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888-313-7916
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Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Headliners
HOLD SCHOOL BOXING
Howmany kids like to box? How many would do it if it’s offered at their school? Will it attract girls as well as boys? What would it do to stop bullying? Well, Heath Kerley who runs The Old School Boxing Club in Phoenix is teaching boxing to the children at AmeriSchools Academy.
Heath suggested to Sheryl Bristow, a second-grade teacher at AmeriSchools, that she might want to try and present boxing lessons to the students at the school. And, after she heard what it would do, she got the program moving.
ow many kids like to box? How many would do it if it’s offered at their school? Will it attract girls as well as boys? What would it do to stop bullying? Well, Heath Kerley who runs The Old School Boxing Club in Phoenix is teaching boxing to the children at AmeriSchools Academy. Here’s a little summary of what’s been going on.
Take, for example, the ones who had been bullied by other kids. This training has inspired them to stand up for themselves because it gives them more self-confidence and actual self-defense skills when a bully might try to overwhelm them.
Heath suggested to Sheryl Bristow, a second-grade teacher at AmeriSchools, that she might want to try and present boxing lessons to the students at the school. And after she heard what it would do, she got the program moving.
For starters, Heath proposed charging the kids $40 per semester for two hours a week. The price is reasonable and the fact that the parents are paying instead of getting it for free motivates them to support their kids in learning how to box.
For starters, Heath proposed charging the kids $40 per semester for two hours a week. The price is certainly reasonable and the fact that the parents are paying instead of getting it for free motivates them to support their kids in learning how to box.
The program has been running at AmeriSchools for two semesters and the students have been excited about it—the girls as well as the boys. All in all, the program has been very popular. “So far, we’ve had a total of 21 kids go through the process, ranging in age from 7 to 12,” says Heath. The results have been interesting.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
• Personal Relationships come first
• Character Development, Positive Social Development & Anti-Bullying Policies
• Challenging Environment –empowers students to promote their advancement on their own timetable
• Low Student-Teacher Ratio –enable more direct student instruction to accelerate student learning
• Secure Internet Resources
“It’s also very difficult and very demanding,” Heath says. “When they finish a class, they’ve had a real workout and a feeling of accomplishment and inspiration that offers more than many team sports.”
They’ve been doing it at AmeriSchools for two semesters now and the students have been excited about it, the girls as well as the boys.
As a matter of fact, some of the girls have really excelled at the sport. All in all, the program has been very popular. “So far,” Heath says, “we’ve had a total of 21 kids go through the process, ranging in age from 7 to 12.”
The results have been very interesting. Take, for example, the ones who had been bullied by
other kids. This training has inspired them to stand up for themselves because it gives them more self-confidence and actual self-defense skills when a bully might try to overwhelm them. Not only that, but it’s also “very difficult and very demanding,” Mr. Kerley tells us. When they finish a class, they’ve had a real workout and a feeling of accomplishment and inspiration that offers more than many team sports.
Heath Kerley, owner of The Old School Boxing Club, instructs students in boxing fundamentals at AmeriSchools.
“When a boy or girl is in the class, they develop a friendship that stays with them throughout the school day. They respect one another more. They make new friends. They learn that real action is vital and important. In this sport, the kids get a lot more direct involvement in an activity. And it encourages them, not only to defend themselves but to feel more comfortable about being socially involved with other students.”
When a boy or girl is in the class, they develop a comradeship that stays with them throughout the school day. They respect one another more. They make new friends. They learn that real ac tion is vital and important. In this sport, the kids get a lot more direct involvement in an activity. And it encourages them, not only to defend themselves but to feel more comfortable about being socially involved with other students.
According to Heath, it’s important for parents and kids to realize that boxing is a lot safer than many other sports. Proper instruction trains them in the stance and how to protect themselves. The kids are taught so thoroughly that they usually don’t partake in an actual bout for about six months.
Another thing that’s important for parents and kids to realize is that boxing is a lot safer than many other sports. When they start teaching a kid, they train them in the stance and how to protect themselves. The kids are taught so thoroughly that they usually don’t partake in an actual bout for about six months.
In short, Old School Boxing has encouraged the kids to be proud of what they can accomplish and end up with feeling a strong surge in self-worth and sociability.
Old School Boxing has encouraged the kids at AmeriSchools to be proud of what they can accomplish and they end up with a strong surge in self-worth and sociability.
Headliners
FUN IN THE SUN
Nicholas is ready for spring with his favorite spring gear.
