Evie & Alec
Dear Future Kindergartner...
“My twins have grown so much socially, emotionally, and academically this year. They love going to school! They are excited to tell me about their day. The teachers get to know the students and engage them individually. I am so glad we have them in this Kindergarten program!
It’s effective, safe, and provides a solid foundation for future learning.”
- Susan, DVUSD Parent
REGISTER TODAY for 2022-23 School Year!
Scan the QR Code or visit www.dvusd.org/register to save your child’s seat for next year
For more information: www.dvusd.org/kindergarten
Get In Touch:
2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916
Submissions and suggestions:
Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the May issue is May 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
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.
Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz
Staff:
Natasha & Brian Beal / Publishers
Sondra Barr / Editor
Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design
Erica Odello / Ad Design
Notes:
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.
NORTHERN ARIZONA
Giving Back
7 DAY, 6-NIGHT GETAWAY!
COLLEGE COSTS COVERED FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
First-of-its-kind program covers tuition, fees, room and board, and more for foster students.
ArizonaThis overnight Camp offers lots of activities; Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Arts & Crafts, Shelter Building, Archery, Hiking, Campfire and S’mores, Capture the Flag, Skit Night, Astronomy, and so much more! Includes: Lodging, Meals, R/T Chartered Bus from Ahwatukee to Camp and from Camp to Ahwatukee, Camp T-shirt, and memories for a lifetime!
CAMPERS AGES: 7 – 15
COST: $800
foster children will receive a full scholarship at Grand Canyon University (GCU) thanks to a first-ofits-kind partnership with the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
degree,” says Governor Doug Ducey. “GCU’s commitment to academically supporting foster youth and providing them with year-round housing is a game-changer. This scholarship program offers a gateway for foster youth to realize their untapped potential.”
The first Fostering Futures Scholarships are scheduled to be awarded for the 2022-23 academic year.
WHERE: 4860 Mormon Lake Rd, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038 ( just 23 miles SE of Flagstaff)
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 IMPORTANT INFO
The Fostering Futures Scholarships college pathway program covers 100% of the costs for tuition, fees, and year-round room and board for qualified Arizona foster children by combining GCU’s scholarships with state and federal funding resources.
“With this program, Arizona's foster kids will get the support they need to get a college
To learn more about the eligibility and programs, which can begin with tutoring before graduating from high school, email fosteringfutures@gcu.edu.
WANT TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR?
Join us June 5-11 for the 7 day, 6-night counselor training for teens ages 15-17. You will learn to work with kids ages 7-15 and will learn counselor skills including CPR, Team building and Leadership activities, have an opportunity to earn Community Service Hours and much more! The cost of the training is $225
If selected, Counselors in Training will be asked to return as Counselors for the camper weeks to put their skills into action at no additional cost!
Register today at: www.SJYCAZ.com or email : admin@SJYCAZ.com 480-449-0848
Tidbits FOR THE LOVE OF READING
Creighton School District
Congratulations to Creighton School District’s Monte Vista Elementary School for winning the #RallytoRead100 contest, which supplied the Monte Vista Library with 100 books from the nonprofit organization—Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). These books will help foster a love of reading in students!
EAGLE College Prep
Dr. Seuss activities kicked off EAGLE College Prep: South Mountain’s Read Across America Week activities.
Liberty Arts Academy
To generate reading excitement, LAA teacher Mrs. Geiger dressed in character for one of her favorite kids’ books, Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons.
BLUE WATERMELON PROJECT AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS
Photo courtesy of Photo Fusion Studio
Blue Watermelon Project’s Feeding the Future event recently created awareness about school meal programs and Blue Watermelon Project’s mission. Feeding the Future unites chefs and students from around the Valley to demonstrate a student-developed future for school food recipes. Students and their chef mentors create school meals that meet National School Lunch Program’s nutrition, cost, and other requirements, then have these meals judged to win scholarships and prizes.
Congratulations to Concordia Charter School in Mesa for winning the elementary and middle school awards with prizes sponsored by Duncan
Farms and Sonoran Pasta Company.
1st Place – Kaitlyn Martinez Aguilar, Eli EspinozaValenzuela, Sarajana Montejano Ramirez, Armando Soto Sanchez, and Sarah Butterfield
Creighton School District
Liberty Arts Academy
EAGLE College Prep
Family
Headliners
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Show your educator how much you care.
