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Schedule an appointment for a Relationship Review today! https://go.freedomfirst.com/ffcu-relationship-review

Publishers Note

It’s finally spring —one of our favorite times of the year here in the Roanoke Valley! Roanoke is filled with amazing outdoor activities in the spring. One of our favorite activites to enjoy as a family is the Roanoke River Greenway. Get out your bikes and enjoy a springtime ride through the heart of Roanoke, and maybe stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream along the way if it’s hot enough.

What you hold in your hands marks our tenth annual camp issue. It’s so hard to believe that we’ve compiled this great list of camps for our readers ten times already, but it’s true, and the list gets better every year. Flip through the pages to learn about what camp offerings are out there for your child this year.

We also have an article on two of our favorite camps this year, Alta Mons Summer Camp and STEAM Discovery Academy, a new addition to Roanoke!

We are hoping that with this warmer weather and the beginning of Spring that the two yar strugggle with Covid is winding down and that all of our summer days are filled with fun, friends and a little less worry.

Stay safe!

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

Publishers

Josh & Andrea Eagan

josh@virginiafamily.com • Anika and Evelyn’s Parents

Creative Director

Tracy Fisher tracy@virginiafamily.com • Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom

Sales Assistants

Ani & Evie Eagan sales@virginiafamily.com • Bauer and Chloe’s Owners

Webmaster

John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Contributors

Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober

Susan Baldani • Georgianne Vecellio Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon • Grace Partin

We welcome reader comments, submissions, and the support of advertisers.

We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us as we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials.

Roanoke Valley Family and www.roanoke.family are published by MoFat Publishing. Roanoke Valley Family is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Roanoke Valley Family, its staff, or its contributors. While multiple businesses, schools, and organizations are represented in our pages, and magazines are often distributed to students according to the policies and procedures of each school district, this is not a publication coordinated or endorsed by any public or private school district, nor is it a publication with any religious or political objectives. As a mass media outlet, it is our oath and responsibility to communicate with due diligence, through our content, the plurality of views and opinions reflected in our audience of Central and Southwest Virginia. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify information with programs and businesses directly. Parents are urged to thoroughly research any decisions involving their children. Copyright 2019 by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorials, may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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newest member of our family, McFly.

Inside March

8 News in the ‘Noke

8 Go. Play! See.

Roanoke Valley’s Family Event Calendar

18 Summer Camp Guide

From arts, sports, traditional to technology- we have the summer camp information for any kind of adventure you are looking for!

34 STEAM Discovery Academy

New to Roanoke, This Charlottesville based camp is offering some amazing STEAM Camps this summer!

36 Alta Mons Summer Camp

Read all about how to get ready for camp courtesy of Alta Mons Summer Camp.

40 Rachel Reads

The focus of this month’s books blooms every year at this time!

Featured Summer Camps

44 Rainbow Xylophone

The Science Museum of Western Virginia shares this muscial experiment that your kids will love!

38 Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Get some tips on how to clean up your finances this spring from Freedom First Credit Union!

Toy Rotation

Reduce Toy Clutter in Six Easy Steps

By Sarah Lyons

Toy clutter, it’s a problem all parents face. From the toddler years when blocks, push toys, and board books seem to be scattered down the hallway to the school age years where kids collect tiny Legos, matchbox cars, and Barbie dolls, clutter remains an ongoing issue. A toy rotation is one way to fight this problem.

Step 1: Gather

In the main play area, gather all the toys to the center of the room. You are making a bigger mess at first, but this will help you get organized in the long run. “It may be best to start this process when the kids are in bed or out of the house.” says Colorado Springs mom, Kara Thomas. The process may go quicker and smoother sans children. However if that isn’t an option, get the kids involved and have them help bring toys to the center of the room.

Step 2: Reduce

Go through the pile you have gathered and throw away broken toys and items that have missing pieces. Take out any toys that are no longer age appropriate. Lastly, pick out toys that the children don’t play with. Jill Miller, Cedar Rapids, Iowa mom of two, says “We purge things every year for the annual neighborhood garage sale. It also gives us a little cash boost.” If your family is not up for the work that goes into selling items, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them along to a friend.

Step 3: Sort

Once you have reduced the amount of toys, you should be left with age appropriate toys that your children enjoy. Now divide toys into three categories: thinking toys (puzzles, board games, shape sorters), pretend play (play food, dolls, blocks), and toys that encourage gross motor play (balls, push toys, cars). When you have the items sorted, there should be three piles, one for each category.

Step 4: Divide

Divide toys into three to four groups. Each group should have equal amounts of toys from the categories of thinking toys, pretend play, and gross motor toys. Place each group of toys into a large box and label it. Plastic tubs work well and can double as a toy box.

Step 5: Store

Once the toys are sorted and separated into three to four boxes, keep one out and put the remaining boxes in storage. Make sure you have easy access to the stored boxes so you can rotate them frequently.

Step 6: Rotate

Decide how long to keep a box out for play. Some families switch weekly, while some switch every two to three weeks, and some may switch every month or longer. Choose a time that works for your family. When each box is out, take note of what toys are most popular and which items get ignored. As you are packing up the box, remove the items that didn’t get played with and donate or sell them.

By implementing a toy rotation system, you will be able to cut down on toy clutter in your living space because threefourths of the toys will be in storage at any given time. In addition to a tidier home, there will also be less mess for kids to clean up and a better chance for all toys to be utilized.

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children and knows a lot about toy clutter. She writes from her home in suburban Kansas City.

Reduce Toy Clutter

Participate in garage sales or consignment sales “We sell toys they are done playing with.” says Olathe KS mom of five, Deanna Brown.’

Pass them along to a friend or a family in need. Donate to a local charity.

Give them to the church nursery or a preschool - many times an area church or preschool may be in need of used toys in good condition for their classrooms.

Take them to grandma’s house - now the kids will have something to play with when they visit.

Try the Konmari Method using the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. “I’m using Konmari Method on the toys and asking ‘Does this bring my kids joy or me joy?’ If not then I’m getting rid of it.”says Kassie, mom of three.

Throw out the “junk”. Get rid of cheap toys from fast food kid’s meals and carnivals. These toys rarely offer many hours of play time and often break easily.

Learn for yourself why people who send their children here say that North Cross

• overall educational experience for your child.

• college preparatory curriculum and services.

• Junior Kindergarten program.

• remediation program for students with diagnosed learning differences.

• COVID-19 mitigation programs.

