer

With nearly 100 offerings in the arts, athletics, academics, innovation and technology, there’s summer fun for everyone! From playing sports to visiting with farm animal friends, children ages 3-18 experience creative, hands-on learning.

Swallow Hill Music

71 E. Yale Ave, Denver 303-777-1003 | swallowhillmusic.org

Swallow Hill Music hosts day camps for kids 6-18 years old during June, July, and August. Camps provide a full day of activities that include playing in a band, musical theater, learning the basics of music and instruments, and general activities.

YMCA of Northern Colorado Day Camps Boulder, Weld and Larimer Counties 303-664-5455 | ymcanoco.org

In YMCA Summer Day Camps, campers find fun, friendship, a sense of wonder and a spark of joy. From silly games to sports, arts to outdoor adventures, science to splash pads, the Y offers a variety of day camps in Boulder, Weld and Larimer counties.

Summer at Ricks

2040 South York St, Denver 303-871-2982 | du.edu/ricks

Summer at Ricks blends fun summer activities with rich learning experiences all while enjoying the benefits of the DU campus. Campers entering PS to 8th grade will enjoy weekly themes ranging from Moose on the Loose, to Mad Scientist Jr., and more.

The Behavior Exchange

500 Discovery Parkway, Suite 100, Superior 720-647-8541 behaviorexchange.com/boulder-hive Our ABA therapy Summer Camp provides the perfect opportunity to learn about making friends, communicating feelings, interacting appropriately with others, and improving many other behavioral skills, all while having lots of summer-themed fun.

YMCA Camp Santa Maria

51321 US Highway 285, Grant 303-443-4474 | ymcacampsantamaria.org

YMCA Camp Santa Maria is a traditional overnight camp near Bailey, providing kids ages 6-17 with outdoor adventure, nature skills and an inclusive community. Counselor-in-training programs and one- and two-week teen adventure camps available.

Tell Colorado Parent Readers about your Camp YMCA of the Rockies - Camp Chief Ouray 1101 County Road 53, Granby 970-887-2648 | campchiefouray.org

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, YMCA of the Rockies - Camp Chief Ouray is the premier overnight camp and adventurous playground for youth.

22 | Camp Guide Showcase | March 2022

Young Americans Center for Financial Education 3550 E. 1st Avenue 303-321-2265 | yacenter.org

We help Colorado youth learn about free enterprise, global economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance through hands-on, experiential programs including Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz.

Contact 303.832.5280 or sales@coloradoparent.com for more information

play Next Generation

Dancer: Anna Sutterer. Spraypaint: Aleksandr Durnov/Getty Images.

BREAK DANCERS

Young B-Boys and B-Girls push forward street dance culture.

By Anna Sutterer

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SCAN HERE TO WATCH THE BBOY FACTORY DANCERS IN ACTION

TALK THE TALK As breaking created new moves and formed its own culture, lingo emerged to describe elements of the art form. Here are some terms and phrases you’ll hear at a practice or battle: B-Boy/B-Girl: someone who practices breaking, and follows the hip-hop culture and lifestyle B-Boy/B-Girl name: a moniker typically given to a breaker by a mentor or other crew members; it might reflect the B-Boy/B-Girl’s dance style or be a play on their given name Crew: a collective of B-Boys and B-Girls who come together as a team under a name; they might include DJs, graffiti writers, and MCs Battle: dance competitions between two individuals or crews who take turns, the winner is chosen based on creativity, skill, musicality, and attitude Cypher: a circle that breakers form and dance within; dancers enter one at a time to dance to the music and can battle each other here

From the street corners of the Bronx in the 1970s to 21st century studios in the Denver metro area, breaking keeps inspiring young dancers. It’s not just about who can spin on their heads the longest or who performs the quickest footwork—it’s about the aesthetic of hip-hop culture and community.

Dancers age three and up enter BBoy Factory, a studio at the intersection of I-25 and I-76, to find not only a space to test their moves, but also a cultural center lined with graffiti art, stacks of boom boxes, rows of DVDs, and shelves of competition awards.

“I wanted to create a ‘Field of Dreams’ for breaking; a place to connect, to bring people from out of state and out of the country to teach and be a bridge between the global community of breaking to our local community,” Factory founder Ian Flaws says. The studio offers drop-in classes for all skill levels that focus on break dance moves, hip-hop and popping, plus guest instructor workshops.

Flaws started breaking in Boulder at the end of his high school years, in 1998. As a dancer, his style is traditional and foundational, and as a teacher, he makes sure students understand rule number one of breaking: have fun and enjoy the movement.

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On late Saturday mornings, the youth team practices intermediate and advanced skills. They begin with jumping jacks, lunges, pushups, and wall sits. It’s like a typical warmup to an athletic event, until the kids start matching steps, kicks, and handstands to the breakbeat.

“Breaking is super athletic [and] creative; it’s a counterculture that connects artistic mediums,” Flaws says.

REMIXED HISTORY AND CULTURE During its inception in the ’70s, DJs found they could string together pieces of funk, disco, soul, and jazz records to create dance beats. Breakers would show off their musicality and athleticism by sprinkling Lindy Hop, disco, gymnastics, and other styles into their performances. The art form, developed by Black and Latino youth, made public expression and empowerment accessible through just a piece of cardboard and a pair of sneakers.

Set: a breaker’s prepared combination of moves they’ve practiced in sequence Cypher cat/cypher B-Boy or B-Girl: a breaker with a reputation for high level talent inside the cypher; they might go multiple rounds without repeating moves or getting tired Power head: someone who loves to mostly practice and perform power moves (relying on speed, momentum, and acrobatic elements) in their breaking Footwork cat: someone who loves to mostly practice and perform footwork in their breaking Repeating: when a breaker does a move they’ve already performed; it’s an unwritten rule that you shouldn’t repeat moves in a battle Bite/biting: when a breaker steals or copies moves or style from another breaker, which is frowned upon Crashing: failing an attempted move and falling out of it badly; the best breakers know how to turn a crash into a new move

BUST A MOVE WITH A GROUP NEAR YOU BBoy Factory in Denver welcomes dancers

to its broad wood floor to enjoy break dance and hip-hop classes. A smaller studio in the back provides space for one-on-one instruction, and B-Boy memorabilia provides the whole space with a colorful artistic context.

