Indy's Child // 05.2011

SUMMER FUN in indy

Upcoming Festivals, Events & Family Activities

indy on a budget:

one tank getaways BUTLER'S

FIRST LADY An Interview with Tracy Stevens

THE INDY 500

Celebrates 100 Years may 2011 * indyschild.com

4 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

May 2011 11

TracY Stevens

Commentary & Parenting * Publisher’s Note: New Teaching Format is Introduced to the Game of Tennis

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SUMMER CAMP FEATURE: The Joy of Being a Camp Parent

25

mommy magic: The Mom Oath

34

dear teacher: Your Questions of Teachers—Answered

54

NEWS & SHOPPING * News You Can Use: News, Celebrations and More

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one-tank-getaways

08

FACEBOOK TALK: Spring Break Photo Contest Pictures and More

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Health & Wellness * PEDIATRIC Health

Avoid the Splash of Swimmer's Ear

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Seeing Red

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Top 10 Sports Suggestions for Kids with Autism

38

Summer Fun for Kids with Special Needs

42

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special needs awareness:

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summer fun in indy

38

sports & autism

48

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Around Town * INDY PARKS: Fill Your Summer with Fun for Everyone

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museum note: Autobot Finds Earth Home at The Children's Museum

15

profile: Kratt Brothers to Headline Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park

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profile: New Skool Dads

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celebrate mother's day: Local Events for You and Your Family

47

profile: The Indy 500 Celebrates 100 Years of Racing

51

* RESOURCES

summer camp guide

27

Special needs guide

44

special needs calendar

45

childcare & education guide

55

calendar

63

classifieds

70

Ask t he St a f f:

what do you look most forward to doing this summer?

The tennis program and US Open!

children's mental health

Playing golf, beautiful walks and bike riding!

Going to Holiday World with my family!

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M E G A N K I RSC

Lots of swimming and cookouts!

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Some good family time!

j e nn i ca za

Going to the beach!

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Cookouts and taking my little guy swimming!

Riding roller coasters!

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TIGER PARENTING

R O X A N NE

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Indy’s Child

Co mm e n ta ry & PARENTING

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Publisher’s Note

New Teaching Format is Introduced to the Game of Tennis

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com

"QuickStart" initiative brings out children's love for the sport programs will soon be offering the new format to their younger players as well.

Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@indyschild.com Managing editor Megan Kirschner megan@indyschild.com sales and business development Jennica Zalewski jennica@indyschild.com Art Direction & Design Heather Lipe heather@indyschild.com Events Coordinator & Public Relations Wendy Cox wendy@indyschild.com Controller / ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns roxanne@indyschild.com

The source of my column this month stems from my love and passion for the game of tennis.

Recently, the sport has adopted a new format in its teaching methods for children ages 10 and under. Locally, the National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis and the Washington Township Schools Community Tennis Program have both adopted this new format. Most of the other Indianapolis area tennis

It’s called the QuickStart Tennis play format, and it’s impact on children has been extremely positive as it encourages kids to fall in love with the sport from the start. The QuickStart format uses racquets, balls, and courts that are sized right for kids, allowing them to play tennis shortly after picking up a racquet for the first time.

The QuickStart format changes the size of the courts to 36’ for ages 8 and under and to 60’ for ages 9 and 10.

The format also introduces color-coded balls, designed to

match the size of the children; the orange ball, foam ball, red felt ball, traditional yellow ball and the green dot ball.

The foam ball and the red felt ball are appropriate for ages 8 and under and ideal for those playing on the 36’ court, as they have low compression, thus bouncing lower to the ground.

The foam ball is safe and the red felt ball is slower and lighter than the traditional yellow ball.

The orange ball is better suited for ages 9 and 10 and is ideal for children playing on the 60’ courts. The orange ball is the same size as the yellow ball but is lighter, moves slower and bounces slightly higher than the red felt ball.

10 and above who are moving to the standard 78’ court.

All children enjoy being members of teams and enjoy having support from teammates, which is another reason why the QuickStart format works.

Please go to www.10andundertennis. com and watch some videos of the QuickStart format. For dates of events for round robins and low-key competitions for players ages 10 and under, check www. tennisprogram.com. Most of all, remember LOVE is a big part of tennis so enjoy it as a family and give lots of encouragement to your children.

There is also the green dot ball, which is a transitional ball recommended for ages

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com COVER MODELS Ashton and Caleb Burns COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Traci Falder

Indy’s Child 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.722.8500 (p) 317.722.8510 (f ) indyschild@indyschild.com Copyright: Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2011-2011 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. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.indyschild.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 7

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news you can use

I.U. Kelley School Offers Free Summer Program The Junior Executive Institute at the I.U. Kelley School of Business is a FREE summer program designed specifically for high school students from historically underrepresented groups, namely students who identify as African-American, Latino/Hispanic, or American Indian/Native American. To be considered for the program, you must also

First Annual

Family Float Fest

The first annual Family Float Fest benefits Centerpoint Health’s Camp and other children’s programming, and will take place at Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventures in Brookville, Ind., on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a great event for families and paddling enthusiasts. The price is $25 per adult, $75 for family of 4, and $10 for each additional child. Event highlights: 3-4 hour river float on either a canoe, kayak or raft; Pig roast; Music/entertainment; Nature hikes; Raffle prizes and more. For transportation, ongoing livery services will be provided to the lodge/food fest.

Give Back Mondays at Ruth’s Chris Steak House Enjoy an evening at Ruth's Chris Steak House while supporting an excellent Indiana charity. Each Monday, you will have the opportunity to purchase one featured menu item (such as lobster voodoo appetizer) and 10% of your purchase will be given to the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. This promotion will continue throughout the year at both Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations (downtown at Circle Centre Mall and north side at 96th and N. Keystone Ave). Menu items will change every quarter.

Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, established in 1984, grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Wishes include trips to Disney, shopping sprees, meeting celebrities, family vacations and home computers. To date, the organization has granted over 2,400 wishes to Indiana children.

be a high school student finishing your sophomore or junior year and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You can find out more info and fill out an online application at kelley.iu.edu/ugrad/precollege/jei.cfm

Famous Spokesdog Reminds Families about the Importance of Fire Prevention In celebration of Sparky the Fire Dog’s 60th birthday, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched a colorful and interactive Party Kit on www. sparky.org, where parents can help their kids print, cut and glue their way to fun – all while learning about fire safety.

The Party Kit has everything families need to throw a Sparky-themed party, including downloadable templates for coloring pages, decorations, invitations, iron-on t-shirt transfers and even floor graphics – not to mention instructions for party games like “Bucket Brigade” and “Pin the Badge on Sparky.” NFPA also designed a special anniversary e-card just for Sparky’s birthday that children can send to their friends and family.

46th Annual

Strawberry Festival

The annual Christ Church Cathedral Women's Strawberry Festival on Monument Circle will take place this year on June 9. The festival is a missions work to heal the world as proceeds fund orphanages, homeless shelters, food banks, medical mission trips, schools and more worldwide. Having reached so many nonprofit organizations globally, Strawberry Festival has helped build a great reputation for Indiana as a caring and generous community in terms of what we can do together as a community to make a better world.

Serving begins at 8:30 a.m. downstairs in the Parish Hall and 9:30 a.m. under the tents on Monument Circle. The festival ends at 6:00 p.m. or until desserts sell out.

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Business Profile:

Rivetz™ Charms

The hottest new shoe accessory item of 2011 has arrived, Rivetz™. Rivetz™ are an exciting new range of decorative charms that allow you to add some personality and to customize the look of your shoes and hats.

Tim Wampler, co-owner of Rivetz™ said, “It's a fun and inexpensive way for kids to creatively express themselves without buying a new pair of sneakers. We feel that with the price point, $3 retail, that anyone can afford them without too much of an investment.”

Wampler said the company currently has a patent pending on the product and said, “We are the only ones in the world doing this.”

Unlike their competitor, Jibbitz™ which only works with Crocs™, Rivetz™ fit into the eyelets of both shoes and hats. Their merchandise can be purchased at Goodman Shoes in Nora, Black Sheep on East Washington, and Sweet Treat Boutique in Geist.

Rivetz™ is also taking a philanthropic approach with their business plan. Currently, their products are available in seven schools within the city, with hopes of helping those schools raise money.

“Imagine if Silly Bandz® were available in schools last year, they could have helped schools across the country raise millions of dollars for art, sports, etc,” said Wampler.

Rivetz™ is also partnering with the Autism Society of Indiana to help raise money and awareness, along with Ribbon Salon in Broad Ripple.

INDYSCHILD.COM 9

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10 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

How old should your kids be before they are given their very own cellphone? Would you monitor their phone usage/text messages?

Jeannie Leh Man i suppose u just have to know ur child. My

daughter is in 5th and we haven’t allowed her one but at the same time I’m not really worried about her knowing her personality.

There have been times I wish she had one already. I think she needs to have some sort of responsibility when it comes to the bill though.

Julie Wagoner When my child starts spending more time away from home doing more activities, I would feel better knowing I could get ahold of them and they could get ahold of me when needed. My son is almost 10 I will probably get him one in about a year, if he keeps going at this pace.

Calvalyn Day Kids “need” a cellphone when their travels or activities cause them to be without parents for periods of time, such as waiting for rides and so forth. Without activites, sports, my child would get one when they can afford to pay for it

Butler Basketball's First

Lady

Interview with Tracy Stevens

hings have started to quiet down on Butler’s campus since the basketball team’s recent loss at the NCAA Championship game in Houston. While players return to classes and the coaching staff gets back to their regular work schedules, the women and children of the coaches are also working on getting their families back into a routine.

The wife of Butler basketball’s head coach Brad Stevens, Tracy, took time to sit down with Indy’s Child to talk about the craziness of the past few weeks while traveling the country with young kids.

After traveling for weeks with her two small children, Brady, 5, and Kinsley, 22 months, from Washington D.C., to New Orleans to Houston, Tracy and her family are in need of some rest and relaxation.

“We were on about 6 planes, numerous buses, and spent 17 nights in a hotel room, we are tying to get back to normal and get the kids on a routine again,” Tracy said.

Traveling with kids can be diff icult and stressful, especially when your husband is the head basketball coach of the Butler Bulldogs during the NCAA championship. Fortunately Tracy had the company of the other coaches’ wives and their children.

All together, the families were traveling with nine kids, all under the age of six. Try keeping up with that for 17 days, you’d be exhausted too.

On game days Tracy has one goal: wear the kids out.

Throughout the tournament Tracy would try to do a strenuous activity in the morning with the kids such as going to a park to burn energy, they would rest in the afternoon, eat and then go to the game.

With kids running around everywhere, Tracy does not get much viewing time during the games and said she only sees about 2/3 of each one. But she doesn’t mind being a little distracted when Butler is on the court.

“Because I’m always distracted [with kids] that helps me to not be nervous. Usually your getting someone a snack, or your getting a toy out and then a book set up, so it’s always something, but it’s good because it keeps me calm.”

It isn’t until her kids are not at the games that her nerves start to kick in. “I get really nervous because I don’t know what to do with myself,” she said.

When it comes to Butler’s recent loss at the 2011 NCAA Championship Game, Tracy said this year has been easier to deal with than last year’s loss, with more time to recover.

“We got to do it two years in a row, we are better equipped to handle it. We are sad and disappointed but we realize how much we have accomplished before that game,” she said.

Tracy said the children are beginning to grasp an understanding of everything that is going on.

She talked about her son, Brady, “One of the hardest moments of this year was in the last minute of the

UConn game. It became obvious we weren’t going to win…I told my 5-year-old Brady, ‘I think we're losing and I don’t think we're going to win this game’ and he started tearing up and said, ‘we’re gonna lose, we’re not gonna get the trophy’ and he started to sob uncontrollably. He climbed in my lap and he sobbed for 15 minutes about the fact we weren’t going to take the biggest trophy home.

It was heart wrenching and I started tearing up because it was so sad, because his little heart was broken, because for him he’s 5-years-old and it’s about winning the biggest trophy and being the best.”

Kinsley Stevesns, 22 month

Tracy said all of the kids were truly disappointed with the loss, but that they were thankful for all of the trips they got to go on.

As for Brady, he has taken on a love for the game in his own time.

Pictured above is Tracy (third from left) with the other coaches' wives and all of their children.

On the left is Tracy and Brad's daughter, Kinsley. On the right is Tracy and Brad's son, Brady.

Brady Stevens, 5 years

Tracy is happy to call Butler home, and describes the environment as a great family atmosphere and small community.

“Since it has gotten warmer in the past month, every day Traveling the country with young kids is not easy, he goes outside and shoots for about an hour. He does it and although it was quite the ride, it’s time on his own and is starting to really enjoy it,” she said. for Tracy and family to get their much needed rest, until next season that is.

Being active is a major component of the Megan Kirschner is the Managing Stevens’ family life, especially when they are on Editor of Indy’s Child. the road. “They [the kids] need to get out and exercise and use their little legs,” she said.

Tracy’s Travel Tips with Kids

Tracy also enjoys being active, as the former DePauw soccer player still makes time to play her sport once a week with a women’s league.

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Always try to find a park to get the kids outside for some exercise.

“If I don’t do it [play soccer] I lose my sanity,” she laughed.

Despite the hectic schedules and overall craziness of the trips, Tracy views the March Madness experience as “fun” and enjoys supporting her husband and team.

“It has been fun to see him [Brad] succeed in so many different circumstances and it’s fun to see someone I know so well do something I didn’t know he could do so well,” she said.

Tracy loves the family atmosphere that Butler provides, saying the players treat her children like little siblings.

“They are like big brothers, and they are the coolest big brothers ever,” she said.

Tracy said the team is very much a part of their family and where you really see this is through the players’ interactions with the kids.

“Matt Howard will go to Brady’s room so Brady can show him his latest invention and Khyle Marshall is constantly playing hide ‘n seek with the little kids…it's like they are all family.”

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When eating out, order an adult entrée and split between two or three kids. An adult entrée has a better selection of vegetables and fruit, and is generally cooked in a healthier way. Most children’s menus offer only chicken fingers, mac ‘n cheese and some type of pasta.

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Always find the washer and dryer in your hotel or make sure the hotel has a washer and dryer.

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Realize your kids don’t always feel safe in unfamiliar environments.

Talk to your kids about making sure they stay close to you and address their concerns about being away from home.

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Always pack snacks.

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H e a lt h & W e lln e ss

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pediatric health

Avoid the Splash of Swimmer's Ear Knowing the Signs and Symptoms With the start of swim season right around the corner, it’s important for parents to be familiar with a common ailment facing many kids: swimmer’s ear.

at St. Vincent. “Just brushing up against the ear, not even looking inside, can make a child scream out in pain.”

Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. But it is different from a regular ear infection. In fact, it’s worse—pain-wise.

Washing away wax Swimmer’s ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal, which is basically an area of delicate skin that’s protected by earwax. Most of the time, water can run in and out of the ear canal without causing a problem.

“With swimmer’s ear, the whole ear and the area surrounding it are sensitive,” according to Dr. Ronda Hamaker, M.D., a pediatric ENT at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

However, when water stays in the ear canal, it washes away the protective coating of earwax and makes the ear canal more susceptible to bacteria growth. If swimmer’s ear results, the ear canal becomes red and swollen, which is evidence of irritation, inflammation and infection.

Not surprisingly, a lot of swimming can wash away earwax and cause more wetness in the ear canal. But sometimes children can get swimmer’s ear without even diving in the pool.

“While not as common, swimmer’s ear can also result from sweating, showers or a really humid environment—anything that causes moisture in the ear canal,” Hamaker explains. A scratch or other irritation to the ear canal can also lead to swimmer's ear.

Preventing it before it starts There are some things kids and parents can do to prevent swimmer’s ear.

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Dry ears with a towel after swimming Use a blow dryer – very low heat and low air pressure – to gently blow out and evaporate out any water

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Put drops of rubbing alcohol in the ears to evaporate any water, but only if there is no perforation in the ear drum

Toweling up for treatment How do you know if your child has swimmer’s ear?

It’s often very obvious because the ear is so tender to touch and results in immediate pain.

“That pain can sometimes radiate into the face or neck as well,” says Hamaker. “Plus, your child may feel like their ear is blocked, and there may be drainage or a fever.”

Swimmer’s ear is typically treated with eardrops that contain an antibiotic to kill the bacteria—as well as anti-inflammatory if the pain is very troublesome. And, in the cases where the ear is extremely swollen, Hamaker says she uses what’s called a wick. A wick is a tiny sponge the doctor inserts in the ear. The medicine goes into the wick, or sponge, so it can keep in contact with the infected part of the ear canal.

The good news is that, once treated, swimmer’s ear generally clears up within days. And your little guppy will be off swimming again before you know it.

Dr. Ronda Hamaker is a pediatric otolaryngologist with the Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

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indy parks

Fill Your Summer with Fun for Everyone Indy Parks' Summer Fun Guide

in an exciting format that promotes fun physical activity and self-confidence.

It’s a perfect opportunity to train with your family and learn something new.

Participants will get a free t-shirt, commemorative medal and goodie bag.

Summertime = Fun times at Indy Parks! While you are making your family’s fun summer plans, make sure you check out Indy Parks’ Summer Fun Guide – your resource to summer adventures and memory-making excitement. With 207 parks and 11,000+ acres of parkland, we are sure to make your summer one to remember.

Fun, Fitness and Health No need to be bored this summer!

Keep your energetic little ones fully entertained with Indy Parks’ classes such

Nature Nuts Is your family nuts for nature? We offer tons of programs that will get you outside while discovering something new and exciting right in Marion County. Sign up for the “Build a Birdfeeder” class and learn about how to attract your favorite feathered friend. At Look for the 2011 Summer the end of the class, the feeder Fun Guide at all Indy Parks' is yours to keep. Or head to Christian Park and participate in facilities and Indianapolisthe “Community Youth Bucket Garden.” Your child will stretch Marion County libraries. their green thumbs by tilling, seeding, planting and growing a vegetable garden. If your child is fascinated by all things creepy and crawly, the “Garfield Conservatory Bug Hunt” will have your kids eyes bug out! Your child as: Tumbling and Cheer, Ballet and Tap, will make their own bug catcher, but it’s Karate Kids, and Hip Hop. Your child up to you whether you bring them home! will twist and turn, jump and squat and move to the music at these classes taught Eagle Creek Park is your outdoor by well-qualified instructors and will destination this summer with “Evening develop strength and coordination, plus Canoe and Kayak” trips along the Eagle build self-confidence and discipline.

Creek reservoir. This guided, leisurely Your Fun Guide will have a list of paddle in one of the country’s largest locations and times to meet your needs. municipal parks will become a favorite pastime. Holliday Park’s “Family Friday Can’t decide on an activity? Why not Night Campfire” series gathers the entire try them all at one of two Indy Parks’ family around the campfire to share Kids Triathlons! This mini-triathlon combines swimming, biking, and running stories and adventures on topics like

Reptiles and Amphibians, Owl Prowl and Fireflies. We provide the roasting sticks and s’mores, but you can bring the hot dogs and make a meal of it.

Creative Arts If Hollywood ever comes knocking, Indy Parks has your child prepared. At Garfield Park’s “Creative Kids Talent Workshop,” a professional actor/director will teach your child to write, storyboard, and produce their own commercials, films and videos. Incorporate music in the mix at Christian Park’s “A+ Community Youth Recording Studio.” This new studio gives kids creative freedom to create, own and operate their own record label. Youth will write and record their own music, develop marketing strategies, design artwork, and sustain their company by bringing a youthgenerated product to the community.

Indy Parks also offers an opportunity to create the next Picasso in your own family! Our art classes at the Garfield Park Arts Center are designed to build skills and confidence in multiple disciplines.

Pinch clay, cut wire, and dip your paint brush to create the next masterpiece.

These activities are just the tip of the iceberg! Look for the 2011 Summer Fun Guide at all Indy Parks’ facilities and Indianapolis-Marion County libraries.

You can also call (317) 327-PARK or go to indyparks.org to register and find out more information. Program registration begins Friday, May 6!

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pediatric health

Seeing Red

Nosebleeds are common in childhood, but sometimes there’s more than meets the eye all. Nosebleeds cause almost as much trauma for parents, who have to act quickly to stop both the tears and the blood f low.

What’s the best way to manage a nosebleed? And how do you know if it’s routine – or a red flag?

Why nosebleeds happen In addition to simple childhood accidents, nosebleeds can be triggered by a variety of things.

The most common causes of nosebleeds in children are nose picking or irritation from colds or allergies. Dryness also can be a culprit. Using a humidifier, saline sprays or a bacterial ointment on the nostrils at night may help combat the problem.

