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MOTION + MILESTONES
Xtreme Gymnastics celebrates 30 years of fitness and learning.
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SOLAR ART
Use the power of the sun to create colorful, one-of-a-kind prints!
Small Golfer, Big Dreams Autumn Taylor is teeing up for greatness. Headliners
By Sondra Barr
Photos courtesy of Autumn Taylor
At just 9 years old, Autumn Taylor already has a clear vision for her future—and it involves fairways, flags, and a whole lot of focus.
“I told my parents I wanted to be a professional golfer when I was 4 ½,” says Autumn, who attends Mercury Mine Elementary and is wrapping up third grade. “I just like playing golf and the golf courses.”
Since that bold declaration, Autumn’s been teeing up serious dedication. She practices putting daily at home and plays nine holes every Sunday with the PGA Junior League. She also fits in as many practice sessions as possible in between school, piano, and even lacrosse.
“Probably getting good shots and getting stronger” has been the hardest part, says Autumn. But she has a secret to success: “Just be positive all the time so you have good shots—and practice.”
She plays in several local programs including Girls Golf of Phoenix, Perfect Circle Golf, and Firebirds Junior Golf Development Club. Her early tournament days began with just one hole in the “Itty Bitty division. Now? She’s moved up to nocaddy play, meaning she tracks her own score, pushes her cart, and chooses her clubs all on her own.
“Each year we keep moving her up,” says Autumn’s mom, Jenna Dye. “She started with one hole, then three holes with a caddy, and now she’s doing three holes solo. It’s been amazing to watch her grow—not just in skill, but in confidence.”
“We are very proud of Autumn. She demonstrates a lot of focus, patience, and persistence with golf. It has been so amazing to watch her grow with this sport, says her mom.
That confidence got a boost when Autumn met her golf idol, LPGA pro Lexi Thompson.
“She turned pro at a young age,” says Autumn. “This year I was able to meet her at
the LPGA Tour Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler. I was a greeter at Hole 1, and I got to shake her hand.”
While Autumn has played in too many tournaments to count—sometimes up to three a month—one moment still tops her highlight reel.
“My most exciting was when I got my first birdie at Encanto 9,” she says. A birdie in golf means the player completed a hole one stroke under par. “I made a really long putt—it felt really good.”
For kids thinking about giving golf a try, Autumn has this advice: “Start practicing putting first. Then you can go on to chipping and driving. And stay positive when you’re learning because it’s hard in the beginning.”
According to Autumn, golf is more than a game—it’s a great way to make friends, stay active, and build focus. With her go-get-’em attitude, Autumn is proving that big dreams fit perfectly on little shoulders— and you can follow her journey to pro status on her parent-managed Instagram, @autumntaylorgolf.
By Naya Seth
Photo courtesy of the McWilliams family
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE CAMP
Atjust 13 years old, Mariana
“Mari” McWilliams is already making waves as an entrepreneur. Inspired by others starting businesses, she launched Mari’s Gold—a snow cone stand named after the marigold flower, offering 15+ delicious flavors perfect for Arizona summers. With help from her parents, Mari secured the right licenses, bought equipment, and started promoting her brand through Instagram and word of
Arizona's best summer science camp is at Earth and Space Expedition Center. Their daily customized educational summer camps inspire pre-k through eighth grade kids to explore the latest advancements in Earth and space science. Topics and space exploration, geology, robotics, and drone training. learning activities and team-building exercises, their day camps make new discoveries and see the impact that science have on their daily lives. Camps are led by experienced flight passionate about sharing their knowledge of Earth and space it’s learning about space missions, exploring the mysteries system, or conducting science experiments, their camps offer a interactive learning experience that your child won’t forget.
8th grade and Space Expedition Center, 17835 N. 44th St., Phoenix 623-322-2001, earthandspaceexpeditioncenter.org
mouth. Now, she’s booked almost every weekend!
Mari admits it hasn’t all been easy— starting a business meant facing fears and tackling a bigger workload than she expected. But her determination paid off. She even wrote and published “Mari’s Big Idea,” a book about her journey, and “Mari in the Safari,” a fun animal fact book. Next up: Mari is hosting a young entrepreneurs market in Gilbert on October 25, 2025, through the Acton Children’s Business Fair. For more information, visit childrensbusinessfair.org/phoenix-arizona.