Monday, March 14

Capoeira Fun with Roanoke Capoeira

4:30-5:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Jackson Park Branch, Roanoke

When: Monday, March 14, 2022 - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Where: Belmont Branch Library at Large Meeting Room Bring some comfy gear and bring your teens for Capoeira fun with Roanoke Capoeira!

Tuesday, March 15

M&M Mosaic Craft

3-4 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke

When: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room Join us for an editable M&M mosaic craft. For more information contact us at (540)853-2340.

Wednesday, March 16

Children’s Dance and Movement classes Ongoing Event | 16 West Marketplace, Roanoke

Dance and Kids Yoga classes! Kinderdance Class for children ages 3-5, Kindertots dance class for children starting at age 2 Kids Yoga movement class, non religious, fun, mindfulness, age appropriate Ages 6-10

Kids’ Farmers Market

3:30-4:30 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke

When: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room Pick up some fruits and veggies from our Kid’s Farmer’s Market. Ages 0-18 can participate.

Thursday, March 17

Night Howls

5:30-7 PM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke

Bundle up and bring your friends to the zoo to hear the wolves howl, the owls hoot and the big cats call! Participants will begin the night indoors enjoying hot cider and cookies while learning about nocturnal animals and the noises they make.

Storytime

10:30-11:30 AM|Ongoing Event | Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke

When: Thursday, March 17, 2022 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Children’s Area Join Toby for a wonderful storytime event. For more information contact us at (540)853-2340.

Friday, March 18

Downtown Food & Cultural Tour

11 AM-2 PM|Ongoing Event | Hotel, Roanoke

One-of-a-Kind Food Tastings This guided walking tour visits six food tasting locations within the colorful and booming downtown Historic District.

Market @ The Museum

12-3 PM|Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke

Saturday, March 19

Big Lick St. Patrick’s Day Party 1-10 PM|Roanoke

Leprechaun Hunt (Ages 3+)

1-2 PM|Explore Park, Roanoke

Lucky the Leprechaun has left his treasure somewhere at Explor e Park. Gather the clues he has left behind to navigate your way to the f ield where the treasure sits. Lucky is a very clever leprechaun and the c lues will not be easy.

Paint Your Pet Home Kits

10 AM-5 PM|Ongoing Event | Taubman Museum, Roanoke

10:00am - 5:00pm Register Now Those big, sweet eyes. Those lovable, furry paws. A long, swishy tail that instantly wags when you enter the room. You have the best pet in the world, don’t you?

Thursday, March 24

Harlem Globetrotters

7 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke

Friday, March 25

50th Anniversary It’s All About Living SPRING Home Show 2022

2-6 PM|Salem Stadium, Salem

This is the longest running home show in and around the Roanoke Valley!

Friday, March 25th 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Saturday, March 26th 10:00 am -5:00 pm Sunday, March 27th 12:00

Saturday, March 26

Spring Fling

11 AM-4 PM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke

Spring is in the air! Come up to Mill Mountain Zoo to celebrate the beginning of spring with activities related to gardening, birding and other fun things to get you thinking about springtime!

Spring Skate

2-7 PM|Wasena Park and Greenway, Roanoke

Free skating events. http://www.roanokeva.gov/calendar. aspx?E ID=6453

Saturday, April 2

Freekbass

12 PM|5 Points Music Sanctuary, Roanoke

Intro to Wild Caving

8 AM-5 PM|Public Works Service Center, Roanoke

Little Tykes Sports Sampler (Ages 3-5)

10:30-11:30 AM|Ongoing Event | Green Ridge Recreation Center, Roanoke

Let’s play ball! The Little Tykes Sports Sampler program focu ses on developing good players and good sportsmanship. Kids have a chance to learn the fundamentals of soccer & basketball through passing, dribb ling, shooting and fun skill drills.

Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k

9 AM|Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k, Roanoke

Description: Voted as the most loved Mountain Junkies race for the past 2 years (it was voted most hated too). This is a great race on a tough mountain and perfect training for the week before the Blue Ridge Marathon. Wednesday, April 6

Lights, Camera, Classics!

7-8:30 PM|Grandin Theatre, Roanoke

Join us for our debut at the Grandin! Maestro Wiley and our RSO chamber group perform music from the Silver Screen in the historic Grandin Theatre. Maestro Wiley and our RSO chamber group perform great music from the Silver Screen.

Friday, April 8

Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats

7:05 PM|Ongoing Event | Haley Toyota Field, Salem

Saturday, April 9

Star City Street Performer Expo

11 AM-7:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke

http://www.roanokeva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=6446

Sunday, April 10

Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats

5:05 PM|Haley Toyota Field, Salem

Star City Street Performer Expo 11 AM-7:30 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke

http://www.roanokeva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=6446

Tuesday, April 12

Mill Mountain Zoo Spring Break Camp

9 AM-3:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke

Each day has a special theme and is chocked full of fun and educational activities. There will be hands-on interactions with animals, guided zoo tours, games, art activities, stories and more.

Wednesday, April 13

Children’s Dance and Movement classes 16 West Marketplace, Roanoke

The Price Is Right Live - Stage Show 7:30 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke

Thursday, April 14

Cats

8 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke

Easter Egg Hunt 6-8 PM|Moyer Complex, Salem

Foster Parent Information Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM|HopeTree Family Services, Salem

Are you interested in providing a safe loving home for a child in foster care? Please join HopeTree Foster Care to learn more about how your family can become a certified foster family.

Friday, April 15

Market @ The Museum

12-3 PM|Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke

Saturday, April 16

Blue Ridge Marathon Roanoke

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its ti tle as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with ove r 7,430 ft. in elevation change, more than any other road marathon in t he U.S.

Little Tykes Sports Sampler (Ages 3-5)

10:30-11:30 AM|Green Ridge Recreation Center, Roanoke

Kids Eat Free

Every Day

• Mama Maria’s

11 AM - 2 PM • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848

• Golden Corral

All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826

IHop

4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations

• Shoney’s

All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

Monday

• Country Cookin’

4 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199

cheap or

• Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult

All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400

• Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464

• El Rio Mexican Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343

• Firehouse Subs All Day • 11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in Blacksburg (540) 961-0371

• The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

Tuesday

• Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074

• Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884

• McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407

• Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991

• Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131

• Pizza Hut

5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834

• Ruby Tuesday

5 PM - Close • 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301

• K&W

All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Hershberger Rd. Roanoke (540) 563-4977

Wednesday

• Dogwood

4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult

106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549

• The Quarter

All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

Thursday

• The Roanoker

4:30 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult

2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

• Jerry’s Family Restaurant

4 PM - Close • 6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

Friday

See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

• Tokyo Express

11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303

• Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal

All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

Sunday

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111

• Local Roots

5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

• T.G.I.Fridays

All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

• Jimmy V’s Restaurant

All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311

• Moe’s Southwestern Grill

All Day • 1 free per paid adult

All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations

• Firehouse Subs

All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471

• Rodeo Grande

All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-206-2296

• Lew’s Restaurant SW

All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

Roanoke Valley Family Magazine publishes these deals for informational purposes only. A Listing here does not guarantee a discount at any of the mentioned restaurants. Promotions often change without notice and we recommend calling the restaurant to confirm any discount before arrival.

