Gulfshore Life Mini 2024

Parenting in Paradise

FOLLOWING A DIFFERENT BEAT.

Moving from Broward to Ave Maria puzzled Ariel and Juan’s family and friends. “We’ll give it a year,” they were told. “I wasn’t sure, either,” says Ariel. But a search for “The best place to raise a family” led them here. “Both kids have so many friends. My son loves playing baseball, and he and I are taking drumming lessons,” says Ariel. As for the skeptics? “Her parents are moving a couple of blocks from here,” laughs Juan.

Following your own drum has its benefits. Especially when you follow it to Ave Maria, A Big Kind of Small Town.

Paul’s Footprint founder, 11-year-old Paul Campbell Jr., by Anna Nguyen

CONTENTS

ESSENTIALS

12 / The Edit: Mommy must-haves

16 / Big Debut: Naples’ Great Wolf Lodge

MINDFUL PARENTING

20 / Village Building: Postpartum care

22 / Style: Locally designed PJs

26 / At Home: Inspired playrooms

30 / How They Grow: Childhood development

33 / Giving Back: Volunteer opportunities for littles

ALL STARS

50 / Sporting Life: Tee-time lessons

52 / On the Water: Adventures in diving

56 / Meet the Coach: Naples’ basketball pro

CREATIVE LIFE

62 / Craft Night: Pressed-flower clay trays

64 / Fun Jobs: Estero’s cookie queen

68 / Crash Course: Fashion school

FAMILY TIME

76 / Road Trip: Kennedy Space Center

78 / Dining Guide: Grown-up kids’ menus

82 / Party Time: A barnyard birthday

86 / Book Club: Local storybooks

88 / Must-Do Events: Immersive nature fun

96 / Editors’ Pick: Hand-stitched teddies

Brian Tietz; Courtesy Sophia Bella/Kristen Logan Photography; Christina Bankson

President/CEO

Jim Schwartzel

Publisher

Carin Keane

Editor in Chief

Stephanie Granada

Creative Director

Scott Glick

Deputy Editor

Melanie Warner Spencer

Editor at Large

Dorothea Hunter Sönne

Assistant Managing Editor

Addison Pezoldt

Senior Editor

Emma Witmer

Assistant Editor Emily Flournoy

READER SERVICES

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Editorial Fellows

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Emma Lawrence

ART

Photo Editor Elizabeth Bankmann

Art Director Alberto Orta

ADVERTISING

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MARKETING

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ON THE COVER:

Take a cue from the Benson family. Instead of a beach house, Jessica and Ryan Benson now have a farmhouse, where they decamp on weekends with their four kids. Photographed by Zach Stovall

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On-site childbearing classes and breastfeeding support

Obstetricians

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Carol Roth, CNM, DNP

Heidi Zielinski, CNM, MSN

Stand Tall

There is an old saying: “Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.” As my children grow up, I often recall the adage. My motherly instinct is to protect them from everything. Still, I know learning to respond to stressful feelings on their own will help them develop confidence, be more adaptable and take calculated risks in the future as they chase their dreams.

I saw this clearly when we dropped off my tween daughter at sleep-away camp this summer. Eager for her week of independence, she practically kicked us out of her dorm. I wanted to help her settle in, but she looked at me and said, “Mom, I got this.” It was time to let her take the lead. And, although she faced daily challenges at camp, she thrived. It’s hard to see her need me less as she gets older, but it’s rewarding to have her figure things

out on her own. With every new independent milestone, she becomes stronger and more resilient—an essential life skill that allows us to bounce back quickly from challenges.

My experience as a mother fits what psychologists say: We’re often taught stress is bad, but researchers suggest we need some strain to grow strong. The key lies in cultivating resilience. When we embrace finite, manageable stress (chronic, overwhelming stress is unhealthy) and respond adaptively, we build resilience (for a great primer on the subject, check out Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges). Elements like emotional regulation, self-awareness and perseverance all play into having fortitude, and it’s a skill we can build through practices like keeping a daily commitment to mental and physical health, developing a strong moral compass and support system, and looking for meaning in challenges and responding flexibly. Decades of research in grade schools indicates that teaching resilience increases well-being, optimism and physical health, while reducing depression and anxiety. The earlier kids start to learn the core skill, the better,

and we can start showing them the way at home.

Even modeling one component of resilience goes a long way in teaching our children to encounter challenges with vigor. Next time your child is frustrated by a complex math problem, suggest breaking it down into smaller chunks; devise alternate, close-to-home adventures if vacation plans fall through; or take a few deep breaths together when tensions rise over chores. As with everything, practice makes perfect, which means every challenge is an opportunity for your child and family to grow stronger.

—Dr. Amy Quinn, Mother of three and licensed marriage and family therapist

Mommy Must-Haves

MINI's panel of insider Southwest Florida moms shares a few of their favorite finds.

Fizzy Fun

Bathtime strategies can make or break an evening, and Dabble & Dollop Droplets (mixable bath bombs) stack the odds in your favor. Designed by California mom and natural cosmetics veteran Stephanie Leshney, the vegan line is gluten- and crueltyfree. Soothing seed oils (like jojoba and safflower) moisturize and soothe babies' skin, while fruit and spices provide amazing, mixable scents. Naples designer Julia Hall Liegeois’ 4-year-old, Henry, loves dropping the bombs in the water and watching them fizz and dissolve. “Bath time becomes a fun, interactive activity,” Julia says. dabbleanddollop.com

Surf’s Up

Twin mom and Gulfshore Life Community Advisory Board member Jennifer McCurry has a hot tip for #girlmoms: Get your gal an Oopsie Daisy Zip Rash swimsuit. “My friends with daughters love their one-of-kind, fade-resistant designs,” Jennifer says. The suits have SPF 50 built-in and handy snaps for diaper changes in the smaller sizes. nannysofsanibel.com

Beach Bestie

Beach buckets get a darling upgrade with Sandy Beach Dolls. Designed by a Connecticut mom, these BPA-free plastic toys are essential companions for Florida kids. Sandy (and the newly launched boy doll, Sailor) floats and has a hole at the top for endless fun filling and refilling the 14-inch frame. Cleaning wet, sticky sand from all the nooks and crannies may take effort, but it’s nothing compared to dealing with a matted-haired, faded, bumped and bruised baby doll after a day on the water. “This was a huge hit with my toddler for the beach, pool and on our last cruise,” says Gulfshore Life photographer Anna Nguyen. sandybeachdoll.com

Sunny Outlook

Julia also loves Babiators sunnies for her preschooler. The shades— found at Naples children's boutique Sunset + Pine—block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and the momof-four says the durable frames are comfortable and stand up to her son’s splashing, tumbling and running. Plus, they come with a one-year replacement guarantee. “I don’t have to worry if they get lost or broken,” she says. shopsunsetpine.com

Mini Mindful Moments

Naples mom and yoga teacher Elaina Vasta created Just Play by E.CO to sell expandable breathing balls, meditation teddies, wooden hand chimes and other tools to make it easy for kids to learn invaluable mindfulness techniques while having fun. WINK News anchor Lindsey Sablan’s kids love the Butterfly Theme Yoga Kit, with a yoga pose dice game, shell-themed craft, scarf for visual learning during breathwork and wearable butterfly wings. “We spotted the kits at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) holiday market, and both my kids immediately wanted them,” Lindsay says. (Look into Elaina’s Mini Buddhas kids’ yoga classes in locations like CMON and Naples’ Salt Therapy Grotto & Spa). justplaykids.com

A Magical Companion

Get your little a new best friend while doing good around the world with Cuddle + Kind’s Zoe the Unicorn. The brand partners with the United Nations World Food Program to donate 10 meals with the sale of every doll. “Cece is in her unicorn phase—big time,” Gulfshore Life editor-at-large and mother-of-two Dorothea Hunter Sönne says of her 5-year-old. Each doll is hand-knit in Peru using 100-percent cotton yarn, hypoallergenic polyfill, a high-stitch count (for durability) and fair-trade practices. shopsunsetpine.com

A Wild Time

You can tap into vacation mode without leaving town at Naples’ splashy, new Great Wolf Lodge.

Words: Zahra Khan

Family fun hits a new high in Southwest Florida with the introduction of mega indoor water park resort Great Wolf Lodge in September. The woodlands-themed chain has been among the buzziest developments in town since its East Naples location was announced two years ago.

Kids’ jaws drop when they enter the 92,000-square-foot indoor water park (set to a comfortable 84 degrees year-round). Relish all-time favorites like the Crooked Creek lazy river, a ton of slides (some more than 50 feet tall), a wave pool and trickedout splash pads for tots. Touted as a ‘fourth-generation’ benchmark for future Great Wolf Lodges, the Naples location (the brand’s first in

Florida) steps up the game with new attractions like Breakaway Bay, a five-person raft adventure that sends riders spiraling around a cone-shaped funnel. Banking on our nearly yearround sunshine, the outdoor pool area is bigger than at other locations, too, and stocked with cabanas and a parent-pleasing bar.

Once kiddos’ fingers get pruney, the family can tackle the 60,000-square-foot dry-land Adventure Park, with a ropes course and Great Wolf’s first indoor zip line. Between the 100-plus-game arcade and an updated version of the resort’s Virtual Frontier virtual reality game, you won’t hear teens complain. Plus, there’s the MagiQuest resort-wide live-action game—a wonderfully

quirky attraction with a legion of fans who visit the resorts just to play. Wizards as young as 6 can pick up supercharged ‘wands’ to use in myriad quests, with growling goblins, glowing crystals and Treetop Pixies throughout the property providing clues as players collect runes and battle bosses.

Everything—including five restaurants; spacious suites with separate, wolf den-themed bunk bed nooks; mini-golf; character shows; story time yoga sessions and pajama dance parties—is there for you in one easy-to-get-to place, off I-75. Book a night for a throwback summer staycation, or get a day pass to kiss goodbye to those “Mom, I’m bored” weekend moments.

Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge

MINDFUL PARENTING

Notes on living, giving and raising the next generation of changemakers

Navigating Newborn Days

The lesser-known fourth trimester focuses on what to expect after you’re expecting—these local services help with the transition.

Words: Aisling Swift

Most pregnancy literature and resources focus on the three trimesters. But every parent knows what comes next is just as bewildering. The fourth trimester—the 12 weeks following childbirth—presents myriad challenges. Breastfeeding woes, sleep deprivation, and navigating emotional and social changes can feel crippling, but these days don’t have to break you. These empowering resources can help you and baby get and stay on track.