Hi!I’m Nicholas, your Epic Kids columnist. I’m a second grade CEO, and this month I’m sharing four of my favorite gear finds for spring.
1. Unbreakable sunglasses
Ro-Sham-Bo Shades is a company that sells colorful and comfortable sunglasses for all ages. What makes them super special is that they’re unbreakable—you can twist, turn, and drop them and they don’t break. They can also float and come in many different colors—you can choose your frame and lens color. My favorite is the Mcfly Red shades with green polarized mirrored lenses.
2. Stylish sun-safe swimwear
Tom & Teddy sells swimwear for boys (you can even get matching trunks for dad!). The swimwear is sun safe with UPF50+ protection so
you don’t get burnt. Choose between a bunch of designs like palm trees, turtles, starfish, stripes, and more. You can also buy t-shirts and flip-flops.
3. Cool spring clothes
A company that sells neat kid’s clothes is Hanna Andersson. From babies to big kids, Hanna Andersson offers the softest clothes ever made of organic cotton (which my mom says is a good thing). I really dig their graphic tees and sun block
4. Waterproof bags
I love taking pictures, especially in the pool or at the beach, so I found a super cool bag that can be worn around the waist—and it’s waterproof. It keeps things (like cameras, iPhones, and toys) from getting washed away or damaged from water. The bags are from Booe, and when used right, no water gets inside! Plus, the bags float, so in case they slip off, they won’t sink.
Join me on my epic
and his two brothers enjoying a moment in the sun.
Headliners
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
For Hodge sisters Addison and Devin, the spirit of entrepreneurship runs in the family.
Addison Hodge
Age: 12
Grade: Sixth
School you attend: Homeschool
Where did you get the idea for Clean Core Bracelets?
I got the idea a couple of years ago during the pandemic. I saw the positive impact that not driving was having on the environment. So when I saw the impact we had from not driving I realized that I could do something to help. I always liked making bracelets and being artistic so I did some research and found some recycled beads to make these bracelets. I decided I wanted to donate a portion of my proceeds to an environmental cause. Then I made some bracelets for my sisters and some friends to start wearing. It helped me test it out and people really liked them and wanted them. So, I decided to make an
Devin Hodge
Age: 10
Grade: Fourth
School you attend: Homeschool
What inspired you to start baking?
I really liked baking with my mom and then I started watching baking shows. I like Kids Baking Championship, Barefoot Contessa, and Chopped. Every year for birthdays we make homemade birthday cakes for my family and that’s when I can be creative and really love doing it.
Instagram page and it took off from there!
What skills did you learn to start your own business?
My parents made me create a business plan. That was hard but it helped me a ton. I have learned how to take an idea and turn it into something. I’ve learned how to talk to people, how to market, doing research to find the best products to use, and then I’ve taken classes to keep getting better at making jewelry. Talking to people about my business has helped me gain more confidence. I also have had to learn how to budget my
Addison selling her bracelets at a farmers market.
How old were you when you first picked up a spoon to start baking?
I was probably 3 or 4 when I first started baking. I always made cookies with my mom. We made chocolate chip cookies, snicker-doodles, no bake cookies, sugar cookies, all different kinds.
You’re dyslexic; how has baking helped you manage your dyslexia?
I think I am really smart but there are some things that are hard for me to understand and might take me some extra time or I may have to try to learn it another way. I have always
money. Sometimes I want to buy certain beads but I try to keep my costs down so I can keep the bracelets affordable.
Where do you source your materials and how did you know where to look to find vendors for these materials? Some of the items I have found online. We also found a local store, Bead World, that sells beads and they have been so good to me! They have helped me find recycled beads and have encouraged me to take classes and do local farmers markets. They have encouraged me to start an Etsy business, which I have not started yet.
What has been the response from the public?
I started selling at a salon called Stash House. My aunt introduced me to them and they have both been so helpful to me. That gave me the courage to ask another salon if I could sell there as well. In December of 2021 I did my first
liked baking and it is easy for me to understand and it’s fun!
I feel confident because I know what I am doing when I bake. When I have a hard time with school, I can go to the kitchen and it feels good to know that I can do really great things in the kitchen.
Baking Devinstrations is a clever name. How did you come up with it?
One night I was talking with my sisters and we were pretending to do a YouTube show and I said, I was going to do a Devinstration. My sisters and I thought it was really funny and it just stuck.
farmers market. My bracelets were a big hit! People really like the story behind my bracelets and the packaging as well (all recycled materials).