Most children will encounter one eventually – whether it’s from a blow to the face on the soccer f ield, a fall from a bike, or seemingly no reason at

14 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Children are especially prone to nosebleeds because the blood vessels in their nose are close to the skin’s surface. As they reach puberty, their faces grow and their blood vessels burrow deeper beneath the surface.

What to do Most nosebleeds are brief and easy to control. Follow these steps:

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Have your child sit calmly with his or her head forward. Do not put the head back, as this allows blood to go down the throat and can cause problems with breathing or lead to nausea and vomiting.

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Pinch the nose tightly for at least five minutes, just below where the bony portion of the nose ends.

Don’t check to see if the bleeding has stopped during this time.

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Repeat the process if necessary for a longer period if the bleeding has not stopped after five minutes. Do not put tissue or cotton in the nose, as this may irritate the lining of the nose and increase the bleeding.

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Go to the emergency room if the bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes and shows no signs of slowing down.

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Do not allow your child to blow their nose to remove the clot once the bleeding has stopped. This may cause the bleeding to resume.

When to see a doctor If your child has nosebleeds often or seems to bruise easily, it’s natural to worry. But in most cases, children with frequent nosebleeds (defined as occurring once a month) have no underlying medical issue.

See a doctor for further evaluation when:

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Your child has frequent nosebleeds that require a visit to the ER. Blood loss has resulted in iron deficiency or need for a transfusion.

Your child develops tiny red spots on the skin.

There is a family history of bleeding disorders. (Bleeding disorders in children are uncommon, but it is better to be safe than sorry.)

For more information, please visit www.rileyhospital.org.

Dr. Kenneth Lazarus is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital

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museum note

Autobot Finds Earth Home at The Children’s Museum The new pop culture icon An alien from Cybertron has landed and found a new home on Earth at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Bumblebee, the Autobot from the movie, "Transformers", is the new permanent pop culture icon to the museum. The sculpture stands 16-feet-tall and weighs almost a ton.

Bumblebee joins forces with Dale Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass; Bucky the T. rex; Martimus, the Museum’s stuffed polar bear; the Museum’s Mastodon; the largest water clock in North America; and the Rebuen Wells steam engine in becoming an icon of The Children’s Museum. The Museum chose to collect Bumblebee because it is an iconic object known throughout many generations that inspires imagination and creativity.

Contrary to the character, the Bumblebee sculpture didn’t exactly come from Cybertron, it was generated by the special effects company FXperts, Inc. ( John Frazier Special Effects). It was created for the 2007 “Transformers” movie after film director Michael Bay requested a full-size Transformer.

Even though the Bumblebee sculpture looks like it’s made from one car, it is mostly made up of 300 parts and 200 molds that were done by hand.

The tires, grill, and Chevy logo were molded from existing parts, while the license plate is

the only real car part. The piece took approximately three months from sketches to painting to completion. It also took three sculptors and four mold makers to create it, and three people to assemble the parts and build the frame.

The Bumblebee sculpture had a chance to explore the world before settling down in its permanent home at The Children’s Museum. It has traveled to places such as Japan, Korea, London, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago and New York.

It has also made appearances at the Los Angeles movie premieres, Universal Studios, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Indy 500. Now Bumblebee is content protecting its new home from the Decepticons and other evil forces.

Movie scenes in which the Bumblebee APPEARED:

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When the characters Sam and Mikaela are first introduced to the Autobots While Bumblebee is being captured

by Sector 7 with a helicopter In the interior of the Hoover Dam On the back of a tow truck during the final battle sequences

Rachel Lemon, Public Relations Intern at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

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INDY ON A BUDGET

®

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

O n e -Ta n k- G e taways in Indiana

With gas prices hovering near the $4 a gallon mark, many families are opting to stay close to home for family vacations this year—also known as ‘staycations’— where day or overnight trips replace far-flung travel.

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SUMMER FUN

IN INDY

All of the upcoming festivals, events & family activities

Boredom this summer? Not a chance, not with all of the summer activities, camps, festivals, fairs, concerts, cookouts and other events happening all over the Indy Metro area. There’s something for all ages—and all over the map—whether it’s attending a cookout on Monument Circle, enjoying a free concert series in Greenwood or cooling off at Splash Island Water Park in Plainfield. Here’s to making this summer unforgettable, full of new experiences and fun with the family, (almost) right in your own backyard.

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov to link to the Indianapolis Indians site for more ticket information and the games schedule.

Downtown Indy The 2011 Indiana Historical Society Concerts on the Canal series, featuring local entertainers, will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday beginning May 26 through August 11 (except for Thursday, June 30). A Fourth of July celebration will take place from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guests may bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages (there is also a café and cash bar). Bring chairs and blankets for the free seating, either on the stairs leading to the terrace or across the canal on the grassy knoll. Tables are available to reserve on the terrace as well ($35 for a table of four). Visit www. indianahistory.org for more information.

Opening June 11, the new permanent exhibit at the Children’s Museum, National Geographic Treasures of the Earth, will allow guests to delve into digging up the past. The handson archaeological adventure includes the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh, a Warrior burial site in China, and a Caribbean shipwreck. www.childrensmuseum.org Strawberry lovers will converge on Monument Circle on Thursday, June 9 for the Christ Church Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The “Works” includes

22 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

berries, shortcake, ice cream and whipped topping and is $6, and á la carte variations are available for less. www.cccindy.org On Thursday, June 16th, come back to Monument Circle from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the Marsh Cookout on the Circle. Enjoy grilled chicken or brats, potato salad, cookies and a drink. Proceeds from ticket sales, which are $6 in advance at Marsh Supermarkets and $7 on the day of the cookout, help to send Boy Scouts to local camps. www.crossroadsbsa.org.

Kids can meet some of their favorite characters such as Arthur, Clifford and Curious George on Saturday, June 11 at Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park.

Taking place at the historic Military Park located in White River State Park, three stages will feature live entertainment and hands-on activities. Festival foods are also on the menu and the event lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See www.wfyi.org for more details.

Voted the “Best Minor League Ballpark in America” by Sports Illustrated and with 72 games at Victory Field this season, baseball fans have lots of opportunities to cheer on the Indianapolis Indians.

Single game lawn seats are available for $9 per adult and $8 per child. Visit www.

All Around Indy

Take the Indy Parks 100 Parks. 100 Miles. 100 Years Challenge. Indy Parks has picked 100 Parks (out of its 207) to visit and explore. Parks are located all over the city. Visit www.indyparks. org and click on ‘Take the Challenge’ for a map of the 100 parks and amenities listings. Be sure to also visit the ‘100 Days of Summer’ link for a listing of special park programs throughout the summer.

Indy Parks Aquatics’ 21 pools and 15 spray grounds open on Saturday, May 28.

On Saturday, May 21 and Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can participate in a free three hour family Learn to Fish workshop at Fort Harrison. All equipment is provided. Children must be ages 6 or older. Pre-registration is required at 317-562-1338. And if you don’t participate in the workshop, come enjoy trails, canoeing on Fall Creek, picnicking, fishing and more at the 1700 acre park. Entrance fees are $5 per vehicle. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/ parklake/2982.htm for more information.

4-H Fairs In the height of the summer in Indiana, July is also the time for 4-H Fairs all around the state. Here are the dates for the fair

in Marion County as well as all of its surrounding counties. Marion County— July 21-30, Johnson County—July 17-23, Morgan County—July 29-26, Hendricks County—July 17-23, Boone County— July 22-28, Hamilton County—July 1419, Hancock County—July 8-15, Shelby County—July 4-9. The ‘Fairs/Festivals’ link on www.indianafairsandfestivals. org will take you to the websites of many of the 4-H fairs for more information.

And of course, there’s the pinnacle of the 4-H Fairs—the Indiana State Fair—taking place from August 5-21. www.in.gov/statefair/. Consider riding the Fair Train to the State Fair, which departs from Fishers Station on 116th Street. Tickets are $13 round trip for adults and $6 for children ages 2 through 12. Visit www.itm.org for more information on the Fair Train and other train events this summer.

Fishers

Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m., an All Play Inspiration Celebration at Brooks School Park in Fishers will commemorate the first ADA-accessible playground in the Fishers Park System. Indianapolis Colts Community Spokesman, Josh Bleill, will be the guest speaker, and children of all ages and abilities are invited to the celebration. More information can be found at www. fishers.in.us/brooksschool.

The Fishers Summer Concert Series, will take place every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the lawn at the Fishers Town Hall, 1 Municipal Drive, beginning on Tuesday, June 7 with Parrots of the Caribbean, a salute to Jimmy Buffett. Also in the lineup of the series is a Beatles Tribute Band, 1960’s Rock and Roll, R&B and pop.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnics. www.fishers.in.us/parks

Carmel Beginning May 23rd at 10 a.m. and continuing for a series of eight hour-long concerts, young children ages 2 through 5 and parents can enjoy the Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Kids Koncerts Series, designed to be engaging and participatory. Concerts are held at either River Heritage Park or West Park (see www.carmelclayparks.com for dates and locations). Children will also enjoy the Touch a Truck event on Wednesday, July 27 from 10 a.m to 12 p.m., where kids can climb in and explore vehicles such as dump trucks, mowers, and ambulances.

Cost is $2 per child (adults are free).

Noblesville Train lovers will enjoy a trip to the Indiana Transportation Museum which opens for the season on May 7.

Located in Forest Park in Noblesville, admission to the museum is $3 for adults and $2 for ages 2 through 12. To enjoy a train ride that only takes a little time and money, check out the Forest Park Caboose rides which runs on most Sundays in May, June, July and September (It will run only one Sunday in August due to the State Fair). Tickets are $5 round trip for ages 2 and up. If you want a longer ride with a stop at a restaurant, check out the Pizza PLUS rides, running on select Saturdays May through October. There are four restaurants to choose from and tickets are $14 round trip for adults and $6 for ages 2 through 12 (dinner prices are not included). See www.itm.org for reservation and train schedule information.

Family Fun at the Farm begins Memorial Day Weekend on Friday, May 27th at Stonycreek Farm and runs each weekend through August 28th. Featuring a zipline, train, hayrides, farm animals and a jumping pillow and go-carts, there are activities for all ages. A $10 bracelet can be purchased for all activities excluding the zipline, or $20 for all activities including the zipline. Visit www.stonycreekfarm. net for more information.

Zionsville Stop by to see the smiling cows at the organic artisan dairy farm, Trader’s Point Creamery. Daily self-guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets are $2 per person ages 4 and up and includes the 1.3 mile Eagle Creek trail walk if desired (the trail is open until

“

There’s something

for all ages—and all over the map—whether it’s attending a cookout on Monument Circle, enjoying a free concert series in Greenwood or cooling off at Splash Island Water Park in Plainfield.

”

3 p.m., when the herd moving begins).

Watch the cow milking in the milking parlor at 4 p.m. and be sure to take some milk or yogurt home from the dairy store.

Plainfield For a fun alternative to the pool, check out Splash Island, where waterslides, floating lily pads, whirlpools and water guns make this summer hot spot a kids paradise. Open from Saturday, May 28th through Labor Day, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Ticket prices are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for school age kids and $5.50 for preschoolers. Infants 1 year and younger are free. Visit www.townofplainfield. com for more information.

Greenwood Greenwood also offers a free summer concert series, at the Greenwood Amphitheater. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a wide variety of genres, from country to swing, to the number one Jimmy Buffett tribute band in the country. Concerts generally start at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings, and begins on May 15. Visit www. greenwood.in.gov for the schedule.

For over forty years the popular Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop has supplied sweet tooths young and old alike with milkshakes and soft serve ice cream.

Enjoy the outdoor seating and the park across the street along with your sweet treats. www.mrscurl.com These are just some of the things you can do this summer for your summer fun. For more great ideas, be sure to check Indy’s Child's monthly calendar for more events, classes and more!

KRISTA BOCKO is a freelance

writer and lives in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband and four children. She can be reached at kbocko@sbcglobal.net

INDYSCHILD.COM 23

Tips for Preparing for the Perfect Resident Camp Experience

24 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

skills needed to be a successful and competent adult — skills like selfconfidence, leadership, and empathy. Your child will have the opportunity to develop new interests and authentic relationships with mentors and peers — experiences that truly last a lifetime.

a Camp Parent T h e Joy of Being

Tomorrow’s leaders will be made and educated by experiences like camp.

Camp is one of the oldest and finest community-based experiential education and development models in America. With concerns about summer learning loss, it’s important for families to know that camp truly is a classroom without walls — providing fun designed around intentional programming.

Research tells us that involvement in intentional programs during summer months can help stem the natural summer learning loss that occurs when children are out of school.

For 150 years, camp has been the natural extension of traditional education — an intentional, expanded learning environment that provides enrichment and a handson experiential education like no other.

Camp is the continuation and expansion of a traditional education. It focuses on the whole child — providing physical, social, and developmental growth, all of which are precursors to academic achievement.

Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer and provides hands-on experiences that allow all children, even those who struggle in traditional educational settings, to feel successful and have a sense of accomplishment.

As the parent of a camper, you will notice amazing changes in your child. You will see

growth and maturity and confidence when your camper returns home. As a camp parent, I watched my son after he returned from summer camp with wonder. It was obvious that remarkable growth was underway.

He was engaged, giving, and confident.

It was then that I “got it” from the parent perspective. Simply viewing camp as a fun experience was somehow to miss the point — it’s more than that. Camp is a place where children have their mental, personal, emotional, and physical needs nurtured. Where they learn to get along with others, to take safe risks, to deal with conflict in a constructive way that encourages them to be creative, to explore and discover, to learn by actively doing, to try — and sometimes to fail and try again. In the camp community, I find what I intuitively know as a parent — to be a positive, productive adult, one needs the opportunity to truly experience childhood.

That is how genuine growth happens.

Congratulations on the decision to join the ranks of the camp parent. You have joined a contemporary tradition that is 150 years young — one that has strengthened the fabric of America and will continue to do so in the future.

Your fellow parent, Peg Smith,

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S!

Through the camp experience, your child has become a member of a wonderful community — a community where character is built and civility toward each on ti ican Camp Associa er Am e th om other is nurtured. fr A let ter In a world where interactions with other people have become increasingly impersonal, the ability to relate to another Dear Parents, human being — to understand that the world is bigger and more complex than a Welcome! Welcome to the joy of being a Facebook profile page — is paramount. camp parent. The greatest gifts that parents can give their children are independence Tomorrow’s leaders will not be those who can and resiliency, and by choosing to send type or text with lightning speed, they will be your child to camp, you have given both. those who can have a face-to-face conversation and articulate their thoughts, ideas, and values.

By choosing to send your child to camp, you Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to relate are placing them in an intentional environment globally and find common ground with people designed specifically to help develop the life

who are vastly different from themselves — people from different backgrounds and cultures.

CEO, American Camp Association

INDYSCHILD.COM 25

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S !

26 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

C *A *M *P G *U *I *D *E Day Camp Invention

BETH-EL ZEDECK EARLY CHILDHOOD: "COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN"

600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Joanie Waldman Phone: 317-259-6854 Fax: 317-259-6849 Email: jwaldman@bez613.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Hours: Flexible hours. Half Days/Full Days. Also available: early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00 pm/5:30 pm on Fridays.

Dates: Session 1: June 6 – July 1; Sesson 2: July 5 – July 29 Ages/Grades: 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2 yrs.+, 3 yrs.+, 4 and 5 years + Cost: Call for full brochure.

Activities Included: Weekly creative themes, arts and crafts, water fun at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Aquatic Complex for 3's, 4's and 5's. Water play for 12 months +, 18 months + and 2+. Music/ Creative Movement, Entertainment, Field Trip Fridays for 4's and 5's.

Camp 2011-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Our Summer Program recognizes that children learn through play. Play fosters total development and should be interwoven in everything children do. During camp, children will experiment and explore by using all five senses. Our campers will thrive on creativity, exploration, discovery, spontaneity and lots of love.

Various Schools in Indianapolis Contact: Michele Millikan Phone: 800-968-4332 Email: campinvention@att.net www.campinvention.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: Science Enrichment Financial Aid Offered: N/A Hours: 9:00 to 3:30 Dates: Various weeks in June & July Ages/Grades: Entering Grades 1-6 Cost: $185 to $215 Activities Included: Five exciting handson classes daily: take apart appliances, make new inventions, experiment with chemistry and polymers, decipher secret codes, and discover nature's inventors.

Unleash the creative genius in your child!

Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in creativity. Led by local teachers the program nurtures children�s innate sense of curiosity. Children will learn how to think like inventors, problem-solve, collaborate and create�all while having tons of FUN! Camp JCC 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-251-9467 Fax: 317-251-9493 Email: aatlas@JCCindy.org www.JCCindy.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts, Sports, Traditional

Specific Categories: Specialty camps include: Glee Club Camp, Arts Camp, Construction Camp, Sports Camps, Equestrian Camp, Eric Gordon Basketball Camp, Pre-School Camp Financial Aid Offered: Scholarship assistance Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Dates: June 6 - July 29 Ages/Grades: preschool - 8th grade Cost: Varies by camp. Camps available by the week.

Activities Included: Swimming in the JCC water park, games, arts & crafts, sports, singing, nature and science discovery, cook-outs and more!

All JCC camps are located on the wooded grounds behind the JCC. Campers make use of every inch of the JCC, including our water park, indoor pools, bball gyms, auditorium and stage, and outdoor pavilion. In addition to traditional camp activities, our visiting Israeli counselors add a cultural component to Camp JCC that no other camp offers.

Extended care for children grades K- 5 is available for specialty camps as well as our regular day camps.

Our Camp JCC Registration Day is Sunday, March 20, Noon-2 pm. We're offering 15% discounts on most camps and 1/2-price deposits on all camps THIS DAY ONLY! Plus, those interested in JCC membership will enjoy a $0 enrollment fee ($300) savings and 2 free personal training sessions when they join during camp registration.

Camp Primrose 2011 - Carmel 780 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Nicole Alvarado Phone: 317-848-8771

Fax: 317-848-8773 Email: Nicole@PrimroseCarmel.com www.PrimroseCarmel.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dates: May 31st - August 8th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 12 years old Activities Included: Daily activities including gardening, cooking, science experiments, hiking, art and water play.

In-school visitors and field trips to parks, museums, ice cream shops and more.

Join us for our exciting summer camp and enjoy activities related to our themes of "Dig! Stir! Chomp!", "Expedition Summer", and "Destination Science".

Camp Primrose--Bridgewater 14711 N Gray Rd, Westfield, IN 46062 Contact: Julie Bowman Phone: 317-848-0123 Fax: 317-848-0124 Email: vhall@primrosebridgewater.com www.primrosebridgewater.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Specific Categories: School Program (Before/After) Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 6:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

Dates: May 31st through August 4th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 5th grade Cost: Dependent upon age Activities Included: Field trips to the Mad Scientist, parks, nature centers, farms,

INDYSCHILD.COM 27

and other exciting places. Many different activities with cooking, gardening, water play and science experiments are planned.

Learn how to camp, hike, cook, garden, and explore dinosaur bones and fossils. This camp will take you on a wild and wacky journey through science and will even have you creating your own volcano.

Camp Primrose -- Gray Eagle 12290 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 Contact: Sarah Pendleton Phone: 317-577-9480 Email: sarah@primrosegrayeagle.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm, Mon-Fri Dates: 5/31/11 - 8/19/11 Ages/Grades: 4 & up (programs also available for Infants - Preschool) Cost: Dependent on age Activities Included: Camp includes snacks and lunch. Activities include field trips, shows, games, experiments, cooking, gardening, etc.

Camp Primrose offers weekly or summer camps for children age 4 and up. Play soccer, learn karate, cook for fun, and explore nature while making new friends. Campers will enjoy field trips, shows, games and adventures intermixed with weekly activities such as basketball, soccer and music. Stop by today to see a complete calendar of activities.

Camp Primrose--West Clay

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S !

13096 Moultrie St, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Julie Bowman Phone: 317-873-0123 Fax: 317-848-0124 Email: jbowman@primrosewestclay.com www.primrosewestclay.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Specific Categories: School Program (Before/After) Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 6:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Dates: May 31st through August 4th Ages/Grades: 6 weeks through 5th grade Cost: Dependent upon age Activities Included: Field trips to the Mad Scientist, parks, nature centers, farms, and other exciting places. Many different activities with cooking, gardening, water play and science experiments are planned.

Learn how to camp, hike, cook, garden, and explore dinosaur bones and fossils. This camp will take you on a wild and wacky journey through science and will even have you creating your own volcano.

Chinese Culture Summer Camp at IUPUI 425 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Contact: Noah Buonanno Phone: 317-278-7900 Fax: 317-278-7919 Email: ciindy@iupui.edu Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional, Study Abroad/International Specific Categories: Chinese Language and Culture Financial Aid Offered: Yes. $25 one-time discount for those enrolling before March 13.

