20201 April Momaha magazine

20212021

VOLUME 12 ·4ISSUE 4 APRIL VOLUME 12 · ISSUE APRIL

T THHI NI NK K EN G GR RE E N to celebrate WaysWays to celebrate Day every EarthEarth Day every day day

KIDS CAMP KIDS CAMP FINDER FINDER A summer of A summer of discovery discovery starts starts here here

We’re Here Every Day and Every Night Every Day and Every Night Whether it’s a weekend skateboarding injury or a middle-of-the-night fever, Whether it’s a weekend skateboarding injury or a middle-of-the-night fever, we want you to know Boys Town Pediatrics is here for you with: we want you to know Boys Town Pediatrics is here for you with: • • • •

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling 24-Hour Appointment Scheduling Same Day Sick Appointments, Same DayEvenings, Sick Appointments, Including Weekends Including Evenings, Weekends and Holidays and Holidays • 24-Hour Nurse Support • 24-Hour Nurse Support

• Extended Evening and • Extended Evening and Saturday Hours Saturday Hours • Virtual Visits for Primary, Specialty • Virtual Visits forHealth Primary, Specialty and Behavioral Care and Behavioral Health Care

Looking for a pediatrician?

Looking for a pediatrician?

Schedule a free meet at greet with one of our pediatricians.

Schedule a free meet at greet with one of our pediatricians.

531-355-1234 531-355-1234 boystownpediatrics.org boystownpediatrics.org

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CONTENTS VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4 APRIL 2021 editor in chief

CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director

KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

assistant editor

MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

momaha.com editor

ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075 KILEY CRUSE

designer

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

SPONSORED FEATURES

3 Editor’s Column 5 Momaha Bookshelf 24 Be Well

6 Earth Day Popcorn + Treat Cups 8 DIY Green Cleaning 11 Recycled Box Crafts 16 Soft Pretzels 19 Summer Camp

4 Marian High School 20 Kids Camp Finder

APRIL BURFORD

contributors

R E B E C C A G R AT Z M O L LY C AVA N A U G H KEVIN COFFEY

cover photo

ADOBESTOCK

custom publishing sales coordinator

N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2021 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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April 2021

MOMAHA.COM EDITOR ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin and mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

BUZZING INTO SPRING

S

pring has officially sprung, and I couldn’t be happier. We’re one step closer to summer and a break from school!

My favorite part of spring is watching my native garden sprout and grow. I have a mix of grasses and flowers, so there’s always something in bloom. My favorite is bee balm because it attracts so many bees and butterflies. It also smells wonderful since it’s part of the mint family, and can be used in tea and on dishes.

I also can’t wait to plant my vegetable garden with the help of my kids. We pretty much plant a salsa garden – tomatoes, jalapenos, green peppers and cilantro, which my kids pluck from the plant to eat. We usually try our hand at one new thing (last year it was lettuce).

After a long winter cooped up inside, it’s great to be outside, enjoying the fresh air, and even doing a little hiking at some of our favorite areas such as the Hitchcock Nature Center.

But spring also brings rainy days. If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids busy indoors, check out our cardboard crafts, beginning on Page 11. If you’re like me, you’ll have plenty of Amazon boxes to put to good use!

Happy spring.

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SPEND A DAY AT MARIAN! Now hosting sixth, seventh and eighth-grade shadows. See what it’s like to be a Marian girl - we’ll match you with a current student.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman at 402.571.2618 ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org.

7400 MILITARY AVENUE • OMAHA, NE 68134 MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.NET

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SPONSORED FEATURE MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Follow her passions Marian’s Humanities Scholar Program expands students’ horizons

I

n each of their classes, Marian students are presented with new ideas, perspectives and opportunities that influence what they will choose to do after their time at Marian has ended.

A senior may discover her affinity for trigonometry, or a sophomore may find she has a talent for throwing pottery. Whether it’s chemistry or choir, Marian works to make sure every student is able to pursue her passions.

The Humanities Scholar Program is the latest addition to this mission. It offers students a framework to follow their interests in art, English, social studies and all other humanities subject areas Marian offers.

“The idea of the Humanities Scholar Program is to help students who in any event would gravitate toward humanities courses have a more direct or structured program in which to explore these subjects, both in and outside of Marian,” social studies department chair Katy Salzman said.