What’s been the most challenging part about having your own business?
Being a kid, sometimes people question if I am really doing all this work or if I buy the bracelets and resell them. Sometimes people don't take me as seriously as I would like. But I love making the bracelets myself and it’s fun when people believe in what I do and finding such great people to support me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I think I want to be a pediatric nurse when I grow up. I like the idea because I want to help kids in need and make a difference.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a baker. I want to have my own bakery and I want to sell cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, tarts, brownies, blondies, pretty much everything!
Devin with a birthday cake she created.
Fit Kids
FIT FOR FUN
The weather is not too hot yet. This is a great time to get outside with your family for some fitness and fun.
Stretch It Out!
Buddy push-ups (you need a partner for this one)
Face each other and do a push-up. At the top, high five your partner with your right hand. Do another push-up and high five with your left hand. This is one rep. Try to reach 15 reps.
Here’s a great stretch for hips, back, hamstrings, and shoulders.
First, sit on the floor with your legs straight and your feet as wide as they will go. Next, reach your arms out in front of you and lower your chest toward the floor. Hold for 20 seconds.
Muscle Up!
Fitness is a Family Affair!
Endurance: Soccer field sprint routine
This is my favorite sprint routine to do with my dad.
Headliners
BGCS YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Congratulations
to Sydney Franks! A sophomore at Desert Mountain High School, she was named Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale's 2022 Youth of the Year.
Find a rectangle shaped field and start in the corner. Walk the width of the field and sprint the length. Do five total laps around field and you will have completed 10 sprints.
As always, remember to study hard, stay hydrated, and eat healthy. See you next month!
Linkan Marler is a 12-year-old fitness enthusiast.
Ages 6-14 years old
Sydney was chosen from a field of six candidates named at Night of Lights held at the Virginia G. Piper Theater at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. BGCS President and CEO Ivan Gilreath announced that Sydney was chosen by a panel of five judges to serve as the 2022 Youth of the Year and go on to the state competition.
SESSION 1: June 19 - 25
2-WEEK SESSION: June 19 - July 2 Camp Dates
SESSION 2: June 26 - July 2
Youth of the Year candidates (from left) Robin Ramirez, Hollyn Kadlec, Sydney Franks, J.P. Cahill, Tara Feeney, and Tafani Donaldson-Whaley
NAMED
Career Day
EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR
Mara Windsor, DO, FACEP, saves lives in more ways than one.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
It takes a lot of school to be a doctor, and I had a long, unique path. I went to community college and two different universities for my undergraduate degree. Then I had to take extra premed classes (extending my time by two years) because I decided to be a doctor after being in a car accident. I then did five years of medical school and a fouryear residency program.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a doctor is being able to actively change someone’s life—not just by saving lives but by giving people a resource or words of encouragement they might need. My favorite part of being a nonprofit founder is mentoring others and supporting them so they can achieve their goals.
wanted to go into medicine when it’s so high-stress, but it’s what I’m passionate about.
One fun fact NOT about your job? I’m really bad at singing! I tried out for choir every year at Xavier College Preparatory where I went to high school and after my third attempt they told me not to try out anymore. My grandma was not happy!
founder of L.I.F.E. nonprofit
Age: 46
What do you do for a living?
I’m an emergency room doctor as well as the founder of a nonprofit that aims to reduce the amount of stress and burnout experienced by frontline medical workers.
What did you want to be growing up? I wanted to be a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, and still love them, but I realized I would have wanted to take them all home with me! Then, before I decided to become a doctor I’d planned to work in psychology.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
With any career goal, you have to make sure your career path is something you’re passionate about because that will keep you going despite the stressors it causes. People ask why I
Dr. Mara Windsor
Dr. Mara Windsor changes people’s lives.
Summer Camps
PHOENIX CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
A summer of music fun awaits. Campers have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun using musical instruments and gear, while exploring weekly themes like instrument exploration, music around the world, and more.
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: Phoenix Conservatory of Music, 1316 E. Cheery Lynn Rd., Phoenix
AGES: 7 to 17
CONTACT: Call 602-353-9900, or visit PCMrocks.org
CAMP TUKU
Camp Tuku is a traditional sleep-away camp with a mindfulness approach! Located in Prescott, they welcome girls and boys ages from all over the country to their home away from home for the summer. In everything they do––from yoga, innovations, archery, low ropes, arts & crafts, swimming, horseback riding––they do it mindfully; always integrating the mind, body and heart to build resilience in their campers!
