April 2021 | Southwest Ohio Parent | Dayton

APRIL 2021

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Building a Family Midwesterner Mina Starsiak Hawk on motherhood, her hit HGTV show and the inspiration behind her new children's book

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE DETECTING EARLY AUTISM SIGNS

YOUR #1 PARENTING RESOURCE IN DAYTON

contents

// APRIL 2021

13 features

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On the Cover: HGTV's Mina Starsiak Hawk

The Good Bones star talks about the value of inclusivity, kindness and building unique families in her children's book, Built Together.

13 31

Detecting Early Signs of Autism

31 departments In Every Issue

Travel

06 Letter from the Editor 08 News & Notes 09 Local Kids

10 Travel Adventures for

Special Needs Around Town

16 Tips for Planning

Special Needs Playdates

Learn how to spot the early signs of autism, when early intervention is crucial.

11 Hidden Gems:

Caring for Your Heart at Any Age

18 Local Spotlight:

Resources & Calendars

Parenting

24 Summer Camp Guide 34 Education Guide 35 Things to Do in

Don't become the victim of America's No. 1 killer of women. Take steps now to ward off heart disease.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

Indigo Hippo

22 Best Friends Forever Thanks to Camp

07 24 13

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Outdoor Addicts

ohParent.com I April 2021

April

39 Fun & Wacky Calendar

Sponsored Content 19 Learning and Thriving

Without Labels or Limits at Summit Academies

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@ohparent.com Associate Publisher + Creative Director Katie Clark katie@ohparent.com Editor Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@ohparent.com Advertising + Sales Hannah Mohler hannah@ohparent.com Production Manager Karen Ring karen@ohparent.com

Built on Love What does the word “family” mean to you? Does it mean blood relatives?

In-laws? Friends and neighbors? I would say it’s all of the above. And I think Mina Starsiak Hawk, who is on our cover this month, would agree.

The popular star of the HGTV show Good Bones, Mina is one half of the Two Chicks and a Hammer duo (the other half is her mother, Karen Laine). Mina is also a Midwest resident, a mom of two, and now she’s an author of a children’s book, Built Together.

In the book, Mina shares about the countless ways to be a family. Family is blood, yes.

But family is also more than that. Family is the village you build and the people you surround yourself with. And just like the houses she builds around Indy, strong families are like strong houses, both having sturdy foundations built on trust, love, kindness and lots of TLC.

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Calendar Editor Haley Paddock haley@ohparent.com

Mina’s new children’s book has me thinking a lot about family. Because of the pandemic, my family hasn’t been able to connect face-to-face with our extended family like we’ve wanted to. But just recently, my children were able to visit with their fully vaccinated grandparents and give them a hug — the first hug in almost a year. This small act of hugging a grandparent — something that seems so simple, and which had been sorely missed — really hammered home the importance of family to me. (Excuse the construction pun.)

My family is looking forward to more hugs, more visits and more togetherness this year.

Whatever your family looks like and wherever they are, we wish you and yours love and health this month!

Digital Publisher Wendy Hasser wendy@ohparent.com Events + Digital Brooke Litherland brooke@ohparent.com Administration + Marketing Mary Mueller mmueller@ohparent.com Billing billing@ohparent.com Contributing Writers Rachael Brugger, Lindsay Conner, Michelle Mastro, Sarah McCosham, Jennifer Thompson Calendar of Events calendar@ohparent.com SW Ohio Parent is published monthly. Copyright 2021 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

on the cover:

HGTV's Mina Starsiak Hawk

The Good Bones star talks about the value of inclusivity, kindness and building unique families in her children’s book, Built Together.

WORDS BY MICHELLE MASTRO

Mina Starsiak Hawk’s new picture book celebrates nontraditional families, including her own.

Fans of the HGTV show, Good Bones, might recall Hawk and Karen E. Laine’s (Hawk’s mom and the other half of Two Chicks and a Hammer) humorous attempts at diagraming their complicated family tree. The point of the exercise was that, regardless of the meandering branches and numerous offshoots, at the end of the day — both women agree — they’re all family.

“Obviously, my family is not the mom and dad, three kids and a dog kind of situation,” Hawk says of the inspiration behind Built Together. “My parents got divorced when I was three, so I was exposed to a lot of different types of families. The way I was raised created an environment where I could understand all the different types of family structures.”

Hawk, now a mother of two, wants to share this message of inclusivity with young readers and her son, Jack, who inspired the book’s child narrator.

Built Together begins with the little boy pondering how his robust family came together — whether his mom and dad

needed a hammer and nails to build the family. Built Together is a play on building and constructing families that goes beyond blood relatives to include neighbors and even rescue animals.

“We made a point of raising our son Jack with a village that is his family,” says Hawk of her and her husband’s approach to bringing up their kids. “The more people you have that care about you and love you, the better. Jack has a lot of people in his life, aunts and uncles, who aren’t blood relatives.”

The book celebrates modern, non-traditional families and teaches kids about diversity by modeling acts of kindness and acceptance through pictures.

“Jack’s two and a half now, so it’s not really a conversation, as I think it’s really lifestyle choices at this age,” Hawk says of the context for her decision to cover grownup issues in a children’s picture book.

“When Jack gets older and understands the right words, we will be able to talk about it more.

For kids, you need to show that people dress differently and look different… but they are part of the family, too.”

“

WE MADE A POINT OF RAISING OUR SON JACK WITH A VILLAGE THAT IS HIS FAMILY,” SAYS HAWK Like the houses Hawk and Laine renovate in Good Bones, families come in all shapes and sizes.

What matters is having a good foundation. “I didn’t apply for a show,” Hawk says. “I fell into this amazing situation that has given me a platform for so many opportunities, and writing this book has been one of them.”

Hawk adds, “Not to put too much pressure on a kids’ book, but I wanted to do something with what I know, which is construction, and my family is definitely non-traditional,” she says. “And I think, especially now, there have been so many polarizing things going on, that having something that kids can read at a young age, that’s specifically about making their unique family, it’s a fun play on the many positive messages that kids’ books have.”

Built Together, published by Zonderkidz, is available wherever books are sold.

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NEWS & Notes

Our monthly roundup of news you can use

Have you heard the buzz?

90 million THAT’S ROUGHLY HOW MANY CHOCOLATE EASTER BUNNIES ARE MADE EACH YEAR.

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ohParent.com I April 2021

DID YOU KNOW? The Earth Day movement started in the U.S. on April 22, 1970. In 2009, the movement went global when the United Nations General Assembly designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is installing two new bee hives on the museum grounds in mid-April, in a partnership with the Queen City Pollinator Project. Pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem, and the museum’s focus on community wellness supports bringing in honeybees to aid the health of the entire community. The museum is also seeking bee support from the community. The public will be able to “adopt a bee” for a $5 or $10 donation from May 3–31. All funds raised will support the museum’s community wellness initiatives.

Learn more at cincinnatiartmuseum.org/bees.

celebrate the Earth Earth Day and Arbor Day are quickly approaching. Pick up a kit full of easy crafts and activities from CentervilleWashington Parks District that you can do to celebrate the Earth! Each kit will also include one small sapling you can plant to give back to our planet. Register online by April 12 at cwpd.org. Kit pick up will be at Centerville-Washington Park District Headquarters on April 19.

Sources: mentalfloss.com, ducksters.com

say cheese!

LOCAL kids

Siblings: They can be your arch-rivals, and they can be your best friends (usually within the same hour!). To celebrate National Siblings Day on April 10, here are some pics of brothers and sisters that are making us feel the family love!

Mason (5) and Parker (3) Dylan (7) and Rylee (4)

Marissa (10) and Nora (4)

Naomi (8) and Olivia (6)

George (6), Stanley (4) and Walter (2)

Ezra (10) and Gus (7) Myles (4) and Mason (6)

Want to see your cute kids on this page?

We're looking for cute photos of kids being kids for the May issue! Email your best photos to editor@ohparent.com (with the child's first name and age), and your photo might be selected to appear here!

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TRAVEL

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Travel Adventures for Outdoor Addicts

There are lots of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the beautiful Midwest!

