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SUMMER SUMMER CAMPS CAMPS

CAMPS DIRECTORY FOR CAMPS DIRECTORY FOR

SUMMER 2025 SUMMER 2025

KIDS ZONE IN BACK KIDS ZONE IN BACK

CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN

CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN FOR OVER 30 YEARS! FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Cover art by Vivienne, age 13

boulder county dreamin’ boulder county dreamin’

Sunshine, mountain hikes, pool days, and popsicles summer in Boulder County is pure magic, and this issue of Boulder County Kids is packed with everything you need to make the most of it.

Our ever-popular Camps Directory is updated to help families find the perfect camp experience whether your kids want to explore nature, get creative, or just make some new friends under the sun Looking for something fun to do at home? Check out our lineup of summer crafts easy, screen-free activities the whole family can enjoy together. And don’t miss Oak Thorne’s fascinating feature on Antlions and Lacewings, a peek into the secret world of some of Colorado’s coolest insects

We’re proud to be a free community resource, and grateful for your support each season If you’re interested in advertising or contributing, reach out to us at info@bouldercountykids.com.

Here’s to a summer full of adventure, Boulder County!

Isabella & Annie

(& our mascot Junie)

Paper Boy has been a BCK mascot for over 20 years!

COUNTY DREAMIN’ directories

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a division of Martin House Publications, Inc Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November Mailing address: 1464 E Easter Cir Centennial, CO 80122 Phone number: (303) 728-4798 Copyright 1995 to 2025 by Boulder County Kids All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas We reserve the right to edit all submitted material All submissions will be considered for publication Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids Materials will not be returned Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher Please go to www bouldercountykids com for more information

front cover

SUPERSTAR

Our Summer Issue cover, “Mountain Sunset,” was painted by 13-year-old Vivienne while in art class at Tinker Art Studio Using acrylics and a touch of Sharpie, Vivienne captured the warmth and calm of a summer evening in Boulder County Her favorite part of art class? Simply having the time and space to get creative

Vivienne is in 7th grade and is homeschooled, a learning path she really enjoys and finds beneficial. Her favorite subject is history, and when she’s not studying or painting, she’s likely singing songs from musicals like Mean Girls or Wicked. She doesn’t play an instrument, but she loves music—especially musicals and 1989-era Taylor Swift.

Vivienne has two younger sisters who also attend Tinker Art Studio, and two little Shih Tzus at home named Edison and Walter She plays on a noncompetitive girls’ flag rugby team and loves the balance it gives her life

Her favorite season is a tie between spring and fall she doesn’t love extreme weather, but she adores the colors Her favorite thing about Boulder County in summer? The Flatirons and how beautiful they are.

This summer, she’s most excited about going to Greece with her family. One of her best summer memories is a road trip to Chicago, where she spent hours listening to podcasts and soaking in the sights.

Vivienne dreams of becoming a therapist and an environmental activist and with her creativity and heart, we have no doubt she’ll do both

Thank you, Vivienne, for letting us use “Mountain Sunset” for the cover of Boulder County Kids Summer 2025! We hope you and your family have a lovely spring season

Tinker Art Studio partners with us to provide each cover artist winner a $50 prize Thank you, Tinker Art Studio, for supporting young local artists! For more information about Tinker Art Studio, please head to their listings in the After School, Birthday Party, and Camps Directories.

“Mountain Sunset”

Adelie, age 9

Lander, age 11

Palesa, age 13

Paloma, age 12

Neva, age 17

Andrew, age 11

Gray, age 8

YOUR AD HERE!

Want to get noticed in a magazine that distribute thousands of copies to hundreds of locations throughout Boulder County? Email us at advertising@ bouldercountykids com

FLOWER SEED BALLS

What you need:

6 pieces of const

3-5 packages of f F d

MINI LID BANJOS

What you need:

Lid (from a jar)

Jumbo craft sticks – one per banjo

Loom Bands – four per banjo

Washi tape

Duct tape

Sequins f l

SUMMER CRAFTS

What you do:

First, cut the construction paper into small, 1 inch squares Place the squares into a small dish while being sure to keep each color in its own dish

Fill each dish with water just until the paper is covered Let the paper squares soak for about 20 minutes 2

Take one of the bowls of paper squares and wring it out about halfway Place the squares into a food processor and pulse into a pulp Repeat this with all paper colors and put the pulp back into each of their bowls 3

Sprinkle some seeds into each bowl of paper, mix them in a little, and press the pulp and seeds into balls. If the pulp is a little dry, put a few sprinkles of water onto the pulp. It will help it to hold its shape better. We really love making these flower seed balls with marigold seeds.

