Growing Up Chico Summer 2020

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A quarterly resource celebrating family life in Butte County since 2004 Summer Issue 2020 May - June - July

Summer: A Time for Family Fun!

Cover Photo By: Cover Photo By: Lee Xiong of Small-Town Girl Photography, Lee Xiong of Small-Town Girl Photography, Photographer in the Oroville/Chico & surrounding areas specializing Photographer in the Oroville/Chico & surrounding areas specializing in Families, Couples, Seniors, and small events. in Families, Couples, Seniors, and small events.

Facebook: facebook.com/stgbylee Facebook: facebook.com/stgbylee and Instagram: @smalltowngurlphotography Instagram: @smalltowngurlphotography and Email: leexiong28@gmail.com Email: leexiong28@gmail.com”

Emily EmilyLee-Hajec Lee-Hajec

Emily is a children’s book author and copywriter for MC2 Design.

Emily is a children’s book author and copywriter for MC2 Design.

She enjoys spending time outdoors with her kiddo, husband, and She enjoys spending time outdoors with her kiddo, husband, and their Jack-uahua pooch. Her favorites include cooking (or at least their Jack-uahua pooch. Her favorites include cooking (or at least attempting to), good conversation, and a solid cup of coffee. attempting to), good conversation, and a solid cup of coffee.

On TheCover: Cover: On The Stephan a native Yuba City whoregularly regularlyspent spentchildhood childhood Stephan is is a native ofof Yuba City who summers Chico.HeHebecame becamea astay stayatathome homefather fathertotohis hisson son, summers ininChico.

Giovanni, after sustaining a serious injury during military Giovanni after sustaining a serious injury during hishismilitary service. cares father-in-law, worked in Chico service and He alsoalso cares forfor hishis father in law whowho worked in Chico as as a beloved dermatologist for four decades.

Giovanni’s mother, a beloved dermatologist for four decades. Giovanni’s mother, Sara Sarawas Pardini, raised and in Chico and hasher devoted life to Pardini, raisedwas in Chico has devoted life toher educating the nextofgeneration of local currently theeducating next generation local children.

Shechildren. currentlyShe serves as a serves as a kindergarten teacher and educational supportatspecialist kindergarten teacher and educational support specialist Sierra at Sierra View Elementary School whileGiovanni’s carrying Giovanni’s View Elementary School while carrying sister, whosister, is who is expected to family join thethis family this summer. twotochose expected to join the summer.

The twoThe chose raise to raise their in family indue Chico duenostalgia, to its nostalgia, beautiful outdoors, their family Chico to its beautiful outdoors, local local arts, and small-town vibe. arts, and small town vibe.

Marne Larsen Marne Larsen Publisher Publisher marne@growingupchico.com marne@growingupchico.com (530) 518-6154 (530) 518-6154

Morgan MorganDickerson, Dickerson, MSW, MSW, LCSW LCSW

Morgan recently relocated from Malibu, Morganisisaapsychotherapist psychotherapistwho’s who has recently relocated from Malibu, California California,where whereshe shesupported supportedcelebrities, celebrities,families, families,children children,and and individuals in their healing process.

She specializes in treating individuals in their healing process. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and substance abuse in Roseville depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and substance abuse in Roseville and andsurrounding surroundingcities. cities.She Shealso alsooffers offerstherapy therapy online. online.

Teresaa Cotner Teresaa Cotner

Teresa is originally from Los Angeles. She earned her Ph.D. in Art Teresa is originally from Los Angeles.

Shebeen earned her PhD in Art of Education at Stanford University.

She has a faculty member Education Stanford University. has2006. been a faculty member of the Chico at State Department of ArtShe since the Chico State Department of Art since 2006.

Jessica Jessica Briggs Briggs DeAnnaHolman Holman DeAnna LayoutDesign/Editor Design/Editor Layout

For For AdvertisingInformation, Information, Advertising ContactRachele RacheleThompson: Thompson: Contact (530)519-0320 519-0320 (530) rachele@growingupchico.com rachele@growingupchico.com

Jessica is a local mom blogger at BlogAboutItAll.com. Married Jessica is a local mom blogger at BlogAboutItAll.com. Married for 17 years, she and her husband, Jeff, are raising four boys ages for 17 years, she and her husband Jeff are raising four boys ages (13, 11, 9 and 5). On her blog, she shares about family life, crafts, (13, 11, 9 and 5). On her blog she shares about family life, crafts, cooking/food, marriage, and local events. You can find her on social cooking/food, marriage and local events. You can find her on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube) @ media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube) @ BlogAboutItAll. BlogAboutItAll.

Kerrie McLoughlin Kerrie McLoughlin

Kerrie is a writer, wife, and homeschooling mom to her five kids. She Kerrie is travel a writer, wife, homeschooling mom to to heraudiobooks, five kids. She likes to with her and family; walk while listening likes to travel with herswim family; walk while listening music, and podcasts; in her backyard pool; gotoonaudiobooks, dates with her music, andand podcasts; swim in herfield backyard pool; on dates withfind her husband, go on impromptu trips with thegokids.

You can husband; and go on impromptu field trips with the kids. You can find her at TheKerrieShow.com. her at TheKerrieShow.com.

Advertising Deadline: advertiseininour ourupcoming upcomingFall FallIssue, Issue, Advertising Deadline: ToTo advertise please contact us by June 30th.

Our Fall Issue will be out please contact us by June 30th. Our Fall Issue will be out inin August, September, October.

August, September, && October.

Article and Photo SubmissionDeadline: Deadline:Please Pleasesubmit submitfamilyfamilyArticle and Photo Submission friendly and seasonally appropriate photos and informative friendly and seasonally appropriate photos and informative articles Fall Issue June20th.

20th. articles forfor thethe Fall Issue byby June Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at over Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at over 200 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available 200 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available online at www.growingupchico.com. online at www.growingupchico.com.

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894-6800

2477 Forest Ave Lic#045404701, 045404702

In Chico For ages 2-12

To find out how vision therapy can help your child and to read more success stories visit: www.chicovisiontrainingcenter.com/success-stories

Dr. Griffith noticed Jackson couldn’t see 3D. This seemed to explain why he didn’t enjoy playing any type of catch games, and would never leave the 3D glasses on at the movie theater.

Each week Jackson would get different eye exercises. They helped his eyes track better, trained the muscles controlling his eye movements and ultimately got his eyes to work together. It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it. Jackson is now enjoying playing games that include catching and kicking. He has found a new love of climbing and jumping off of things. When I asked him why he likes it so much he replied, “Cause I can see how far away the ground is now.”

My husband pointed out the importance of being able to cross the street safely and for driving someday. I’m so thankful to Dr. Griffith for identifying Jackson’s vision issues and having the training and expertise to help him overcome them.

(530) 520-6484

2585 Ceanothus Ave, Suite 172

Headaches started for our son Chase on a daily basis. His pediatrician had no explanation, and he was told by a Neurologist that he had migraines.

Optometrist, Anna Griffith, determined Chase was having serious issues with his distance depth perception, and suggested Vision Therapy.

So, we jumped at the chance, and got him in as soon as we could. After a few months, with appointments and "homework," Chase was retested and passed with flying colors!!!

His baseball coach was even impressed with his fielding and his hitting! And, the headaches he was having on a daily basis, stopped!

www.chicovisiontrainingcenter.com

see what’s inside...

School and Home 10 The Magic of Wild Things A Conservation Message

13 Keeping Kids Cool, Hydrated, & Safe Tips for a Healthy Summer

14 At Home Art Projects

Turner Art Museum Projects

Family Time 17 Business Spotlight: Happy Campers

18 Butte County WIC

Working to help you!