GRACE TO GROW STUDIO

Perinatal-certified counselor Chelsea Harvey of Bonita Springs’ Grace to Grow Studio helps alleviate parents’ stress, anxiety and postpartum depression—a condition impacting one in eight moms and one in 10 dads—through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, attachment theory and other modalities. “Moms often come in with really self-blaming thoughts,” she says. Chelsea leads with compassion, working to understand and validate parents’ emotions as they work their way back to a balanced baseline. gracetogrowstudio.com

NIGHT NANNIES OF NAPLES

With a caretaker of 30 years at the helm, Night Nannies of Naples is many soon-to-be moms’ first call when they find out they’re pregnant. (The company has a six-month waiting list.) Owner Geraldine Cirillo’s vetted, infant CPR-certified caretakers— including twin-care experts and sleep training gurus—fill the gap in childcare with overnight shifts that cover anything from feedings and diaper changes to establishing bedtime routines and guiding you through breastfeeding. nightnanniesofnaples.com

L ACTATION WHISPERER

New moms seek out Cape Coral’s Juana Rodriguez, a.k.a the Lactation Whisperer, when struggling with painful breastfeeding or an underweight baby. The bilingual, international board-certified lactation consultant compassionately guides moms on proper positioning and techniques to improve latching; soothing painful cracks, engorgement and mastitis; the essentials around milk production and monitoring diaper output; and concepts like skin-to-skin contact. lactationwhisperer.com

RATTLED CONCIERGE

After battling through a five-day labor and postpartum depression, Megan Dixon launched Rattled Concierge to help ease the transition when you bring your bundle home. The Naples mom remembers months of fielding midnight cries, endless nursing and loads of laundry. Rattle Concierge’s variety of plans and à la carte services alleviate the chaos, covering anything from tidying to dog walking and pinch-hitter baby holding, so you can shower or enjoy a moment to yourself. rattledconcierge.com

With a helping hand (or two), you can savor the moments that matter. After all, it takes a village.

R EST GROW THRIVE

Bonita Springs sleep consultant Autumn Dettmann, of Rest Grow Thrive, helps sleep-deprived ‘rents establish healthy bedtime habits at any stage. She’ll ensure your infant’s environment is sleep-inducing (cool and dark with a firm mattress and a good swaddle) and create a consistent routine to help ‘minimize tears’ as they mature and start sleeping independently. “We also tackle what is ‘normal’ with newborn sleep and what may warrant further exploration with a pediatrician,” she adds. restgrowthrive.com

MAMA’S CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Chiropractor Danielle Dietrich says new moms’ elevated levels of the relaxin hormone (which loosens joints and muscles for birth) can cause instability, potentially leading to injury and discomfort. Her practice focuses on fortifying moms’ bodies. She works to realign the spine and pelvis to improve joint stability. Clients report improvements in sleep, pelvic floor issues, digestive discomfort and mood. Alongside having Cape Coral and Fort Myers offices, the team does house calls, treats babies and helps couples trying to conceive. mamaschiropractic.com

Have a Pajama Day

Pick a day to stay in your PJs— intentionally taking time off from the go-go-go teaches kids the value of downtime.

SET THE SCENE: Get all chores done the day before so you’re not distracted by looming to-dos. Stock the fridge with ready-to-eat, healthy snacks, stash cell phones (to model being present), and load up your queue with pre-approved family movies and plenty of screen-free options to minimize decision-making.

EMBRACE THE EMPTY HOURS:

Collections are inspired by Sachi’s ancestral Italy, with designs like the Renaissanceinspired Bello (left) and Moda, which flaunts a Roman Styleclassic houndstooth pattern.

Our minds declutter and expand when we take a break. Talk to your children about the importance of relaxing, and let them see you enjoying the time off. Offset boredom cries by setting expectations, validating their feelings, and reflecting on the experience and benefits afterward. Practice mindfulness techniques as a family to help kids settle into the moment.

GIVE THEM SPACE: Rotate quiet time and family time to allow minis solo blocks during your Pajama Day. This lets them explore the world at their pace and encourages daydreaming, which helps reset overstimulated minds and foster creative thought.

Sachi Ganzak launched the brand, named after her firstborn, when she couldn’t find ultra-soft PJs in chic, minimalist hues and patterns for those sweet mommy-andme jammie nights.

Courtesy Sophia Bella/Kristen Logan Photography

Sleeping in Style

Naples mom Sachi Ganzak merges intentionality, luxury and comfort in her children’s clothing brand, Sophia Bella.

Words: Lynette Nicholas

When Sachi Ganzak and her husband, Matthew, learned they were expecting, they envisioned big things for their daughter, Sophia Bella. The entrepreneurial parents (Matthew founded the e-commerce platform StoreFilter) quickly launched a business under the baby’s moniker to craft a legacy. Sophia cooed in Sachi’s arms as the pair filed the business papers hours after she was born in 2020. “We wanted to create something that she could grow into, that was in her name and would be with her forever,” she says.

The mom had her babies—4-year-old Sophia Bella and 2-year-old Leo—in mind when choosing the lightweight bamboo fabric for the line of matching footies, bedding and kid and women’s PJs.

When they set out to shop for comfortable, luxe clothing for Sophia, the parents found a niche for the business. Sachi noticed many children’s brands sported unicorns and rainbow prints in flamboyant colors—far from the subdued elegance the young mother favors.

“I wanted ultra-soft and natural fabric for my baby’s sensitive skin but also in prints that look like luxurious, high-end designer clothing—without the hefty price tag,” she says. Within two years— and with a new baby, Leo (now 2), on the way—Sachi developed the Sophia Bella brand, drawing upon her Italian heritage for inspiration.

Sachi and her family vacation at least once a year in Italy, where elegance is embedded in the social fabric and in fashion (attention to detail and quality of materials is fundamental). Sachi applies the philosophies to her personal style and believes simplicity is key. Her wardrobe—and the Sophia Bella brand—focuses on a quiet-luxury uniform of black or white, with pops of red and gold. “Even at home, I stick to what I know, and I don’t overcomplicate it,” she says. “It makes life easier.”

Sachi seeks beauty in the ordinary, aiming to turn everyday occasions into indulgences. She finds joy amid the frenzy of running a household and business,

Courtesy Sophia Bella/Kristen Logan Photography (2)

in the snuggles between bites of pancakes and the sweet surrender of her babies’ sleeping faces.

The pajamas’ buttery fabrics feel heavenly and cater to sensitive skin, a necessity because Sophia and Leo had eczema as infants.

For the nursery goods—which include footies, adult and child PJs, and bedding—Sachi sought a soft,

ultra-breathable, hypoallergenic fabric. She opted for bamboo for its smoothness and temperatureregulating properties (thanks to its moisture-wicking effects and breathability, the fabric helps keep littles feeling pleasant, whether it’s cold or hot).

Sachi and Matthew agree that everything must be grounded in

intentionality. “I want my kids to see those logos and this luxe lifestyle and know it’s because their mom and dad worked really hard to achieve those things,” she says. “And I want them to know that they can achieve those things too … They can have and achieve whatever they want in life.”

Kids Incorporated

It’s all fun and games in playrooms that perfectly blend the fanciful and the functional.

Words: Laura Kostelny

Once upon a time, children were expected to be seen rather than heard. Those days are so over. Today, petite sophisticates, diminutive dilettantes and budding artists are taking their seats at the play table and demanding spaces that fit all their big ideas. And while wee ones’ wish lists often include whimsical elements like skateboard ramps, super slides and electronic escapes, the space itself doesn’t have to be childish.

Sprinkle in the right mix of luxe materials, creative storage solutions and candy-colored accessories, and you’ll have a rec room that’s far more sophisticated than sophomoric. Here, local experts weigh in with

their winning ideas for spaces fit for the whole family’s play dates.

ADD POLISH TO THE PLAYFUL

Naples native Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang advises her clients to invest in quality pieces—even in rooms where kids get their hands dirty. The trick is to keep the good stuff just out of reach. Pick a fine fabric for the window treatment, hang a Fornasetti wallpaper on the ceiling or splurge on sculptural lighting. “A cool chandelier is a great way to make a space feel more luxurious, and it’s totally safe from little hands,” the designer says.

“I’m also very pro hanging artwork in kids’ rooms and playrooms.” Not comfortable hanging a Picasso next to

the perfect attendance award? Kelli suggests throwing a painting party and professionally framing your little darlings’ masterpieces.

GET INTO THE ZONE

Maximize the possibilities of a space by dividing it into areas specifically designated for homework, dress up, crafts and a bonus area tailored to your little ones’ interests. That could mean an elevated reading nook, Minecraft-themed gaming area or a climbing wall, like the one Big Island Builders created for a family room in a Naples home. Just remember: This space is all about embracing your kids’ individuality and personality, so it shouldn’t look like anyone else’s.

Create Play Zones

Maximize the fun—section out areas for hobbies, like crafts and board games.

STEP UP YOUR STORAGE GAME

Excessive clutter can cloud creativity, so organizational tools are necessary for any playroom. Luckily, there’s no reason the functional can’t also be fun. In one Naples home, Kelli ended a hallway with a bookcase where kids can easily access their favorite books and then push to reveal a ‘secret’ space. Window seats offer hidden storage, as do stairs that lead to mezzanines and platforms. But not every storage solution has to be built-in. New York kids’ furniture maker Oeuf offers sustainable

storage systems meant to be ‘loved hard and handed down’; Ferm Living crafts chic shelving from recycled plastic toys and Portugal-based Circu Magical Furniture has delightful takes on Disney classics via ultra-modern chests and bookcases.

LEAN INTO LOCAL COLOR

Rugs, furnishings and accessories are an obvious way to weave in a color story, but sometimes, the best place to make a splash is on the walls. Enter Stacy DeMott of Bonita Springs-based DeMott

Courtesy Kelli Vogelgesang, DeMott

Design. She’s in the business of creating major murals for adult and mini-sized clientele. After a consult, the artist creates a sketch and then gets to work painting one-of-a-kind menageries, bouquets and even a Miami Heat basketball court (“That one required so much math!” Stacy says). And should a little artist want to add a flourish of their own? “I use paint that makes most clean-up easy—you simply wipe down the mural,” she says. “But if a kiddo gets in and adds paint, we could turn it into a collaborative piece!”

Playroom spaces can be fun and elevated. Just take a cue from these local pros: Install a woodbacked climbing wall like Big Island Builders, create a hidden den à la Kelli Vogelgesang, or hire Bonita Springs’ DeMott Design to make a whimsical mural.

Fine Jewelry that celebrates relationships that matter most

Jewelry Concierge Custom Designs Push Presents

Ages & Stages

Understanding Erik Erikson’s Identity Development Theory can help you nurture your children’s growth.

Words: Dr. Amy Quinn

As a licensed marriage and family therapist and mother of three, I spend a lot of time thinking about our kids’ minds and how we can best support them. I’ve found Erik Erikson’s Identity Development Theory especially helpful in understanding my children through a developmental lens.

In the 1950s, the Harvard University scholar and father of five outlined his robust framework for psychosocial development. Erikson posits that humans cycle through eight stages in their lifetimes, each with a unique developmental milestone. If conditions are right and children

successfully navigate the challenge, they gain a core interpersonal skill and lay the groundwork for a stronger sense of self, while issues can lead to difficulties later in life.

