Jax4Kids March 2018

Visit us online at www.jax4kids.com

In this issue: Summer Camps Guide

FREE!

March 2018

2018 Live Concerts!

Goat Yoga!

See what’s

NEW!

Daily Events!

Midway Rides!

Fun for the whole family!

MARCH 29 TO APRIL 7, 2018

Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LIVING WELL

Dear Readers,

Community Profile: Proactive Life Skills .....................................................4 Mom’s Night Out Events ...........................................................................5

W

ith spring comes some our community’s favorite annual family-friendly events.

Here are just a few that you can enjoy this month.

Jax4Kids is proud to sponsor many exciting family-friendly events including the 6th Annual Jacksonville Science Festival, March 1 – 3. Enjoy STEAM interactive booths, hands-on art, science activities, performances plus a rock wall, bungee jump, human-sized hamster balls and more! See page 30 or visit us online at Jax4Kids.com for more details.

Disney On Ice opens March 16th at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena and, you can save $5 on tickets with the discount code “J4KICE”. See page 4 for details. On the cover is the Clay County Fair, opening March 29th. The Clay County Fair is family-friendly and always a favorite no matter what county you live in!

Travel the World without leaving Jacksonville at the 26th Annual World of Nations Celebration will be at Metropolitan Park on March 3rd and 4th.

March 2018

HEALTH & SAFETY National Nutrition Month: Go Further with Food..........................................7 Things To Do: Health & Safety...................................................................7 Poison Prevention.....................................................................................8 Asthma Attacks on the Decline..................................................................8 7 Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children.......................................................9

INFANT & TODDLER year, parents can postpone enrolling their child in VPK that year and wait until the following year when their child is 5. See page 12 for more information.

If you won’t be traveling during Spring Break and are looking for a camp for your child, turn to page 14 for some of the many Spring Break camps available. For a complete list of Spring Break and Summer Camps, visit our online camps guide at www.jax4kids.com.

If your family loves to go to the movies, A Wrinkle In Time opens in March and you can see it Happy Easter! on the big screen at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX theater beginning March 8th . The animated Until next month, Sherlock Gnomes opens on March 23rd.

Alison Peters-Carlson If your child was born between September 2, Editor 2013 and September 1, 2014, they are eligible for FREE prekindergarten (VPK). Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten to all 4-year-olds. If their fourth birthday falls Feb. 2 through Sept. 1 in a calendar

Some Terrific TV for your Beginner...........................................................11 Things to Do: Infant and Toddlers............................................................11 Voluntary Pre-K Registration....................................................................12

SPECIAL NEEDS

Special Needs Summer Camps...............................................................13 Things To Do: Special Needs ..................................................................13

SPRING BREAK CAMPS

..................................................14

SUMMER CAMPS General Activities Camps .......................................................................15 Sports Camps........................................................................................16 Fine Arts Camps.....................................................................................18 Educational & Special Interest Camps......................................................19 Duval County Public Schools’ Summer Programs.....................................20 Choosing the Best Summer Camp in America.........................................21 Gauging Your Child’s Readiness for Summer Camp..................................21

EDUCATION Try a Book Box to Foster Reading Skills ..................................................22 Mini Maker Faire Coming to Town...........................................................24 Is Your Child Refusing To Go To School?...................................................24

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Follow us...

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Scott Medlin Advertising Sales...................................... scott@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2018.

Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

Latrece Brown Applications.....................................................................25 Named School Choice 2017 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year...............................24

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS ......................26 CLAY COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS ...................................27 TEENS

18 Tips for the Best Summer Camp Experience.......................................28 Things to Do: Teens................................................................................28

PETS

Best Anti-Aging Tips for Your Pets............................................................29 Things To Do: Pets..................................................................................29

THINGS TO DO

March Events.........................................................................................30

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 3

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: Proactive Life Skills

W

hether it be academic or behavioral, Jacksonville’s Proactive Life Skills Center offers behavioral and learning support for troubled students, children, teens and young adults ages 6 and up in homes and schools, and at its clinic located on Atlantic Blvd. in the intracoastal west area.

They specialize in social, educational, communication and behavioral interventions for individuals with neuro-developmental, anxiety and impulse control disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other language and learning disabilities.

Using applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to facilitate the development of language, positive skills, and social behavior using basic behavioral practices (positive reinforcement, repetition, and prompting), their goal is to bring about a change in behavior as well as to help reduce everyday social problems and serious behavior disorders.

They employ clinical educators and board certified behavior analysts who work one-on-one and in small groups with individuals and their caregivers to assess, develop and conduct individualized programs to address skills deficits and behaviors which prevent learning or limit access to school or the community.

Areas they can help include: • Problem Behaviors • Learner Readiness • Communication • Social Skills • Activity or Daily Living Skills (ADLs) • Parent Training They also provide relational training, a contemporary behavior analytic approach to teach basic and advanced language skills including basic foundational skills – eye contact, requesting items, labeling items, answering WH (Why, How, etc.) questions, early concept formation, and elementary social skills; generalization – taking the basic concepts across contexts, stimuli, and

people to reduce or eliminate memorized scripted learning often seen in other approaches; equivalence – concept formation and perceptual behavior and transformation – awareness of the abstract concepts of same, different, opposite, comparison, hierarchy, and perspective taking.

Their academic skills offerings include an Intensive Reading Program that provides multi-sensory instruction for emerging and struggling readers based on the Wilson Reading System, a research-based reading and spelling program with proven results to help students master appropriate levels of literacy. They help individual students, families and teachers by creating customized learning plans to help clients achieve mastery in literacy, social, communication and life skills. Through small group and one-on-one instruction, students gain skills in phonemic awareness, decoding and word study, sight word recognition, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, oral expressive language development and comprehension.

Students with the following characteristics benefit from intensive, multi-sensory reading instruction: • Unable to decode accurately (in lowest 30th percentile) • Slow, labored reading with lack of fluency • May know many words by sight, but have difficulty reading unfamiliar words and pseudo words • Often guesses at words • Poor spelling (in lowest 30th percentile) • Able to speak and understand English, but not read or write it (such as English language learners) • Have a language-based learning disability The Proactive Life Skills center is located at 13121 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 200 in Harbour Place Professional Park on Atlantic Boulevard, just west of Hodges Boulevard. For more info see their website proactivelifeskills.org or call (904) 491-2111. j

SAVE $5 on Tickets!

Not valid on Front Row or VIP / Premium seating or $15 seating. Limited to 8 tickets per order. No Double discounts. Additional fees apply. Valid on all performances.

Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Mom’s Night Out Events Autobahn Ladies Night Out Fridays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6pm to 11pm Autobahn Indoor Speedway hosts Ladies Night Out, every Friday after 6pm. Ladies will receive $5 off single races. Not valid on holidays.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway / 904-674-8551 / 6601 Executive Park Ct N, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.autobahnspeed.com

River State Park & the Heart Gallery of Georgia.

Admission is $30 per person or $75 for series; $50 per couple or $125 for series. Parking fee: $5. This is an adult event, perfect for a mom’s night out.

Crooked River State Park / 912-882-5256 / 6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558 / explore.gastateparks.org

St. Augustine Fashion Week Sip-Shop-Sample • March 3, 3pm to 6pm Fashion Week kicks off Saturday March 3 at St. Augustine Premium Outlets with a free SipShop-Sample event. Join the select retailers at The St. Augustine Premium Outlets and designers for an afternoon of shopping with friends and enjoy samples and sips along the way. A map will be emailed to you prior to event, with the retailers participating. Event is free, but registration is required. All registered event goers will automatically be entered to win STAFW event tickets and a $250 American Express Simon Giftcard.

St. Augustine Premium Outlets / 904-669-9245 / 2700 Florida State Road 16, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.stafashionweek.com

2nd Annual Women’s Symposium March 24, 4pm to 7pm Ladies are invited for the 2nd Annual Women’s Symposium. The evening will be filled with food, fun, music, games, raffles and prizes.

There will also be a panel of women discussing different topics that will help each of you, #RiseQueenRise. This event is sponsored by Women with a Purpose, a not for profit organization focused on building long lasting relationships by providing resources for women and young girls ages 15-18 years old. All proceeds for this event will go back into the community assisting young queens in rising to the challenge. The cost is $10, and seating is limited.

Watson Realty Corp / 904-797-8600 / 3505 US-1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086

Women’s Self Defense Impact Class March 7, 7:30pm to 9:30pm This 2-hour course was designed to impact the way you react to an attacker. During the first part of this course, participants will cover crimes against women and strategies to reduce your risks. During the second half, you will get you on your feet and change the way you think of dealing with an attacker via fundamental defensive tactics and techniques that every woman deserves to know. Ages 10-13 with adult, 14 and over may attend without. Cost is $55 per student.

The Women’s Defense Company / 904-6557772 / 13241 Bartram Park Boulevard, Unit 405, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / womensdefensecompany.com

Easy Ways to Decrease Stress For Women March 27, 6pm to 7pm Join library staff for an hour of stories and tips that teach women (particularly you busy moms!) three ways to decrease stress quickly and easily. Enjoy interactive discussion and identify your key stressors and adapt these techniques to fit your specific circumstances.

Bring a friend for moral support, since that will decrease your stress over coming to the class by yourself. These techniques will help you decrease your stress, overcome chronic exhaustion, and re-ignite your passion for life. Space is limited, so register in advance.

St. Johns County Public Library - Main Branch / 904-827-6940 / 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcpls.org

Anything But Chardonnay or Cabernet Wine Seminar • March 8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Crooked River State Park hosts a series of educational seminars & tasting to enhance the knowledge of attendees through the enjoyment of new varietal wines & matching cheeses.

The seminars are conducted by Vic D Hubbard, a wine Educator & Wine Festival Judge for five decades. Each seminar will feature new wines. Proceeds to benefit Friends of Crooked

Women’s Wednesday Road Ride March 28, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Join Specialized Ambassadors, Jackie & Lesia for Women’s Wednesday Road Ride leaving from Open Road Bicycles San Marco. Distance and speed will be determined by attendance.

Open Road Bicycles San Marco / 904-636-7772 / 4460 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / openroadbicycles.com

CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES now in Jacksonville!

This program of ART for your child was developed in the Southwest, and has taken Children’s Art to an entirely NEW level! Your child will learn and achieve, and will be given recognition for this achievement at his/her very own Annual Art Show!

Classes will be taught and supervised by a certified Art Teacher with 25 years experience in this proven method of Studio Art Education. Students will work with pencil, charcoal, ink, printmaking, painting, design, water colors, cast paper, clay and much, much more!

Art classes are available to children ages 3 and up, and will meet once a week. 7 year curriculum.

Tuition is $84/month. Classes meet at: 8411 Baymeadows Way #2 1406 Kingsley Ave Jacksonville, FL 32256 Orange Park, FL 32073 Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Give your child this gift of Art! Class size is limited so register TODAY! Call for further information or visit us online at www.childrensartclasses.com to view details and print out your own REGISTRATION FORM. Upon registration, you will receive confirmation and registration packet.

BAYMEADOWS 8411 Baymeadows Way #2 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Barbara Gay 904.612.7557 Stephanie Larsen 904.962.4292

ORANGE PARK 1406 Kingsley Ave Orange Park, FL 32073 Barbara Gay 904.612.7557 Jessica Grotberg 904.729.6144

JOIN LEONARD and thousands of kids who know SAVING MONEY ROCKS!

It’s Fun. It’s Free.

And It’s Just For Kids.

Hey kids, I’m Leonard. My friends and I are called The Sandtastics, and we hope you’ll join all the other kids who are already doing a sandtastic job of saving in The VyStar Kids Club. You’ll see that your dollars add up quickly. So you can save for a new video game, a cool outfit, college, or a new guitar!

MOMs and dads, stop by a branch AND sign your kids up today!

“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.”

*Important Note: Kids Club is open to children age 12 and under. To open an account, you will need a child’s birth certificate or certified copy AND social security card or state identification card.

We never forget that it’s your money.

904-777-6000 • 1-800-445-6289

– Jesse Jackson

OPEN YOUR KIDS CLUB ACCOUNT TODAY!

vystarcu.org

All new accounts are subject to approval. Programs, rates, terms, conditions and services are subject to change without notice. ©2018 VyStar Credit Union VYS 2461Jax4Kids.indd 1

1/19/18 10:12 AM

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 5

EAT

SERVINGS OF

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY DAY. TRY FROZEN AND CANNED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

SHOP IN SEASON. Buying fruits and vegetables in season generally means the food will taste better, be more affordable, and be more nutritious.

Look for items with no added sugar or salt. Choose fruits canned in 100% fruit juice.

MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT.

LOOK FOR SPECIALS.

Enter the store and buy only what you need. You will save time and money.

Choose items that are on sale or “BOGO.” Use coupons for items that you frequently buy.

5-2-1-0 The Healthiest Way to Go! helps Duval County kids and families to lead healthy and active lives through four simple daily practices:

Join the movement for a healthier community by becoming a 5-2-1-0 family!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.HEALTHYJACKSONVILLE.NET Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

HEALTH & SAFETY

National Nutrition Month: Go Further with Food

M

arch is National Nutrition month! This annual informational campaign was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a new theme is presented to the public each March.

The goal of the yearly campaign is to encourage Americans to make informed dietary choices and help people of any age to develop sound healthy eating and exercise habits.

This year’s theme, “Go Further with Food,” implies that if we choose our foods wisely, food can work for us instead of against us. You might wonder how food works against us? Emptycalorie foods – opposite of nutrient-dense foods, those foods high in refined sugar and saturated fat, actually work against our bodies, making us feel tired, unsatisfied and lead to excess weight gain. Nutrient-dense foods on the other hand are loaded with vitamins/minerals, protein and/or fiber and low in refined sugars. They help make us feel satisfied, give us energy and provide antioxidants that can help prevent chronic illness.

Choose more: • Blueberries – high in antioxidants; can reduce inflammation.

• Greek yogurt or Kefir – high in protein and calcium for strong bones.

• Broccoli –- high in antioxidants; can reduce inflammation.

• Salmon –- protein food high in Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health.

• Kale – loaded with vitamins C, K and A; also rich in potassium and iron.

• Avocado – high in monounsaturated fats; helps with blood pressure.

• Walnuts – protein food high in Omega-three fatty acids to support brain health and help reduce inflammation.

• Olive oil – high in monounsaturated fat; high in polyphenols which support brain health.

• Quinoa - whole grain high in protein, fiber, magnesium, folate, iron and zinc • Spinach – loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamins K, A and C, folate, iron and magnesium.

Many of these nutrient-dense foods are naturally Choosing nutrient-dense foods makes the most lower in calories with the exception of the out of the calories you consume for the day. avocado and olive oil, which although contain These foods alone cannot make you a top athlete, healthy fat, are higher in calories. but they can help you perform to the best of your athletic ability and they help promote longevity.