Set the seed balls onto a sheet pan to dry overnight. 5.

Now you can plant them in your garden or anywhere you want flowers to grow!

What you do:

Place four loom bands over the lid and secure in place with a piece of duct tape as shown (I did try a hot glue gun for a more seamless finish but guess what? the loom bands melted and snapped as soon as they touched the hot glue –whoops!)

Next cut the end from your jumbo craft stick and decorate it with a washi tape pattern 2

Now attach the lid with loom bands in place to the craft stick with a second piece of duct tape 3

Finally use small dabs of craft glue to stick on your sequins, or alternatively use plastic gems or a marker to draw the little tuning knobs on the end of your banjo handle

That’s all! The sound is less amazing than I’d hoped for but they do look cute and that’s the most important thing don’t you think?

SUMMER CRAFTS (CONT’D)

TIN CAN BIRD FEEDERS

What You Need:

Empty, clean tin cans (soup or veggie cans work great!)

Sandpaper

Paint or spray paint (non-toxic)

Paintbrushes

Twine, ribbon, or wire for hanging

Hot glue gun or strong adhesive

Popsicle sticks or wooden dowels (optional: for perches)

Scissors or a hammer and nail (for holes)

Bird food (recipe below!)

What You Do:

Prep the Can - Rinse and dry the tin can thoroughly Use sandpaper to smooth any sharp edges, especially around the opening Remove any paper labels and sticky glue residue

1 Paint & Decorate - Paint the outside of the can with non-toxic acrylic paint or spray paint. Let dry completely before decorating further.

Decoration Ideas: 3.

Use stencils or stamps to paint bird motifs, flowers, or fun patterns.

Wrap the can with twine or yarn for a rustic look. b.

Glue on buttons, beads, or natural elements like bark or pinecones

For a whimsical touch, paint the can like a tiny cottage or mushroom!

Homemade Bird Food Recipe

This mix attracts a variety of backyard birds!

What You Need:

2 cups birdseed mix

4 Add the Hanger - Choose between horizontal or vertical hanging styles:

Add a Perch (Optional) - Use a nail or screwdriver to poke a small hole near the bottom of the can, then insert a popsicle stick or small dowel and glue it in place to create a perch

Horizontal feeder (sideways):

a Vertical feeder (open top):

Glue a strong ribbon or twine across the can like a handle, or poke holes near the open end and tie your string through for hanging

Poke two holes across from each other near the open rim, thread wire or twine through, and tie securely.

Fill & Hang - Spoon your homemade bird food into the can (see below).

8. Hang your feeder from a tree branch, porch beam, or bird pole somewhere visible and safe from predators!

1 cup unsalted peanut butter or suet

1 cup rolled oats or cornmeal

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup chopped unsalted nuts (like peanuts or almonds)

Optional: dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apples)

What You Do:

Mix the peanut butter and oats/cornmeal together in a bowl. Stir in the birdseed, nuts, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit until well combined.

Press into the tin can to fill, or shape into balls and chill if you want to use them separately

Store any extra in the fridge in an airtight container

& & Antlions & Lacewings

by Dr Oakleigh Thorne, II

When I was a boy growing up on 60 acres on the South Shore of Long Island, New York, my Daddy would often show me interesting things in nature. One of the most amazing of these was the antlion, the larval stage of the lacewing (see photo). As you can see, the antlion has two sharp, enormous, sickle-like jaws that extend from its flat head. These are used to capture small insects, especially ants. The larvae are sometimes called “doodlebugs” because of the spiraling, winding trails they leave in the sand that look like someone has been doodling.

With the pit completed, the larva settles at the very bottom, hidden in the soil with only the jaws open and projecting above the surface, ready to grab any prey. The larva is extremely sensitive to vibrations. When an ant ventures over the edge of the pit, the loose granules collapse, bringing it down to the awaiting jaws.