In every instance, it’s about striking a balance. Parents aren’t expected to be perfect, and Erikson notes that discomfort, boundaries and failure are essential for children to develop a healthy level of trust, autonomy, industry and confidence in the first five stages of life. With the right opportunities and support, he says, our children develop strong identities grounded in core virtues like hope, will, competence, purpose and fidelity.

STAGE 1: 0-18 months

MILESTONE: Developing trust in others and the world

VIRTUE: Hope Infants rely on others for survival, expressing their basic needs by calling out to caregivers. When they’re met with care and concern, the baby develops a sense of trust, which leads to hope, a fundamental idea that people are reliable and things will be OK. Neglect in this stage could lead to fear, anxiety and mistrust later in life.

PARENTAL PLAYBOOK: There’s no such thing as being too nurturing at this stage. Respond to cries promptly by giving your babies what they need,

whether it’s a diaper change, food or attention. It’s alright if there’s an occasional lag (Erickson says infants learn to make their needs known through discomfort), so long as you show up most of the time. Consistency is key—if there are multiple caregivers, ensure everyone is equally attentive, so your baby knows they can feel safe and loved.

STAGE 2: 18 months to 3 years

MILESTONE: Discovering autonomy and independence

VIRTUE: Will

While the previous stage relied on caregivers to meet basic needs, toddlers have to learn independence

Build Your Parent Tribe!

Research shows a strong support system with other moms and dads is the number one determining factor in parental satisfaction.

Harvard University scholar and father Erik Erikson’s framework lays out a guide for fostering trust, autonomy, confidence and a strong sense of self.

and personal control over their bodies to develop will and selfconfidence.

PARENTING PLAYBOOK:

These months of discovery can be interpreted as defiant (hence the nickname, the Terrible Twos), but your kid is just finding their way. Encourage your toddler to try new things and give them room to explore the world around them. You can set parameters to let them experiment safely and reasonably, like letting them choose between two snacks or building in time so they can dress themselves. Often rebuking their adventurous whims, being impatient and critical, doing

everything for them, or seeming overtly fearful or anxious when they branch out can surface as a lack of confidence as they progress through life.

STAGE 3: 3-6 years

MILESTONE: Taking initiative on activities

VIRTUE: Purpose

Children encounter the world through structured environments in school. They start making decisions and facing expectations over how to behave. Kids must learn to set goals and carry them out while being mindful of others to develop a sense of initiative and purpose.

Each new developmental milestone comes with new challenges to navigate and opportunities to blossom.

PARENTING PLAYBOOK: Teach and model boundaries (like asking before taking someone’s toy), help with goal setting and offer plenty of praise along the way. Peers and teachers become significant influences at this stage (as kids interact with new people and environments, they learn social norms and develop initiative). Check how your child gets along with others by organizing play dates, observing interactions after school and communicating regularly with teachers about their progress in the classroom.

STAGE 4: 6-12 years

MILESTONE: Developing core skills

VIRTUE: Competence

Children’s social worlds expand in elementary school, and they learn many emotional, social and academic skills in group settings. Kids start to rely on their cognitive and physical abilities to navigate the world. They can develop a sense of inferiority if they struggle or have all their problems solved for them; they gain competence if they see themselves succeeding and receive praise.

PARENTING PLAYBOOK: This new stage requires you to trust your child. Encourage problemsolving, ask questions and point out previous successes to help them gain confidence. Avoid focusing on high achievements, such as accepting only straight A’s, which can lead to feelings of inferiority and unrealistic expectations. Instead, praise efforts over outcomes by saying things like “I can see you put a lot of effort into studying for that test,” or “Wow, you worked really hard to meet this goal.”

STAGE 5: 12-18 years

MILESTONE: Discovering who they are

VIRTUE: Fidelity

Adolescents develop their identities as they try on different roles in their environments and through relationships. If teens aren’t allowed to explore, have strict roles imposed on them or find the process overwhelming, they may feel uncertain about who they are and their futures. Success in this stage results in a strong sense of self and a clearer vision for themselves entering adulthood.

PARENTING PLAYBOOK: This is often the hardest stage for parents, as they feel kids pull away. Instead of feeling hurt, remember this is an appropriate part of their development. Use discretion when intervening in your teens’ decisionmaking. Consider letting them try new things without exerting your will; give them space to experiment and make mistakes (when they’ll learn the most); and respect their growing need for privacy. It’s still important to establish a framework of safety and values. You can increase their buy-in by involving teens in discussions around rules for curfew, screen-time and daily chores. This gives them a sense of control over their schedules and makes it easier for them to adhere to the rules, because they contributed to the conversation. Consider establishing a monthly family meeting to continue the discussion—a great way to foster open communication with your teens. Whatever guidelines you establish, you’ll get far with your kids by acting compassionately and providing positive feedback throughout this big stage of selfdiscovery.

Start Them Young

Volunteering—whether at a food pantry, hospital or museum—teaches kids empathy and empowers them to make a difference.

Words: Aisling Swift

It’s never too early to start teaching generosity. Luckily, Southwest Florida offers charitable opportunities for kids as young as 5. Bring your kindergartner to place stickers on meals at 15 local pantries through Meals of Hope, and get the gang

together to cook for families battling illness through Fort Myers’ Ronald McDonald House Charities‘ Family Meal Program (littles make great egg-crackers!). Nine-year-olds can host school drives and assemble bags of PJs, socks and underwear

for underserved children through Naples’ Beverly’s Angels. And, Fort Myers’ Community Cooperative invites kiddos 16 and up to pitch in at the pantry.

Opportunities for tweens and teens abound. Volunteering parents at Naples’ St. Matthew’s House can bring kids 15 and under (with adult supervision) to sort donations, pack pantry bags and distribute food. Meanwhile, 13-year-olds get hands-on at Fort Myers’ Gulf Coast Humane Society, socializing puppies and kittens.

At 14, they can sort donations at Harry Chapin Food Bank ; craft beds for Humane Society of Naples rescues; help with the equine therapy at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center and mentor children through Project Access in Naples. Kids interested in healthcare can deliver flowers and transport wheelchair patients for Lee Health. Or, your teen can give back to places that filled their lives with wonder, volunteering at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples or IMAG History & Science Center

Even before coming of age, you can foster empathy by toting toddlers at charity 5Ks and leading litter-cleanup with littles. However you give, remind your kids to consider the why, what and who behind your efforts. The world betters with each helping hand.

FEATURES

Go-getter kids changing the world, one good deed at a time

Little

P h i La n T h rOPisT s

A spirit of generosity runs through Southwest Florida, reaching all the way to our youngest residents. These little changemakers saw a need and resolved to make a difference.

Photography by Anna Nguyen Produced by Aisling Swift

Leah Shwedel

Few of us can say we’ve spoken in front of Congress—much less before the age of 10. But Naples-born Leah Shwedel never skips an opportunity to speak about type 1 diabetes. Since being diagnosed at 5, Leah has become the public face of type 1 in Naples, speaking in front of hundreds at four galas for the local chapter of Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Last summer, she was one of the 160 kids selected (out of 700) to travel to Washington, D.C. to talk about the disease that attacks insulin-producing Beta cells in the pancreas. The autoimmune condition leads to weight loss, blurry vision, bed wetting and fatigue if mismanaged or left untreated, and the road to a cure is complex. It can be hard to drum up support for research in the face of more visible and prevalent diseases, and misconceptions.

Even at 10, Leah knows the most effective strategy is to put a face to the issue. “I told them why it’s important to have funding for better treatments and why they should care,” the vivacious Pelican Marsh Elementary student says. Leah and her parents—who have helped raise millions for Breakthrough T1D—share their stories to help others seek diagnosis and treatment early and properly manage their condition. Leah fights stigmas and misinformation, such as the idea that type 1 comes from eating too much sugar or that the condition is ‘solved’ by insulin injections.

She shares how her days require a 24/7 juggling act of checking levels, getting injections (six or more a day) and making life-or-death calculations on insulin dosage. A bad night’s sleep, a too-hot day, a growth spurt, an intense game of tag—anything that can lead to hormone changes and affect blood sugar levels or insulin absorption—can leave her feeling ill or trigger a life-threatening cascade. “There’s so much background decision-making, and that’s the biggest burden,” she says. “It can be so defeating because it’s just so different every day.” Through it all, Leah continues to push for better treatments and lower medicine costs. “A cure would probably be the best thing that ever happened to me,” she says.

Maddison Molina

Maddison “Maddy” Molina, of Cape Coral, got her first taste for the sea while snorkeling with her family in the U.S. Virgin Islands about a decade ago. By the time she entered middle school, Maddy had her diving certification. “She would often say, ‘Being in the ocean is my happy place—it’s home,’” her mom, Enelia, says. The now-15-year-olds’ interest has blossomed into a series of conservation efforts, with her work being recognized by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Maddy was captivated by the reefs she saw on family trips around the world to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Thailand. In 2019, the Molinas traveled to the Galápagos Islands, an area celebrated for its ecological diversity. Maddy was expecting a thriving underwater wonderland and was dismayed by what she found instead. “There were barely any fish, the water was a little cloudy, and the coral was brown or white,” Maddy says.

She started learning more about the essential ecosystems and how reefs worldwide were endangered by pollution, warming waters, extreme weather events, bioerosion and other factors. Soon after, on a plane to Tahiti, Maddy read about the country’s Coral Gardeners, a nonprofit founded by young surfers to rehabilitate and plant coral reefs, fund science and innovation for monitoring and restoration, and raise awareness. “Seeing all these young people trying to preserve the ocean, it inspired me to do the same—and it also gave me hope,” she says.

Ever since, Maddy has been raising funds and spreading awareness. She’s planted coral in Tahiti’s sister island of Mo’orea with Coral Gardeners, removed plastic and trash from Maui beaches, and interviewed ocean scientists and activists. The teen regularly posts educational videos on her YouTube channel. Her 2023 mini-film, Saving Florida’s Coral, earned her a place among PADI’s AmbassaDivers network and a mention in their round-up of 11 top female divers championing ocean conservation. And, the high school teen doesn’t slow down. Last fall, Saving Florida’s Coral and another film she made on the devastating impact of disappearing seagrass beds on manatee populations were shown at the Florida Environmental Film Festival. She also received Cape Coral’s Community Recognition Award. “Even though we’re young, we can still make a difference. Because all it really takes is spreading the word,” she says.

Ethan Chhabra

Father and son Vikram “Vik” and Ethan Chhabra have long loved gardening together. When they were stuck at home during the pandemic, they started spending more time with their hands in the soil. That’s when Vik came up with the idea for the Estero-based One Flower Project, which sells and donates seed kits to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. For every $10 kit sold, the duo donates one kit to a school or teacher interested in a pollinator curriculum.