We can’t talk about nutrient-dense without also mentioning a power-drink: water. Calorie-free, Empty-calorie foods may satisfy you temporarily, water is the best way to hydrate yourself. You will but leave you wanting more calories soon after always perform your best when well-hydrated. (think chips or sodas). Nutrient-dense foods Drink a glass of water before a meal and you will which are high in fiber and/or protein such as naturally eat less. Feel hungry? Try drinking a whole fruits/vegetables, whole grains or Greekglass of water and see if you are just thirsty. style yogurt will satisfy you longer.

Don’t like water? Add a few lemon/lime slices to make it taste better.

Let’s look how we can make this year’s theme make sense in our daily meal planning and food Make food work for you! “Go Further with Food” choices. this year and be the best that you can be!

j Choose fewer: • Sodas – 10 teaspoons of refined sugar per Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N can; can lead to excess weight gain.

Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition • Desserts – little nutrient value; high in Wolfson Children’s Hospital refined sugars/calories.

• Chips – high in total fat/calories; high in sodium.

• Juice drinks (anything not 100% fruit juice) – excess calories and refined sugars.

• Coffee drinks – many high in calories/fat and added sugars from flavorings.

Things to Do Health & Safety

7th Annual Northeast Florida Veg Fest March 3, 11am to 6pm Presented by The Girls Gone Green, the Northeast Florida Veg Fest will be a day celebrating all the wonderful things our community has to offer. The best of the best local, sustainable, eco-friendly, compassionate, organic, healthy and humane organizations and businesses will come together to elevate the consciousness in Jacksonville. The day-long event will feature live music, cooking demonstrations, kids’ zone, vegan pie-eating contest, freebies, raffles, scavenger hunt and more. Riverside Park / 753 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www. nfvegfest.org Lighthouse 5K & Fun Run and Night Fest March 3, 4pm to 7pm The Junior Service League will be hosting the annual Night Fest, which opens to the general public at 4pm and will feature live music, activities for kids, concessions, the chance to climb the tower and tour the Lighthouse grounds.

There is no cost for admission. This event is a part of the Lighthouse 5K & Fun Run. The 5K and Fun Run will start and end at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The 5K starts at 4:30pm, and the Fun Run begins at 5:30pm. Registration for the Fun Run is $10 per person; registration for the 5K ranges from $30 to $40.

St. Augustine Lighthouse / 904-616-4979 / 100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / lighthouse5krun.com YMCA Lifestyle Cooking Series March 8, 12:30pm - Barco-Newton YMCA March 12, 1pm – Williams YMCA March 15, 2pm – St. Augustine YMCA March 28, 11:30am – Baptist North YMCA AETNA is partnering with Publix Aprons Cooking School and Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant to present an educational series on healthy cooking. Within the one hour session, chefs will demonstrate delicious recipes that incorporate healthy food options that accommodate every lifestyle. Each month, learn a new topic that will help improve your eating habits or build on existing healthy habits. This event is free to the community and samples will be provided. RSVP at the Welcome Center. First Coast YMCA / 904265-1770 / firstcoastymca.org St. Augustine YMCA, 500 Pope Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 Williams YMCA, 10415 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32257 Barco-Newton YMCA, 2075 Town Center Boulevard Fleming Island, FL 32003 Baptist North YMCA, 11250 Baptist Health Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218 The Gate River Run & Junior River Run March 10, 8am Events for the annual Gate River Run include USA 15K Championship Run/Walk, Florida Times-Union 5k for Charity, Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile, Junior River Run, Diaper

Dash, 3 Day Runner’s Expo, live music, post-race celebration, and more. The runners expo is Thursday, March 8 from 11am to 6pm; Friday, March 9, from 11am to 8pm; and Saturday, March 10, from 8:30am to 12noon. A free one mile fun run for children will be held on March 10 at 11am.

This race is limited to children 13 and under.

Each child’s parent must fill out and sign an entry form for them. Pick up t-shirt and packet at GATE River Run Expo. Pre-registration is required if you are participating as part of a team; if signing up as an individual, you can pre-register, or sign up on race morning. There will be four heats, broken down by age and gender. There will also be a Diaper Dash at 11am. The 5K will be held on March 10 at 8am. All participants will receive a technical shirt and a finisher medal. Half of each entry will go directly to charities.

Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.1stplacesports. com St. Paddy’s Run 10K & 5K March 18, 8am to 11am The St. Paddy’s Run features a 10K and a 5K through Evergreen Cemetery. Both events begin at 8am. Participants will receive technical race shirts for this event, as well as finisher medals.

Entry fees range from $30 to $40.

Evergreen Cemetery / 4535 Main Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32206 / 1stplacesports.com Herbal Medicine Chest March 18, 1pm to 4pm Learn what natural health solutions can replace the items commonly found in your medicine cabinet. You will learn to make your own herbal pain killers, antibiotics, fungal remedy, and stomach aids. Refill your medicine chest with remedies that are safe, effective and economical for your family. In this workshop you will make 2 remedies and gain the knowledge to make many more. Fee $40. To reserve your spot for a class, call Maggie’s Herb Farm at 904-829-0722 to pay by credit card. Payments can also be made in person at the farm during normal business hours.

Seating for classes is limited and pre-registration is required for all classes.

Maggie’s Herb Farm / 904-829-0722 / 11400 County Road 13 North, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.maggiesherbfarm.com Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit Run 5K March 24, 8am The Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit Run will be held March 24. The 5K will start and end at the Chick-Fil-A in River City Marketplace. Entry fees for the 1 mile fun run are $15, and fees for the 5K range from $25 to $30. The Overall Top Three Male and Female finishers wins Chick-Fil-A for a year! There will also be age group awards for 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, and adult categories.

Prizes and awards will be presented at the postrace celebration.

Chick-fil-A River City Marketplace / 14020 Lunar Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / 1stplacesports. com

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Health Events online at www.jax4kids.com

“Well done is better than well said.”

– Benjamin Franklin MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 7

Asthma Attacks on the Decline

HEALTH & SAFETY

Poison Prevention

P

oison Prevention Week is March 18 – 24.

Poisons can be found anywhere – in the house, in the yard, in the playground, or on the sidewalk. Take this opportunity to poison-proof your home and educate children.

March. Collection dates and locations are March 3rd at Ed Austin Regional Park: 3450 Monument Road and March 17th at Blue Cypress Park: 4012 • Read and follow the directions for use of University Blvd. N. Both events are from 9am products and their disposal. Do this before until 3pm. Directional signage will be posted on using the products. Follow the advice the day of the event. Additional events are More than 90 percent of the time, poisonings carefully and never mix chemicals or scheduled for April 7 and 21, May 5 and 19 and happen in people’s homes. The majority of these household cleaners or detergents. Doing so June 9. Visit coj.net and Search Hazardous Waste poisonings occur in the kitchen, bathroom and for locations or log on to Jax4Kids.com’s events can create a poisonous gas. bedroom. That is why it is important to follow • Turn on fans and open windows when using pages for dates and locations. simple steps to prevent a poisoning from chemicals or household cleaners, and never happening at home. sniff containers to see what is inside.

Electronic waste that will be accepted includes: • When spraying chemicals, direct spray TVs, Computer monitors, Computer terminals, Teach your children to never touch or put nozzle away from people and pets.

CPUs, Keyboards, Printers, Scanners, Stereo anything in their mouths unless they know what it • Even in small amounts, windshield wiper equipment, Radios, VCRs, DVDs, Camcorders, is. Children who are less than 6 years old are the fluid is poisonous. If swallowed, it can Desk and mobile phones, Pagers, Power tools, most likely to be poisoned.1 A child’s age, weight, cause blindness or death to people and Small kitchen appliances (i.e. microwaves, and medical history will affect the treatment of a pets. Use it carefully to avoid spraying it in toaster ovens), and Health and beauty appliances. poisoning. someone’s face.

There is a limit of 3 Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) • Chemicals can burn the skin. Drain and televisions per customer. Household For caregivers openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers, and hazardous wastes cannot be collected curbside oven cleaners can cause such burns. with regular trash. Accepted household hazardous Caregivers should be mindful of safety tips to • Liquids made from petroleum, such as waste includes: Paint, Paint thinners and paint gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, strippers, Rechargeable batteries, Photographic keep children safe from poisons. Keep the following poisonous products away from children: paint thinner, baby oil, lamp oil, and chemicals, Thermometers and thermostats, Drain furniture polish, are poisonous. cleaners, Pool chemicals, Aerosol cans, Pesti 1. If these items are swallowed, they can cides, Antifreeze, Fertilizer, Acids, Gun powder, • Painkillers such as acetaminophen and easily get into the lungs. Even a small Ammunition and fireworks, Fluorescent bulbs and similar medications • Cosmetics such as perfume or nail polish, amount can cause breathing problems. tubes including CFL light bulbs, and 20-pound and personal care products such as The liquid coats the inside of the lungs propane cylinders. and prevents oxygen from entering the deodorant and soap • Cleaning products such as laundry blood stream.

For more information or to arrange for special detergent and floor cleaners handling of unusual waste material, call (904) Pesticides 630-CITY (2489).

To avoid poisonings when taking care of children, • Pesticides (pest killers) can be taken in You can drop off unused and out-of-date be aware of the following tips: through the skin or inhaled and can be medications at the Police Memorial Building, 501 • All medicines and household cleaning extremely poisonous. Even leather shoes E. Bay Street for proper disposal. A drop box is products should be stored in locked and gloves do not offer full protection. Stay located at the Forsyth Street entrance of the cabinets, out of the reach and sight of away from areas that have been sprayed Police Memorial Building.1 until the spray has dried or for at least one children.

• Keep children where you can see them at hour.

What should you do if you suspect someone is • Wear protective clothing when using bug poisoned? all times, even when you go to answer the spray or other spray products. Put on a door or telephone. long-sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, shoes, The American Association of Poison Control • Never leave young children alone.

• Do not leave poisons on a counter or in an and gloves. Remove and wash clothing Centers poison hotline is available 24 hours after using chemicals. unlocked cabinet. everyday. Call (800) 222-1222 • If pesticides are splashed onto the skin, • Never carry something that can be rinse with running water for 15 to 20 When someone has come into contact with a poisonous, such as a medicine, in a purse minutes. If pesticide contacts clothing, take poison, this tool can give information about what where children may find it.

• Safety latches on drawers or cabinets, and off the clothing before rinsing skin. to do. child resistant caps on bottles, are helpful • Many garden chemicals are poisonous if in keeping poisons out of the hands of swallowed or inhaled by children and Simply type in a product, poison or medication to adults. children. get help - https://www.poisonhelp.org/help j and other chemicals or products. These should be stored away from food.

As you begin spring cleaning and work on the yard, follow these simple tips to keep your family safe: Household cleaners and other products

Household hazardous wastes cannot be collected curbside with regular trash. Residents may bring these items, however, to one of the scheduled mobile collection events or they may take items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 2675 Commonwealth Ave.

• Keep poisons in the containers they came in. Do not use food containers (such as The City of Jacksonville will host two Household cups or bottles) to store household cleaners Hazardous Waste mobile collection events during

Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

poisonhelp.hrsa.gov

C

hildren with asthma in the U.S. are having fewer asthma attacks, missed school days, and visits to the hospital, according to a new Vital Signs report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report shows that the percentage of children with asthma who experienced one or more asthma attacks in the preceding 12 months declined from 2001 (61.7%) to 2016 (53.7%).

Even so, approximately half of children with asthma had one or more asthma attacks in 2016.

“We are making progress – but healthcare providers, parents, caregivers, and schools can do more to help children avoid asthma attacks,” said CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat, M.D. “Asthma attacks can be terrifying for children and their families. Over the past decade, we’ve identified asthma management actions that work – not alone but in combination. Now we need to scale up these efforts nationwide.”

Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease of childhood, affecting approximately 6 million children in the United States. Although asthma cannot be cured, asthma symptoms can usually be controlled by avoiding or reducing exposure to asthma triggers (allergens and irritants) and by following recommendations for appropriate medical care.

Also, the report shows that some children are more likely to have asthma than others, including boys, children ages 5-17 years, non-Hispanic black children, children of Puerto Rican descent, and children from low-income families. In 2016, asthma attacks were most common among the youngest children, 4 years old and under.

What can we do?

Every person with asthma needs to have a personalized Asthma Action Plan. Easy to use plans are available to download and print online.

You can find them at www.cdc.gov/asthma/ tools_for_control.htm. Select the one that is best suited for you, print a copy and fill in the information requested.

Parents and children: • Learn about asthma, how to manage it, and how to recognize the warning signs of an asthma attack.

• Take steps to reduce asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke, mold, and pet dander in the home. If caregivers smoke, they should try to quit or at least never smoke around children.

• Make sure children use their asthma controller medicine as prescribed.

• Communicate with schools, other family members, caregivers and healthcare providers about the child’s asthma action plan and about asthma symptoms.

Schools: • Educate school nurses and other school staff about asthma and how to help children control it.

• Carry out asthma-friendly policies to help children follow their action plans, including stocking quick relief medications, letting older children carry controller and rescue medicines, and helping children take part in school activities, such as exercising indoors when air quality is poor. j

cdc.gov

HEALTH & SAFETY

7 Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children

I

t’s tough for any parent to discover that their child may have a sleep disorder. Recent studies estimate that nearly 30% of children may have a sleep disorder at some point in their lives.

1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) EDS is one of the most common symptoms of sleep disorders in both children and adults as more than a few sleep disorders lead to daytime drowsiness. It’s not uncommon for children to occasionally feel overly tired. If your child is sleepy throughout the day, takes naps at ages where most kids don’t nap, have trouble waking in the morning, or just have a general lack of energy during the day, they may have EDS.

nightmares, but may be very scary to witness for the parents. Often during a night terror episode the child will sit up in bed and scream or cry.

Causes of night terrors have been linked to an immature central nervous system and will often be outgrown by adolescence.

6. Sleep Walking Sleep Walking is very common in children with as many as 30% of children between 3 and 7 having walked in their sleep. Sleep walking occurs when a child leaves the bed in the middle of the night while still asleep. Their eyes may be open and they may mumble unintelligible utterances as they walk about. Most children who sleepwalk outgrow it by the time they’re teenagers. Sleep walking can be dangerous especially if the child 2. Trouble sleeping If your child often complains about not being able is walking downstairs during episodes, turning on appliances, or leaving the house. Try to make to go to sleep or has trouble staying asleep, or often wakes much earlier than normal, it could be your child’s environment as safe as possible to avoid injuries. It is also not recommended to a sign of insomnia. Insomnia in children can wake a sleepwalker during an episode as it may caused by a variety of factors including: stress, cause fear and confusion in the child. pain, or mental disorders.

3. Snoring Snoring in itself isn’t harmful as it’s merely a sound caused by vibrations in the upper airway.

However, the vibrations can be caused by blockage in which the air isn’t reaching the lungs efficiently, which can lead to a sleep disorder.

Some common causes of snoring in children are: respiratory infections, nasal congestion, a deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.

4. Nightmares Nightmares are frightening dreams that occur during REM sleep and can wake a child up feeling terrified, threatened, and afraid, making falling back asleep difficult. Occasional nightmares are pretty common in children beginning around the age of 3 and can occur more frequently between the ages of 6-10. Nightmares can lead to a sleep disorder if they are very frequent and wake the child up often.