I’m Nicholas, your Epic Kids columnist. I’m a second-grade CEO, and this month I’m talking about teachers to honor the first week of May, which is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Here are six ideas for showing your teachers how much you appreciate them.
1. Get a personalized plant pot and put yellow lilies inside because yellow is a happy color and pretty flowers symbolize gratitude.
2. Fill a mason jar with your teacher’s favorite goodies. Some ideas: gum, little candies, erasers, and mini post-its.
3. With your principal’s permission, decorate your teacher’s classroom door with thank you messages and pictures from you and your classmates.
4. Plant a tree in honor of your teacher. There are many organizations that do it, like the Arbor Day Foundation.
5. If you plan on giving your teacher a gift card, slip it inside
Giving Back
TO VETERANS WITH LOVE
Scout Troop 4342 personally delivered 147 boxes of donated Girl Scout cookies to the Arizona State Veterans Home, along with letters from their second-grade classmates.
a new crayon box as added supplies for the class.
6. Hand-write a letter to your teacher about why you’ve enjoyed the school year. (Include a photo of you and her/ him as well.)
Here are my five reasons why I love being in Mrs. Bogardus’ second-grade class:
• Our daily class mantra is a great way to start the day. It’s: “Today, I will be kind, happy, and I will do my best.”
• We’ve been introduced to new books—I especially favor the “I Survived” series.
• It’s been interesting learning about history like the Oregon Trail and the War of 1812.
• I think it’s cool to meet older students through our fourth-grade buddy activities.
• We get creative homework assignments like the Charlotte’s Web diorama and biography presentations. I hope these ideas have inspired you to show your teachers how much you care about them.
Join me on my epic journey via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas.com.
Nicholas with his teacher, Mrs. Bogardus.
Headliners
A PASSION FOR EDUCATION
Joining the AmeriSchools team as its chief operations officer is the latest accomplishment for Dudley Butts.
Growing up as one of four teenage boys in California, Dudley learned to be self-sufficient and independent from a young age. His first job was at age 14 and he’s been working ever since.
Participating in sports in high school gave Dudley insight into the significant impact teachers and coaches have as role models. “I knew from that point on that I wanted to be like them and work with kids in the coaching and teaching arena,” says Dudley.
After graduating from high school,
Dudley enrolled at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota on a football scholarship. Upon graduating he entered the U.S. Army.
After a two-year stint in the Army, he began teaching and coaching, following in the footsteps of his prior role models. “I felt that I could have a positive impact on my students and athletes through teaching and coaching,” he says.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
• Personal Relationships come first
• Character Development, Positive Social Development & Anti-Bullying Policies
CURRICULUM
• Non-Graded, Integrated, Proven –promotes creative abilities & positive self-image
INSTRUCTION
• Multi-Age, Skill-Based, Individualized
• 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
Dudley and his wife of 52 years, Diane, along with their two children, moved to Arizona in 1986. Teaching for five years in Arizona led Dudley to a career in school administration. He held a variety of administrative positions, from assistant principal to, ultimately, superintendent at Agua Fria Union High School District.
After retiring in 2009, Dudley was involved in volunteer positions in rural Africa before founding the LinksWay Foundation to help support African communities with food and education security. Meanwhile, he also principal-subbed for AmeriSchools.
Dudley’s enjoyed working with AmeriSchools so much that joining the team enticed him out of retirement. For this long-time educator, it’s no surprise he’s back in education.
“I believe all children can learn if given the opportunity. All children learn differently and at different paces and they have to be treated
as such,” says Dudley, who likes the flexibility of AmeriSchools to meet the individual needs of their community of students. “My goal is to support AmeriSchools in any way I can for the foreseeable future and to grow our little foundation in southern Africa and to enjoy my grandchildren.”
“I have found a passion for learning about different cultures and have come to the conclusion that we are all in this together and that all people must respect each other regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, and situations.”
Dudley with LinksWay Foundation kids.
Dudley in his office.
Summer Camps
THE SCHOOL OF BALLET ARIZONA
Get your child involved in classical ballet training this summer! The School of Ballet Arizona will offer a Summer Ballet School for students ages 4 to 12 at Ballet Arizona. Sessions are two or four weeks June 13 - July 8. Classes are scheduled in the afternoon and early evening. Preregistration is required. Deadline to register is May 22. Give your child the opportunity to grow their confidence and expand their knowledge under the guidance of highly experienced ballet instructors.