When searching for signs of antlions, we would look in a sandy or fine dirt area for their funnelshaped sand pit traps (see photo). These pits were usually about two inches across with sloping sides. Having picked a site for digging its funnel, usually a dry place protected from rain, the larva then crawls backwards using its abdomen as a plough to dig and push the soil or sand granules. It places some granules on its head and can flick these clear of where it is digging. As the larva moves slowly round and round, the pit gets deeper and deeper until it reaches a critical angle where the slightest disturbance will cause some granules to collapse and slide downward, creating a mini-avalanche!

Antlions are voracious predators. Soon after seizing it, the larva injects venom and digestive enzymes into its prey through its hollow jaws. It can soon suck out the digested material from its prey for a good meal! The dry carcass of the devoured prey is then flicked out of the pit, and the larva then readies the pit for catching its next victim.

Using a spoon, one can extract an antlion from its pit for observation. In this case, you can see that this larva is about as long as a human fingernail is wide Sometimes the antlion may “play dead” for a few minutes to up to an hour when it has been exposed like this in order to “hide” from possible predators. Antlion larvae have a low metabolic rate and can survive long periods of time without food. It can take several years before they mature enough to be ready for the next step in their life cycle.

When an antlion larva finally attains a maximum size, it pupates and undergoes metamorphosis That’s a big word that means that it goes through a major change It creates a globular cocoon of sand or dirt granules that are stuck together with fine silk from a spinneret on the rear of the antlion’s body, like the way a spider spins a web. The cocoon may be buried several centimeters deep in the sand or dirt.

Little Brown Bat, sleeping

After about a month, having made the transition into an adult, it emerges from the cocoon and works its way to the surface. In twenty minutes or so, it pumps fluid into its wings and is ready to fly away and find a mate. It is now an adult lacewing instead of a larval antlion!

Lacewings are in the order of insects called Neuroptera “Neuro” means nerve, and “ptera” means wing, or “nervewing” because of all the lines in their wings. Fascinating critters!

Dr Thorne is founder and honorary president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute), a nonprofit educational organization headquartered in our new location on Old Laramie Trail east of Boulder in Lafayette For 70 years they have helped “connect youth to nature ” For information about their programs, please check their website at www thornenature org or email info@thornenature org or call (303) 499-3647, ext 100

DREAMY DISHES

UNICORN BARK

by babyfoodecom

What You Need:

1 1/2 cups yogurt (see notes below)

2 tablespoons sprinkles food dye (see notes below)

What You Do:

Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Divide the yogurt into 3 separate bowls. In one bowl, add 4-6 drops of red or pink food dye to the yogurt, stir until completely mixed. In another bowl, add 4 drops of red and 4 drops of blue food dye to the yogurt, stir until completely mixed. You can also use any color combinations you want with your sprinkles. Drop spoonfuls of the different color yogurts into the baking dish in a random fashion (see video for more guidance) Using a spoon, swirl the yogurts together and gently smooth out You don't want to over stir or your colors will get completely mix together

Sprinkle the sprinkles on top

Place the baking dish in the freezer and let chill for 4 hours or until completely frozen Once frozen, take the baking dish out of the freezer and break the yogurt pieces into hand size chunks Serve and enjoy

PINK CLOUD BREAD

by seaofblushcom

What You Need:

3 large egg whites (about 6 tablespoons)

2.5 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

A few drops of pink food coloring (gel or liquid) Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract for added flavor

What You Do:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare the Egg Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from grease

Separate the egg whites, making sure no yolk gets in Let the egg whites come to room temperature for better volume

Whip the Egg Whites: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat Once all the sugar is incorporated, sift in the cornstarch and add the food coloring and optional extract Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form This means the mixture should hold its shape and not slide when the bowl is tilted.

Shape the Cloud: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon the meringue onto the sheet, shaping it into a dome or cloud-like form. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and create swirls for a whimsical effect.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the exterior is set and slightly golden. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent deflation

Cool and Serve: Remove the cloud bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes Once cooled, gently peel it off the parchment paper

Slice and enjoy immediately for the best texture

Q Q

Dr. John Morse ASK AN EXPERT:

We have three children in elementary school

They all have been typical kids with the ups and downs and tantrums and sweetness most kids have. A few weeks ago, our middle child, 8, has started to become angry and moody. I did take him to see his pediatrician, and she said he had no physical issues. Are these emotions normal and just connected with growing?