5. Night terrors Night terrors are distinguished from nightmares in that the child never fully awakens from sleep.

Because the child rarely awakens during a night terror event, it’s not as frightening to them as

7. Bedwetting Bedwetting (enuresis) in most children is not all that uncommon, and by itself isn’t cause for concern. Bedwetting isn’t considered a sleep disorder unless the child is older than five years old and has episodes at least 2 times a week regularly. Bedwetting can be caused if there is a family history of bedwetting, developmental lag, low bladder control, and emotional distress.

However, if your child frequently wets the bed and is also experiencing daytime drowsiness, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

What You Can Do Sleep disorders in children can lead not only to tired and cranky children, but to all kinds of behavioral problems at home, in school, and in their social lives as well. If you think your child may have a sleep disorder, the first step is to alert your child’s pediatrician to any sleep related issues that they’ve been having. From there you may find that either the problems may go away on their own, surgery to remove tonsils and/or adenoids may be necessary, or a sleep study may need to be performed. j alaskasleep.com

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

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Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

INFANT & TODDLER

Some Terrific TV for Your Beginner T

urning your toddler onto TV for the first time can feel like a big, scary step. Once you introduce screens, is your kid ever going to want to go back to reading books? Are you going to hear nothing but the whiny whimsical voices and grating music of young kids’ cartoons for the next few years? How will commercials, gender stereotypes, characters’ bratty behavior, and the lure of a candy-colored on-screen world affect such impressionable young minds?

childhood programing. Since 1969, Big Bird and friends have delighted and entertained toddlers around the globe. With engaging learning lessons, diverse characters, catchy music, and celebrity guests, you really can’t go wrong with this enduring classic.

The Stinky and Dirty Show (Amazon Prime)

Truck-obsessed toddlers will go nuts for this sweet show about best friends Stinky the garbage truck and Dirty the backhoe based on Yes, TV feels like a slippery slope. But if you’re the books by Jum and Kate McMullan. With thoughtful about your choices and balance TV minimal characters, it’s easy for toddlers to follow time with other activities, there’s no reason not to the story, and despite what their names may allow some quality entertainment. Start out slow suggest, Stinky and Dirty are terrific role models with toddler-targeted shows that are gentle, brief, for kids and really demonstrate the power of and full of age-appropriate content. Make an teamwork. effort to find well-made programs that truly engage your toddler (if she’s singing the songs to Storybots Super Songs (Netflix) her stuffed animals, it’s probably a good one!).

In every episode of this music-centric spin-off of Use the shows’ subjects as starting points for the popular “Ask the Storybots” program, you’ll pretend games and conversation. Co view when see multiple short music videos about various you can, and follow up with questions about the topics, from outer space to farm animals. It’s an shows. And take heart in the fact that kids can absolute visual treat, as it skips around effortactually learn both preschool skills such as letters lessly among various types of animation; one and numbers and social-emotional skills from segment might be done with stop-motion well-chosen viewing. puppetry, one may use traditional 2D animation, and the next might look like a watercolor Get started with a few of our faves right here. painting.

Beat Bugs (Netflix) Super Simple Songs (YouTube) Even parents will enjoy this sweet show inspired Music is key to engaging and entertaining young by the enduring magic of Beatles’ songs. With messages of friendship and teamwork, there are kids. In Super Simple Songs, cartoon characters a lot of great takeaways (and, of course, it’s never and puppets act out nursery rhymes both familiar and new and encourage the kids to sing along. too early to turn your kids onto good music).

Similar to Little Baby Bum, many of the videos Check out the TV movie musical spin-off “Beat introduce early learning concepts like letters and Bugs: All Together Now” for more Beatlescounting. inspired fun.

Tayo the Little Bus (Hulu) Little Baby Bum (YouTube) Little ears will perk up to this channel’s familiar nursery rhymes and lullabies, like “Wheels on the Bus,” “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” and “Hickory Dickory Dock” sung by cute, animated animals. Many of the videos introduce early learning concepts like colors, numbers, and shapes, and at two to three minutes a pop, the videos are perfect for short attention spans (although there are curated playlists for longer viewing as well).

Originally developed for South Korea’s Educational Broadcasting System, Tayo the Little Bus offers lots of fun adventures and positive lessons that toddlers can understand and enjoy with a focus on friendship, learning, and doing the right thing. For kids into vehicles, this one is a surefire winner.

Timmy Time (Disney Channel)

This lively show celebrates family, friendship, and diversity through content that incorporates English, Spanish, and even some American Sign Language. Simple elements such as Nina serving traditional meals and using Spanish phrases teach kids in a natural way.

Timmy Time centers on a mischievous young lamb who’s always looking for ways to fix the trouble he’s gotten into with his friends and teachers at nursery school. From the engaging animation to the show’s dialogue-free format, this one is perfect for toddlers because it packs each 10-minute story with important social lessons about responsibility, good sportsmanship, and fair play. j

Sesame Street (PBS)

commonsensemedia.org

Nina’s World (Hulu)

Sesame Street remains a superstar of early

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Wild Kratts Live! • March 4, 1pm to 2:30pm Wild Kratts Live is an all new theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmynominated Wild Kratts step out, live on stage, to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story.

Tickets range from $25 to $100. A post show VIP meet and greet with Martin and Chris Kratt is included with the $100 ticket.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / floridatheatre.com Toddler Tales at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School • March 5, 9am Join St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School for storytime in the library every other Monday during the school year. Different themes each month, special guest readers, and fun crafts will engage your emerging student age 0-4. These events are free and open to all parents/caregivers and their toddlers. Please register online in advance. This week’s theme is St. Patrick’s Day. St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School / 904-388-2632 / 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www.stmarksdayschool.org Mini Moments at Jacksonville Country Day School • March 9, 9am to 9:45am Jacksonville Country Day School invites you to visit the campus for a fun experience and a glimpse into their Pre-K program. Designed for two and three-year-olds along with a parent or caregiver, Mini-Moments are your chance to participate in an interactive event with your child, make new friends, and learn about the school. This month’s program is Art - This art class will educate you and your child about a famous artist while experimenting with different materials in a developmentally friendly way to create a beautiful art piece inspired by that artist. This is a free event but space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please email admissions@jcds.com. Jacksonville Country Day School / 904-641-6644 / 10063 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jcds.com Art For Two: Shapes, Lines, Colors, Oh My March 10, 10:30am to 12noon Make art with your little one and enjoy gallery and garden visits on the second Saturday of each month. While viewing abstract art in the galleries, students will learn about color theory and color mixing and then return to the studio to create a monochromatic painting using lines and shapes.

Open to children ages 3 through 5 and their favorite adult. Class size is limited. For further information, please email education@cummermuseum. org or call 904-355-0630. Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair. Registration required.

This month’s theme is Elements Of Art. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens / 904-3566857 / 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.cummermuseum.org

Baby’s First Birthday • March 10, 11am Babies R Us hosts a Baby’s First Birthday to celebrate little ones who are turning one. Join staff in store to celebrate this milestone with fun activities & giveaways. Plus, find all the baby’s first birthday solutions to make the special day perfect from keepsakes and outfits to gifts and party supplies.

Babies R Us, St. Johns Town Center / 904-9976291 / 4875 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / reserve.babiesrus.com Little Learners at MOSH March 14, 9:30am to 11:30am Bring your little ones to MOSH on the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming designed for learning and development and watch them grow. These programs encompass various learning styles and activities for preschool aged children that help to enhance their skills and dexterity. All activities are designed to encourage caregivers to engage their little ones in conversations and to work with them through each station.

Please note that Little Learners encourages child/ caregiver interaction and requires one registered adult per two children. Due to the popularity of these events, we highly recommend you register in advance to guarantee your place. Once online availability is gone, no further tickets will be sold at the door. (Caregivers must register themselves and their children for each month’s program).

Admission is $6/person for ages 3 and up. This month’s event is Mini Tinkerers.

Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Art For Tots at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens • March 22 or 24, 9:30am to 10:30am The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens hosts Art For Tots. This class is for children 24-36 months and an accompanying adult. The program is designed to help develop a child’s sensory and motor skills through art, movement, music, and storytelling and takes place in the galleries, garden, and studios. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please email education@cummermuseum.org or call 904-355-0630. Cost is Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair; Registration Required.

The class is offered on two days/month. This month’s program is Modern Messages.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens / 904-3550630 / 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.cummermuseum.org

Free VPK Parent Info Clinic March 28, 6:30pm to 7pm Kid City USA hosts a free VPK Parent Info Clinic for parents of kids who are four, or soon to be.

Attendees will learn the answers to questions such as What is VPK? What do parents need to do before school starts? What should parents expect to get from VPK?. The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program -- or VPK -- prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in Gate River Run - Diaper Dash • March 10, 11am a child’s development. Discuss how parents can The Diaper Dashes will be held to the left of the choose from different educational settings and stage at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. The dashes various program options. Limited space is available will start about 11am with each division starting so email your name to jennifer@kidcityusa.com to as soon as the younger division is finished. You be added to the free VPK clinic list. sign up your child at the start of the race. Each Kid City USA / 904-220-7737 / 12750 Abess Blvd, Diaper Dash will be 25 to 40 yards. Registration is Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.kidcityusa.com free and includes a Diaper Dash T-Shirt. Divisions: 12 months and under; 13 – 24 months; 25 – 36 months; 37 – 48 months.

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Infant and Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place, Toddler Events guide, online at Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.1stplacesports.com

www.jax4kids.com

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

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Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

SPECIAL NEEDS

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS Angelwood Summer Camp June 25 - July 27 9am - 3pm Extended Hours are available Ages 5-22. Camp is an opportunity for kids to play and experience new things in a setting adapted to their abilities in order to maintain and learn new skills- and most importantly- make new friend. Trained staff provides an enriching and safe place to be while encouraging development of social skills and personal growth. Angelwood Summer Day Camp keeps campers busy, interactive, and entertained with a variety of activities such as music, arts and crafts, recreation, and large group activities like water day, petting zoo, carnival day, and magic shows.

904-288-7259 / 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / angelwoodjax.org Camp I Am Special June 11 - August 4 Overnight Camp I Am Special is an overnight camp experience for children, teenagers, and young adults challenged by physical, emotional and mental disabilities. The campers are able to enjoy all of the fun and traditions of a recreational camp, from sleeping in bunkhouses, and dining and singing in the Social Hall, to participating in mail call and art projects in the Pavilion, to Cane Pole fishing on the dock, and swimming in the pool. Cost: $725 per week.

904-230-7447 / 235 Marywood Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259 / campiamspecial.com Camp JADA June 11 - June 15 8:30am - 4:30pm Ages 6-17. While participating in a variety of awesome activities, campers will also be learning about nutrition, exercise, insulin, and blood glucose monitoring. The

first priority is not perfecting blood sugar management but rather the safety of your child while they enjoy a traditional camp experience. Camp JADA medical staff is always present to administer necessary medical care. Blood testing and insulin administration are also conducted under certified medical supervision. Cost: Camp Fee $135 Extended Hours Fee $25.

904-730-7200 ext. 3026 / 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / www.diabetes.org Camp Possible at Henderson Haven July 9 – July 27 9am – 3pm Ages 3 – 21. Weekly themes are: Week 1 - All About Animals (Petting Zoo) Week 2 - Dr. Seuss (Hot Air Balloon Ride) Week 3 - Wacky Water Week (40’ Water Slide) Cost: $225/week. Extended Day additional.

904-264-2522 / 772 Foxridge Center Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.hendersonhaven.org Girl Scouts SMILE Camp June 18 - June 22 8am - 3pm Girl Scouts of Gateway Council offers a week-long day camp for children ages 5 to 11 with autism, cerebral palsy, mental handicaps, spina bifida, visual and hearing impairments, as well as other physical health challenges. Smile camp offers children living with disabilities the chance to experience a week of new friends, outdoor adventure, and a sense of belonging.

Smile Camp gives children living with autism and other disabilities a break from their day-to-day routine and brings them outside for an entire week of new experiences.

904-389-3071 / 4500 Trefoil Trail, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.girlscouts-gateway.org Jericho School Intensive Summer Program July 9 - August 3 This is not a Summer Camp where your child learns new arts and crafts. This will be four weeks of intensive Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior services for children with developmental disabilities.

Each child will receive a comprehensive and Individualized Program with identified goals and objectives for acquisition of targeted skills. You can choose a two week program or take advantage of all four weeks for the Intensive Individualized Summer Program.

904-744-5110 / 1351 Sprinkle Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / www.thejerichoschool.org

Things to Do Special Needs Events

Jumpstreet Special Needs Event March 3, 9am to 11am Jumpstreet hosts a special event for children with special needs and their siblings. The semi-private event will be held the first Saturday of the month.

From 9am to 10am, the event is private; from 10am to 11am, the event is open to the public.

Cost is $8 for children 4 and up; $4 for children 3 and under. Parents/guardians are free.

Jumpstreet / 904-853-5721 / 1214 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.gotjump.com Peds Play at Brooks Rehabilitation Pediatric Recreation March 6, 9am to 11:30am Brooks Rehabilitation Pediatric Recreation hosts a new morning open play group with We Rock the Spectrum. The group is for children ages birth through age 5 with special needs. Siblings are welcome to join as well. Free. Held the first Tuesday of every month.

We Rock the Spectrum / 904-345-7501 / 9357-3 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www. werockthespectrumjacksonville.com Adaptive Play at TNT Gymnastics Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 9am to 10am Join TNT Gymnastics for an open play time that will allow your child to explore new surroundings, enjoy soft landings, and get those wiggles and giggles out. This play time is designed for children with sensory needs or on the autism spectrum. Parent/ Guardian is required to assist child as needed throughout the facility. Held weekly on Wednesdays from 9am to 10am. Cost is $5 cash or $6 card.

TNT Gymnastics / 904-998-8681 / 2683 St. Johns Bluff Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.tntgymfit. com Special Needs Gaming Party at Microsoft March 10, 9am to 10am The Microsoft Store hosts a Gaming Party for kids with special needs. XBox One consoles will be set up in the theater space for gaming. While the children are gaming, the parents have a breakout session on internet safety and parental controls.

Register online in advance. This event is open to families with children with special needs and their siblings. 40 spots are available on a first come first serve basis.

Microsoft Store / 4791 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.eventbrite.com Caring Bunny at The Avenues March 11, 8am to 11am Caring Bunny provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Free, but sign up in advance for your time slot.

The Avenues Mall / 904-363-3054 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon. com Autism Birthday Wish Club Party March 11, 9:30am to 11am The second Sunday of every month is the Autism Birthday WIsh Club Party for all kids celebrating their birthday in that month. Cost is $15 for ages 7 and up; $11 for ages 6 and under; $2/jumper for Velocity socks. One parent is free per child. Activities include one hour of jump time, 30 minutes of food/birthday cake, social skills for kids, parent connections and more. There will be five new vendors/service providers at every event. Waivers

are required to participate, and can be downloaded in advance online. This private party is open to all families and friends of children of all ages with Autism. Come meet local providers and socialize with parents and children. Food and cake included.