4-H CAMP SOUTHWEST VA

retreatatsmithmountainlake.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 9-1 775 Hermitage Road, Wirtz, VA (540) 721-2759

Summer camp at the Skelton 4-H Center provides countless opportunities for learning more about the natural world around us. Days are filled with instructional-based camp classes, unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, and evening programs.

ALTA MONS

altamons.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-17 2842 Crockett Springs Road Shawsville VA (540) 268-2409

Alta Mons is a United Methodist Camp located in Shawsville, VA (right between Salem and Christiansburg). We seek to serve children and youth in grades K-12 through summer day and overnight camps. We utilize the small group model and focus on building relationships-- with God, with each other, and with nature. We do this by spending time together-- at the ropes course, hiking to the falls, around the campfire, and much more! Scholarships are available!

CAMP BETHEL

CampBethelVirginia.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 992-2940

Together with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live together in intentional Christian community, even for only one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, and world. Campers enjoy hundreds of activities in resident camps, day camps, adventure camps, skills camps, and trips led by excellent counselors in a unique “small group camping” style. Trusted by thousands of Virginia families since 1927; safe and healthy in 2022! Our year-round events, fundraisers, and facilities are open to everyone. Learn more at www.CampBethelVirginia.org.

CAMP BLUE RIDGE

campblueridge.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17 529 Old Mill Road, Montebello, VA (540) 466-1583

Camp Blue Ridge offers six different styles of camp to fit your family! We offer everything from aquatic adventure to arts and crafts! We have a Family Summer Camp so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful nature God has given us.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ

bricks4kidz.com/virginia-roanoke-salem

Boys & Girls • All Ages 2009 Electric Road, Suite J, Roanoke, VA (540) 380-2485

CAROLINE FURNACE LUTHERAN CAMP

CarolineFurnace.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-17

2239 Camp Roosevelt Road, Fort Valley, VA (540) 449-0012

We have a place for everyone around the campfire! All are welcome here. You are welcome here. In 2021, Caroline Furnace is offering small group, cohort-based camping each Sunday to Thursday for grades 1-12, plus family retreats each weekend each Thursday to Sunday. A virtual Camp at Home option is offered in two three-week sessions. Overnight camps and family retreats may choose from a wide range of adventure based activities: swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, archery, creekwalking, horseback riding, rock climbing, campfire cooking, and more! For over 60 years, Summer Camp has been a place that supports new experiences, close friendships, limitless fun, and faith made tangible.

CHANCO ON THE JAMES

chanco.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-17

394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881 888-724-2626

Chanco on the James has one of the most successful youth camping programs in Virginia. The camp program has been running continuously since 1968 and is accredited by the American Camping Association. Every year since 2014, Chanco has enjoyed the recognition of being voted number one “Best Summer Camp” by Virginia Living Magazine.

CHATHAM HALL SUMMER PROGRAMS chathamhall.org

Girls Only • Ages 10-16

800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA (434) 432-5605

Our Girls Make it Happen camp encourages girls ages 10-14 to take risks, accept challenges, develop their leadership style, and work both independently and within teams to create strategies and solutions for solving problems.

https://www.chathamhall.org/summer/girls-make-it-happen

CAMP CROSSROADS

crossroadscamp.com/journey

Girls Only • Ages 6-16

2247 Little Piney Road Lowesville Virginia (434) 277-8465

Journey to CrossRoads to enjoy high ropes, swimming, hiking, arts & crafts, games, archery, climbing wall & much more! Join for the day or purchase a family meal and lodging package. Journey is intentionally designed for guests 8-17, but much of it can be adapted for younger children.

CHILDCARE

NETWORK SUMMER CAMP childcarenetwork.com/virginia-roanoke-va-65

Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12

4335 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3459

DIVINE DANCE CENTER

divinedancecenter.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 3+

3513 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-0296

CAMP EAGLE

campeagleva.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

458 Camp Eagle Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 473-3117

A short drive away from Roanoke, VA, Camp Eagle has been ministering to folks of all ages for more than 30 years through summer camps, retreats, and specialized group events. We desire to use the elements of Christian camping to provide fun and fulfillment for the present, hope for the future, and develop strong, impactful leaders who will turn the world upside down.

CAMP FRIENDSHIP

campfriendship.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17

573 Friendship Road, Palmyra, VA (434) 589-8950

Since 1966, Camp Friendship has been providing summer experiences that foster growth, independence, exploration and community in Palmyra, VA, outside of Charlottesville. Campers in Traditional Camp choose from over 35 activities in the areas of fine and performing arts, sports, aquatics, horseback riding, and adventure. Equestrian Camp is a full day of Hunter/Jumper style program for girls who love horses. One and two-week sessions available.

CAMP GREENBRIER

campgreenbrier.com

Boys Only • Ages 7-17

100 Camp Greenbrier Drive, Alderson, WV (304) 445 7168

A traditional summer camp for boys located along the beautiful Greenbrier River in Alderson, West Virginia. Established in 1898, Camp Greenbrier is the oldest privately owned summer camp in the U.S. Campers choose all of their own activities with a staff to camper ratio of 1 to 3. Come Join the Tradition of Fun!!

GEMS - GIRLS EMPOWERED BY MOUNTAIN SHEPHERD

AllGirlsAreGems.com

Girls Only • Middle & High School

57 Hemlock Ridge Lane, Catawba, VA (434) 238-4094

GEMS Camp gives middle and high school girls empowering opportunities to learn survival skills, explore outdoor experiences like backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing and more. Your daughter will learn about herself while surrounded by supportive peers and positive role models. GEMS come to camp to expand their comfort zones in the outdoors and grow into courageous, confident, compassionate leaders!