Principal Susie Sullivan said she knows many students pursuing a more STEMbased education at Marian feel they are on a “science track.” She and the social studies department thought it would be helpful if students interested in the humanities could have a similar path.

“We have always been strong in the humanities, however, a special emphasis is an added result of the program,” Sullivan said. “With all the emphasis our society puts on STEM, we did not want the humanities to

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April 2021

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIAN

Want to learn more about Marian?

Our doors are always open – virtually.

Take a virtual tour at any time at www.marianhighschool.net/virtual-tour.

Don’t miss our Seventh Grade Trivia Night on April 24! For more information visit bit.ly/TriviaNite7.

get lost in the discussion. We want to expose students to the humanities subjects to increase their critical thinking and the ability to look at everything with a different lens.

The humanities subjects make us all more human.”

The program, which officially opened in January 2020, allows students to follow a “humanities track” starting their sophomore year, when they begin with the Introduction to the Humanities course.

“The Introduction to the Humanities class is an introduction to the major disciplines in the humanities,” said social studies teacher Jillian Roger, who teaches the course.

“Students will spend two weeks learning the basics of each of the following disciplines: philosophy, art and music, history, literature and language, and religion and ethics.”

After they’ve completed the introductory course, students will take five humanities elective classes during their junior and senior years. The electives could be any combination of upper-level courses in at

least three of the humanities subject areas Marian offers: fine arts, English, social studies, foreign languages, theology or study of a humanities-related topic in Honors Independent Research.

“Students who gravitate toward these areas anyways won’t have any problem fulfilling this,” Salzman said.

In addition to their coursework and with the help of a faculty advisor, Humanities Scholars will need to qualify for a humanities honor society, complete a digital portfolio of the work they do in their electives and complete a designated number of humanities-related service hours.

“It’s an effort to shed light on what we already have but also to build on what we offer,” Salzman said. “It’s important that we have a program in which they can explore a host of different issues.”

The program is not a requirement for Marian students, but it welcomes all who are eager to have the educational foundation humanities courses can create. And with three full sections of the Introduction to the Humanities course, it’s clear Marian is full of students who are seeking exactly that.

“The humanities truly make a wellrounded education,” Salzman said. “Students learning how to think about issues that are truly fundamental to who they are as a person and looking at what brings humans together is so important for whatever they do in life.”

BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY

Tales that teach Animals know and show the way

A

PIG THE PUG

by Aaron Blabey Pig is a pug and he’s kind of a bad dog. The series follows Pig’s misadventures as he gets in fights with other dogs, gets dirty, tries to avoid taking a bath and more. In the end, though, Pig always learns his lesson.

s a parent, you can never go wrong with children’s books about animals.

They’re funny, cute and heartwarming. And kids will generally learn good lessons from the animals without even realizing it.

BISCUIT

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli; illustrated by Pat Schories There are many books that feature Biscuit, the cute yellow puppy. The books have fun, kid-friendly topics like learning manners, birthdays, show-and-tell, going to the doctor and more. They’re easy to read and the illustrations are simply adorable.

CHILDREN MAKE TERRIBLE PETS

by Peter Brown Lucy the bear finds a lost child in the woods and decides to bring him home. She begs her mom to let her keep him, and mom finally relents, but with the warning: “Children make terrible pets.” Lucy decides to name him Squeaker, and they have a fun day full of adventures.

FROG ON A LOG

by Kes Gray and Jim Field This charming rhyming book shows that every animal has a place to sit — even if it’s ridiculous! The catch is it has to rhyme: “Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs.” There’s also “Dog on a Frog” if you’re looking for more rhyming fun!

GRUMPY MONKEY

by Suzanne Lang; illustrated by Max Lang Jim the chimpanzee is in a rotten mood for no particular reason. His friends don’t understand why and they offer him all kinds of advice, but Jim can’t handle it and has a big meltdown.

Maybe he just needs to be grumpy. This book teaches kids about being grumpy and why it’s sometimes OK to feel that way for no good reason.

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WORLDS OF FUN Smile, Earthlings! Cups hold two treats in one TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

E

arth Day is right around the corner. Making these easy treat cups would be a fun way to celebrate our beautiful world. Even more exciting — filling the cups with Earth Day popcorn.