After gaining some experience, dancers perform at local events such as the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival or Wings Over the Rockies ’80s vs. ’90s parties. bboyfactory.com

Block 1750 in Boulder offers kids and

Photos: Anna Sutterer. Background: Aleksandr Durnov/Getty Images.

“Breaking is purely remixed American culture,” Flaws notes. “There’s an ethos in hiphop to be unique and original. So while we (at BBoy Factory) learn and teach foundation and fundamental moves, we’re constantly flipping them and adding our own style to it. It’s about preserving the culture and pushing it forward at the same time.”

The current group training at the Factory has promising talent, according to Flaws.

They may follow in the footsteps of previous generations, kids who went on to become national and regional battle champions, and wowed audiences at local arts and culture festivals and conventions.

BREAKING AND THRIVING But B-Boy/B-Girl achievement means more than battle wins and street cred. Besides the physical strength benefits of the dance, breakers often develop off-the-floor skills, too. Nicole Silva, mother to Caleb Martinez, says her nineyear-old has opened up socially and developed a positive work ethic. At home, Caleb does extra training in the basement on a piece of linoleum flooring. “He understands that if he wants to get better, he has to put in the practice,” Silva says.

Seven-year-old Issac Montoya, aka B-Boy Ismo, infuses the culture into his everyday life. He takes classes at BBoy Factory three to four times a week and spends dozens of hours studying videos of battles (dance competitions where the winner is chosen based on creativity, skill, musicality, and attitude). “To wake up, he has to listen to break dance music,” Montoya’s dad, Hector Montoya, says. “He doesn’t wear jeans because if he goes to school and wants to battle kids, he has to be ready to dance. Any kind of music he hears at grocery stores—he’s constantly dancing.”

Grant Llafet appreciates the camaraderie between entire families involved at BBoy Factory. Parents congregate on couches next to the dance floor and talk about their lives, even plan camping trips and birthday parties for the group. For Llafet’s son, Charlie, break dancing has helped with his sometimes overwhelming energy and some behavioral concerns. “It’s been a total game changer for his life, honestly,” Llafet says. “He really succeeds here.”

teens crew classes each week, plus drop-in classes. Young breakers level up through the studio’s Block Beanie System (akin to the belt system in martial arts), which helps students progressively work up through rhythm and musicality, battle experience, freezes, and tricks over the years—eventually making their way to a black beanie. New students should try a drop-in class and consider the Breaking FUNdamentals online course to get started. block1750.com/kids

On The Break Dance Academy in

Colorado Springs rounds out its break dance training with hip-hop, acro, and Pilates classes.

The small community of dancers along the southern Front Range is led by four instructors.

Little Ones classes, for kids ages two to six, focus on basic coordination, learning patience, and technique. The acro curriculum, combined with break dance dynamics, helps students learn power moves like handstands and spins, and traditional hip-hop sessions offer a dance workout plus opportunities to learn new style moves. onthebreakdanceacademy.com

School of Breaking in Aurora facili-

tates breaking programs for all levels of students, ages three to sixtysomething.

Kinder Club prepares little ones ages three to six for breaking and hip-hop fundamental movement. School of Breaking teachers also go out to school districts to increase the movement’s influence in Colorado, and SchoolYard Sessions offer B-Boys and B-Girls a space to practice outside of regular classes (reservation required). Drop in to a class to check out the vibe, or consider a membership for weekly class commitments. schoolofbreaking.com

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wellness Is Monotasking the Answer to Your Parenting Stress?

If you’re overwhelmed from always doing (at least) two things at once, this Boulder dad could have the key to becoming a happier parent.

By Kara Thompson

M

Children Sledding: Getty Images

ultitasking is practically a parenting badge of honor: “I can make dinner while talking on the phone and soothing a crying baby.” “I've found a way to turn folding laundry into a method to help the kids with math homework.” “I can make work calls during T-ball practice.” This kind of frenetic pace seems to work...until you find yourself ladling your phone from a pot of simmering spaghetti sauce, or texting your boss instead of your babysitter. And mishaps and embarrassing slips aren’t the only results of constant multitasking; keep it up, and before too long, you’ll be running on empty.

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THATCHER WINE, a father and author of The Twelve Monotasks, has been a parent pulled in a million different directions. He’s also gone through tough challenges over the years, including divorce and his own battle with cancer.

Through the ups and downs of life, the Boulder dad realized that if he gave his full attention to one thing at a time, what he calls monotasking, he could do each thing well and enjoy it more.

He could even process the challenging stuff more effectively.

His ideology is this: Do one thing at a time to do everything better. Turn multitasking into monotasking and you’ll become a more present, productive, and happier person. The impacts this approach has on parenting are endless, says Wine.

For example, you can be more in the moment with your kids, listen better to the needs of your partner, and give your full focus to the things that matter most.

Wine points out that because home and family are extremely important, they both can be a source of stress and anxiety. “There is typically a never-ending list of things to do, and some family members can trigger our worst behaviors and feelings,” he notes. “Monotasking can help us try to change things.”

There are twelve key monotasks that serve as the core of Wine’s book. The three that are most relevant to parenting are listening, thinking, and sleeping (yes, even those of you with newborns).

Wine says that monotasking is about “making the choice for ourselves where our attention goes in every moment.”

Monotasking skills won’t crop up overnight, especially when you’ve become programmed to multitask, but with Wine’s tips, you can work on being more intentional about how you spend your time.

We put down our phones and hid our to-do lists to have a focused conversation with Wine about how to bring monotasking into our lives:

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To Do:

CP: Why is it important to monotask when we listen to our kids?

TW: All too often, especially when kids or parents have a phone in hand, or there is a television on in the background, or multiple things are happening around the house at the same time, we only have partial attention to devote to listening. This results in less being heard and a lot less being understood or felt. We can strengthen our connection to others by listening and being fully present in conversations, that is how we can be empathetic to what someone else is truly feeling. Children don’t necessarily have the communication skills to express their ideas or their feelings in the direct way that adults might prefer, so listening

to your children with full attention is one of the most important things you can do in life. Put the devices away, turn off the distractions, pause what you’re doing or find a quiet space to talk.