GIRL SCOUT SUMMER CAMP

gsvsc.org/en/camp/summer-camps.html

Girls • Ages 5-17

Various camp locations through Roanoke, Salem and NRV (540) 777-5100

Girl Scout Camp is an outdoor program designed to give girls a positive and fun experience in the great outdoors. Under the guidance of trained and enthusiastic leaders, each camp provides age-appropriate activities allowing girls to experience a variety of Girl Scout programs in an outdoor setting. Activities include archery, arts, games, nature study, outdoor cooking, hiking, overnight camp-outs and lots more! Some camps offer swimming, boating and/or high-adventure activities for teen girls. Summer Camp Leadership Training is also offered for girls currently in the 6th grade and above.

Boys & Girls • Ages 14-18 1020 Legacy Drive, Bedford, VA (540) 871-0882

HONEYTREE SUMMER CAMP

honeytreeelc.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

Multiple Locations (540) 344-4543

The Hive Summer Camp at HoneyTree is for students who have completed kindergarten through age 12. A private swim club, plus special interest groups, arts and science projects, field trips, and more keep The Hive buzzing with activities each weekday. With more than 35 years of service to Roanoke Valley families, HoneyTree provides a quality program in a safe, supportive environment. Treat your youngster to one active summer—and yourself to peace of mind—at The Hive.

CAMP HANOVER

camphanover.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-18

3163 Parsleys Mill Road, Mechanicsville, VA (804) 779-2811

Camp Hanover offers outdoorsy, small-group, faith-based camps for elementary, middle, and high school age youth. Camp Hanover is a place where acceptance of and caring for others is the key aspect of the community we build. Activities include Archery, Arts & Crafts, Bible Study, Canoeing, Campfire Cooking, Climbing Wall, CORCLS, Hiking, Outdoor Living Skills, Nature Appreciation, Swimming, Stand Up Paddleboards, The Mudslide, Worship, and more!

CAMP HORIZONS

camphorizonsva.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 9-16

3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA (540) 896-7600

MILL MOUNTAIN THEATRE

millmountain.org/class/ Boys & Girls • Ages 4-17

1 Market Sq SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 540-342-5766

Elementary Theatre Camp: Curious George - June 13-17: This summer, we’re calling all curious, elementary-aged students to come explore stories from the classic Curious George books with us! Students in this camp will learn essential theatre skills, make new friends, play fun games, and explore new worlds with us as we act and play! Plus, students will get to see MMT’s 2022 summer tour of Curious George and the Golden Meatball and get to meet the actors from the cast as part of their camp week! You definitely don’t want to miss this year’s Elementary Theatre Camp!

Pre-K to 2nd Grade Theatre Camp: Inside Out June 24-30: Join us this summer for this exciting, Inside Out-themed camp for Pre-K to 2nd grade students, featuring all your favorite characters from the movie Inside Out! In this week-long camp, students will play games, move their bodies, act out stories, dress up in costumes, create characters, and learn, all through the lens of creative play! If you have a student who is fun, dramatic, or just ready to try something new, then this is the camp for you! Don’t miss out on Inside Out Camp!

Middle & High School Theatre: Acting & Improv - June 20-24: Learn essential acting skills and improvisation techniques in this camp created for students of all experience levels! From skits and short-form improv to scene work, and complete with tons of

demand! If you think you have what it takes to be the brightest witch or wizard of your age, then grab your spellbook and magic wand and join us for this enchanting camp! During the week, students will be immersed in the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s books as they get sorted into houses, compete for the house cup, and learn magical skills through theatre-related games, activities, and creative play. Don’t miss out on this magical summer at Hogwarts - a.k.a. Mill Mountain Theatre! Half-day and full-day sessions are available.

FULL DAY: Harry Potter Camp - June 27-July 1: Back by popular demand! If you think you have what it takes to be the brightest witch or wizard of your age, then grab your spellbook and magic wand and join us for this enchanting camp! During the week, students will be immersed in the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s books as they get sorted into houses, compete for the house cup, and learn magical skills through theatre-related games, activities, and creative play. Don’t miss out on this magical summer at Hogwarts - a.k.a. Mill Mountain Theatre! Full day and half day sessions are available.

Technical Theatre Camp: Behind the Scenes - July 5-8: Have you ever wondered how a play goes from the page to the stage, or wanted to learn more about what happens behind the scenes? Then this technical theatre camp is for you! Whether you have worked backstage before or are completely new to the world of technical theatre, this class will introduce you to all the basic elements of

KIDS SQUARE SUMMER CAMPS

KIDS SQUARE

kidssquare.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 4-6 Market Street, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5777

Chef’s Camp

June 13-16

Under Construction Camp

June 20-23

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead June 27-30

Fizz, Explode and Explore July 11-14

When I Grow Up Camp

July 18-21

July 25-28

MILL MOUNTAIN ZOO mmzoo.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-13

2404 Prospect Rd. SE Roanoke, VA 540-343-3241

Mill Mountain Zoo’s Spring Break Camp Each day has a special theme and is chocked full of fun and educational activities. There will be hands-on interactions with animals, guided zoo tours, games, art activities, stories and more. To make it easy for any schedule, parents can enroll their children in one day or in all three!

Zoo Venture is designed for students ages 6-13. Camp runs from 9am-3:30pm. All camps are outdoors and occur rain or shine, so students must dress appropriately. Tennis shoes are required. Campers should bring along a lunch that does not require refrigeration. The zoo will provide water and juice.

Registration deadline is April 2, 2021!

Reservations can only be made with full payment. No refunds are given unless the zoo cancels camp. Space in all camps is limited. To register, fill out form and return to the zoo with full payment or use booking button below. No phone reservations will be accepted. Please call or email Bambi Godkin with additional questions at (540) 343-3241 x103 or education@mmzoo.org.

Camp Schedule

Tuesday, April 12-At Home with the Animals

Animals live in many different types of dwellings, and some animals are quite talented architects. From lodges to nests to burrows, campers will learn about the different kinds of abodes animals live in and how they use tools like beaks, claws and paws to build these earthy homes.

Wednesday, April 13-Now You See Me, Now You Don’t!

Some animals want to blend in with their environment and some want to be seen. In this camp, children will explore various ways animals camouflage themselves and different strategies animals use to appear or disappear.

Thursday, April 14-Beast Feast

Animals can’t just go to the grocery store or open a refrigerator like humans can. They need to search or hunt for food. Campers will learn about food chains and webs and explore the adaptations that herbivores and carnivores use to get the food they need to survive.