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April 2021

EARTH DAY TREAT CUPS • • • • •

Blue paper cups Black marker Scissors Green construction paper Glue sticks

1. Cut miscellaneous shapes out of green paper. Glue randomly around the cup to create the “land” on your earth.

2. Draw two eyes and a mouth on the front/center of a blue cup.

EARTH DAY POPCORN • • • •

1⅛ cups light corn syrup 6 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon cold water 3¾ cups powdered sugar

1. Pop popcorn and remove all unpopped kernels. Divide into two large bowls.

2. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine corn syrup, butter, cold water, powdered sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Carefully pour half the marshmallow mixture into a bowl (hot sugar mixture can burn your skin). Add blue food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other. Mix each well.

4. Pour blue mixture over one bowl of popcorn and green over the other. Stir to coat each kernel.

• 1½ cups marshmallows • 24 cups plain popcorn • Blue and green food coloring

5. Let cool a bit and then butter fingers so you can easily handle the popcorn.

6. To get a mixture of the two colors, lay out a large sheet of waxed paper.

Spread one bowl of coated popcorn over the waxed paper. Sprinkle drops of the other color over the top.

7. Either fill Earth Day Treat Cups or form into 3- to 4-inch popcorn balls before they cool.

8. Wrap with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Adapted from simpleasthatblog.com and lilluna.com

Free & open

to All ages

Summer Reading Program June 1–July 31, 2021 Read for fun and enjoy virtual programs!

Learn more and sign up at omahalibrary.org.

7

GREEN GLEAM Kick toxic cleaners to the curb TEXT Kiley Cruse + Julie Anderson

G

ADOBESTOCK.COM

reen cleaning, natural cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning – they all mean the same thing – kicking toxic cleaners to the curb.

Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions in the home. But using green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning, according to the EPA. And if you make your own green cleaning products, they are not only better for the environment, they are cheaper too. Who doesn’t love that? Most DIY cleaners cost about one-fifth of store-bought products.

To make your own cleaners, stock up on these common ingredients: White vinegar Liquid castile soap Baking soda Hydrogen peroxide Essential oils

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April 2021

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER • 2 cups white distilled vinegar • 2 cups water • Optional: 20 to 30 (or more) drops essential oil 1. Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Use on hard surfaces such as countertops, kitchen floors, windows and mirrors.

Tip: Warming solution in the microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Microwave in glass container only.

CREAMY SOFT SCRUB • • • •

2 cups baking soda ½ cup liquid castile soap 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (preser vative) Optional: 5 or more drops essential oil

1. Mix ingredients. Store in a sealed glass jar for up to two years.

Tip: For exceptionally tough jobs, spray with vinegar first — full strength or diluted. Let sit and follow with scrub.

FURNITURE POLISH • ¼ cup olive oil • ¼ cup white distilled vinegar • Optional: 20 to 30 drops lemon essential oil or 2 teaspoons lemon juice

WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY’RE GOOD FOR

White vinegar: One of the most versatile, affordable and accessible products for killing germs, deodorizing, lifting carpet stains and cleaning coffee makers, chrome and countertops. It also cuts through stubborn grease and hard water stains.

Essential oils: Concentrated oils derived from plants. Tea tree and lavender oil have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Oils should not be taken internally. Some people can be highly sensitive to essential oils, with symptoms such as headaches, asthma exacerbation or other effects.

Baking soda: Neutralizes both acids and bases, eliminates odors rather than covering them up. Scrubs shiny materials without scratching.

Vegetable glycerin: A byproduct of palm and coconut oil production, used as a preservative. Available at health food and soap-making supply stores.

Liquid castile soap: This multitasking soap is made from plantbased oils. It’s natural, nontoxic, and biodegradable; it can be used in both beauty products and household cleaners. Just don’t combine castile soap with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, as it will leave a film on what you are trying to clean.

Note: Label all natural cleaners and keep out of reach of children and pets. Although natural cleaners are nontoxic, they should not be ingested. Write the recipe on the container for easy refilling.

Sources: Women’s Voices for the Earth, World-Herald files, Green Neighborhood Council of the Green Omaha Coalition, today.com

1. Combine ingredients and shake well before using.

2. Dip a clean, dry cloth into the polish and rub wood in the direction of grain. Use a soft brush to work polish into corners or tight places.