Hours: 8:30am - 4:15pm; Pre & After School Care 7:30am-8:30am/ 4:15pm-6:00pm Dates: Monday-Friday July 5th-August 5th 2011 Ages/Grades: 5-13/ K-8 Cost: $150 per week for those enrolling on a weekly basis (Week 1 July 5th to 8th is $120); no camp on Mon. July 4th); $120 per week for those enrolling for the entire 5 weeks; $25 per week for pre & after school care; $15 teaching material fee 28 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Requirements of Campers: Activities Included: Chinese language, calligraphy, song and dance, martial arts, games and crafts. www.iupui.edu/~china/

The Confucius Institute in Indianapolis is an apolitical, non-profit organization. The Chinese Culture Summer Camp at IUPUI was established to better prepare our children to learn Chinese language and culture. This day camp is a one to five-week program (Monday - Friday) that is filled with a wide variety of activities.

The curriculum consists of Chinese language, Chinese games & crafts, singing & dancing, calligraphy, martial arts, and more. Our camp promotes student's cross-cultural understanding and communication. Through the camps, students increase their multicultural abilities by engaging in fun and educational activities offered by our high-quality camp teachers.

This camp is a unique opportunity for K-8 students to learn another culture and language.

Christian Youth Theatre 17849 Grassy Knoll Dr., Westfield, IN 46074 Contact: Mandy Polster Phone: 317-407-5452 Email: mandy.polster@gmail.com www.cytindy.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Specific Categories: Acting/Singing/Dance Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps). special training for families with autism Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 9am-3pm Age: 4-7 amp-12pm Dates: June & July Ages/Grades: 18 Cost: variable Requirements of Campers: average school requirements Activities Included: Daily workshop rounds of acting, singing, dancing, costume, makeup, & set design. Many crafts and games included daily.

CYT Musical Theater Summer Camp is one of the most affordable quality musical theatre camps in Indiana. In the morning, they rotate with their team to a variety of theater classes including dance, drama & voice taught by qualified instructors. After lunch, summer campers play exciting outdoor games before they come together with all the teams for showcase rehearsal. All campers perform in the musical theater showcase at the end of the week, featuring a variety of songs, dances and drama.

Camp week 1 - June 13th - Traders Point Christian Academy (Zionsville/Whitestown) Camp week 2 - June 20th - Heritage Christian School (Indianapolis north) Camp week 3 - June 27th Greenwood (Indianapolis Christian Fellowship & Greenwood south) Camp week 4 - July 11th – Traders Point Christian Academy & Heritage Christian School Camp week 5 - July 18th – Heritage Christian School & Greenwood (Indianapolis Christian Fellowship & Greenwood south) Camp week 6 - July 27th - Traders Point Christian Academy Deveau's Gymnastics Day Camp 9032 Technology Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Joan Deveau Phone: 317-849-7744 Fax: 317-845-7377 Email: deveausgymnastics@gmail.com www.deveaus.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day

Specific Categories: Gymnastics Special Needs Camps Offered: No Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Dates: June 14-17, 2011 Ages/Grades: 5-18 Cost: $200 ($180 if registered prior to June 1) Requirements of Campers: Sack Lunch, proper attire Activities Included: Gymnastics Apparatus, Tumblng, Trampoline, Dance, Games and Fun Activities

DeVeau's Gymnastics Summer Camp will provide instruction and fun for children who enjoy gymnastics. The program is geared to meet the needs of the beginning through advanced recreational levels.

Freetown Village Summer Day Camp 4601 N. Emerson Avenue @ St. Alban's Church, Indianapolis, IN 46226 Contact: Marriam A. Umar, Program Manager Phone: 317-631-1870 Fax: 317-631-0224 Email: marriam@freetownvillage.org www.freetownvillage.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Academic/ Pre-college, Traditional Specific Categories: Enrichment Special Needs Camps Offered: N/A Financial Aid Offered: N/A Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dates: June 6 - August 5, 2011 Ages/Grades: 5 - 14/ K-8th Cost: $70/wk + registration fee Requirements of Campers: Must bring own sack lunch Activities Included: Arts and crafts, theatre, academic enrichment (math/language arts/social studies), hands on activities, manners and etiquette lessons, team building, games, weekly field trips.

Nine weekly sessions of learning and fun! Our camp provides a safe and structured learning environment to minimize summer learning loss.

Highlighting history and culture, children learn about themselves and develop a stronger sense of community. Each week ends with a performance showcase, highlighting the week’s activities.

Indianapolis Art Center Summer Camp 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Krista Hurst Phone: 317-255-2464 Fax: 317-254-0486 Email: Classes@IndplsArtCenter.org www.IndplsArtCenter.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (first graders through age 7), 1:30-5:30 p.m. (ages 8-12) or 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. (ages 8-12) March 29-May 2, 2010 Dates: June-August Ages/Grades: Various Cost: Cost of camps vary.

Activities Included: Variety of art activites from ceramics, painting and drawing to sculpture.

Clear your refrigerator door to make room for the art masterpieces your kids will create during this Spring Break Art Camp. In our half-day and full-day art camps, your kids will have the whole week to let their imaginations run wild.

They'll participate in a variety of activities like papermaking, fabric dyeing, sculpture, handbuilt ceramics, painting and drawing. And our instructor-to-camper ratio is 1:10 (1:8 for the younger kids). Give your kids something valuable—a connection to their own creativity!

Indianapolis Children's Choir Choral Festival 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Phone: 317-940-9640 Fax: 317-940-6129 Email: info@icchoir.org www.icchoir.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Financial Aid Offered: Yes. Need-based financial aid is offered with completed request.

Hours: 9-12 or 1-4 Choose AM or PM session Dates: June 13-18, 2011 Ages/Grades: entering 3-8 Cost: $85 plus $25 registration fee (includes camp t-shirt!)

Requirements of Campers: teacher recommendation or ability to match pitch Activities Included: Mass choir rehearsals, Solfege classes, small group education/ instruction, snacks, Kodaly classes, music theory & public concert!

The Indianapolis Children's Choir brings young people who like to sing to the Butler University campus for a wonderful week of music-making and fun. It's a great way for music-loving kids to learn, laugh, and sing together in a vigorous, fast-paced enjoyable way. The week culminates in an unforgettable experience on the magnificent Clowes Memorial Hall concert stage.

Indianapolis School of Ballet

jpope@indygov.org www.indyparks.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: Environmental Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Everyday and Specialty camps) Financial Aid Offered: Yes.

Hours: Vary Dates: 5/31-7/29/2011 Ages/Grades: 3-15 /Pk-8th Cost: $35-$150 per week Activities Included: Variety of activities depending on locations.

That's what summer vacation is all about. At Indy Parks we take your child's fun seriously.

Each week will include activities related to

Looking for an enriching day camp experience for your 6 to 10-year-old? ISB offers professional instruction in ballet and tap as well as arts and crafts, with music as the glue that ties it all together.

Trips to downtown cultural locales have had parents and children begging for more.

Indy Parks and Recreation Multiple Locations in Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN Contact: Joenne Pope, Manager of School Outreach Phone: 317-327-7275 Email:

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S!

502 N. Capitol #B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Contact: Judith Peters, School Adminstrator Phone: 317-955-7525 Fax: 317-955-7526 Email: school@indyballet.org Website: www.indyballet.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts, After School Programs

Special Needs Camps Offered: Some special needs are able to be accommodated. Please contact us regarding specific requests.

Financial Aid Offered: Some may be possible based on funding to be identified.

Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon- Fri Dates: June 6-10 and July 25-29 Ages/Grades: Ages 6-10 Cost: 265 Requirements of Campers: dance attire (leotard & tights or bike shorts & white t-shirt) and footwear (tap shoes and ballet shoes) Activities Included: Dance, art and music activities and instruction; field trips to cultural destinations in downtown Indianapolis.

INDYSCHILD.COM 29

the different themes. Our Camp Package includes: Trained and qualified staff, low counselor to camper ratios, weekly field trips, swimming, art & crafts, guest speakers, camp T-shirts, educational programs, extended care services, weekly themes, and structured games, activities and sports. We offer early bird rates from 01/31/11 to 03/31/11 Monart Summer Art Camps 3 locations: Zionsville, Noblesville & Carmel Contact: Barb Hegeman, owner Phone: 317-774-3729(DRAW) Email: monart@indy.rr.com www.indydraws.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Specific Categories: Art Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 - 3:30 pm depending on location Dates: June 13 - July 28 Ages/Grades: All ages 5 and up Cost: One day minicamps-$35, Weekly camps-$140 Activities Included: Drawing and painting using markers, oil and chalk pastels, watercolor, and colored pencil.

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S !

Monart camps are full of creativity and fun! Campers learn different drawing and painting techniques and work in a variety of media, all centered on a specific theme, including Cartooning, Animals, and Nature.

3 Locations: 60 N 9th St., Noblesville, 1366 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 90 N Main St., Zionsville

National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis Summer Programs Multiple sites throughout Marion

30 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

County, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Contact: Steve Mackell, Program Director Phone: (317) 429-9965 Fax: (317) 429-9971 Email: info@indynjtl.org www.indynjtl.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Sports Specific Categories: Tennis Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: Yes. For more information on financial aid: Contact the NJTL office at 317-429-9965.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lessons are one hour, twice per week, plus match play on most Fridays) Dates: June 8 to July 29, 2011 Ages/Grades: 5 to 18 (Children must be age 5 by June 1, 2011) Cost: $15 or $40 depending upon site selected Requirements of Campers: Must wear tennis shoes and meet age requirements.

Activities Included: Tennis, life skills and healthy living instruction. Free participation in the National Arthur Ashe Essay and Art contest and in NJTL's reading contest. NJTL offers low-cost tennis instruction to youth of all ability levels. Classes are held twice per week

NJTL offers low-cost tennis instruction to youth of all ability levels. Classes are held twice per week for one hour, with matches played most Fridays. Free T-shirt and loaner racquets provided. Classes are held at multiple Indy Park and public school locations. 2010 schedule will be available April 1st at www.indynjtl.org.

The Orchard School 615 W. 64th St. gbievenour@orchard. com, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Jane Gailey /Summer Camp Manager Phone: 317-713-5970 Fax: 317-253-9707 Email: jgailey@orchard.org

www.orchard.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours: 7am-6pm Dates: June 6- July 29 Ages/Grades: ages 4 and up Cost: Varies

We offer a wide array of camps. Camps are 1/2 day and full day week long options. Before/ After care available. Some camps offer field trips Shortee's Golf Camp 1775 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Contact: Don Turchan Phone: (317) 582-1850 Fax: (317) 582-0145 Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Sports Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: Weekday mornings - See website for start times.

Dates: Week long camps beginning week of June 6th through week of August 1st. See website for details.

Ages/Grades: Little Linkers 4-6, Junior Camp 7-14 Cost: Little Linkers $80, Junior Camp $125

Activities Included: Daily on course play combined with instruction on driving range, putting green and chipping green.

Shortee’s 5 day Junior Golf Camps will offer a safe and fun way for kids to learn and practice the game of golf. Our instructional staff will help formulate a golf swing to meet the needs of each student.

We will focus on the FUNdementals of golf including games and contests.

Stansfield Circle Girls Sports Camp Park Tudor Campus, 7200 N. College

Avenue, Indianapolis, 46240 Contact: Sue Tobin Phone: 317-345-1262 Fax: 317-818-0077 Email: stobin@primepay.com www.stansfieldcircle.org Gender of Campers: All-Girl Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Sports Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dates: June 6 - June 10, 2011 Ages/Grades: Graduates of 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Grades Cost: $170 Requirements of Campers: Bring lunch/sunscreen Activities Included: Quality instruction in Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Dance, Service Activities, Friendshipbuilding exercises, Rainy Day Crafts,

24th year as Indy's premiere summer sports camp for girls. Emphasis on improving basic skills, introduction to different sports, camaraderie and fun. Proceeds benefit Stansfield Circle charities including Fletcher Place Community Center. Registration deadline: May 20, 2011.

Traders Point Creamery Farm Camp 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 Contact: Amy Rhodes Phone: 317-733-1700 Fax: 317-733-1776 Email: Camp@tpforganics.com www.traderspointcreamery.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Animals, Traditional Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (During everyday camps) Hours: 9:00am-3:30pm Dates: June 13-16(1st-fourth grades) July 11 - 14 (5th-8th grades) August 8 - 11 (1st-4th grades)

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S!

INDYSCHILD.COM 31

Ages/Grades: 6 - 10yrs / 11 - 15yrs Cost: $275* (*Option $75 extra for 1 overnight - July camp only) Activities Included: cow milking, collecting eggs, feeding chickens and pigs, hiking, creek stomping, ecological crafts, games

Farm Camp invites children to participate in activities that awaken the senses and encourage the understanding of what it means to be "sustainable". While working and playing in nature on an organic dairy farm, children become more aware of the connection between humans and the web of life.

Residential

Camp Carson YMCA

SUMMER C *A *M *P *S !

2034 E Lake Road, Princeton, IN 47670 Contact: Mark Scoular, Executive Director Phone: 812-385-3597 Fax: 812-386-1654 Email: campinfo@ymca.evansville.net www.campcarson.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: Dirt-Bikes and Horseback Specialty Camps Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 1pm Sunday - 7pm Friday Dates: weekly through June and July Ages/Grades: 7-16 years Cost: traditional week ranges $470$570 (ranges from $260 - $960) Activities Included: Horseback, motorized dirt-bikes, archery, canoeing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, archery, marksmanship, climbing, pottery, woodworking, fishing, crafts, soccer, basketball, mountainboards "The Blob", water zip-lines, Tom Sawyer Swing, drumming, etc.

32 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Only 2.5 hours southwest of Indianapolis.

Join campers and staff from over 25 different states and 7 countries at southern Indiana's premier summer resident camp. It's easy to see why we were voted # 1 area resident camp by Kentuckiana Family Magazine.

YMCA Camp Carson has it all! Truly "An Experience that lasts a Lifetime!"

The Howe School Summer Camp PO Box 240, Howe, IN 46746 Contact: Charles Grady, Director Phone: 260-562-2131 Fax: 260-562-3678 Email: cgrady@thehoweschool.org www.thehoweschool.org Gender of Campers: Both All-Boy and All-Girl Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college Specific Categories: Education Hours: Any time Dates: boys (June 19 - July 29) girls (July 31 - Aug 5) Ages/Grades: 9 through 15 Cost: boys (3-wks $2100, 6-wks $3500) girls ($500) Requirements of Campers: be ready to have fun Activities Included: Rifle, ropes course, repelling, archery, boating, canoeing, sports, hiking, nature study, games, physical fitness, camp newsletter, and crafts

The Howe Summer Camp has three and six-week boy�s residential program and a one-week girl�s program. The boys� camp offers leadership, education and discipline, including rifle, archery, swimming, canoeing, physical training, ropes course, repelling, crafts, horsemanship, and games. Girls� camp offers leadership, skills necessary for young women to succeed in today�s careers, including team building,

culinary arts, scrapbooking, crafts, ropes and obstacle course and repelling.

YMCA Camp Potawotami

7255 E 700 S, Wolcottville, IN 46795 Contact: Craig Cheney/ Executive Director Phone: 1-800-966-9622 Fax: 260-351-3915 Email: kay_lafevor@fwymca.org www.fwycamp.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Traditional Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes (Specialty camps) Muscular Dystrophy Camp, Cancer Camp Financial Aid Offered: Yes. Incomebased financial assistance.

Hours: Office 8-4, M-F Dates: June 12-July 30 Ages/Grades: 6-16 Cost: From $400 Activities Included: Archery, Art, Bicycling, Canoeing, Climbing, Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Fishing, Fitness, Horsemanship, Kayaking, Mini-Farm, Mud Hike, Nature Studies, Sailing, SCUBA, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wilderness Skills

Carefully screened and trained staff will lead campers in building strong character, positive friendships and skills for lifelong well-being.

210 beautiful acres on Blackman Lake, with woods, meadows, wetlands and excellent facilities, combined with creative, caring staff, help make memories to last a lifetime.

Day & Residential Hoosiersportscamps.com

PO Box 7303, Bloomington, IN 47407 Contact: John Decker Phone: 812-345-7759 Email: info@hoosiersportscamps.com Gender of Campers: Both All-Boy and All-Girl Type of Camp: Residential Basic Category: Sports Special Needs Camps Offered: N/A Financial Aid Offered: N/A Hours: Varies depending on sport Dates: Varies; various IU sports camps

take place from May-July Ages/Grades: 6-18 Cost: $40-$900 Requirements of Campers: Open to Any and All Entrants Activities Included: Boys Basketball; Boys & Girls Golf; Girls Soccer; Boys Soccer; Softball; Boys & Girls Swimming; Girls Tennis; Boys Tennis; Volleyball

IU's sports coaches invite you to Bloomington this summer to learn your sport, improve your skills, and make new friends! No matter what your skill level, take this opportunity to learn from some of the country's best coaches and use IU's facilities!

Both Day and Overnight Camps available. iD Tech Summer Camps at Purdue

Purdue University and 60 Universities Nationwide & Canada Phone: 888-709-TECH (8324) Email: info@internalDrive.com www.internalDrive.com Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day AND Residential Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college Hours: Weeklong day and overnight camps.

Dates: June - August Ages/Grades: 7 - 18 Cost: Cost varies Activities Included: Students create video games, iPhone and iPad apps, C++ and Java programs, websites w/Flash, movies w/Final Cut Studio, Maya 3D animations, robots and more w/products experts use in their professions

The World�s #1 summer tech camp! Students ages 7-18 create video games, iPhone apps, websites and more. Weeklong, day and overnight programs located at 60 prestigious universities nationwide including Purdue, Harvard, Stanford and others.

Also Teen programs: iD Gaming Academy, iD Visual Arts Academy and iD Programming Academy. Free year-round learning w/iD 365. Save w/code IN22L.

AROUND TOW N

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profile

Kratt Brothers to Headline Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park WFYI's annual one of a kind family festival launched their new Wild Kratts animated series (weekdays at 2 p.m. on WFYI 1). The show transforms the real life zoologists into animated versions of themselves, allowing them to visit wild animals in their little seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way.

Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy a day in Military Park with your family and WFYI on June 11. Visit wfyi.org for more information leading up to the event.

Presenting sponsor: Marsh

– and a playful and curious little lemur named Zoboomafoo. Through live action and the wonders of puppetry, animation and claymation, Zoboomafoo is every little kid’s dream: a wonderful talking animal who’s a special friend.

Booth sponsors: Indiana Education Savings Authority, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, International School of Indiana Print sponsor: Moeller Printing

Join WFYI at Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park, presented by Marsh, on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Military Park in White River State Park.

Creature teachers Chris and Martin Kratt, creators of the award-winning Kratts’ Creatures and Emmy-winning Zoboomafoo, will headline this year’s entertainment. The brothers recently

This year’s theme at Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is Explore Your World.

In addition to the Kratt Brothers, the day will be f illed with non-stop entertainment on three stages, and opportunities to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS walkaround characters. There will also be numerous hands-on activities for families of all ages to discover.

There’s no need to make reservations or purchase tickets. Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is WFYI Public Media’s gift back to the Central Indiana community.

Zoboomafoo SATURDAYS AT 7:30 A.M. ON WFYI 1 Designed especially for preschoolers, this groundbreaking energetic series is all about that great moment of discovery when a kid meets an animal for the f irst time. Using music, songs and sounds from around the world, the series teaches children how to respect and care for the creatures with which they share the planet. Zoboomafoo (pronounced zah-BOO-mah-foo) stars the Kratt brothers – Martin and Chris

Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park, presented by Marsh Saturday, June 11 10 A.m. to 4 P.m.

Military park in white river state park

INDYSCHILD.COM 33

COMMENTARY & PARENTING

*

mommy magic

The Mom Oath

In honor of mothers everywhere goes to camp will make a difference before they trash their “camp clothes” – I am awesome. I will not feel guilty that my kids have only

To take an oath means to swear solemnly

consumed chicken nuggets and mac

or vow...Perhaps we should take an

n’ cheese the past two weeks – I am

oath (to ourselves) as mothers.

awesome. I believe that starting my Christmas shopping for my kids in July

is not crazy, but a necessity in order to get it all done by December – I am awesome. I vow not to get depressed and shake my head when it takes them 1.2 seconds to unwrap all the Christmas gifts I so lovingly wrapped – I am awesome. I will not allow the fact that my college degree is being put to use as a chauffeur (without any tip) – I am awesome. I promise that sounding like my mother when I discipline my kids doesn’t make me feel like I am losing my mind – I am awesome.