TYPE: Sleep-away
WHERE: Prescott, Arizona
AGES: 6 - 14
CONTACT: Call 928-224-5855, or viisit camptuku.org
LOGIC, LEADERSHIP, AND LIFE SKILLS
Happiness is the goal at this one-of-a-kind summer camp! Hosted at Arizona State University, the Logic, Leadership, and Life Skills summer program is the only place where teens can complete licensed professional development training. We’ve taken collegelevel curriculum and turned it into a fun and interactive 4-day course. Students will set new goals, learn leadership skills, and get individualized attention from our certified teen life coaches. Save $25 with promo code “NEWS.”
TYPE: Day Camp (sleep-away option available)
WHERE: ASU (Tempe, Glendale, & Mesa)
AGES: 12 - 18
CONTACT: Call 480-779-8592, or visit leadaz.org/summer
THUNDERBIRD FC SPRING REC SOCCER LEAGUE
Join the family owned Thunderbird FC for its fun six-week spring rec soccer league!
TYPE: In-person league twice a week for six weeks
WHERE: Practices and games held at 32nd St and Thunderbird
AGES: Ages 4-14 for all skills levels
CONTACT: Call 602-829-6861, or visit thunderbirdfc.org
FIT-N-FUN
FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness, while having a blast. Each week, children enjoy gymnastics, trampoline, group challenge activities, obstacle courses, team sports, relay races, inflatables, and much, much more! 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
WHERE: Xtreme Gymnastics, 14000 N. Hayden Rd. Suite 102, Scottsdale
AGES: 3 - 12
CONTACT: Call 480-596-3543, or visit xtremegymnastics.com
CAMP HUBBARD
Campers love the variety of sports, games, and participate in a theme each week. This makes it fun for campers with different interests and exposes campers to sports and games they may have never tried. Exceptional staff work hard to create an environment in which campers feel safe emotionally, physically and socially. Play and fun makes campers want to return each week!
TYPE: Day Camp
WHERE: Multiple locations
AGES: 4 1/2 - 14
CONTACT: Call 602-786-6789, or visit camphubbardaz.com
ST. JOSEPH’S YOUTH CAMP: ROOTED
IN TRADITION AND
VALUES
Since 1949, St. Joseph’s Youth Camp has provided summers of fun and adventure for thousands of kids. As a traditional youth camp and nonprofit organization, St. Joseph’s Youth Camp provides youth ages 7 to 17 with a weeklong overnight opportunity to get outdoors, learn from nature, and have fun.
Located just 23 miles southeast of Flagstaff, the 19-acre camp is nestled within the Coconino National Forest at Mormon Lake. Temperatures at this rustic overnight camp average just 79 degrees and offer a refreshing change from Arizona’s hot summers.
For over 70 years, they have been changing Arizona, one child, one generation at a time. It’s their mission to provide positive and impactful outdoor, traditional camp experiences for Arizona youth.
What Makes St. Joseph’s Youth Camp Unique
• Unlike other summer camps, St. Joseph’s Youth Camp enrollment is limited to just 60 to 80 campers per week.
• Campers receive more individual attention with camper to counselor ratios of just four to one.
• All staff members are background checked and certified with CPR, First Aid, and AED Training.
• Each week also includes an onsite camp nurse available 24/7.
Weekly program activities include horseback riding, kayaking, zip-line course (Teen Week Only), trail hiking, archery, shelter building, astronomy activities, insect and animal discovery and education, campfire and telescope nights, arts & crafts, outdoor volleyball, tetherball, kickball, basketball, and soccer, indoor foosball, checkers,
chess, board games, and much more.
A week of camp includes all lodging and meals, roundtrip transportation from Phoenix, a camp t-shirt, and memories that last a lifetime!
2022 Summer Camp Schedule
Cost: $800 Per Week ($750 if you register before March 31)
Week 1:
June 12 – 18 | Ages 13 - 15 (Teen Week)
Week 2:
June 19 – 25 | Ages 7 - 12
Week 3:
June 26 - July 2 | Ages 7 - 12
Week 4:
July 3 – 9 | Ages 7 - 12
Week 5:
July 10 – 16 | Ages 7 - 12 (Catholic Week) Register Today at SJYCAZ.com
Meet a former St. Joseph’s Youth Camp camper turned camp counselor
Name: Raksha (Roxy) Vikram
Aditya
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: BASIS
Chandler
What was your favorite memory from attending St. Joseph's Youth Camp?