From zip-lining through the trees to uncovering caves, adventuring through parks to camping (or glamping!) with your family, these adventure-centric travel ideas should be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list this summer.

Caves and Caverns With more than two miles of passageways that range in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet, Ohio Caverns in West Liberty is the state’s largest cavern. The cavern is open in all weather, and stays a constant and cool 54 degrees all year long. Walking tours typically take about an hour, so bring your walking shoes, a sweater, and your camera to take photos of the wonderful world of underground beauty that awaits you.

Explore an underground world filled with waterfalls and rock formations at Indiana Caverns in Corydon, which boasts the longest cave in the state. Make your way 110 feet downhill to the underground river and back up again, and then enjoy the cavern’s other attractions, including a single rail zip coaster, gemstone mining and an escape room.

Zip-lining

Camping and Glamping

Hiking and Exploring

Located in Indiana cave country in Mauckport, Squire Boone Zipline has the longest zip line in the region, with two different zipline courses. The Canopy Tour, for ages 7 and older, is great for families and will take you zipping through tree-top canopies and above scenic forest ravines. The Long Course Canopy Tour is for ages 10 and up, and is perfect for thrill-seekers who want more time on the ropes (and more time up in the air!). After zipping around, an underground tour of the caves at Squire Boone is a must.

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, is the perfect place to glamp in style. Located just outside of the park grounds, The Inn at Cedar Falls offers unique lodging options for families who want to immerse themselves in nature — and also enjoy modern conveniences. Sleep in a sphere under the stars in the inn’s new luxury geodomes, or lounge in one of the inn’s roomy log cabins, cottages or unique yurts.

From forests and parks to rivers and lakes, the Midwest is at its best (and most scenic) when viewed on foot.

Featuring six underground zip lines in a man-made cave, Mega Zips in Louisville, Kentucky, boasts the distinction as the world’s only fully underground zip-line course. With over 17 miles of underground passageways beneath the city, families can challenge each other to zip racing, or test their balance and skill across two challenging bridges.

Treehouses aren’t just for kids to play in: They’re for families to sleep in, too! Located just outside of Shawnee National Forest, Timber R idge Outpost in Elizabethtown, Illinois, offers families a playful place to relax in the treetops. Surrounded by forests and outfitted with all of the conveniences of home, sleeping in a treehouse is a glamping experience that families are sure to remember.

Take a hike along a portion of the Ice Age Trail, a 1000-mile footpath that is contained entirely within the state of Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail — which is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States — is the perfect platform for day hikes and enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors, or more intensive backpack ing a nd ca mping adventures.

For state park lovers, the state of Indiana wants to reward you for getting outdoors. Now through the end of 2021, visit any of Indiana’s almost 60 state parks and check in on the State Nature Passport app to collect prizes. Visit visit indiana.com/explore to sign up and download the app.

Have fun getting outside and exploring the Midwest!

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HIDDEN GEMS

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

2020 has been quite a year.

As we continue to navigate life during a pandemic, many of us have struggled to find fun places to take our kids that are also safe. One solution has been taking our kids to outdoor spaces where we can safely practice social distancing. For Southwest Ohio parents, that’s Pyramid Hill.

Pyramid Hill is a true hidden gem — it’s tucked away in beautiful Butler County, off a rolling country road. A bright red sculpture stands at the entryway; and from there, the hills and valleys of Pyramid Hill’s 300 acres are marked with larger-than-life sculptures that demand to be seen (and admired).

Pyramid Hill is an outdoor museum comprised of over 60 monumental pieces of sculpture in an environment of meadows, forests and gardens. The art stands out in a way that’s impossible to miss; you’ll traipse through woods to find rustic sculptures, encounter colorful creations standing

front-and-center in fields and admire bright spectacles across rolling fields. Art is everywhere at Pyramid Hill — and that’s the point.

As we look toward the holidays, you may be wondering which traditions to include this year.

Happily, Pyramid Hill’s annual drive-thru holiday lights display is not only continuing for 2020, but it promises to be better than ever.

Running Nov. 20-Jan. 3, 2021, Journey Borealis boasts more than one million twinkling lights set amid the park’s breathtaking backdrop of art and nature.

Ohio offers so many “can’t-miss” holiday traditions; this year, travel to Butler County to experience an under-the-radar favorite: Holiday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton pyramidhill.org

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D E T E C T I N G

EE A AR R LL YY O O FF A AU U

SS TT

II II

G G SS

N N SS M M

WORDS BY LINDSAY CONNER

Learn how to spot the early signs of autism, when early intervention is crucial.

D

id you know that early signs of autism

spectrum disorder (ASD) can show up

in toddlers as young as 12 months

old? With this knowledge in hand, parents and caregivers can look out for specific behaviors and missed milestones and get your child the help

Additionally, a lack of babbling or language development (very few or no words by 16 months, or very few or no meaningful two-word phrases by 24 months) can be a sign of ASD. Not making eye contact or turning toward the person speaking is another marker. Also, if the child doesn’t point at people or objects, imitate sounds or movements, or has little to no response if their name is called, these are some other behaviors to watch out for.

they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Learning to recognize the early markers of ASD can be a challenge, but it’s important for intervention. “Parents can start noticing ASD signs as early as 1 to 2 years old,” says Trudy Yeager, OT, with ABC Pediatric Therapy Network. “Typically they can notice it through behaviors such as lining up toys, repetitive behaviors like rocking and twirling, spinning objects, social skills, communication skills, limited tolerance for changes in routine, and limited tolerance for a variety of sensory input.”

Not all children with autism show all the signs, and many children who don’t have autism will show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS A diagnosis of Autism may be received as early as 18 months, yet the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is around 4 years.

When a parent suspects a child may have key indicators of ASD, a first step is to contact their primary care physician for a complete check-up to rule out other medical concerns.

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“Pediatricians help guide the diagnosis and treatment plan for autism and are great resources for developmental milestones,” explains Kristin Feld, OT, with ABC Pediatric Therapy Network. “If the pediatrician is in agreement that the child is showing developmental delays or possibly autism, request a referral for an evaluation.”

There is no single sign that definitively points to the presence of an autism spectrum disorder, but parents who notice even one sign or developmental concern should share this information with their child’s pediatrician, early intervention provider or school. While a wait-and-see approach is certainly valid in some circumstances, parents should be their child’s strongest advocate, asking for specific timelines if they are asked to wait. They may also seek second opinions and appropriate therapies in the meantime.

For children under 3, parents in Hamilton County should also submit a request for services from Help Me Grow (HMG), Ohio’s early intervention program. These requests can be submitted online (helpmegrow.org) or by phone (513-4343322 or 1-800-755-GROW), and can be accessed through the Ohio Department of Health website.

For children 3 years and older, parents can contact their local elementary school or school district (whether the child attends school there or not) to share that they have concerns about their child’s development and request an evaluation for preschool (ages 3 to 5) or school-age (6 and older) special education services through the school district.

T R E AT M E N T A psychologist with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Lauren Jones, Ph.D explains that there is not one specific treatment for autism, as treatments should be individualized to target a child’s specific needs and developmental goals. Some strategies may include ABA therapy, which focuses on building new skills by breaking them down into teachable parts, increasing helpful behaviors and skills, and decreasing challenging or unsafe behaviors. “Other important therapies might include training parents to support a child’s learning and behavior, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and play or talk

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therapy,” Jones adds. Some children also benefit from medications to help with symptoms related to autism, such as difficulties with attention, behavior regulation, or mood.

According to Yeager, parents can help kids learn and grow by providing them with a variety of sensory input throughout the day and helping to challenge their routines. “Also, it’s important to give them structured time for adult-directed tasks and encourage them to practice imaginative play,” she says.

“Parents can learn what the milestones should be and work towards them, getting their kids involved in social situations and working to boost skills that are underdeveloped.”

The CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” website has many useful tools for learning about what milestones are typically observed at various ages, and what parents should do if they observe differences in their child’s development.

“For most children, the earlier we can provide effective intervention, the more successful those interventions are likely to be,” Jones says. By reducing autism symptoms and increasing critical life skills (social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, learning, play), children can begin to thrive. “Some children even show increased IQ scores after receiving successful early treatment,” Jones adds.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

Tips for Planning Special Needs Playdates Helpful ideas to introduce your child to new social experiences.