Mari’s advice? “Find something you’re passionate about and just give it a try!”
SUMMER ADVENTURES
This is a one week summer program provided by one-n-ten, FREE, for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 11-13 years old. They provide a safe, inclusive space that focuses on self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership, development, and healthy life choices for young folks. Summer Adventures will include arts and crafts, education, a music room, physical & mental wellness, and loads more! Young folks will also take several field trips including a visit to the Science Center, mini bowling & pool, attending a D-Backs Game, and going to the movies together. Snacks & drinks will be available daily. Lunch is not provided. Kids attending Summer Adventures also have the option to stay and join in Youth Center Activities too! The one-n-ten Youth Center is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a safe inclusive space for all identities. Application: tfaforms.com/5116887. The signup deadline is May 20.
EPIC KIDS PRESENTS
Cool Kid: “Mari” McWilliams and her big idea Headliners SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SUMMER CAMP OF & EXPLORATION
METROPOLITAN YOUTH
Follow her on Instagram @ marisgold_snowcones to book an event or cheer her on.
Naya Seth, 14 years old, loves to read and write. She is a member of the National Charity League and enjoys participating in various philanthropy activities.
Camp is offering five fun weeks of outdoor life for kids ages 2 to 12. opportunity to expose your language: Spanish or French. 2 to 6, they are offering Dinosaur Days, Commotion Jeepers Creepers, Adventures in Nature, and Animal Planet. The hands-on activities, learning through play, exploration, STEM For campers ages 7 to 12, iCode @ ISA - Battle of the Bots: Champions is offered. It's a great way to learn how technologies sensors, gears, and mechanics work, all while having fun! the fundamentals of mechanical engineering as they team up systems and compete against one another in tasks such as sumotug-o-war, head-to-head combat, and much more!
TYPE: Day
AGES: 11 to 13
SYMPHONY SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
AGES: See website
LOCATION: Downtown Phoenix Youth Center (they do not post the address publicly) it will be sent to attendees after the application approval. CONTACT: 480-542-0486, abby@onenten.org
BEST BRAINS SUMMER CAMP 25PHOENIX NORTH
E. San Salvador Dr., Scottsdale 480-874-2326, isaz.org/summer-camp-2024
BLUE MOUNTAIN RANCH SUMMER CAMP
Blue Mountain Ranch is an ACAaccredited, third generation owned and operated summer camp located in Florissant, Colorado. For the past 78 years BMR has been enriching the lives of children from across the country and globe. BMR is a coeducational overnight camp for 15 years old. Campers gain independence and confidence to choose their daily activities. They always have a nurse on provide home style meals made fresh each day. With an emphasis over competition, they provide a welcoming environment for all fun safe place for kids to be kids and disconnect from technology childhood. This is the summer camp you have been looking for!
Colorado
Open to MYS and non-MYS mem bers, The Metropolitan Youth Symphony staff offers a weeklong program of musical work, fun, and learning to challenge young musicians. Programs start at 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. for a full day and noon for a half day. A typical day includes “getting to know you” games, theory flash, rehearsals, electives, and more. Elective and activity choices include Beginning Jazz, Yoga for Musicians, Sight Read Like a Pro, Beginning Guitar, Foley Sound Effects, Conducting, Dance and Sports Break, Movement in Music, and more! Placement requirements: One to two-minute solo or etude (student choice). Strings: Two scales selected from C, G, D, A, F, Bb. Winds:Concert Bb, Concert F, Chromatic scale. Short sight - reading excerpt. Full and half day camps are now open for registration. Full day camps are $300 (scholarships available) Half day camps are $200 (first year stings only).
TYPE: Day camp
LOCATION: Mesa InterStake Center, 830 2nd Ave., Mesa CONTACT: 480-874-2326, azmys.org/camp
FIT-N-FUN AT XTREME GYMNASTICS
FIT-N-FUN AT XTREME GYMNASTICS
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while keeping campers active and engaged. Each week, participants enjoy gymnastics, trampoline activities, group challenge games, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables, and more. Weekly themes add to the excitement. Xtreme Gymnastics employs a high-energy staff that is USA Gymnastics Safety Certified and has completed thorough background checks. The facility is fully air-conditioned and features state-ofthe-art equipment.