My favorite memory was the night when all the counselors slept out in the field. We laughed and enjoyed the starry night, while lying in our sleeping bags. What activities at St. Joseph's Youth Camp did you enjoy?
I enjoyed a lot of activities at camp such as hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. Those were the activities that helped me get to know the campers more and have fun with them. Not to mention, the views at the end of the hikes were breathtaking.
Want to be a camp counselor this summer?
Teens ages 15 to 17 can participate in St. Joseph’s Youth Camp Counselor Training Week, designed to inspire teens to be stronger leaders and mentors. They will learn skills like team building, leadership, and receive training and certification with CPR and AED.
If selected, counselors in training will be asked to return as counselors for the five camper weeks that follow to put their skills into action by leading kids ages 7 to 15 at no additional cost. Also, counselors have an opportunity to earn 94 community service hours for each week they attend summer camp!
Cost: $225
Counselor Training Week: June 5 – 11 | Ages 15 - 17
Register Today at SJYCAZ.com
What parents say about St. Joseph’s Youth Camp
“My kids, younger and older, love SJYC. This has been the greatest experience for them. They love the staff and love the togetherness SJYC provides. SJYC has been a summer tradition in my family since my now adult boys were small and now my youngest just attended his first year this past week. Thank you SJYC.”
- SJYC Parent
“My son loved it so much that he wants to go again next year. That’s how much fun he had.”
- SJYC Parent
“It is the best kids' summer camp around. The kids learn camaraderie, teamwork, friendships, and nature. It teaches them that there is life outside of their cell phones and iPads.”
- SJYC Volunteer & Supporter
“My girls have been going for many years and love it! Now two are counselors and one was staff last year. It’s a great way to spend summer. They always have great stories and memories year after year.” - SJYC Parent
Summer Camps
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUR KID
By Jill “Mamabug” Frier
The summer months are coming and parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy while they’re out of school. One solution is summer camp. Here are some tips for finding the right one. Why Summer Camp is Important
Camp is a place where kids can safely roam and play in a way they often aren’t allowed to in their own neighborhoods. In a virtual environment, summer camp provides kids with entertainment, learning, and stimulation outside of their routine.
Whether they’re at day camp all summer, specialty camp for a week or two, online camp, or overnight camp, kids can let loose and have fun with other kids outside of a school or home environment. Summer camps are a great way for your kids to have
fun and stay active during the months they’re out of school, they also teach kids important life lessons like how to make new friends and gain independence.
How to Pick the Right Camp for Your Kid
There’re many options for parents and kids to choose from when deciding which type of camp to pick. You can choose anything from traditional overnight camp, to science camp where kids go daily to conduct experiments and learn about different STEM-related topics, to soccer, art, gymnastics, theater, karate, basketball, and more.
Some things to consider:
• Know Your Goal: Do you need ongoing care for your child every day, or do you just want to get them out of the house for a while to have fun with other kids? Do you want them to get plenty of
exercise? Learn a new skill? Grow academically? Improve their musical or artistic abilities? Pick a camp that meets the goals you have for your child.
• Know Your Child’s Interests: Discuss the different camps available with your child and see what things interest them. Understand the age range suggested by the camp and any skill sets your child may be required to have. You can broaden their horizons by letting them try new things, but be aware of their limitations and the things they don’t like.
• Know Your Budget: Summer camp can cost a lot of money. Be sure that you consider all of the expenses involved, including equipment, meals, and extras. There are also a variety of options that you can make work to fit your budget. Look for nonprofit organizations, public parks
and recreation venues, community centers and libraries, and online offerings for lower cost options for summer camp.
• Be Aware of Time Constraints and Locations: Summer camp can be a big help to working parents who need a place for their kids during the summer break, but note the drop off and pick up times to make sure they work with your schedule. Also be sure to plan around any known vacation or time off you have.
• Start the Search Now: The time to start doing homework for the right camp for your kid is now, before camp schedules get booked up and vacation time is planned. Do your research, read the fine print, talk to your child, and make sure that the camp or camps you pick work best for everyone in your family.
CAMP MEMORY WINNER!
Congratulations to 8-year-old Alexi Mrvichin for sharing a favorite camp memory. Randomly selected out of all the submissions, Alexi wins $50. Here’s Alexi’s favorite camp memory:
“I really like going to R-C summer camp. I like that they have different stations and games. I also like the food! The spaghetti is so good. It is hard to decide
what my favorite part was. I liked the nature center a lot because I got to hold a tarantula! Other things that were also really fun were shooting BB guns, horseback riding, and catching crawfish in the creek. Archery was probably the best part of camp. I learned the parts of the bow and how to shoot. I can’t wait to go back again this summer!"