Some playmates may get overwhelmed by outdoor sensory stimulation, sensitive to temperatures, or may have access-mobility needs. Reach out to see what everyone needs to make the playdate accessible and comfortable for all.

Playdates are great for both kids and parents.

They break up the monotony of the day and add scheduled time for socialization and play. For parents of special needs children, choosing the right playdate can relieve stress and anxiety.

As you begin your planning, remember you know your child better than anyone. If structure and routine are important, be sure to prepare them in advance for the playdate. Consider putting the date on a calendar, and count down the days together. Also, letting them know what to expect once you are there may help to decrease anxiety and prevent any meltdowns from occurring.

The pandemic has definitely put a damper on playdates over the past year, but for those who are still choosing to safely visit with friends and family, here are some tips to make your next playdate a success from Tasha Cleaver, manager of Carter’s Play Place and executive director of Carter’s Crew.

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Are there certain things parents should take into consideration when planning play dates?

What tips do you have for parents who want to have playdates in their own home, or at a friend's home?

The best playdates include a variety of options. Take the time to find out what the other playmates attending enjoy. The parent(s) will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and it will help the child feel comfortable in your home with a preferred activity.

Keep in mind they don't necessarily have to engage in the same activity at the same time.

Parallel play, or side-by-side play, is an important step in childhood development. Let the children take the lead. If one wants to paint while the other stacks blocks in the same area, consider that a win!

What tips do you have for parents who want to have playdates outside of the home?

With warmer weather coming, the outdoor playdate returns!

Outdoor playdates are ideal for providing a balance between connecting and social distance.

Look for locations that provide outdoor and indoor options that are well maintained and sanitized beyond the standards set by the CDC. Some examples are your backyard, parks, nature preserves, and indoor/outdoor recreational centers. How about an outdoor movie playdate? Or how fun would a photo scavenger hunt at a local park or nature preserve be?

SO much fun and great for all ages!

The “Golden Rule for a Successful Playdate” is to set the parameters of the playdate along with the other parent(s), and take everyone’s needs into consideration. Setting the time, location, who will attend, whether there will be snacks, if parents will stay or drop off. However, be willing to take the lead! Some parents will likely appreciate the effort on your part and it may strengthen the relationship between adults, too.

Some parents are not quick to return to scheduling in-person playdates as we make our way through the pandemic. If virtual playdates work for your child, offer a virtual option as well as in-person. If you do an at-home, in-person playdate, remember to keep hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, hand wipes and other supplies readily available.

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AROUND TOWN

WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Local Spotlight: Indigo Hippo

This “creative reuse” center is spreading creativity and empathy — one marker at a time.

Last summer, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, you set up a free poster making station for protestors. Tell us about that.

Last summer in the midst of a global pandemic, protestors came out en masse calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality. Cincinnati has been actively involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, with many local businesses stepping up to help the cause.

We have always done our best to make our storefront a space where everybody feels welcome, no matter who they are, what they look like or whatever circumstances they might be experiencing. As our community raised their voices, we felt the most helpful thing we could do was offer what tangible support we have: art materials. Not only does creativity spread empathy, but if sharing some paper and markers freely with our community could help give voice to those who need to be heard right now, it was the least we could do.

Indigo Hippo, a nonprofit art supplies store located on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) created a “Make-a-Sign” station, offering free poster boards, markers and other sign-making supplies.

Southwest Ohio Parent chatted with Indigo Hippo’s interim executive director and co-founder Emily Farison about how this nonprofit came to be, Cincinnati’s creative community, and how art can unify and affect positive change.

some leftover fabric or extra wood from artwork or projects can bring us these materials that still have "life" left in them, and trust that someone else will find them and put them to good use in a new way.

Tell us how Indigo Hippo started.

Indigo Hippo opened in 2016 after our founders, a small group of DAAP (University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning) graduates, connected to the model of “Creative Reuse” and realized Cincinnati didn't have any similar resources. The idea of offering creative materials to our community as accessibly as possible while keeping amazing materials from being added to the waste stream became our mission, coupled with the belief that creativity is a powerful way to navigate everything life throws our way.

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What kinds of programs are available to community members, families and kids?

You describe yourselves as a "creative reuse center" in OTR. What does this mean, and how does this work?

"Creative Reuse" is basically the idea of creatively giving preexisting materials a second life. Of course, people have been reusing materials for centuries in one way or another, but for us, this looks like our art supply thrift store, which operates with a pay-what-you-can model. People who maybe have a few half-full bottles of paint,

Over the last four years, our programming has changed quite a bit as our capacity has fluctuated.

In the past year, we’ve had steady programming at the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) for families that focused on personal growth in relation to creativity, which unfortunately got derailed due to COVID-19. However, we have plans in the works with CAM for the fall to offer programming for families and kids centered around Creative Reuse and environmental themes.

How can the community support you?

There are many ways to support us!

We are still operating with limited hours due to the pandemic, but our website (indigohippo.org) has info about signing up for shopping appointments, material donation appointments and volunteer appointments. Monetary donations also go a long way toward keeping us afloat during these uncertain times, and support our ability to continue offering creative materials as accessibly as possible. Sharing our social media with friends and family is also a great way to help us spread the word.

For more information, visit indigohippo.org.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Learning and Thriving Without Labels or Limits at Summit Academies

For alternative learners and their families, Summit Academies offers a place to grow, build hope and strive for success, through their network of tuition-free public schools located throughout greater Ohio, for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Offering tailored learning solutions for children with autism and ADHD, Summit Academies’ approach to education is a holistic one. They offer unique programs, such as therapeutic martial arts, where students receive martial arts classes that take place in the school’s Dojo.

It’s in this safe space where concepts are made concrete, and the Sensei becomes a role model when students are struggling with their behavior.

The teachers and staff at Summit Academies work closely with parents and students, forming a team to

meet each student’s academic, social and emotional needs. Teachers understand that each child learns differently, so they are patient and prepared to use several different methods of teaching in order to provide the best education to each student.

“My son has been bullied and misunderstood his whole life. On his first day at Summit Academy, his mood was totally different,” says Katrina M., a Xenia parent whose son attends Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners. “I can't wait to see what's in store for us. I am so grateful for a safe place for him to learn with teachers and staff that have compassion and understanding.”

To learn more about Summit Academies and to enroll in one of their 24 schools in 13 Ohio cities, visit summitacademies.org.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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PARENTING

WORDS BY AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

Best Friends Forever Thanks to Camp I met my best friend at summer camp, and indeed, summer camp is the reason our friendship is still alive today. The story goes like this: She was on the top bunk, and I was on the bed beneath hers. Maya forgot to bring a pillow and even though another girl in our cabin had brought two pillows and offered her extra one to anyone who wanted it, Maya was too shy to say anything. Our moms tell us we were 8 and 10 that first year at Camp Cedar Glen, a United Methodist camp in Julian, California.

The majority of Maya’s and my shared memories are of Camp Cedar Glen. Working on elaborate friendship bracelets, carefully choosing when to consume the Caramel Apple Pops Maya’s family provided by way of care packages, sharing observations of counselors, dancing together, and singing loudly. I have great memories of our cabin group taking a moment to turn off our flashlights and check out the stars on our walks back to the cabin after campfire every night. Maya and I weren’t necessarily the camp friends who were inseparable for all activities or meals, but we could read each other like a book and trust the other with our thoughts.

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2. Stay connected through little things. Watch the same movie at the same time. Wear the same goofy T-shirt on the same day.

3. Write your friend an actual letter or a postcard. In an age when technology has taken over much of our everyday lives, take the time to handwrite something for your best friend that they can add to their collection of BFF keepsakes.

4. Start a book club. Reading a Camp was the one time we could count on seeing each other, and each summer we returned to Camp Cedar Glen eager to be reunited and make new memories that would carry us through the school year until the camp season began again. To this day, Maya and

I marvel at how our friendship remained intact, especially during those years that were too early for us to clearly remember. How did we become best friends over the course of those five years spent together at camp? By the time smartphones and other connectional technology had a place in our lives, we were already so firmly cemented as each other’s best friends that it wouldn’t have made a difference. And when I say Maya and I are “best friends” I don’t mean that we were just close the way everyone at camp is a best friend. Maya is my number one and I’m hers.