This event is hosted by Making Strides for Autism Inc. and Northeast Florida Advocates for Autism and Related Disabilities Inc. Velocity Air Sports / 904-551-4035 / 7022 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.velocityairsports.com 10th Annual Autism Symposium March 14, 8am to 5pm Parents, caregivers, special needs teachers, social workers, psychologists, and more, are invited for the 10th Annual Autism Symposium. Attendees will identify at least two communication approaches to improving spoken language, discuss the association between adaptive behavior deficits in ASD and adult outcome, identify two research tested methods for improving core impairments, and more. Admission is $75/person, and includes breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required.

University of North Florida / 904-202-6039 / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / s3.amazonaws.com Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities March 15-16, 9am to 3:30pm The Jericho School hosts a free two day workshop, Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior Analysis as a Science of Learning. Participants will acquire the understanding and application of the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. A focus will be on utilizing B.F. Skinner’s analysis of Verbal Behavior to assist in the acquisition of language skills for children with developmental disabilities. The workshop is geared for any parent, family member, teacher, or other service provider working with children or adolescence with autism or other learning or developmental disabilities. Free, but registration is mandatory. Registration deadline is March 9.

University of North Florida / 904-744-5110 / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www. thejerichoschool.org Buddy Breaks at Mandarin Presbyterian Church March 17, 1pm to 4pm This free respite program is designed to give caregivers of kids with special needs a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities. Each child and siblings are paired with an individual buddy friend for one-on-one attention as everyone has fun playing games, hearing and seeing great children’s stories, videos, music, and more, and the caregivers get a much needed break. To make a reservation, email buddybreak@mandarinpres.com .

Mandarin Presbyterian Church / 904-680-9944 / 2401 Loretta Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www. nathanielshope.org Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg-stravaganza March 25, 10am to 12noon We Rock the Spectrum hosts a Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg-stravaganza. The Easter Bunny will be there for 1:1 private photos with each child attending the event. There will be eggs to decorate, dance parties with the bunny, open play, and an Easter egg hunt at the end of the event. Cost is $25/child or $40/family (up to 3 kids). RSVP is required.

We Rock the Spectrum / 904-330-0362 / 9357-3 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

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SPRING BREAK CAMPS Champions Gymnastics March 19 - 23 9am - 3pm - Full Day 9am - 12pm - Half Day Boys and girls ages 4-12. *Gymnastics skills * Relay games * Obstacle course * Rope climbing challenges * Arts & crafts * Bounce house * Foam pit * a ton of FUN. We provide the perfect solution for families seeking a stimulating and nurturing environment for their children during holiday break. Champions camps are filled with exciting activities including gymnastics, relay games, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, foam pit, bounce house and more!

Cost: Full Day: $45 a day or $205 a week. Half Day: $30/day or $140/week.

904-732-6040 / 9410 Historic Kings Rd S, Jacksonville, 32257 / www.ChampionsOfJax.com

activities like Dodgeball, Volleyball, Kickball and Archery, Nutrition and Fitness Activities, Arts and Crafts, Obstacles, Relay Races and Games. www.jjva.com 904-854-2323 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Jax Surf & Paddle Spring Break Camp March 19 - 23, March 26 - 30 and April 2 - 6 9am - 3pm Age 6 – 16. Jax Surf Camp is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge, and comfort in the water. Campers will break into groups depending on age and skill.

Intermediate level surfers are welcome as well as beginners. After completing the five-day surf camp, your child will have learned these fundamental skills: water safety, paddling, navigating the surf zone, and of course standing up on a Creative Minds Academy Spring Break Camp board!

March 19 - 23, 6am - 6pm Cost: Half Day – $210/week or $50/day. Full Day Only $135/week! No Registration Fee. Includes – $350/week or $100/day (lunch included).

Field Trips, Lunch and Snacks. New Enrollees Camp Location: 7th St and Ocean Ave, Atlantic Only. Ages 5 – 12 years old. Chef prepares all Beach, FL. 32233 nutritious meals and snacks daily in their kitchen/ jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com dining room. 100% DCF Compliant.

904-435-7873 creativemindsacademyfl.com 222 Orange Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 Deerwood - 904-379-8126 / 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd South, Suite 704, Jacksonville, 32256 Theatre Jacksonville Spring Break Camp Durbin - 904-880-8588 / 14985 Old St. AugusMarch 19 - 23 and March 26 - 30 tine Rd, Suite 120, Jacksonville, 32258 8:30am - 5:30pm Grades 2 - 12. Theatre Jacksonville’s Spring MOSH Spring Discovery Camp Break Camps offer great fun for students on their March 19 - 24 annual Spring Break holiday from school. During 9am – 3pm Extended Care: 7:30am – 5pm each of our 1-week sessions our campers will get The Art of Science for K-2nd Grades a chance to explore, be challenged, create, and What do Picasso and Newton have in common? express themselves in a fun and safe learning Brilliant creativity! MOSH campers will use their environment. Cost: $300/week creativity and imaginations to explore scientific www.theatrejax.com ways to make art. Campers will make their 904-396-4425 own original artworks using various scientific 2032 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 processes, learning about science as well as awakening inspiration.

First Coast YMCA Spring Break Day Camp The Science of Art for 3rd-5th Grades March 16, March 19 - 23 and March 26 - 30 From Jackson Pollock to Theo Jansen, artists 6:30am - 6pm have used science to bring their creations to For ages 5-12. At the Y’s Spring Break Day Camp, life for centuries! MOSH campers will learn how children have the chance to participate in themed famous artists use different kinds of science in games, stir up their imagination, get plenty of extheir art while using science to make creations of ercise, and make new friends. Activities include: their own.

Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, Team Sports, Games, Cost: $164 for MOSH Members / $205 for NonScience Experiments and more. They will have Members fun just being a kid in a safe and enriching envi904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jackson- ronment. Plus, you can sign up for any number of ville, 32207 / themosh.org days. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend, so invite your friends. For more Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association information or to register your child, stop by the Kids Camp Welcome Center at your local Y. Pricing may vary March 19 - 22 and March 26 - 29 by camp location. Daily rates are also available.

9am - 5pm www.firstcoastymca.org Visit website for details Kids Camp is open to boys and girls and caters per location. to children from the ages of 5 to 11 years old.

It is packed full of fun and games and includes

Visit our online Spring Break Camps page at www.jax4kids.com for a complete list of Spring Break Camps Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Easter Events

Egg Hunt where everyone wins prizes, and a raffle where one winner in each store will win $100 gift card to create the ultimate Easter basket.

Babies R Us, St. Johns Town Center / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / reserve.babiesrus.com

Easter Bunny at the Avenues Mall Thru March 31 The Easter Bunny will be available for photos at the Avenues Mall, Lower Level, Center Court Stage from February 24 thru March 31. Appointments can be Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt • March 30, 7pm to 9pm scheduled in advance.

Avenues Mall / 904-363-3054 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Teens can enjoy a special after-dark egg hunt complete with over 2,000 glow-in-the-dark eggs filled with Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon.com candy. There will also be a local food truck to serve dessert, and the Game Time Game Truck will stop by as Mad Hatter’s Easter Festival 2018 well. Two separate egg hunts will take place, with one March 3, 11am-5pm at 8pm, and one at 8:30pm; both will include 2 golden The Mad Hatter’s Easter Festival is a free, one day event for all ages. The event features a meet and greet eggs per hunt with grand prizes. Don’t forget your with story book characters, free tea party with the Mad flashlights and a basket to collect the eggs in.

Central Park at the Palm Coast Town Center / 386-986Hatter and Alice, a DJ, live music, games, activities, giveaways, raffles, food trucks, shopping with over 30 2323 / 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / vendors from both Georgia & Florida, and more. There www.palmcoastgov.com will also be Easter egg hunts; be sure to register to Eggstravaganza in Palm Coast participate in the hunts. The first 50 registered kids March 31, 10am to 1pm will receive a free Easter bag/basket. Also, the first Kids are invited to hunt for 10,000+ candy and toy filled few shoppers will receive a free tote bag with vendor and sponsor supplied goodies. This year’s festival will eggs. The Easter Egg Hunts will be for children up to donate 100% of the raffle proceeds to Camden House, age 10, and will be divided into age categories. There a nonprofit organization that provides shelter to victims will also be magic shows, balloon art, carnival games, of domestic violence. Howard Gilman Waterfront Park face painting, trackless train, food, refreshments and pictures with the Easter Bunny. / 912-409-7773 / 102 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA Central Park in Town Center / 386-986-2323 / 975 31558 / www.coutureavenueparties.com Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com Happy Easter, Mouse Story Time at Doing Dishes Pottery Studio • March 6, 10am and 4pm Easter Brunch, Egg Hunt and More Doing Dishes offers a Story Time at both locations.

Class is once a month at 10am and 4pm. For $18, your March 31, 10:30am The Easter Bunny is coming to St. Augustine at Shores child will hear a story and then paint a corresponding piece. Your child will also receive a snack and a drink. United Methodist Church. Your family’s special This class is designed for you and your child to create morning with the Easter Bunny features a Continental a scheduled project together. Smaller children will need Buffet and an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures following the egg hunt. The guardians help. This month’s class features “Happy brunch buffet is free for the entire family and starts at Easter, Mouse”, and kids will a ceramic Easter egg.

10:30am, and the Easter egg hunt begins at 11am with Doing Dishes Pottery Studio / www.doingdishes.com children ages 11 and under welcome to join. In addition San Jose Location / 904-730-3729 / 5619 San Jose to a delicious Brunch, the morning includes children Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207 Saint Johns Location / 904-824-7774 / 2220 CR-210 W watching an Easter video and having Easter stories read to them. There will be prizes and goodies for all Suite 309, Saint Johns, FL 32259 children who attend. Shores United Methodist Church / 904-797-4416 / 724 Shores Blvd, St. Augustine, FL Toddler Tales – Easter • March 19, 9am 32086 / www.shoresumc.org Join St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School for storytime in the library every other Monday during the school year.

City of Jacksonville Beach Easter Egg Hunt Different themes each month, special guest readers, and fun crafts will engage your emerging student age March 31, 10am Join the City of Jacksonville Beach at the Jacksonville 0-4. These events are free and open to all parents/ caregivers and their toddlers. Please register online in Beach Golf Coure for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt is open to participants up to age 8, and is free advance. This week’s theme is Easter. for participants. Please bring a basket or bag to carry St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School / 904-388-2632 / your eggs. Jacksonville Beach Golf Course / 904-2474114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / 6100 / 605 Penman Road South, Jacksonville Beach, FL www.stmarksdayschool.org 32250 / www.jacksonvillebeach.org Underwater Easter Egg Hunt 2018 St. Augustine Easter Parade • April 1, 12noon March 22, 6:30pm to 7pm Children ages 5 to 12 years are invited to gather eggs The City of St. Augustine celebrates Easter with a left underwater in the Solomon Calhoun Pool. Egg hunt- Promenade at 12noon in the Plaza de la Constitucion’ ers can trade their eggs for prizes at the Bunny Store. gazebo in downtown St. Augustine on Cathedral Place.

This event is free for the community. Be sure to bring At the event, awards will be presented in several categories including best-dressed couple, best Easter a swimsuit, towel and a bucket to collect your eggs. bonnet, and family traveled the farthest, etc. At 3pm, Please RSVP to mcasson@fcymca.org or 904-704the 59th annual Easter Parade will begin. This parade 4644. features horse drawn carriages, marching bands, floats, Solomon Calhoun Pool / 904-704-4644 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.co.st-johns.fl.us drill teams, the Easter Bunny and St. Augustine’s Royal Family. The parade begins at the Authentic Old Jail Museum and follows San Marco Avenue through the Celestial Farms Spring Fling city. At 6pm, following the Easter Parade, there will be March 24, 9am to 3pm a Fromajada Celebration hosted by the St. Augustine Celestial Farms hosts a Spring Fling on March 24.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, Craft and Vendor Fair, Easter Festival Committee and the St. Augustine Royal barn yard tours and petting, train and horse rides, and Family at the Colonial Quarter. Traditional Minorcan more. As always, no admission or parking fees. Rides pastries will be available and the Easter Parade awards are available for $3 donation each. No fee to hunt eggs will be presented. All events are free and open to the public. Mission of Nombre de Dios/ 904-829-3800 / with age appropriate groups. Concessions and food trucks will be available. Bring a camera as there will be 27 Ocean Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.oldestcityeaster.org many photo opportunities.

Celestial Farms / 904-647-5265 / 13958 Duval Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.CelestialFarms.org Babies R Us Easter Event • March 25, 1pm The annual Babies R Us Easter event is for all ages.

The evnet includes an Easter parade lead by Geoffrey, Easter Bag arts and crafts activity, the Ultimate Easter

Find the full list of Easter Events online at www.jax4kids.com

SUMMER CAMPS San Pablo / 904-619-8797 / 3232 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, 32224 / Lic# C04DU0350

GENERAL ACTIVITIES CAMPS Aquatics Camp June 18 – August 3, 2018 Owned and operated by the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, the property is located at the St Johns River Base at Echockotee sitting on Doctors Inlet in Orange Park. Aquatics Camp serves boys and girls ages 6-14. A camper’s day is filled with activities that bring them from the shores of Doctors Lake to the heights of the climbing wall, and from the woods of the archery range to catching some air off the back of one of the wakeboard boats. Extended Care Available.

Discounts for multiple weeks, siblings, & early registration by May 15, 2018.

904-269-2091 / 2513 Doctors Lake Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.aquaticscamp.org Campapalooza June 4 - August 3, 2018 9am - 3pm Extended day available from 7am - 6pm Games, special events, and activities each week.

Different theme every week. Early Registration: $99/ week if you are registered by April 21st. $109/week after April 21st. $50 registration fee. Extended day $25/week. Sibling discounts available. Camp is held at Blessed Trinity Catholic School.

904-233-5605 / 10472 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.michaelleesdojo.com Camp Discovery June, July & August 2018 6:30am - 6:30pm Campers spend the summer exploring a variety of venues our community has to offer. Examples of our expeditions include: The Jacksonville Zoo, Sweet Pete’s Candy Factory, Skate City, Bowl America and the Alligator Farm. $125 per week plus $25 for field trip fees. Lunch & snacks provided. thediscoverytreeacademy.com Oakleaf / 904-779-1770 / 7629 Old Middleburg Road, Jacksonville, 32222 / Lic# C04DU0391z

Creative Minds Super Summer Camp June 4 - August 10, 2018 6:00am - 6:30pm Ages 5 - 12. $135/week includes lunch, snacks and field trips to Rebounderz, movies, Adventure Landing, skating, bowling, swimming, and more. An Indoor Game Room with XBOX, Fuseball, Pinball, etc. is located on site.

Creative Minds Academy - Deerwood 904-379-8126 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd South, Suite 704, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Creative Minds Academy - Durbin 904-880-8588 14985 Old St. Augustine Rd, Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32258 www.creativemindsacademyfl.com Smitty’s Day Camp June 4 - August 10, 2018 6:30am - 6pm Ages 5-12. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, arts and crafts, sports, field trips, nature walks, hayrides, carnival, and water slide. Mini-Camp is also available for children entering kindergarten this year.