The seventh grader’s former school, Three Oaks Elementary School in Fort Myers, served as the project’s beta tester when Ethan and his dad donated a kit to one of the kindergarten teachers. The daily routine of watering the plants calmed her class of overstimulated tykes as the kids started looking forward to the activity.

The project took off with sales climbing nationwide. Since then, the Chhabras have also worked with local nurseries, seed purveyors and easy-toassemble, vertical planter brand Garden Tower Project to provide kids with all the materials they need to build a pollinator or vegetable garden in a small footprint. In one after-school program, the students turned their Garden Tower into a pollinator plot with cosmos, wildflowers and sunflowers. At North Fort Myers’ Manatee Elementary School, the fourth-graders’ planting project prompted cafeteria staff to add a composting bin to create fertilizer for the garden. Today, the father-son duo is gearing up to work with another organization to expand the impact of One Flower Project.

Vik, who recently started a landscaping company, hopes seed packets inspire parents to spend more time outside with their children. Seeing plants grow and bees and birds flitting around shows his son the power of his efforts. He already sees the profound impact their efforts have on his son. “It teaches me and helps the planet at the same time,” 12-year-old Ethan says. More pollinators will help keep all our planets safe, which keeps all our animals safe, which keeps us healthy, too.”

Nino Zampogna

Nino Zampogna was a second grader at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples when he noticed that many kids appeared lonely or without friends as they returned to in-person schooling following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

“People didn’t seem as happy as I remember them being in kindergarten,” Nino, who’s now in fifth grade, says. “A lot of my friends were virtual in first grade, and we lost touch through that time.” To fill the void, he started Sea Gate’s Friendship Club. “I made a poster and recruited some friends to help,” he adds.

The club meets most months to pick a project, like placing bookmarks with encouraging quotes (“Believe in Yourself,” “Never Give Up,”) in the library’s most popular books; hosting lunch mixers to encourage kids to make new friends; and leading playground cleanups. Over the past two years, the Friendship Club has sold scented pencils and raised around $1,500 for Laces of Love, a nonprofit that provides new shoes to children in need.

Nino’s club also helps promote the school’s Buddy Bench, where students have a designated spot to seek out new playmates or support; they use the school’s news segments to explain how the bench works to new kindergartners.

In one short clip, a child approaches the buddy bench and says to another kid, “Hey, do you want to play Hula Hoop or Hopscotch?” and the new friend responds, “Sure.” A few seconds and a gentle nudge can be all young ones need to forge a connection.

Nino’s message for other kids? “You should always spread kindness to the world. And, always try to help somebody who doesn’t have a friend.”

Paul Campbell Jr.

When Paul “Paulie” Campbell Jr. was on vacation in Hawaii, the 6-year-old saw people lined up with their belongings strapped to their backs or being towed in a wagon. He read their signs asking for money for food. Paulie couldn’t quite process the scene. These folks weren’t any different from him; why didn’t they have a home? His mother, Angela, met her boy’s anguish with hope: She’d help Paulie find a way to give back to unhoused individuals.

That was five years ago, when the family was still living in Pittsburgh. A year later, Paulie started the annual Paul’s Footprint drive to collect socks, thermal underwear, jackets and other winter essentials. Over the next four years, he donated 3,500 items to local homeless shelters.

When the Campbells moved to Naples last fall, Paulie was set on continuing his mission: “Covering two feet at a time,” the energetic 12-year-old says. Angela reached out to the Hunger & Homeless Coalition of Collier County and St. Matthew’s House, establishing new partners for the drive. The Oakridge Middle School sixth-grader posted a video on Facebook asking for Florida-friendly gear, including sunglasses, flip-flops, sunscreen and socks. Within two months, Paulie’s Amazon Wish List had more than 1,400 donations. Mother and son dropped the supplies off at St. Matthew’s House. “Being able to see people happy is what I enjoy most,” he says. “I like to see the smiles.”

ALL STARS

Top coaches, athletic programs and more ways to play

Swing Big

Many of the skills learned on the green set kids up for real-world success—these five local junior golf programs get your minis in the game.

Words: Kristine Gill

You can’t kick a rock in Southwest Florida without hitting a golf course. And, tykes’ interest is only rising, thanks to an ever-growing number of local junior programs perfect for your future Masters champion.

FIRST TEE

A national nonprofit with a Collier County chapter, First Tee teaches core golf skills as metaphors for life. The program, for ages 7 through 18, focuses on nine core values (including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence). Putting exercises may focus on perseverance, while role-playing sessions may have mini golfers respectfully navigate a scoring dispute. Find the program at more than a dozen courses. firstteenaplescollier.org

ANDY SCOTT SCHOOL OF GOLF

Prospective high school and college players find their A-game with Andy Scott, a PGA Teacher of the Year working out of Stoneybrook and Kelly Green Golf Clubs in Lee County. Andy and his fellow coaches start group and one-onone sessions with goal-setting and emphasize mental training. Parents say the lively Andy’s a hit with kids, and about 60 of his players have received college scholarships. andyscottschoolofgolf.com

JUNIOR GOLF PERFORMANCE

ACADEMY

Founded by 14-time Junior World Golf Champion Spencer Graham III, the Quail Creek Country Club academy’s robust lineup includes a popular after-

school program, Birdie Basics, for kids as young as 3, as well as a 20-player advanced curriculum and the Masters, which draws students from around the world. Academy co-owner Thor Parrish says the golfers are getting younger, too. “I get a call almost once a week saying, ‘My 5-year-old asked me to play golf. You would think it’s the mom or dad pushing them, but it’s the kid wanting to play,” Thor says. Keep an eye out for a new Fort Myers location coming soon. juniorgolfperformanceacademy.com

Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

LPGA*USGA GIRLS GOLF

LPGA National Top 50 Teacher Katie Dahl knows confidence drops as girls get older, and playing sports can help. The pro (who’s earned a Best Young Teacher nod from Golf Digest) runs an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf club, for ages 6 to 17, out of Estero’s West Bay Club. To foster confidence during the pivotal tween and teen years, Katie gets the girls involved in leadership roles, like helping with planning and social media for the program. girlsgolf.org

TIBURÓN GOLF ACADEMY

Littles train on one of Naples’ top champion-level courses with this program. Located within The RitzCarlton Naples, Tiburón compound, the academy hosts after-school programs for ages 7-10 and 10-13 from mid-August through May. The weekly sessions range from one to two hours, and include nine-hole Sunday matches. When school lets out, juniors work on their game in summer camps and private and semiprivate lessons. tiburonnaples.com

Under Pressure

Parental pressure can take its toll and take the fun out of youth sports. Our pros share tips for being your mini’s No. 1 fan.

FIND THE RIGHT COACH.

Your child has to like their coach. If they don’t mesh with your first choice, listen and ask about switching. “Instead of pushing your child, be their advocate,” First Tee’s Derek Clemmensen says.

LET THE COACHES DO THE COACHING. Parents who uplift—rather than provide instruction—have the best relationships with their kids on and off the field. “Helicopter parents can drive kids to burnout,” Andy Scott says.

PRIORITIZE FUN. Learning skills and improving technique come naturally if they’re having a blast, so avoid long, grueling days. “Leave the course before they get tired and hungry,” West Bay Club’s Katie Dahl says.

REWARD EFFORT. Motivate them to do their best, but focus more on process than outcomes. Praise training and commitment, and follow field time with a treat so they learn it’s about playing—not winning or losing—the game.

Dive Into Family Time

Scuba diving opens a new world for family adventures, and Southwest Florida offers the perfect setting to learn the ropes.

Words: Zahra Khan

Growing up with confidence in the water primes Florida munchkins for bigger underwater adventures, like scuba diving. Getting certified as a family unlocks a new world under the Gulf—and plenty of reasons to book dreamy vacations to places like French Polynesia and the U.S. Virgin Islands (locales filled with fishy companions, sunken ships and colorful reef forests).

While children need to be 10 to get their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Junior Open Water Diver certification, they can get their feet wet with

Ready to take the Plunge?

Dive in at one of these local PADI shops.

SCUBA OUTFITTERS OF NAPLES

Ages: 8 and up

Find discovery courses and four youth camps, including PADI Bubblemaker and PADI Seal Team for 8- to 11-year-olds. Ask about summer camps where parents can get certified (or recertified) with the kids. scubaoutfittersnaples.com

SCUBA MARCO

Ages: 10 and up

Families can start with private lessons for the classroom and pool trainings before joining groups for open-water dives in Tarpon Bay. Ask about juniors’ summer camps. scubamarco.com

DEAN’S DIVE CENTER

Age Range: 10 and up

The center’s weekend courses offer year-round comfort in Fort Myers’ Cypress Lake High School heated pool, followed by dives on the East Coast. deansdivecenter.com

CRUISE FISH DIVE

Age Range: 8 and up

Beyond the PADI Bubblemaker and Seal Team sessions, Cruise has extra safety courses, like an Equipment Specialist class for divers 10 and up to learn about gear inspecting, maintenance and basic repairs. cruisefishdive.com

Get In The Water

Guppies can get their diver certifications when they turn 10, and they can start taking lessons at age 8.

Many dive shops also offer guided trips for certified families to explore underwater havens in the Keys and around Central Florida’s magical springs.

snorkeling when they turn 6 and begin scuba lessons in a shallow pool at age 8.

Our region—with its warm, calm waters—makes for the ideal environment to get everyone certified. Diving together lends an enticing opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of emails and TikToks and reconnect over a new experience that builds trust, confidence and communication skills. Plus, kids gain a deeper appreciation for the environment they’ll inherit.

“Most young children make great divers because they have not developed the same fears as adults,” says Jessi Dawson, of Marco Island dive shop Scuba Marco. Sprouts need a scuba-certified guardian or instructor by their side until they turn 15, but starting young allows them more time to learn core skills and develop an innate comfort in the water.

Get your 8-year-old into a PADI Bubblemaker program, where they get used to the equipment in a pool, or a PADI Seal Team

camp, which teaches essentials like mask-clearing and how to breathe and stay calm underwater while completing missions. Cruise Fish Dive in Bonita Springs and Scuba Outfitters of Naples offer both courses.

Junior certified tweens aged 10 to 11 start out at a maximum depth of 40 feet and advance to 60 feet at 12. At 15, they automatically transition into full-fledged, open-water divers with the same access as adults. Then, the ocean is their—and your—oyster.

The Lion King

Meet coach Scott Stewart—part of a three-generation legacy of basketball playing and coaching in Naples.

Words: Jeffrey Roedel

Photography: Brian Tietz

By the end of the 2023-2024 season, the First Baptist Academy Lions of Naples had clinched the Private 8 Conference title, closing out yet another successful season with veteran coach Scott Stewart. The Michigan-born, Collier Countyraised trainer played guard for the University of Florida (UF) in the early ‘90s—scoring 17 points as a freshman when his Gators toppled the second-ranked Shaquille O’Neal- and Chris Jackson-led Louisiana State University squad. After college, he played pro for 12 seasons, traveling to more than 40 countries, including New Zealand, where he met his wife, Margaret. The couple moved back to Naples

to start a family and Scott joined First Baptist’s middle school team. A year later, he shepherded the school’s addition of a high school varsity program.