Simple Tips for Maintaining a LongDistance Friendship When you find someone at camp you really click with, taking deliberate steps to maintain that connection when you’re home and far away from each other is worth the effort. It can cement a friendship that will stand the test of time and offer an emotional support system like no other.

Here are just a few easy steps you can take to keep the bond strong in your long-distance friendship:

1. Schedule time to talk to one another. While unavoidable interruptions do occasionally happen, don’t cancel your check-in time unless you absolutely have to.

You want to send your friend the message that they matter, not the opposite.

book together will stimulate your imagination and give you even more to talk about during your many phone calls and video chats.

5. Reminisce about the good times. Such as the experiences that brought you together in the first place — like camp!

Reprinted from Camping Magazine by permission of the American Camp Association; ©2021 by the American Camping Association, Inc. This article was adapted for length and content. The full article can be read at acacamps. org/resource-library/campingmagazine/best-friends-foreverthanks-camp

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2021 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE DAY CAMPS

9:30am - 3:30pm *Extended Care Available • Grades: K - 8

Camp-A-Palooza at Kids First Sports Center

8485 Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Anne Goldstein, Phone: 513.722.7241, Email: daycamp@mayersonjcc. org, MayersonJCC.org/Camp

Greater Cincinnati’s most talked about summer camp experience! Why? Four words: Kids First Sports Center…

108,000 square feet of kids sports heaven! Imagine a summer camp taking place in the country’s largest children’s activity center with exceptional instruction in the most popular children’s recreational pursuits: Swimming, Gymnastics, Dance, Trampoline & Tumbling and Soccer!

Dates: June 1 - August 20, 2021 • Hours: 7-9am - Before Care. 9am-4pm Camp .

4-6pm - After Care • Ages: 5 - 15 years old 7900 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Julie Halusek, Email: info@ kidfirstsports.com, Phone: (513) 489-7575, kidsfirstsports.com/camps-events/ camp-a-palooza-camps

Camp Art Academy Camp Art Academy is an awardwinning, memorable art experience for your camper! Balancing technical instruction with freedom of selfexpression, Camp Art Academy’s curriculum includes fundamental visual art skill building activities, two and three dimensional hands-on experiences, top-notch guest artists and creative problem solving with lots of fun!

Dates: June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, July 5-9, July 12-16, July 19-23 • Hours: Full Day 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Half Day 9:00 am - 12:15 pm OR from 1:15 pm to 4:30 • Ages: 5-12 1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Contact: Sam Holloway, Email: sholloway@ artacademy.edu, Phone: (513) 562-8762, artacademy.edu/com-ed/summer-artcamp/summer-art-camp.php

Camp at the J Presenting Cincinnati’s Best Day Camp as voted by in the 2020 Best of Parenting poll, Camp at the J! We cannot wait for another magical summer filled with memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Campers will be grouped into pods no larger than 12 with all campers and staff required to wear masks when inside the facility while maintaining a social distance. Sign your kids up for a summer to remember with flexible weekly options available.

Dates: June 14 - August 6 • Hours:

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Camp Curiosity at Rockwern Academy Here comes the sun! Join Rockwern Academy's Early Childhood Education Center for a fun, creative camp for little learners. Our small, nurturing school environment and experienced staff help young children discover new skills, gain confidence, and thrive!

Campers will enjoy outdoor water activities, arts and crafts, music, storytime, and more. Camp will operate with the same safety measures that helped to keep our school safe and open during the year.

Dates: Session 1: June 7 - 25; Session 2: June 28 - July 16 (no camp July 5); Session 3: July 19 - August 6 • Ages: 18 months - 5 years (entering kindergarten) • Hours: Full day (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM), half day (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM), 3 (MWF) or 5 (M-F) days/week options. After Care may be available, depending on interest.

8401 Montgomery Rd , Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Amber Feldman, Camp Director or Toni Brownell, Director of the Early Childhood Education Center, Email: amfeldman@ rockwernacademy.org or tobrownell@ rockwernacademy.org, Phone: 513-984-3770, RockwernAcademy.org/Camp

CCM Preparatory If you’re looking for fun, immersive and interactive summer arts experiences, come to CCM! Attractions include a variety of programs in Music, Dance, and Theatre Arts for students to make friends and explore new skills. At CCM Prep, all students can explore their artistic interests in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Dates: June, July, and August 2021 • Ages: 4 years through Adult 3860 Corbett Center Cincinnati, OH 45221-0236, Phone: 513-556-2595, Email: ccmprep@uc.edu, ccm.uc.edu/prep/ summer

variety of Arts, Crafts, Nature, Science, Drama, and fun activities for children ages 3-12 on our beautiful 7+ acre campus. Camps are led by experienced CMH Staff, who are eager to share their passion for learning and having fun with our campers.

Childcare is available after day camp until 5:30pm to accommodate working families. Reserve your space NOW! Dates: June 14th-18th, 21st-25th and July 12th-16th, 19th-23rd, 2021 927 O’Bannonville Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: office@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-381-2273, cincyshakes.com/summercamp

CRC Summer Day Camp Cincinnati Recreation Commission offers 10-week summer day camps at 17 of our locations. ODJFS vouchers are accepted at some centers. Specialty camps are available. See website for details. Register online at our website or in person at your nearest center. Camp CRC will follow COVID19 protocols.

Dates: June 7- August 13 • Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:30pm • Ages: 5-12 years old

Various locations, Contact: CRC Front Office, Cincinnati Art Museum Summer Camp Email: info.crc@cincinnati-oh.gov, Phone:

Jump into art with eight weeks of exciting art projects, gallery games, and more! Explore a different theme each week with activities taught by skilled educators and museum staff.

Designed for children ages 6–12.

Convenient before- and after-care available. Registration open!

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati OH 45202, Phone: (513) 721-2787, Email: CAMsummercamp@cincyart.org, cincinnatiartmuseum.org/summercamp

Cincinnati Playhouse in Park Summer Theatre Camp and Performance Academy Join us for a Summer of Play!

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers children and introduction to the exciting world of live theatre! Choose from full day, one-week camps and multi-week performance academy programs. Camps for ages 6 to 17 offered at the Playhouse in Mt. Adams and in Mason.

Ages: 6-17 Phone: (513) 421-3888, cincyplay.com

Cincinnati Theatre Summer Camp

Whether you’ve never stepped on a stage before, or have already been bitten by the acting bug, our theatre camps are the perfect place to learn some new skills, make some new friends, and have a whole lot of fun! In Children’s Meeting person programs for students in grade House Montessori School 3-12 who want a fun and challenging Summer Camp stage experience this summer! Learn Visit our website to see the Summer more online.

Camp Programs CMH has to offer your Dates: June and July 2021 • Grades: 3-12 family this year. Our camps offer a • Cost: $295/week

513-352-4000, cincyrec.org

Creative Tots (Mason) Summer Camps Creative Tots has specialized in private education for over 20 years for children 18 months - 7 years. We focus in the Fine Arts, STEM education and FUN! This year's camp themes include pirates, princesses, under the sea, slime & magic potions, zoo keepers and more!

Dates: June and July 2021 • Ages: 18 mos - 7 years 6408 Thornberry Court #110 Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry - Owner/ Administrator, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, CreativeTotsMason.com

Greenacres Foundation Summer adventures return for 2021 in our fun and safe day camps! Each program offers its own, unique, way to explore all that Greenacres has to offer.

A Greenacres camp will fill your child’s summer with unforgettable experiences and are tailored to be age appropriate.

We look forward to hosting your children in one of our programs. See you in June!

Dates: June 14 to August 6 • Ages: 5 - 13 8255 Spooky Hollow Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242, Contact: Katie Brown, Email: camp@ green-acres.org, Phone: (513) 898-3262, green-acres.org/camps

Greene County Parks & Trails Are your kids ready for summer? Give them the experience of nature & wonder with one or all of the summer

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camp options with Greene County Parks & Trails! Camps include adventures, art, outdoor skills to learning about Sasquatch, all while being immersed in the natural word!