20 New & Free Stress Reduction

10 22 26

A Class For You- Live, and Online

21 A Message to Kids

Perspective & Hope

Parenting

22 Your Child’s Mental Health 3 Tips to Help This Summer

17

Summer Camps

24 Our 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Summer Fun

26 Kids Can Cook Contest Winners

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27 Win It Wednesday Giveaway

28 How To Keep Your Kids Busy & Maintain Your Sanity

29 A Father’s Day Certificate

30 DIY Kits From Local Businesses

In Every Issue

04 Contributors 30 Preschool Directory 31 Advertiser Directory

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The Magic of Wild Things

Bring animals to you, and utilize their personal stories to learn natural history, unique adaptations, and a conservation message.

Written by the Animal Care Team at Wild Things, Inc.

Photographs by @evanbdudley and Wild Things, Inc.

understanding. Only with an appreciation for nature, will the children of today love and protect our world, and drive change for good.

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here is a magic that happens in the eyes of a child when they see a wild animal up close for the first time.

Imagine the wonder of seeing a red-tailed hawk swooping overhead, a kangaroo hopping by, or a lemur leaping through the air. It’s one of the gifts that we experience every time we at Wild Things visit children with our wildlife programs. Now imagine these same children not only being excited to learn the fascinating stories of these amazing animals but also building love and respect for wildlife.

Wild Things was incorporated in 1987 for two fundamental purposes. One, to provide a home for animals in need of help, and two, to provide an educational experience for audiences of all ages in Northern California. Each animal at our center has a unique history, whether it’s a native animal whose injury keeps it from being rehabilitated back into its natural habitat, or an exotic (non-native) animal that was formerly part of the illegal pet trade.

In our wildlife programs, we bring the animals to you and utilize their personal stories to teach natural history, unique adaptations, and a conservation message.

For example, 27 years ago, Tawny, our red-tailed hawk, was found with a shotgun injury to her left-wing. A caring family scooped her up and took her to the raptor center at UC Davis, where they were able to save her life, but not able to give her full flight back. Because of her calm demeanor around people, they decided to find her a permanent home.

At the recommendation of US Fish and Wildlife, she was sent to Wild Things to be an ambassador for her species. It’s remarkable for us when sharing this bird

Left: Gabe Kerschner, director of Wild Things with Larry, the Baby Alligator. Photo by @evanbdudley.

Above: Gabe Kerschner, director of Wild Things.

Photo by Wild Things, Inc. Right: Archimedes the Great Horned Owl and Flower the Striped Skunk.

Photo by Wild Things, Inc.

to see the kids’ knowledge, understanding, and empathy grow when meeting her.

What’s astonishing is the number of students who have no idea that these beautiful raptors live right alongside us.

We at Wild Things believe that this vital message does not have to be gloomy and can be shared in a fun-filled and energetic experience that we bring right to your school, library, or private event.

Working with these magnificent creatures is our pleasure, and sharing with children and adults of all ages is our privilege.

Please call 530-878-2618 or email wti@ wildthingsinc.org for more information or to schedule a program. Mention you saw us in Growing Up Chico.

We look forward to seeing you!

Wild Things offers a variety of programs.

Each program includes a different group of animals and covers various topics.

Topics include: North American Wildlife, which includes the magnificent bald eagle; Beasts of the Backyard covers animals that live alongside us in Northern California; Scaly Wonders consists of a variety of reptiles. Other topics include The Amazing Amazon and Animals of the World. There is something for everyone.

A new member of the Wild Things family is named Darwin. He is so much like you and me because he has opposable thumbs, but he also has an opposable big toe!

Like us, he is a great problem solver, is inquisitive, likes to play, and even has a belly button! As you might have guessed, Darwin is a monkey--a weeper capuchin monkey to be exact. He was unfortunately taken from his mother at a young age and became a victim of the illegal pet trade, purchased by a celebrity in Los Angeles.

He became well known on Instagram, where California Fish and Wildlife found him and luckily confiscated him. Because he could not be released back into the wild, we committed to giving him a caring home, where he enjoys time with other capuchins, especially a 50-year-old female, Hobo, who acts as his surrogate mother.

In today’s world, a kid’s life can be more about video games and concrete than hiking and playing in the creek, so meeting an emissary from the natural world is an exciting, emotional way of building connections and developing

As a non-profit that depends on outreach education programs to support our animals, the COVID-19 virus has been hitting us hard. We had to cancel all programs scheduled for the near future.

If you would like to support the care of our animals by donating, you may do so at https://www.conservationambassadors. org and click donate (Conservation Ambassadors is our umbrella organization). Thank you for your support!

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school and home

Keeping Kids Cool, Hydrated, and Safe During Summer Even if you are just hanging out at home with the kids, playing in the backyard, these tips can help you and the kids stay hydrated, cool, and safe this summer.

By Jessica Briggs

KEEP YOUR FAMILY HYDRATED: Drink early. By the time you get thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.

Drink enough. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child of about 88 pounds should drink 5 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes. Children and teens around 132 pounds should drink 9 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes. One ounce is equal to two kid-size gulps.

5-8 years old – 5 Glasses or 1 Liter 9-12 years old – 7 Glasses 1.5 Liters 13+ years – 10 glasses 2 Liters Drink at a moderate temperature. If it is too cold, although at first, it tastes refreshing, the extreme cold makes it difficult to drink an adequate amount.

Drinks to Avoid: Avoid caffeinated beverages (sodas, iced tea). Caffeine can cause you to become dehydrated quicker.

More Suggestions: • Bring water bottles. Use refillable water bottles if you are at home or a place where you can refill.

• Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs instead of additional ice packs.

• Make fun ice cubes using silicone molds to make drinking water fun for little ones.

• Look for kid-friendly drinks with electrolytes. There are a variety of options to help replenish electrolytes, especially if you are spending more time in the sun and exerting extra energy.

• Find drink packets that are easy to carry and cut back on the number of drinks you have to take with you.

Drink packets are easy, just add to water.

Signs of dehydration: Headache, Nausea/vomiting, overly tired, Dizziness/passes out.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE: What to bring to the pool, beach or lake: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, life-jacket.

Goggles – If you are frequently swimming, goggles help your eyes from getting irritated.

Water Shoes – When the temperature is over 100 degrees, the cement can be scorching. Water shoes can also help protect your feet when at the lake or beach.

First Aid Kit – Most public pools or swim parks have first aid kits, but it is always a great idea to carry one just in case.

Baby Powder – Have you heard of the beach hack of using baby powder to help remove sand? We tried it at the beach, and it WORKS! I wish I would have taken a video. The boys had sand all over their hands and in between their fingers. So, we poured baby powder on their hands, they rubbed them together, and the sand

came right off. The baby powder also helped repel the sand until they were wet again.

Pop-Up or Umbrella – If you are heading to the beach or lake for the day, it is a great idea to take a pop-up tent or umbrella to help stay out of the sun for at least part of the day.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY COOL: SNACK IDEAS TO HELP STAY COOL My kids can power through Otter Pops, so here are some other ideas that I find to keep them from coming in for that 3rd and 4th one. These are all easy-to-make snacks that the kids can help make too.

• Frozen Yogurt: You can purchase Gogurt, but you can also freeze yogurt in silicone molds; it’s fun and easy. You can also dip fruit in yogurt and freeze it.

• Frozen Grapes: My boys love snacking on frozen grapes.

• Frozen Fruit Kabobs: My kids love eating anything on a stick. With the frozen fruit, I find the kids eat it slower, and it fills them up—put slices of fruit on a skewer and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Freeze bananas and turn them into banana ice cream! No other ingredients necessary, just frozen bananas. You could add in things if you like (Nutella, Peanut Butter, Mini Chocolate Chips). Slice the banana, put slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, blend in a Ninja blender or Food Processor. Then place back in the freezer to firm back up.

• Homemade Smoothies: My boys love coming up with smoothie ideas, and I love sneaking in spinach when I can with frozen pineapple, they don’t even taste it.

• Homemade Popsicles: You can use frozen fruits blended with apple juice. You can use yogurt and fruit mixed in. My boys love juice from canned fruit with a little apple juice in Popsicles. There are a ton of ideas on Pinterest for homemade Popsicles.