His return represented a big homecoming for the Stewart family—Scott grew up playing at Lely High School for his dad, Don, the beloved coaching legend who won 456 games and eight district titles during his nearly three-decade career. In 2010, a year after Don retired from Lely, Scott asked his dad to join him on the court, and Don remains by his side as an assistant coach.

At 53, Scott is a proud father of six (three boys and three girls)

Coach Stewart is part of a family of Naples basketball legends—his dad, Don, won 456 games for Lely High School as the Trojan’s long-time coach, and two of Scott’s sons have played for him at First Baptist Academy.

The father of six was a guard for the University of Florida in the early ‘90s and played pro for 12 seasons.

and has coached two of his sons. Intentional and meticulous in his approach to the game and his players, Scott uses the knowledge he gained from his father and his faith to mentor the teenagers on his roster.

YOU HAVE TO WORK TO DEVELOP A GOOD CULTURE.

In my first three years at First Baptist, we were in the trenches. Any positive, competitive culture starts with commitment—a responsibility to the sport and our future in it. And it wasn’t that way when I arrived; it was more of a casual intramural atmosphere—less competitive, more relaxed. We built the culture together, emphasizing continuous improvement, resilience and a growth mindset. We focused on character and sportsmanship, how players treat one another, and eventually, we started winning.

SOME PRINCIPLES OUR TEAM

LIVES BY are from the great University of California Los Angeles coach John Wooden, an inspiration of mine, who believed coaching

should be about the athlete, not the teacher. “Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required each day,” he says. To me, that is the root of competitive greatness. You’re not focused on beating someone else but on doing your best every day. It’s about looking inward and beginning every interaction from a place of respect— for yourself and others.

BEING A FATHER OF THREE BOYS AND THREE GIRLS helps me connect with my teen players. As a father, I take lessons I learn at home and bring them to the court, and

vice versa. It all builds empathy and helps me relate and connect with the next generation.

WE USUALLY LEARN MORE FROM A LOSS THAN A WIN as much as we hate to lose, it’s true. But, when we do, we get refocused and more detailed with our corrections. We break down what we need to do to win the next one, point by point, and funnel that energy into our goals, which we write on our board.

WORK ETHIC IS THE NUMBER ONE SKILL you gain from

basketball. My approach relies on the idea that fundamentals always continue to be important. If you focus on the fundamentals, even if it seems like a silly drill you’ve done a thousand times, you get better and better from repetition.

I HOPE THE BOYS WALK AWAY with the same things my father instilled in his athletes: a strong work ethic, a sense of integrity and passion, and the importance of being a teammate. [He taught us to] never stop being students of the game—even me, even now. There’s always more to learn.

Last season, Coach Stewart led the Lions to claim the Southwest Florida Private 8 Conference title.

CREATIVE LIFE

Shaping artistic minds, sweet jobs and fun crafts for tykes

Pretty and Pressed

Naples’ Masterpeace Art shares an easy clay tray craft, suited for tykes as young as 5—no kiln needed!

Words: Emma Witmer

Photography: Christina Bankson

Boundless, curious and sometimes silly, children’s creativity should be fostered and protected. Little ones learn about the world, express themselves and build confidence by playing and creating. Joining in on your kids’ imaginative process brings you closer together and helps put you in touch with your own creativity—something we may rarely make time for, but always benefit from. Alina Rubio, a sculptor and owner of

Naples-based fine arts and crafts studio Masterpeace—where weekly classes range from girls-night-out art activities to mommy-and-me workshops—offers a step-by-step botanical pottery craft that is engaging and approachable for ages 5 and up. Kids craft a catch-all tray perfect for small toys, markers or jewelry (air dry clay is porous, so it isn’t water or food safe) while learning about the plants growing around them.

Materials Needed

- Hardy flora

- Air dry clay

- Clay tools like a rolling pin and wood molding tool (Alina says a plastic knife works great in a pinch!)

- Water cup

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Gather Your Botanicals

Enjoy a nature walk with your little one, identifying colors and plants along the way as you forage for your materials. Focus on cuttings with sturdy stems and leaves, like black-eyed Susans or wild rosemary; softer-petaled blooms may lose their shape when pressed into the clay.

Prep Your Clay

Knead the clay like bread dough, folding and turning it over until it’s pliable and you don’t see any air bubbles. Evenly roll it into an 1-inch-thick sheet (don’t go any thinner or your piece will be too fragile).

Cutting and Scoring

Trace a perfect circle using a dinner plate or print a stencil, and cut out your tray shape. If you want to attach a lip around the edge or tack on a mini sculpture, use a toothpick, plastic knife or clay tool to score the junctions with shallow cross-hatch marks for better adhesion.

Mix Your Clay Slip

Add a small piece of air-dry clay to warm water in a dish until it has the consistency of melted ice cream. Paint the mixture—called a ‘clay slip’—along your scored surfaces. Think of the slip like sticky glue; you want to keep it nice and moist until you’re ready to assemble.

Connect the Pieces

Carefully line your scored pieces and press with enough pressure to hold the pieces together, but not so much that you mash your pretty designs. Pro Tip: For extra stability, roll out a thin coil of clay and press it into the inside of the joint between your tray and lip.

Smooth and Stamp

Use your fingers or tools to smooth out points of connection. Next, place your clean, dry botanicals on the damp clay surface and use your fingers to press them into the clay to your desired depth. Carefully remove the plants with tweezers to avoid smudging.

Wait for the Magic

Set your new creation to dry on a flat, indoor surface, away from fans or air vents (blowing air can cause cracking), for at least 48 hours. Once dry, add paint or keep it rustic for a natural look!

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Chip, Chip Hooray!

As a mom with a half dozen kids, Amanda Arrington, owner of Chip Cookies, shares her sweet recipe for a balanced life.

Words: Emily Flournoy

Photography: Christina Bankson

Estero mom of six Amanda Arrington owns the only Florida store for the quickly growing Chip Cookies franchise, playing the role of head baker and, well, just about everything else. She and her team of eight whip up about 500 of Chip’s freshbaked, oversized treats daily, with six curated flavors, a toppings bar for customizations and a special flavor rotating weekly.

A lover of crafts and baked goods, Amanda had wanted to open a cookie shop for years when she found Chip Cookies on Instagram. The busy mom liked buying into a franchise where much of the infrastructure, built-in support and brand recognition were in place. After ordering a batch of cookies online in 2022, she fell for the perfectly gooey-meets-crisped

Amanda opened Estero’s Chip Cookies location last summer.

Psst, kids: Ask about the drawer with toys and prizes beneath the display case.

Make It Count

In an increasingly cashless world, kids helping in Mom’s shop learn essential skills, like how to count money.

rounds and promptly flew to the Utah flagship with her husband, Darren. “We got one of everything and went back to the hotel,” she says. “Once the Biscoff Chip cookie hit my mouth, I was sold—Chip was coming to Estero, Florida.”

When she leaves work, Amanda has another half-dozen waiting for her at home—19-year-old Paige; 14-yearold Kara; 12-year-olds Maddie and Preston; 10-year-old Liam; and 6-year-old Jace—plus, a hamster and three chihuahuas. In the shop, a neon sign greets customers at the door with the phrase, ‘Chips Happens,’ a mantra reminding Amanda all will be well when chip hits the fan. “We’re working with cookies,” she says. “There’s not much that goes wrong.”

Origins: I was always known as ‘the cookie lady.’ I used to have an at-home bakery, A Little Cookie Shoppe, which won Gulfshore Life’s Best of the Gulf nod two years in a row. I had to shutter to focus on motherhood and managing some health issues. When I came across Chip, I loved everything about them—their backstory, the relatable owners, the paper wrap, the boxes. The little things make all

the difference. When we got our first batch, my husband, our kids (we have three from his first marriage, two from mine, and one son together) and I stood around our kitchen island and judged every cookie, rating them on a scale from 1 to 10. The cookies did not disappoint.

Scheduling: I’m at the store seven days a week. On weekdays, I get there at 9:20 a.m. after seeing the kids off to school. Most of my work is done at the shop. When I leave at 2:30 p.m., I’m pretty much done for the day. Sometimes, I go back to the store or hop on my computer at home if we’re really busy, but for the most part, I’m home for the day and get to be a mom. We eat together every night and try not to split up. If one kid has a soccer or volleyball game, we’re usually all there.

Challenges: After-school hours are the hardest. Sometimes the store is packed, and it’s hard to get away. I’m the mom who’s involved in everything, and I’m still learning to juggle. My husband is my number one cheerleader. And, I have a very full planner, where I write every single thing down.

Helping Hands: Most of the kids would rather relax in their free time than pick up a shift (what tween doesn’t?), but they often help in other areas like by babysitting their younger siblings. Paige, our oldest, works part-time in the store. My 12-year-old, Maddie, loves to come in and help make dough and take customers. They’ll say, ‘Oh, is your daughter working today?’ It’s an amazing feeling.

Perks: Obviously, they love getting free cookies, and they like being behind the scenes. When we’re out and see our Chip logo at one of

the many events we sponsor or at their school (last year, we started doing a Cookies with the Principal contest for standout students), they’ll look at me like, ‘Mom, that’s us!’ It’s nice to see them recognize all the little things.

Fun Time: I’m a big reader—last year, I read 82 books. I sneak it in at the end of the day when everybody is down for the night. It’s like my little escape. I work out every afternoon while the kids do homework; sometimes, I’ll run while they ride their bikes. In the fall, we’re in a fantasy football league. Every year, we host a Draft Party in our community with an old-

school board on the wall. We’re a competitive family by nature (like, fun competitive!), so it’s a great outlet for us.

Family Tradition: We have a jar covered in travel stickers, and it’s filled with papers listing every state. Once a year, everyone picks a paper, and we decide on a place to go out of those eight states. Our goal is to get the kids to as many states as possible.

Mommy Moxie: I love all of it—from seeing them be mad to catching them smile. I love sitting back and

watching them. Like my son, right now, he’s eating a bowl of cereal at the table. You get to witness all of these little moments in their life—only you—and it’s just so special.

Kingdom Chandelier

Kelli is a big fan of lighting designer Lindsey Adelman. “Her material usage range and combinations, scale choices, and the organic multi-directional shapes impress a freedom that we could all use a good dose of,” Kelli says. She was delighted to come across this collaboration between Lindsey and Brooklyn-based designer Karl Zahn. Their 61-bulb Kingdom Chandelier is modeled after the burro’s tail succulent, with plump bulbs draped in a perfect arc—a reflection of our modern-day yearning for sleek elegance and the imperfect beauty of nature.

lindseyadelman.com

Prioritizing: Our kids watch us and everything we do—the good, the bad and the in-between. I still make my kids my number one priority. The business is business; it will run. You just want to ensure you have good employees there and trust they can handle it. My kids and my husband come first. I will be at every event— even if I’m in my work clothes covered in flour, I will be there.