There is something for every curious kiddo from ages 2 up to 17 - Find the ideal match today!

Dates: June- Mid-August • Hours: Varies • Ages: 2-5, 6-9,10-13,14-17 635 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Xenia, Ohio 45385, Contact: Hanna Lamb, Email: hlamb@ gcparkstrails.com, Phone: (937) 562-6440, reservations.gcparkstrails.com/ programs

Heritage Village Museum Our 19th century village is the perfect location for history camp! Campers can travel into the past to experience life during the Civil War or discover what life was like for Native Americans.

Campers will learn about history through games, crafts, food, songs, and hands-on activities. Native American interpreters and museum docents in historical clothing will lead some of the activities.

Dates: Civil War Camp Jun. 7-11, Native American Camp Jun. 21-25, Immersive History Camp July 12-16 and Aug. 2-6 • Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is a come early/stay late option. Campers can be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. and picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. for an additional daily fee of $15 • Ages: Ages 6-12 for Civil War and Native American Camps, Ages 13-15 for Immersive History Camp 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241, Contact: Steve Preston, Phone: (513) 563-9484, heritagevillagecincinnati.org/ summer-camp

How to Raise a Young Gentleman Youth attending this camp acquire etiquette skills, potential to step forward meeting lifelong goals. Those with etiquette training are more likely to carry themselves in social and dining situations confidently. Giving them the tools in a motivational environment that builds self-esteem and desire to present oneself properly in any setting. For details and location, call 888-354-4639.

Dates: July 17 & 18, 2021 • Hours: 10:00 am-4:00 pm • Ages: 8 - 15 The Lost Art, LLC, 9378 Mason Montgomery Rd. Suite 237, Mason, OH; Phone: 888-354-4639; email: info@thelostart.net; thelostart.net

a little splish splash fun to keep us MidPointe Library cool. All material will be taught by Summer Reading Program seasoned coaches and is sure to keep MidPointe Library System is bringing you a season of fun with its annual Summer Reading Program. Pick up a “Tails and Tales” activity map and create your own adventure by completing challenges to win prizes.

Families can enjoy activities together, exploring new books or finding fun around the house and in your community.

Dates: June 1 – July 31 • Ages: All ages Available at all MidPointe Library System locations (West Chester, Middletown, Liberty Township, Monroe & Trenton), Contact person: Cari Hillman, Phone: 513-424-1251, MidPointeLibrary.org

Museum Camps at The Cincinnati Museum Center Explore science, technology, history and the arts through creative activities and games at Cincinnati Museum Center’s fun and educational Museum Camps. Whether there’s a day or a week off from school, there’s a camp for that.

Dates: May-August • Hours: 9am-4pm • Ages: 5 to 14 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203, Contact: Nora Eskridge, Email: information@cincymuseum.org, Phone: (513) 728-0082, cincymuseum.org/museumcamps/

Snapology of West Chester TWP At Snapology we understand that children are meant to learn through play! When children are actively engaged in hands-on, interactive learning activities their creativity flourishes and they show a greater interest in school. Snapology engages children using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex & technology, helping your child develop a thirst for knowledge. While the kids are having fun we sneak in the learning!

Dates: 6/7/21 - 7/30/21 • Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm • Ages: 4 to 14 7568 Wyandot Lane, Liberty Twp, OH 45044, Contact: Nicolette Modes, Email: westchestertwp@snapology.com, Phone: (614) 657-7391, westchestertwp.snapology.com

Summertime Spirit Day Camp with Five Seasons and Infinite Cheer Tumble, Dance and Cheer your way into the summertime sunshine with Infinite Cheer and Five Seasons.

Sessions are open to all students in grades K-8. All campers will learn new skills in tumbling, dance, spirit crafts and cheer - with super fun games and

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your camper entertained and active.

Session Dates & Hours: Session 1: June 7 – 11, 12:30 – 4:30pm / Session 2: June 21 – 25, 12:30 – 4:30pm / Session 3: July 7 – 11, 12:30 – 4:30 / Session 4: July 26 – 30, 12:30 – 4:30pm • Hours: 12:30-4:30 • Ages: Grades K-8 11790 Snider Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249, Contact: Jennifer Schlotman, Phone: (513) 275-7585, Email: community@ infinitecheercincy.com, infinitecheercincy. com

Summer Series for Kids at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum Join us every Wednesday in June and July for our Summer Series for Kids!

These specialized workshops are designed for children between the ages of 5 - 12 and offer entertaining, interactive, and educational experiences about the subjects of art and nature. These programs are free to members or can be paid for through general park admission. Most classes have a cap of 30 -50 students.

Dates: Every Wednesday in June and July • Hours: 12pm - 1pm • Ages: 5 - 12 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, OH 45013, Contact: Gabi Roach, Email: groach@ pyramidhill.org, Phone: (513) 868-8336, pyramidhill.org

Taft Museum of Art Summer Art Camp Whether your child is thinking about becoming an artist or just likes to have fun making art, our small classes and safe, hands-on activities with experienced teachers will make this a summer of fun. Plus campers will also get to explore a hybrid of experiences thanks to the great art the Cincinnati area has to offer including right here at the Taft.

Dates: Students entering grades 1–3: May 31–June 4 or June 7–11, Students entering grades 4–6: June 14–18 or June 21–25, Students entering grades 7–12 : June 28–July 2 • Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Ages: Students entering grades 1–3, 4–6, 7–12 316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Email: education@taftmuseum.org, taftmuseum.org/families-children/ summer-camp

The Summit Country Day Summer Camp The Summit Country Day School welcomes students from the tri-state area to enjoy summer in-person on our Hyde Park campus. With programs for children ages 3-grade 12, parents can take comfort knowing that your child is

exploring their curious nature, enjoying time with friends and exploring a new topic or hobby. Both full-day and half-day camps are available.

Registration opens February 1, 2021.

Dates: June 1 to August 6 2161 Grandin Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45230, Phone: (513) 871-4700, summitcds.org/ programs/summit-summer

TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion: 2021 Summer Camps This summer, bring your kids to the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion for sports galore & more. We keep your kids active all summer with our variety of uniquely themed-camp for kids ages five & up. Take advantage of our latest offers this summer & give your child a great camp experience. Enroll by May 1st to receive Special Discounts.

Camps are filling up at the Pavilion.

Enroll Now! Dates: June 7- August 6 • Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. • Ages: 5-14 6200 Pfeiffer Raod, Montgomery, OH 45242, Contact: LaShaunda Jones, Email: lashaunda_ jones@trihealth.com, Phone: (513) 246-2647, trihealth.com/ hospitals-and-practices/trihealth-fitnessand-health-pavilion/kids-programs/ kids-classes-and-camps

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Summer Day Camps Overnight, day and specialty camps at the Y are all about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it's fun too! (Themed Day Camps, Preschool Camps, Teen Camps, Counselor-in-Training programs, and more).

Dates: Camps run May through August; dates for each camp are available on the website • Ages: 3-15 • Cost: Cost varies depending on each camp. Pricing and camp brochures are available online 12 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Phone: 513-362YMCA, myY.org/camp

YMCA of Greater Dayton & Surrounding Communities Developmentally appropriate skills based trip and travel program, the YMCA places an emphasis on equity and the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, which is the basis of our camp culture. Make new friends, learn new skills, be safe, and have fun! Campers will participate in outdoor activities, swimming, sports, arts & crafts, games, field trips, and summer adventures.

Dates: June, July, August • Hours: 9:00-4:00 and Extended Care Available 6:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM • Ages: Completed Kindergarten (5) - Age 14 Contact: Valerie Holland, Email: vholland@ daytonymca.org, Phone: (937) 866-9622, daytonymca.org/programs/child-careprograms/summer-day-camp

X-treme HorsePower Camp at Heavenward Farm Enjoy the outdoors and learn about horses and riding! Horse care, Riding Instruction, Trail Rides, Crafts, Boating, Fishing, Games and Biblical life lessons are all packed into this fun and meaningful camp experience.