• Sprite & Gummy Bear Popsicles: This is not the healthiest idea, but fun for at least once during summer. Fill a Popsicle mold with Sprite to the fill line and drop in 5-8 gummy bears. The kids love them.

I love summer and spending the summer days poolside, at the beach or lake. I hope you find these tips helpful even for everyday summer activities like playing at the park, hanging out in the backyard, or while out tossing the football around. Remember to stay hydrated and have some yummy snacks to help you stay cool.

Thank you for reading! If you’ve enjoyed the content, please share it with your friends and check out more at www.BlogAboutItAll.com.

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Kids@Turner@Home: At Home Art Projects Helping Kids Get through Tough Times in Quarantine Written by By Teresa Cotner, PhD

Dr. Janet Turner (1914-1988) was a professor of fine art and art education at California State University, Chico (1959-1981), teaching generations of artists and teachers. She collected prints beginning in the 1940s so that she could show her students new techniques and new ideas through examples of original art. Her collection has been housed (and continues to grow) at Chico State since 1981 and finally arrived in its permanent home in the new ARTS building in 2016. In keeping with the museum’s mission of making the collection accessible in the North State and beyond, the Turner Board of Directors with support from the College of Humanities and Fine Arts launched a free after school art program for kids at the Turner, Kids@Turner. As a member of the board, and as an art educator, I was more than happy to develop and coordinate this program in which college student interns interested in teaching art, get hands-on experience co-creating lessons and co-teaching kids ages 5-13 at the Turner Museum.

When I let the parents of the kids who attend our classes know that we would not be able to conduct our classes scheduled for March, April and May 2020, many of the parents shared their great support of the program as well as high hopes for the program to return in fall. They also shared some of the artwork their kids had been making at home. This enthusiasm inspired me to ask my college student-teacher interns to complete their internship by creating art lessons using materials that kids might already have at home, Kids@Turner@Home art lessons.

Here are two of the lessons written by interns, Embossed Foil and Kindness Rock Project. You can also find these and more art lessons on the Turner web site under Education & Outreach https://www.csuchico.edu/turner/index.shtml. You can most likely find materials for these projects around the house (or yard). Kids of any age and adults will enjoy these creative art projects. Make as many as you want! Art is an excellent way for us all to get through these times of schools and businesses closed, shelter in place, and quarantine. Enjoy, and please send pictures of your work to add to the Turner web site: tlcotner@csuchico.edu.

Embossing Tin Foil Art

By Intern: Bianka De La Rosa

Kids will: draw an image on a cutout cardboard piece (ex. a cereal box) where they’ll then trace the lines over with white glue. They will let it dry for a day before placing a sheet of aluminum foil on top to rub around the edges. Finally, they can color in the spaces with permanent markers!

Materials: • A piece of cardboard (any size you’d like) • Pencil • White Elmer’s School Glue • Aluminum foil • Glue stick • Colored permanent markers (optional) Step by Step: DAY 1: 1. Make a drawing on the cardboard piece that is already cut (parent advised) with a pencil.

2. Trace all the lines with white glue (with the help of a parent might be needed) and let it dry for at least 24 hours in a safe place! Waiting is the hardest part! But rest assured, it’s worth the wait.

DAY 2: 3. After the glue has dried, rub the entire drawing with a glue stick. Cover ALL of the cardboard. Any missed spots will not stick to the foil.

4. Tear a sheet of aluminum foil that is a bit larger than the cardboard. Place the foil over the top and begin to press it down around the sides and glue in place.

5. Rub carefully around edges of the glue with the end of a pencil eraser, so you don’t rip the foil! The better the rubbing, the more defined the drawing.

6. Once you get the foil how you like it, you can begin to color in all the flat places with permanent Sharpie markers. Coloring it in is the fun part! But if you don’t have access to markers, it looks just as amazing (Do not color in the raised foil lines, however!).

The Kindness Rock Project By intern: Cierra Prestegard

Materials: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rocks of all sizes (preferably ones the size of your palm) Pencil and paper for sketching Sharpie for smaller details Acrylic paint or other paints in several colors Paintbrushes Glitter Glue Googly eyes (optional) Newspaper for a surface to work on Cup with some water to rinse brushes off Paper towel/napkins Paper plate for paint Creative mind

Step by Step: This will be entirely up to how the student wishes to work: 1. Find rocks around your yard or neighborhood that are about the size of the palm of your hand-or bigger if you’re feeling adventurous. Next, gather your paints and other materials that you would like to use to decorate your rocks.

2. Next, look up pictures, words, etc., that you would like to paint on the rocks or come up with some cool and creative stuff of your own. You can also use the pencil and paper to sketch something beforehand.

3. Once you have your ideas ready, start painting your rocks. Let your imaginations take over and paint as many rocks as you wish!

If you want to start with a base coat on a rock, let it dry before you add any smaller details or anything on top. You can work on another rock in the meantime.

4. Once you finish painting your rocks, let them dry completely.

5. Now that all your rocks are dry, with help from a parent or older sibling, you can start placing them around your neighborhood for people to find while they are taking walks. What a great way to brighten someone’s day and make people happy!

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family time

Thank you to our advertisers!

Without the support of our advertisers, this magazine would not be possible. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico Magazine.

Local Business Spotlight

Happy Campers

so he found one in Sacramento. Having the RV on the coast proved to be a great idea because it rained hard for several days. They stayed warm and dry while some of their friends were not so lucky! On that same trip, another friend of theirs had rented a camper van. She loved it, but she had to drive to Redding to pick it up and drop it off.

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H

appy Campers RV Rentals is a Chico family business that started in May of 2018. The owner-operators, Matt and Caitlin Dunckel, have two children, Ashlyn 11 and Isaiah 8. The Dunckels are a family who loves to camp and have made it a point to get in as many camping trips each summer as they can. For most of that time, their camping trips involved a tent, a couple of coolers, sleeping pads and bags, and everything else that went along with tent camping.

That all changed one weekend when Matt and Caitlin got the chance to get away by themselves. They thought it would be fun to change things up a bit and decided to rent a teardrop trailer. This was a game-changer for them, and Matt was sold. He loved the ease of not having to set up a tent and sleeping gear. When he and Caitlin pulled up to the Yuba River just outside of Downieville, on their first night in the teardrop, all they had to do was put up two chairs and open a beer. That was it.

T

he following fall, they joined several friends for an annual Fort Brag trip, and the forecast called for rain. Matt decided he wanted to rent a motorhome,

att realized what a great opportunity it was for people to rent an RV, and also that no one was doing it in Chico.

Having to drive to Redding or Sacramento from Chico to rent something is a pain, especially with two young kids, so Matt made the decision then and there to start an RV rental business in Chico, and Happy Campers RV Rentals was born. Within a month, he had his website, two travel trailers, and his first customers.

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oday their rental fleet includes five units and is growing (four travel trailers and one class C motorhome). Matt’s favorite thing about the business is getting the opportunity to meet so many great people. Most of their clients are fellow North State residents, but once in awhile, they get clients from out of state or even out of the country. Most of their clients are weekend campers, but they also get families going on two-week road trips, or even a crew going to Burning Man, they get bookings during graduation weekend and the holidays as well. When people have extra family coming to town, renting an RV is a perfect way to provide the space and comfort they need for their visit. Happy Campers even offers delivery and set up for clients who are unable to tow a heavy trailer.

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Butte County WIC is Working to Help You!

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is here for you!

Whether you have recently had a change in employment and are newly in need of assistance or have already been participating in the WIC program, we are here to help. In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Butte County Public Health WIC program is temporarily providing all services over the phone. With the new California WIC Card and the California WIC App, it is easier than ever to get your benefits from the comfort of your own home! The staff at Butte County WIC is dedicated to making sure there are no delays in services while taking every precaution to keep themselves safe and to protect those we serve.