Cost: $150/week.

904-732-9660 / 7710 Hilsdale Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.smittysdaycamp.com KidsPark Summer Camp June - August 2018 Southside opens at 7:30am Avondale opens at 8:00am KidsPark is an hourly drop in childcare center that also offers fun and enriching summer camp themes. Camp Buddy for kids ages 2 - 5 and Camp Blue Crew for kids ages 6 - 12. Each week will have different themes that are sure to be a hit with each age group. Camps focus on imaginative play, arts and crafts, music and movement, circle and story time, group games, as well as outdoor play. They have a flexible “pay as you go” rate. No need to pay if you are on vacation or your child is sick. Cost: $8.50 an hour or $51 daily rate per child up to 8 hours. Additional sibling discount available.

Families must be registered at KidsPark (Registration is $40.00, show this ad for half off, a $20.00 value). Call for details. www.KidsPark.com Kidspark Avondale - 4274 Herschel St. / 904-387-8602 / #CO4DUO724 Kidspark Tinseltown - 9726 Touchton Road #111 / 904-683-4554 / # C04DU0978

SUMMER CAMP

2018 June 18 - August 3, 2018 Enjoy the fun of one or all seven weeks Monday - Friday • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Early drop off and late pick up available)

Busing available from Beach Blvd. and Mandarin.

Aquatics Camp is a nationally accredited day camp program, open to boys and girls ages 6-14.

Discounts for multiple weeks, siblings & early registration by May 15, 2018.

- Sailing - Swimming - Tubing

- Archery - Robotics - Handicrafts

- Wakeboarding - GaGa Ball - Wacky Science

- Kayaking - Paddle Boarding - Over 40 Activities!

Aquatics Camp St. John’s River Base at Echockotee 2513 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park, FL (904) 269-2091 aquatics.camp@scouting.org

Register online today at www.aquaticscamp.org

CAMP CUMMER A C R E AT I V E S U M M E R S TA R T S AT C A M P C U M M E R

CAMP DETAILS • For children entering grades 1 through 6 • Middle school camp also available • Extended care (morning and afternoon) available for an additional fee • Campers may attend one or two weeklong sessions (one red, one blue)

The mission of the Cummer Museum is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. Children will learn, grow, and explore new ways of expressing themselves at Camp Cummer.

PRICE PER WEEK Members $180, Non-Members $215

2018 CAMP CUMMER DATES June 11 through 15, June 18 through 22, June 25 through 29, July 9 through 13, July 16 through 20, July 23 through 27

Advance registration is required. Learn more and enroll at cummermuseum.org/camp.

HEAL Foundation scholarships are available for children with autism.

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SUMMER CAMPS mages. The Volleyball Summer Camp is open to boys and girls grades 4 – 12. It is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship. Camp Costs: 5 days $265, 3 days $165, 2 days $110.

904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jjva.com

SPORT CAMPS Good Lad Soccer Camps June 4-8, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20, 2018 9am - 3pm A fast paced, fun camps are returning just in time for the summer. All the camps are held at Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex. Good Lad Soccer Camps are perfect for children ages 8-12 and will focus on ball skills, endurance, overall fitness and agility. Players will need to bring their soccer gear, water jug, bag lunch and snack. Cost: $280/week . Half-day 9-12pm or 12-3pm, $150/week. 10% Discount for siblings. 10% discount for multiple week sign up.

904-240-2572 / 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.goodladsoccer.com Gymnastics Unlimited Summer Camps June 11 – August 10, 2018 9am – 3pm Boys and girls ages 5 – 18. Gymnastics on all four Olympic Events (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor), Cheerleading, Dance, Fitness, Arts and Crafts, Movies, Indoor Games and more. There is a Show-off day EVERY Friday with Awards. Free extended hours available.

Half days and daily drop-ins welcome. Cost: First week $165. $10 discount for each additional week (maximum discount of three weeks). 50% deposit is required to reserve space. All money is due on the 1st day of camp week. Family discounts available.

904-783-8043 / 5532 Lenox Ave / www.gymnasticsunlimitedfl.com i9 Summer Indoor Instructional Programs at the Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex July 7 - August 11, 2018 Saturdays only Choose between Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, or

Basketball.

Indoor Soccer - Ages 3-10 as of 09/01/2018 Indoor Flag Football - Ages 4-13 as of 09/01/2018 Indoor Basketball - Ages 5-10 as of 09/01/2018 904-992-4263 / 3605 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.i9sports.com i9 Summer Multi-Sport Camp at UNF August 6 - August 10, 2018 9:30am - 4pm Coed Ages 5-14 as of 05/31/18. Recreational multisport camp at the end of summer featuring Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Dodgeball, Kickball. Dropoff between 7:30am - 9:30am and pick-up between 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

904-992-4263 / 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.i9sports.com Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Kids Camp June 4 - August 10, 2018 9am - 5pm Ages 5 - 11. Kidz Summer Camps at JJVA are a high energy youth sports experience providing unforgettable memories and friendships to last a lifetime! The focus is on team building, leadership skills, sports, fitness and fun. JJVA Camp Counselors make sure that every child has a rewarding, safe, and fun camp experience. Full Day Week $159, Half Day Week $99, and Daily $35.

904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jjva.com Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Volleyball Summer Camp June 4 - August 10, 2018 9am - 4pm The JJVA coaching staff will focus on fundamental skills through game based drills and daily scrim

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Jax Surf Camp June 4 - August 10, 2018 9am – 3pm Jax Surf Camp is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge, and comfort in the water. Ages 6-16 and will break into groups depending on age and skill. Intermediate level surfers are welcome as well as beginners. After completing our five-day surf camp, your child will have learned these fundamental skills: water safety, paddling, the surf zone, and of course stand up on a board! Enter “Jax4Kids18” for $10 off a full week of summer camp. Full day: $350/week Half Day: $210/week.

904-372-4653 / 7th St & Beach Ave, Atlantic Beach, 32233 / www.jaxsurfandpaddle.com Karate America Summer camps in June, July, and August. Convenient times and weekly camps all summer long. Constructive fun and traditional martial arts benefits. Safe structured environment with knowledgeable supervision. Super fun summer camp teaches kids powerful life skills like focus, discipline and respect while learning cool martial arts moves. Diverse activities with physical games, movies, and fun! Kids will accelerate their training, enhance their skills, and have LOTS OF FUN! Enroll Today - Space is Limited! Call the location near you today. www.kidmartialartsinflorida.com Tommy Hulihan’s Summer Sports Camp @ Beaches Chapel Gym July 9 - 13, 2018 July 16 - 20, 2018 July 23 - 27, 2018 July 30 - August 3, 2018 8am - 3pm K - 6th grade. Campers will participate in Team Sports and age appropriate activities including Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Kick Ball, Tag Games and more.

Campers must bring a lunch Monday – Thursday.

Extended care campers should bring a snack in addition to their lunch. On Fridays, campers will have a pizza lunch and then we will take a bus to Beach Bowl Campers will be divided into groups based on their age. All family and friends will be allowed to be grouped together, regardless of age. Cost: $135/week

includes the cost of bowling, pizza lunch, T-shirt and bowling. Daily rates are $35 Monday-Thursday, and $40 for Friday (pizza & bowling day).

Extended Care: 3pm - 6pm - Cost: $50 per week. *7:30am-8:00am If you drop off before 8am there is a $5 Ext Care Fee. 904-349-2611 / 212 5th St N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / www.TommyHulihanBasketball.com Tommy Hulihan’s Basketball Camp June 11 - 15, 2018 Session #1 - 9:00am - 12:00pm Boys currently in 2nd - 4th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) Cost: $140. Extended Care Available 8am-9am and 12pm-5pm for $60.

Session #2 - 1:00pm-4:00pm Boys currently in 5th - 7th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) Cost: $140 Session #3 - 5:00pm-7:00pm Girls currently in 2nd - 7th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) (Girls separated by grade 2nd-4th / 5th-7th on different courts) Cost: $100 Summer Basketball Camp is designed to teach players the basic fundamentals and team concepts of the game of Basketball. All campers will go through individual, as well as team drills. Each day, players will be instructed during “Stations” where they will work on individual basic fundamentals. All players will participate in 2-3 games daily. Camp held at Beaches Chapel Gym in Neptune Beach.

904-349-2611 / 610 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, 32266 / www.TommyHulihanBasketball.com TNT Gymnastics Summer Camp May 29 - August 10, 2018 9am - 3pm. Extended day hours - 8am - 9am & 3pm - 6pm Ages 3-12. Every child will participate in gymnastics rotations focusing on new skill and position development. They will get to interact on all apparatus in the facility from vault, bars, beam, rings, trampoline, pit, & more! When it’s time to slow down and catch a breathe, they will have snack, crafts, & lunch each day. Cost: $155/Week. Save $5 when you register online! Register and pay before April 15th and get 10% OFF total when using promo code “TNTCAMPROX” at checkout.

904-998-8681 / 2683 St Johns Bluff Road S. Unit #107, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.tntgymfit.com

Theatre Jacksonville’s Spring Break Camps offers a fun and safe environment where campers can explore, create, and be inspired!

MARCH 19-23 & MARCH 26-30, 2018 $20.00 value

Offer expires 4/1/18. No cash value.

(904) 396-4425 www.theatrejax.com

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SUMMER CAMPS

FINE ARTS CAMPS Camp Broadway June 11 - June 15, 2018 8:30am - 5pm Ages 10 – 17. Camp Broadway introduces young people to the world of life on-stage and behind the scenes. Training in acting, scene study, improvisation, music theory, solo and ensemble singing, movement and dance make up the intensive class work.

Triple-threat workshops give one-on-one instruction in singing, dancing and acting. 40 hours of camp include singing, dancing and master classes and every kid gets their own headshot, and a Camp Broadway t-shirt.

Cost: $575 and includes lunch and snack.

904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org/education/campbroadway

Theatre Jacksonville SESSION A: June 4 - June 29, 2018 SESSION B: July 9 - August 3, 2018 9am - 2pm Ages 7-14. During each of the 4-week sessions campers will cycle daily through classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and improvisation. After an initial week of preparation and training, they hold camp-wide auditions for an original show, written by their professional instructing team and directors, which becomes the curriculum for all classes for the remainder of camp. Cost: $530 per camper, per session of which a non-refundable $150 deposit per camper, per session is required at registration. Discounts available when enrolling in multiple sessions or with siblings.

904-396-4425 X16 / 2032 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.theatrejax.com Unity Christian Arts Summer Dance Camps June 4 - 15, June 18 - 29, July 2 - 13, July 16 - 31 7am - 4pm Ages 5-15 yrs old. Dance camps are Faith based but welcomes all to participate. Campers start each morning with prayer & bible scriptures. Classes will include but not limited to:ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, drama skits, tambourine & flag dances among other classes when available such as streamer dancing, stretch classes creative dance and more. Showcase on Fridays at the end of each Camp. Extended hours available.

Cost: $20/day. $20 Registration fee.

904-466-8250 / 5730 Bowden Road, Suite 103, Jacksonville 32216 / www.unitychristianarts.com

Camp Cummer June 11 – July 27, 2018 Monday – Friday 9am - 3:30pm The mission of the Cummer Museum is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. Children will learn, grow, and explore new ways of expressing themselves at Camp Cummer. Cost for members is $180 per child and non-members is $215.

Extended care is available for Elementary School Camp only. HEAL Foundation scholarships are available for children with autism.

904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.cummermuseum.org Camp Encore June 11 - 15, June 18 - 22, June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, 2018 9am - 2pm Camp Encore offers 6 - 11 year-olds the opportunity to discover their passion and grow their creativity through dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. Qualified teaching artists work with students of all experience levels for an inspiring summer of creative discovery.

Cost: $199/week per camper.

Camp will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral located at 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

904-281-5599 / 207 N. Laura St, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.capkids.org Jacksonville Science Festival’s Art Exploration Camp June 18 – July 27, 2018 Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Summer art for ages 5 - 15. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, field trips, project-based learning, literacy/math, experiments, gardening, handson activities and more. Lunch and snack provided.

Cost: $120 per student/per week. $20/per week if you qualify - field trip and lunch included. $10 Non-refundable registration and reservation fee.

904-493-3535/ 3675 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.jacksonvillesciencefestival.com

THE 18TH ANNUAL

JUNE 11-15, 2018 FSCJ NATHAN H. WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS 11901 BEACH BOULEVARD AT FSCJ SOUTH CAMPUS

CAMP BROADWAY IS THE “CAMP OF DREAMS” FOR ALL THOSE STARRY-EYED KIDS WHO ARE JUST BEGINNING TO DREAM OF BEING ON BROADWAY. • Campers will receive training in acting, scene study, improvisation, music theory, movement and dance, and solo and ensemble singing.

• Professional Broadway instructors will teach dance routines and C AMPER EXC LU S I V E! musical numbers at BUY ONE T IC K E T GET ONE F the same speed REE FOR T H E IL L U S as a real Broadway IO N IS T S ON MARCH show. It’s a fun-filled 2 AT T H E T IM E S -U N IO N C E N T E * week of activities R designed to teach kids about the serious business of live theater.

• Open to ages 10-17, and every camper receives their own headshot, and Camp Broadway t-shirt.

EDUCATIONAL & SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPS Duval County 4-H Summer Camps June - August 2018 Affordable, educational, experimental camps for boys and girls ages 5 - 18. Topics include Science of Cooking, All About Animals, Florida Ecosystems, Theater, Sew into Fashion, and more!

904-255-7450 / 1010 North McDuff Ave, Jacksonville, 32254 / sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/4-h-youth-development/

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s online Summer Camps Guide for a comprehensive and always updated list of Summer Camps.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY For more information on Camp Broadway in Jacksonville, visit fscjartistseries.org/education/camp-broadway or contact Amanda Faye at afaye@fscj.edu

*Offer is buy two tickets at half price. Must purchase in pairs. Valid on price level 2-3 only.

Offer is limited to 2 tickets per camper. Facility fee and service charges not discounted. $3.50 order fee added at checkout. Offer valid until 3 p.m. on March 2, 2018. Must be registered for Camp Broadway and paid in full. Call the box office at (904) 632-5000. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and not valid on previously purchased tickets.

SUMMER CAMPS Diamond D Ranch Summer Camps July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-August 3, 2018 Day Camp: 8:30am - 5pm Ages 8-17. Opportunity to learn about horses and horsemanship. Camp is for both the beginner and those who already have some knowledge of horses.

Day Camp Cost: $508.25 per week. Price includes registration fee and sales tax. Lunch and snacks are provided. $214 (tax included) non refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price.

Overnight Camp: Begins Monday morning at 8:30am until Friday at 5pm.

Overnight campers are provided with breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper and dessert. Your child will sleep in an air-conditioned bunkhouse, complete with restrooms and shower facilities. Overnight Camp Cost: $829.25 per week. Price includes registration fee and sales tax. $214 (tax included) non refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price.