Single Day Rates: Member/$55 & Non-Member/$65

3 Day Rates: $160/Member & $180/Non-Member

Mill Mountain Zoo’s popular summer camps are a terrific way to introduce your child to the animal kingdom or to foster an existing interest in the feathered, furry and scaly critters we share the planet with.

Each 3-day camp is designed to encourage a child’s respect and enthusiasm for the natural world through hands-on, fun and educational activities. Besides shadowing and assisting keepers, campers will experience up-close animal encounters, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, scientific explorations and OH, SO MUCH MORE! There are camps available for ages 6-13.

Camp for ages 6-8

June 21-June 23 Teeth, Talons and Tongues

Humans use hammers, screwdrivers, forks and spoons, among many other tools. Animals use tools too, but most of theirs are a part of their bodies. In this class, campers will discover how animals use their claws, mouths and other body parts to build structures, eat and even play.

Camps for ages 8-10

July 12-14

Zookeeper 101

Just what does a zookeeper do? Campers will get to explore the various animal husbandry techniques it takes to care for the many birds, mammals and reptiles that make up Mill Mountain Zoo’s collection. The importance of animal enrichment for an animal’s well-being will also be explored.

July 26-28 Zookeeper 101

Camp for ages 10-13

August 2-4 Junior Zookeepers

Junior Zookeepers builds on the information that campers learned in Zookeeper 101. Campers will delve further into how animals are cared for at the zoo as they assist keeper staff with some of their daily duties. Be ready to get dirty!

Requirements for Junior Zoo Keepers:

It is preferred that campers have taken Zookeeper 101 this summer or a previous summer. Campers also need to submit a letter stating why they think they would be a good Junior Zookeeper.

All Camps: Member/$160 and Non-Member/$180

NORTH STAR SUMMER CAMP

northstar4kids.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

5407 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 366-3629

We own a Swim Club! Splash Valley! Skate Center! Karate! Gymnastics! Huge Moon Bounce!

PHOEBE NEEDLES

SUMMER CAMP

www.phoebeneedles.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 12-18

732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 540-483-1518

We have camps for multiple ages including day camps and residential camps. Activities for day camps include swimming, arts and crafts, and games. Activities for residential camps include swimming, arts and crafts, hiking, camping, rock climbing, games, outdoor recreation, tie-dyeing t-shirts, caving, and more!

RIVER ROCK CLIMBING CAMPS

riverrockclimbing.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

806 Wasena Avenue SW #100, Roanoke, VA (540) 685-2360

Looking for something completely different? We have just the thing at the River Rock!

CAMP ROANOKE

roanokecountyparks.com/219/CampRoanokes

Boys & Girls • All Ages 6498 Dry Hollow Rd Salem, VA (540) 387-6114

An enriching outdoor adventure day camp, Camp Roanoke’s Discovery program is back for fun in 2021! During each week, campers will engage in a wide range of activities, such as: archery, climbing tower, environmental education, canoeing (ages 9+), team building, arts and crafts, hiking, field games, special events and more. Campers should bring multiple facial coverings, a bag lunch and at least one full water bottle.

We have scholarships available for those that need assistance. Camp dates and programs are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

PB&J THEATRE COMPANY

pbjtheatreco.com

Girls & Boys • All Ages 1318 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 309-3830

PRESTIGE GYMNASTICS

prestigegymnasticsacademy.com

Girls & Boys • Ages 3-18 2726 Lee Highway, Troutville, VA (540) 759-1403

RANDOLPH-MACON SUMMER PROGRAMS

rma.edu/summer-camp

Boys & Girls • Rising 6th - 8th graders

200 Academy Drive, Front Royal, VA (540) 636-5484

Randolph-Macon Academy offers a Summer Enrichment Camp for rising sixth through eighth-grade students. Campers spend part of the day rotating through fun-filled courses of their choices, ranging from robotics and flight to language arts and science. The rest of the day is spent in engaging activities like sports, swimming, laser tag, hiking, or field trips to local area attractions.

ROANOKE CITY SUMMER CAMPS

playroanoke.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-13 215 Church Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 510-4056

ROANOKE COUNTY SUMMER CAMPS

roanokecountyparks.com

Girls & Boys • All Ages 1206 Kessler Mill Road, Salem, VA (540) 387-6078

Passport to Fun 2021 - Summer Camp returns to Roanoke County in 2021! Your Passport to Fun begins, June 1 - August 6, ages 3 and Up!

Visit RoanokeCountyParks.com/Camps to view the full list of 2021 Summer Camps from Roanoke County Parks!

SALEM CITY SUMMER CAMPS

parksandrec.salemva.gov

Girls & Boys • All Ages 110 Union Street, Salem, VA (540) 375-3054

PHOEBE NEEDLES CENTER, INC.

DAY CAMP programs for rising 1st through 4th graders focusing on ART and SWIMMING. Camp sessions are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday though Friday. The cost is only $105 per session!

Art Day Camp I - June 20th – 24th Rising 1st – 4th Graders

Swim Day Camp I - June 27th – July 1st Rising 1st – 4th Graders

Art Day Camp II- July 4th – 8th Rising 1st – 4th Graders

Swim Day Camp II - July 11th - 15th Rising 1st - 4th Graders

All Around Camp - July 18th – 22nd Rising 1st – 4th Graders

CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL

RESIDENTIAL summer camp programs for rising 5th through 12th graders. Activities include hiking, rock climbing & rappelling, climbing tower, caving, swimming, low & high ropes courses, games, arts & crafts, music, archery, camping, nature activities, and more.

Only $240 for a week of camp!

Middler Camp - June 12th - 18th Rising 7th - 8th Graders

Senior Camp June - 19th - 25th Rising 9th - 12th Graders

Outdoor Expedition Camp - June 26th - July 1st Minimum age 13

First Year Camp - June 26th – July 1st Rising 5th - 6th Graders

Rock Climbing Camp - July 3rd - 9th Minimum age 13

Art Camp - July 10th – 16 th Minimum age 11

Nature Camp - July 10th - 16th Minimum age 11

Outreach Camp - July 17th - 23rd Rising 7th - 12th Graders

TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART

taubmanmuseum.org/camp

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-17

110 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA 540-342-5760

Play with clay at the Taubman Museum of Art! Participants will work creatively to produce several clay projects throughout the week.

Through experimentation and imagination, campers will find inspiration from artwork at the Museum to create clay projects using pinch, coil, and slab building techniques.