WIC is a nutrition assistance program that provides monthly benefits to purchase foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, and more. WIC also provides breastfeeding support and free access to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), hospital-grade breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies; as well as nutrition education and information for a child’s stage of

growth, and referrals to healthcare and community resources.

WIC services are provided to women who are pregnant, women who are breastfeeding up to one year postpartum, and women who are not breastfeeding but have an infant six months old or younger as well as women who have had a miscarriage within the last six months. We also serve infants as soon as they are born and children until the month of their 5th birthday. Anyone caring for a child under the age of 5 can get benefits for that child; this includes grandparents as caretakers, single dads, and foster parents! To be eligible for WIC, you also have to meet income eligibility.

For a family of 3, that would be a gross (before taxes) monthly income of $3,289. If you or your child receive Medi-Cal, CalWorks or CalFresh, then you are most likely eligible regardless of your monthly income. Women who are pregnant are encouraged to apply as soon as they find out, even if a doctor has not seen them yet.

If you have never had WIC before or have had it in the past but not currently participating and are finding yourself

in need of some extra help right now, we can complete your enrollment over the phone and mail a new WIC Card to you! It’s easy to apply for WIC in Butte County. You can either contact us at 530-552-4025 or submit an online application on our website at http:// www.buttecounty.net/ph/Programs/ WIC. Benefits will be loaded onto your card the same day that you complete the enrollment appointment. You will be able to use the card at local grocery stores as soon as you receive it in the mail, or schedule a pick-up time at our Chico or Oroville locations. Download the California WIC App on your smartphone to view the shopping guide and grocery store finder to see what is available near you. Once you have a WIC Card, you can register it on your app and be able to track your benefits and upcoming appointments in realtime!

If you are a current WIC participant, make sure you are checking your app and staying in contact with your local office. Benefits are being loaded automatically in some situations, so you may have food available to purchase even if you haven’t had an appointment recently. Make sure the foods that were loaded to your card are correct and that everyone in your household that participates in WIC was issued their benefits. You can call us if you need to make a change or if you want to get your future appointment scheduled, and the coming month’s benefits also loaded to your card. There have also been temporary food exceptions authorized so that there are more options available at the stores. Use your California WIC App to scan items at the store to see if they are now available to be purchased with your WIC Card.

The Butte County Public WIC Program has locations in Chico, Oroville, Gridley, and coming soon to Paradise!

You can contact all offices by calling 530-552-4025, or online at http://www. buttecounty.net/ph/Programs/WIC.

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What is the single most significant step you can take to reduce your stress during this worldwide pandemic?

Every day each one of us on this planet is experiencing an incredible level of stress caused by the massive worldwide pandemic of a disease that is changing everything we do.

Sadness for losing a loved one; worry for family members quarantined due to Coronavirus; loss of income; concern for our personal physical health; loss of retirement funds; complete change of our life logistics and plans; the fear of not knowing how our future unfolds vis a vis this disease and its impacts are all legitimate concerns.

Feelings of strong emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, sadness, depression, or just being overwhelmed can take a significant toll on our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health if we are not careful. If left unattended, such feelings will overpower our mental energy and completely derail our clarity and focus in life. To turn such strong emotions from negative (harming us) to positive ones (assisting us), we must move decisively and calmly to regain control of our positive energy.

10 growing growing chico magazine growing upup chico magazine 2020 up chico magazine

The reality is that we all react differently to stress. Since 1985, Azad’s Martial Arts Center in Chico has helped thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to regain control of their lives mentally, physically, and emotionally.

In an effort to help de-stressing our community, Grandmaster Azad, a 10th Degree Black Belt has decided to dedicate his time to hold several Relaxation-Meditation exercise sessions live online for all teens and adults.

Each week, Grandmaster will hold a series of 15-minute group guided breathing lessons to start you upon your journey to heal and regain the power and control in your life. You will develop a deeper level of clarity and calmness in the face of this pandemic storm as you learn the basics of rejuvenating your own internal energy. Grandmaster has made the lessons entirely free. For more information about the details, days, times, and online link to join the sessions, please call 530-892-AZAD (2923), 530-8960777, and or visit www.AzadsMartialArts.com.

A Message to Kids on Perspective and Hope

By Emily Hajec

C

hildren across the world are struggling to understand their new normal-no school, no friends, no playing at the park. Yet through the power of story, children can find comfort in knowing that there is a greater message of hope.

The Germ Who Got Tired Of Waiting tells a rhyming tale of one mean little bad guy (who nobody could see) and the strength of family and togetherness.

Chico writer, Emily Hajec, saw a need for a children’s book that brought to light more than just the importance of handwashing.

“Kids are struggling to come to terms with the fact that-within a few days--their entire sense of normality was taken away,” Hajec says that much of the inspiration for the book came from her seven-year-old daughter.

“Children of all ages may be having feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness. And those feelings are ok,” she commented. “Yet, we must also show our children that there is a lot of good and positivity that can come out of all of this.”

Illustrated by local artist, Alycia Jones, the profits from the sale of the book will be donated to North Valley Community Foundation and other non-profit organizations.

You can purchase your copy online at: www.thegermwhogottiredofwaiting.com.

parenting www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com growing up up chico chico magazine magazine 2222 growing

3 Tips to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer Summertime conjures up memories of family vacations, more time together, and long summer days devoid of time constraints. All good, but did you know that you can also take advantage of this summer to kick-start your child’s mental health?

Written by Morgan Dickerson, MSW, LCSW

Take a moment to imagine your child’s mood, self-esteem, and behavior changing for the better between now and the time Sunsplash closes. Yes, rapid change IS possible. As a licensed psychotherapist, I’ve worked with thousands of individuals, couples, and children and have spent many hours researching how to make lasting changes quickly and easily (keyword: lasting).

Read on to get three easy tips for improving your child’s mental health.

2. Step out of the Comfort Zone-Creating Mental Stamina 1. Create a Self-Care Routine A more recent buzz word in the psychology community, self-care is not just about making sure we exercise regularly and eat healthy foods; it is also about caring for one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Chances are you’ve heard about self-care and maybe have your routine; It’s not too late to extend these self-care skills to your children. After all, learning to care for oneself can be taught at any age. For example, we can help teach self-care by creating a morning and evening routine that incorporates healthy ways to self-soothe, scheduling massages, creating daily gratitude lists, practicing meditation (check out the Headspace App), and teaching them about mindfulness.

Quick tip for implementing SelfCare: 5 Senses Mindfulness Game

According to Brown & Ryan (2003), mindfulness improves mood and well-being. So, teaching your kids mindfulness is part of self-care. The concept of mindfulness originated from a popular psychologist by the name of John Kabat-Zinn. When we teach our children to be mindful, we teach them to be in the moment- not in the past and not in the future.

Mindfulness keeps us from being consumed by our thoughts and feelings because it creates an emotional perspective (Kannan, Koo, and Hancock, 2015).

A straightforward way to teach mindfulness to your child is to take a mindfulness walk together. Have them tune-in to their five senses while they walk. Being aware of their senses brings the child totally into the present moment, which improves mental health while they have some fun in the sun. Some kids like to use an “I spy” game that’s sensory-related, such as, “I spy with my little eye something that tastes sweet.” Or, “I spy with my little eye something that sounds like a buzz.”

Keep going as you go through all the senses: taste, touch, smell, hear, and sight.

As parents, we want our children to feel as comfortable as possible because we certainly don’t like seeing them struggle. Hello, helicopter parents! I see you. While we all want what’s best for our children, sheltering them from experiencing any sort of discomfort is not so good long-term. The reality is that life is full of ups and downs and unexpected events. If we teach our children something called grit, we can help them to develop internal reserves of inner strength and confidence.

These inner reserves give them the power to tackle the more difficult situations they may face.