There can be many different causes as to why a child would display this behavior. A certain amount is normal especially when approaching puberty. It can be a result of a range of things including being bullied at school, nutritional concern, changes in family dynamics and increased childhood stress. Also, it could be biochemical changes or even the result of a head injury With the physical issues having been ruled out, one suggestion would be to take your son to a child therapist to assess what’s going on and what to do about it Trying to understand what’s going on through the child’s eyes is essential

My children watched old movies over the weekend which included kid movies, westerns, and cartoons Now, my sons want to play “Cowboys and Indians” because they saw some kids play it on the screen

sanctity of Native American cultures. This could serve as an opportunity to teach them about prejudices and assumptions of people who don’t look like them Children often have many play themes as they are learning who they are and what their place is in the world

Our son is 10 and is on the autism spectrum He’s doing well and is becoming more verbal We are very proud of the progress he has made in many areas His school’s special-needs education classes have been vital Recently, an adult asked me, “Why did you allow him to be vaccinated since it causes autism?” I was floored, and since then, I have heard this sentiment twice more What should my reaction to this be?

AQ A A

While it is normal for children to mimic what they get exposed to, a parent needs to be careful of stereotypes and prejudices Many boys (and some girls) like “shoot’em up” or battle games, which I would consider generally normal Many of the old cowboy movies and cartoons portrayed Indians as caricatures, completely ignoring the traditions, wisdom, humanity and

First off, you don’t owe anyone explanations to these questions. In our present culture, parents have a lot of choices about vaccinations and there are many theories about what to do. Some have medical science and research backing them up, but others are based on other beliefs. Many people, if not most, don’t understand autism and that it can be presented in many ways, hence the “autism spectrum.” Many people make assumptions about things they know little about or have no experience in including the joys and challenges of raising an autistic child Those comments imply that there is blame for “getting” autism which is without basis and is incredibly insensitive

John Morse, PhD, RPT/s, LMFT, is a co-founder and past president of the Colorado Association for Play Therapy and past president of the Colorado Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. He has been in private practice in Fort Collins since 1986

INCLUSION CORNER with Miss Katie

Summer is a time for sunshine, adventures, and making memories! Whether you're staying close to home or heading out on vacation, this edition of Inclusion Corner offers inclusive ideas to help your family make the most of the season while ensuring every child feels supported, engaged, and celebrated

Activities for Families

Sensory-Friendly Summer Fun: Many communities now offer sensory-friendly movie mornings, splash pad hours, and museum days with reduced noise and crowds Check local listings and call ahead to ask about accommodations that may not be listed online

At Home Tip: Create a calming “cool-down zone” indoors with soft pillows, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget tools to give kids a safe space when they need a break from the excitement

Adaptive Water Play: Water play can be inclusive and therapeutic. Use tools like water tables, inflatable pools, or accessible sprinklers on patios and lawns.

Local Suggestion: Boulder County’s Recreation Centers often offer adaptive swim lessons or accessible pool times check schedules early, as these programs can fill up fast Check out their website: bouldercolorado gov/locations/northboulder-recreation-center

Resources for Families

Looking for more ways to support your family this summer? These organizations and programs offer services, support, and tools to help families of children with disabilities thrive. They are also great resources for families to teach their families about inclusion and what it looks like!

Imagine! Colorado: Provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, including summer activity planning and respite care Visit ImagineColorado org

PEAK Parent Center: A statewide hub for families, PEAK offers virtual trainings, transition resources, and individualized support to help parents navigate summer programs and IEP needs Visit PeakParent org

Autism Society of Boulder County: Hosts summer events, support groups, and sensory-friendly outings Check out bouldercountyautism org for their seasonal calendar

This summer, let’s keep things simple, inclusive, and joy-filled. Whether you’re relaxing at home or off on an adventure, every child deserves a season full of connection, growth, and fun. Wishing your family a safe and sunny summer!