Limited enrollment, so REGISTER online NOW. Dates: Week 1: June 28-July 2, Week 2: July 26-30 • Hours: 9:00am-2:30pm • Ages: 8-14 • Special Needs Offered: High-functioning Autism, Hearingimpaired, Anxiety 7084 Ludlum Rd., Morrow, OH 45152, Contact: Carole Bower, Email: admin@ heavenwardfarm.org, Phone: (513) 289-9434, heavenwardfarm.org

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS Falcon Camp Recognized throughout the midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Beautiful lakefront setting, talented experienced staff and wide variety of activities. Campers choose own schedules within general framework. Most of all it’s great fun!

Special intro for 6-9 year olds. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design.

Dates: June 20 - August 14 in various session lengths • Hours: 9am-4pm • Ages: 6-16 • Gender of Campers: Boys and girls daily activities separate with planned co-ed activities 4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey, Email: dave@ falconcamp.com, Phone: (216) 991-2489, falconcamp.com

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C A R I N G F O R Y O U R H E A RT AT A N Y A G E Don’t become the victim of America’s No. 1 killer of women. Take steps now to ward off heart disease.

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

W

hen it comes to matters of the heart, the outlook for American

women is rather grim. We’re talking about heart disease, not

romance. The top threat to women’s health, heart disease

claims the lives of one in three American women every year, with 90 percent of women having at least one risk factor for developing heart problems. To complicate matters, doctors are just beginning to uncover female-specific risk factors that have often been overlooked.

As women, we’re often the caretakers of our families, and as a result, our own health can take a backseat. The good news is that no matter what your age, you can start making lifestyle modifications today to keep your heart healthy.

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You r 2 0 s:

You r 40 s:

Set a Healthy Foundation

Be Proactive

Heart disease now affects more young people than ever before thanks to the cultural epidemics of obesity and diabetes, but your 20s are a perfect time to start honing in on heart-protective habits. “The younger you start into a healthy lifestyle — staying active, healthy eating, not smoking — that will only percolate as you get older,” says Odayme Quesada, MD, a cardiologist and founder of the new Women’s Heart Center at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.

Learn to Cook: By cooking for yourself, you gain

control of what goes into your meals, including more vegetables and lean proteins and less salt and sugar.

Quesada recommends looking to the Mediterranean diet for guidance.

Find Exercises You Love: Use your freedom in this

stage of life to explore different modes of exercise to make your recommended 150 minutes per week enjoyable. Join a flag-football team, drop in on a hot yoga class, or explore your town by bike.

Know Your Family History: If you don’t already know

your parents’ and siblings’ heart history, now is the time to find out.

Start Annual Checkups: If you don’t already have annual well-visits with your doctor, start getting in the habit. “Knowing your numbers” (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index) will help identify risk factors and allow you to take necessary preventive measures, Quesada says.

Watch Your Weight: Keeping weight to a heart-

healthy level (less than 35 inches around the waist) can become more difficult after menopause, and maintaining a healthy diet and moving regularly throughout the day can help.

Avoid Estrogen Products: Synthetic estrogen used to

help manage women’s transition to menopause can actually increase risk of heart attack and stroke, Quesada says. Keep use of these products to a minimum or avoid them altogether.

You r 30 s:

You r 50 s:

Tune In

Stay Aware

Emerging research shows that women in their child-bearing years have unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease, so if you haven’t already taken steps to developing a heart-healthy lifestyle, get in gear.

Monitor Your Pregnancy: Gestational hypertension,

pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and pre-term labor increase your risk of heart disease later in life, says Quesada, so you may need regular blood-pressure monitoring or the intervention of a cardiologist if you develop these conditions. Plus, you’ll want to work with your doctor after pregnancy to manage resulting risk factors.

Relieve Your Stress: While the trials of motherhood

make it tempting to reach for a glass of wine or binge on Netflix, this is the perfect time to pick up healthy stress-management practices, like meditation or journaling.

Exercise with Your Kids: Busy moms may need to adapt their exercise regime during these years, and that’s

OK. Model an active lifestyle for your kids by taking them on a hike at the local metropark or having a dance party in the living room. Or if you need some alone time, sneak in a short high-intensity workout before you pick up the kids from soccer practice.

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As women transition to menopause, heart-protective estrogen begins to drop in the body, leaving you at higher risk for heart disease. It’s important to be mindful in these health shifts as you move into your 40s, when early menopause can occur.

ohParent.com I April 2021

As you age, it’s important to stay on top of your health. Know your own body and research the symptoms of heart attack and stroke in women (visit heart.org for more info), so you can get the help when you need it.

Actively Manage Chronic Conditions: Keep on top

of management practices recommended by your doctor for diabetes or high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart problems.

Report Unusual Symptoms: If you notice something

unusual to you, like sleep disturbances or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor as they may point to a larger problem. “Seek care even if you don’t have the classic symptoms,” Quesada says. “You may need a second opinion from someone who specializes in women’s heart diseases.”

Whatever your stage of life, it’s never too late to begin the journey toward a healthier lifestyle. You’ll reap the rewards no matter when you start, and your families will, too.

EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

MONTESSORI

A Million Dreams Learning Center

Central Montessori Academy

New Learning Center now open in Milford, OH! Now Enrolling ages 6 weeks - School Age! We strive to provide an environment, staff, and programs that will enhance and encourage the million dreams of each child, family, and staff member. Through our classroom design, playground design and Christian curriculum, it is this Center’s desire to maintain a joy-filled, peaceful, creative environment for infants and children. We are committed to furnishing such an environment and adding a quality of childcare that is desirable and much needed in our community. • 541 Main Street, Milford OH

Authentic Montessori environment, serving toddler through 6th grade. Small class sizes allow each student to progress at an individual pace. Part-time preschool and extended day are available. Our school is a place of discovery, curiosity, respect and enthusiasm. Come take a tour and see for yourself. • 1904 Springdale Rd.,

45150, Contact: Kate Jordan, Phone: (513) 831-5806, Email: info@amilliondreamslc.org, amilliondreamslc.org

The Campus at Kids First We have FULL DAY Kindergarten!

Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. • 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati,

OH 45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio.

Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools.

Limited space - now enrolling! • 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

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Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Kristin Patterson, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@ centralmontessoriacademy.com, CentralMontessoriAcademy.com, Grades: Toddler-Grade 6, Enrollment: 100

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years.

CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website. • 927 O’Bannonville

Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@ cmhschool.com, cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool - 6th grade, Enrollment: 150

Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio. • 7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

Mercy Montessori Center Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age

three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. • 2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296

The New School Montessori Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society.

Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessoricredentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement.

Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3 Burton Woods

Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144

NON–PUBLIC Guardian Angels School Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others . • 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool - Grade 8

The Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12.

Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. • 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@ summitcds.org, summitcds.org

SPECIAL NEEDS Linden Grove School Linden Grove School is a stateaccredited, non-public K-8 school offering a specialized learning environment for students with ASD and related learning needs. Our progressive education program integrates academics, social-emotional learning, and specialized therapies. We partner with families to create a respectful, rewarding and supportive environment, inspiring hope for all and providing each student with the opportunity for personal growth and independence. After-school programs and summer camp are also available for enrolled students. • 4122 Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236, lindengroveschool.org, Phone: (513) 984-2215, headofschool@lindengroveschool.org

Springer School and Center For nearly 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. • 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

VIRTUAL + RESIDENTIAL P.A.C.E. at National Louis University P.A.C.E. at National Louis University (NLU) is a three-year post-secondary program designed for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities ready to thrive in the vibrant city of Chicago! We are one of the leading residential-based programs in the country that provides a unique real world arena for our students to put theory into practice every day. Instruction integrates employment preparation, independent living skills coaching, functional academic courses and social development into a curriculum that actively involves the student in the process and is directly linked to events and activities encountered in daily living. • Phone: (312) 261-3245, Email: epotter3@nl.edu, nl.edu/ paceatnlu; Virtual College Field Trip: ccalendly.com/paceatnlu/collegefieldtrip

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THINGS TO DO //

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO COVID-19, THESE EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK TO VERIFY EVENTS ARE STILL BEING HELD AS SCHEDULED BEFORE MAKING PLANS TO ATTEND BY CALLING OR VISITING THE BUSINESS OR EVENT WEBSITE.