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: 2835 E. Washington St. Phoenix
AGES: 4 - 12
CONTACT: 602-381-0188
WEBSITE: balletaz.org
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.
AZ ON THE ROCKS
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: Phoenix
Conservatory of Music, 1316 E. Cheery Lynn Rd., Phoenix
AGES: 7 - 17
CONTACT: Call 602-3539900
WEBSITE: PCMrocks.org
Need a way to keep the kids active, moving and happy during their school breaks? Want them doing more than playing video games and sitting in the house all day? AZR has the perfect solution—their Kids Camps, the only place where it’s okay to climb the walls. High energy, well qualified counselors will help your child build new friendships, discover new interests and improve self-esteem, all in an inviting environment. No experience is required. AZ on the Rocks camps focus on movement, physical activity, and having fun.
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: 16447 N. 91st St., #105, Scottsdale
AGES: 6 - 12
CONTACT: 480-502-9777
WEBSITE: azontherocks.com
CAMP TUKU
Camp Tuku is a sleep-away camp with a mindfulness approach! Located in Prescott, they welcome girls and boys of all ages from across 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 campers!
TYPE: Sleep-away
WHERE: Prescott, Arizona
AGES: 6 - 14
CONTACT: Call 928-224-5855
WEBSITE: camptuku.org
THEATER WORKS
Theater Works SummerWorks theater camps are the perfect summer activity for the kids who love theater. There are SummerWorks classes for all ages and skill levels, indulging the just-for-fun campers and those who want to hone their theater skills. They even have one adult “camp” workshop or two. SummerWorks is part of YouthWorks, which teaches creative approaches to life skills with exciting and enriching themes that inspire and instill a love for the performing arts.
LEADAZ
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria
AGES: 7 - 17
CONTACT: 623-815-7930
WEBSITE: theaterworks. org/summer-works-camps/
Happiness is the goal at this one-of-a-kind youth summer camp! Hosted at Arizona State University, the Logic, Leadership, & Life Skills summer program is the only place where teens can complete licensed professional development training. They've taken a college-level curriculum and turned it into a fun and interactive four-day course. Students will set new goals, learn leadership skills, and get individualized attention from certified teen life coaches. Use promo code "NEWS" to get $25 off.
TYPE: Day camp
WHERE: Arizona State University (Tempe, Glendale, and Mesa)
AGES: 12+
CONTACT: 480-779-8592, team@leadaz.org
WEBSITE: leadaz.org/summer
BUILT FOR FUN
LOCAL FAMILY OPENS BRICKS & MINIFIGS, A STORE FOR ALL THINGS LEGO
By Sondra Barr | Photos by Mark Susan
LEGO is a family affair for the Blaz family. Fans of the construction toys, Allen and Kat Blaz decided to turn their family’s LEGO hobby into a business, Bricks & Minifigs. They were introduced to the franchise while visiting Kat’s brother in Albuquerque. “He took us to a Bricks & Minifigs for the first time and we thought it was a really cool concept,” she says. “At the time, we never thought we’d own one.”
Founded in 2009, Bricks & Minifigs is a buy, sell, trade model exclusively devoted to all things LEGO, including bulk bricks and other accessories. The minifigs in the name refers to the collectible, poseable mini-figure characters that come in sets or as individual pieces.
When they returned to Arizona, Allen found out there was a Bricks & Minifigs in Avondale. He’d regularly make the long drive out to the store with their kids, Alec and Evie, to scope out the offerings.
“Out of the blue, Allen came to me last February and broached the idea of opening up a North Phoenix Bricks & Minifigs.” says Kat. “I’ve always liked the idea of owning a business. As a horse trainer previously, being my own boss and working for everything I make appeals to me. So I said, ‘Let’s do it.”
own minifigs, which is really popular,” she says.
FUN FACT
The Blaz family has two rescue dogs. One is named LEGO and the other is Mayhem (as in General Mayhem from LEGO Movie 2).