The benefits are worth it.

CP: What’s a parent to do when we can’t give kids our full attention?

TW: Create opportunities to monotask in parallel to them—perhaps you do your work while they do their homework at the same table. The whole world right now is set up to encourage multitasking and fragmented attention. We have to reverse that trend in order to maintain a close connection to those we love and get more things done well.

Illustrations: Rudzhan Nagiev/Getty Images.

COLORADO PARENT: How can we monotask in parenting? How can it impact our kids?

THATCHER WINE: Our kids love it when we give them our attention. We should find ways to give our kids more of our full attention, not our partial or multitasking attention. We should also show our children what it looks like for us as parents to monotask other things in life—driving for example, or getting our work done. My children can see the similarities between my ability to focus on them, and my focus on other things in life. They may not always like it when I can’t give them my full attention, but they always appreciate it when I do.

Do one thing at a time to do everything better.

CP: How can parents who are going through a challenging life event, whether it’s divorce, a health diagnosis, or stressful work situation, use monotasking to recenter and move forward?

TW: The first step is to bring awareness to what you’re doing in any given moment when you might feel stressed and overwhelmed. Are you trying to do more than one thing at a time? If so, take away one task at a time until you only have one left. That one task might be playing with your kids, getting your work done, working out, or socializing with friends. Do something with your full focus in order to reconnect with who you are, and with the people you may be with. You don’t have to monotask all day long, but make a conscious choice about what you are monotasking and what you are multitasking. Make sure the choice is yours, don’t let your attention get hijacked by your phone, or by others who are distracting you, such as a former partner. Once you start recognizing distractions as distractions, you will be better able to resist them and apply your attention to what you need and want to do.

CP: How can busy parents scale back on the chaos in their lives?

TW: I believe in living a full life and doing all the things we want to do. But we should do them one at a time; we shouldn’t combine multiple tasks in each moment. This can be hard to do, especially with little kids and working from home. But find a few minutes here and there where you can focus on your kids, then focus on your work, then focus on your self care, separately. These little blocks of monotasking will help you strengthen what I call your “monotasking muscles.” We’re all so distracted by modern life and especially by our devices, that we’ve let these muscles atrophy.

The result is that we become very susceptible to being distracted by one more notification on our phones, or we can’t put our phones down, or we just can’t focus when we do have free time and need to get our work done. It’s not our fault, this is just the way the world has been in the 21st century. Be gentle on yourself and start to rebuild your monotasking muscles to reclaim your attention.

In The Twelve Monotasks, Boulder-based father and author Thatcher Wine empowers readers to reclaim the art of doing one thing at a time. thatcherwine.com

Book: Little, Brown Spark.

CP: In your book, you talk about monotasking sleep, or prioritizing and optimizing sleep.

What does that look like?

TW: There are two parts to monotasking sleep.

The first part is about preparing to get a good night’s sleep, and the second part is about what happens during the night. Before bed, optimize your household’s sleep schedule by having set meal times, turning down bright lighting, disconnecting from devices, and focusing on other aspects of your routine in order to set yourself up for success—don’t wait until you’re tired and your children are cranky. Make notes and continue to make changes day after day and react to new phases, trying out new strategies

and seeing what works. During the night, give yourself permission to monotask your sleep.

Don’t stay up late working until you fall asleep exhausted with your laptop in the bed, it’s better to get quality sleep and plan to get more done early the next day. Also try not to reach for your phone in the middle of the night, it will only make you more awake and result in getting less sleep. The early years are a lot of work and you need as much sleep as you can get. Take naps if you need to. The more rest you get, the better you’ll be able to parent and get everything done.

Also, the better quality sleep you get, the more you will remember these years, because memories are created during a healthy and deep sleep cycle.

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learn Stronger by Nature

Why choosing an outdoor summer camp can be a life-changing—and world-changing—experience for your child

By Courtney Holden

Photo: Getty Images.

A

t Camp Backcountry, it’s not uncommon to see a small group of seven-year-olds bent over a cluster of chokecherry shrub, staring intently at a fuzzy, black-and-yellow blur buzzing around the flower petals.

Their counselor fields the occasional question about the bee’s industriousness and perhaps mentions its role in the greater ecosystem. For the most part though, the kids just watch what the bee is doing. “It brings a whole new appreciation,” says camp director AnnaKate Hein. “A lot of times you can teach without even having to speak.”

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Situated on the 8,200-acre Highlands Ranch Community Association Backcountry Wilderness Area, life-changing moments occur through the camp’s structured, science-related activities like uncovering bobcat tracks and studying animal scat, as well as unstructured endeavors like fort building and playing camouflage games in the woods. Combining the two approaches provides a chance for children to learn social, emotional, and communication skills, Hein says.

Camp Backcountry and other summer camps that take place entirely (or almost entirely) outside have myriad benefits. Certainly, the unlimited airflow has made them a much safer environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than that however, these camps use nature as an opportunity for kids to learn what they’re capable of, both on an individual and a community level. “Camp Backcountry can be that extracurricular thing that can change their life,” says Lindsey McKissick, outreach coordinator for the conservation area on which the camp sits.

“It sounds big to change a kid’s life, but personal experience tells me that’s exactly what happens.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RISK-TAKING AND MORE

At Avid4 Adventure, another local summer camp where kids spend the bulk of their time outside, the life-changing moments occur through positive risk-taking. Their multiple camp options focus on outdoor sports like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking—and sometimes a combination of them all. The goal, however,

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isn’t to turn kids into super athletes. Rather, it’s to use new challenges to help the kids become better, stronger people, explains Avid4 Adventure CEO Paul Dreyer.

Both Hein and Dreyer point to research that highlights the positive effects of physical activity, unstructured play, and time outdoors on children’s physical and mental health. Unfortunately, kids often don’t get these benefits at home, they say. Backyards tend to be too small and rarely contain much wildlife. Days are packed with school, after-school activities, and shuttling between commitments.

And then there’s the amount of time kids spend in front of screens, which has only increased with the pandemic.