So, what exactly is this thing called grit? According to Datu, Kig, Valdez, and Eala (2019), grit is having passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Both passion and perseverance are linked to positive academic and psychological outcomes later in life.

When one pushes past limitations, even while feeling discomfort and fear, grit is developed. Once we have pushed past our perceived limitations, then we are left with grit, passion, and perseverance- all of which improve our mental health.

Quick Tip To Help Create Mental Stamina: The next time your child is assigned a science project or project of any kind, allow them to drive its creation 100%. Take a step back, help them analyze and brainstorm, then let them know that you believe in their ability to manifest their vision. Your child may need some help to gather supplies and get set-up, and that is okay. Once the groundwork has been laid, wish them well. Then, sit back, grab a late and be ready when (and if) they need more assurance or a little pep talk. This process teaches them to believe in themselves while pushing past perceived limitations. Grit, resilience, and better mental health here we come!

3. Find a Compatible Therapist Are you concerned your child is struggling with anxiety, low mood, depression, or ADHD? Then schedule a session with a therapist ASAP. The earlier your child establishes a therapeutic connection, the better because your child will have more time to make improvements before the next school year. A good therapist will give your child tools for dealing with challenges related to both mental health and life itself. When I work with my clients, I often implement something called cognitive behavioral therapy (also known as CBT). CBT is an evidence-based practice that is quick and easy to learn and can be used at home, at school, with friends, or anywhere they happen to be. CBT improves academic performance and mental health when used as a means of improving mental health and reducing stress, according to Frank, Bond, and Flaxman (2004). Therapy offers helpful tools, tips, and skills and provides support with processing challenges so that your child can adaptively manage the next school year with more confidence.

Quick Tip: Teach Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy

Teach your child a little CBT this summer. There is a connection between what we think, how we feel, and then how we react or behave. The next time your child is struggling, offer them a piece of paper and some art supplies. Have them draw themselves on the paper (stick figures are okay).

Then have them write words next to the picture about their thoughts on the situation or event. Have them also list or mark on the figure how their body felt after they had those thoughts.

To shift their mood quickly, briefly discuss with them the concept between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. See if they can re-frame any of the more challenging thoughts for a rapid change in mood. You’d be surprised how much labeling, identifying, and re-framing thoughts and feelings can help make rapid progress in mental health.

summer camps

ER SUMM

dance styles, songs from a vocal teacher, create props and

flag football, soccer, and more—are great for your aspiring

crafts, and have tons of fun!!! Performance at the end of the

athletes; and plenty of others like Camp Chico Creek,

two weeks for family and friends to enjoy. Special camp

Chi-Da-Ca, Summertime Delight, music, mountain biking,

shirts and cast party are all included. Instructors: Melinda

welding, cooking, and dance will make your child’s summer

Buzan & Sheree Henning.

G UI D E

Chico Princess Parties CONTACT: 530-809-1666, chicoprincesspartiesllc.com

July Summer Camps

AGES: 3-5 & 6-12

CONTACT: 894-2227, www.ChicoCheerAllStars.com

COST: $100-$125

AGES: 5-18

DATES: Held weekly, please see website

COST: Camp $125-150/each, $25 for extra care 8 – 10 AM

Frozen 2 Camp: Journey into the unknown as we embark

&/OR 2-4:30 PM

on our quest of the elements. Each camper will get to adopt

DATES: See below

a snowy woodland creature and will learn how to take care

CAMP INFO: All camps run 10 AM-2 PM with a minimum

of their animal. Camp will revolve around all the different

of a half-hour lunch break. Please wear shorts and a tank

characters with lots of singing and dancing!

top or tee with flexible tennis shoes and bring a sack lunch.

Avengers Training Academy: The Avengers are looking

Extra care available in the morning and evening. Please

to expand and need heroes to protect the world. For one

register & pay on our “Parent Portal.”

week only, these heroes will prepare students for the

Beginners Cheer Camp: July 6-9

responsibilities of being a superhero. Each day will be

DESCRIPTION: If your athlete loves to cheer and tumble,

focused around a specific Avenger and their abilities. Young

then this is the camp for them! Athletes will learn basic

agents will learn archery, nerf weapon creation, stark

cheerleading and a special dance to perform on the final

technology, costume creation, and self-defense.

day!

Unicorn Glitter Camp: Celebrate the magic of

BEGINNING Tumbling Camp: July 13-16

unicorns! The camp will feature lots of sparkly crafts,

DESCRIPTION: If your child loves to tumble, this is the

singing, dancing, and make-believe! Let your little one’s

perfect camp to help them succeed. This week’s camp is for

imagination fly as they create their own unicorns to name,

our entry-level tumblers working on Level 1 (Cartwheels,

take care of and play with for years to come.

Round offs, Walkovers) and Level 2 (Handspring and

Star Wars: Mission to Space: In a camp, far far away,

Round off Handsprings). THIS IS OUR MOST POPULAR

Jedi masters await young padawan campers who are eager

CAMP AND FILLS UP FAST.

to learn the ways of the force. These young Jedi’s will

ADVANCED Tumbling Camp: July 20-23

partake in all the ancient traditions of Star Wars. Podracing,

DESCRIPTION: If your child loves to tumble and

epic lightsaber battles, Yoda English, and Jedi coding will

has experience, this is the perfect camp for them! The

prepare the campers to take on the dark side.

having a lot of fun.

requirement for “Advanced Tumbling Camp” is a Round

Hogwarts: Camp of Wizardry: The ministry of magic

Off Tuck without assistance or “spotting” on a spring

is pleased to offer this camp for aspiring wizards. Young

Camp Pendola

floor. This week’s camp is for our advanced level tumblers

wizards will take classes in the following studies: Potions,

working on Level 3 (Tucks, Punch fronts, multiple

Care of Magical Creatures, History of Hogwarts, and

handsprings) and Level 4/5 (Layouts & Fulls). Special guest

Defense against the Dark Arts. Extracurricular activities

“Brandon Bliss” will be instructing the second day of camp!

will include quidditch.

June 21–26: Week 2–Girls Just Want to Have Fun–Girls

Chico Creek Dance Centre

Camp Quest West

June 28–July 3: Week 3 – Party in the USA

CONTACT: 530-893-9028,

CONTACT: 530-514-4884, www.campquestwest.org

July 5–10: Week 4 – Mission ImPossible

juliechicocreekdance@gmail.com

AGES: 8-17

July 12–17: Week 5 – Teen Week – Invaders of the Night

Show Kids Dance Camp- “Broadway Babes”

COST: $669 per week

July 19–24: Week 6 – Christmas in July

AGES: 4-7 (must be potty trained and fully independent in

DATES: 6/28-7/4 and 7/5-7/11

July 26–31: Week 7 – Survivor Challenge

the restroom)

DESCRIPTION: Camp Quest West provides a week-

August 2–7: Week 8 – Weird Science

COST: $250

long sleep away educational adventure for campers ages

DESCRIPTION: Camp Pendola has a 60-year history.

DATES: June15-19, June 22-26

8-17 shaped by fun, friends, and freethought. Our camp

Children of previous campers enjoy the same activities their

DESCRIPTION: This 2-week camp will provide your child

features science, natural wonder, and humanist values such

parents and grandparents enjoyed. While discovering the

with an experience in the wonderful world of dance and

as empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and community.

beauty of creation, campers form relationships with others

theatre. We will explore current Broadway musicals that are

Activities include hiking, swimming, archery, canoeing,

and God. There are many opportunities for your camper to

popular with children and adults. Campers will learn several

team games, group activities, skits, arts and crafts, making

experience Camp Pendola during our eight themed weeks.

dance styles, songs from a vocal teacher, create props and

lifelong friendships, and more! NorCal sessions are hosted

The camp is not just for younger campers; teen campers can

crafts, and have tons of fun!!! Performance at the end of the

at Camp Ross Relles near Nevada City.

enjoy our many trips, leadership programs, and our Teen

two weeks for family and friends to enjoy. Special camp

Week.

shirts and cast party are all included. Instructors: Melinda

Feather River Center

Buzan & Sheree Henning.