Another thing she liked about the idea: the LEGO industry is thriving, despite the pandemic. “LEGO became something more important for families to do together and to get kids off their iPads. I also like that it’s been a toy that’s been around for decades and has really stood the test of time.”
“The biggest thing with Bricks & Minifigs is that it’s your one-stop shop for everything LEGO. There are no other stores around where you can find LEGO new in a box, you can find used sets, you can find minifigs by themselves, or you can buy pieces from our bulk area if you have a set and you’re missing a few pieces to complete it. Plus, we have an area where you can build your
“We also buy and trade your old LEGO. If you have an old set that you want to get rid of, bring in the set, and we’ll give you cash in hand or trade-in value so that you can walk out with a new-toyou set.”
What’s truly unique about each Bricks & Minifigs store is the variety between locations. “All the used sets are what we’ve gotten from our community, so each store has different cool show pieces. We call them relics,” says Kat. The North Phoenix store’s relic is a custom Iron Man Hall of Armor, which has every single Iron Man marked minifig. Its value is close to $3,000.
The family also plans on working with schools to support S. T. E. A. M. initiatives and LEGO clubs where children can use LEGO to continue learning and bolstering creativity. They’re also looking forward to working with nonprofits that have the same community values the couple holds dear.
The Blaz family, including parents and business owners Kat and Allen, and kids Evie and Alec.
1730 W. Happy Valley Road, Ste. 106 Phoenix bamnorthphoenix.com
Career Day
DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Jared Woosley helps change community perceptions about intellectual disabilities.
Jared Woosley
Profession: Director of Special Programs at One Step Beyond, a non-profit organization that provides educational, vocational, recreation, and performing arts programs for adults (18+) who have intellectual disabilities.
Age: 43
What do you do for a living?
I’m a musician and hockey player who uses my skills to advocate for and change community perceptions about individuals who have intellectual
disabilities. I provide love, care, and opportunity to participants so they can turn their dreams into reality. I have the best job ever!
What type of training do you need to do your job?
You must have a huge heart and love people. You also need to be a good friend and be able to stand up for others who can’t stand up for themselves.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I get to create opportunities and share my love of hockey and music
with people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to skate and play music. If someone I work with has a dream to try something, I make it happen.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A musician, hockey player, and world traveler.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? Keep doing what you love, and you will find a way to make a career out of it.
One fun fact NOT about your job? History is my favorite subject.
One Step Beyond's programing includes the Valley's only adaptive hockey program for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Jared Woosley creates fun and educational opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE AN EGGCEPTIONAL PHYSICS PARTY TRICK.
April is an eggcellent time of year to try this fun physics party trick. If you’re ready to get cracking, here’s the challenge: Do you think you can drop an egg into a glass of water without touching the egg or breaking it? Don’t be chicken— it can be done! And, I’m not yolking around.
Here’s what you need:
• 1 tall drink glass
• Water (enough to almost fill the glass)
• 1 cardboard toilet paper tube
• 1 metal pie pan
• 1 egg
Directions:
1. Find a clear workspace free from breakables to set up this experiment—a cleared kitchen island or dining table are ideal.
2. Fill the glass about three-quarters
full with water and set on workspace.
3. Set the pie pan on top of the glass in the same orientation as you would use to hold a pie.
4. Place toilet paper roll vertically (up-and-down) on top of pie pan, centered over the glass.
5. Balance an egg on its side on top of the toilet paper roll.
6. Hold your dominant hand about 8 inches from the side of the pie pan, with your palm facing the set up materials.
7. Quickly and forcefully smack the edge of the pie pan and pull your hand away. The pie pan will travel so be sure no one is standing in its way!
What’s Happening?
Make your observations first—what happened to the egg? When you use your hand to apply force to the pan, energy transfers to the pan, making it move. As the pan travels across the rim of the glass, the pan catches the edge of the toilet paper roll, pulling it out from under the egg. There is very little friction between the shell of the egg and the toilet paper roll, so the only force that really acts on the egg is gravity, causing the egg to fall straight down — safely into the glass of water. Now what? Consider, what would happen if you used a taller paper tube like a paper towel roll? Try
it to find out! Or, take the super egg challenge: Try using a cookie sheet or lunch tray instead of a pie pan and stack multiple glasses underneath. How many eggs can you get safely into their glasses at once?