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE
TEST YOUR PH KNOWLEDGE WITH CABBAGE CHEMISTRY RAINBOWS
What’s better than cabbage and rainbows in March? Well, boiled cabbage may be an acquired taste (and smell!) this time of year, but you can try your luck and some science magic to enjoy this red cabbage activity. It won’t yield a pot of gold, but you'll get to create a rainbow of kitchen chemistry and fun!
Here’s what you need:
• 1 head red cabbage
• Safety glasses
• 6 cups boiling water
• Blender
• Strainer
• Large bowl or pitcher
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Large sealable container to store cabbage juice (clean 2 liter bottle, milk carton, etc.)
2. While water is heating, rip up a few leaves of the cabbage and place in blender.
3. Add 2 cups of boiling water into blender and turn on. Blend until the leaves are a fine pulp. Add more water if needed.
4. Pour your cabbage juice through a strainer into the bowl/pitcher. Discard the cabbage pulp (it’s safe to add to your compost pile!).
5. Repeat until you’ve used all of your water. One head of cabbage can make more than a gallon of juice, so it’s up to you if you want to use all of it.
6. Allow the cabbage juice to cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
What did you observe?
• 5 clear drinking glasses
• Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Laundry detergent
• Spoons or sticks for mixing
• Optional: Milk, antacid tablets, ammonia, soda/soft drinks, other fruit juice, sports drinks, etc.
Directions:
1. Put on safety glasses and with an adult’s help, bring six cups of water to a boil.
7. Fill all five glasses at least ½ full with cabbage juice. Make observations: what does it look like?
8. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to one of the cups of cabbage juice and observe.
9. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a separate cup of cabbage juice and observe.
10. Continue this for each of the materials you want to test (vinegar, laundry detergent, milk, etc.), adding only that material to the cabbage juice. Leave one glass of cabbage juice with nothing in it as your control.
What color was your cabbage juice to begin with? Red cabbage contains a pigment called anthocyanin, which causes it to appear purple in color. This chemical changes color depending on the pH of its environment, so we call it a pH indicator. This means when we add something acidic, like lemon juice, to the neutral purple, it will change color to a lighter and brighter pink or red. When we add something more basic or alkaline, like baking soda or ammonia, it will turn blue, green, or even yellow! Try testing some other materials in your kitchen, like milk or soft drinks and make predictions about what color you think they will turn. What did you observe? When you’re done testing, try organizing your colors into most acidic to most basic and snap a rainbow picture.
Sari Custer is a life-long science junkie, and the Chief of Science and Curiosity at Arizona Science Center. In addition to serving as the public spokeswoman for the Science Center, Sari is also host of the video series, Sari on Science, which fosters excitement about science for viewers of all ages
DID YOU KNOW: A popular tea made from the purple Butterfly Pea flower also has these same color changing properties since it contains anthocyanin pigments. What other foods do you think might have the same properties?
Book Club Brain Play
THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON
AUTHOR: Kelly Barnhill
GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy
AGES: 9+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the forest, Xan, is kind and gentle. She shares her home with a wise swamp monster named Glerk and a perfectly tiny dragon, Fyrian. Xan rescues the abandoned children and delivers them to welcoming families in the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this magical girl, who she calls Luna. Soon, it is up to Luna to protect those who have protected her.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Knowledge is power, but it is a terrible power when it is hoarded and hidden.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK: I loved how unique the magic system is! I have never read a book quite like it before.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK: My favorite character is Xan because she is described as a scary witch by the people of the town but turns out to be very kind and welcoming.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer, Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell
Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
THE SECRET EXPLORERS AND THE MOON MISSION
AUTHOR: SJ KING
AGES: 6 - 8
SYNOPSIS: In this fun, fact-filled children’s book, space expert Roshni and geology expert Cheng blast off into outer space on a mission to the moon. There, they must navigate the dangerous terrain to clear up space debris before it can interfere with a lunar mission!
NEW FROM HERE
AUTHOR: Kelly Yang
AGES: 9 - 12
SYNOPSIS: From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a poignant middle-grade novel about courage, hope, and resilience as an Asian American boy fights to keep his family together and stand up to racism during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus.