Katie Buckley is a high school special education teacher who teaches in a program for students with cognitive disabilities She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, before going to Texas to get her Bachelor‘s and Master’s in Special Education from Texas Christian University

Five Toddler-Friendly Family Hikes Along US-287

By Julie Fernie

In this season of lengthening daylight, with wildflowers bursting into life and trails drying out from mud season, our hiking boots can begin to dance with anticipation for summertime hikes We are fortunate to have an abundance of trails within Boulder County Choosing an appropriate trail is essential for an enjoyable experience Many local hiking guides provide resources for hikes for adults or older children, but toddlers have unique needs regarding trails.

Let’s step back for a moment to consider how toddlers’ bodies work. Since they have shorter legs and their motor control is still developing, their movements are less efficient. Their coordination and strength may

not be developed enough to repeatedly hike over and around big rocks

They tend to follow their whims across a trail, which may involve crossing a trail and going forward and backward multiple times All of this means that hiking a given distance takes relatively more energy for a toddler than it does for an older child or a grown-up However, toddlers can thrive on a short trail with multiple interest points (and snacks and water breaks!). Starting with flat, even trails allows toddlers to develop the endurance to hike about a mile – and to have fun along the way.

With that in mind, here are five toddlerfriendly family hikes along the US-287 corridor. Each trail is flat and wide with beautiful views.

Stearns Lake at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, Broomfield (1.2 miles roundtrip)

Parking: Stearns Lake Trailhead Pit toilets and picnic tables are available Leave the parking lot via the Rock Creek Trail Continue 06 miles to the far side of Stearns Lake to where the trail goes uphill and takes a sharp right turn Turn around and return to the trailhead via the same route. Birds and fish are abundant, including bald eagles that often nest in the area. Sometimes the lake even appears to be boiling with fish! Follow seasonal signs regarding trail detours related to wildlife.

Five Toddler-Friendly Family Hikes Along US-287

Waneka

Reservoir, Lafayette (12 mile loop)

Parking: Park at the east end of the lake in the parking lot near the intersection of Emma Street and Caria Drive. Flush toilets are available seasonally at the Waneka Lake playground.

From the parking lot, turn right to hike counterclockwise around Waneka Reservoir. This direction allows for more sustained views of Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks. Hiking in this direction also allows toddlers to reach the Waneka Lake Park playground near the end of the hike. Between the hike and playground, expect a tired toddler after this outing!

Teller Lake at South Teller Farms, Boulder (0.8 miles roundtrip)

Parking: South Teller Farm Arapahoe Road Trailhead. Pit toilets and picnic tables are available.

From the trailhead, walk 0.2 miles east on the Teller Farm Trail. At the first trail intersection, continue straight for another 0.2 miles to Teller Lake. A small dock with guardrails provides access onto the lake – excellent for tossing pebbles! Return back to the trail intersection. If your toddler still has more energy, consider a side trip to a shaded bridge that crosses an irrigation ditch. To access the bridge, turn right at the trail intersection and walk north 0.1 mile to the bridge. Return to the trailhead via the same route.

Five Toddler-Friendly Family Hikes Along US-287

ERTL Ponds at North Teller Farms, Boulder (1.3 miles roundtrip)

Parking: Teller Farm North Trailhead. No bathroom facilities available. From the trailhead, proceed west 0.2 miles on the pedestrian path next to Valmont Road. Carefully cross Valmont Road at the crosswalk. Continue 0.4 miles north on the trail as it winds alongside an irrigation ditch and crosses a set of out-of-service railroad tracks. After crossing the railroad tracks, the trail passes near the ERTL ponds which are home to many yearround and migratory bird species. There are multiple grassy spots available for a snack or picnic. Return to the trailhead via the same route.

St. Vrain Creek Waterfall at Golden Ponds, Longmont (0.6 miles roundtrip)

Parking: Golden Ponds Park parking lot. Bathrooms are available seasonally. Picnic tables are available year-round. From the trailhead, follow the paved trail west/northwest. After 0.1 mile, turn left to follow the trail between two ponds. Continue for 0.2 miles to the junction with the gravel trail at the far end of the pond. Continue straight to the bridge across St. Vrain Creek to access a beautiful spot for a snack and water break at the base of the waterfall. This shaded area is a cool respite from the summer heat.

Julie Fernie has a master’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University and works as a pediatric clinical exercise physiologist. She has hiked all but a handful of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Boulder County. Julie enjoys countless trail giggles and snacks while out hiking with her husband and young son.