TYPE: Day camp
AGES: 3 - 12
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while having a blast. Each week, campers will enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables, and much, much more! Have fun with a new theme each week! The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is high energy, USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, with complete background checks. Their facility is state of the art and fully air conditioned.
TYPE: Day camp
AGES: 3 to 12
Best Brains Summer Camp 25 is an exciting way to keep your kids' minds sharp with fun, interactive learning experiences. Camp themes are new each week and include: Brain Boost Week, Creative Authors Camp, Young Coders Week, Steam Explorers, Public Speaking Stars, World Showcase and Talent Week. Pricing for a full day/full (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) week is only $250. Half day/full week (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) campers only pay $150. Extended care is available and multi sibling registrations receive a 10% discount. Register during the month of May and receive a $60 early bird discount!
TYPE: Day camp
LOCATION: Xtreme Gymnastics, 14000 N. Hayden Rd. #102, Scottsdale CONTACT: 480-596-3543, xtremegymnastics.com
LOCATION: Xtreme Gymnastics, 14000 N. Hayden Rd., #102, Scottsdale CONTACT: 480-596-3543, xtremegymnastics.com
AGES: 5 - 14
LOCATION: 20350 N. Cave Creek Rd., #100, Phoenix CONTACT: 480-943-5000, bestbrains.com/ phoenix-north
WHERE WILL THE SUMMER TAKE YOU?
Florissant,
Leapin’
lizards! Everyone’s favorite red-headed orphan is lighting up the stage this May—and Epic Kids wants to send one lucky family to see “Annie” at the Herberger Theater Center!
We’re giving away a family four-pack of tickets to see “Annie,” presented by Valley Youth Theatre and sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union. This highenergy musical runs from May 9 to June 1 and features unforgettable songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
Want to win?
Email hello@epickidsaz.com with the subject line “I WANT TO SEE ANNIE” by 5 p.m., Friday, May 16.
For show info and tickets, visit vyt.com or herbergertheater.org.
Contest Winners
Congratulations to the Wagner-Smith family. They won a family four-pack of tickets to see “Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic” last month.
Motion + Milestones
Xtreme Gymnastics celebrates 30 years of fitness and learning.
Photos courtesy of Xtreme Gymnastics
Xtreme Gymnastics just celebrated a major milestone: 30 years in Scottsdale helping kids grow strong in body and mind. The longtime community favorite recently marked the occasion with a high-energy birthday bash filled with flips, fun, and a room full of returning alumni who got their start at the beloved gym.
Aimee Burton started in ballet at age 6, following in her older sister's footsteps. Little did she know that getting kicked out of ballet for doing handstands and cartwheels would lead to the role she's held for 29 years.
Burton is the director and owner of Xtreme Gymnastics in Scottsdale, where kids are inspired to get fit and learn in an exciting environment. Its variety of programs helps children develop the strength and self-esteem they need to succeed.
She began teaching gymnastics part-time in March 1993. "I loved it, quit my job, went full-time, and that was it. I never looked back," says Burton.
Solar Art
Use the power of the sun to create colorful, one-of-a-kind prints!
Ready to turn sunshine into magic? With just a few simple supplies, you’ll harness the sun’s rays to make one-of-a-kind prints. No paintbrushes needed—just the power of light!
WHAT YOU NEED
• Dark-colored construction paper
• Pencil
• Repositionable glue stick
• Small objects (think leaves, coins, buttons, or toys)
• Tape
• A sunny window LET THE SUNSHINE CREATIVITY BEGIN!
1. Shape it up!
Use your pencil to trace around fun objects—or freehand your own wild designs—on construction paper. Cut them out carefully.
2. Design your masterpiece
Arrange your paper shapes on a fresh sheet of dark construction paper. Go wild! Spell your name, create a crazy pattern, or design a whole scene.
3. Stick it down
Use a tiny bit of repositionable glue to lightly stick the shapes onto the big paper. You want them to stay put but peel off easily later.
4. Find the perfect sunny spot
Tape your masterpiece (shapes facing outward) onto a window that gets tons of sunshine.
5. Let the sun work its magic
Leave your artwork soaking up the rays for a few days. Peek once in a while—but patience pays off!
6. Reveal the magic!
Once the background looks lighter (compare it to an unused sheet if
you’re not sure), carefully peel off your shapes. Ta-da! Your artwork is ready!