SIR FIG NEWTON AND THE SCIENCE OF PERSISTENCE
AUTHOR: SONJA THOMAS
AGES: 8 -12
SYNOPSIS: From the Desk of Zoe Washington meets Ways to Make Sunshine is this heartfelt middle-grade novel about a determined young girl who must rely on her ingenuity and scientific know-how to save her beloved cat.
Brain Play just for fun
How many months have 28 days?
Cat urine, in particular, glows very brightly under ultraviolet light. Urine glows under a black light primarily because it contains the element phosphorus. Urine also contains broken down blood proteins that glow under a black light.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.
What has three letters and starts with gas? 2
Why are elevator jokes the best?
The colors of a rainbow always appear in the same order, which is, from top to bottom: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" is an English-language pangram— a sentence that contains all of the letters of the English alphabet.
Eats C is for C KIE Cave into cookie cravings at three tasty spots.
By Gretchen Pahia
There’s no shortage of delicious cookie options for families seeking sweet treats. Check out these hot spots.
Twisted Sugar twistedsugar.com
The award-winning cookies at Twisted Sugar are as delicious as the name suggests. Each month they feature new cookie creations, which change depending on season or holiday. There are also signature cookie flavors available every month including chocolate chip, lemon sugar, frosted sugar, oatmeal chocolate chip, and more. Specialty soda mix drink options are also on tap, along with a list of create your own sodas, lemonade, iced tea, energy drinks, and sparkling waters. Amazing ice cream is also served up, along with gourmet cookie sandwiches, and Twisted Sugar Twisters—like a shake, only better. With a number of Valley locations open and several more planned to open in 2022, you’re never far from a sugar rush. Ask about their fundraising options for Valley schools! Information on locations, flavors, hours, and fundraising are available on the website.
Crumbl Cookies crumblcookies.com
Mary’s Mountain Cookies
marysmountaincookies.com
Talk about a big cookie with even bigger flavor. Mary’s Mountain Cookies pack a big punch with larger-than-life sized cookies. Each cookie is a delicious treat with everyday flavors from chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, s’mores, monster, and several others. There are also seasonal favorites and rotating cookie flavors. Mary’s Mountain also offers ice cream and edible cookie dough, yum! There are platter offerings as well that you can order ahead for birthday parties, classroom parties, school meetings, etc. There are currently two locations in the Valley. One is owned by a local mother daughter duo—Mitzi Moore and Kayla Randell—and is located in Glendale at Park West Shopping Center. The other store is owned by the Selden family and is in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Hours and flavor options vary by store and location, so check online.
One of the most popular cookie spots right now is Crumbl Cookies. They have over a dozen locations throughout the Valley. Changing up their flavors weekly gives Crumbl an edge and is motivation to go back again and again to test out the unique flavors offered for a limited time. Not to fear, you can always count on Crumbl mainstays and perennial favorites—frosted sugar and milk chocolate chip. Ice cream is also available to pair with your cookie purchase. Open Monday through Saturday, hours and availability of flavors vary by location. Visit their website for locations and cookie flavors.
Eats
By Gretchen Pahia
When it comes to Mexican food in the Valley, options abound. However, if you’re on the hunt for something special, Los Sombreros is your spot!
Los Sombreros is not your average Mexican restaurant, and offers original Mexicanstyled cuisine on the menu for everyone in the family. With three Valley-wide locations, no doubt there’s one close by. The menu itself is quite large with several unique items to choose from. Starting with the kids’ menu, there are a number of choices including cheese quesadilla, bean tacos, or nachos. Each dish
comes with your choice of seasonal fruit or rice & beans and a drink option. The kids’ menu is a great deal too, each meal is only $5 per child.
For adults, there are tasty food options and great drink options. A range of appetizers to start off the meal include shrimp cocktail, ceviche, or a delicious house-made guacamole and elote.
Main dining options include carnitas served with pico de gallo and guacamole, lamb adobo, pollo con espinacas, smoked chicken enchiladas, vegan enchiladas, and more. All of the amazing and unique main dishes come with your choice of two sides—rice, refried beans, black beans, or veggies.
The menu is extensive and also features weekend traditional brunch offerings with a Mexican twist.
Every dish is freshly prepared, made-to-order, cooked to perfection, and served with a smile by Los Sombreros’ gracious staff.