THURS 01 Science Live! Mini Show Join one of our educators for some of our bite-sized science demonstrations! From fireballs to levitation, it's a grab bag of fun the whole family will enjoy. [Multiple dates] • Time: 11:30 am, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, cincymuseum.org

Outdoor Storytime: Family Storytime at Wyoming Village Green Enjoy books, songs and activities, while building literacy skills for children of all ages. Family Storytime will be held off-sight from the Wyoming Library, outside, on The Village Green in Wyoming.

Please bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Masks and physical distancing are required. • Time: 1:30-2:00 pm, Location: Wyoming Village Green, cincinnatilibrary.org

FRI 02 Barnyard Bonanza: Pen

Pals What’s your favorite farm animal? This farmyard tour includes a variety of our livestock to help you decide! Moo! Registration required.

Multiple dates. • Time: 9-9:44 am, Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, greatparks.org

APRIL 2021

Maya: the Exhibition Through April 4.

Last days! Immerse yourself in the genius of the Maya – early disrupters living in cities of stone carved into the rainforest. For the first time in the United States, the mysteries of the Maya come to life. With over 300 artifacts, discover how the Maya live on today – in their inventions that continue to shape our daily lives and in the millions who carry on the Maya tradition in language and lineage. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10am - 4pm, cincymuseum.org/maya

SAT 03 Egg Orienteering Following

an easy map, kids will find several checkpoints. When finished, they will have a choice of candy or toy from a treasure chest. Registration required. • Time: 11 am-1 pm, Location: Voice of America MetroPark, reservations. yourmetroparks.net/programs/2561

Artist Workshop Visitors of all ages are welcome to join this workshop led by a local artist.

Learn about techniques and materials used by professional artists in these fun, educational and hands-on workshops. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Registration required. • Time: 1-3 pm, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Kamikaze Fireflies International superstars of circus, comedy and physical theater, the Kamikaze Fireflies return to Hamilton for a special outdoor performance. With hoops of fire, knives of steel and outrageous plumage, the Kamikaze Fireflies are sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

• Time: 3-5 pm, Location: Pinball Garage, fittoncenter.

MON 05 Outdoor Explorers

Outdoor play is vital to child development and well-being. Children will learn about nature and the outdoors. Activities include discovery, challenges and games. Ages 9-12. • Time: 4:30-6 pm, Location: Grant Park, cwpd.org

TUES 06-THURS 08 Spring

Break Horse Camp Topics covered include horse safety, breeds, grooming and riding. Suitable for beginners to advanced beginner level riders. Register online. • Time: 9 am-4 pm, Location: Winton Woods Riding Center, greatparks.org

Virtual Storytime: Movers & Shakers Shake it together with your child in this Zoom storytime, and sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun from the comfort of your home!

Please register to receive an email invitation to this online event - only one registration is needed per family or group. • Location: Virtual, Time: 10-10:30 am, cincinnatilibrary.org

FRI 09 Spring Celebration

Through

Celebrate spring with EnterTRAINment Junction. Purchase a Do-It-All ticket to visit the world’s largest train exhibit and A-Maze-N FunHouse, plus get another ticket to visit again another day. • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, May 31.

entertrainmentjunction.com *ONGOING

org/fitton-outside-the-box FREE / free for families!

*ONGOING /a recurring event

*SN / special needs friendly

/ a SW Ohio Parent favorite!

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SAT 10 ANIMAL GAMES

OBSTACLE COURSE Play and have fun in the park like an animal in our animal games obstacle course. Learn how animals get around and figure out how your moves compare to others.

Registration required. • Time: 2-3:30 pm, Location: Huffman Park, reservations.yourmetroparks.net/ programs/2431 FREE

SUN 11 Ballet, Beatles and

Bowling Hamilton’s very own Miami Valley Ballet Theater are trading out their ballet slippers for bowling shoes, for a very special performance featuring the music of the Beatles. • Time: 3-5 pm, Location: Pohlman Lanes, Hamilton, fittoncenter.org

MON 12 Family Field Trip: Busy

Spring Birds With a naturalist, discover the activities that keep birds busy as they arrive back in Cincinnati after migrating for the winter, and how those that stayed for the winter are changing their agendas as the days grow warmer. Registration required. • Time: 9:30-11:30 am, Location: Rowe Woods, cincynature.org

TUES 13 Zoo Blooms

Through April

Every spring, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden becomes the Cincinnati Botanical Garden & Zoo when it transforms into a magnificent explosion of color! Dubbed “Tulip Mania,” Zoo Blooms also features more than one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs exploding with color. • Location: Cincinnati Zoo, 30.

cincinnatizoo.org *ONGOING

Virtual CAC Homeschool Art-2-Go Join the Contemporary Arts Center for a virtual workshop designed specifically for homeschool families. All kits are inspired by contemporary artists and CAC exhibitions. Families can create on their own or follow along virtually with CAC instructors.

Kits will be available for pick up after the first of each month at the Symmes Township Library. Sign up now to reserve your free kit! Sign ups Required, for children in grades K - 5. • Location: Virtual, Time:

1-2:00 pm, cincinnatilibrary.org

THURS 15 Mom and Me Stroller

Hikes Bring your little ones out on a walk through the parks. Explore nature and learn about trees, flowers, birds and more. Registration required.

• Time: 10-11 am, Location: Cincinnati Parks, cincinnatiparks.com FREE

Greene Grasshoppers : Earth Day Celebration This program covers kindergarteners through 9 year olds. This month, we'll learn how to help restore our Earth as we go through station based crafts, activities and games focused on caring for our planet. Registration required. • Time: 6-8 pm, Location: James Ranch Park,

fb.me/e/EcyOeiQz

SAT 17 Wild About Spring

Wildflowers One of the best surprises you can find on a spring hike is a new pop of bright color!

We’ll be searching for plenty of colorful spring wildflowers. Registration required. • Time: 10:30 am-12 pm, Location: Indian Creek MetroPark, reservations.yourmetroparks.net/programs/2492 FREE

WEDS 14 Virtual Storytime:

Family Tune in for a Virtual Family Storytime with Miss Mary! The entire family is welcome to enjoy books, songs, and activities, while building literacy skills. • Location: Virtual, Time: 10-10:30 am, cincinnatilibrary.org

Wildflower Walk Come walk the trails at LaBoiteaux Woods to see the April array of wildflowers to be found here. Naturalist led hike on rugged trails, sturdy shoes highly suggested.

Cameras and kids welcome, please no dogs. Online registration for this event is required by April 14.

Please register here: https://explorenature.regfox. com/wildflowerwalklab. All outdoors. • Location:

MON 19 Outdoor Explorers

Outdoor play is vital to child development and well-being. Children will learn about nature and the outdoors. Activities include discovery, challenges and games. Ages 9-12. • Time: 4:30-6pm, Location: Grant Park, cwpd.org

Earth Day Celebration Earth Day and Arbor Day are quickly approaching. Pick up a kit full of easy crafts and activities you can do to celebrate the Earth! Each kit will also include one small sapling you can plant to give back to our planet.

Register online. • Time: 8am, Location: CentervilleWashington Park District Headquarters, cwpd.org

TUES 20 Nature Tots Come catch

your breath while enjoying some quality time with your little one. You will both get a taste of nature through naturalist-led stories, games, animal encounters and more in a safe and relaxing atmosphere. New theme each week. Online registration is required. • Time: 9:30-11am, Location:

LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center, cincinnatiparks.com

Tot Tuesdays Museum activities and crafts just for your little ones, offered both in person and virtually. Free for members. This month’s theme: Rain • Time: 10:30-11:30 am, Location: BehringerCrawford Museum, Covington, bcmuseum.org

Virtual Class: Yoga for Kids Calm your thoughts, sharpen mental muscles, and strengthen the body with yoga to promote whole health in individuals. Students work to develop a deep understanding of how the physical body, thoughts, and emotions can be nurtured through exercises for the body, mind, and spirit. During the class, children will also learn a variety of tools to foster healthy growth, including yoga poses, and relaxation techniques. Recommended for children ages 5-12. Presented by Skool Aid. • Location: Virtual, Time: 4-5:00 pm, cincinnatilibrary.org

LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center, Time: 10-11:30am, cincinnatiparks.com/calendar

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THROUGH APRIL 30 I ZOO BLOOMS AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO ohParent.com I April 2021

WEDS 21 Dragons Love Tacos

A Virtual Off the Hill Production, presented by Playhouse in the Park! Do you know what dragons really love? Tacos, of course! Chicken tacos, beef tacos, big tacos and tiny tacos. As a boy and his dog watch a television show about dragons, they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to feed them. But if they accidentally eat spicy salsa, watch out! Recommended for ages 3 and up. • April 16-May 16.