Aquatic Summer Camps

Show Kids Dance Camp- “Broadway Bound”

CONTACT: www.forebayaquaticcenter.com, 530-774-7934

CARD Summer Camps

AGES: 8-11

AGES: 7-12

CONTACT: 530-895-4711, www.ChicoRec.com

COST: $250

COST: $175 half day, $325 full day

AGES: 3 and up

DATES: June 15-19, June 22-26

DATES: Week long sessions start June 8th and end August

COST: Varies, see website

DESCRIPTION: This 2-week camp will provide your child

10th

DATES: Vary, June 8-Aug 13, see website

with an experience in the wonderful world of dance and

DESCRIPTION: Our Summer Aquatic Camp is BIG

20

20

Azad’s Martial Arts

DESCRIPTION: Keep Your Child Active & Engaged with Chico Summer Camps at Azad’s Martial Arts! Don’t let your child slip into the habits of inactivity this summer. Join us at Azad’s and treat your child to the fun, challenging, and exciting world of Jongshindo! We’re proud to work

www.growingupchico.com

popular with children and adults. Campers will learn several

to the youngest kiddos. Various sports camps—baseball,

Chico Cheer All Stars, Inc,

AZAD (2923), 530-896-0777

with students of all ages across our community, building skills like discipline, respect, courage, plus lifelong habits of physical fitness and mindful actions. Our in-person or Live Online Summer Camps in Chico include Martial arts training for all experience levels, indoor and outdoor activities, self-defense instructions and supervised games & drills, team-building exercises, and challenges. Azad’s Summer Camps will stimulate your child’s mind and help them develop essential tools to succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Azad’s online training, your child can overcome anything life throws their way while

CONTACT: www.pendola.org, 916-733-0135 AGES: 6-17 years old COST: $625 per week DATES: June 14–19: Week 1 – Fun in the Sun

growing up chico magazine

theatre. We will explore current Broadway musicals that are

covers all ages and interests. Several toddler camps cater

engaging and memorable.

CONTACT: www.AzadsMartialArts.com or call 530-892-

24

DESCRIPTION: CARD’s massive list of 40+ camps

Chico Area Recreation and Park District

FUN with daily paddling adventures on kayaks, stand up

appropriate music and movement for children. Breaks included.

DATES: Held weekly from June 15th – August 6th

paddleboards, pedal boats, nature hikes while learning boating

Bring a snack! Final day showcase for parents at 11:30 AM!

DESCRIPTION: See website for times and days each camp

and water safety. Our counselors are lifeguard-certified and

Frozen in the Summer: Join your favorite characters in our

is offered.

ready to give your kids the time of their lives on the water

most popular camp for younger dancers! Dancers will learn

JoJo Siwa Hip Hop Diva - Hop on into this camp and live

and on the shore. Camps run 8:30-12:30 or 8:30-4:30, include

ballet and lyrical styles of dance, and are welcome to dress in

your Sweet Life. Set to JoJo’s fun, upbeat music, we’ll learn

PFD’s and instruction, and use a variety of watercraft. Register

their favorite Frozen attire! Each day includes an hour ballet,

Hip Hop, and Jazz moves sure to make you smile.

online.

½ hour snack/craft/color time, ½ hour storytime, an hour of

FantasyLand Dance Camp - Unicorns, Mermaids, Fairies,

learning a dance. Please bring a snack! Each camp includes

Dragons, and more! Hear the stories and become the legends

final day Frozen Princess Parade inside the studio at 11:30AM

as we immerse ourselves into FantasyLand. Dancing, stories,

for all friends and family to see!

crafts, games, and dress-up will make their dreams come true.

VIRTUAL CAMPS

FORTNITE Dance Camp - Get away from the video game

AGES: 4-6, 7-9

and start moving! Wanna learn FORTNITE and other popular

COST: $55.00

dance trends? In this fun-filled camp, we will do games,

Trolls Virtual Dance Camp!

crafts, and of course, dance.

DATES: June 1-4, 10:00 – 11:00 AM daily

Pokémon - Learn to become a Pokémon trainer. Trade cards,

DESCRIPTION: Get ready to have some fun with the exciting

play the game, and get up and move to some Pokémon music.

music from Trolls! This virtual dance camp includes 45 minutes

FORTNITE/Pokémon Combo - Enroll for both camps and

of hip-hop dance (broken into two 20-min sections) and 15

stay for lunch!

minutes of fun arts and crafts, all with our instructors online

Fairy Tale Princess & Tea Party Camp - Let the classic

via Zoom! All dancers will receive a complimentary CRAFT

stories of Beauty and The Beast, Cinderella, and others

KIT to take home and will be available for pickup on Thurs,

inspire you to move your feet to an enchanting beat! Each

May 28, at HYPE Dance Studio. Online craft kits will also

day will include a pre-ballet foundations class, a snack fit

be available for those that aren’t able to pick one up! We are

for a princess, storytime, crafts, and dances celebrating the

excited to hold this brand new virtual camp and dance with you

themes of the day.

to the Trolls music!

Frozen Friends Adventure - In our Frozen world, the Ice

Frozen In The Summer Virtual Camp!

Princesses have lots of winter wonderland friends. Come

DATES: June 8-11, 10:00 – 11:00 AM daily

learn about the animals and people that live there. We’ll

DESCRIPTION: Calling all Princesses! Join your favorite

dance, craft, hear stories, and make friends as we explore this

characters in our most popular camp for younger dancers...

magical world. Transform yourself into an Ice Princess and

VIRTUAL STYLE! Dancers will learn ballet and lyrical styles

dance the day away.

Govan Ranch Everything Horse!

CONTACT: Marianne Govan 530-828-9547 call or text /or email: the govanranch@att.net AGES: 6-9 and 10 + and up COST: Day camps range from $65-$85/day with multiple day packages available. We can customize a camp for your group.

Birthday parties and other small events on availability. Just ask!

DATES: Due to COVID 19, Summer Camp dates will be released as soon as possible. Please call, text, or email to inquire and be added to our contact list. We also have camps and private lessons for all ages throughout the year.

DESCRIPTION: Come ride and play with us! We teach the fundamentals of horsemanship and riding for beginners and up. Our camps and lessons are for kids who love horses and want to learn! We provide a safe, fun family atmosphere. Our small groups of 6-8 kids per camp are provided with individual helpers, so each student can learn safely at his or her skill and comfort level. Sample day schedule: Meet & greet, assign horses, grooming, and tacking up and riding daily. Fun and games, both on and off the horse, horse-related activities, and snack breaks. Some camps include lunch and a swim after horses are put away.

of dance, and are welcome to dress in their favorite Frozen

HYPE Dance Studio

craft and storytime, and fun dance activities. All dancers will

attire! Each day includes an hour ballet/lyrical, ½ hour for

NorCal Football Camps OL/DL Camp, QB/WR Camp, Youth Football Camp

receive a complimentary CRAFT KIT to take home and will be

CONTACT: 570-6935, www.butte.edu/

available for pickup on Thurs, June 4, at HYPE Dance Studio.

AGES: July 8-10 & July 15-17

Online craft kits will also be available for those that aren’t able

COST: $100 per camp

to pick one up! We are excited to hold this brand new virtual

DESCRIPTION: All camps are run by the Butte College

camp and take this Frozen adventure with you!

Football Staff. Great for beginners who are just learning

MORE VIRTUAL CAMPS ARE BEING ADDED

the game of Football or experienced players who want to

DAILY! PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.

continue to build on their current skillset and knowledge.

HYPEDANCESTUDIO.COM FOR NEW CLASS SESSIONS

Camps run from 9AM to 1PM at the Butte College Practice

AND UPDATES!