The camp will culminate with a showcase of camper artwork at the Museum.

Ages: 5-9

Price: Members: $150 | Others: $190

* Member discount is only applicable for Dual/Family Membership level and above

* All registrants get $10 off for each sibling registration or subsequent camp - use promo code artcamp2

Let’s play with paint! This Taubman Museum of Art paint camp will introduce a variety of painting techniques for budding artists including watercolor, tempera, and mixed media painting.

Campers will create several projects throughout the week inspired by current exhibitions at the Museum.

Participants will have the opportunity to display their paintings at the Museum for their final showcase.

Ages: 5-9

Price: Members: $150 | Others: $190

* Member discount is only applicable for Dual/Family Membership level and above

* All registrants get $10 off for each sibling registration or subsequent camp - use promo code artcamp2

Dive into the world of clay! Participants in this Taubman Museum of Art camp will work to produce several clay projects throughout the week.

Campers will find inspiration from current exhibitions at the Museum to create clay projects using pinch, coil, slab building, and throwing techniques.

The camp will culminate with a showcase of camper artwork at the

Museum.

Projects created will differ from the clay camp offered July 11-15.

Ages: 8-11

Price: Members: $150 | Others: $190

* Member discount is only applicable for Dual/Family Membership level and above

* All registrants get $10 off for each sibling registration or subsequent camp - use promo code artcamp2

Join us at the Taubman Museum of Art for summer painting fun! Our paint camp will introduce a variety of painting techniques to create several projects inspired by paintings from the permanent collection at the Museum.

Paint projects will include watercolor, acrylic, and tempera painting.

Artists will have the opportunity to display their final pieces for a showcase at the end of camp.

Projects created will differ from those offered in the paint camp on July 18-22.

Ages: 8-11

Price: Members: $150 | Others: $190

* Member discount is only applicable for Dual/Family Membership level and above

* All registrants get $10 off for each sibling registration or subsequent camp - use promo code artcamp2

Not a member? Join today by visiting https://www. TaubmanMuseum.org/Join!

SCIENCE MUSEUM OF WESTERN VIRGINIA smwv.org

Boys & Girls • Pre K-5

1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5710

Our Summer Camps combine hands-on activities, thought-provoking challenges and passionate instructors to encourage curiosity-based learning and promote STEAM literacy. With a range of camps across many popular STEAM topics, there is a program suited for every young scientist. By using your child’s favorite STEAM topics, they engage better with the learning principals behind each activity! Register today at www.smwv.org.

VIRGINIA CHILDREN’S THEATRE

virginiachildrenstheatre.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

622 Campbell Ave SW Roanoke, VA (540) 400-7795

Join Virginia Children’s Theatre for summer camp! Camps are offered for grades pre-K through 12th and all camps are one week long. Camps will focus on singing, dancing, acting and more! No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome.

VIRGINIA OUTSIDE

Boys & Girls • All Ages virginiaoutside.com Roanoke, VA 540-761-9847

ome explore the outdoors with Virginia Outside! We offer single day, multi-day, and week long fishing camps here in Roanoke! Conventional and fly fishing camps are available. From fishing ponds to floating and fishing rivers, we offer a little bit of everything!

CAMP WATONKA watonka.com

Boys• Ages 8-16 328 Wangum Falls Road, Hawley, PA (570) 226-4779

Camp Watonka is the only program in America offering the traditional overnight experience combining crafts, sports, dirt-bikes, adventure and waterfront with a hands-on science program. This unique combination makes us the ideal program for all boys looking for fun summer focused on their personal interests.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE AT EAGLE

RIDGE

wilderness-adventure.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 8-17

11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle, VA (540) 864-6792

No mess halls, no cabins, no flushing toilets…just fresh air and the great outdoors! Our philosophy is to immerse participants in a wilderness environment which inherently builds positive character, leadership traits, and self-confidence. Designed by our inspiring staff of outdoor professionals, this unique camp centers on backpacking, biking, and paddling through the southwest VA National Forests and participating in adventure activities. Through careful instruction and positive encouragement from our experienced leaders and instructors, participants are motivated to face challenges that require both teamwork and individual effort. By achieving both group and personal goals, they develop strength, character and confidence to carry with them throughout their lives.

YMCA

Boys & Girls • All Ages Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt and Daleville (540) 342 9622 ymcaroanoke.org/kirk-family-ymca

Welcome To Y Summer Camp Where Kids Go To...

ADVENTURE

We’re here to inspire kids to play together, build friendships and memories that will create a lifetime of laughable moments.

DISCOVER

We’re here to make your kid feel welcome, feel comfortable being themselves, and know they’re a part of something great.

EXPLORE

We’re here so that every kid is able to experience something brand new. Showing them that if they believe in themselves, anything is possible.

BE CHALLENGED

We’re here to help your camper reach their full potential as they are challenged through an energetic and high paced program.

Featured Camp: STEAM Discovery Academy

There’s a new option for summer youth programming coming to Roanoke area families!

STEAM Discovery Academy, founded in Charlottesville, is expanding this summer and will provide engaging learning experiences for students in Roanoke and Richmond.

What is STEAM?

STEM dates to the 1950’s; though it wasn’t introduced to American education until the mid 2000’s as the call was made to focus on increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning in the US. Because STEM learning inspires innovation, problem solving and critical thinking, while leveraging technology and the scientific method to solve problems it’s been gaining momentum ever since.

STEAM takes the principles of STEM a step further, incorporating the arts and with that creativity and design think-

ing, which are essential ingredients for innovation. Art education allows students to learn things in a more open-ended way and make them applicable to real life, while including the “A” promotes collaboration across disciplines.

At STEAM DA, art plays a vital role in exposing more students to STEM subjects, especially those students who are traditionally under-represented. Students who take Art Lab, Ceramics, or Paint and Mixed Media are introduced to scientific concepts like chemistry and viscosity in a comfortable setting. During the week, in passing and in demonstrations, they can see what the other courses are working on and become interested in disciplines they may not have thought they would enjoy. Executive Director, Lisel Bruscia, shared the following, “In 2017, STEAM had no girls in Robotics, Coding, or Drone specific programs. As students were exposed, this changed - both ways. In 2021, 50% of those programs were girls, but even more telling, 50% of middle school

ceramics was boys. The exposure works both ways”.

So what makes STEAM Discovery Academy unique?