I vow to let go of the notion that perfection can be maintained everyday - I am awesome. I will, from this day forward, enjoy the moments of perfection and celebrate the magic of life’s In preparation for writing my column for this issue, I was thinking about why I love Mother’s Day. Of course, I was vacuuming my house while I was contemplating this very notion.

I always get to sleep in on Mother’s Day and I love catching up on sleep, but that wasn’t it. My kids always bring me breakfast in bed and I love their thoughtfulness, but that was not it either.

After I unplugged my sweeper and started to wind up the cord, it dawned on me that I think I love it because my family actually stops for a day and expresses their appreciation. It is not the gifts that get to me, but rather their appreciation for what I do on a daily basis as a mom.

Typically, as moms, we make it all look like no big deal. It is a big deal though. A very big deal. It got me thinking that rather than waiting for the one day a year that is designated to moms and feeling appreciated and special, we need to do it more on a regular basis. We need to remind ourselves that we are in fact, awesome!

from reading it and remember how very awesome you are! Happy Mother’s Day! The Mom Oath Why take an oath, you ask? To take an oath means to swear solemnly or vow. Lawyers take an oath to practice law, we take vows when we get married promising to be faithful for better or for worse. Perhaps we should take an oath (to ourselves) as mothers. If such a formal oath existed, I would hope it would go something like this:

hard on myself each day - I am awesome. I will try

Today I tried my best. Although I feel exhausted

vow to try to laugh more and be stressed less - I

and sometimes defeated by the time I have

am awesome. Most of all, I will promise to believe

put away the laundry for the 84th time, I vow

in myself, for I know little eyes are watching me,

to celebrate how awesome I am as a mom. No

and in order to teach them that they are awesome,

need to focus on the fact that I have not gone

I must first believe that I AM AWESOME!

to the bathroom alone in years – I am awesome.

I believe that staying up until midnight labeling

So in honor of moms everywhere, I wrote The Mom Oath. I hope you get a grin 34 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

imperfections - I am awesome. I vow to NOT be so

every item of clothing my child owns before she

when I go to bed each night to think of all the 384 things I did RIGHT as a mom today vs. the ONE thing that I did WRONG today - I am awesome. I

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Visit www.Mommy-Magic.com for more information.

Become a Fan of Mommy Magic on FaceBook!

36 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

INDYSCHILD.COM 37

d l i h E xceptional c Getting Kids with Autism

INTO THE GAME

SPORTS & AUTISM

Are sports a good idea for kids with autism?

Put it this way: are sports a good idea for any young person? It really depends on the kid. That’s according to Georgia Frey, associate professor in the department of Kinesiology at Indiana University.

It’s her estimation that some kids with autism are better suited for sports than others. In general, however, she believes individual and dual activities often suit kids on the autism spectrum better than large group sports that require interpretation of social cues. Again, she said this line of thinking does not apply to all kids with autism since every child with autism is unique.

Frey runs a program for kids with special needs that serves as a lab for her undergraduate students and shows f irst hand that some kids really do enjoy competition within activities like racing against the instructor, while others simply don’t.

“I think that’s a normal kind of distribution.

Some are competitors and some just want to be active and move,” she said. And so it goes for typically developing kids as well.

Kim Davis, autism educational consultant with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, agrees that every child with autism is different so it’s impossible to generalize if sports are a good f it for all kids on the autism spectrum. It is her experience that some kids with autism are able to handle the 38 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

INDYSCHILD.COM 39

SPORTS & AUTISM competitive nature of sports, while others may not.

For instance, many people with Asperger syndrome are perfectionists by nature and may have a harder time with competitive sports, especially for those lacking the support of a really good coach and good teammates.

“I love sports and I love athletics for kids in general.

My bigger concern is not the game or sport itself, but how the kids are supported. Anyone who is coaching has to have insight into kids and has to have insight into the disability and be able to do on-thespot assessments and adapt as needed,” Davis said.

Sound advice.

Taking a broader perspective on sports, both Frey and Davis believe that finding a physical outlet is important for everyone.

“Getting exercise is good for anybody,” said Davis. She said kids on the autism spectrum don’t innately know what to do with free time or unstructured time and recognize that athletic activity may push them out of their comfort zones. “It’s an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to learn, and an opportunity to be seen as more part of the mainstream community,” she said.

Davis speaks of one gentleman with autism who likes to walk, so he joined the Audubon Society. “He is doing something he likes and is good at doing. He’s meeting others who don’t have disabilities, so they are getting to know him. They see him as more competent and he feels good about himself,” she said.

40 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Parents who are interested in involving their child with autism in an athletic activity should focus on finding something the child enjoys and will enjoy doing throughout their lifetime. Understand that sports can add a new dimension from which the child will view the world and connect with people.

When determining the type of physical activity in which to get involved, Frey believes it’s important for parents to know their child and avoid asserting onto them a sport that they as parents would like to do.

“I’ve seen parents really want their kid to play soccer because that’s what they would like to do. Soccer involves a lot of activity and social cues and may not be good for every kid,” she said. Parents need to take into account any sensory issues their child may have and determine what sports would be a good fit versus those that are not a great fit.

Once parents identify the types of activities in which their child is interested in and best suited for, let them watch it, discuss it with them, and then allow them to do the activity or sport. Throughout the process parents should be patient and let their child get used to the sport. Understand that they will need to be taught the rules and skills more methodically than their typically developing peers, so patience is key when building up whatever the skill may be.

Davis acknowledges from personal experience in working with kids on the autism spectrum that it can be tough to get them motivated and engaged in the sport.

“Patience is key, but exposure and encouragement are really important too. With any kid with a disability, particularly kids with autism, you have to be happy with small steps and you cannot expect to change the world rapidly,” she said.

She advises parents and coaches to talk with the child about what they can expect from that day’s practice or workout. Let the child know the schedule; that they will kick the soccer ball around for 10 minutes or that they will shoot 15 baskets. It’s often important that the child know there is an ending point to the activity and when that ending point is. Then honor that limit.

In addition, Davis said, “Focus on the physical aspect not the competition. That’s my bias.”

She feels it must be emphasized that winning is gravy.

Kids have to have fun and enjoy what they are doing.

If they are too stressed because of the competition, it’s not worth it. A better angle may be to compete with oneself. Hit more free throws, do more sit ups. She said competition against others may not jive with their ability to think about winning and losing. “That’s a concept for them that can be upsetting,” Davis said.

Numerous organizations around greater Indianapolis offer athletic programming for kids on the autism spectrum. This summer parents may find good activities through the YMCA, Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, Easter Seals Crossroads, Stony Creek Swim Center, and DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics, to name a few.

Less organized options like area swimming pools, parks or even wading pools or shooting hoops at home can also be great and affordable ways to introduce a child with autism to the wide world of sports.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

Ten Sport Suggestions for Kids with Autism Bicycle riding: In addition to promoting a child’s balance and coordination, riding bikes can be a great recreational activity the entire family can enjoy together.

Horseback riding: Not only is Not one child with autism is alike.

What works for one kid may not be ideal for the next. As parents consider introducing sports and athletics to their child with autism, Georgia Frey, associate professor in the department of Kinesiology at Indiana University, encourages families to try lots of athletic activities before settling on one sport. First help the child gain physical confidence, and then they may have the self esteem and the drive to try other activities, including team sports.

Rock climbing: This sport helps kids learn to think ahead and problem solve.

Golf: On the green, kids have to wait their turns and let people play ahead of them.

often start with a loud bang from a gun that may not be good for some kids.

Martial arts: Taught in a highly

Swimming: This whole-body

structured environment, martial arts can help develop a child’s self confidence, motor skills and concentration.

sport is often sensory rewarding for kids with autism.

Hiking: Hikes, even if it’s as simple

Track and field: Running is a great activity for the individual-minded athlete; however, be aware that the events

as walking the Monon Trail, can put kids in touch with nature, become a heart-healthy habit, and get them out and about amongst the community.

horseback riding good exercise, the interaction between the horse and rider can grow into an amazing relationship.

Gymnastics: With a good coach, kids can gain body awareness and learn to exert better control of their bodies.

Bowling: Lanes of bowlers may be loud, but it’s an underlying roar of white noise versus the shrills and shrieks that come with other team sports. This can sometimes be easier for kids with sensory issues to take.

Following are a few physical activities that area experts say may be fun for kids on the autism spectrum. Of course, parents know their child better than anyone. If they like sailing or skipping, so be it. It may not be on this list, but it may be right for the child. The possibilities for athletic fun is truly without limits.

INDYSCHILD.COM 41

Summer Fun for Kids with Special Needs Programs, camps, sports and other available resources Local organizations like the YMCA, Special Olympics Indiana, and Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation are poised to helping Indianapolisarea kids with special needs indulge in their need for a good time in and out of the sun. Read on for ideas on how to make summer 2011 one for fun.

It’s Fun to Play at the YMCA The YMCA, particularly the Baxter branch, offers a slew of programs for kids with special needs. In fact, the branch offers session-based programming for this community of kids throughout the year.

In the summer, their programs last six weeks and include adapted dance, gymnastics, martial arts, a sensory motor class, WAVES aquatics program, and even adapted personal training.

Tammy Ward, senior program director over youth and adult sports for the Baxter branch, said kids have a great time participating in the YMCA adapted programs because for many young ones, this is the first time they are experiencing the sport or activity at hand. She also said the instructors do a great job of integrating different elements or skills into each lesson, so the sessions are not identical week to week.

Notably, however, the instructors location and class times are consistent throughout the session to add structure that helps many kids feel comfortable.

Currently the YMCA is equipped to teach kids with mild to moderate special needs, though they are looking to grow their program to be able to take on kids with more severe needs. Ward said the YMCA’s commitment to serving kids with special needs is huge.

Area youth of all abilities are on high alert for summer leisure. So bring it on. Bring it all on. The

“The association is very mission driven. This is not an area that generates a lot of revenue but it’s important because it’s important to the community. We want to grow and expand through partnerships,” she said.

shades, the sunscreen, the summertime fun.

Anyone in the Indianapolis community or surrounding areas are welcome to participate in the programs. YMCA membership is not required. Ward also said families are welcome to observe a class before committing to registering.

Summer Games Kick Off Season of Fun for Special Olympics Indiana Special Olympics Indiana is another venue for fun, be it summertime or anytime, for kids with special needs. The big event that area families are currently looking forward to is the summer games June 3-5 in Terre Haute, Ind. 42 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Youth sports include swimming, track and field, cycling and volleyball. Whether a participant or spectator, these games are sure to be a great time for all.

Fans can also look forward to the state softball competition for boys and girls slated for August, the equestrian competition in early September, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Games that include: flag football, volleyball, golf, and distance run and walk, in late September. Kids interested in participating in any of these events can contact Special Olympics Indiana directly to learn how and where to train for the competition.

Kids should know that Special Olympics Indiana is serious about sports and sees itself as a sports organization, meaning kids are trained in the rules of the game and are held to those rules, even if modified.

“We’re here for athletic training and competition. We take both hand-in-hand,” said Jeff Mohler, vice president of programs for Special Olympics Indiana. “We want them to learn the sport itself, just like any high school or college athlete would.”

To accommodate the varying skill levels and interests of its athletes, Special Olympics Indiana offers three team sport options. The first is the organization’s traditional program that puts athlete against athlete. A second option for athletes is the unified program that features teams in which half the teammates are typically developing peers and half are kids with intellectual challenges. The third option is the skills competition. This is for competitors who cannot play a full game or do not recognize the team concept in sports. This option breaks a sport into individual components where the athlete earns points on individual skills.

Mohler said the organization brings different types of enjoyment to different kids. “It depends on what the athletes are looking for. We have some who are into it for the competition, so it’s a chance to prove themselves on the court or field of play. Other athletes are into it for the social activity, meeting new people, making new friends,” he said.

He points to the unified program as a venue for a higher level of competition that allows the athletes to meet people who do not necessarily have special needs. Mohler said the unified program is extremely successful and popular among area high school students who are required to do community service to meet graduation requirements.

Turn Up Summer Fun with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation is another go-to venue for kids with special needs. Its program, under the direction of Brooke Taflinger, inclusion supervisor for Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, is flourishing and this summer is sure to prove to be no disappointment. Through Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, kids with special needs will be able to participate in soccer, a sports skills development class, and a lawn games program that includes golf, bocce ball, whistle ball and other fun games the kids can in turn teach their friends or family. Other activities include a new program called Walking in Nature that utilizes the city’s beautiful Central Park trails and water walking program in the Monon Community Center’s lazy river. There’s even a prom in May, summer luau in July, a monthly karaoke night and a teen night out program that benefits the entire family.

Taflinger has been with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation a little over two years and is now starting to see trends in regards to which activities the community responds well to and is building the programming from there. She said individuals are continually drawn to the center’s fitness and social programs so she tries to be as creative as possible in the execution of the activities and in coming up with ways for the participants to socialize and interact.

And kids with all types of needs are welcome in the Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation programs. “We make accommodations as needed depending on whatever their needs are,” she said. In other words, parents should not be too quick to think their child can’t be well served by the planned activities. Taflinger said any child with a special need is welcome to participate in the programs and that any program can be broken down to its fundamental skills and adapted to meet the needs of any child.

Further, the team in Carmel is prepared to make these accommodations available.

Like the YMCA, kids do not have to be a member of the Monon Community Center or a Carmel resident to participate in the parks and recreation programs.

These are just a few of the many resources available for summer fun activities created just for kids with special needs. Keep watch in the Indy’s Child special needs community calendar for other interesting activities on the horizon.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 43

Special Needs Guide Applied behavior center 7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Phone: 317-849-5437

www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior.

Applied Behavior Center

450 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46142 Contact: Kyle Mitchell-Board Certified Behavior Analyst Phone: 317-889-KIDS Email: kyle@appliedbehaviorcenter.org

www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org To provide the highest quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. We do this by providing proven researched based ABA methodologies delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals. Our programs focus on increasing language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reducing problematic behavior.

The Arc of Indiana

107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100 Email: thearc@arcind.org www.arcind.org

The Arc of Indiana, established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, works every day to empower families with information and resources, empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, and inspire positive change in pub-

44 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

lic policy and public attitudes. Contact us. We’re here to help.

(ABA) to teach language, social, academic, and life skills to children with autism and other related disabilities.

Autism Consultation

Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis

Providing service to central Indiana Contact: Mika Adams Phone: 866-968-3698 Email: mikaadams@sbcglobal.net www.autismconsultation.net

Individually designed behavior and academic support and intervention strategies for families and children dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With 35+ years experience in special education in public schools I am comfortable attending IEP meetings to advocate for the family and child. Introductory meeting at no charge.

Autism Society of Indiana 13295 Illinois Street, Suite 110, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Dana Renay 800-609-8449 Fax: 317-663-1047 Email: info@inautism.org www.inautism.org

We strive to improve the lives of everyone affected by autism in Indiana.We provide information and support, referral to resources, policy and educational advocacy, training, awareness, family programs, Spanish-speaking support group, summer camp programs, and oversight on the Indiana Comprehensive Plan of Lifetime Supports for Individuals with Autism.

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism

11902 Lakeside Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 Devon Sundberg 317-288-5232 dsundberg@thebaca.com www.thebaca.com

The Behavior Analysis Center (BACA) was established

by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior Analysis

9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Julie Peterson Phone: 317-843-9200 Email: jpeterson@brainbalancecenters.com www.BrainBalanceIndy.com

Brain Balance Achievement Centers work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger's, ADD/ ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child.

Cornerstone Autism Center

360 Polk Street, Greenwood, IN 46143 Contact: David Ide, Executive Director Phone: (317) 888-1557 www.cornerstoneautismcenter.com

Cornerstone Autism Center is an intensive day treatment clinic dedicated to maximizing the potential of children with autism. Utilizing the science-based approach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trained therapists work 1:1 with the children to improve language skills, address their academic and social needs and reduce any maladaptive behavior.

Homefront Learning Center 625 N. Union, Kokomo, IN 46901 Contact: Jamy Wisher, ABA supervisor Phone: 765-454-9748 Email: jnwisher@umail.iu.edu www.homefrontlearning.com

Homefront Learning Center is an Occupational, Speech, Physical, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

therapy provider servicing Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Homefront offers both in-clinic and in-home therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs.

The Independence Academy of Indiana, Inc.

612 West 42nd Street Susan Le Vay 317-926-0043 susanlevay@IAindiana.org www.IAindiana.org Ages/Grades: Grades 5 - 12 Hours/Dates: 8am - 3:30pm M-F August - May Field Trips: Field trips average 1 per month (for curriculum and life skills enhancement) Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $11,250.

No financial aid currently available. We accept students with high-functioning autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome, who are able to work in a small group setting. Uniforms/Dress Code: Yes Before/After School Care: After school care available from 3:30 - 5:30pm.

Open House Dates: Call us for a consultation and tour

Created specifically for students with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome,The Independence Academy helps students achieve their highest level of independence and academic success. Dedicated and trained staff teach math, sciences, language arts, global studies, social and life skills, and more.Very small classes. Beautiful campus. A place to belong.

Little Star Center

12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032 Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director 317-249-2242 maryr@littlestarcenter.org www.littlestarcenter.org

Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly place where children with autism receive intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a “family first” philosophy and offers a supportive community of parents and professionals. Indiana’s original ABA center – providing services since 2002.

Meaningful Day Services, Inc. 640 Patrick's Place, Suite B, Brownsburg, IN 46112 Contact: Kim or Joanna, Office Support Phone: 317.858.8630 Fax: 317.858.8715 Email: mdsofficeassistant@yahoo.com www.meaningfuldays.com

Meaningful Day Services provides individualized services for children with special needs. Some of our services include Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management and First Steps which is home and facility based. Our services include assessments, program development and training for parents and caregivers. We accept Medicaid Waiver, private insurances and private pay.

Worthmore Academy 3535 Kessler Blvd. East, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Brenda J. Jackson/ Founder & Director Phone: 877-700-6516

Private full-time alternative school for children with specific learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum. Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS...)

K-12th grade. 3:1 student:teacher ratio focusing on academic, social and emotional skills. A place where kids can feel "worth more!"

YOUR LISTING HERE!!!

Contact Jennica at Jennica@ indyschild.com

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special needs calendar

May 2011 Special Needs Calendar Check out what’s happening in Indianapolis this month for the special needs community...

The following events are located at Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis:

Brain Balance Indianapolis Parent Lecture When: Tues., May 3, 7 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Julie Peterson at 317-8433-9200 or jpeterson@ brainbalancecenters.com

Brain Balance Indianapolis Open House When: Sat., May 21, noon - 2 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Julie Peterson at 317-8433-9200 or jpeterson@ brainbalancecenters.com Star Autism Support Training, Two-Day Workshop When: Thurs., May 5 - Fri., May 6 Where: Central Indiana

Educational Services Center, Indianapolis

Cost: $300 Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana. edu/irca or contact Kim Davis at davisk@indiana.edu at 812-855-6508 for questions about workshop content or Donna Beasley at dbeasley@ indiana.edu or 812-855-6508 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP, and Susan Hunter, Attorney at Law When: Thurs., May 5, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Where: Delaware Township Community Center, Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com The following events are located at the Monon Community Center in Carmel. For more information, contact Brooke Taflinger at 317573-5245 or btaflinger@carmelclayparks.com.

Adaptive Prom When: Sat., May 7, 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $10

Muscle Up When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 10-26, 4-5 p.m.

Cost: $30 Job Prep When: Tuesdays, May 10-31, 6-7 p.m.

Cost: $20 Fantastic Fridays When: Fri., May 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 Karaoke Night When: Fri., May 20, 6-7:30 p.m.

Cost: $6 Parent’s Information Clinic When: Sat., May 21, 10:30 a.m. - noon Cost: $5

Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP When: Sat., May 21, 10:30 a.m. - noon Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Parent’s Information Clinic When: Thurs., May 26, 6:30-8 p.m.

Cost: $5 Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP When: Thurs., May 26, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Teen Night Out When: Fri., May 27, 5-9 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Joelle Ogle at 317-466-2001 x2420 The following events are located at Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis.

Autism Family Resource Center Grandparents’ Support Group When: Wed., May 11, 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Diane Quillico at 317-882-1914 or Linda Knoderer at 317-816-1381.

Autism Family Resource Center Parents’ Support Group When: Wed., May 18, 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: Free Contact: Erica O'Neil or Katy Messuri 317-466-1000 Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, East When: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. Where: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 The following events are located at White River Christian Church in Noblesville.

For more information, visit www.hcasg. org or contact Jane Grimes at janegrimes@ hcasg.org or 317-403-6705.

Hamilton County Autism Support Group, featuring speaker Angela Bricker on managing behaviors When: Sat., May 14, 9-11 a.m.

Cost: Free with free childcare, RSVP required Hamilton County Autism Support Group’s Siblings Group When: Sat., May 14, 9-11 a.m.