Field.

dances, and fun with bubbles! Please bring a snack. Camp

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences

Notre Dame Preschool

includes final day Mermaid Parade inside the studio at 11:30

Musical Theater Dance

CONTACT: Shelly Brown, 530-487-7330

AM for all friends and family to see!

CONTACT: 530-895-4711, www.ChicoRec.com

AGES: 2 and 1/2-6 years

Slumber Party Camp: Get ready to enjoy some sleepover

AGES: 7th – 10th grades

COST: $452 per month 3 hours daily/5 days a week (Fewer

fun and activities with your besties! Dancers are welcome to

COST: $150

days per week are a possible option, please ask)

dress in their favorite, comfortable PJ’s! Each day includes an

DATES: 6/15-6/18 & 6/22-6/25

DATES: When we reopen to August 12th.

hour jazz dance, ½ hour snack/craft/color time, ½ hour creative

DESCRIPTION: Do you love to dance? Do you love musicals?

DESCRIPTION: We offer summer enrichment activities for

time for painting nails and making pillowcases, and an hour of

Get moving in this four day, open-level musical theater dance

TK and Kinder children entering first grade. We do lots of

choreography. Please bring a snack! Camp includes final day

class. You will have the opportunity to improve your dance

water activities as well!

showcase at 11:30 AM for all friends and family to see!

technique, expand your knowledge of musical theater dance,

JoJo’s Dance Party: You’re invited to the most exciting party

and hone your performance skills. The first half of each

of the summer...the JoJo Siwa Dance Party! Dancers will learn

day will be spent on jazz dance warm ups, center work, and

jazz and hip-hop routines to the fun music of JoJo Siwa! Get

progressions; the second half will be spent learning real musical

AGES: 5-11

ready for a sassy week of dance, where everyone will get their

theater choreography from shows like Newsies, Hairspray, West

COST: See website for new, (deeply discounted) virtual price

very own JoJo Bow to keep! Activities include an hour of jazz

Side Story, Annie, and more! Wear comfortable clothing that

DATES: July 6-30 Mon- Thurs

technique and hip-hop class, ½ hour snack/craft time, ½ hour

allows full range of motion (no jeans), and bring a filled water

DESCRIPTION: We are retooling our program with Zoom

obstacle courses to fun music, an hour of choreography. Bring a

bottle. Instructor: Sarah Shoemaker. Inspire School of Arts and

presentations followed by easy activities to delight and

snack! Final day showcase for parents at 11:30 AM!

Sciences, 335 W. Sacramento Ave., Dance Studio Room IC-26.

astound with minimal parent support! Every day of camp will

IN-PERSON CAMPS CONTACT: 898-8789, www.hypedancestudio.com AGES: 3-12, see website COST: $120-$145 DATES: Held weekly Under the Sea Camp: Calling all mermaids! Get ready to have a fun-filled week UNDER the SEA with all your friends and dancing mermaids! Dancers are welcome to dress in their favorite attire. Each day includes an hour ballet, ½ hour snack/ craft/color time, ½ hour storytime, an hour of learning new

Hip Hop Camp: Our most popular camp,8 years running!

Learn the latest hip-hop moves with great music kids love!

Each day will include 2 hours of hip-hop instruction, including

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology Anthropology Camp

be a new adventure with a guided interactive conversation, an

Kinetics Academy of Dance

occasional international guest, a storytime, or an experiment

CONTACT: 530-345-2505, KineticsAcademyofDance.com

to see and follow along at home. Together we will appreciate

warm-up, tricks and skills, rhythm and musicality, and

AGES: 4-9 and 4-12

the world around us. Plus, easy, hands-on activities to

choreography. 1 hour of freestyle and creative dance. Clean and

COST: $109-$229

download.

summer fun

WINNERS Green Egg and Ham Bites Josiah, age 6

Makes about 16 servings

Ingredients: 15 eggs 1/3 cup of milk 2 big handfuls of shredded spinach 3 pieces of diced deli ham 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese Large pinch of salt and pepper

Super Healthy Banana Bread

26 growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

Sofia, age 10

Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup honey 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce 2 eggs 4 ripe mashed bananas Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Use a blender or food processor to grind the oats into oat flour.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk all dry ingredients together (oats, baking powder, salt) 4. In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey, unsweetened apple sauce, and eggs.

5. Slowly, combine the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture and gently stir until completely mixed.

6. Pour the batter into a loaf pan with parchment paper and some nonstick spray. Bake for 50 minutes.

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease a rimmed 12x17 sheet pan. Add a piece of parchment paper and add more cooking spray.

3. Blend all ingredients in a blender or whisk together.

4. Pour all ingredients onto the greased sheet pan.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the eggs are set.

6. Allow to cool and set for 5 minutes.

7. Cut into square slices and serve!

Kids 14 and under are encouraged to send in their own healthy recipes.

Winning recipes will be featured in our next issue and winners will be awarded a $25 gift card!

DEADLINE: JUNE 15TH Send recipe & photo of prepared recipe to: marne@growingupchico.com.

Growing Up Chico is excited to announce our NEW Win It Wednesday promotion! Every month, we will have a giveaway from one of the local businesses featured on this page. To enter to win, simply go to www.growingupchico. com/giveaways. The winners will be picked randomly on the 4th Wednesday of each month. You can enter to win the first giveaway anytime between May 15th - June 24th by 12 pm, and we will email the winner later that day. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for reminders and information on upcoming giveaways.

Enter to Win a $50 Gift Certificate to the Forebay Aquatic Center!

Our Mission is to promote education, recreation, boating and water safety, competitive water sports, and tourism in and beyond the Feather River Watershed. Rentals include: Single Kayaks, Tandem Kayaks, Sit-In Kayaks, Canoes, HydroBikes, Pedal Boats, Stand-Up Paddle Boards. Season passes are also available! See website for more details.

930 Garden Drive, Oroville 530-570-2866, www.forebayaquaticcenter.com

Enter to win a one-month family membership to In Motion Fitness!

In Motion Fitness is a five-acre resort of pools and palm trees nestled in a luxurious Mediterranean resort setting. We offer northern California’s largest selection of group exercise classes, fitness equipment, and aquatic facilities. We invite you to experience the World-Class facilities, services, and programs that have made In Motion Fitness a nationally acclaimed fitness facility.

1293 East 1st Avenue, Chico 530-343-5678, www.inmotionfitness.com

summer fun

Kept at Home?

Keep Your Kids Busy... and Maintain Your Sanity!

By Kerrie McLoughlin

28 growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

A

s plans are canceled daily due to the COVID-19 virus, we are all feeling a little disoriented. I genuinely believe that boredom can be a gift for our kids because it forces them to get creative (and get along!).

It never hurts to put a few fun suggestions in front of them to get them started, so some of the following ideas kids can do on their own and some you will want to join in.

1. Lego Masters. Break out the Legos because kids of all ages can get in on this one. Start by taking turns tossing out ideas for things to build (if you are stuck, there are some great ideas for printable cards online). For example, you might tell the kids to make a refrigerator; then, everyone tries their best to build that. Everyone’s creation will be different, so it’s not really a competition, but it’s fun seeing what everyone makes! Then pop some popcorn and turn on Lego Masters (Hulu).

2. Art show. Kids love to draw and color! I have tons of artwork on my fridge, but how about REALLY showcasing their special artwork of the day? All you need is a long piece of thin rope or yarn hung from one end of a room to another. Then hang finished pictures using clothespins, pretend you are having a grand gala opening, serve some snacks, and you have an art show! (Bonus activity: get some canvases, paint, and a variety of paintbrushes, and you

have art to hang on your wall that can be switched out with other pieces they’ve created.)

3. Restaurant. I loooove when my kids play restaurant because I get to be the diner sitting at the table reading my book while they serve me different foods and drinks! They get to play waiters, hostesses, managers, and cooks (depending on age and what they are making, of course, but what an excellent opportunity to do some cooking and/or baking with them as well!).