904-289-9331 / 5903-1 Solomon Rd, Jacksonville, 32234 / www.diamonddranchinc.com Jacksonville Country Day Summer Camp June 4 – July 27, 2018 9am – 3pm Pre K 4 - 6th grade (rising grade). 8 sessions, each camp session lasts one week, and will feature a theme for Day Camp, and a selection of Specialty Camps. The

campers are placed into cabins according to the grade they will be entering in the fall. The programs are specifically designed for each age group. In addition to day camp, JCDS offers specialty camps. Specialty camp topics include 3D Character Animation in Minecraft, Advanced Movie Making, Seasonal Cooking Adventure, Lego Robotics, Karate, Dance, and Academic refreshers. Cost: Day Camp is $200 per 1 week session and Specialty Camps range from $300-$450 per 1 week session.

904-641-6644 / 10063 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jcds.com Museum of Science & History (MOSH) Summer Discovery Camps June 4 - August 3, 2018 (No camp week of July 4th) Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm Summer Discovery Camps are offered primarily for kindergarteners through 5th graders with select weeks offered for 6ththrough 8th graders. Join MOSH for a new adventure each week! Campers will explore science, history and astronomy as they conduct experiments, journey to the edge of the universe in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium and explore Museum exhibits, including this summer’s exhibit: National Geographic Presents Earth Explorers! Cost of Camp: $180 for MOSH Members / $225 for NonMembers. Before- and after-care is available for $10 per child per day.

904.396.MOSH (6674) / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.themosh.org

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them” – Bernard Berenson

SPRING & SUMMER

$120 Per Week* 7

Spring

03.19.18 — 03.23.18 Summer

06.04.18 — 08.03.18

9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Extended care available

REGISTER TODAY AT

* If your family receives SNAP or any income based government benefits, your child can attend five weeks of summer camp for $20 a week! Field-trip and lunch included.

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

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SUMMER CAMPS

Choosing the Best Summer Camp in America

T

Gauging Your Child’s Readiness for Summer Camps

A

nswering these questions will help you determine when your child is ready for camp.

• here are more than 8,000 residential summer who’ve agreed to give a testimonial. camps in the United States and Canada.

7. See or Review the Facility — Visit, if Picking the best one from so many may seem like possible. Most organizations will be happy to a huge task. Follow the “top 10” list below and give you a camp tour that fits your schedule. you will find the best camp for your child. It may There is no better way to get details than by • not be the same camp I’d choose for my son or checking out a cabin, seeing the dining that your neighbor would choose for their facility and conversing with the staff as you daughter, but it will be the best camp for your walk around. Even better, schedule your tour child. during the summer to see the program in • action.

1. Make It a Family Decision — First of all, 8. Choose the Right Summer Program — What include your child in the decision. Picking a sort of experience are you looking for? camp and sending your child away without There are high adventure camps, traditional involving them in the decision is the best ones with a range of activities, those that way to send them to the worst camp in focus on skateboarding, football, computers, America. and the list goes on. The length of the 2. Review the Camp’s Philosophy — Camping session can make a big difference in the can be good for learning a sport, to deeffectiveness of a summer program. In emphasize competition, for fun, school general, longer sessions mean more skill credit, furthering a camper’s religious educadevelopment. After you’ve thought about tion, or for interacting with children of many philosophy and program, you are ready to faiths. Ask camps for their mission start making your “long list” of camps. statement and then look at their literature 9.

Consider the Cost — Many wonderful and camp video to see how the mission of organizations pay their staff well, use the the camp is woven into the overall camp best equipment, have a great camper-tophilosophy. staff ratio, and constantly work on improving 3. Know the Size — The size of the grounds their facilities. They’ll also, by necessity, can mean the size of the facility or how charge a higher tuition than camps that pay many campers are in the program. If the low salaries or have aging program equipcamp is huge, let’s say 500 or 750 campers, ment. Some low-cost camps are still great, it can seem smaller if there are meaningful because they are supported by an organizaways to segment the group. tion that subsidizes the camp to lower fees.

4. Ask About the Staff — The composition of Or they’re great because of the nature of the staff is, for most parents, the most their program offerings. Some camps offer important consideration. How long have the discounts for financially strapped families. directors been at the helm, and what are Grandparents often send their grandchildren their priorities when selecting staff. Do they to an outstanding camp that would normally conduct background checks? What is the be beyond the means of their family. staff-to-camper ratio? What is the age and 10. Choose the Best Location — How close is it experience of the staff? There is no “right” to home? If it is too close, part of the camp answer to these questions, but the answers experience may be lost. Too far from home, you receive might spark a deeper conversaand travel costs can become an issue. Other tion. considerations with regard to location 5. Understand Their Standards — How is the include the temperature during the summer, program evaluated and improved? There are and activities suitable to the geographic numerous organizations that grant accrediregion. tation to camps–the ACA, AEE, CCA, GSA, After going through the top-ten list, you should be BCCA, and the list goes on. The ACA, able to have the 8,000 choices narrowed down to American Camp Association, is by far the the “best camp in America” for your child. You largest accrediting organization for camps. will then be able to drop your child off on opening Find out what organizations accredit the day with confidence about the experience they’re organization, and ask about their criteria. going to have while at camp. j 6. Ask for References — Will they give you references to contact in your area? Most camppage.com camps are happy to provide a list of families

What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.

How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?

Has your child had positive overnight

•

•

experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

What does your child expect to do at camp?

Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious. j

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EDUCATION

Try a Book Box to Foster Reading Skills W hether your kids read on grade level, above grade level, or below grade level, they can benefit from reading more. Please consider sports for a moment. We wouldn’t expect our kids to get better dribbling a basketball if they didn’t practice the skill of dribbling, right? Likewise, reading is a set of skills that improves with practice.

For example, I recently put one of the “Stick Dog” books by Tom Watson in Hayden’s Book Box. She finished the book in one evening! She then asked me to check out the others in the “Stick Dog” series, which I did.

One effective way to get printed materials into your children’s hands and in front of their eyes is to create a Book Box. I made one for our daughter, Hayden, several months ago. I figured she would enjoy it. I had no idea how much!

Book Box Materials To create a Book Box, you can use a strong The five major reading skills are phonemic basket, decorative box, or even a small plastic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and crate. You may wish to decorate the box with comprehension. The first two deal with the ribbons or photos of favorite books. For Hayden’s relationships between letters and the sounds they Book Box, I looked in the garage and found a make. Fluency refers to reading flow. Vocabulary small wooden box from a bath set I was given. encompasses knowledge of words. Comprehension refers to a reader’s ability to make meaning Book Box Content from words and letters on the page. Comprehen- Filling your child’s Book Box can be fun. We gave sion is the goal of reading.

Hayden a subscription to “Highlights” magazine a couple of years ago. She loved the magazine, but To improve comprehension (and the other reading I noticed she only read it the day it came in the skills), it is vital for kids to read a variety of mail. This is probably because I was storing the printed materials. Magazines, books, newspaper magazines in a rack in the corner of our living articles, web articles, and blogs are examples of room. She never had contact with them. Once I reading materials kids can find at libraries or created the Book Box, I placed several issues in online. it. Now, she reads “Highlights” voraciously each

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Final Thoughts Creating a Book Box for your kids can be fun, easy, and inexpensive. If there’s not a library close to you, consider visiting Goodwill or a Salvation Army store. They often sell books for fifty cents or a quarter.

Another option is to let friends and family know your kids would appreciate magazine subscriptions. Hayden has enjoyed “Highlights” so much, she’s preparing art work and some writing to send to them for publication. night at bath time. A few issues have gotten soaked, but she’s reading them!

I hope you’ll consider creating a Book Box for your kids.

By the way, Hayden’s reading comprehension test I also fill her Book Box with fiction and non-fiction scores have soared this year. j books I think she’ll like. I visit our local branch library two or three times a week. Every time I go, Nancy Bethea I browse books in the children’s section and check out three or four to go into her Book Box. In this way, I keep fresh books in front of her.

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EDUCATION

Mini Maker Faire Coming to Town Is Your Child Refusing To Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire is San Diego, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.

Go To School?

T hesetfirstfor TheeverMuseum of Science & History on

Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth! This family friendly showcase of invention and ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness is a celebration of the Maker Movement sweeping across the world.

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

The launch of Maker Faire in San Francisco in 2006 demonstrated the popularity of making and interest among legions of aspiring makers to participate in hands-on activities and learn new skills at the event.

In 2017, over 190 independently-produced “Mini Maker Faires” plus over 30 larger-scale Featured Maker Faires will have taken place around the world, including Tokyo, Rome, Shenzhen, Taipei, Seoul, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Detroit, New York,

Maker Faire is primarily designed to be forwardlooking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies. But it’s not just for the novel in technical fields; Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.

It’s a venue for makers to show examples of their work and interact with others about it. Many makers say they have no other place to share what they do. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is often invisible in our communities, taking place in shops, garages and on kitchen tables. It’s typically out of the spotlight of traditional art or science or craft events. Maker Faire makes visible these projects and ideas that we don’t encounter every day.

Maker Faire is brought to you by Maker Media.

Maker Media publishes Make: magazine and offers DIY electronics, tools, kits, and books through its online and pop-up Maker Shed stores.

Tickets are on sale now themosh.org website.

Adults: $10 Children (3-12): $5 Children Under 3: FREE MOSH Members: $5. j

Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

A

s a therapist with over 20 years of experience counseling children and teens, I have noticed an alarming trend – more and more parents are calling me worried because their child or teen is too anxious or depressed to go to school. In most cases it started slowly – their child had a bad day or said they were “sick” so they were allowed to stay home. Increasingly it got worse, with their child developing panic attacks or suicidal feelings around having to go to class.

Additionally, physicians, parents and counselors should avoid writing excuses for children to stay out of school unless a medical condition makes it necessary for them to stay home. The sooner your child faces the fear with strong support, the better.

What is the best treatment?

Many parents are afraid to seek therapy for school phobia because they are afraid it will hurt their child’s chances of getting into college or getting a job, but this is not true! In fact, the longer you wait to address the school phobia, the worse it will become, and can even result in agoraphobia - a fear of leaving the house at all.

If your child or teen is refusing to go to school, please don’t give up. My passion is working with children and teens who suffer from eating disorders or need help overcoming anxiety, shyness, and improving social skills. If I can help you, please call or email me. j

How Does Behavior Modification Help?

Behavior modification is successfully used to treat a variety of distressing teen problems, including aggression, acting out, and disrespectThe following statistics support what I am seeing ful attitude, and school phobia. Whether your child is struggling with mental health issues, on the front lines in my therapy practice: social anxiety or making the right choices, our • Approximately 1 to 5 percent of all schoolbehavior specialists can help your family create aged children experience school refusal. the positive changes you are desperately seeking • More than ¼ of all students will engage in in your child – all in the privacy of your own some degree of refusal during their school home. They will help you learn that using positive years, ranging from complaints and threats to avoid school, to missing school for months reinforcers like praise, encouragement, or being given a privilege (such as getting to use the car, or even years. being allowed to have an extended curfew, or not • Boys and girls are equally affected. having to do a certain chore) can do wonders in building courage in kids to face the stresses of Parenting has become even more of a complex school. juggling act in recent years. Our children are dealing with issues even more stressful than Negative reinforcers such as ignoring yelling, those we had growing up. On the one hand, you screaming, threats or depressing comments can have compassion for your child or teen dealing also do a great deal to stop negative thinking and with hormone changes, school and social pressures, but on the other, it can cause tremen- school avoidance. dous anxiety and stress for parents when their With in-home behavior coaching, your child plays children and teens refuse to go to school. This can cause arguing and conflict out of worry, even an active role in their own life coaching, instead of parents or other adults dictating the structure though you love and support your child at heart. of rewards and behavior changes. This method also does not label your child a “problem” like What are the possible causes? traditional counseling approaches. It is presented There are several complex reasons your child as a form or tutoring or “life coaching” which may be refusing school. eliminates the need say they are in “therapy”. We They include: also use a team approach, including your child’s • economic distress; physician, school staff, and most important, YOU, • family issues, stress or loss; to provide a strong system of support.

• technology obsession, social media; • extraordinary pressure to excel from family, Also, a behavior coach can help you and your teachers, society or a combination; teen create and follow a written contract that • overloading themselves with advancedclearly states the terms of the reward system. placement classes and extracurricular activities, Most importantly, our ABA therapist will support • in our ultracompetitive college bound and guide you as parents to stay on track with culture; the plan for your child to face the fear of going to • fear about the future, getting into college school and not back down. and finding a job.

The best treatment for school phobia is returning to school as soon as possible with therapeutic support called Applied Behavior Analysis or exposure therapy.

Lori Osachy, MSS, LCSW Owner, The Body Image Counseling Center email: lori@bodyimagecounseling.com. www.bodyimagecounseling.com www.facebook.com/bodyimagecounseling (904) 737-3232

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 25

St. Johns County School District News Early Kindergarten Sign-up Set The district will hold early registration for children entering kindergarten for the 2018-2019 school year. On Tuesday, March 13; Tuesday, March 20; Wednesday, April 4; and Wednesday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school they are zoned for the 2018-2019 school year. To find your school, enter your street address on the Attendance Zone Locator at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ zoning/.

To be eligible for public kindergarten in St. Johns County, children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 and must reside in the county.

Students zoned for the new K-8 School “KK” will need to register at Allen D. Nease High School, 10550 Ray Rd., Ponte Vedra, and students zoned for the new K-8 School “LL” will need to register

at the Aberdeen Community Center, 110 Flower of Scotland Ave., St. Johns.

Requirements for registration: • Birth certificate/Guardianship Documents; • Documentation of a health examination performed on or after Aug. 11, 2017; • Proof of completed required immunizations on Form DH680; • Proof of residence per the Residency and Guardianship Policy located at stjohns.k12. fl.us/student/residency/.

For additional information on registration and zoning, visit stjohns.k12.fl.us/student/enrollment/ or contact the Student Services Department at 547-7598.

Character Counts Race Winner

Amy Grimm, (above) a first grade teacher at Julington Creek Elementary School, was named St. Johns County’s Teacher of the Year for 2018 at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held at the World Golf Village Renaissance Center. Hailey Fletcher, (below) a fifth grade teacher at Patriot Oaks Academy, was named Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Nearly 500 runners and walkers of all ages participated in the 2018 Annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk last month.

Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns School District..

6K OVERALL RESULTS 1st – 13-year-old Rheinhardt Harrison, Ponte Vedra Beach. Time: 21:50 2nd – 14-year-old Jesse Benavides, St. Johns.

Time: 22:12

Future winner 8-year-old Samuel Cassiani of St. Johns grinds it out

3K OVERALL RESULTS 1st – Andy Nicol, 58, St. Augustine. Time: 11:10 2nd – Matt Myers, 44, St. Augustine. Time 11:40

See http://www. racesmith.com/ results/2018results/ CHARACTERCOUNTS6K020318oa.html for complete results.

9-year-old Mikah Powers, St. Johns, came in eighth in the 3K with a time of 13:01 and 10-year-old Michael Ateniese, Ponte Vedra, came in 10th with a time of 13:04.

Register for Summer VPK The St. Johns County School District will be holding summer Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs at Durbin Creek, Ocean Palms and Osceola elementary schools. Children must be 5 on or before Sept. 1.