Cost: Free

Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP When: Sat., May 14, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Fishers Parks and Recreation Department, Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP When: Tues., May 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs, Lafayette Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making their Future More Secure, lecture by Gordon F. Homes, Jr., CFP When: Tues., May 3, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Where: Special Kids Support Group, Kokomo Cost: Free Contact: Mary Alter at 317-7125041 or malter1@metlife.com

Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, South When: 1st Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Indian Creek Christian Church, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, North When: 3rd Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Trinity Wesleyan Church (Kids Kastle), Fishers Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out, West When: 4th Friday of every month Where: Speedway United Methodist Church, Speedway Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 Know of an upcoming event benefiting Indianapolis’ special needs community?

Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@ gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 45

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profile

New Skool Dads

Indiana Dads Expo Offers Day of Workshops, Networking, Products and More Then some things, well, they’re just not. Like dads.

Just as the traditional roles of moms have evolved to take them out of the home more often, so have the roles of dads, but just in the Your dad, if he was like mine, opposite direction. That’s a change that most probably kicked it “old skool”. dads embrace – we’re down with being “new skool”! But the market of resources and products targeted at dads has been Indiana Dads Expo unbelievably slow in realizing that Saturday, May 21 • 9am - 3pm change and acting to fill the void.

Forest Manor Professional Development Center

Some things are better when they’re “old skool”. Music (The Rolling Stones).

Toys (He-Man). Television shows (The Dukes of Hazzard). Cartoons (Tom & Jerry). Video games (Galaga).

46 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

He played with us, but he wasn’t involved in changing our diapers or cleaning up our messes. He wanted us to be smart, but he wasn’t going to PTA meetings or chaperoning a field trip. He wanted us to be good little men and women, but he was not showing us much physical or verbal affection. I’m not passing judgment, I’m just saying that it’s just how it was back in the day.

But being an “old skool” dad now, is no longer acceptable.

Just six years ago, when I went to the bookstore the day I found out my wife was pregnant with our first child, I found only one book targeted to men about pregnancy from a dad’s perspective.

When my son was born, my wife was given a huge backpack from the hospital, filled with helpful information for her. I was given one little flier, and it was about how I could support her in breastfeeding.

But organizations like Dads Inc., IndyDads. com and All-Pro Dads, are finally making some headway in changing that. We know that dads are unsure of what they’re doing and need support, too – especially the first time around. Our childless friends abandon us when we have children, too. We know that dads would like to find a diaper bag

that looks more like a tool belt (what it really is) and less like a pink poodle.

So these organizations, and several others, have come together to offer the Indiana Dads Expo on Saturday, May 21st, here in Indy. This is going to be a day of workshops designed specifically for dads; networking opportunities with other men who share your values about fatherhood; vendor booths with products just for dads; lunch; and even a Kid Zone for the kids while Daddy is in the workshops so that Mommy doesn’t get stuck at home. For more information about the event, visit www. indianadadsexpo.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/indianadadsexpo.

I hope to see all you “new skool” dads there.

Christopher Maples is the Founder & Director of Dads Inc. – a Division of The Villages. Dads Inc. – a Division of The Villages, provides programs and events that serve as opportunities for dads to spend quality time with their children making lasting memories.

Find them online at www.dadsinc.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dadsinc and on Twitter at twitter.com/dadsinc.

Celebrate

Mother's Day

Local events for you & your family

very year during the month of May, families play tribute to the special women in their lives, their mothers. Mother’s Day comes once a year, and while taking the time to appreciate your mothers for their love and kindness this year, there are some options for you to partake in as Indianapolis’ various venues, spas and restaurants offer a variety of celebration opportunities for mothers of all ages.

Mother’s Day Brunches The Indiana State Museum, home of the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room, welcomes mothers and their families year-round.

The Tea Room offers an elegant lunch experience and its current location in the Indiana State Museum is a detailed re-creation of the former Tea Room which was opened from 1905 to 1990 in the L.S. Ayres department store.

Another brunch is open for your and your family at the Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel, Ind. Irish lace cookies, hand-carved roast beef and salmon Florentine will delight the appetites of mothers and their families this year at the Mansion’s annual Mother’s Day brunch. The Mansion offers an exquisite buffet with carved prime rib, fabulous sides, salads and a dessert bar on Mother’s Day. “We’ve hosted Mother’s Day brunch for eight years and always sell out,” said Jennifer Beth, corporate event planner.

“The Mansion’s banquet hall is surrounded by full windows and looks out onto our grounds that will be in full bloom.”

If day-long travels to relative’s homes are in store for your mother, be sure to tap into some of these events or book a day at a local day spa and schedule something just for her.

The month of May is the most eventful and celebrated in Indianapolis as the Circle City hosts the Indianapolis 500, but let’s not forget the day we celebrate the most important women in our lives, Mother’s Day, enjoy it.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three living in Noblesville, Indiana.

The Eagles Nest atop the Hyatt Regency Hotel is a revolving restaurant overlooking downtown. For $70 guests can enjoy a shellfish bar with crab claws, oysters, shrimp cocktail, poached lobster bar, signature quiches and flourless chocolate “Take your mother, your children and friends cakes, salted caramel panna cotta, brown to the nostalgic L.S. Ayres Tea Room at the butter carrot cake, dipped strawberries and cheesecake mousse with pralines.

Indiana State Museum. No white gloves required, but good boys and girls still get a Other Entertainment gift,” said Kathi Moore, communications If brunch isn’t what mother is in the mood director. Please call for reservations for for, there are various entertainment venues Saturday or Sunday at 317-232-1637. that are also opening their doors to mothers and their families on Mother’s Day. Appropriately, The Propylaeum, a women’s club in downtown Indianapolis, is hosting The Indianapolis Symphony two Mother’s Day events sure to fit a Orchestra is presenting Joshua Bell, family’s schedule. Founded in 1888, The performing Tchaikovsky on Friday, Propylaeum is a foundation and women’s May 6 and Saturday May 7. club responsible for the preservation and maintenance of The Propylaeum and its carriage house as well as increasing awareness Or venture over to Fishers, Ind. where spring has bloomed at Conner Prairie’s Mother’s of their historic significance and ancillary Day Plant Sale. Over Mother’s Day weekend, educational and charitable purposes. families can pick mother’s favorite flowers Their annual Mother’s Day Brunch sells out during their annual plant and flower sale. every year, said Linda Carlen, Propylaeum club manager, and will occur on Sunday, May “We have had the sale for about 10 years. We 8, but this year they have also added another initially started with just digging extra plants from our gardens but over the years have event, a Mother and Me Tea on May 7. added herbs and geraniums,” Alpha Garrett, Conner Prairie public relations manager said.

“This year we decided to offer a Mother “In the past few years we’ve had heirloom and Me Tea with tea sandwiches, tomatoes which had been started by the chocolate covered strawberries, homemade family of now-former youth interpreters scones and specialty teas on Saturday, at their family owned greenhouse.”

May 7 at 2 p.m.,” Carlen said.

INDYSCHILD.COM 47

exploring children's

Mental Health FACING THE FACTS

ood disorders in children, such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, affect more than 10 percent of America’s youth, and with the hard economic times and divorce rates at an all-time high, the number of mood disorders seen in children has risen.

Jennifer Murphy, the office coordinator for Center Point Counseling and participant coordinator for New Day Program, said in her experience that divorce is the most common reason for onset of mental illnesses in children. Murphy deals with children who suffer from any form of mental debilitation, and said problems often stem from the type of environment the child is surrounded by.

Many children suffer from hostile environments surrounding divorce, and research shows that children have a tendency to be very egocentric and tend to blame themselves in situations. Therefore, these feelings are internalized and are often the reason as to how depression and anxiety starts with kids.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research indicates that depression onset is occurring earlier in life today than it has been in past decades. Early-onset depression often persists, recurs, and continues into adulthood, and sometimes depression can turn into a more severe mental illness when the child grows older.

Often times, professionals come across parents that do not want to admit their child has a problem.

Mike Robinson, manager of specialized treatment services at The Children’s Home in Cincinnati, said “[Mental illness] is similar to physical illness, they shouldn't be seen as any different,” he said. “If your kid was diagnosed with junior diabetes, 48 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

you would have no problem getting treatment. So if they’re diagnosed with depression, what’s the difference? Both can be life threatening, both be can treated, why not fix it.”

Another issue often argued when diagnosing mental health issues in children is that it can be both overdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Many doctors agree that mental illness can be overlooked and written off, and instead it is seen as children just misbehaving.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to children suffering from mental illness. In Robinson’s experience, he said that, “Middle and upper class folks are embarrassed something may be wrong with their child at an emotional level,” whereas some believe their child will ‘snap’ out of it.

Robinson suggests for parents to not relate their child’s mental illness to something embarrassing, or to put the blame on the child, but rather to do what’s necessary to fix the illness.

“Children definitely need consistency and that may help with behavior issues by informing them what’s going on,” Murphy said. “There is often fear and anxiety because they don’t know what’s going to happen next, so you can fix that by telling them ahead of time and it may help with outbreaks.”

This sort of proactive treatment is usually praised.

There are many treatments for mood disorders, with therapy and medication being the most common forms in helping a child deal with their anxiety and depression issues. But the treatment ultimately depends on the child and their environment.

Treating a child with medication is very controversial.

Children are sometimes developmentally treated like “little adults”, where people believe that if a medication works for an adult it will work for a child at a lower dose. But this is not the case. Professionals stress that medication for children should never be experimented with and should always be monitored by a professional.

in your community that are dedicated to help parents, children and family members deal with mental illness.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Mental Illness in Children: Bipolar Disorder, manic symptoms:

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Severe changes in mood compared to others of the same age and background - either unusually happy or silly, or very irritable, angry, agitated or aggressive

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Unrealistic highs in self-esteem; a teenager who feels all powerful, like a superhero with special powers

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Great increase in energy and the ability to go with little or no sleep for days without feeling tired Increase in talking; the adolescent talks too much, too fast, changes topics too quickly, and cannot be interrupted

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Distractibility; the teen's attention moves constantly from one thing to the next Repeated high risk-taking behavior; such as, abusing alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, or sexual promiscuity

Bipolar Disorder, depressive symptoms:

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Irritability, depressed mood

Persistent sadness, frequent crying Thoughts of death or suicide

Signs of Bipolar Disorder:

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Loss of enjoyment in favorite activities

Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches or stomachaches Low energy levels, fatigue, poor concentration, complaints of boredom Major change in eating or sleeping patterns, such as oversleeping or overeating

Signs of Depression:

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Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying, hopelessness Decreased interest in activities, or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities Persistent boredom; low energy Social isolation, poor communication Low self esteem and guilt Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure Increased irritability, anger, or hostility Difficulty with relationships

Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school Poor concentration

A major change in eating and/ or sleeping patterns Talk of or efforts to run away from home

Just like any other illness, physical or mental, a child’s state of health will directly relate to the type of treatment they are given and their support system. It’s especially important for children to seek medical and professional help at the first signs of illness.

Murphy said children with mental illnesses who are treated earlier on, tend to develop and progress better than those who are not treated early.

Many parents worry about their child who suffers from a mental disorder having a normal life, but Murphy said parents should only worry if their child isn’t receiving help.

“The more proactive parents can be, and parents have an intuition, the more ahead of the game they can be and the better it can be for their children,” Murphy said.

“If they suspect something is going on, research it, don’t let it go unnoticed to try to avoid a diagnosis that may come.”

It’s important to remember that anyone can suffer from a mental illness, and if a family member has a mental illness, it makes a child more susceptible to having one as well.

But help and support is out there, as there are places all over the country and INDYSCHILD.COM 49

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Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior

Signs of Separation Anxiety:

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Constant thoughts and fears about safety of self and parents Refusing to go to school Frequent stomachaches and other physical complaints Extreme worries about sleeping away from home Overly clingy Panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents Trouble sleeping or nightmares

Signs of Anxiety:

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Afraid to meet or talk to new people May have few friends outside the family Worrying about things before they happen Constant worries or concern about school performance, friends, or sports Repetitive thoughts or actions (obsessions) Fears of embarrassment or making mistakes Low self-esteem

Facts provided by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, provided by Dr. Strawn Kerry Kirk is a freelance writer living in Indianapolis. She enjoys educating people through her writing. She can be contacted at freelancekerry@gmail.com

50 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

THE INDY 500 Celebrates 100 Years of Racing A history of the race and a look through of this year's events When 40 cars started their engines for that first race 100 years ago, little did anyone realize how it would change the world. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway started as a testing track. At that time, Indianapolis ranked in the top five cities in the nation in terms of the number of cars produced, and automotive leaders thought seeing cars pushed to the max would inspire people to buy them. It did. In the process, several products were invented that now come standard on most cars. The rearview mirror was one of them along with front-wheel and four-wheel drive, highcompression engines, hydraulic shock absorbers, fourwheel breaks, lubricants and more efficient tires.

The Indy 500 has grown into the largest single day sporting event in the world and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is also the world’s largest spectator sporting facility. The track is so big that Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Coliseum and Vatican City can all fit inside the IMS oval, which covers 253 acres. There are more than 250,000 permanent seats but millions more will watch it on television in 213 countries.

Known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indy 500 is an event in which legends have been made and traditions have been born. No other sport features a parade showcasing each of its competitors before its big game. No other race has the pageantry honoring the nation’s military in such a big way. Hundreds of servicemen and women parade in front of the crowd to a standing ovation followed by a breathtaking fly over before the race every year.

Before cars even hit the track, fans will watch the skies above for the Allison Transmission Centennial Era Balloon Festival, scheduled this year on May 7. Hundreds of hotair balloons launch to commemorate the first event held at the track back in 1909, which was actually a balloon race.

May 7 is also Emerging Tech Day, a day in which the next generation of automotive technology will be showcased as cars of the future compete, as they show off solar power and environmentally friendly technology. This free day will also include several local bands along with a national headline band. The day concludes with a balloon glow (the balloons that raced return) and a fireworks show.

Opening Day is on May 14 and will feature a Celebration of Autos in which 250 classic cars will represent four categories. One category is the 24 manufacturers involved in the first Indianapolis 500. The other three categories will represent time periods between 1911 and 1961. And between now and June 1, the IMS Hall of Fame Museum will focus solely upon 67 former winning Indianapolis 500 cars (representing 71 wins – 4 won twice). This is by far the largest collection of Indianapolis 500 winning cars in one location ever to be assembled. Only a handful of the cars left in existence will not be displayed (two of those are cars that recently won the Indianapolis 500 and are still being used by their teams today).

Fast Friday is on May 20 and is also the day before Pole Day qualifying, and that’s when you really see just what the drivers and teams are made of.

Pole Day is May 21 and is always exhilarating as all the drivers lay it on the line to vie for that coveted front row starting position. This year, many of the surviving pole winning drivers will do parade laps.

Eleven spots will be filled on Bump Day on May 22, and you never know if one of them could step up to win the big race.

Kids always love the American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day on May 25 this year. Admission is $7. Everything is open, including the track. Drivers are available for autographs, Gasoline Alley is open, and you can take your car for a spin (or a slow roll) around the track.

starting drivers and members of their families along with television celebrities, bands and gigantic balloons.

And don’t forget this year will be especially kid-friendly as children ages 12 and under are free (any day, including race day) with a parent who purchases a general admission ticket. And, the parent can bring as many kids who are 12 years and younger as he/she can load into the car!

The 2011 Indy 500 is on Sunday, May 29 and will start at 12 p.m. 100 years of Indianapolis history will come alive as 33 of the best drivers in the world drive for the title of winning the most important race in history on the biggest day in worldwide motorsports.

Kimberly Harms is a working mom to 4 children ages 6-25 and a freelance writer. She welcomes followers on Twitter @kimberlyharms

Miller Lite Carb Day is May 27 and always promises a fun time with its final practice for the Indy 500, the Pit Stop Challenge and the Firestone Freedom 100. It also features a live concert from a top rock ‘n’ roll band.

The World's Largest Autograph Session takes place on May 28 for this year's 33 drivers and the living legends of the 500.

Also taking place in the afternoon, fans can catch the third largest parade in the country. It will feature the INDYSCHILD.COM 51

TIGER

PARENTING on the field Taming the beast within at youth competitions As a middle-aged couple, my husband and I thought it might be fun to join a co-ed softball league. As it turned out, however, “fun” was not the appropriate term. Besides straining unused muscles I never even knew I had, many of the players on the opposing teams seemed to take the game a little too seriously. Instead of showing up to have fun playing a game, they showed up only to win. In many cases, they didn’t just want to win, they wanted to pummel the other team.

52 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is not just limited to adult sports. Adults acting out at youth athletic competitions is becoming a bigger and bigger problem across the nation. Parents f ighting with each other, arguing with off icials and coaches, and worse, verbally abusing the young players, are all sadly common occurrences. Many schools and athletic institutions such as the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation have developed Parent Codes of Conduct, and are even requiring parents to sign an agreement to “behave” at their children’s competitions. “[The fact that] we have parents who are that out of control, should be a warning sign to us.” Christine Ogle Erotas R.N., M.S.N., a certif ied parenting coach and owner of Work It Out Parent Coaching L.L.C. said. “[Why are we] letting this happen? This behavior is a choice even if we are stressed. People are choosing not to address it or not to get help and other parents are tolerating it. So those should be some real big warning signs to us as a society to get a handle on this.”

“

The fact that we have parents who are that out of control, should be a warning sign to us. Why are we letting this

happen? This behavior is a choice even if we are stressed. People are choosing not to address it or not to get help and other parents are tolerating it. So those should be some real big warning signs to us as a society to get a handle on this.

—Christine Ogle Erotas R.N., M.S.N., a certified parenting coach and owner of Work It Out Parent Coaching L.L.C

What makes us roar?

What is it that causes parents to become so emotional when their child is involved in a competitive situation? There can be many contributing factors.

For one, parents are obviously emotionally tied to their child’s failures and successes. Obviously, everyone wants to see their child do well. We feel their pain, and we also see their failures as our failures as parents. As a result, too much emphasis is placed on performance and results, rather than learning and enjoyment.

We as parents also quickly get our feathers ruff led when we believe our child has been wronged. Therefore, when we see our son fouled during a basketball game or our daughter receive a bad call during her softball game, it’s natural to be upset. The important thing to remember is that we are not, in fact, helping our child in any way by screaming and yelling.“Parents are so involved in their children’s lives now-adays,” said Erotas. “Sometimes they are too involved and can f ind it diff icult to separate themselves.”

Another contributing factor is based on the parents’ own anxieties and anger issues. After a hectic day of work and errands, they are ready to cut loose.

“Many times people come to the games and they’re already angry. Many people carry a lot of anger around with them and [the game] can be an outlet where they think it’s OK and that’s where they let it all out,” Erotas said. The problem occurs when the yelling turns into berating rather than encouragement or cheering.

Sadly, this type of angry belligerence can also be contagious. One loud fan can spur another to act out either for or against him, turning what should be a fun learning experience for a child into a hurtful episode for all.

“It can almost turn into a group bullying thing,” Erotas agreed. “Then it can be rather frightening.”

The affects on our young cubs First and foremost as parents, we need to consider the affect our behavior is having on our children. It’s obviously a distraction to hear crowd noises, but for a child, it is also upsetting.

They can easily become frustrated and confused, at which point the game is no longer fun.

It’s most important to remember that the way we act is the way our kids think they should act. Angry parents produce angry kids and if we handle our stress and frustrations by yelling or f ighting, our kids will handle their own frustrations the same way. As parents, we need to model the behavior

we expect and desire in our children. Teach them to handle conf licts and frustrations without hostility.

In addition, children and especially adolescents do not like to be judged. When a parent singles out their child by yelling instructions, advice or corrections, it’s not just embarrassing for the child, it can also be traumatic, in essence, driving them away from sports at a time when group activities and social interaction is essential to development.

“By the time they get to high school, the kids drop out because it’s not fun and it’s turned into a performance thing,” says Erotas. “At a time when kids are on the screens too much, texting, doing Facebook or gaming, they need some positive sharing moments with other individuals. They need to be able to play and have fun and run that energy off. If we drive them away from the sports by making it so intolerable, that’s only going to hurt the children in the long run.”

Taming the beast When a parent loses control at a youth sporting event, everybody loses. Being a positive role model will make a winner out of both you and your child. When you emphasize to your child that the object of the game is to learn, have fun and do your best, he or she will not feel the pressure to perform. If you feel the need to say something, keep it positive and encouraging.

Never ridicule a child for a missed play or mistake.

After a game, make sure you talk with your child about things that may have gone wrong and let them express their opinion. If a child knows he will be lambasted by his parents after the game, his performance anxiety will be even higher. Keep your comments positive and emphasize the learning elements of the game over winning or losing.