Founded in 2017, by Mike Bruscia, a longtime science educator and current Middle School Science teacher, STEAM Discovery Academy offers summer and year round learning opportunities annually to hundreds of students in the Charlottesville, VA area. In collaboration with his wife, Lisel, the Bruscia’s look to inspire students to aspire to careers in STEAM fields.

STEAM DA specializes in Edutainment - the blend of Education and Entertainment. SDA presents students of all ages with scientific concepts and teaches the science and deeper understanding of respective disciplines. Students apply these concepts and learn to solve challenges. SDA incorporates toys, tools, and materials into the challenges making the process active, fun, and engaging.

Mike Bruscia explained “hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do. As educators, we provide a framework for discovery, but allow the students to explore their way to solutions. We support their learning, but there is no one solution. We call this process ‘Creative Collision’, when students start riffing off others’ ideas, encouraging them to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. It’s similar to when you hear musicians jamming, we do that with ideas.”

In addition to traditional STEAM learning, SDA incorporates leadership concepts to build resilience, confidence, and communication skills. Examples of failure and perseverance from Apollo 13 to SpaceX are leveraged to demonstrate that part of problem solving is taking (calculated) risks, making mistakes, and persevering. Teamwork is essential to success in challenges, allowing an opportunity to explore effective communication strategies. The blend of hands-on activities and soft skills provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills, needed for future careers in STEAM.

STEAM DA in Roanoke

In 2022, STEAM Discovery Academy will launch summer programming at Roanoke Catholic School. “At STEAM, we pride ourselves on combining fun, interactive workshops, led by experienced educators, with academic learning designed to spark curiosity. Roanoke Catholic School and their facilities are the perfect setting for our newest campus. We are thrilled to offer our programs to all local

Roanoke families this summer,” said Lisel Bruscia.

Summer programs are week-long, fullday or half-day experiences, centered around a specific theme. Options range from Gadgets & Gizmos to Paint & Mixed Media to Robotics and Coding. A typical day begins with drop-off between 8:30A-9:00A and ends between 5:00P-5:30P, while students may be picked up early for activities. Each day has four workshops, beginning with a community and collaboration building activity, followed by a workshop. Students have a snack and movement break, followed by a second workshop and lunch. Following recess, students have two more workshops and a snack break. Students are encouraged to be active during their breaks with games and activities provided. Breaks are essential to their creativity and success in the workshops.

Interested in learning more about STEAM DA? Visit their website, www. steamda.com/roanoke, check them out on Facebook and Instagram, or meet them in person at the Summer Camp Fair on March 26th at the Center in the Square.

Enrollment is now open and an early registration discount is available until April 1, 2022. Learn more and view our schedule of programs at www. steamda.com/roanoke

Featured Camp: Camp Alta Mons

Article written by: Camp Alta Mons Program Director, Meredith Petty

Many parents can be quite nervous about sending their child off to camp for the first time. Where will they sleep? What will they eat? Will their counselor notice their needs and talents? Parents are sometimes more anxious than campers on check-in day, and understandably so. Your child is precious and unique to you—all children are—and you want them to have the best experience possible.

So, here are 5 simple tips to make your child’s summer camp experience the best it can be!

1. Start talking about camp ahead of time with your child so that you both can get questions answered and know what to expect from the camp of your choice. Calling the camp office and asking for a personal tour, a copy of the menu, or anything else is not asking too much! Camp staff are eager

to help you and to make your family’s camp experience as special and memorable as possible.

2. Start talking with your child several weeks before camp starts about what it will be like—how they will be sleeping in a cabin, making new friends, learning new skills, and whatever else the camp might entail! This way your child will start to get excited for camp and their anxiety on checkin day can be calmed by all of the fun conversations you have had.

3. Try not to emphasize how much you will miss your child while they are gone. Instead, try to focus on how excited you are for them and how you can’t wait to hear all of the details about their week away. Sometimes parents, in an effort to let their child know how much they are loved, burden their children with worry and stress while they are at camp. Homesickness can sometimes spur from the thought

“I need to go home because my parent will miss me too much if I stay.” While feelings of missing home are natural, letting your child know that you are excited for their experience can help ease their worry and potential homesickness.

4. Let your child help you pack their bags for camp. Campers often feel more comfortable at camp when they know exactly what they have and where it is in their bag. This can help the first night go more smoothly, and cut down on lost and found items at the end of the week too! Stick to the packing list and know that many camps have lots of “extras” for campers who forgot to pack something.

5. On check-in day, encourage your child to start building relationships with their counselors and fellow campers immediately. Camp staff will be playing name games and introducing other “get to know you” activities, so

prepare your camper to open up and share a bit about themselves with their new friends. It can help to include a bit about your child’s interests and hobbies on the camp registration form to assist their counselor in getting to know them.

Following these steps will help smooth out some of the bumps along the road in your child’s first camp experience. At Camp Alta Mons, we are committed to helping make your child’s week here one that is full of meaningful experiences, new friendships, and a loving community. One camper parent said this about her daughter’s experience at Alta Mons over the years: “Camp Alta Mons has become the highlight of my child’s summer. It’s a place for singing, laughing, exploring, and making new friends. I love that my child can experience some independence while knowing that she is safe and under the very best care at her home away from home.” With day only, half-week, and

full week offerings for camp, we have great options for rising Kindergarten through 12th graders. We would love to be trusted with your child this summer.

For more information, check out our website at www.altamons.org or contact us directly: 540-268-2409, office@ altamons.org

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Spring is the time to plan for the year. Whether it’s a summer vacation, academic expenses, gifts, entertainment, or anything in between, the magic of spring is contagious. But did you know that spring is also one of the best seasons for financial planning for the upcoming year?

With most people spending lots of money during the festive season, there is a need for budgeting in the new year. Once the holiday season passes, many are faced with piles of debt and are looking to renew their financial outlook. Keeping your finances and budget top of mind at the start of the year is the best plan to ensure you don’t end the year with financial stress.

Here are some financial guidelines to help ensure your spring and summer seasons are full of joy.

Consider Your Outstanding Debt

If you find yourself heading into the spring season with a mound of debt, there are options to help you alleviate this financial burden. By utilizing a credit card balance transfer or a debt consolidation loan, you’re able to get a handle on your debt and lower the total amount you are paying.

For example, let’s say you have multiple credit card balances you’re currently paying. Most likely, these credit cards all have different interest rates. By transferring the balances to either a lower-rate credit card or a debt consolidation loan, you’re able to reduce your payments since you will only be paying one loan with one interest rate.