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
Book Club Brain Play
THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET
AUTHOR: Brian Selznick
GENRE: Middle-Grade Historical Fiction
AGES: 9+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly intersects with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Maybe we are all cabinets of wonders.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK: The format! While there is still text, a lot of the story is told through beautiful illustrations. I loved seeing all the characters drawn out and it helped me visualize the magical settings.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK: I love Hugo! He is so creative and the journey he undertakes is inspiring. I also adore the “eccentric, bookish girl” who becomes entangled in Hugo’s mystery.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
JUST HELP!: HOW TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD
AUTHOR: Sonia Sotomayor
AGES: 4 - 8
SYNOPSIS: In a story inspired by her own family's desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists, and bus drivers, friends, and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community.
THE TANTRUM THAT SAVED THE WORLD
AUTHOR: Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann
AGES: 5 - 9
SYNOPSIS: Sophia’s minding her own business when—bing bong!—the doorbell announces an unexpected guest: a polar bear. Despite Sophia’s protests, he walks right in, making himself at home. His ice cap is melting, where else is he supposed to go? This picture book is about finding your voice and taking collective action.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick Avery, 16, 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.
MY FIRST BOOK OF MICROBES: VIRUSES, BACTERIA, FUNGI AND MORE
AUTHOR: Sheddad Kaid-Salah Ferrón
AGES: 9 - 12
SYNOPSIS: My First Book of Microbes is the ideal STEM book for children—it uses fascinating bite-size facts, clear and simple explanations, and attractive and absorbing illustrations to demystify the hidden world of microbes.
Brain Play just for fun
JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE
What type of car is spelled the same backward and forward? 1
used to be sold as medicine. That’s right; the popular condiment was once thought to be a cure for indigestion in the 1800s.
There are about 100,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk, but not a single bone.
2
What goes away as soon as you mention it?
A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
This is a feature that distinguishes a crocodile from an alligator. An alligator can stick its tongue out, while a croc cannot do so. It's held in place at the roof of the mouth by a membrane. Because crocodiles spend so much time underwater, the tongue helps keep the throat closed, protecting the animal's airway.
What sits at the bottom of the ocean and twitches? 3
Fingernails grow faster than toenails.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are the four presidents on Mount Rushmore.
adventures PUZZLING ADVENTURES
Follow the clues to enjoy
entertaining puzzles and challenges.
By Gretchen Pahia
Puzzle
solving, team and relationship building, time management—these are all skills used while participating in escape rooms. Even better news—there are several entertaining escape rooms in the Valley to test your skills. Here are a few we had the chance to sample:
Escapology – SanTan
480-944-5434
2162 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert. escapology.com
Escapology is an original real-life escape room game experience. The rooms allow up to eight players to work together in themed rooms by finding clues, solving puzzles, and unlocking locks that free participants from the danger and sorcery that lies ahead. One of the most family-friendly themed rooms at the SanTan location is Scooby Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure. Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this is an easy solve. Be prepared to be challenged and work hard to beat the clock. Other family-friendly rooms include Lost City, Antidote, as well as a few others that are geared toward an older audience.
The Nemesis Club is hidden behind a secret door in a special location at High Street in North Phoenix, where archenemies fraternize and create and play escape games with each other. The two rooms, Evil Robots (break into the lab and shut down the robot) and Mogollon Monster (scout for Arizona’s Bigfoot) offer two very different experiences. As a ticketed guest to the club, you not only get a chance to play a game but once you finish up, you can enjoy some delicious ice cream, shakes, and sundaes in the lounge courtesy of Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar.
Puzzle Rides
Old Town Scottsdale & Prescott
602-601-2261
puzzlerides.com
Fit Kids MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
By Linkan Marler
TheDefense Department celebrates military children during the month of April. When you see someone in uniform or someone who has served, you can say, “Thank you for your service.” We shouldn’t just honor military members, but also their children.
According to the Defense Department, there are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service. They often move to different states or countries, leaving behind friends and family. Sometimes even one—or both—of their parents are deployed and gone for many months. To learn more about this special month, visit defense.gov/spotlights/ month-of-the-military-child.
This month’s fitness challenge is dedicated to the military children and the sacrifices they make. It incorporates old school-military exercises in a sequence that will help you get stronger. For details on each movement, check out my past columns at EpicKidsAZ.com.