Tip: To remove water spots, rub well with a non-gel toothpaste and wipe away with soft cloth. To remove scratches, mix one part lemon juice and one part olive oil; rub with soft cloth.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER WIPES • • • •

1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 cup white vinegar ½ cup lemon juice 8 drops tea tree essential oil

1. Mix together hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice and tea tree oil.

Soak paper towels in the mixture and store them in a plastic zip-top bag.

HOMEMADE SHOWER CLEANER • 10 ounces Original Blue Dawn dish detergent • 2¼ cups white distilled vinegar • 3 milliliters essential oil or essential oil blend, (optional) 1. Combine the Dawn and vinegar in a 28-ounce spray bottle.

If desired, add essential oils of your choice.

2. Shake to combine.

3. To use, spray cleaner onto shower walls and tub, as well as any other surfaces you want to clean. Cover the area fully, then allow the cleaner to set for 30 minutes.

4. Finally, wipe with a damp sponge then rinse clean.

• Affordable Half & Full-day Programs, June 1— August 6 • New Safety Protocols • Before & After Care Available

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10

April 2021

Cardboard

HEAVEN REBECCA GRATZ

Stack, cut, race and wear those boxes; one-size-fits most

T

STORY Kiley Cruse

hroughout this pandemic, one thing’s for certain: boxes are piling up in our homes with many of us ordering more items online. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, consumers closed out the last quarter of 2020 spending an astounding 32.1% more online with U.S. merchants than the same period in 2019. So what can you do with all that cardboard besides send it to the recycle bin?

We’ve got some ideas.

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THE GREAT IMPOSTER Underneath this natty rope exterior lies a humble cardboard box. Here’s how to wrap your own.

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

CARDBOARD BASKET • 2 boxes (one will be your finished basket, the other a supporting component) • T-shirt big enough to fit over the box (we used a child’s size L for a 9½-by -13-inch box) • Rope or macramé cord, 5mm or larger (we used about 40 yards of 6mm cord) • Hot-glue gun • Scissors • Ruler • Duct tape or packing tape 1. Select a cardboard box for your basket. Either cut off the top flaps or fold them inward.

2. From the second box, cut a section slightly smaller than the dimension of the bottom of your basket box.

Place the cardboard section inside the basket to check the fit; adjust accordingly if too snug.

3. Next, find a T-shirt that’s wide enough at the bottom to fit over the box. This will become your lining.

4. Measure the height of your basket and add 4 inches. Measuring from the bottom hem of the T-shirt, cut this length. Our basket is 5½ inches tall, so we measured up 9½ inches from the bottom and cut. Set aside.

5. Using the top half of the T-shirt, cut a piece that is about 1 inch larger on all sides than your bottom section of cardboard. Using hot-glue gun, adhere the fabric to the cardboard insert. Set aside.

6. Using packing tape or duct tape, reinforce the entire bottom of your basket.

7. Starting at a bottom corner, hotglue your rope/cord to the box. Keep the rows neat and tight; none of the box should peak through. Continue gluing until the box is covered.

8. Turn the T-shirt tube inside out.

Holding the hemmed edge, position the tube inside the box and pull the hemmed end over the edges of the box about 2 inches. For a more finished look, turn under the hemmed edge.

9. Place the covered bottom piece in the box and put your basket to work!

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April 2021

Elliott, left, and Sam Coffey race marbles on their Space Racer Marble Run.

ON A Fun runs wild on marble course TEXT + STYLING Ashlee Coffey PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Coffey

R

ecently, I was noticing how much cardboard we had laying around the house. Rather than just recycle it all, I used pieces to create a marble run for my boys. It turned out to be epic fun for the whole family.

CARDBOARD MARBLE RUN • Cardboard box (one long one or a few duct-taped together) • Craft sticks

• • • •

Marbles Hot-glue gun Foam core Optional: Paint + brushes

1. To start, prep your cardboard. Strip the original packing tape.

If necessary, tape cardboard pieces together to make one long piece.

Paint the cardboard (and allow to completely dry) or let your kids go wild with crayons or markers.

2. Plan out where you want your craft sticks to go. I used a pencil to draw mine on so I could make sure everything would fit nicely and be spaced evenly.