In contrast, outdoor camps generally allow kids to explore natural areas and participate in activities where they have the freedom to make up the rules. In these face-to-face, screen-free settings, children are fully present with their group, which can lead to strong, authentic relationships.

“Touching dirt and being around green things … [helps people] find connection with others or themselves,” Dreyer says, noting that connection can happen indoors too; it’s just more likely to happen outside.

Outdoor environments are also a natural place for kids to expand their comfort zones. While Avid4 Adventure has safety as its top priority (stats show their camps have fewer medical incidents than those shown in a national study of other programs, such as football, gymnastics, and pedal cycling), campers have the perception of facing

risk when they mountain bike or rock climb. “Kids can feel a little bit of fear in their bodies, but then at the end of the day, they can say, ‘I did it,’” Dreyer says. “It really helps boost self-confidence.”

WHEN CONDITIONS AREN’T IDEAL

Parents may worry about their kids being outside in less-than-ideal weather conditions, but that too can be a benefit. Hot temperatures can be turned into an excuse to have water fights. Rainy days mean puddles to splash in. Sure, there might be some initial discomfort in these conditions, but with the right mindset, kids learn perseverance and grit. “Our instructors manage the risk of inclement weather but also look for teaching moments, using the environment to enhance the camp experience,” Dreyer says. “Outdoor environments, and particularly their changing nature, help kids gain experience with resiliency.”

Camp directors like Dreyer and Hein work hard to ensure the children in their care experience growth on an individual level. They hope kids walk away from camp with a life-long love for healthy living and outdoor activities. And ideally, kids will recognize their role in protecting these wild things, both on the micro and macro levels, from the single bee to the natural expanse it inhabits.

“You won’t want to protect something, if you don’t love it first. And you won’t love it if you don’t understand it. And you won’t understand it if you’re not taught,” Hein says, paraphrasing a favorite quote from the Senegalese conservationist, Baba Dioum. “We start with that teaching piece.”

Biking: Avid4Adventure.

GET OUTSIDE

Ready to commit to an outdoor camp? Here’s a collection of great options around the Front Range.

Empowerment is the name of the game at Avid4 Adventure, which offers day and overnight camps focused on paddling, biking, rock climbing, hiking, and survival skills. Experienced instructors keep kids safe, while also teaching campers how to take calculated, well-communicated risks. Meet-up locations are available throughout Boulder and the Front Range. avid4.com Held on a private, 8,200-acre wildlife habitat conservation property near Highlands Ranch, Camp Backcountry’s roster of summer day camp options includes horseback riding, field journaling, and for older adventurers, white water rafting through Clear Creek Canyon. Best of all, each camp takes place entirely in plein air. hrcaonline.org At Boulder-based Junkyard Social Club’s STEM-focused summer days camps, kids spend the bulk of their time outside on the play structures taking on challenges like designing a mini-golf course, building a fort village, and launching hand-built parachutes from a structure’s highest level. junkyardsocialclub.org The Urban Farm brings the simple pleasures of country life—a freshly laid egg, the clucking of chicken—to 23 acres just east of downtown Denver. Campers learn to be stewards of the land as they get their hands dirty planting seeds in the garden and caring for the horses, rabbits, and more that live on site. theurbanfarm.org Have a child eager to monkey around? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs offers immersive day camps where kids explore the award-winning zoo and engage with its (smaller, less ferocious) inhabitants. Among the hands-on learning opportunities: Helping keepers prepare animal snacks (tortoise salad, anyone?) and maintain their habitats. cmzoo.org Kent Denver School’s Tiny Farm Day Camps provide big opportunities for fun and learning. Budding farmers learn about Colorado’s native plant species, explore the world of pollinators, and visit with goats and chickens. kentdenver.org Tall-grass tromping. Cool creek wading. Critter tracking.

That’s all in a typical day at summer camp with Louisville’s My Nature Lab. When kids aren’t exploring natural areas, they have a chance to meet the snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders that call the Lab home. mynaturelab.org

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Illustration: Getty Images.

How To Get Your Preschooler Excited for Day Camp 7 Activities to prepare little ones for their new experience.

By Cheryl Maguire

“Who’s excited about camp?”

My twin toddlers looked up at me with a perplexed expression on their faces. They had no idea what I was talking about. Since they were already signed up, I wanted to make sure they had fun. Here’s how I got them excited about their first day at camp: GO TO THE LIBRARY Go to the local library with your aspiring camper and check out every video and picture book regarding the topic. You can also look on YouTube for camp videos or songs or stream the videos online through your library. The idea behind this is to create excitement and help them to understand what to expect. You could also talk about your own camp experiences.

HIT THE STORES With the camp list in hand, we went to the local mall and shopped for the items. They loved picking out their favorite towels, bathing suits, and sunglasses. I even let them buy a new backpack just for camp. While we shopped, we discussed the different activities they would participate in at camp like swimming and sports.

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LEARNING ABOUT FRIENDSHIP When you are at home playing games like Candyland with your kid, talk about things like taking turns and how to have conversations with new kids. You can ask your kid questions like, “What are some things you can talk about with kids your age?” Or ask them, “What are some ways to make new friends?” You can also read books or watch movies about friendship.

PLAY CAMP GAMES Games are a large part of the camp experience.

You can play some camp games at home to get kids excited and prepared. One common camp game is mini Olympics. To play, set up a couple different types of races like relay races. Another suggestion is to create a scavenger hunt with camp-related items like a backpack and sunglasses (see right).

After you are done, cook up some s’mores.

GO SWIMMING Most camps offer swimming lessons and free swim. You will want to take your child swimming beforehand to discuss water safety and to help

SUMMER CAMP SCAVENGER HUNT

Camp is all about fun and learning, but little ones may be nervous about the new experience. Give them a glimpse of the playful adventures they’ll have with a camp-themed scavenger hunt. Here’s a list of camp items to hide around the house. Once kids find everything on the list, talk about how they might encounter each item at camp.

Backpack

Sunglasses

Swimsuit

Water bottle

Crayons

Toy bus

Books

Rocks and twigs

Binoculars

Lunch bag or snack

Dolls or action figures (to represent the teacher and other kids)

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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Illustration: Getty Images.