The program is conducted in a camp-like atmosphere with planned water days, arts and crafts, summer fun and kindergarten readiness activities. Breakfast and lunch are available.

Teachers of the Year

serve a spot. Also, parents need to register their child for VPK online with the state and obtain the Certificate of Eligibility. The website is ecs4kids. org.

For questions or further information, contact Donna Fenech at Early Childhood Services at 547-8959. .

The schedule is Friday, June 1 through Wednesday, July 25 and closed on July 4. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Call Early Childhood Services at 547-8965 to re-

Follow us on Twitter

HR is Moving The St. Johns County School District’s Human Resource Department will soon be back to the first floor at the district offices located at 40 Orange Street.

Renovations will soon be completed as a result of

damage from Hurricane Matthew.

They will begin transitioning back at the beginning of March. Their telephone number will remain the same: 904-547-7600.

All new employee set up meetings will continue to be held at First Coast Technical College throughout the summer.

Calendar

Thursday, Mar. 15.............................................................Third Quarter ends Friday, Mar. 16..................................................................Planning Day/Student Holiday Monday, Mar. 26-30..........................................................Spring Break Monday, April 2.................................................................Students Return to School

Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

Clay County School News

Program to Help Troubled Students Sharing His “Miraculous” Story The district has launched the Motivational Coaches of America (MCUSA) program approved by the school board last year that provides services at no cost to students identified as at-risk of disengaging from the learning process due to attendance, behavioral, and academic concerns at Wilkinson Junior High School, Orange Park Junior High School, and Green Cove Springs Junior High School. The program will expand to all junior high schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

On a daily basis, MCUSA Service Members collaborate with students, school administrators, and school staff in nurturing a climate of positive school-wide support. Service Members also serve as advisers and support staff to school administrators and faculty members, performing a variety of duties, including assistance with school dismissal and lunch, as well as serving on academic committees.

and connected environment.”

Participating students in the MCUSA program have experienced: • 98% Improvement in submitting homework assignments • 93% Improvement in parent/child relationships • 88% Decrease in self-harming behavior • 97% Decreases in rates of alcohol and substance abuse • 87% Increase in school engagement According to a report released by Mental Health America, a non-profit dedicated to addressing and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans, Florida currently ranks 41st in the nation for youth mental, behavioral and emotional health and 38th in access to appropriate care.

Currently, six out of 10 youth nationwide are not receiving the support they need to supersede these issues. In Florida, many of these youth wind up held under the Baker Act, an emergency or involuntary commitment for psychiatric evaluation by the State.

Drew Stokes, a federal agent with the US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, who was shot multiple times outside a grocery store last fall, shared his story with Clay High Academy of Criminal Justice students last month. Stokes was ambushed last September after leaving a grocery store in the Oakleaf area by a troubled 18-year-old Orange Park man. Angry over a drug warrant, Jacob “Jake” Lewis, who had threatened to kill any policeman he saw, encountered the armed agent who was in uniform in the store’s parking lot. After shooting Stokes he killed himself. After a recovery called “miraculous” by some, agent Stokes is now back on the job.

Top Teacher/School Employee Named

Clay County District Schools have announced will do my absolute best to represent them,” said Poole. the 2019 Teacher of the Year and 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year.

The winning school-related employee, Jason Poole, who currently teaches AICE Stephanie Melton, is an ESE Behavioral Global Perspectives at Fleming Island High Clay County had one of the highest increases Health Assistant at W.E. Cherry ElemenSchool, is the teacher of the year. Poole in rates (38 percent) in the region for children tary School. graduated who were Baker Acted within a five year span, Melton grew from Westaccording to a report released last year for the up in Orange ern New Florida Department of Children and Families.

Park where England UniAdditionally, one in four individuals Baker Acted she attended versity with in Clay County was a child, making it one of Clay County a degree the highest ratios statewide. By identifying Schools in English and addressing the early warning indicators of from Pre-K Literature “MCUSA feels honored to have the chance to mental or emotional distress, issues such as through in 2005. work with Supt. Davis to bring our program to pregnancy, violence, substance abuse, depres12th grade.

He began Clay County District Schools,” said CEO Julio sion, and suicide, among others, can be greatly Stephanie teaching Avael. “With all the stresses that children face mitigated. Through a comprehensive plan to attended at Fleming today, access to preventive emotional and bemeet the needs of the whole child, of which the W.E Cherry Island High havioral health services on campus is critical to MCUSA program is a critical strategy, SuperinElementary School in fostering and ensuring their academic success. tendent Davis seeks to improve school climate where she is 2006.

Poole More importantly, it helps to create safer comand safety for teachers, students and parents, Jason Poole and Stephanie Melton pose will Supt. Addison now employed munities and schools where parents, teachers resulting in a positive learning experience for our also coaches and Clay School Board members in the ESE Cross Country and students can benefit from a more productive children and youth. department. After working with children in a at Fleming Island High School, which he daycare setting for several years, Melton was started in 2006. He has been married to seeking a “different pace” with a more eduhis wife Courtney since 2007, who is also The varsity wrestlers of Fleming Island High tournament at Osceola High School in Kissimmee. a teacher at Fleming Island High School. cational environment. Post-graduation, she School (15-1, Class 3A) and Clay High (16-3, heard about a job as an ESE Assistant and Together, they have two children, three-yearScoring first place were: Jeffrey Lascano, 184 Class 1A) are not only the best in our area, but began subbing to see if it was something she old Ainsley and 10-month-old Elliot. also rank at the top in the state as well. Clay won class; Ian Kincaid, 172 class; Gavin Smith, 162 was interested in. Once she did, she fell in class; Ryan Hobson, 122 class and Riley Holton, the Flagler Rotary team last month without an love with the whole atmosphere and applied “I am honored to receive this award.

I am so 115 class. individual title and followed with a solid match in thankful to all my colleagues and my admin- for a full time position as an assistant in the its home tournament, the Clay Rotary. Meanwhile, istrative staff that have helped and support- Autism department. Stephanie has worked number one in our area Fleming Island is looking in the ESE department at W.E. Cherry for 10 forward to the state championships. Both teams ed me throughout my time here. There are finished in their class runners-up spot last year years, while pursuing her degree in Special so many great teachers in this county and I and are hoping to best that this year.

Needs Education.

“We are excited to partner with Motivational Coaches of America to give our students the proper emotional support they need. Through the program, Motivational Coaches will work to establish, foster, and sustain positive relationships with students, parents, staff and the entire school. This program uses proven and effective strategies to connect students to the resources they need. We look forward to the launch of MCUSA in our district and expanding the program to more schools in the future,” said Supt.

Addison Davis.

County Wrestlers Go For the Pin

Meanwhile, the future looks bright. Fleming High’s junior varsity team (right) rolled to a dominant first-place finish at last month’s JV state tournament.

The team competed against 34 teams in the state

Connect with us!

www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 27

SUMMER CAMPS

TEENS

18 Tips for the Best Summer Camp Experience I

remember going to summer camp when I was a teenager. It was a great time to meet new people, try new things, and get away from home for a while! We lived in cabins in the redwood forests of California, ate in the camp’s mess hall at long tables, and took part in activities like archery and a ropes course in the trees.

I enjoyed my time, but I was also nervous. I didn’t know anyone and I hadn’t spent much time away from home before then. The good news is, I didn’t need to be nervous, and neither do you. Here are some things to do before, during, and after camp or any overnight teen summer program to make sure you have the best experience possible.

SUMMER CAMP PREPARATION 1. Start planning weeks before you arrive.

Don’t hurriedly pack your bag the night before or you’ll most likely forget a few important items.

Check the camp’s packing list and check off everything that goes in your bag. Make sure to label everything with your name so that other campers know not to use your shampoo.

2. Save up a little spending money.

Many camps and pre-college programs let you bring an ATM card or open an account at the camp or campus store. There may be a group trip into town, or you may need to buy deodorant. It’s good to have access to a bit of cash.

CAMP INTRODUCTIONS

6. Don’t be shy!

Everyone will be feeling shy so be the one to break the ice. Join in on all those embarrassing name games; they will help you make friends quickly. Actively say “hello” to people you don’t know. Chance encounters can lead to lifelong friendships!

7. Make sure not to talk about yourself too much right away.

Begin by asking other people about themselves.

Your fellow campers or counselors may come from very far away – even different countries.

Talk about yourself after you’ve learned a lot about the other people you’ve just met. Being interested in other people is a great way to make friends.

8. Be extra-nice to the camp counselor.

Day 1 is when camp counselors will see you for the first time. There are a lot of new faces for them to meet, and they’re trying to figure out who will be the easy-going campers and who’s going to cause problems. Don’t be the smart aleck or challenge every rule or you may find yourself under a close watch for the rest of your time at camp. Someday, you might want to become a camp counselor or dorm advisor in a summer teen program.

9. Invite someone to dinner.

3. Don’t worry too much about getting sick.

Asking a pal to go to a meal with you not only Camps and campuses always have medical staff helps you get to know everyone better, it gives on hand to take care of you. (Like when I got your not-quite-so-social friends a way to meet terrible poison oak!) Definitely bring any personal new faces. Inviting a shy camper to sit with you medication, prescriptions or inhalers with you and just may change his or her entire camp experifollow camp or campus rules about where to ence and you might make a new friend. And, you keep them. won’t be eating alone!

4. Make friends before you arrive.

Does the camp or summer academic program have a Facebook or other social media group?

Join it, introduce yourself to fellow campers, and start talking with people who share your interests.

You can make friends before you arrive.

5. Check out activities in advance.

Showing up without knowing what you’d like to do may lead to signing up for archery when you would have chosen lacrosse if you knew it was an option. Some activities, like horseback riding, may have limited space and require enrollment before you arrive. In addition to choosing activities, check out the online map of the camp or campus so that you will have idea of how to get around.

If you play a musical instrument that’s portable, see if it’s OK to bring it, even if it’s not a performing arts summer camp. It’s a great way to break the ice and meet people.

SUMMER CAMP TIPS 10. Keep meeting new friends!

Don’t become passive just because you met two friends on the first day at camp. Keep saying “hello” to as many people as possible in all the activities you attend. With everyone you meet, make sure to get their full name so you can look them up on social media and stay friends after camp is over.

11. Join new activities, even ones that make you uncomfortable.

Maybe you don’t like swimming, or playing soccer or playing board games in the dorm. A teen camp or campus program is a great time to join in on those activities anyway. You might find that something isn’t as bad as you thought!

12. Figure out the best way to keep in touch with parents and friends.

Some camps have limited Internet or cellphone access. But rather than seeing that as a limitation, see it as a way to focus on camp life. Write

Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2018

letters to your family and friends and encourage them write back.

13. Remind your family to send care packages.

Getting a box at the camp or campus post office is a lot of fun. If the camp doesn’t allow food in care packages, ask for games, comic books, art supplies – things that can be shared. It’s a great way to get to know people in your cabin or dorm.

14. Do your part to keep things neat.

Camp is fun but laundry strewn over the floor, smelly trash cans and unclaimed toothbrushes are not. Cabins are usually only as clean as the dirtiest person. First, don’t let that person be you!

Second, stay on top of it. You and your cabin mates don’t want to be cleaning when everyone else is out having fun.

15. Follow the rules.

Remember how I said to be extra-nice to your counselors? That doesn’t just apply to Day 1.

You’re not just being nice so you can break the rules behind their back. Bringing anything illegal to camp, purposefully breaking curfew or other rules, and being mean to other campers will have some not-so-nice consequences.

LEAVING CAMP 16. Get your friends’ contact information!

I remember leaving camp and then realizing I didn’t know how to call one of the friends I’d made and with all the rush of packing, checking out, and finding my family, I hadn’t been able to see my friend before leaving! Real life took my attention back very quickly and we’ve never spoken since.

17. Check the packing list you made before coming to camp.

Do you still have all your items? Is there something you’re forgetting like the extra jacket that’s been in the lost-and-found all summer? Figure it out before you’re halfway home!

18. If your parents are picking you up, make sure they get to meet your friends, and maybe your friends’ parents, too.

It will make it easier to get together during the school year! j teenlife.com

Things to Do Teens Events

Strategies For Success on the High School Mathematics FSA and EOC’s March 6, 5:30pm to 6:30pm Explore strategies for student success on the Algebra 1 and Geometry FSA/End of Course Exams. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. William M. Raines High School / 904390-2960 / 3663 Raines Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / dcps.duvalschools.org Teen Tech Week Event: Tell Your Elders March 6-9, 3pm to 4pm It’s true that elders have wisdom. What some might have less of is experience with technology. They may wonder just what it is the young people are doing all those hours online. Gaming? Posting? Snapchatting? Teens are invited to drop by the library between March 6th - 9th, and let Ms. Michelle take a short film of you explaining something you like to do with tech.

Or, give a pointer on how to do something that might be helpful. Your films will available to be viewed at the library, and may be shown to local community groups. Free.

St. Johns County Public Library - Hastings Branch / 904-827-6970 / 6195 S. Main St., Hastings, FL 32145 / www.sjcpls.org Child and Babysitting Safety Certification Course • March 10, 9:30am to 2:30pm This class is designed to familiarize and to provide youth approximately 11 - 16 with the basic knowledge and skills needed to care for infants and children. The class is fast paced with hands on activities, videos, role-plays and lively discussions. You will learn to be the best babysitter on the block, and gain the confidence to make smart decisions and stay safe in any babysitting situation. Cost is $45.

St. Johns Golf and Country Club / 904-4346032 / 205 St Johns Golf Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.safetyfirstjax.com Learn To Sew March 14, 6pm & March 30, 2pm Learn basic sewing skills, sewing machine & tool basics, sew seams & construct a simple pillow. Intended for adults & teens 15 & older.

This class includes free sewing supplies (while they last). Supplies are required for this class.

Cost for the class is $35.

Joann, St. Johns Town Center / 904-642-2557 / 10261 River Marsh Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.joann.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

PETS

Best Anti-Aging Tips for Your Pets P ets are living longer thanks to advances in veterinary care, so extending their healthy years is more important than ever. To do so, work to improve their “healthspan – that’s the period of life spent in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging,” according to Matt R Keaberlein, PhD, professor of pathology at the Univerisity of Washington, Seattle and co-founder of the Dog Again Project (dogagingproject.com).

“Our pets experience nearly all of the same effects of aging that we do,” Kaeberlein says. But exactly how fast or slow animals age depends on their breed, size and individual circumstances.

Cats are considered “mature” at 7, senior at 11, and geriatric at 15. In dogs it’s more variable, and small dogs age more slowly than bigger ones.

Understanding those variables is what the Dog Aging Project is all about. “Our goal is to maximize healthspan by directly targeting the mechanisms of aging and preventing the progression of age-related diseases,” Kaeberlein says.

Research at the Dog Aging Project and the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, with more than 3,000 dogs enrolled, yields promising anti-aging strategies for all pets. Here are 5 tips to help you furry friends keep a spring in their step.

Watch Their Weight This is especially important as pets hit middle age, which is when they start putting on weight.