Check Your Credit Report

Before closing out the year, it’s a good idea to check your credit report. This step will help catch any discrepancies before the new year begins. You can obtain a free credit report each year from the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Create a Savings Plan

This is one of the best times to begin a savings plan. After all, if you can start a successful savings plan now, you have a better chance of continuing this plan throughout the year.

Seek Expert Advice

The spring is a great time to review your finances and future plans. With the help of a professional financial advisor, it’s often much easier to create a financial outlook that aligns with your current financial situation.

Financial advisors help you assess your current finances, determine long-term financial goals, and create a plan to help you achieve them. They can also help you set financial goals such as paying off debt, reducing your overall spending, and saving and investing for the future.

We’re Here to Help!

We’ve helped our members save hundreds of dollars a month just by taking a look at their accounts and finding ways you can save and earn more.

Make an appointment to review your accounts, update your information with Freedom First, and reach your own goals! Schedule a complimentary one-on-one meeting with one of our bankers, either in person, over the phone, or virtually, and review your accounts with Freedom First.

Schedule an appointment for a Relationship Review today!

https://go.freedomfirst.com/ffcu-relationship-review

This article was sponsored by Freedom First.

Rachel’s Reads

by Rachel Levine

Nature’s greatest celebration is underway! Azaleas, tulips, and daffodils are blooming. Trees are sporting bright green leaves. Birds have returned to the valley with cheerful songs. Long days filled with sunshine are here again. Best of all, spring means baby animals. Celebrate spring with your children through these beautiful books celebrating caterpillars, butterflies, ducklings, and tadpoles. New life is all around!

Waiting for Wings by Lois

Elhert

Lois Elhert is a queen of collage and her luscious book Waiting for Wings is a perfect example of her talent. Each page is filled with vivid and rich illustrations of flowers and butterflies. The collages are scientifically accurate and there is even an identification guide included at the end. Lovely rhymes further enhance this tale of

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston: Eggs are full of mystery and potential. They come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, but each one holds a miracle. An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston celebrates eggs in all their diversity and splendor. Readers learn about bird eggs, reptile eggs, amphibian eggs, and even shark eggs.

Growing Frogs by

Vivian French

Growing Frogs is the perfect example of what educational theorist Charlotte Mason called a living book. Living books are non-fiction books written by one author who is passionate about the subject. Living books draw kids in, in a way that textbooks do not. Growing Frogs by Vivian French tells the tale of a young girl who brings home frog eggs and watches their metamorphosis into adulthood. Children will enjoy this story so much that they won’t even realize they are learning!

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Few books are as iconic as Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. This Caldecott Award winning book tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard raising their eight little ducklings in Boston. Raising ducklings in a busy city is no easy task, but with determination (and some help from a friendly policeman) the Mallards find a way. This enchanting tale of the Mallard family is guaranteed to find a special place in your heart.

The Hungary Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is an enchanting childhood classic. A cute little caterpillar has hatched from his egg and is absolutely ravenous. He has a week-long picnic of delicious goodies before beginning his transformation into a butterfly. Carle’s seminal collages are cheerful and engaging. As an added bonus, the story offers a fun opportunity for little ones to practice counting, colors, and the days of the week.

Autism Study for Teenagers

CARILION CLINIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Could your teen’s gut microbiome contribute to their struggles with irritability related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as aggression, self-injury and severe tantrums? Researchers at Carilion Clinic are working to find out more—and participants are needed. The study may lead to better treatment for irritability associated with ASD in teenagers.

Inclusion criteria includes:

» 13 to 17 years of age

» Clinically diagnosed and documented ASD

» Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms

» Stable therapeutic regimen for at least 30 days prior to screening visit

CONTACT

Bryce Lewis, M.S. 540-494-8285 or brlewis@carilionclinic.org

Visit CarilionClinic.org/AutismStudy to learn more.

Experiment

•

Directions:

Supplies:

• 8 identical glass containers

• Water

• ¼ cup measure

• Wooden spoon

• Plastic spoon

• Metal spoon

• Food coloring (optional)

1. Arrange glasses in a line.

2. Leave the first glass empty.

3. Place one ¼ cup of water into the second cup.

4. Place two ¼ cups of water into the third cup.

5. Place three ¼ cups of water into the fourth cup.

6. Place four ¼ cups of water into the fifth cup.

7. Place five ¼ cups of water into the sixth cup.

8. Place six ¼ cups of water into the seventh cup.

9. Place seven ¼ cups of water into the eighth cup.

10. If desired, add 1-2 drops of food coloring to each container—our favorite thing to do is to add color in rainbow order, starting with violet and moving through blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

11. Tap each glass with the wooden spoon. Each glass should have its own sound. Which glass has the lowest sound and which one has the highest?

12. Try tapping the glasses with the different kinds of spoons, or even with your hands. Does the sound change?

Play a song! Each color is a different note, and you may be able to play some simple songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

Try blowing over the tops of the glasses instead of hitting them. Does the sound change? Are the same glasses still the lowest and highest?

Try changing the sound by adding or removing water. Are there some water levels that sound better than others?

Sound is made up of vibrations called sound waves, which we hear. Lower sounds or lower pitches are caused by things vibrating slowly. As vibrations speed up, the pitch or sound gets higher. When you tap the glass, the water inside vibrates, causing a sound. The glass with the most water vibrates more slowly, causing a lower sound, whereas the empty glass has the fastest vibrations and so has the highest pitch.

Bring the Taubman Museum of Art to you with this fun activity inspired by the exhibition Ansel Adams: Compositions in Nature, on view April 9 - August 1, 2021.

Ansel Adams is a photographer famous for his beautiful, black and white photographs of landscapes. Charcoal is a great medium to use to create a drawing inspired by his work!

Draw a few lines to create the main sections of the landscape.

Materials Needed:

CREATE A VALUE SCALE

Value defines how light or dark a color can be. It’s best understood when visualized as a scale or gradient from dark to light.

Using a piece of charcoal on paper, press down as hard as you can to create a dark value. As you move from left to right, press down more and more lightly to create a dark gray, light gray, and a bright white.

Start with the sky and background, using a range of value and marks to add dimension to your drawing. Use light values to create highlights and dark values to create shadows.

Continue filling in the sections with value and texture. Work from the top down to avoid accidentally smudging your drawing. Slowly build up your layers to create depth!

PRO TIPS

• Blend with your fingers!

• Use an eraser to create highlights.

• Vary your marks to create different textures. Try short lines, curved lines, dots—anything you can think of!

Photograph

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