Ultimate Learning, Ultimate Fun Our “VOYAGERS” program is for ages 5-12; enroll today for the ultimate summer camp adventure!

Register Today (303) 972-0787 littlepeopleslanding.com

Find the latest issue of COLORADO’S GO-TO PARENTING GUIDE at your neighborhood Safeway!

reinforce that swimming is fun. A lot of kids fear going into the water when they first take swimming lessons, especially when there are tons of kids splashing around. By taking your child swimming before camp starts you will ease some of these anxieties.

SCHEDULE A VISIT Many camps will offer an open house or orientation to help your child understand what camp will be like. This is a perfect time for your kid to ask questions and meet counselors or other campers. If possible, before camp starts set up a play date with some kids who are going to be at the camp. It will make it easier during drop off if they recognize some familiar faces.

CREATE A COUNTDOWN My kids love countdowns for holidays like Christmas and vacations.

Keep track of the number of days until camp starts by using a countdown calendar, countdown app, or create paper chain links for the number of days until camp starts that you tear off every day. This helps to build excitement and prepare kids for when the big day will occur.

WHO’S EXCITED ABOUT CAMP? After I did all the above suggestions with my twins, when I asked the question again, they both jumped up and down with excitement. And when they attended camp, they loved it.

PLUS, SCAN FOR THE DIGITAL EDITION HERE

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, and many other publications.

PRESENTS

Summer Camp ROUNDUP WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER PLANS, C O L O R A D O PA R E N T H A S Y O U C O V E R E D .

Discover the best summer camps and experiences all in one place—ONLINE NOW!

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING SPONSORS

To receive your box in March, sign up before the end of February! For more information or to enroll, visit: girlsincdenver.org/programs/outsidethebox

happenings Our Picks

Opener: The Original Harlem Globetrotters.

march

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Harlem Globetrotters

The Original Harlem Globetrotters bring ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and unique family entertainment. March 12. 1STBANK Center, Broomfield.

Ball Arena, Denver. harlemglobetrotters.com

MARCH 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

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happenings Our Picks

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Bubbles: Under Water Bubble Show. Coin: American Numismatic Association. Story Pirates: Hyphen Photography. Fiesta: Fiesta Colorado.

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The Story Pirates

This group of tale-telling comedians are searching for a different kind of treasure: the wildest stories provided by kids in the audience, which they’ll adapt into a comedy performance. March 1. The PACE Center, Parker. parkerarts.org

National Coin & Money Show

See more than $100 million of historic, rare money, plus educational seminars, a children’s treasure trivia game, and Young Collectors Corner. March 10-12.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs. money.org

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Passport to Culture: Fiesta CO

Fiesta Colorado Dance Company demonstrates how Mexican folkloric dance embodies rich artistic manifestations of culture and tradition. A sensory-friendly show with lowered volume and lights on is available. March 13. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree. lonetreeartscenter.org

B—The Underwater Bubble Show Bubblelandia is full of characters including a juggler in a huge plastic ball, plus the use of soap bubbles in multiple artistic ways. March 31. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. newmancenterpresents.com

HEADS UP! Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information and check with locations about individual COVID rules.

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Yoga: JGI/Jamie Grill /Getty Images. Pharohs: DenverMuseum Of Nature & Science. St. Patrick's: Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mime: Magic Circle Mime Co. Clyfford Still: Torch Media.

happenings Our Picks

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Little University: Yoga

Connect with your little one through a series of mindfulness activities, fun stretches, and relationship-building partner poses. A representative from the Denver Preschool Program will also provide information about affordable preschool. March 16. Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org

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Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs

Visit the distant past, exploring the myths and realities of ancient Egyptian culture through more than 350 original artifacts, detailed models, multimedia overlays, films, and interactive elements. Through Sept. 5. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver. dmns.org

Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Get your green on and join the masses downtown where an eclectic festival winds its way from Coors Field toward Union Station and back.

Brass bands, bagpipes, and step dancers fill the event with cheery St. Patrick’s Day spirit. March 12. Union Station neighborhood, Denver. denverstpatricksdayparade.com

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Kids are wowed when they see Clyfford Still’s giant canvases, popping colors, and lively patterns.

Magic Circle Mime Co.—The Mozart Experience A mischievous street musician works through opportunities and dilemmas to evolve into an accomplished modern-day Mozart. March 6.

Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. tickets.coloradosymphony.org

Clyfford Still, Art, and the Young Mind

How does a young mind interpret abstract art?

That’s the question that guided the latest exhibition at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver. In partnership with schools and early childhood centers across the Front Range, museum staff worked with kids ages six months to eight years to pull together a gallery of artwork that shows the aesthetic preferences of early learners.

Using Still’s work as a basis for study, this exhibition investigates the visual development of infants and young kids through five themes: high contrast, pattern, scale, recognizable imagery, and bright, highly-saturated colors. Gallery text reveals how children in the community responded to these themes in the pieces.

This exhibition intends to break down the idea that abstraction is too complex for young children; rather, it focuses on the rich benefits of art museum experiences in kids' lives.

NEED TO KNOW: The Clyfford Still, Art, and the Young Mind exhibit is on view from March 11 to August 7; open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10, free age 17 and under and members. clyffordstillmuseum.org

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happenings March

documentary about resilience and the power of connection to end bullying.

Then join parents and Boulder-based psychotherapist, Deb Rubin, for a group discussion. Registrants can view the film on their own, virtually, two days prior to the group event. Virtual Event. bouldercountryday.org

10 Thursday

Tie-Dive Into Color Workshop

Make way for the littlest parade floats you’ve ever seen; small artworks on wheels are on display at Dairy Block Alley during the Petite Parade, March 6.

to do today FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS

2 Wednesday

4 Friday

animal ambassadors and learn about their habits from friends at Nature’s Educators. For preschoolers and younger with caregivers. Register online. Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org

March 4 and 5, 7:30pm. Celebrate the immortal music of Queen as Brody Dolyniuk and his rock band join the Colorado Symphony to perform songs from the albums A Night at the Opera, Sheer Heart Attack, Classic Queen, Jazz, News of the World, A Kind of Magic, The Works, and others. $15-$89, $10 age 12 and under.

Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. tickets.coloradosymphony.org

Little University: Creature Meet and Greet 10:30-11am. Meet three live

3 Thursday

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival

March 3-6, Screenings and special event times vary. Colorado’s only Asian and Asian American Film Festival returns in person this year; it will highlight the power of filmmaking within Asian communities. $65 All-Access Pass includes 10+ screenings, two community conversations, and three special events; see website for individual screening ticket costs. Sie FilmCenter, Denver. coloradodragonboatfilmfestival. eventive.org

VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

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The Music of Queen with Your Colorado Symphony

5 Saturday

Family Discovery Series: Tall, Tall Tales by Milibo Art Theatre 10am.

Slue Foot Sue, Pecos Bill, and Paul Bunyan join forces to save the planet, but they need the audience’s help to make it happen. Enjoy inventive storytelling and physical comedy designed to engage your kids in the arts. All ages. $10, free age 2 and under. The Schoolhouse, Parker. parkerarts.org

6 Sunday

Petite Parade Noon-3pm.

Celebrate a Mile High Mardi Gras by building a creative float, starting with

COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

SPANISH/ESPAÑOL a shoebox base. Each float must be pulled on wheels, and no larger than two feet long by two feet wide and shorter than three feet tall.

Enjoy entertainment from Denver’s Handsome Little Devils performance artists, plus live music. Prizes will be awarded for Most Original Float, Best Team Theme, Best Family Float, and Funniest Float. Registration required for participation. Dairy Block Alley, Denver. dairyblock.com

7 Monday

Ballet Folklorico 8:30pm. Enjoy the

exuberant movement of Latin folkloric dancers as they show off intricate choreography, vibrant costumes, and culture, set to live music. All ages. $35-$90. Paramount Theatre, Denver. paramountdenver.com

8 Tuesday

Seedlings: World Drumming and Dance 9:30am and 11am. Journey

around the world with your child to learn about drums and dancing from diverse cultures. Try different drums in this interactive musical adventure combining geography, arts, and culture. $3. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree. lonetreeartscenter.org

5:30-7pm. Fashionista and color-loving kids can create their own wearable art with this workshop. They’ll learn how to design and tie-dye clothing, and how to package and promote them for customers. Ages 6-14. Register online. $10. Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank, Denver. yacenter.org

Dancing with the Stars: Live! On Tour 7:30pm. This version of Dancing

with the Stars has a lot in common with its TV iteration; enjoy watching celebrity guests from the series as well as some fan-favorite dance routines performed right in front of you and the family. $39-$129. Paramount Theatre, Denver. paramountdenver.com

11 Friday

Celtic Mania March 11 and 12,

7:30-9:30pm. Denver Brass is warming up for their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Enjoy Celtic dance, brass, bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, and an Irish tenor. $30-$49 adult, $12-$20 youth. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. denverbrass.org

12 Saturday

Just Kidding Livestream Concert: Elena Moon Park and Friends

9-10am. Voyage to East Asia and around the globe as Elena Moon Park and Friends perform re-imagined children’s music, folk songs, and original tunes in a variety of languages. Virtual Event. symphonyspace.org

Wonderful Waterfowl 9-11am. Search for waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and help your little one learn about the bird’s adaptations. Kids can participate in reading stories, play, and exploration.

Ages 1-4. Registration required by March 9. $1 adult, $7 ages 1-17; $9 daily or annual Colorado State Parks Pass required for entry. Bird Conservancy’s

Petite Parade: Dairy Block Alley.

The Upstanders Anti-Bullying Discussion 6-7:30pm. Watch a

Woman shopping: Just Between Friends. Mrs. Krishnan: Newman Center For Performing Arts.

happenings March

Environmental Learning Center, Brighton. birdconservancy.org

Disney Princess—The Concert

Enjoy 50 to 90 percent off retail price on gently used clothes and toys for kids of all ages, during the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale, March 24-27.

March 12 (Bellco Theatre), March 13 (Lincoln Center); 7:30pm. Acclaimed stars sing favorite Disney Princess songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen.

Audience members are encouraged to dress up in royal attire. Age 6 and up. $39-$135. Bellco Theatre, Denver and The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins. bellcotheatre.com, lctix.com

Little Squirts Square with your kids to listen to a reading of Stop, Drop, and Roll by Margery Cuyler. Included with admission: $9 adult, $7 ages 2-12, free under age 2 and members.

Denver Firefighters Museum, Denver. denverfirefightersmuseum.org

Low Sensory Afternoon 3-5pm.

During quiet afternoons, experience the Butterfly Pavilion’s exhibits in a way that meets the needs of your family.

All ages. Registration is recommended, but walk-ups may be available. $10 adult, $6 youth; $6 adult member, $4 youth member. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org

16 Wednesday

Parenting Strategies: Healthy Sleep Habits 6:30-7:30pm.

Nicole Double, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, will share advice to help your family return to sleeping well; whether it’s trouble getting to bed or staying in bed.

Bring questions. For parents and caregivers of children age 5 and under. Register online. Virtual Event. arapahoelibraries.bibliocommons.com

18 Friday

Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament

March 18-20, 8am-4pm. Cheer on athletes or volunteer to help Special Olympics Colorado's State Basketball Tournament happen. Find details online. Colorado Academy Athletic Center, Denver. specialolympicsco.org

Bollywood Dance Workshop for Kids March 24 and 30, 4-5pm. Learn

some Bollywood dance moves with teaching artist Deepali Lindblom. Ages 5-12. Register online. Virtual Event. arapahoelibraries.bibliocommons.com

Just Between Friends Aurora Consignment Sale March 24 and

15 Tuesday

Firehouse Tales for Tots: Stop, Drop, and Roll 10am. Head to the

for child tickets. Colorado Convention Center, Denver. sportsexpos.com

19 Saturday

ShamROCK Stampede

8:30am-12:30pm. Elevate your celebration of St. Paddy’s Day with a family-friendly walk/run and Irishthemed festival that also raises funds for organizations that help veterans, first-responders, and others manage PTSD and mental illness. Participate in a Lucky 7K, a 3.3K, or a 1K Kid’s ShamScram. Proceeds benefit the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Live Free Association, and Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. $35-$45 adult, $25-$35 age 17 and under (free 1K race).