The Nemesis Club – High Street 480-576-7779
5350 E. High St. #109, Phoenix thenemesisclub.com
If you’re looking for a spot with more technology, the Nemesis Club is exactly what you’re searching for. While this location only offers two escape rooms right now, they're both very engaging puzzles and two of the most technically advanced rooms in the United States.
If an outdoor escape adventure is more your style, then Puzzle Rides is absolutely up your ally. Puzzle Rides Scottsdale and Prescott is a mobile escape room-style scavenger hunt adventure on golf carts. Teamwork and special clues are used to solve a series of puzzles before time runs out. Family-friendly experiences include Pirate’s Treasure Adventure, where you wear your pirate garb and swashbuckle your way through town, Wild West Heist where you try and find loot hidden by bank robbers, or Hijacked By Science, where you must stop a mad scientist from unleashing a powerful weapon. There are also adult-only rides and events, specifically geared towards the 21 and older crowd. And if you find yourself up in Prescott, there are a series of special puzzle rides to enjoy there.
You have 15 minutes to complete this challenge
(go through the sequence twice).
Great job, if you finished. If not, keep practicing and you’ll see results over time. Persistence is key.
Linkan Marler is a 12-year-old fitness enthusiast.
Eats
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
Get wild over the fresh, healthy, and affordable meals at Pita Jungle.
By Gretchen Pahia
Families looking for a healthy spot to pick up a delicious meal need look no further than Pita Jungle. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner using nutrient rich ingredients in a fresh format and is a reliable spot to grab a meal with friends and family. And with several locations across the Valley, it’s rarely a trek for most folks.
Families on a budget will also be surprised at Pita Jungle’s affordability, especially for such fresh, healthy fare. There are a number of entrees less than $10 and the well rounded kids’ menu is affordable too. As an added bonus, there’s also an emphasis on gluten-free and vegan options.
The starters on the menu are large enough to split or even enjoy as an entree. Options include a small or large hummus plate with one, two, or three different flavors— traditional, roasted red pepper, and cilantro jalapeño. Hummus includes a pita or two. Other sharable options include blue corn nachos—a huge plate of organic blue corn tortilla chips, mixed beans, cheese,
pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and a seasoned yogurt sauce. Another tasty option, a spinach, four cheese quesadilla with cheddar, mozzarella, feta, and Swiss cheese on lavash bread, paired with fresh spinach, and tzatziki sauce.
Entrees range from cold or sizzling salads, pita wraps and bowls, healthy burgers, woodfired pizzas, signature entrees, specialty sides, and a handful of tasty desserts.
Pita Jungle offers one of the healthiest kids’ menus around. For kids ages 12 and under, they get to build their own meal by choosing one item from each category of grains and carbs, vegetables, protein, fruits, and a drink. The grain and carb options include brown rice, garlic potatoes, organic red quinoa, pita bread, mac and cheese, pita crisp, corn, or pasta with marinara. The vegetable options include cucumber slices, steamed broccoli, spinach, and steamed carrots. Protein options include turkey, chicken, hummus, lentils, or tofu. The options for fruit include a variety of seasonal fruit. A refreshing beverage of choice rounds out the meal.
For more information on dietary needs or menu options, as well as details on locations and hours of operation, visit pitajungle.com.
Building Good Financial Habits…Patiently
By Dale L. Shafer, CFP®, APMA®, CDFA® Financial Advisor
Onekey trait of investment success is coincidentally also a key trait in parenting success: Patience.
Naturally, patience can also be helpful in other areas, such as traffic, technology, and career advancement. One way to practice the art of patience is focusing on the things we can directly control. As an example, on the parenting side, I worked with our children to focus on building habits of success: paying attention, asking questions, and doing well on their homework. These habits often lead to the likely outcome of high grades—rather than placing the focus on getting high grades without helping them understand how.
The same principles apply with investing and building long-term wealth over time…operative words being 'over time.' We call this the process of wealth accumulation, which (in the absence of a sudden windfall) takes patience and good financial habits over many years. Where investor patience is often the most tested is during times of market interruptions. Historically the wise investors are proven to be the most patient through market volatility, and it’s often the patient
investors who get the best results in the long run.