Show respect for coaches and off icials, as well as

”

members of the opposing team. If conf licts arise, handle them in a calm, adult manner. Insults and threats will not just make things harder for you, they will make things harder for your child as well.

Lastly, don’t be a backseat driver. If you are not a coach, don’t coach from the stands. Let the off icials do their job. Conf licting or additional instructions from the stands only upset and confuse children.

Attending youth competitions can be emotional.

What we need to remember is that the game is for the children and not the adults. Emphasize to your child that the game is about fun and learning in a social environment rather than about winning and performance. Just remember to emphasize it to yourself as well.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book “What’s the Point?” Contact her at btodd@tds.net.

Five Seasons Family Sports Clubs Bring this to your new club and enjoy yourself for a day!

There will be no guest charge when you bring this in!

Five Seasons is an unparalleled experience that solves the athletics and fitness needs of an individual while providing country club service and social programming. Five Seasons is an exclusive club that has many things to offer you, your family and friends. These include:

Poolside Restaurant Café & Bar Volleyball/Sand Volleyball Racquetball & Squash Banquet Rooms Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pools Indoor & Outdoor Tennis (including clay courts) Trotter/Hammer Strength Free Weight Equipment Cardiovascular Equipment and Cardio Theater Massage Therapy Indoor & Outdoor Basketball Spinning Classes

Free Towels and Lockers Kids Zone Indoor Running Track Nursery/Day Camps Aerobics Zumba Classes Whirlpool/Steam/Sauna Beauty Salon/Spa Tanning Personal Training Yoga / Pilates Kickboxing

And much more…

Five Seasons Family Sports Club 1300 East 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-582-1550 Fiveseasonsfamilysportsclub. com INDYSCHILD.COM 53

COMMENTARY & PARENTING

*

dear teacher

Your Questions of Teachers­— Answered

Right now, you should be play-acting school situations with the goal of improving the child’s classroom behavior in the few weeks remaining in the school year. This could be helpful if behavior issues are playing a role in the retention issue.

An Easy Way to Learn about Decimal Points Retention rarely benefits children.

Avoiding Kindergarten Retention At my daughter’s recent kindergarten conference, I got the surprise of a lifetime when the teacher said my child might be retained. At the fall conference, everything was f ine, except for some behavior problems. Right now, the teacher says her reading is satisfactory, but she is weak in identifying the numbers to 30 and writing sentences. Plus, she doesn’t always follow directions or rules or pay attention. This class is very chaotic and noisy when I volunteer, but my daughter is def initely not among the worst-behaved students.

Unfortunately, my daughter was part of this conference and was told that if she didn’t straighten out, she would be in kindergarten for another year. This was so upsetting that my daughter started crying.

The teacher relented a bit by saying that having a tutor or attending summer school might allow her to go to f irst grade. There’s no way she can attend summer school so I guess we’ll have to go the tutoring route. What else should we do? - Shocked

It’s certainly very unprofessional for a teacher to threaten a young child with being held back unless she shapes up.

Go back to this teacher and have her spell out exactly the areas in which your daughter must improve. You need a specif ic list of benchmarks that your daughter must meet to be promoted.

Then f ind a tutor who can start working with her now and continue through the summer.

You also need to f ind out exactly when the f inal decision on retention will be made and who will make it. Because your child’s reading skills are on target, we would suggest that you lobby long and hard for your child to be promoted. Retention rarely benef its children.

54 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Do you know of a way we can explain the placement of the decimal point in multiplication to our daughter so it is more than a mechanical operation? – Concept Lacking

Find a set of multiplication problems involving decimals like 34.7 x 12.38 in your child’s math textbook. Using a calculator, have her f ind the product ignoring the decimal points. In this problem, she would get 429586.

Ask your child to locate the correct position of the decimal point in the answer. To do this, have her estimate the answer by rounding each factor to the nearest one and multiplying the new factors. For our example, 35 x 12 = 420. Suggest that the decimal be placed in 429586 to get as close as possible to 420 (product of 35 x 12). The decimal point is at 429.586.

After your child has worked through a number of similar problems, ask her to make up a rule for locating the decimal point in multiplication. It is placed so that the number of digits to the right of the point equals the number of places in the factors. For example, there are three decimal places in the problem 34.7 x 12.38, so she should place the decimal three places from the right of the product: 429.586. If your daughter still has diff iculty understanding the rule for decimals in multiplication, have her work with smaller numbers.

Usually, children who dislike reading are not good readers. Begin by finding out more about your children’s interests. You are probably asking yourself right now what do my children’s interests have to do with their picking up books and reading. Everything. The more interested children are in the topic of a book, the more likely they will enjoy reading about it. Use the following inventory to discover more about your children’s interests:

* * * * * * * * * *

When nobody is around, I like to …

The sport I like to play best is …

The part of the world that interests me the most is …

What makes me laugh is …

My main hobby or leisure time activity is …

The subject which I like best in school is…

I would really like to learn more about …

The job I want to be doing as an adult is …

The television show or movie that I like best is …

The best book that I have ever read was …

Use this inventory at the library to find interesting easy-to-read books for your children. Then have your children look at these books until they find appealing ones. The more your children read, the more interested and better readers they will become.

Parents should send questions and comments

to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www.dearteacher.com. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2010 Distributed by King Features Syndicate

This explanation is from our book “Helping Children with Mathematics”. The book has activities to help children in grades 3-5 learn basic math concepts while enjoying working with their parents. It is available online at www.GoodYear.com.

Turning Disinterested Readers into Interested Readers What can I do over the summer to get my children interested in books? All three of my children dislike reading. – Not Readers

The more interested children are in the topic of a book, the more likely they will enjoy reading about it.

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care

I ndianapolis

Baby Love Home Day Care 8631 Amy Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Contact: Trish Greskamp Phone: 317-849-8581 Fax: 317-585-1654 Email: ptlrrg@comcast.net Type: Home Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Call for details. All supplies furnished (diapers, wipes, formula) Hours/Dates: Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm with overnights available Ages/Grades: newborn to 18 months Open House Dates: Call for an interview. H-317-8498581 or Cell-317-691-3681 I have over 20 years experience caring for babies. Prior medical back off ice assistant in OB/GYN. ALL SUPPLIES ARE FURNISHED, (diapers,wipes,formula, BPA free bottles,daily journals, bedding,linens,toys). Solid foods are healthy items, mostly organic. Baby Signs instruction offered. Lots of references.

Safe, loving, clean environment. 1:3ratio.

Baby monitors in each sleeping room.

M eridian K essler Wee Folk Child Care

Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Indianapolis 317-926-3640 Ages: 4 weeks+ Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20 years. (CPR, 1st aid certif ied, and state licensed).

Two meals and one snack provided daily along with baby food and regular formula. We provide quality learning through play in a non-smoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. $130/week. 7:15-5:30 M-F.

North

Little Angels Home Life Daycare 631 Ash Drive, Carmel, IN. 46032 Contact: Latrina Johanning Phone: 317-706-0425 Email: LittleAngelsDaycare@ indy.rr.com www.littledaycare.blogspot.com Type: Home Childcare Center Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: CALL FOR DETAILS Hours/Dates: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: Multi - age group. Newborn - 5 years old Restrictions: None Religious Affiliation: Christian Uniforms/Dress Code: None Before/After School Care: None Open House Dates: CALL FOR DETAILS My goal is to provide a high quality, nurturing and safe environment for your child that will help your child grow into a wonderful, curious, and happy person.

I maintain a structured daily program with regards to scheduled meals; rest periods and activities because I believe children thrive when their lives are predictable. Your child will be exposed to an exciting theme-based program that includes a variety of music, science, reading, arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor and free play activities, all designed to stimulate your child physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth in a loving and comfortable environment.

My interaction with you is as important as my interaction with your child.

Feel free to call at any time during the day or set up an appointment with me after hours to discuss any problems or suggestions you have with regards to your child's care.

Paths to QUALITY 4 PROVIDER ; National Association for Family Child Care Accredited Provider

Schools

Carmel

Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Emily & Scott Rudicel 1402 W. Main St. Carmel, IN 317-580-0699 info@carmelmontessori.com carmelmontessori.com Ages: Pre-school through Kindergarten.

Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certif ied with 10 years head-teaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available.

Clay Montessori Peggy White 463 East Main St. Carmel 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

INDYSCHILD.COM 55

Ages: 3-6 Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori). Morning, afternoon and full-day programs.

Maria Montessori International Academy 4370 Weston Pointe Dr., Zionsville/Carmel, IN 46077 Phone: 317-769-2220 www.mariamontessori-intl.org Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years.

The Montessori Learning Center Elizabeth Williams 1402 W. Main St. Carmel 317-846-8182 elizabeth@

56 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

themontessorilearningcenter.com

www.themontessorilearningcenter.com

Ages: Grades 1-3 The Montessori Learning Center Elementary program focuses on developing the whole child through interaction with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically meets the needs of each child and is re aligned with Indiana State Standards.

Fishers

Fall Creek Montessori Academy 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037 Contact: Diana Brugh Phone: (317) 436-8606 Email: diana@fallcreekmontessori.com / www.fallcreekmontessori.com Type of School: Montessori Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $89 to $174 per week Hours/Dates: 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Ages/Grades: 18 months to kindergarten Religious Affiliation: NONE Before/After School Care: Before school care: 7:00am to 8:30am. After school care: 3:00pm to 5:30pm Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse environment where children grow and develop their unique talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally.

Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels. Programs are available two to five days per week.

Fishers Montessori Peggy White 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd. Fishers 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-9 A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary.

Certification through American Montessori Society. 9-12, 12:30-3, 9-3.

Little Scholars Learning Academy 7555 Timber Springs Drive S., Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Linda McGowan Phone: 317-842-0030 Email: lcmcgowan@comcast.net Ages/Grades: 3-6 Little Scholars Learning Academy is a fun-filled way for your preschooler or kindergartner to get ready for school... and for life! With each child spending time on his/her individual program including phonics, reading, math, music, art, science, creative writing and computers, the program provides a strong foundation for life-long learning while building self-esteem and confidence. 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy 11960 East 62nd Street Indianapolis 317-823-7734 www.geistsportsacademy.com Ages: 2 year-Pre K (5 year) NOW ENROLLING! Children will discover their unique selves and learn about the world around them through exploring the visual arts, creative movement and music appreciation.

9-11:45 a.m. M-Fri; MWF 9-1:30pm.

Multiple L ocations

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC

Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area For schools, see below.

ICPC Line: 317-767-7596 Ages: Preschool classes for ages 2-5; other programs vary - Kindergarten, Stay & Play, Enrichment/Extended Days.

Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Cooperative Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives (ICPC) member schools are: Apple House: 6121 E. County Rd 100 S, Avon, 797-5925

Butler: 2411 Indianapolis Ave, Indy, 226-4287 Downey: 111 S. Downey Rd, Indy, 359-5304 Edgewood: 4040 E. Thompson Rd, Indy, 767-7730 Fishers Point: 9959 E. 126th St, Fishers, 7674312 Geist Orchard: 7879 N. 700 West, McCordsville, 336-7008 Meridian Hills Nursery School and Kindergarten: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indy, 255-0831 Meridian Street: 5500 N. Meridian St, Indy, 7673003 Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten: 5805 E. 56th St, Indy, 592-9790 Parkview: 4550 central Ave, Indy, 380-0628 Speedway: 3000 N. High School Rd, Indy, 356-2804 Willowcreek: 8170 Hague Rd, Indy, 578-5488

Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings 606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074 Contact: Kim Bemis Phone: 317-867-3077 Email: kimusik@ musicalbeginnings.com www.musicalbeginnings.com Choose Your Activity Category: Music Kindermusik is a music and movement program for children, ages 0-7. You'll play, listen and dance to music that will impact your child in profound ways.

That's because every song, story and twostep has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum - one that's designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in your child's mind

right now. A Kindermusik educator will guide you every step of the way so you know how each activity contributes to your child's overall growth and development.

Polly Panda Preschool and Bridgford Kindergarten 2944 E. 56th St. and 17645 Oakmont Dr., Indianapolis/ Noblesville, IN 46220/4606 Contact: Gail Hacker & Tammy Clark & Mandy Galle Phone: 317-257-9127 (Indy) 317773-0387 (Noblesville) Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net Type of School: Early Childhood Ages/Grades: Six weeks through Kindergarten, summer program also available.

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child�s total growth. Our theme-based handson preschool program provides a widerange experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas.

A child�s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff.

Noblesville

Primrose School of Noblesville 15707 North Point Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060 Contact: Jackie Bell Phone: 317-773-4900

Fax: 317-773-4433 Email: jbell@primrosenoblesville.com Type of School: Early Childhood Hours/Dates: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Ages/Grades: Infant through Kindergarten Before/After School Care: We transport to and from both Noblesville and Hamilton Southeastern Schools Primrose School of Noblesville distinguishes itself by creating a safe and nurturing environment where children will take their first steps toward a lifetime of achievement.

You will find certified, professional staff and many programs such as spanish, technology, music and physical fitness that will consistently challenge your child.

North

Arthur M. Glick JCC 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-251-9467 emills@JCCindy.org www.JCCindy.org Ages: 6 weeks - Grade K Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-through-play teaching method to engage children in activities that promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace.

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Joanie Waldman 317-259-6854 jwaldman@bez613.org Ages/Grades: 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2’s+ (8:50 am to 12:30 pm or 3:00 pm and choice of days). 3’s+ (8:50 am to 3:00 pm and choice of days).

4’s+/PreK (3 or 5 day option)and Kindergarten (5 full-day program 8:50 am to 3:00 pm) OPTIONS FOR ALL: Flexible hours. Availibility 7:30am-6pm, until 5:30 on Fridays.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven.

Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Christy Whaley Phone: 317-253-0472 Fax: 317-253-5513 Email: cwhaley@meridianstreet.org www.meridianstreet.org Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Cost varies. Financial aid not available.

INDYSCHILD.COM 57

Hours/Dates: School year is from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp CDI from the first Tuesday in June through the second Thursday in July on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Field Trips: Yes, preschool classes only.

Religious Affiliation: Methodist Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: No Programs: Nursery School and Preschool Enrollment: Registration begins in March for summer and fall with open enrollment throughout the year based on availability.

The Children's Day In Nursery School is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 3 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. The Children's Day In Traditional Preschool program provides a quality developmentally appropriate education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Our program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, First Steps in Music (ICC) and Book Club. Our 3's Preschool meets on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Our 4/5's Preschool meets on Monday,

58 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp CDI is our 6-week summer program for children ages 9 months to age 5 years. Classes are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer Camp CDI begins the first Tuesday in June and ends the second Thursday in July.

Please call, E-mail or visit for further information and registration forms..

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Regina Covey for Registration; Director Cara Paul for Curriculum 317-252-5517 rcovey@secondchurch.org Ages/Grades: 9 months to 5 years Now accepting applications.

Children’s Circle Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate, activitybased Christian program. We meet the needs of the whole child in a fun, creative, nurturing environment. Here, children can develop the skills necessary to live in today’s world. Our experienced faculty leads children toward discovery of who they are and what they can do.

We embrace excellence in education by nurturing the whole child -- physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing John Drake or Kelly Belt 9111 N. Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis 317-575-6508 jdrake@churchatthecrossing.org www.churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:15-2:30 and Preschool (3yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven through each study unit.

Need longer hours? Try our childcare ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK 6:30-6pm M-F. Call for information and to schedule tours.

self-concept, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills. Come and visit us!

International School of Indiana Cathy Blitzer, Director 4330 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-923-1951 isind.org Ages: 3 years old-12th grade ISI is founded on the belief that an introduction to a second language, exposure to different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and an International Baccalaureate-driven curriculum all work together to foster critical and independent thought. $12,860 pre-k through 8th grade and $13.600 for High School.

Financial aid available for qualifiers.

montessori Centres Fairview Early Childhood Program Melissa Peterson 4609 N. Capital Ave. Indianapolis 317-253-4990 mpeterson@fairviewpresbyterian.org www.fairviewpresbyterian.org Ages: 12 mo-5 yrs. (or up to Kindergarten) Fairview ECP has a developmental, experienced based curriculum in a warm and inclusive environment. Curriculum is designed to promote positive social behavior, respect for diversity, positive

Lynne Boone, Director 563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr. Indianapolis 317-257-2224 montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net Ages: 2 1/2-3rd grade Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop criticalthinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 2 1/2-3rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced.

Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer

labs. True Montessori environment serving children at all levels from gifted to special needs. Pre/K: 8:30-11:30 or 8:30-3:15.

Maria Montessori International Academy 7507 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-291-5557 www.mariamontessori-intl.org Type of School: Montessori Ages/Grades: Infant to 6th grade Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Northside Montessori School 1224 E. 52nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 Contact: Judy Edwards Phone: 317-251-2979 Fax: 317-251-6675 Email: judithe9@aol.com Type of School: Montessori Hours/Dates: half-day 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. all-day 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Field Trips: Yes-Elementary Ages/Grades: primary 3 to 6 year olds elementary-1st through 6th grade Restrictions: 3 years old, out of diapers/ pull-ups

Religious Affiliation: None Before/After School Care: Yes Licenses/Awards/Certifications: Licensed, registered with the Indiana Department of Education, AMS Association.

Specialties: Music classes and private lessons/language/ physical activity program.

Located in Broad Ripple area. NMS provides an environment with dedicated teachers to meet each child's curiosities and natural love of learning. Call for an appointment to visit us to fully appreciate Montessori in action!

The Orchard School 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-713-5705 Fax: 317-254-8454 Email: khein@orchard.org Category of School: Private Independent Type of School: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: N/A Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Applicants are selected without regard to their ability to pay tuition. Every effort is made to provide financial assistance where needed. Tuition is all-inclusive.

Hours/Dates: School hours are 8:10 am to 3:20 pm. Before- and After-School Care available.

Field Trips: Middle School: 5th Grade to Cherokee, NC, 6th Grade to St. Louis, 7th Grade to Chicago, 8th Grade to Washington, D.C./ Williamsburg, Science Shadow Day. Elementary School: Various field trips throughout the year.

Ages/Grades: Preschool 3/4 through Grade 8 Religious Affiliation: None Uniforms/Dress Code: Dress code described in Family

Handbook. (No Uniforms) Before/After School Care: Before/after care available. 7-8 a.mm. and 3:30-6 p.m. Ranges from $5.25-$7.25 per day.

Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour, and check our Web site for the date and time of our annual Open House.

The Orchard School, an independent, nonsectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard's diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922.

NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited.

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir. 317-844-3399 mainb@stlukesumc.com stlukesumc.com Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Available upon request Labor Day-Memorial Day 9am-1pm with Summer Programs available Preschool 3 yrs (by Sept 1 of school year)-5 yrs, Parents’ Day Out 10 mos (by Sept 1 of school year)-3 yrs Tours available upon request.

St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate and experience based program. Two welltrained, degreed teachers are in each classroom. Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide a warm and loving Christian environment in

which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request. Visitors welcome.

St. Richard’s School 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 Melinda W. Fisher 317-926-0425 x134 mfisher@strichardsschool.org www.strichardsschool.org Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: PKGrade Four $13,115 Grades FiveEight $13,715 2009 FA: $450,000 Multiple field trips per grade level offered each year Age three (3) through Grade Eight Prefer student to be three years old prior to June 1st for Pre-Kindergarten.

Before/After School Care: Before Care: 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

After Care: 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Independent Episcopal day school offering a community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions. Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness.

Pre-Kindergarten (3) through Grade 8.

Sycamore School 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions 317-202-2500 skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org www.sycamoreschool.org 1/2 day programs range from $5,030 to $8010; Full-day PreK through 8th grade is $13,495 for 2009-2011. Financial assistance is available. Please contact dridings@sycamoreschool.org.

M -TH 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.;

INDYSCHILD.COM 59

F 8:15 a.m.- 2:15 p.m. Parent Tours: Please call 317-202-2519 to schedule a parent tour.

2 yrs. 8 mos. - 8th grade At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.

Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive f ield trips, athletics, child care, f inancial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered.

Northeast

Heritage Christian School 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250 Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management Phone: 317-849-3441 Email: Admissions@ heritagechristian.net Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $3839 - $9130 Open House Dates: Prep K -12th Grade Campus Days 9am - 5pm Thursday, March 10th and Thursday, March 31st.

RSVP on the HCS website at www.heritagechristian.net Financial aid available for qualified families Biblical worldview learning Bus Transportation Available Before and After School Care

60 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

High Ability Learners Program Honors and AP classes Fine Arts and IHSAA Atletics Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) & NCA. Prep K - 12th Grade college preparatory, Christian school. Non-denominational & independent. The mission of HCS is is to glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

development. Our teachers are dedicated Christians who desire to prepare children academically and socially in an accepting environment where Christian principles are modeled and taught. The teachers enjoy enhancing the curriculum with thematic units, hands-on activities, and f ield trips to interesting places in our area. We currently offer grades Pre-K to 8th, along with a 3-year old Pre-School program.