Douglas County Event Center, Castle Rock. runtochangelives.org

25, 9am-7pm; March 26, 9am-4pm; March 27, 9am-2pm. Find many of the supplies you’ll need for your kids at this large consignment sale—more than 20,000 square feet of merchandise.

All ages. Free tickets online, $5-$20 priority shopping. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora. aurora.jbfsale.com

26 Saturday

Junior Naturalist: Get Ready, Get Set, Let’s Hike! 1-3pm. Families can

spend time together as they discover the wonders of Roxborough State Park.

Join Naturalists Sally Anderson and Alex Stockon to learn principles of hiking awareness and techniques to “Know Before You Go” through fun activities and a hike. Kids can earn a certificate of

completion in one visit or continue on for their Junior Ranger Badge or Junior Naturalist Patch (ages 3-12). Registration required. Free, $10 day vehicle pass.

Roxborough State Park, Roxborough. roxboroughliving.com

28 Monday

Day at the DAM 9am-3pm. This

program invites kids to spend school days off at the museum exploring galleries, discussing, and creating art in Creative Hub classroom spaces.

Registration required. Included with admission: $10-$13 adult, free age 18 and under. Denver Art Museum, Denver. denverartmuseum.org

30 Wednesday

Reducing Waste and Saving on Groceries 5-6pm. Learn how to save

up to $1,800 on groceries, discover what can be recycled curbside in Denver, and find out how to successfully compost your food scraps. Join the City & County of Denver food waste and waste reduction experts for an interactive workshop. Age 18 and up. Register online. Virtual Event. denverlibrary.org

22 Tuesday

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party March 22 and 23, 7:30pm. Step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s convenience store where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows, and food simmers on the stove. This intimate show, where the audience is seated on the stage, has the actors interacting with the patrons in an unfolding drama and celebration of life. All ages. $20-$50.

The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. newmancenterpresents.com

24 Thursday

International Sportsmen’s Expo

March 24 and 25, noon-7pm; March 26, 10am-6pm; March 27, 10am-4pm.

Get geared up for Colorado’s many outdoor experiences, particularly hunting and fishing. Don’t miss the expo’s Youth Fair, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which educates and inspires future outdoor enthusiasts.

Find tickets online. $16 adult, see online

Neighbors Mrs. Krishnan and James come together in an intergenerational friendship through a house party; audience members are invited, too!

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happenings March

ongoing events Rainforest: Marissa Copan.

Creative Time for Youth Wed, 4-5:30pm. Encourage your child to speak their truth with other youth; have them join Art from Ashes facilitators and community members for creative time with writing and art prompts, followed by pizza. Age 12 and up. Register online or drop in. Art from Ashes, Denver. artfromashes.org Karate Kickers Wed, 4pm. GiGi’s Playhouse Karate Kickers curriculum focuses on the development of balance, coordination, discipline, focus, attention, wellness, and confidence through the basic foundational movements of karate and martial arts. Age 8 and up. Register online. Virtual Event. gigisplayhouse.org Pig! Pig! March 1-31. Fri-Sun,

10am-4pm. National Pig Day is March 1; say hello to the Four Mile Historic Park resident Kunekune pigs, Antigone and Clover, and learn more about the intelligent and kind creatures. Then, make a swine-themed craft. Included with admission: $8 ages 18-64, $6 ages 7-17, free age 6 and under and members.

Four Mile Historic Park, Denver. fourmilepark.org

Play, Read, and Fun Bilingual Storytime Through May 28. Sat, 10:1510:45am. Read, sing, dance, and play different games with a native Spanish speaker, finding bilingual Spanish and English words hidden around the park.

Event subject to weather, see online for updates. Holiday Park, Boulder. calendar.boulderlibrary.org

Rainbow Alley Drop-In Wed (ages

10-13) and Thu (ages 14-17), 4-7pm.

Rainbow Alley programming is a safe, brave space where LGBTQ+ youth and their allies find support and acceptance.

Activities, community building, referrals, and resources are all offered in a welcoming environment. The Center on Colfax, Denver. lgbtqcolorado.org

Social Justice Writing

March 5-26. Sat, 3:15-4:45pm. Budding change-makers will learn how to merge activism with creative writing in this four-week workshop. Students will participate in creating protest poem

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Stretch and breathe alongside dense foliage and colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion.

posters and t-shirts, social justice zines, and a short story. Ages 11-13. Register online. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Denver. lighthousewriters.org

Spanish/English Class for Kids with Ms. Denise Through

May 25. Mon (Spanish), Wed (English); 10-10:30am. Join Ms. Denise’s energetic and engaging Spanish class, or English class for kids age 10 and under. The lessons are available to the public for seven days after the live stream. // Únanse a esta enérgica y divertida clase de español o inglés con Ms. Denise. Para niños de 0 a 10 años.

Estas lecciónes estará disponible al público durante siete días después de la transmisión en vivo. Virtual Event. calendar.boulderlibrary.org

Beijing Winter Fest Through March 13.

Sun-Mon and Wed-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-6pm. Get inspired by the athletes competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics and test your indoor curling and hockey slap shot skills at interactive areas of the Olympic Museum. Don’t miss daily themed winter games. All ages. Included with admission: $19.95 adult, $11.95 ages 3-12, free age 2 and under. United

COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs. usopm.org

Frida: Immersive Dream March 3-

May 30. 9am-11pm; times vary by day.

Dive deep into the art and life of Frida Kahlo, the beloved 20th century Mexican artist best known for self-portraits and pieces inspired by her native country.

The exhibition features some of the artist’s iconic works—brought to life—in 500,000 cubic feet of digital art. $40 and up. Lighthouse ArtSpace, Denver. immersive-frida.com

Saturday Train Rides Through

Sept. 3. Sat, 10am-3pm. Enjoy an afternoon at the Colorado Railroad Museum, complete with a loop around the property’s 15-acre Rail Yard (a 15-20 minute ride). Museum admission plus: $4 adult, $2 ages 2-17, free under age 2 on a ticketed adult’s lap.

Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden. coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Voces Vivas: Stories from the Latino Community in Boulder County, Past and Present Through

Feb. 2023. Sun-Mon and Wed-Sat, 9am-5pm. This exhibit honors the early Boulder County Latino families and their histories. The story includes tragedies,

celebrations, and monumental movements. La comunidad was guided by tradition, faith, and a lust for life.

Included with admission: $10 adult, $8 ages 5-17, free under age 5 and members. Museum of Boulder, Boulder. museumofboulder.org

Without a Home in Aurora Through May 29. Tue-Fri, 9am-noon and 1-4pm; Sat and Sun, 11am-4pm. Housing insecurity is a key issue facing Aurora, and to build a wider understanding of people who are often overlooked, misunderstood or unheard, staff at the Aurora History Museum engaged in an oral history project on the streets of the city. The stories collected are being presented in the museum’s newest exhibit, Without a Home in Aurora.

Virtual flip-book available. Aurora History Museum, Aurora. auroragov.org

Family Make and Take: Leprechaun Gardens March 11, 6:30pm; March 12

and 13, 10am and 1pm. Discover the legend of the leprechaun as you and your child design and create a miniature garden to attract the mischievous friends. Age 5 and up. Registration required. $15 per project, $12 member.

happenings March

Frida exhibit: Michael Brosilow

Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver. botanicgardens.org

Rainforest Yoga Sat, 8-9am. Slow

down your mind and body. This class provides a nature-centric yoga experience surrounded by exotic plants and butterflies. All skill levels welcome.

Age 13 (with a guardian) and up.

Registration required. $10, $8 member.

Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org

Spring Break Day Camps March 21-

25. 9am-4pm. Kids can explore the wildness of the animal world and learn how innate behaviors help creatures survive and thrive. Have your camper dress comfortably with closed toe shoes and pack a sack lunch and snacks. Grades 1-6. Registration required. $65.75 per day, $60.75 members. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Through March 19. Sat, 1pm; additional 11am shows on March 5, 12, 16, 19. A family of friendly bears in the forest and a curious, mischievous girl meet. Watch this old story performed with a new twist. $12. Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden. minersalley.com

Petite Musique: The Story of Peter Rabbit March 7 (Longmont

Museum), 8 (Broomfield Auditorium), 21 (Hinkley High School), 22 (Brighton Armory Performing Arts Center), 29 (Northglenn Recreation Center); 10am and 11:30am. Featuring a 16-piece orchestra and a bilingual (English/Spanish) narrator who will incorporate storytelling, singing, and dance, this program is designed to introduce children to the orchestra through a musical telling of the story of Peter Rabbit. Age 7 and under. $5 per student with adult, financial assistance available. Various locations around Denver and the Front Range. coloradosymphony.org

Spotlight

The Spitfire Grill March 3-April 3. Fri-

Sun; Mon, March 21; 7:30pm. Percy, a young woman with a complicated past, is looking to start a new life in a small Wisconsin town. She finds work at a rundown diner and, through her force of determination, optimism, and love, Percy is able to revitalize the grill and, in turn, the community. This folksy musical will get your toes tapping.

Content warning: brief discussion of physical abuse. $18-$25. Parsons Theatre, Northglenn. phamaly.org

Carefully selected and often independently-made games, puzzles, and toys fill the shelves at PlayForge and inspire creative workshops.

Play By Your Own Rules at PlayForge

Famed images from Frida Kahlo’s collection “paint” the walls in Frida: Immersive Dream, March 3-May 30.

It’s a store! It’s a school! It’s a playground! PlayForge in Downtown Littleton boasts thousands of games and toys, plus a makerspace and classroom where they offer STEMfocused educational programming for children and adults.

“At PlayForge, customers buy games, make games, and play-test their creations with the creative community they foster,” Jesse Stommel, PlayForge’s co-owner, says.

Stommel, a teacher of 22 years, runs the shop with partner Joshua Lee, a former alternative energy engineer.

Their daughter, five-year-old Hazel, is proud to be the play-tester and “store manager.”

On Thursdays in March, PlayForge will be offering Open Lab Nights with a different focus each week: 3D Modeling and Printing, Miniatures Painting, Laser Cutting and Etching, and Leather Work. Participants will be introduced to new tools and techniques and are encouraged to experiment. For example, they’ve chosen equipment like the Glowforge 3D printer so that folks can have an

idea, create it in simple software on an iPad, and manufacture it all within about one to two hours.

“Every class is different in our space, because participants bring their imaginations, and each person comes to the space with different interests and abilities,” Stommel says.

In addition to Open Lab Nights, which are offered throughout the year, PlayForge hosts weeklong day camps for kids ages six to 12 in the summer. They also hold regular game nights, including Dungeons & Dragons for middle schoolers and Pokémon for new players. If you want to play on your own, they have a large game library—pop in and try something out or reserve a table for $5 per player.

NEED TO KNOW: Open Lab Nights are scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 3, 10, 24, and 31. See their website for each night’s recommended ages. The registration fee is $20 per night, which includes basic materials. playforgegames.com

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fresh mindset

I think we could all be more understanding and forgiving of our shortfalls. We all, regardless of ability, have things that make us feel insecure and inadequate, but how we handle those obstacles is what matters.

I choose grace and positivity.

JULIE STAMM is the author of Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness. Stamm, who lives in Denver with her partner, son, and two dogs was inspired to write the book after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

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COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2022

Julie Stamm and son: Nikki Krogh Photography.

fresh mindset

04.30.2022

Color Rowen, Rowen, Rowen Your Boat

Me Nora-thern Lights

Ready to Bid By the Cece Shore

Join us to Paint Brighter Futures for Kids with Cancer Saturday, April 30th from 6 –10pm Denver Design Center | artmaonline.org

always cares

We help kids get back to being kids.

For children with asthma, allergies, respiratory and pulmonary illness, and those suffering from persistent symptoms of COVID-19, hope is right here in Denver.

At National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, our pediatric specialists incorporate the latest research and treatments to help kids of any age get back to being kids.

We breathe science, so you can breathe life.

To book an appointment for your child, call 800.621.0505 or visit njhealth.org.