Location: Virtual, cincyplay.com/productions/ dragons-love-tacos *ONGOING

FRI 23 Free Hike Fridays Watch

spring unfold in the park as we walk a trail each week in search of sights, sounds and smells of spring.

Programs are free but limited, preregistration is required here: https://explorenature.regfox.com/ freehikesfridayapril. • Location: California Woods Nature Preserve, Time: 10-11:30am, cincinnatiparks. com/calendar

FRI 23-SUN 25 Cinderella Dayton Ballet dons its glass slipper and takes another giant step forward in reviving live dance with one of the most popular and most widely performed classical ballets of all time — Cinderella! • Time: See website, Location: Victoria Theatre, daytonperformingarts.org

SAT 24-SUN 25 Springtyme Faire

Craft Show 100+ booths of artists, crafters, direct sellers, farmers, jewelry, home improvement, authors, canvas purses, plants and much more. • Time: See website, Location: Champaign County Fairgrounds, facebook.com/springtymefaire

SAT 24 Wild About Spring

Wildflowers One of the best surprises you can find on a spring hike is a new pop of bright color!

We’ll be searching for plenty of colorful spring wildflowers. Registration required. • Time: 10:30 am-12 pm, Location: Governor Bebb MetroPark, reservations.yourmetroparks.net/programs/2494 FREE

Heroines of Our History Celebrate some of the extraordinary women in Southwest Ohio who made history! Meet reenactors in historical clothing. This event will include hands-on activities.

Attendees can also enjoy an exhibit on award winning photographer, Nancy Ford Cones. Kids 5 and under are FREE. • Time: 11 am-5 pm, Location: Heritage Village Museum, heritagevillagecincinnati.org

Earth Day Tree Planning Join us this Earth Day as we dig into three Great Parks locations in an effort to plant more trees! At Withrow Nature Preserve, we’ll plant trees and shrubs to replace the area where a former cabin was recently removed, with funding from One Tree Planted. Physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitation recommendations will be followed as appropriate during this event. Withrow Nature Preserve/Trout Lily Trailhead (Free, register by 4/22) • Location: Withrow Nature Preserve, Time: 9am

MON 26 Outdoor Explorers

Outdoor play is vital to child development and well-being. Children will learn about nature and the outdoors. Activities include discovery, challenges and games. Ages 9-12. • Time: 4:30-6pm, Location: Grant Park, cwpd.org

Outdoor Family Storytime Bring the entire family to enjoy books, songs, and activities, while building literacy skills. For all ages. Our storytimes will be held outside*, so please bring a blanket or chair to sit in. Masks will be required for parents/caregivers. Physical distancing will be observed. • Time: 10:30-11:00 am, Location: Sharonville Branch Library, cincinnatilibrary.org

FRI 30 Earth Month: Tree Planting and Care Help the Park District plant trees for Arbor Day! We will teach families how to plant and care for very young trees. Families will get to take home a tree to plant in their own yard! All ages.

Staggered start times. • Time: 6-8 pm, Location: Bill Yeck

Inspired by Nature: The Art and Activism of Charley Harper Open

Thursdays through Mondays, Through April 25.

Beloved artist Charley Harper (1922-2007) saw the natural world around him with empathy and whimsy.

He revealed the natural world through geometric reduction and imagined the similarities between human and wild animal behaviors in witty prose.

Each painting had an accompanying short story that provided insight into the whimsy with which he viewed the natural world – and the environmental issues facing it. Explore 30 of Harper’s iconic works from the collections of Cincinnati Museum Center and select donors in Inspired by Nature: The Art and Activism of Charley Harper. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Times: 10am - 4:00 pm, cincymuseum. org/inspired-by-nature/

Spring Celebration Through May 31.

Celebrate spring with EnterTRAINment Junction.

Purchase a Do-It-All ticket to visit the world’s largest train exhibit and A-Maze-N FunHouse, plus get another ticket to visit again another day. • Location:

EnterTRAINment Junction, entertrainmentjunction.com

Park, cwpd.org

ONGOING EVENTS Zoo Blooms Through April 30. Every spring, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden becomes the Cincinnati Botanical Garden & Zoo when it transforms into a magnificent explosion of color! Dubbed “Tulip Mania,” Zoo Blooms also features more than one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs exploding with color. • Location: Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org

Dragons Love Tacos April 16-May 16.

A Virtual Off the Hill Production, presented by Playhouse in the Park! Do you know what dragons really love? Tacos, of course! Chicken tacos, beef tacos, big tacos and tiny tacos. As a boy and his dog watch a television show about dragons, they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to feed them. But if they accidentally eat spicy salsa, watch out! Recommended for ages 3 and up. • Location: Virtual, cincyplay.com/productions/dragons-lovetacos

SPACE: A Journey to Our Future Through May 2. This highly interactive exhibition ignites the desire for space exploration and discovery, sparking imaginations, and inspiring new generations of explorers to dream of the possibilities that lie ahead.

Highlights include touching actual rocks from the lunar surface and the red planet, exploring a Mars Base Camp while walking through a full-size habitat and work pod, taking a spin on a centrifuge, and looking far into the future of our exploration of the universe. • Location: National Air Force Museum, nationalmuseum.af.mil

Storywalk at California Woods Through May. Visit the Ridge Loop trail through the months of April and May, and enjoy Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms, written by Julia Rawlinson on the StoryWalk trail. • Location: California Woods Nature Preserve, cincinnatiparks.com

Backyard Wildnerness Explore the unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses. Peer inside wildlife dens, crawl along the forest floor and swim along the pond bottom as you meet the creatures who call them home in breathtaking and intimate detail. Spanning a full year of seasons, Backyard Wilderness reveals the wild that surrounds even our suburban homes and that Wi-Fi is not the only connection that matters. All of this right in our own backyards. You just need to step outside. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center,'s Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater, cincymuseum.org/ omnimax/backyard-wilderness

Dora and Diego—Let's Explore!

Through July 25. Come on! ¡Vámanos!

Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore! takes you on an active adventure in the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing cousin Diego, and their friends. • Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

Barbie: You Can Be Anything Through 2021. From career dolls to real-world role models, Barbie has been inspiring girls since 1959 — and she isn't done yet! The exhibit showcases the iconic Barbie doll and encourages the kind of imaginative play that teaches us that no matter what, we can all make the world a better place by doing work that excites us, challenges us and brings us fulfillment.

• Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org

- 12pm, greatparks.org/calendar# FREE

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SW OHIO PARENT'S

fun & SUN

WACKY calendar 04.2021

MON

TUES

WEDS

THURS

FRI

SAT

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

READING IS FUNNY DAY

4

5 WORLD TABLE TENNIS DAY

CARAMEL DAY

11

6

12

FIND A RAINBOW DAY

7

8 ZOO LOVERS DAY

10

9 UNICORN DAY

BEAVER DAY

13

3

2

1

SIBLING DAY

14

15

16

17

LICORICE DAY PET DAY SCRABBLE DAY

18

19 BICYCLE DAY

PINATA DAY

SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DAY

26

25 WORLD PENGUIN DAY

20

PRETZEL DAY

27

LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY

EGGS BENEDICT DAY

ASL DAY

21

22

HAIKU POETRY DAY

24

23

EARTH DAY WORLD BOOK NIGHT

KINDERGARTEN DAY

28

TELL A STORY DAY SUPERHERO DAY

29 ZIPPER DAY

SENSE OF SMELL DAY

30 HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY

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