Indianapolis Jr. Academy

L.I.F.E. Daycare and Preschool Ministry

2910 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-251-0560 Email: ijacademy@comcast.net www.ijacademy.org Private Independent: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant/Other Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: egistration Fees - $250 Preschool Registration - $125 Tuition: $3,515 Pre-School - $5,750 Hours/Dates: 8:00am - 3:30pm MonThurs 8:00am - 12:30pm Fridays Before/After School Care: 7:00am8:00am Mon-Friday, 3:30pm-6:00pm Mon-Thurs 12:30pm-5:30pm Fridays Founded in 1963, Indianapolis Jr. Academy provides a well-rounded educational program with emphasis on spiritual, mental, physical, and social

8383 Craig Street Turn North at Starbucks off of 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250 Contact: Brenda Giles Phone: 317-913-1432 Email: jargiles14@aol.com www.lifedaycare.org Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Summer Camp: $140, Kindergarten: $145, 3's-Pre K: $160, Toddlers2's: $170, Infants: $180 Hours/Dates: 6:30 am-6:30 pm Field Trips: Available Throughout the summer and school year Ages/Grades: Camp: Kindergarten-9 Years, Daycare/Preschool/ Kindergarten: 6 Wks.-Kindergarten Religious Affiliation: ChristianNon-Denominational Before/After School Care: Available L.I.F.E.. . .A place where Learning and Fun come together.

ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP will be pack full of themed learning for your elementary child. There will be activities around sports, circus, space, safari, and so much more. Field trips will also be available throughout the summer.

Be certain your child has a strong foundation academically, socially and spiritually by attending our KINDERGARTEN starting this fall.

Learn, play & pray are the building blocks of L.I.F.E. and are a part of the daily lives of our infants through kindergarten students. Come see us and our programs. Tours welcomed!

WEE Care Preschool and Kindergarten 8901 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Contact: Sandi Carter Phone: 317-594-6968 Email: weecare@fallcreekbaptist.com / www.fallcreekbaptist.com Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $145 per month for our 2 - 3 program; $205 for our PreKindergarten program; $215 for our Kindergarten program; $95 for Mom's Day Out; $205 for 2 - 3 year olds with Mom's Day Out Hours/Dates: 2 - 3 years meet Tues/ Thurs from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; PreK and Kindergarten meet Tues/Thurs 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. AND Wed from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 6 months - 3 years can take advantage of Mom's Day Out on Wed from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Field Trips: PreK and Kindergarten attend several field trips a year.

In the past, they have visited Tuttles Apple Orchard, Traders Point Creamery and Stoney Creek Farms, Geist Sports Academy and Uncle Bill Pet Center.

Ages/Grades: 6 months old (for Mom' Day Out) through Kindergarten Religious Affiliation: Christian Before/After School Care: Early drop off is offered for an additional fee (ask for details) Open House Dates: OPEN HOUSE was February 8, 2011 12 p.m . - 2 p.m. Early registration discounts offered until June 1st, 2011 We are a Christian Preschool located inside Fall Creek Baptist Church on Fall Creek Road. We provide structure and guided activities to develop language, reading, writing and math skills appropriate to your child's stage of development. Music, Spanish and Motor Gym are also offered with the program.

Call for your personal tour today! And... ask about our early registration discounts!

Northwest

A Little Angel's Child Care 7434 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Contact: Alice Glenn-Artis Phone: 317-872-8080 Fax: 317-291-6880 Hours/Dates: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Ages/Grades: 6 weeks - 12 years (before & after care) Summer program: “Traveling Squad” for 1st thru 6th graders.

The best kept secret on the North side. A Christian learning environment designed for today’s family. We have a very diverse student population and we strive to satisfy all children’s needs. We offer a well rounded program stressing learning through directed play. We emphasize the traditional core values of “Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Respect.”

Conveniently located in New Augusta

Funshine Children's Center 3535 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Contact: Bree Loughman Phone: (317) 872-7755 Fax: 317-872-6511 Email: funshineforkids@ sbcglobal.net www.funshineforkids.com Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Competitive weekly tuition Hours/Dates: Mon.- Fri. 6:30AM - 6:00PM Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 6 Weeks - 5 years of age Funshine Children's Center provides individualized care and educational programs to meet the needs of each child. Our Creative Curriculum helps

foster each child's social, physical, cognitive and language development.

Our certif ied teachers engage children in daily age-appropriate activities. Please schedule a tour for more information.

Paths to QUALITY Level 3 Provider.

Traders Point Christian Academy 6600 S. Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown, IN 46075 Contact: Toni Kanzler Phone: 317-769-2450 Fax: 317-769-2456 Email: tkanzler@tpcs.org www.tpcs.org Type of School: Private Independent

INDYSCHILD.COM 61

Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Preschool: $1665 - $3525, Elementary: $4528 - $6917, Middle School: $8237, High School: $9790 Financial aid is available for qualified families Hours/Dates: Traditional calendar: Preschool: 2 - 4 days per week for 3 hours per day, morning and afternoon classes;extended hour options available. KG - 12th grade: M - F 8:10am - 3:30pm Field Trips: Preschool - 12th various during the year. In addition: 5th grade to Bradford Woods, 6th grade to Cincinnati, 7th grade to Chicago, 8th grade to Washington DC/New York/Gettysburg, PA, 9th-10th to Nicaragua/Mexico Ages/Grades: Two years old - 12th grade. Half-day, extended-day and full-day kindergarten options.

Restrictions: Preschool - KG age cut-off is August 1. Academic performance must be at or above grade level. Biblical Worldview instruction. Fine Arts, Spanish KG - 12th, interscholastic athletics, AP classes, laptop computer program, college preparatory.

Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care available M - F at 7 am before school and to 6pm after school.

62 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Open House Dates: KG - 5th: January 6 and March 2. Middle School: January 13 and March 9.

High School: January 27 and March 16. KG Round Up January 26.

Fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), NCA and State of Indiana (Freeway); college preparatory, nondenominational Christian school.

TPCA’s mission: to challenge/educate students within a Biblical worldview, leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ.

South

Montessori Garden Academy 4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227 Contact: Kelly Sikora, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-782-9990 Email: kelly@ montessorigardenacademy.org www.montessorigardenacademy.org Type of School: Montessori Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $425-$850 per Month Hours/Dates: MondayFriday 6:30 am -6:00 pm Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 18 Months - 6 Years Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: Yes

Serving toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. MGA builds children's self conf idence and nurtures their natural curiosity. It's different from traditional child care and early education because children "learn by doing" to achieve a sense of pride and independence. Early on, children learn to cooperate with each other and resolve their own conf licts respectfully. Rather than a "cookie cutter" approach, MGA’s caring teachers and individualized attention enable each child to reach his or her highest potential.

Early childhood is a precious window of time when kids are most receptive to learning. Help build a strong foundation for your child or grandchild by investing in a rich learning environment now.

The Children's Cottage 5935 S. Shelby, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Contact: Ann Derheimer Phone: 317-787-2990 Email: aderheimer@ acsrestoration.com Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Tuition varies with age of child. CCDF accepted Hours/Dates: 7 am - 6 pm Field Trips: Weekly field trips Ages/Grades: Toddler thru 12 years old Before/After School Care: Before and After school care available.

Transportation available to area Perry Township schools.

Open House Dates: January 13, 2011 Discover the difference at The Children's Cottage. Our Learning thru Play teaching methods encourage creativity and problem solving as well as nutures their natural curiosity. Our weekly f iedtrips and dedicated teachers inspire responsibility and respect.

Come visit our family owned preschool. Your children deserve this home away from home.

Westfield

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield Mary Lyman, Directress 317-867-0158 montessoriwestfield@gmail.com Ages/Grades: Toddler- 15 months to 3 years; Ages 3-Kindergarten; Elementary 1: Grade 1-3; Elementary 2: Grade 4-8 Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westf ield adheres tothe academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child.

Your L isting H ere !

Contact Jennica

Jennica@IndysChild.com

May 2011 Calendar of Events

05 sun 01 El Dia de los Niños Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

Celebrate El Dia de los Niños - the Day of the Children - during this free admission day at The Children's Museum.

The festivities honor children, celebrate Latino culture, and explore ways to keep your family active, fit, and healthy.

mon 02 Mad About Mom! Times: 6:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-535-6206 Location: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland, IN 46184 www.jcplin.org/

Grab your family and head over to the library for a storytime that’s all about Moms and the other women who love us. Our stories and rhymes will be filled with all sorts of amazing moms, from silly ones to brave ones, and even ones that will make you laugh. We’ll enjoy a silly movie that will being a smile to your face, as well as some tasty snacks to please your tummy. After the stories, we will make a gift that your Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or friend is sure to cherish. All ages.

Family Storytime at Pike Times: 7:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4480 Location: Pike Library. 6525 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.imcpl.org

07 Families with children of all ages are invited for stories and fun activities.

Activities and books are most appropriate for families with children ages 2 - 8.

tues 03 Community Tuesday Times: Various times Price: Various discounts apply Location: Various locations www.inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov/

On the first Tuesday of every month, the White River State Park offers discounts for the organizations located inside of the park. Other coupons and discounts may not be used in conjunction with Community Tuesday discounts. Participants include the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art ,the Indiana State Museum and IMAX, the NCAA Hall of Fame Museum and Victory Field. See website for a complete list of discounts.

American Girls: Meet Addy Times: 4:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-738-2833 Location: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin, IN 46131 www.jcplin.org

Join us as we meet Addy, a young girl living during the Civil War. Bring your favorite American Girl doll to share with the group. Grades K - 6.

weds 04 Rubber Stamping for Kids: Mother’s Day Card Times: 4:15PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-839-6602 Location: Plainfield Library. 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 www.plainfieldlibrary.net/

= Mother's Day Event!

13 Brenda Ramsey teaches children in grades 1 through 5 how to create a Mother’s Day card using decorative rubber stamps. Free; registration required.

IMS Hall of Fame Museum Grounds Tours Times: 9:30 AM, 11:15AM, 1:15 and 3PM Price: $25 adults; $10 youth ages 6 - 15; FREE ages 5 and under Phone: 317-481-8500 Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222

29 Join AAA Travel Agents and meet our Disney Representative to plan a magical Disney Vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney (Guided Family Vacations) or to Aluani (a new Disney Resort and Spa opening Fall 2011) in Hawaii. Take advantage of special offers for summer, fall and winter travel.

Disney Show Schedule: 6pm - 7pm Radio Disney Entertainment for all Ages, 7pm - 8pm Disney Destinations Vacation Presentations.

Membership Not Required

www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Grounds Tours will have significant extra meaning for fans in 2011, the final year of the Speedway’s Centennial Era and the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911.

500 Festival Kick Off to the Month of May Times: 12:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202

LadiesEveningOut Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-517-9920 Location: Brady Stevens, Old National 5 yearsBank at Clay Terrace.

14179 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032 www.ladieseveningout.com

Ladies, come be pampered and shop at the 2nd Annual Ladies Evening Out. We will host to over 35 wonderful vendors. Drinks and appetizers will be provided. Additional Information: FB: LadiesEveningOut

www.500festival.com/

Come celebrate the start of a month-long series of events and programs with the 500 Festival Board of Director’s, staff and the 2011 500 Festival Princesses. Enjoy great music and free food as we gear up for another exciting May! The first 500 people will receive free giveaways.

Target Free Family Night

thurs 05 AAA Travel Disney Vacation Planning Show Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-923-1500 ext.226 Location: Ritz Charles Carmel. 12156 n Meridian St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.AAA.com/disneyshow

Times: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum

of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

Learn from scientists and researchers about discoveries related to space exploration and

= Enter to win tickets from Indy's Child! Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to learn how!

= Indy 500 Event INDYSCHILD.COM 63

First Friday Evening Times: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Price: Members: Free | NonMembers: $3/person Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: WonderLab. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404/

kitemaking workshop for kids

www.wonderlab.org

Enjoy WonderLab's extended evening hours until 8:30 pm the first Friday of the month!

Discount admission after 5:00 pm for the general public is $3 per person.

Pizza will be available to purchase.

tuesday, may 10 5:30pm brightwood library

sat 07

take home a raw clay pot. Call to register.

observation. Sponsored generously

by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children's Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m.

Family Films Times: 10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032

fri 06 Out of Character Times: 3:00 PM Price: Free with admission to the Indiana Experience.

Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.indianahistory.org

For young children & their caregivers.

Are You My Mother?; Is Your Mama a Llama?; Joey Runs Away.

Meet the IHS historic interpreter staff - Out of Character - in a weekly informal gathering.

This is great opportunity to ask questions that cannot be answered in the You Are There experiences. Find out what kind of research the interpreters do to create their characters, where IHS buys all the clothes, shoes, props and more.

The Beaver: Local Architect & Engineer Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: Adult $7; Senior $6.50; Child $4; Member –Free.

Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Indiana Archaeology & the Mystery of the Hopewell Times: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM Price: Adult $7; Senior $6.50; Child $4; Member –Free.

Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, In 46204

www.carmel.lib.in.us

Sugar and Spice Basket Weaving Class Times: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Price: $20 Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: Greenwood Public Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary.us

Participants will learn how to weave a basket from Librarian and Basket Weaver extraordinaire Janet Buckley. No previous experience necessary.

The Sugar and Spice basket . This basket has an 8” oval wooden bottom with a handle and a disc embellishment on the outside of the basket. Must pre-register with cash or check at the Reference Desk at Greenwood Public Library. Register soon. Duplicate class being offered on May 14th.

Mother's Day Plant Sale Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 07, 2011 Through Sunday, May 08, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Prices range from $2-$5 Phone: 317-776-6006 Location: Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org

www.indianamuseum.org

www.indianamuseum.org

Beavers are the local architects and engineers of the Marian University EcoLab wetlands. On the 55-acre property located near downtown Indianapolis, there is evidence everywhere of the beaver’s activities - dams, lodges, canals, ponds and chewed trees. Discover all that is beaver - from their fur and skull to scat and tracks.

Watch a video of a recent beaver encounter on the EcoLab property where a staff member had to rescue it from a high-sided pool. Test your beaver knowledge on the Giant Beaver Wheel!

Swing into action and avoid the pitfalls while you solve riddles surrounding the ancient Hopewell people using archaeological clues you find along the way. Listen as archaeologists reveal the secrets to the mystery. Try your hand at ancient technology, if you think your ego and body can handle it.

Pottery Workshop for Kids!

Times: 5:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4430 Location: InfoZone Library Branch. 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.imcpl.org

Children ages 6 - 14 are invited to have a turn at a real potter's wheel during this workshop presented by Don Edwards. They will get to 64 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

www.idada.org/

ICC 25th Anniversary Gala Concert Times: 3:00 PM Price: $12 Advance; $13 Day of Show Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.cloweshall.org

This concert is a culmination of the 25th anniversary season of what has become one of the finest children's choirs in the world. Led

by Founder and Artistic Director Henry Leck, for the very first time, all of the performing choirs join together on stage for one of the most powerful choral music experiences ever! Young singers from the first graders in ICC's Preparatory Program through the high school singers in the Indianapolis Youth Chorale embark on a musical journey that takes the audience through an experience that defines children's choral music.

"Noblesville, This is your City…1960" Times: 10:00 AM Phone: 317-770-3242 Location: Hamilton East Library. One Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Due to popular demand, the Hamilton East Public Library will host a third screening of the film, “Noblesville, This is your City…1960”. You won’t want to miss this final opportunity to catch a unique glimpse of the faces and sites of Noblesville fifty years ago. Come relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and light breakfast, and reminisce about your home town as it was back then. Register by phone or online.

sun 08

Browse 20 different varieties of plants, herbs and heirloom tomatoes at Conner Prairie’s Plant Sale to make any mom’s garden beautiful this spring. The sale supports gardens in historic areas and provides a hands-on experience as guests help plant, cultivate, harvest and preserve heirloom plants representing the 1830s to the early 1900s.

Call or visit website for more information.

Mother's Day Tea

IDADA First Friday Art Tour Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Downtown The IDADA First Friday Art Tour is constantly changing and expanding. It is a self-guided tour around the Indianapolis downtown area that is free and open to the public. There is no specific start location or end location - people are free to roam to whichever galleries/studios they want to visit! Visit website for a map to the various participating galleries.

in fun Mother’s day activities! Ages 5 and up with a registered adult. Light snack included.

Times: 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Price: $10 members, $12.50 nonmembers Phone: (317) 334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum

of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org/

Make this Mother’s day memorable with a special tea. Practice proper table manners with etiquette experts, and then participate

IMS Hall of Fame Museum Grounds Tours Times: 9:30 AM, 11:15AM, 1:15 and 3PM Price: $25 adults; $10 youth ages 6 - 15; FREE ages 5 and under Phone: 317-481-8500 Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will continue its Grounds Tours in 2011 with a complete schedule of dates from March through November.

mon 09 Annual Spring Tea Party Times: 4:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-770-3242 Location: Hamilton East Library. One

Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Wear your party clothes and come to our Annual Spring Tea Party.

Refreshments will be served. For Grades K-4. Registration required.

tues 10 Kite Making Workshop for Kids Times: 5:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4310 Location: Brightwood Library. 2435 N. Sherman Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46218 www.imcpl.org/about/locations/ westindianapolis.html

Children ages 6 - 13 are invited to make a kite and learn about kite flying in this program presented by the Hoosier Kitefliers Society. Call to register.

thurs 12 Project Foodie: Tea and Sandwiches Times: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-881-1953 Location: Greenwood Public Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary. us/projectfoodie.asp

Bring your Mom and celebrate Mother's Day a little early with a tea party at Greenwood Public Library All ages welcome.

Thursday Night at the Movies for Teens Price: FREE Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton East Library. Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Join us for movies on the BIG SCREEN!! Snacks will be provided.

Registration is requested.

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons

Storytime Express @ the Monon Times: 11:00-11:25 a.m.

Price: FREE Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: Monon Community Center .

55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 carmelclayparks.com

For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers.

Fantastic Frogs. This fast-paced interactive mix of fun-filled stories, rhymes, and songs paired with a simple craft is designed to introduce and practice critical early literacy skills. Younger siblings are welcome. Registration required - deadline is one week prior date of the program.

Trail Blazing Twos-Birds Times: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Price: Residents $4/Non-residents $6 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.

10410 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Your two year old will begin to discover what makes a bird unique from other animals in this class. Hear some bird calls, practice with binoculars, play with feathers, and much more. Time will fly by Register by 5/4. Parents are required to stay.

weds 11 Out of Ordinary Kids: The O.O.O. Finds Curious People Times: 4:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-878-9560 Location: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar, IN 46181 www.jcplin.org

Join the hunt as we discover people that are Out of the Ordinary. Folks from history come alive as we find out about their quirks and the events that made them famous. Grades K-5.

Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, May 12, 2011 Through Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Times: Thursday, 11am; Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm Price: $20 - $45 Phone: 262-1100 Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.indianapolissymphony.org

Music representing nature has always been popular, but Vivaldi’s Four Seasons set the gold standard with its exquisite interplay of virtuosic violin solos and lush accompaniments. ISO Concertmater Zach De Pue leads the Orchestra and plays the solo violin part.

fri 13 Holliday Park: Family Friday Nights Times: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Price: $5/individual Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center . 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org

Tired of spending your Friday night in front of the TV? Come share in a fun adventure for the whole family. We will start around the campfire and then focus on the topic of the evening. We will provide the roasting sticks and s'mores, you are welcome to bring hot dogs and make a meal of it! All ages, registration required.

INDYSCHILD.COM 65

Indianapolis Air Show

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 13, 2011 Through Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Times: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Price: $15 adult, $5 child 6-12, 5 and under FREE! Phone: 317-335-7252 Location: Mt. Comfort Airport. 3867 Aviation Way, Greenfield, IN 46140

www.indyairshow.com

Don’t miss the 15th annual Indianapolis Air Show at Mt. Comfort Airport featuring the US Navy Blue Angels Jet Team. Each family friendly day is packed with sizzling performances sure to blow you away.

Come early and enjoy on site displays, kids zone, outdoor village, static displays and MORE Friday is Practice and Media day (10am4pm)- Sat and Sun are the full show (8am6pm, show begins 11:30) . Buy tickets early at Marsh, UPL or online and SAVE.

Broad Ripple Spring Gallery Tour Times: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Price: FREE

Location: Broadripple Village www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com/

Approximately twenty Village galleries and boutiques will hold simultaneous open houses that evening with exhibits of original art that include painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and other media created by well-known artists and artisans. Tour locations range from the nationally recognized Indianapolis Art Center on the north end of The Village to Fine Estate Art & Rugs with its exceptional collection of vintage Indiana artwork on the south end.