One great way to help your children learn the art of patience through wealth accumulation is to start small. For some, it might begin with dropping coins from birthdays and tooth fairy gifts into a piggy bank. Then, the piggy bank graduates to a savings account. Then, you can help your teen start investing on a small scale using their earnings and simple index funds.
No matter the approach you take, the most important outcome is building the habits of saving, which requires patience, which comes by focusing on the things you can control. You can’t control the direction of the market or the actions of government, but you can control how often you save, how much you save, and where you save. Patience and good financial habits can go a long way!
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
Spinach and pesto lavash pizza
Hummus trio
What's Happening
April 2022
ARTOPIA
WHEN: Through April 28
WHERE: Artopia, 313 W. Apache St., Phoenix
WHAT: Artopia is an immersive art exhibit with large-scale light art installations and sculpture work from some of the most talented street artists from Arizona and around the country. Embark on a self-guided digital tour through a futuristic universe full of reactive light and sound. No matter your age, Artopia’s jawdropping combination of art and technology will fully and safely immerse you in a world of color.
INFO: artopiaexperience.com/phoenix
YOUTH GOLF
CLINIC
WHEN: April 19
WHERE: Dobson Ranch Golf Course, 2155 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa
WHAT: Dobson Ranch Recreation Department and Dobson Ranch Golf course are putting on a youth golf clinic for ages 7-17. Class will start at 5 p.m. and last one hour. This event is free to attend. The golf course will supply all clubs and balls.
INFO: (480) 831-7464
YOUNG
REMBRANDTS: MONSTERS, CREATURES, AND CREEPS
WHEN: April 20
WHERE: Chaparral Park & Community Center, 5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
WHAT: Laugh-out-loud funny! Mind-bendingly creepy! Eerie, but exciting! If your child is a fan of creepy, crawly monsters, this art workshop is the perfect fit and open to youth 5 to 17. Over the course your child will learn to draw and cartoon a variety of characters and even complete a large composition using pastels.
INFO: (480) 312-7275
FESTIVAL OF TALES
WHEN: April 23
WHERE: Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix LOGIC, LEADERSHIP, & LIFE SKILLS
7 ONE WEEK SESSIONS | MONDAY-THURSDAY | 60 STUDENTS PER SESSION
Happiness is the goal at this one-of-a-kind youth 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 a college-level 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. Overnight options are available!
WHAT: The Festival of Tales is a fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children that includes storytelling, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and much more! In its ninth year at Paradise Valley Community College, the event brings books to life through the art of storytelling and provides free books to children who participate in the activities.
INFO: paradisevalley.edu/academics/festival-tales
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, April 23 – May 22
WHERE: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
WHAT: A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through megahits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation!
INFO: herbergertheater.org
BALLOONACY
WHEN: April 29 - May 1
WHERE: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
WHAT: Balloonacy is a tender, uplifting, laughout-loud comedy show. Sweet, inventive, and packed with physical comedy, this family-friendly play explores the power of friendship and shows how, with a little imagination and acceptance, companionship is everywhere. A mischievous balloon finds its way into the home of a solitary old man, and his curmudgeonly life is interrupted, a single balloon changing his life forever.
INFO: scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/ balloonacy/all/
On Deck: May
BLIPPI THE MUSICAL
WHEN: May 3
WHERE: Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix
WHAT: Lovable, energetic Blippi brings his adventures and lessons to the big stage for a
musical extravaganza that'll have kids singing and dancing along.
INFO: blippithemusical.com
C-TOWN SUITCASE CLUB
WHEN: May 4 and 18
WHERE: Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler
Village Dr., Chandler
WHAT: Pack your bags and travel back in time where everyday objects look completely different. These free 45-minute programs are led by friendly educators who compare everyday items, then and now. Program participants will begin together with a central topic and then break off into family groups to engage in several activity stations. Geared toward ages 3-5.
INFO: eventbrite.com/e/c-town-suitcase-clubphones-tickets-301961544107
DIPPING CORN DOG FUN
WHEN: May 14
WHERE: Verde Park Recreation Center, 916 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix
WHAT: In this cooking class for ages 7 to 11 years, participants will use the corn dog recipe used at Disneyland to coat hot dogs and then fry them to golden brown perfection. Aprons will be provided. Participants will need to be preregistered and have a Phoenix recreation pass.
INFO: (602) 262-6862