Plant Early Seeds of Good Financial Habits
By Dale L. Shafer, CFP®, APMA®, CDFA® Financial Advisor
Learning to manage financial resources at a young age can dramatically improve financial outcomes later in life. A natural place to begin is teaching your child how to save. When our children were younger, we found success with a simple approach using three buckets. We used envelopes, but you get the point.
Each child had their own cubby space in our office area where their respective envelopes lived. We showed them how to keep simple accounting with money in and out of each envelope. We believed in the importance of teaching how to approach income as a resource to serve three primary purposes: others, future you, and current needs/wants.
As such, envelope #1 was for the benefit of others; envelope #2 was for later savings; and envelope #3 was for fun money, with some oversight of course. We allocated as follows:
• Benefit of others: 10%
• Later savings: 40%
• Fun money: 50%
These percentages can be fluid depending on the dollar amounts each child earns and eventually saves. You may have one child more charitably inclined, or one who tends to spend as soon as cash hits their pocket. This was our experience as one of our children needed extra help with delayed gratification and spending, while
another was happy to build up a larger savings amount.
Once the Later savings reached a target amount, say $25, we deposited the money into an interest-bearing savings account so they could experience a small compounding effect. If the fun money envelope held above a certain amount, part of that may have also gone into the savings account.
As they reached their teen years and began working after school, we adjusted the strategy to help them understand the taxes on their earned income. They also began participating in certain expenses, like auto insurance, gas, and routine car maintenance.
While there are no hard and fast rules for how to do it, it’s important to find what works for your family and begin planting early seeds of good financial habits.
Nurture their Inner Musician
Phoenix • Scottsdale
In Person or Online
www.musictogetherinphx.com (602) 363-8202
What's Happening
March 2022
CHANDLER CHAMBER OSTRICH FESTIVAL
WHEN: March 11 through March 20
WHERE:Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler
WHAT: Grab your friends and family and get ready to shake your tail feather with our favorite feathered friends, the ostriches! The Ostrich Festival features live ostriches, national and local entertainment, thrilling stage shows, over 50 exhilarating midway rides and games, classic festival food, interactive activities for all ages, and much more.
INFO: ostrichfestival.com
KIDS DAY AT THE DOWNTOWN CHANDLER FARMERS MARKET
WHEN: Through May 7
WHERE: 100 W. Boston St., Ste. 5, Chandler
WHAT: Get up, get out and play during Kids Day at the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market! The first Saturday of the month, children of all ages can revel in free family fun as they play alongside Chandler Parks & Recreation at 9 a.m. with life-size games and fun swag.
INFO: downtownchandler.org/events/ farmers-market
SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST
WHEN: Through Aug. 7
WHERE: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
WHAT: Sometimes being slow, small or weak can have its advantages! Survival of the Slowest, Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition, looks at the often overlooked species that have used their disadvantages to help them survive—and even thrive—in a world where large, strong and fast animals are often at the top of the food chain.
INFO: azscience.org
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP DANCE CONTEST
WHEN: March 26 - 27
WHERE: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
WHAT: Top American Indian and Canadian First Nations hoop dancers will compete at the Heard Museum for the prestigious World Champion title and cash prizes. At this twoday competition, men and women compete on an equal field. The art of hoop dance honors the cultural traditions from multiple indigenous communities that first employed hoop dance as a healing ceremony.
INFO: heard.org/event/hoop
SUPER SPRING FESTIVAL
WHEN: March 26
WHERE: Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
WHAT: Family Fun Arizona is putting on the most SUPER Event in town! At this free event, you'll meet superheroes like Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman, scale giant rock walls, and enjoy interactive stage entertainment, bounce houses, face painting, coloring contests, music, games, and tons of prizes!
WHERE: Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
WHAT: The Butterfly Wonderland Foundation presents the biggest bug bash of the year, the 5th Annual Bug Fest! Enjoy cockroach races, butterfly and ladybug releases, insect petting zoos, crafts, edible insect treats, and more! Free event.
INFO: azboardwalk.com/event/free-bug-fest
On Deck: April
PHOENIX MARICOPA COUNTY FAIR
WHEN: April 6 through April 10
WHERE: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
WHAT: The Maricopa County Fair is held annually at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. It features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides.
INFO: maricopacountyfair.org
BUNNY BALLOON BLAST
WHEN: April 15
WHERE: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
WHAT: The whole family is invited to experience hot air balloons, candy for the kids, a free Kids Zone with tons of inflatables and rides, tethered balloon rides, and of course, the Easter Bunny! $15, $10 for ages 3 - 12, free for ages 2 and younger.