Her blended family gets in on the cookie fun, helping roll dough balls and taking customers.

Sewing the Seeds

Tweens and teens learn the A-Z of the fashion industry through Naples’ newest after-school camp.

Words: Emma Witmer

Photography: Christina Bankson

Local young fashion lovers are getting a personal style upgrade— and they just might kick off a career in the process. Chelsea Lee Provenzano, founder of Designer’s Accomplice—Collier County’s provider of the uberpopular ‘fashion play’ experiences for kids at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON)— recently launched FashionX, an after-school, camp-style course teaching teens and tweens the basics of the industry.

Each month features a different aesthetic theme, and students are split into programs tailored for age groups 9 to 11 or 12 to 14. Over the four weeks, kids attend

weekly classes, where they try their hand at everything from sewing and accessory design to creating a portfolio and business plan. Chelsea knows social media brings the allure of New York runway shows and outfit-of-theday inspo directly into kids’ hands. The snapshots leave young’uns with lofty-but-hazy dreams and ideas about what it means to work in fashion. Through the program, the industry-insider presents a comprehensive, hands-on and actionable perspective, leaving kids with a clearer answer to the ageold question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ “They’re learning the realities of what they’re

Naples mom and fashion entrepreneur Chelsea Lee Provenzano launches FashionX—a master class for 9-to-14-yearolds at CMON.

Calendar Master Plans

Every month brings a new theme for the FashionX camp, which is split into two age groups. Here are four you won’t want to miss.

1. October: Spacewalk Students ages 12-14 handcraft out-of-this-world footwear, while younger FashionXers (ages 9-11) sew appliqué pieces onto pre-made kicks.

2. February: Picasso Chic Both groups create totes inspired by the Cubist legend Picasso, using recycled materials.

3. March: Breakfast at Tiffany’s Littles personalize pint-sized, Hepburn-esque black dresses; older kids sew their LBDs from start to finish.

4. April: Gatsby’s Vibrant Floral Dreams

All student channel glitz and glamour with Art Deco, haute handbags and headwear.

interested in rather than fairies and magic dust,” she says.

Chelsea provides all the materials for mini fashionistas to bring their designs to life—think making leather sneakers and kimono-style jackets for the older age group and jewelry and fascinators for the littles. (Watch out Hats in the Garden!)

And, they’re not just sketching pretty frocks and sewing on buttons.

Students experience a wide range of style-centric careers, including creative visual merchandising (designing and assembling store and window displays), millinery (hat and headwear making) and various forms of jewelry fabrication.

Chelsea makes for a good mentor, having explored nearly every area of the fashion world since she was 12 years old and launched a

jewelry-making business with her siblings. With their parents’ support, the kids opened a storefront and hosted jewelry-making classes in their Maryland hometown. After graduating from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and working in development and merchandising for brands like Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren, Chelsea moved to Southwest

Students are split into groups for ages 9-11 and 12-14, where they learn everything from sketching and sewing garments to building a portfolio and creating a business plan.

Florida—a frequent vacation destination for her family—with her husband and two kids in 2020. Seeing Naples’ fervent arts community, Chelsea set out to create educational (and fun) experiences for young people with a passion for fashion. She launched the blockbuster Fashion Night At The Museum for 5- to 10-year-olds in 2022. As popularity for her camps and classes grew, parents approached Chelsea about hosting a similar program

for older kids—an age group that often goes overlooked outside of school-centric programming. Faced with working with teens, the young mom knew she could create a robust program that would lay the groundwork for future educational and career plans.

Each class builds on the next, with early instruction focused on identifying each child’s style and aims through mood boards, sketching and goal-setting. Later classes put those ideas into practice,

A former merchandiser for Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co., Chelsea provides all the materials for the four-week camps.

as kids learn to use high-quality new and recycled materials (Chelsea wants the next gen to embrace sustainability in the highwaste field) to bring their creativity to life. Then, they learn to stage and photograph their looks, catalog-style.

September’s Bollywood theme has the classes crafting saris and Indian-inspired jewelry. “The mission is to just see more strongwilled, tenacious, fashion-focused teens in the area,” she says.

FAMILY TIME

Things to do, and places to reconnect, unwind and feed young explorers’ imaginations

Space Odyssey

Hours from Southwest Florida—but worlds away—Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has something for aspiring astronauts of any age.

Words: Nila Do Simon

Journeying through the cosmos remains limited to a select few. But, for the galactic-curious, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, about four hours from Southwest Florida, provides an opportunity to adventure through space while keeping your feet—mostly–on the ground. Bonus: There’s something for every member of the family.

Start your visit with Planet Play, an immersive, multi-story indoor playground housed in a former IMAX theater. Designed with young visitors (ages 2 to 12) in mind, the area transports wee-ones through a neon-lit, cavernous tunnel into a space odyssey-inspired, open-play arena, complete with an LEDinteractive floor, where children create their own constellations.

After, visit Shuttle Space Atlantis, a 90,000-square-foot exhibit housing the famed namesake orbiter and interactive displays. Don’t miss the thrilling blast off in the Space Shuttle Launch, a simulation of the nearly 10-minute ascent into orbit for riders taller than 44 inches.

For tween and teen explorers, the five-hour, add-on Astronaut Training Experience places kids ages 10 to

Courtesy Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (2)

17 in a crew of Mars travelers. They’ll experience a virtual-reality walk on the Red Planet, mission-control training and microgravity simulators that recreate the experience of repairing the outside of a spaceship. (You can book individual parts of the four training modules if you’re short on time.) If your kid has their heart set on becoming an astronaut, Mars Base 1 gives them a taste of the real thing—or as close as you can get without blasting off. The five- to seven-hour program puts you in the heart of base operations. Contribute to real NASA operations in the Botany Space Lab—budding science lovers harvest and study various crops, gathering data that

will be sent to NASA’s Space Food Systems team to help inform future Mars plantings.

In both programs, guests work as a group to navigate the cosmos and solve realistic scenarios, like recouping an uncrewed supply vehicle.

Adult space nerds need not feel left out: Book a Chat with an Astronaut session for a Q-and-A with a certified space traveler, and no more than 40 guests, over drinks and light bites (kids are welcome, too). Curious about the merits and perils of space meals or the logistics of showering in zerogravity? These folks will fill you in. Now, get ready to take flight.

Aspiring astronauts and space-curious kiddos find out-ofthis-world wonder at Kennedy Space Center, with hands-on activities and exhibits like the lunar module (above).

Where to

Refuel after-hours at Playalinda Brewing Company, a microbrewery with fun beer flavors and refined pub food. playalindabrewingcompany.com

Where to

The fun-yet-elevated Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has a lazy river—the perfect place to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere with a languid float. westgateresorts.com

Playful Palates

These top local restaurants expand young palates with global flavors, elevated-yet-easy settings and fail-safe, no-frills kid favorites in case of meltdowns.

Words: Andrew Atkins

Photography: Anna Nguyen

We want our children to be ‘good eaters’—adventurous diners who eagerly accept all forms of fruits and veggies and never protest at a host’s table. But, forcing new foods on picky diners is never the answer. You want to entice them. The first step to cultivating a love of varied foods is exposure. Fortunately, some of the best restaurants in town offer ideal conditions to introduce young ones to global cuisines and fine-dining-lite settings. If all else fails, these spots have backup children’s menus for those times when only fries will do.

Bicyclette Cookshop

North Naples, Modern American

Who says you can’t play with your food? At North Naples hotspot Bicyclette, young’uns experiment with delightfully remixed global flavors (think: pork short rib with fava pesto) and, maybe even, their first taste of caviar. The team serves the salty delicacy with a bag of Bugles corn

chips, which are just as fun to eat as to pop on fingers as claws. Bicyclette chef Kayla Pfeiffer’s youthful energy and penchant for reinventing classics continues on the appropriately dubbed Happy Meal menu, with sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches and housemade dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets fried to a glorious, golden crisp. bicyclettecookshop.com

Chez Boet

Downtown Naples, French

The charmingly appointed bistro in Crayton Cove transports diners to the French countryside with authentic rustic fare that easily translates for kids. The white-tablecloth restaurant’s Well-Behaved Children’s Menu has some fail-safe options (creamy, butterladen pasta; grilled chicken with rice and veggies), but more curious littles can go for intermediate Francophile creations, like la cocotte de boeuf, a mini Bourguignon stew with Wagyu beef. chezboetnaples.com

21 Spices

East Naples, Indian Asif Syed (who famously beat celebrity chef Bobby Flay at his own game) exalts flavors from his native India at his fine-dining gem. Indian food can be the perfect gateway for a cosmopolitan palate—dishes like butter chicken (a rich, creamy, tangy curry), samosas and sweet mango lassi are satisfyingly approachable. And, few do the culinary genre better than Asif. 21spicesdining.com

Zen Asian BBQ

North Naples, Asian Coax picky eaters with a fun and engaging experience. At the 2015-opened Zen Asian BBQ, littles can help prepare their bites (with parental oversight) on one of the several Korean barbecue tables, where diners cook bountiful spreads of mouth-watering steak (including New York strip and Kobe beef), chicken, beef, shrimp and scallops.

Naples’ Zen Asian BBQ lets kiddos get hands-on at the Korean hot pot tables (previous spread and top two).

Bicyclette Cookshop applies the same creative flair to its regular grown-up and kids’ Happy Meal menus.

This meal is best-experienced familystyle, so order plenty of variety and let your gastronomes-in-the-making go wild. Once you’ve conquered Korean fare, go back for Thai and Japanese explorations. If you’re looking to test the sushi waters, Zen’s veggie maki is a great place to start. zenasianbbq.com

Coldwater Oyster Market

South Fort Myers, Seafood

Father-of-four and chef Adam Nardis opened Coldwater at the end of 2021 to celebrate all things oysters. When you want to introduce minis to briny bivalves, there’s no better place. The setting—with an indooroutdoor design, big garage doors,

a vintage VW bus parked outside and the allure of trying a new dessert like crème brûlée—hooks little ones. And, Adam’s meticulous seafood sourcing puts parents’ minds at ease, knowing their kids are getting the best clean, fresh aquatic eats. The chef focuses on harvests from he and his wife, Erin’s, native Northeast Atlantic and Pacific Northwest coasts, where the cold seas slow the animals’ metabolism, translating to crisper, sweeter oysters and fattier fish, rich in Omega-3. If your minis aren’t feeling the pescatarian vibes, there’s a hefty selection of crowdpleasing burgers, fries and steaks. coldwateroystermarket.com

El Gaucho Inca

Estero and Fort Myers, Argentinian/Peruvian

Youngsters learn about two culinary capitals at this two-location restaurant (with a new trattoria in Naples) that celebrates the owners’ South American native countries. Brave, tiny diners tackle Argentine grilled sweetbreads and lightly spicy Peruvian tacu-tacu a lo macho (rice patties and beans in a pool of saucy seafood). Those wanting to lightly push their palates can try refreshing ceviche. Even on the kids’ menu, minis taste Latin flavors via bites like salchipapas, a street food with fries and sliced hot dogs. elgauchoinca.com

Barnyard Bash

Event planner Kylie Schmucker, of Curated by Kylie Event Co., pulls together a classic farm-themed birthday party for a 1-year-old in Bonita Springs.