4. Play-dough. This one only takes a few minutes of your help, and then the kids are off on their own, creating for hours. You could always just buy the stuff, but here’s a simple recipe, as well. Pair with a rolling pin and cookies cutters for even more fun!

1 cup flour ½ cup of salt 1 cup of water 1 T. oil 2 t. cream of tartar Food coloring Mix all ingredients except food coloring on low heat in a pan.

Once the consistency is of playdough, take the pan off the heat, let cool, then add food coloring a few drops at a time. Knead until the color is all mixed. Grab some cookie cutters and other kitchen items and let the fun begin! Store in air-tight containers or baggies.

5. Write and illustrate a story.

Kids are full of stories, but some

aren’t old enough to write them down. That’s where you come in! Have each kid tell you a story that’s been running around in their mind, and you can either write it out or type it. Then have your child illustrate it! If you’re creating the story on the computer, you can go to free photo sites like Pixabay to grab images for the story!

6. Scavenger hunt. Take out a piece of paper and write down different items in the house on it (if you have two teams doing the scavenging, write the same things down on another piece of paper). Ideas include a winter glove, a cotton swab, a doll shoe, a pie pan, etc. Now send the teams off, and whoever gets back with the most items from the list first wins a prize.

7. Board or other games. There are so many to choose from it’s insane! Depending on the ages of the kids and how much time you have, great games include Clue, Bananagrams, Tenzi, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Apples to Apples, Ticket to Ride, and so many more!

8. Play with your food. Break out the mini marshmallows and spaghetti noodles and have the kids construct creations like houses, bridges, towers, and more! If you have rice around (and you should right now!), put a bag into a large baking pan and let the kids play around in it on the kitchen floor. Excess can be vacuumed up, and the rest can be put into a bag to play with later.

9. Perler beads. You may know them as those things that go crunch when you vacuum, but kids recognize them as hours of fun! Using flat, plastic shapes with spikes, kids can create all sorts of things by placing Perler beads in different patterns.

You can turn creations into necklaces, magnets, cool things to put inside school binders!

Once the beads are in place, you’ll need to place parchment paper over them and iron on low until the beads melt together.

Flip it over and do the other side, then they are stuck together and ready to go!

10. Salon. This is another one of my favorites because I usually can get a 5-minute back or neck massage while playing this. It’s also a blast to have the kids do my makeup, wipe it all off and start again. Then I get to do their makeup or, for my boys, tattoos on their arms using washable markers. Then it’s time for a bubble bath for the kids to wash off makeup (and germs — for the parenting win!).

11. Marco Polo. No, I’m not talking about the swimming pool game! I’m talking about the smartphone app that lets you leave video messages for friends and family. Depending on the age of your child, let them make all the video messages they want for their friends, and especially for grandparents! My dad and grandma love to see what we’re up to each day indoors and in our backyard.

Check out these fun Do It Yourself Kits offered from local businesses. It is a great way to support our local businesses and a fun way to keep the kids entertained.

Look them up online, or give them a call to find out all they have to offer!

Art

directories

• • •

A Girl & Her Farm BareFeet Creations Board & Brush

Educational • •

Sunny Garden Montessori Thrive Home School Program

Toys • •

Apple Blossom Baby Chico Princess Parties

Yummy Food Treats • • • • •

Capay’s Harvest County Morning Bakery Denine’s Cupcakes Fresh Cove Shuberts

Pr e sc h o o l & C hildc are D irecto ry Center

Ages

Hours

Curriculum

Contact

Creative Outlets In-Home Preschool

2-6 years

8:30am-1:30pm Monday-Thursday

892-8069 funnyfaces@digitalpath.net www.facebook.com/creativeoutlets

D L T S

Kids Park

2-12 years

Drop in childcare, affordable hourly rates. The preschool curriculum is offered from 9:00am-11:30am. The 4 and 5 year old class is held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and The 2 and 3 year old class is held on Tuesday/Thursday.

2477 Forest Ave. 894-6800 www.kidspark.com

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

M-Th: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am12midnight, Sat: 10am-12am, Sun:1pm-6pm

Creative Outlets offers a true preschool experience with the benefits of a loving, in-home setting. The owner has 20 years of experience and a degree in child development.

The program focuses on teaching kinder readiness and is tailored to the needs of each student. It incorporates Math, Science & Pre-Reading, utilizing Zoo Phonics, cooking & gardening. Children learn through play, music & art, while providing a safe & exciting place to learn & grow.

Exploration/personal growth on an individual basis is encouraged. Nutritional snack & lunch provided.

Little Wonders

4-5 years

Little Sprouts Preschool offers: organic gardening and recycling. The Kindergarten readiness program has Zoo Phonics, daily circle time and enrichment activities.

Nutritious snacks and lunch included.

15 Overland Ct. 345-0123 littlesproutspreschool1@gmail.com

D L A S Y

Nature School

3-5 years

9am - 1pm, runs in 6 week sessions on Tues, Weds, and Thursday, each day is a separate registration

A first learning experience in nature with crafts, songs, games, animal visits and guided exploration of Bidwell Park.

Chico Creek Nature Center 1968 E 8th Street 530-891-4671 x27 www.chicorec.com/preschools

7:30am – 6pm Monday – Friday

Half Days & Full Days Available Preschool & Daycare Available

9am - 11am, Tuesday & Thursday from September-May with monthly registration

Get your “Little Wonder” ready for Kindergarten by making learning fun and adventurous!

500 Orient St. (530) 487-7330 preschool@ndschico.org www.ndschico.org/preschool

30 growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

License # 045405971

License # 045404701, 045404702

License # 045405784

Notre Dame Preschool 2.5 License #045407128

years & up

Tiny Tots

3-4 years

7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

8am - 12:30pm, Monday-Thursday, Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday option. Runs September-May with monthly registration

Get your “Little Wonder” ready for Kindergarten by making learning fun and adventurous!

Dorothy Johnson Center 775 East 16th St. In the Little Wonders Room (530) 895-4711 www.chicorec.com/preschools

Dorothy Johnson Center 775 East 16th St. In the Little Wonders Room www.chicorec.com/preschools

D-Diapers L-Lunch P-Parent participation T-Traditional school year A-After-school program S-Summer program Y-Year round program

D L Y S

T S A

Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory

Allstate, Kevin Baker: pg 16 Apple Blossom Baby: pg 31 Azad’s Martial Arts Center: pg 15 Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley: pg 12 Butte County WIC: pg 19 Camp Pendola: pg 16 Camp Quest West: pg 24 Chico Area Recreation and Park District: pg 7, 30 Chico Cheer Allstars: pg 24 Chico Creek Dance Centre: pg 5 Chico Princess Parties: pg 21 Chico Unified School District: pg 9 Children’s Choice Dental Care: pg 32 DeAnna Holman-ARBONNE: pg 2 Downtown Chico Business Association: pg 12 Forebay Aquatic Center: pg 6 Forest Ranch Charter School: pg 6 Funny Faces Chico:

pg 19 Govan Ranch: pg 16 Happy Campers: pg 17 Help Me Grow Butte County: pg 3 HYPE Dance Studio: pg 12

In Motion Fitness: pg 2 Inspire School of Arts & Sciences: pg 19 Instant Nails: pg 21 Joy Book, Norwex: pg 19 Kids Park: pg 5, 30 Kinetics Academy of Dance: pg 16 Lake View Charter: pg 5 Little Sprouts Preschool:

pg 12, 30 My Chico Dentist: pg 3 North State Ballet: pg 16 Northern Valley Indian Health: pg 27 Notre Dame Preschool: pg 15, 30 Notre Dame School: pg 15 Oak Bridge Academy: pg 20 Sherwood Montessori: pg 19 Small Town Girl Photography: pg 21 Spun: pg 31 Suk Young Ahn DDS: pg 19 Thistle and Stitch:

pg 15 Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology: pg 5 Vision Training Center: pg 6 Youthful Smiles Dentistry: pg 20