Extra weight leads to common age-related issues, from diabetes and heart disease to joint problems.

Adjust Their Diet “Metabolism changes as an animal ages,” says Kaeberlein, who consulted with Prurina Pro Plan to formulate food for senior pets based on peer-reviewed research. “Ask the vet about your pet’s evolving needs, or consult with a veterinary nutritionist,” suggests Kelly Diehl, DVM, a researcher with the Morris Animal Foundation.

Don’t Skip Checkups Pets should go in once a year -- more frequently if they have chronic issues. If you spot any changes - a new limp, lump, or behavior - call the vet. Don’t forget dental checkups, since untreated oral problems can lead to other health issues.

Stay Active “Even at older ages, it’s important to give your pet regular moderate exercise,” says Kaeberlein.

“You may need to adjust the impact level,” Diehl adds.

Play with Them “Their emotional well-being feeds into their physical well-being. It’s also a chance for you to check for physical issues -- new lumps, bumps, and pains that your vet should know about. j Author: Alison Ashton Source: CookingLight

Things to Do

Pearls & Paws Gala March 24, 6pm to 10pm Friends of Jacksonville Animals celebrates 10 years of saving the lives of animal in Jacksonville, and will be hosting a gala as a celebration and Mutt March - Pet Walk & Festival fundraiser to keep the mission growing. Dress to March 3, 9am impress as you enter on a red carpet for a night The Mutt March is Jacksonville’s largest pet walk and family festival. This year, the event will of fun. The evening will include a dinner buffet from local restaurants, dancing, silent auction, be held at the brand new Jacksonville Humane Society. The goal is to raise more than $100,000 live music, photo booth, and more. All money for the homeless animals in Jacksonville. There raised will go to Friends of Jacksonville Animals, which funds the city shelter directly. Tickets are will be live music, pet-friendly vendors, family $50/person. Dress is cocktail attire. The event is fun zone, and more. General registration fees for adults 21 and older. are $30; youth walker fees for ages 5 to 17 are AirSpace Recreational Facility / 904-463-0423 $15. Registration fee includes event Wag Bag. / 218 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / Animals walk with their owners for free.

904tix.com The Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-7258766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Pet Photo Night With the Easter Bunny - Av/ www.jaxhumane.org enues Mall • March 25, 6pm to 8pm Bring your pet to the Lower Level, Center Court Paw Prints in the Sand 5K Stage for photos with the Easter Bunny.

March 24, 9am to 1pm The Paw Prints in the sand Beach Run & Festival Avenues Mall / 904-363-3054 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon.com is a unique event that participants can enjoy, with or without their dog, on the beautiful beach Adopt a Stuffed Pet With Swamp Haven Resof Jacksonville Beach. The Paw Prints in the cue • March 26, 4pm to 5pm sand event includes a 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun Kids of all ages will learn about the benefits of pet run/walk, and festival with sponsor & vendor adoption through adopting a stuffed friend with booths, live music, food trucks, contests, dog demos, dogs available for adoption, activities for local animal rescue group Swamp Haven Rescue. kids, massages, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Registration is required for this free program.

Please call 904-827-6900 or register online.

All 5K and 1-mile race registrants will receive a St. Johns County Public Library - Southeast souvenir tech t-shirt and race packet filled with Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. goodies for people and pups; the top 5K race Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org finishers will be awarded hand-made ceramic dog bowls. Proceeds raised from the event will 6th Annual Doggone Easter Egg Hunt benefit nonprofit St. Francis Animal Hospital to provide medical care to family pets in need. The March 31, 11am to 2pm Doggone Easter Egg Hunt to benefit Friends of 5K starts at 10am, and the fun run begins at 11am. Entry fees are $15 to $20 for kids 13 and Clay County Animals. Registration starts at 11am. under and $35 to $45 for adults. The fun run is The Large Dog Hunt starts at 12:30pm, followed by the Small Dog Hunt at 1:30pm. The cost is free for participants.

Seawalk Pavilion / 75 1st Street North, Jackson- $15/dog. Entry includes an “Official Easter Egg Hunter” bandana, grab bag and egg hunt. One ville Beach, FL 32250 / 1stplacesports.com person per dog on the field, and all dogs must be on a leash (No retractable/Flexi leashes).

Dog Days Celebration Once your dog has touched an egg you can March 24, 10am to 12noon pick it up and put it in your Easter basket. The Join Ravine Gardens as they celebrate a human’s best friend with demonstrations, speakers event features Luckee Dog ice cream, Colleen’s Confections, bake sale, silent auction, and bounce and dog friendly vendors. There will also be pet adoptions, and a Best Dressed Pooch contest at house for the kids. Photos with the Easter Bunny 11am. To participate, register online in advance. are available for $5. Pre-registration is available online.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three best dressed pooches. Well behaved dogs are invited Town Hall Orange Park / 904-626-1676 / 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www. to participate in the day’s festivities. Please pawfectionbakery.com make sure your dog is leashed and is following the Florida State Park’s pet policy. Free with regular park entry fee of $5 per vehicle.

Ravine Gardens State Park / 386-329-3721 / Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177 / www. floridastateparks.org at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

Pet Events

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

– Mother Teresa

MARCH 2018 • Jax4Kids.com •

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THINGS TO DO Nano Exhibit at MOSH Thru June 17 An interactive exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering and technology.

Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real-world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org 6th Annual Jacksonville Science Festival March 1-2, 9am to 2pm and March 3, 10am to 3pm All students, teachers, experts, organizations, local businesses and community partners are invited to come together to celebrate education with all of the Jacksonville community and surrounding regions. Activities include STEAM interactive booths, hands on art, science activities and performances with MOSH and other vendors. There will also be a rock wall, bungee jump and human sized hamster balls. The festival will be held at two different locations: March 1-2, 9am to 2pm – FSCJ South Campus- 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 March 3, 10am to 3pm – Friendship Fountain Park1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Jacksonville Science Festival / 904-493-3535 / www. jacksonvillesciencefestival.org Jax Book Fest March 3, 10am to 3pm The Jacksonville Public Library’s annual Jax Book Fest will feature children’s authors and illustrators, workshops and talks on a variety of genres, activities, balloon twisters, face painting, caricature artists, book readings, book signings, and the unveiling of the new JPL Local Author Collection. This event is free and open to all! No registration or ticket required.

Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904-6302665 / 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / ilovejpl.org

St. Johns County Public Library, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org 8th Annual St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival March 10, 10am to 10pm; March 11, 10am to 7pm The 8th Annual St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival returns to Francis Field. On Saturday, St. Augustine’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 10am. The Celtic Festival begins Saturday from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, featuring traditional Irish music, Scottish pipes and drums, contemporary Celtic Rock, Scottish Highland Games, Celtic vendors and food, and more in celebration of St. Augustine’s remarkable Celtic history and heritage.

Purchase advance tickets on sale through February 28 online. Ticket prices increase March 1. General admission tickets are one-day tickets valid for either Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Retired and active duty U.S. Military Personnel with current ID admitted free. Children 12 and under admitted free. VIP Tickets are also available.

Francis Field / 29 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.celticstaugustine.com The Wizard of Oz March 10, 2pm and 7:30pm The Wizard of Oz will be performed at the ThrasherHorne Center for the Arts for two performances only.

Showtimes are 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $49.

Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www. thcenter.org

Super Scientific Circus March 11, 2pm; March 12, 10am and 12noon The Super Scientific Circus starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, proves that science can be fun and funny.

Trent the Mime and Mr. Fish use amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bull whips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, World of Nations Celebration inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, Saturday March 3, 10am to 7pm air pressure, and ultraviolet light. Presented by FSCJ Sunday March 4, 10am to 6pm Artist Series at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Experience the cuisine, artistry and customs from lands Arts. Please note: Shows fill up quickly. Call or email to near and far at the 26th Annual World of Nations Celpurchase your tickets. ebration. Admission is $5. Children ages 3 and under Regular Performance: March 11, 2pm - Admission are free. There will be food, live music, International ranges from $9 to $16.75 Marketplace, dance performances, and more. Visit School Time Performances: March 12, 10am and website for complete schedule, activities and more.

12noon -- Admission is $8.50 per ticket.

Metropolitan Park / 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5050 FL 32202 / www.jaxworldofnations.com / 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. fscjartistseries.org The Acrobats of China - New Shanghai Circus March 4, 4:30pm; March 5, 10am; March 6, 10am Seaside Charter School - Open House and 12noon March 12, 9:30am and 6pm FSCJ Artist Series offers school time performances Families are invited to Seaside Charter Schools for and an evening performance of The Acrobats of China an Open House. Open Houses will be held at both - New Shanghai Circus. Over 40 Acrobats of China locations. Please RSVP, so they can gauge attendance. showcase dramatic interpretation of classic Chinese Seaside School Consortium provides tuition-free public dance and physical performance art with extraordinary charter schools including Seaside Community Charter and inventive feats of strength and skill, control and School Beaches and Seaside Charter K-8 San Jose balance, grace and charisma. Please note: Shows fill with a rigorous arts and science infused, standards up quickly. Call or email to purchase your tickets. based curriculum inspired by the Public Waldorf Evening Show: March 4, 4:30pm, Admission ranges educational approach. In 2018-2019, Seaside School from $18.50 to $42.50.

Consortium will provide tuition-free public schools School Time Shows: March 5, 10am; March 6, 10am open to children in grades K-7 at the Beaches location and 12noon, Admission is $8.50 per ticket. and for children in grades K-4 at the San Jose location.

Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5050 Seaside School Consortium also offers high quality / 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. early childhood programs at Sea Turtle Early Learning fscjartistseries.org Center at both school locations. RSVP to infosanjose@ seasidecharter.org or infobeach@seasidecharter.org.

2018 Musical Madness For Kids Seaside Charter K-8 / 904-619-3933 / 8727 San Jose March 7, 4pm to 5pm Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 and The Jacksonville Symphony will present a special seSeaside Community Charter School / 904-853-6287 / ries at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch of the St. Johns 2630 SR A1A, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / County Public Library. The event will feature interacwww.seasidecharter.org tive events geared for elementary school age kids, as well as live performances, and opportunities to learn Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library Book Sale all about the instruments. This month’s presentation March 13-17 features the Brass Quintet. Free.

Book sale at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.

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There will be kids books, videos, games, cookbooks, fiction/non-fiction, and more. Saturday is Bag Day-fill a bag for $10. Be sure to bring cash.

March 13, 4:30pm to 7pm -- Friends of the Library Members Only -- Memberships can be purchased at the door, day of the event March 14, 10am to 7:30pm March 15, 10am to 5:30pm March 16, 10am to 5:30pm March 17, 10am to 4pm -- Bag Day-fill a bag for $10.

Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www. sjcpls.org Alhambra Children’s Show: The Reluctant Dragon March 15, 10:30am The Alhambra Theatre hosts a children’s matinee show.

This year’s show is The Reluctant Dragon. Students can bring their own brown bag lunch to enjoy after the show. There is no food or drink service for these performances. Prices for all ages are just $12* per person and $9* per student for groups of 10 or more, including home school groups. *Taxes not included. Doors open at 10am, and the show begins at 10:30am.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com Cirque Italia March 15 - 16, 7:30pm; March 17- 18, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm Cirque Italia is a traveling Water Circus, where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-ofa-kind show. This year, the show has expanded, and the all new Gold Unit will be travelling to Jacksonville.

This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. This production will feature acts all the way from Russia to Mexico. The show is animal-free, so no live animals will be used. Acts include clowns, jugglers, a contortionist, puppets, and more. The show will take place at the Avenues Mall, under the White & Blue Big Top Tent. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $40 for adults, and can be purchased online or by phone.

Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full priced paying adult ticket in levels 2 or 3. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or deals. Please call 941-704-8572 to find out the promo code for this location.

Avenues Mall / 941-704-8572 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / cirqueitalia.com Cirque Eloize-Saloon • March 16, 8pm Cirque Éloize’s latest adventure is inspired by the rich legacy of the Wild Wild West. The show is a musical acrobatic adventure, and will be in Jacksonville for one show only. Tickets range from $32.50 to $74.50.

Times Union Moran Theater / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Disney On Ice Reach for the Stars March 16, 7:30pm; March 17, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm; March 18, 1pm and 5pm Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza as Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars. The show features royal sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman,Olaf, as they sing captivating songs like “Let It Go” and “In Summer.” Life is the bubbles when Sebastian strikes up his hot crustacean band and the Daughters of Triton make a splash as they introduce Ariel in an ‘80s pop montage. Get tangled up with a chorus of harmless hooligans when they get a visit from the spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn Rider, on their journey to see the floating lights. Relive a tale as old as time when Belle opens her heart to new adventures as the Beast’s enchanted objects take center stage for a dazzling skating spectacle. Please note: Children two years and older must have a ticket.

Doors open 1 hour prior to performance. Costumes not permitted for guest 14 and older. Tickets for Disney On

Ice presents Reach For The Stars start at $15. Save $5 on tickets with the discount code: J4KICE. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A Phillip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxarena.com Clarke Heritage Festival March 17, 10am to 4pm Families are invited for the Clarke Heritage Festival – A Celebration of History in Orange Park. The event will take place at the Clarke House Park on Kingsley Ave. There will be historic demonstrations, tours, live music, hay rides and, of course, the playground. Admission is free.

Clarke House Park / 904-264-2635 / 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark. com Big & Little Chef: Taco Bar • March 24, 10am Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. The menu features Grilled Chicken Tacos; Ground Turkey Burritos; Mojo Pork Quesadilla; Guacamole; Pico de Gallo; Chipotle Lime Crema. Cost is $75 for each parent/child combo.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www. publix.com Clay County Fair March 29 through April 7 The Clay County Fair opens March 29th. The Idaho Potato Commission’s giant potato truck rolls in for opening weekend and kids are going to love to see this 28 foot long, 12 foot wide giant potato. It would take over 10,000 years to grow a potato this big! This year, the Food Network’s “Carnival Eats” will be filming at the Fair. Opening weekend hours are: Thursday, March 29th, 2pm – 11pm.

Friday, March 30th, 11am – 11pm.

Saturday, March 31st, 10am – 11pm and Sunday, April 1st (also Family Day at the Fair), 11am – 9pm. Enjoy a Main Street Parade at 4pm on Thursday and Friday, Fireworks on Friday at 9pm, Miss Clay County Pagent Saturday at 3pm, entertainment on stage, food, rides, games and more!

Clay County Fair / 904-284-1615 / 2493 State Road 16 W., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountyfair.org 50th Annual Mandarin Art Festival Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 10am to 5pm; Sunday, April 1, 2018 from 10am to 4pm The Mandarin Art Festival is a high-quality juried fine art event at the Mandarin Community Club. The show is a vital funding source for the Mandarin Community Club’s preservation, education and beautification work in the Mandarin community. In addition to the art show, there will also be a bake sale, Green Market, Children’s Art Show, children’s art workshops, face painting, a free Child ID program, live demonstrations, and more. There is a $1 donation requested at the gate per person.

Mandarin Community Club / 904-268-1622 / 12447 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.mandarinartfestival.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!

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