Words: Blake Miller

Party planning often starts with the venue, and Farmer Mike’s U Pick in Bonita Springs had plenty to offer for the outdoor-loving Adams family to celebrate their youngest son, Cru’s, first birthday. “Both of my children love being outdoors,” Cru’s mom, Shawna, says. The farm is popular for its seasonal festivals, sunflower fields and fall corn maze, and Shawna loves how her boys can explore there and have fun while learning about sustainability, gardening and healthy eating.

The Naples mom called on Kylie Schmucker, from Southwest Florida’s Curated by Kylie Event Co.,

to create a classic barn-inspired bash at the farm in January, when the kids could pick berries, go on hay rides and play on the inflatable slide. The site already provided plenty of bucolic charm—with its market, tractors and rows of plantings—and Kylie carried the rustic vibes into the party’s pavilion area.

First, Kylie set a farmhouse-style table with 20 place settings, classic white Chiavari chairs and a redand-white gingham runner. Meri Meri paper plates shaped like barns and animal-printed paper cups created a playful look against the palette of farmhouse reds, whites

Courtesy Making Memories Portraits

Say Yeehaw!

Straw hats play triple duty as decor, costuming and take-home gifts.

and earth tones. The event planner pulled from her arsenal of props for pieces like the barn backdrop—a darling photo-op with its border of tan, blue and cow-printed balloons from Cape Coral’s Bubbly & Company. “I like to layer the existing spaces,” she says.

Interactivity—a.k.a. keeping kids happy and engaged—was the name of the game for all the fun extras. Mini bales of hay topped with horses, cows and ducks created the centerpiece and doubled as analog toys for tykes at the table. “I wanted there always to be something to keep the kids’ attention, whether

Farmer Mike’s U Pick of Bonita Springs provides the perfect backdrop for a bucolic bash.

The snacks and cake were gluten-free to account for dietary sensitivities, so everyone could enjoy.

Smallcakes Fort Myers did the veggie-themed cupcakes and cow-print cake. Cape Coral’s Bubbly & Company brought in the balloons.

it was a play area or the place settings,” Kylie says.

Straw farmer hats with blue and red trim hung on the back of each chair for kids to don as they went through the day. They filled up on snacks at the ‘Farmer Cru’s Market’ station, stocked with gluten-free veggies, fruit, juice boxes and other healthy treats. “It was easily the most popular part of the party,” Kylie says.

Another big hit was the Fort Myers’ MB3 Productions artist who painted

farm animals onto little faces. Nearby, a bookshelf was stocked with plush farm animals, so each kiddo could pick a stuffed friend to take home. For the herd’s feed, there was barbecue catered by Mission BBQ—the national chain that donates part of its proceeds to military organizations. Kylie’s sister company, Curated Cocktails, served the parents hard seltzers and mimosas. “I wanted to make sure the adults were just as happy as the kids,” the planner says.

Keeping dietary sensitivities in mind, Kylie ensured the sweets by Smallcakes Fort Myers—the lauded chain featured on three seasons of Cupcake Wars—were gluten-free. No one felt left out when it came time to cut the cow-printed cake.

After having their fill, kids burnt up the energy in the ‘Cru’s Barnyard Fun’ ball pit, brought in by Cape Coral-based Little Sweet P. “The kids left the party happy and exhausted,” Kylie says with a laugh. What more could a parent want?

Summit Summit Christian Christian School

Once Upon a Time

Five books by local illustrators and authors explore life in Southwest Florida while imparting valuable lessons.

Words: Andrea Stetson

Rosie and the Hurricane

By Fernanda Ferrell-Zabala, Olga Zabala and Erin Sells

Illustrated by David Acevedo

After Hurricane Ian, Fernanda Ferrell-Zabala—whose family started Fort Myers’ Advanced Hurricane Technology preparedness company—wanted to ease kids’ fears by helping them understand big, scary storms. She and some friends wrote this book about a young girl’s hurricane experience. Littles learn along with Rosie as she processes her emotions, helps with shutters; rides out the storm with her dog in a blanket fort, and gathers supplies to aid neighbors in the aftermath. a dvancedhurricanetech.com

Big Ole Day at the Beach

By Carter Hamric

Illustrated by Olivia Vanderhagen

On his first of many family beach trips, singer-songwriter Carter Hamric wrote the song “Big Ole Day” about critters and experiences found by the sea. The lively song lyrics are now scrawled through the pages of the namesake book alongside pastel-hued coastal scenes by local illustrator Olivia Vanderhagen. There’s also an accompanying QR code so you can stream the song, making for the perfect interactive bedtime story. “Kids love upbeat singalongs,” Olivia says. bigoleday.com

Between Your Toes

By Patrick Lane

Illustrated by Karin Yoshida

Between Your Toes encourages kids to foster mindfulness, selfcare and an open, loving heart while connecting with nature. Sweetly illustrated pages of children in the outdoors invite little ones to tune into nature, appreciate their surroundings and find peace through simple grounding exercises. The author recommends that parents read along with kids for a shared centering experience. With wisdom that applies to all ages, this is a little book with a big universal message. themockingbirdspress.com

Gilbert’s Migration Vacation

By Susan Sachs Levine

Illustrated by Irene Bofill

Florida Master Naturalist Susan Sachs Levine traces the adventures of a young sanderling migrating from the Canadian Arctic to Marco Island. Along the margins, children find facts about the ‘original snowbirds,’ which fly thousands of miles nonstop between their northern and southern homes. “I wanted to highlight how important these shorebirds are,” the author says. The story weaves an underlying message of resilience as it reinforces the importance of being a good steward and protecting the winged critters. susanlevinebooks.com

Shift

Local artist Carol Coates fosters empathy and open-mindedness through her children’s coffee table book, MindsEye.

Growing up, Fort Myers artist Carol Coates never felt like she fit in, leading to lifelong questions about identity and perception. These themes are reflected through her MindsEye series, and the accompanying picture book, which presents a medley of colorful characters with scrap-metal glasses, representing how our outlooks shape how we see others and the world. Each page pairs a character with probing questions like “What do you think her name is?” or “What is his favorite food?” One of the last pages has a mirror, prompting kids to apply the process to themselves. What do they see? What could they be without the limits of others’ expectations? While the book is geared toward kiddos, it’s meant to be shared with adults (we’re never too old for a perspective shift). carolcoates.com

Get Outside

Living on the Gulf comes with plenty of opportunities to get outside—here are the top events of the year for nature-loving families.

Words: Zahra Khan

Oct. 4-27 (Fridays-Sundays)

Farmer Mike’s U Pick Fall Festival, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers

The festival’s 10th anniversary brings hay rides, pumpkin patches and farmfresh bites to the farm’s two locations. Visit the Bonita farm for the corn maze—including a haunted, alien invasion-themed version on Fridays and Saturdays. farmermikesupick.com

Oct. 11-13 and 18-20

Boo at the Zoo at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Naples

For four days, the zoo transforms for Halloween, setting the stage for kids to trick-or-treat amid the wildlife, catch magic shows and play among the lush setting. napleszoo.org

Nov. 21-24

American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach

The event returns for the first time since 2019, bringing professional sand artists from around the world to build larger-than-life sand structures along the beach. fmbsandsculpting.com

Nov. 29 — Jan. 5

Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden

Thousands of lights illuminate the

Garden’s greenery throughout the holiday season. Keep an eye out for the bromeliad ‘Christmas tree,’ decorated with hundreds of plants. naplesgarden.org

Feb. 7-9

Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City

Introduce kiddos to local crabbers and the best in locally caught seafood in the self-proclaimed Stone Crab Capital of the World, which comes alive with carnival rides and live music for the ultimate block party. evergladesseafoodfestival.org

Feb. 22

Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park Environmental Center, Cape Coral

Celebrate the native winged friends via arts and crafts stations, animal encounters and mini nature tours to spot wildlife around the Cape. ccfriendsofwildlife.org

March TBD

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers

Fruit tastings, beekeeping tours, goat feedings and plant propagation workshops unfold as kiddos learn

Costumed littles trick-or-treat and play with wildlife at Naples Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo.

about healthy eating, world hunger and how they can make a difference. echonet.org

April 12

Earth Day Festival at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples

Animal experts conduct wildlife demonstrations and presentations for future conservationists, and the kid zone beckons enthusiastic children with nature-themed activities. conservancy.org

April 26

“Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival at Lakes Park, Fort Myers

The Sanibel preserve brings its message of conservation to the city with this Earth Day festival, which combines carnival games, live music, and eco-themed arts and crafts with guided wildlife walks, nature photography sessions and alfresco yoga. dingdarlingsociety.org

Courtesy Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Who ’ s Who IN CHILD ENRICHMENT

Comprehensive Guide of Educational Programs and Activities

KEYSTONE FREEDOM ACADEMY

Keystone Freedom Academy is a prestigious private day school located in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida serving grades 5-12. Their mission is to empower students who encounter social, emotional and behavioral obstacles that impede success in conventional classroom environments. Through restraint free, enriched academics—fostering habits of achievement that transcend classroom boundaries—KFA prioritizes an individual approach with hands-on learning experiences and counseling options. Their steadfast commitment to academics guarantees a well-rounded educational journey, emphasizing vital courses to equip students for a successful transition back to their original school, or to the next stage of their academic pursuits. With positive support interventions and strategies, KFA boasts 100% Cohort Graduation. Contact us at contact.florida@keystonefreedomacademy.org

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systematic, and supportive environment.

We believe in seeing collaboration and welcome partnerships with businesses to promote authentic learning experiences.

We believe in acknowledging that safety is paramount to the learning of our students and endeavor to create an environment free from harm.

We believe in acknowledging that safety is paramount to the learning of our students and endeavor to create an environment free from harm. We believe all members of our community aspire to value and celebrate the many aspects of individual identity, diversity and human dignity.

We believe in the value of excellence and honest self-reflection throughout our daily operations.

our students and endeavor to create an environment free from harm.

• We believe all members of our community aspire to value and celebrate the many aspects of individual identity, diversity and human dignity.

We believe it is the fundamental right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect.