Friday Family Fun: Go Fly a Kite!

Times: 4:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-535-6206 Location: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland, IN 46184 www.jcplin.org/

The weather is getting warm, and we have Spring Fever, so join us for stories and activities that celebrate all things spring! We have a special craft that is sure to put you in a warm weather mood, and then we’ll go outside and fly some kites, weather permitting. All ages.

sat 14 Mom-O-Rama Times: 7:30 PM Price: $20 advanced tickets, $25 at the door Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center . 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Accompanying adults will receive instructions for continuing enrichment at home. More details: WonderLab's website and Facebook fan page.

sun 15 Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

Times: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Monument Circle,

Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.500festival.com/

Engage the whole family in the excitement of the 500 Festival at the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day-the state’s largest outdoor FREE festival for children. With activities and entertainment galore, this is THE event your kids (and you!) won’t want to miss!

Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run

www.indianahistory.org

Back by popular demand, Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin share the stage once again in Indianapolis. Kevin, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, delivers hilarious, often tender stories that are as enchanting as they are true to life. Simone not only has a quirkily charming stage presence, but her sweet and sassy voice and adept accordion skills bring an old-timey yet modernized flair to the table.

Own It, Work It...Know Your Camera- The Workshop Times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: $125 Phone: 317-509-8112 Location: Michelle Tiek Photography & Design. 1559 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.michelletiekphotography.com

Would you like to learn how to take better photos of your kids? Sign up now for our beginner's photography class to learn how to get more out of your camera. Sign up now by going to our website and clicking on the Workshop tab.

Pre-K Palooza!

Occuring Daily - Saturday, May 14, 2011 Through Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Price: Activities included with museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: WonderLab. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404 www.wonderlab.org

Drop in at WonderLab for a big festival of hands-on science fun for little explorers (ages 2-5)! Multiple activity stations will be available to stimulate a preschooler's natural curiosity.

66 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Times: 1:00 PM Price: Pre-registration is just $5. On-site $10 Location: Monument Circle,

Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.500festival.com/

Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to join the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run, a noncompetitive fun-run where everyone goes home a winner. The purpose of the Rookie Run is to promote physical fitness and introduce the 500 Festival to children at a young age. All 3,000 participants share the same #1 bib number and everyone goes home a winner with a medal and goodie bag.

Be a Happy Camper Times: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.

Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Whether you are planning on taking part in National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout® on June 25 or not , this is a great opportunity to learn some of the basics about camping. We'll set up stations around the park to teach you popular outdoor activities, games and campfire stories.

Bring a new tent and we can help you set it up for the first time. Also learn about the rules and regulations the Town of Fishers has for backyard fire pits. We'll make snacks over the campfire, too The program may be cancelled without enough participation.

This is not a drop off program. Children

must have an adult register and stay for the duration of the program. Register by 5/6.

mon 16 DIY Mondays -Tissue Paper Flowers Times: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library.

55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032

Duct Tape Crafts Times: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-839-6602 Location: Plainfield Library. 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 www.plainfieldlibrary.net/

Teens in grades 6 through 12 stop

by Area T and learn how to make a wallet, rose, or tie out of duct tape.

Supplies and instructions provided.

www.carmel.lib.in.us

Saving the planet stylishly! Learn how to turn ordinary items into artwork.

tues 17 Fishers Parks and Recreation: Little Race Fans Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Price: R$12/NR$18 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: 12690 Promise Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

Ladies and Gentlemen start your engines and race over for lots of fun This class includes race day fun with a story, snack, craft, song, and games. Each child will decorate a small wooden race car to take home. For ages 3-7. Drop-Off Class. Register by 5/10.

Chalk Party Times: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us

For children in grades 1-5. Get a head start on summer and come join us for group chalk games and activities. We'll meet in the Storytime Room and head outside together. Rainy Day alternatives are in our back pocket, so Game On rain or shine!

Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Come to our Annual Race Party.

Refreshments will be served. For Grades K-4. Registration required.

weds 18 Lego® Mania: House Challenge Times: 7:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton East Library. Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038

Fishers Parks and Recreation: In It to Win It Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Roy G. Holland Memorial Park. 1 Park Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

thurs 19 Storytime Express @ the Monon Times: 11:00-11:25 a.m.

Price: FREE Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: Monon Community Center .

55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com

For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers.

Pigs, Pigs, Pigs. This fast-paced interactive mix of fun-filled stories, rhymes, and songs paired with a simple craft is designed to introduce and practice critical early literacy skills. Younger siblings are welcome.

Registration deadline is one week prior to the start date of the program.

Here’s your chance to attempt various games incorporating everyday household items just like on TV. But remember, you only get one. Most games are appropriate for ages 5 and up. Parents are required to stay.

Stop by any time between 6-8 p.m. Preregistration is appreciated. Rain or Shine.

sat 21 Primrose School of Carmel Spring Fling Times: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM Price: $12.00 Per Family Phone: 317-848-8771 Location: Primrose School of Carmel. 780 West Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032 www.PrimroseCarmel.com

Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony Times: 5:00 PM Price: $20 Phone: 317-262-1100 Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Spring Fling is a charitable fund-raiser event with family activities including: face painting, bounce house, carnival games, silent auction, Mik the Music Man, food and much more!

Funds raised at Spring Fling will be donated to the Little Red Door Cancer Agency along with the Primrose Children’s Foundation*.

www.indianapolissymphony.org

Do you like parties, free food and drinks, and the grooves of Time for Three? Of course you do! Join us at 5pm for preconcert mingling with complimentary snacks and cocktails followed by a riveting performance by Time for Three at 6:30pm.

Annual Race Party Times: 4:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-579-0304 Location: Hamilton East Library. Five

www.carmel.lib.in.us

For young children & their caregivers.

Where Is It? Bring the whole family to share literature through stories, rhymes, and songs.

fri 20 Family Storytime Times: 10:0010:30 a.m. and 11:0011:30 a.m.

Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library . 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032

Genealogy Day Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Price: Included in general admission price Phone: 317-636WEST

Location: Eiteljorg Museum. 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org/

Learn how to research your family history on this day devoted to genealogy. Attend “how to” lectures by Angela WaltonRaji and Charmayne Champion Shaw (Cheyenne), get acquainted with local genealogical groups and more. See website for a complete schedule of events.

Family Orienteering - Let's Explore Times: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: $12.50 members; $15.75 nonmembers Phone: (317) 334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org/

Join us for a fun outdoor family adventure activity using maps, compasses, and treasure chests! Your day will start at the museum, where we’ll practice our wayfinding skills. Then we’ll journey to Eagle Creek Park, where we’ll put our skills to the test and participate in orienteering.

Ages: 6 and up with registered adult. (light snacks and water will be provided).

41st Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 21, 2011 Through Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Times: Sat.10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sun. 10:00AM – 5:00PM Price: Adult -$15 ($12 advance), Children 3-12 - $2, Under 3 - Free Phone: 317-255-2464 Location: Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220 indplsartcenter.org/braf/

The largest fundraiser for the Art Center returns this summer. Visitors that come on Saturday can get a wristband that allows them to get in free Sunday. While at the Art Fair, enjoy the works of 225+ artists, 5 entertainment stages, dozens of local food vendors, cultural booths and several children's art activities. Advanced tickets go on sale in early April at Marsh Supermarkets, select Fifth Third Banks, the Arts Garden and the Indianapolis Art Center.

chalk party tuesday, may 17 6:30pm carmel clay public library

www.hepl.lib.in.us/

Do you love to build amazing Lego® creations? Bring your friends and join us at a Lego® house building party.

Please bring your own Legos® to create your masterpiece. You may temporarily leave your house creation at the library for display.

For ages 5-12. Registration required.

INDYSCHILD.COM 67

Civil War Days Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 21, 2011 Through Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Admission is $14/adults, $13/ seniors 65+, $9/youth (ages 2-12), Free for members and youth under 2 Phone: 317-776-6006 Location: Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org

Horses charge across the open field and cannons roar as re-enactors from across the Midwest bring the Civil War era to life again. Marking the 150th anniversary of the war, special programs will highlight the stories of Indiana regiments that fought in the Civil War. Representative from living history groups portraying these Indiana regiments will discuss their uniform, equipment, campaigns and battles fought.

Young and old can learn firsthand from reenactors portraying Union and Confederate.

Indiana Dads Expo 2011 Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Price: Admission is $10 prior to the event, and $15 the day of the even Location: 4501 E. 32ND St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 www.indianadadsexpo.com/

This is going to be a day of workshops designed specifically for dads; networking opportunities with other men who share your values about fatherhood; vendor booths with products just for dads; lunch; and even a Kid Zone for the kids while Daddy is in the workshops.

sun 22 Holliday Park: Family Creek Stomping Times: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Price: $5/individual Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org

Holliday Park is home to wetlands, ponds and seeps teeming with plants and wildlife. Let's get down and dirty discovering all the unique creatures that love these wet places. Wear old shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting muddy! Ages 2+, registration required.

mon 23 Summer Kids Koncerts: Kid Kazooy Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-571-4144 Location: River Heritage Park. 11813 River Road, Carmel, IN 46043 www.carmelclayparks.com

The Kids Koncert series is an enriching and engaging experience for young children ages 2-5 years. Filled with classical hits and singalong favorites, each show lasts one hour. Each show is carefully crafted to be entertaining and allow for the children to dance and sing. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held in MCC Banquet Rooms.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

tues 24

thurs 26

44th Indianapolis Early Music Festival Times: 7:00 PM Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Pickle Week Times: 10:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-878-9560 Location: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar, IN 46181

www.indianahistory.org

Celebrate this silly holiday with the whole family at a special storytime.

Make pickle art, sing songs, and sample some tasty pickles. All ages.

Known for his stunning blend of dazzling virtuosity and colorful expressivity, Matthias Maute is recognized as one of the most outstanding recorder players of his generation and has also earned an international reputation for his formidable talents as a traverso player as well as a composer.

Pottery Workshop for Kids!

Times: 11:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4510 Location: Southport Library. 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227 www.imcpl.org

Children ages 6 - 14 are invited to have a turn at a real potter's wheel during this workshop presented by Don Edwards.

They will get to take home a raw clay pot. Call 275-4510 to register.

Clever Coyote 1-For ages 3-5 Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Price: Resident $4/Non-resident $6 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.

10410 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us/parks

On our journey into the world of this canine we will learn what they eat and where they live. Enjoy a hike while we walk and talk about these shy animals. We will learn that coyotes are not scary but are misunderstood.

We may even get the chance feel how soft their fur is Register by 5/17. Parents required to stay. Program repeats at 1:00pm.

weds 25 American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day Times: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Price: $7 per person; kids 6 and under are free Phone: 317-481-8500 Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 68 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Fans of all ages love taking a lap in the family car around the track to see what it looks like from the race car drivers perspective.

Visitors are also invited to tour the IndyCar transport trailers, visit Pit Lane, check out the vintage cars on display, get autographs from Pro Series drivers and past champions.

You can even take a Victory Circle photo just like you’re the winner in a car with a trophy, a wreath and a glass of milk! When that is done, you still have time to check out the suites and the official timing & scoring area in the pagoda, see the Media Pit Stop Competition, enjoy live music, Q & A sessions and visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

It is all part of the one admission price.

www.jcplin.org

fri 27 Wartime Kitchen Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: Adult $7; Senior $6.50; Child $4; Member –Free.

Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.indianamuseum.org

Explore the challenges of a wartime kitchen. From growing and canning your own food to preparing recipes with rationed ingredients, visitors will learn how wartime cooks adapted by conserving and substituting during meal preparation.

Chalk on the Walk Times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-885-1330 Location: White River Branch. 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood, IN 46142 www.jcplin.org

Make your mark on the library! We’ll be spending our morning drawing on the sidewalk so that it’s beautiful for Summer Reading - drop by and join us! All ages.

33rd National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 27, 2011 Through Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Times: Friday, 2-8PM; 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Adult/Fri:$10 Sat$7;Child (7yr-14yr):$3 Under 7yr: FREE Phone: 765-482-3477 Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 East 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.narmshow.com

Programs, Photos, Posters, Tickets, Books, Pit Badges, Die Casts, Patches, Driver

Suits, Clothing, Jewelry, Artwork. FREE Indy 500 Driver Autograph Sessions Autograph tickets sold for SURPRISE APPEARANCES of your Favorite Drivers

Memorial Day Weekend at Conner Prairie Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 28, 2011 Through Monday, May 30, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: $14/adults, $13/seniors 65 +, $9/youth (ages 2-12). Free for members and youth under 2.

Phone: 317-776-6006 Location: Conner Prairie . 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org

Open Memorial Day weekend with FREE general admission to military personnel and their families as part of the Blue Star Museums program, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Explore all Conner Prairie has to offer including special programming for Memorial Day weekend, a farm wedding in 1836 Prairietown.

sat 28 500 Festival Character Breakfast Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: $27 Location: Hilton Indianapolis . 120 West Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.500festival.com/

Begin your parade festivities with your kids and their favorite characters at the 500 Festival Costumed Character Breakfast.

Special guests will include Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo, Scooby Doo and Shaggy. Cost includes full breakfast and one reserved bleacher ticket for IPL 500 Festival Parade.

The IPL 500 Festival Parade

Times: 12:00 PM Price: TV/VIP Reserved Seats

$32.00; Reserved Chair Seats $18.00; Reserved Bleacher Seats $14.50.

Location: Downtown Indianapolis www.500festival.com/

Celebrating 54 years of tradition, the IPL 500 Festival Parade will return to the streets of downtown Indianapolis. The tradition continues with the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 serving as honorary grand marshals the day before the race, riding in the traditional rows of three, with the winner of the pole position bringing up the rear.

Tiger Forest Grand Opening Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Members FREE; Adults $15.25; Seniors 62+ and Youth 2-12 $10.25; Phone: 317-630-2001

Location: Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W.

Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indyzoo.com

The new Tiger Forest exhibit presented by Citizens Energy Group opens Memorial Day Weekend, enabling you to get closer to the Zoo's tigers than ever before, including looking into those piercing yellow eyes. Separated by no more than a thin plate of glass, you'll be so close you can see their four-inch long, razorsharp claws and count their whiskers!

sun 29 The 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500

mon 30 Summer Kids Koncerts: Bobbie Lancaster Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-571-4144 Location: West Park. 2700 w 116th St, Carmel, IN 46044 www.carmelclayparks.com

The Kids Koncert series is an enriching and engaging experience for young children ages 2-5 years. Filled with classical hits and sing-along favorites, each show lasts one hour. Each show is carefully crafted to be entertaining and allow for the children to dance and sing.

In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held in MCC Banquet Rooms.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

tues 31 Times: 12:00 PM Price: $30 and up Phone: 317-481-8500 Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

100 years of Indianapolis history will come to a head as 33 of the best drivers in the world race to take the checkered flag in "The Most Important Race in History."

Summer Reading Kick-Off Party Times: 3:30 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-878-9560 Location: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar, IN 46181 www.jcplin.org

Get ready for the summer Reading Program by making your very own book bag. Decorate a cloth bag with fabric paint and markers. All materials provided.

For even MORE ideas on fun things to do, visit indyschild.com!

May 2011

OnGoing Events Calendar

Incredible Costumes from Film and TV Occurring Daily through Sunday, May 08, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

The Terminator's leather jacket, Batman's Bat Suit, Darth Vader's cape and helmet, the Wicked Witch of the West's

hat . . . these are just a few of the amazing original costumes featured in Incredible Costumes from Film and TV.

Annie Get Your Gun Occurring Daily (except Mon) through Sunday, May 08, 2011.

Times: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Price: $36 - $59 Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef and Boards. 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268

www.beefandboards.com

Annie Get Your Gun is the tale of the skilled shooter Annie Oakley, who aims to be the star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. There’s a catch: She’ll need to outshine its main attraction, Frank Butler - and it doesn’t help matters when she falls in love with him. See web site for complete schedule.

The 39 Steps Occurring through Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Price: Ticket prices start at $20 for preview performances.

Phone: 317-916-4834 INDYSCHILD.COM 69

Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.irtlive.com

In this take on a Hitchcock classic, the audience dies laughing. Find out why this Tony Awardwinning play has been called “a Hitchcock masterpiece … with a dash of Monty Python.”

Chicago: The Musical Occurring Daily through Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Phone: 317.843.3800 Location: The Center for the Performing Arts. 355 City Center Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org

A universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show stopping song after another; and immortal staging by Bob Fosse, no wonder the show has wowed audiences all around the world.

Shibori Spaghetti Occurring Daily (except Mon) through Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Price: Activities included with museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 ext. 25 Location: The WonderLab. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404 www.wonderlab.org

A temporary installation of a huge 3D textile exhibit of long tubes of fabric dyed with the arashi shibori method. Visitors can rearrange the tubes to create new art compositions. This interactive exhibit was created by artist Daren Pitts Redman with support provided by an Individual Artist Grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.

Masterpieces of Jelly Bean Art Occurring Daily through Wednesday, June 01, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

View artistic masterpieces created entirely out of jelly beans. Large-scale mosaic replicas of eight famous works of art have been re-created entirely out of thousands of Jelly Belly jelly beans. The replica works including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Hokusai's The Great Wave Off Kanagawa will make their public debut at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, May 12, 2011 Through Friday, July 01, 2011.

Price: $36 to $59; $10 discount for kids ages 3-15 Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef and Boards. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.beefandboards.com

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has 54 performances scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Odell Ward’s familyfriendly dinner buffet, coffee, tea and lemonade. Parking is free. For reservations, call the Beef & Boards Box Office .Visit website for complete show schedule.

70 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011

Dora and Diego--Let's Explore Occurring Daily through Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children's Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org

Explore this active adventure in the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer and her animal-rescuing cousin Diego. Produced

by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in cooperation with Nickelodeon, the Dora and Diego-Let’s Explore exhibit is presented by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Indiana. 2010 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved.

ComedySportz for Kidz Occurring on the first Saturday of each Month Through Saturday, December 03, 2011.

Times: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Price: $8.00 for everyone Phone: 317-951-8499 Location: The ComedySportz Theatre. 721 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.indycomedysportz.com

The ComedySportz 4 Kidz show features 3 All-Star ComedySportz players who focus improv games and suggestions on the 12-and-under crowd, use LOTS of audience volunteers, and always have a great time. It’s a one-hour performance, so it’s shorter than a regular ComedySportz match and played without a half time, meaning there’s no interruption to the fun.

It's Time to Call-a-Pacer!

Children and families are invited to listen to their favorite stories in children's literature recorded by a player from the Indiana Pacers on the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library's free 24-hour Call-a-Story telephone line at 275-4444.

Continuing through the month of June, Pacers players can be heard reading stories from such classic authors as Dr.Seuss, Mo Willems and Patricia Hubbell.

For more events, visit www.indyschild.com!!!!

C LASSI F IEDS

monday

10

cinco de mayo

how to celebrate: make your own fresh squeezed orange juice!

11

15

tulip day

chicken dance day

20

21

g f u d e da y

ch

18

19

international museum day

on this day in 1884, the ringling brothers circus opened.

how to celebrate: visit a local museum! indy has an abundance of them! the children's museum, ima, eiteljorg...

23

26

25

bl

29

30

31

c

be

rry

c hee

rie s d a

endangered species day 27

28

wig out day

jazz day

se

brownbag-it day

o o n d ay

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

ma

ar

ber

a ke d y

penny day

morse code day

a

w

how to celebrate: paint your face like a clown. make elephant ears for dessert.

ue

24

how to celebrate: throw a neighborhood block party or simply invite a few neighbors over for dinner.

how to celebrate: have your own races at home on foot, bike, etc.

14

y

e

o bble r yc

how to celebrate: pay for a special treat using only nickels.

100 th running of the indy 500

13

ca

neighbor day

rr

ay

22

ty

137 kentucky derby

how to celebrate: how to celebrate: try a drink today that make derby hats and drink you've never had before. "mock" mint juleps.

12

t

17

d

how to celebrate: chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate chip cookies...yum.

beverage day

7

th

nu

16

on this day in 1886, the first nickel in the u.s. was minted.

saturday 6

clean your eat what you room day want day

how to celebrate: create your own comic strip. read a comic book.

ay

o

9

d

ch

at e c h i p

play your national ukulele day teacher day on this day in 1754, the first cartoon appeared in a u.s. newspaper

happy mother's day l co

n

5

juice d ge a

r

8

4

3

friday

st

how to celebrate: read your favorite rhymes. play duck, duck , goose.

thursday

y

mother goose day

2

wednesday

a

1

tuesday

or

sunday

memorial day

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com & thenibble.com

like this calendar? let us know!

email editor@indyschild.com with your comments or suggestions!

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72 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2011