TRY THIS TOO!
Mix it up! Try using different colors of construction paper and see which ones fade the fastest. Does red fade quicker than blue? Keep track of your discoveries and become a sunlight scientist!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Sunlight isn’t just warm—it’s powerful! It carries ultraviolet (UV) rays that can break down the dyes in paper and fabric. When UV rays hit the construction paper, they cause a chemical reaction that makes the colors fade. But wherever your shapes blocked the sunlight, the paper stayed dark. It’s the same reason your hair might lighten up after a summer of playing outside—or why old signs left in windows look faded!
May 2025 What's Happening
MOVIES IN THE PARK
When: May 2, 9, 16 & 23
Where: Kiwanis Park, 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
What: Movies in the Park is back for the spring! Grab the gang, your blankets and a picnic dinner and head to Kiwanis Park to enjoy a free, familyfriendly flick on Friday evenings. Come early to reserve your spot and hang out with the Tempe Play Mobile for fun pre-movie activities. Movies in the Park begin at dusk, at approximately 7 p.m., on the north soccer field (Baseline Rd. and Ash Ave.). The May lineup includes: “Moana,” “Moana 2,” “Coco,” and “Surf’s Up.”
Info: tempe.gov/government/ community-services/family-fun/ movies-in-the-park
MUSIC IN MAY
When: May 2, 9, 16 & 23
Where: Anthem Community Park Amphitheater, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem What: Kids dance, neighbors
visit, and the park rocks during Music in May in Anthem! Held every Friday night in May in the Community Park, this free family-friendly event invites the community to grab a blanket, visit the on-site food trucks, and enjoy the diverse sounds of local Arizona bands underneath the Anthem sky. Open to the public; free admission and parking.
Info: onlineatanthem.com
TRACKS N TUNES
When: May 4, 11, 18 & 25
Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
What: Rock and roll at the railroad park is back and better than ever with free Sunday night concerts from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring local bands playing everything from Motown and Disco to Rhythm & Blues and Retro 90s. Recognized as one of the best live music venues in Arizona, the park transforms into a community hotspot where families can kick back with a blanket or chair, enjoy dinner from food trucks or Hartley’s General Store, and soak in the sounds of the season. Train and carousel rides run until 8:30 p.m., for just $3 (free for kids two and under with a paying adult), making it the perfect evening outing for music lovers of all ages.
Info: therailroadpark.com
When: May 9 - June 1
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
What: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family. Info: vyt.com
When: May 10
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
What: Dry Surf is the name of the first skateboard park in the United States, which opened in Tempe in June of 1965. From that point forward, Tempe and the Salt River Valley have played an outsized role in the development of skateboarding as a sport, lifestyle, and art form. Created in partnership with the local skateboarding community, this exhibit showcases their contributions over a period of 60 years. The opening reception is May 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission. Regular visiting hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: tempe.gov
“ANNIE”
“DRY SURF” EXHIBIT
When: May 17
Where: Arizona Center, 455 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
What: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Mexican food vendors, piñatas, decorations, artisan & local vendors, cultural music, dancing and karaoke. Family activities and crafts will be available as well including Loteria (Mexican bingo). Info: sezerproductionsaz.com
NATIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY
When: May 17
Where: Flatiron Community Park, 100 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction
What: Join Apache Junction Parks & Recreation at Flatiron Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day! Spend the morning in the park playing games, doing crafts, and having fun! Parks & Recreation will be handing out goodie bags for kids that will include various items such as kites, bubbles, and more. Info: apachejunctionaz.gov
SENSORY SUNDAY AT CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE
When: May 18
Where: Crayola Experience, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler What: This special morning is designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted just for
sensory needs: Lights will be dimmed. Music will be turned off. Quiet room available. Included with general admission. Info: crayolaexperience.com/ chandler
FOAM FRENZY
When: May 24 – 26
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Beat the heat and celebrate the start of summer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the free foam frenzy. There is no better way to start your family’s day than at the coolest water party around. This event features foam parties, classic fire truck water play, water squirter battle zones, and other fun water activities! Bring the kids to have fun, cool off, and play! Don’t forget your water shoes and sunscreen so you can play all morning! Info: azboardwalk.com