We believe it is our duty as citizens of the United States of America to stand against racism, hate and inequality of all people.

• We believe in the value of excellence and honest self-reflection throughout our daily operations.

• We believe it is the fundamental right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect.

• We believe it is our duty as citizens of the United States of America to stand against racism, hate and inequality of all people.

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

The Alliance for the Arts is dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression throughout the community. Whether you’re a budding artist, young actor, homeschooler, or simply an art enthusiast, the Alliance provides diverse opportunities for everyone. We offer vibrant youth art camps that inspire and engage young creatives. From art classes catering to all ages and skill levels, movie nights at their Art House Cinema, lively themed night markets every second Wednesday, Free Family ArtLab, access to Adobe Suite Programs and digital art classes—there’s something for everyone at the Alliance for the Arts. Learn more at artinlee.org.

Director of Education: Jessica Kleffman 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 939-2787 | www.artinlee.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES

CMON stands out as a distinctive leader among Southwest Florida’s cultural and educational institutions. They celebrate the natural curiosity of children by offering a dynamic educational space that encourages exploration and discovery. By seamlessly blending play-based learning with cultural immersion and intergenerational experiences, CMON cultivates a safe environment that ignites creativity, fosters fundamental learning principles, and, above all, provides a fun and engaging experience for all participants. CMON is the go-to destination for children to experience a brainbuilding powerhouse fueled by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and inspires families to have fun while learning together.

Jonathan Foerster, CEO

15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109 (239) 514-0084 | www.cmon.org

Our students are passionately prepared for a bright future, through the Arts, Academics, Sports and STEM from VPK through 8th grades. Fort Myers Christian School is a small school with a big mission: to transform the lives of our students so they can impact the world.

EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS ACADEMY

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting 20% of the population and accounting for 85% of all learning differences. If your child is impacted by a languagebased learning disability, Educational Pathways Academy is where you turn for help. They offer an evidence-based program tailored to each child’s unique journey to success. Their comprehensive curriculum not only addresses learning differences, but celebrates each child’s unique gifts and talents.

With two beautiful campuses in Naples and Estero, Educational Pathways Academy provides a traditional school setting with a specialized educational approach where each student can rediscover a love of learning as they begin a new path to a brighter future.

Founder and Head of School: Molly Arthur 23601 N. Commons Dr., Estero | 1351 Pine Street, Naples www.educationalpathwaysacademy.com

FORT MYERS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Motivated by academic excellence, and transformed by God’s love, Fort Myers Christian School has been providing high-quality Christian education to students in Lee County for 45 years. Over the past few years, the school has been growing in enrollment as well as expanding programs in the Arts, Athletics, and STEM to give students even more opportunities to discover their unique gifts. FMCS is proud of the high-level of family involvement, which is key to the welcoming culture of the school, along with highly qualified staff who genuinely love their students. FMCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International.

Head of School: Diane Winningham

1550 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) 939-4642 | www.fortmyerschristianschool.com

FULL STEAM AHEAD

This year marks 10 years for Full STEAM Ahead as a leader in STEM and Arts enrichment in SWFL. Thousands of happy families have trusted Full STEAM Ahead to teach STEAM skills, such as coding, robotics, 3D printing, and graphic design.

However, the real benefit comes in the form of STEAM developed soft skills. Their one-of-a-kind learning environment encourages creative problem solving, builds perseverance, and molds students’ minds towards a growth mindset, equipping students with the skills and confidence to take on any challenge.

Ask any STEAM family, the Full STEAM Ahead difference is real!

Co-founders: Ryan and Hilary Shore

2659 Professional Cir. Suite 1108, Naples | 1901 Brantley Rd #12, Fort Myers (239) 689-3602 | www.fullsteamaheadfl.com

NAPLES ART INSTITUTE

Naples Art Institute offers dynamic youth art education programs that nurture creativity and artistic skills. Through hands-on classes and camps, children explore various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital arts.

Experienced instructors guide students in developing their artistic techniques and expressing their unique visions. The programs aim to inspire a lifelong love for the arts within each student, encouraging imagination and personal growth in a supportive environment.

Executive Director and Chief Curator: Frank Verpoorten

585 Park St., Naples FL 34102 (239) 262-6517 | www.naplesart.org

Art Education

OCTOBER 2024 - MAY 2025

Artistic adventure awaits at Naples Art Institute! Our expert instructors inspire creativity through engaging activities like painting, drawing, sculpting, and mixed media. Experience the magic of art! About Us

For children and teens ages 5 - 17 Register online at www.naplesart.org

“Where dance is an adventure.”

: NaplesIrishDance@gmail.com

: (516) 314-7404

: Naples School Of Irish Dance

THE NAPLES SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

The Naples School of Irish dance is both a competitive and performance-based Irish dance school. They teach after school programs, have a successful performance group, and teach dancers all the way from beginners through open championships. Their classes are small so that dancers can better receive the attention they need to be successful. Their belief and objective lies in the knowledge that there is so much more than dance within their dance environment.

It is a place where dancers make friends, communicate, build confidence, and take direction, all while supporting an array of additional social skills.

Head of School: Robin Maki 875 94th Avenue North, Naples FL 34108 (516) 314-7404 | www.naplesirishdance.com

ROYAL PALM ACADEMY

Royal Palm Academy fosters a deep sense of belonging, character formation, and intellectual curiosity. Their students are leaders, creative, bright, and grounded in their Catholic Faith. Celebrating over 25 years of academic excellence, they share a partnership with parents in their child’s education. Their caring community of parents, teachers, and staff collaborate for the benefit of all students. Choosing RPA means joining a closeknit, special school family rooted in Catholic identity with a focus on promoting healthy social relationships.

Come see where students thrive!

Head of School: Michael Bussman 16100 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34110 (239) 594-9888 | www.royalpalmacademy.org

Ann School

Micah O’Connor

Director: Tracy Farley

facebook.com/saintannschoolnaples

SAINT ANN SCHOOL

Catholic School has provided excellence education of Spirit, Mind, and Body since 1956. emphasis and dedication to high academic for all students are evident throughout the state-of-the-art campus and well-rounded gifted,honors,resource classes,integration technology, band, choir, art, music, drama, foreign physical education, and athletic offerings competitive sports. Saint Ann has partnered with League encompassing PK3-8 classes. the dedication and commitment of our trained, certified professional teachers and child is nurtured to reach their

Saint Ann Catholic School has provided excellence in the education of spirit, mind, and body since 1956. Their emphasis and dedication to high academic standards for all students are evident throughout the school’s state-of-the-art campus and wellrounded curriculum. This curriculum boasts gifted programs, honors, resource classes, integration of technology, band, choir, art, music, drama, foreign language, physical education, and athletic offerings in competitive sports.

Saint Ann has partnered with First Lego League encompassing PK3-8 classes. Through the dedication and commitment of highly trained, certified professional teachers and staff, each child is nurtured to reach their fullest potential.

Principal: Micah O’Connor

542 8th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-4110 | www.stann.net

ST. ELIZABETH SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

From the first day of PreK to 8th grade graduation, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School students receive a well-rounded education nurturing their spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and moral development. They provide a solid foundation for students to take their place in society as both valuable and successful members of the kingdom of God.

In partnership with families, they offer a challenging curriculum in a joyful, faith-filled learning community. Take a tour and discover why Seton students love their school!

Principal: Mrs. Maria Niebuhr, M.Ed. 2730 53rd Terrace SW, Naples, FL 34116 (239) 455-2262 | www.saintelizabethseton.com

“Come

Maria Niebuhr, M Ed , Principal

Editors' Pick

Bear in Mind

Bonita Springs artist Marcela Pulgarin sews a whimsical, quirky take on classic stuffed bears with a perfectly imperfect patchwork look. Her hand-stitched osos (Spanish for bears—Marcela is from Colombia) have longerthan-average arms and shorter-than-usual legs, which prove the perfect proportions for tiny hands to grasp and carry. Asymmetrical features and contemplative facial expressions hint at layers of depth and stories untold, making the stuffies reassuring companions for young ones finding their place in the world. Marcela has a bachelor’s in art from Florida Gulf Coast University and has worked with Naples assemblage artist Ran Adler and interiors guru Judith Liegeois, so she knows a thing or two about design. Her osos’ lively patterns capture tots’ attention while looking cute—whether they’re intentionally displayed or inevitably dropped around the home. Message Marcela through Instagram to purchase (@macherandomhouse).

Courtesy Marcela Pulgarin

Pre-professional training through theatre productions, classes, and summer camps gives students the opportunity to grow as performers and as people. These programs are built to improve performance skills, build confidence, encourage self-expression, and inspire artistic growth. Whether you’re an experienced performer or you’ve never set foot on stage, Gulfshore Playhouse Education will prepare you for every stage in life.

CONSERVATORY PRODUCTIONS

Anything Goes: Youth Edition (Ages 10 - 18)

Mon/Wed, Sept. 4 - Dec. 11, 2024 | 5PM - 8PM

Auditions: Aug. 21, 2024 | 5PM - 8PM | Tuition: $750

Performances: Dec. 13 - 15

CHANGING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, TEENS, AND STUDENTS OF ALL AGES!

Be part of Gulfshore Playhouse history by performing in the first Conservatory production in the Baker Theatre and Education Center!

Anything Goes Tap Class (Ages 10 - 18)

Aug. 14 - 15, 2024 | 6PM - 8PM | Tuition: $75

Students who take this class will be guaranteed to be cast in our Anything Goes Youth Edition production, where they will be the first students to perform on our Moran Mainstage on a professionally designed set.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Ages 6 - 9)

Mon - Thurs, Nov. 4 - 21 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Tuition: $300 | Performances: Nov. 21 - 23, 2024

Calling students ages 6 - 9! Join us for a three-week Conservatory program at Gulfshore Playhouse! Led by seasoned theatre professionals, young actors will have the opportunity to grow their acting, singing, and dancing skills in a supportive and dynamic environment. The program culminates in a 30-minute adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, celebrating students’ dedication and growth on stage.

CONSERVATORY CLASSES

CONSERVATORY CLASSES

Story Explorers: Happily Haunted (Ages 5 - 7)

Tuesdays, Oct. 1 - 29, 2024

5:30PM - 7:30PM

Tuition: $150

Broadway Bootcamp: Golden Age (Ages 8 - 13)

Weds. Jan. 8 - Feb. 5

5:30PM - 7:30PM

Tuition: $150

Story Explorers: Out of This World

(Ages 5 - 7)

Weds. Jan. 8 - Feb. 5

5:30PM - 7:30PM

Tuition: $150

Private Acting Lessons Available

Gulfshore Playhouse Education offers private acting lessons for Conservatory students of all ages.

Private Vocal Lessons Available

Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced Classes and lesson packages available.

To register and for more details

Contact: Steven Calakos, Director of Education at scalakos@gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Call: 239.261.7529

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