3. Hot glue the sticks to the cardboard. Adjust the runs by gluing some sticks together and cutting others to smaller lengths.

4. Once all the sticks are glued in place, fashion a small box from foam core the width of your marble run and attach it to the bottom to catch all the marbles. You could also use a smaller cardboard box or a plastic container. Depending on the angles you glue the sticks, frame the sides of the run with a 2-inch-high strip of cardboard or foam core to keep the marbles from going astray.

5. After the glue has dried completely, test the marble run to make sure everything holds and the container catches the marbles. We leaned our run against a wall; a couch or chair would work too.

6. Once everything is good to go, let loose of your marbles and have fun!

Adapted from frugalfun4boys.com

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Supersized fun Build-your-own walking, talking cardboard bot!

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Rebecca Gratz

BOX ROBOT • Cardboard boxes, in a range of sizes • Box cutter (adult use only) • Pencil • Packing tape • Paper towel rolls or wrapping paper roll • Paper cups • Markers • Other embellishments of child’s choosing 1. Build your robot’s body. Start with a pile of shipping boxes. Find one large enough to fit over your child’s torso.

2. Mark the arm and head holes with a pencil. Using a box cutter,

cut out the holes.

3. Find a smaller box for the head piece. Place the box over the child’s head and mark where holes should be cut in order for the child to see.

Remove the box and using the box cutter, cut the holes.

4. Give your child free rein to build out the robot with other small boxes, paper tubes, and other recycled materials. Attach pieces with packing or duct tape.

5. Use markers, stickers, bottle caps, tin foil or other embellishments to further decorate the robot costume.

6. Have your child put on the costume and bring the robot to life with sound effects and stories.

Support for families in Nebraska formed through adoption and guardianship.

888.667.2399 RightTurnNE.org A collaboration between Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

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April 2021

15

Twist& S bake

These pretzels are bent to please TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

oft and tender homemade beer pretzels are bursting with flavor.

They’re a perfect snack or a delicious option for a sandwich. Even better, you don’t need to let the dough rise so they can be ready in a little more than 30 minutes. In case you need more reason to give this recipe a try, April is National Soft Pretzel Month.

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April 2021

SOFT BEER PRETZELS • • • • • • • • •

2¼ teaspoons active dr y yeast 12 ounces warmed beer (110-120 F) 2 tablespoons honey 3¼ cups all purpose f lour 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup baking soda 1 large egg 2 tablespoons water Coarse salt (or pretzel salt)

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pour warm beer into the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle yeast over top, add honey and stir. Allow yeast to bloom for 5-10 minutes. Once it is nice and foamy, it is ready.

3. Fill an 8-quart pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, beat egg and 2 tablespoons water with a fork. Set aside. Wash a section of countertop for rolling out dough. Do not flour it or it will be harder to roll out the dough.

4. Add flour and salt to mixer. Knead for about 3 minutes until the dough comes together in one ball. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time as needed, if bread is too sticky to come together. Dough should be tacky when you pull it out of the mixer, not sticky.

5. Place dough on countertop and form into a ball. Divide ball into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into an 18- to 22-inch rope (the shorter the rope, the thicker the pretzels). Make a U-shape with the rope. Crisscross the rope in the middle of the U, then fold the ends toward the bottom of the U. Firmly press the ends into the bottom curve of the U, forming a pretzel shape. (See photos at left) 6. Slowly add baking soda to the boiling water, using caution as it will bubble up. Reduce to medium heat.

7. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds.

Remove from the water using a large slotted spoon. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining pretzels.

8. Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the coarse salt.

9. Bake until dark golden brown, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: You can mix the dough by hand if you do not have a stand mixer.

Add beer, yeast and sugar to a bowl. Once the yeast blooms, stir in the salt and the flour. Mix with a spoon. Turn dough out onto floured countertop and knead for 3-5 minutes until dough is no longer sticky.

Proceed with remaining instructions.

Adapted from theslowroasteditalian.com

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April 2021

KIDS CAMPS MOLLY CAVANAUGH

From left to right: Conroy Pflaum, Mara Coffey, Oliver Henningsen, Isaac Henningsen, Delcan Coffey and Mabel Henningsen enjoy time at the Durham Museum.

GET ADVENTURING Summer camps fuel kids’ minds, imagination

F

or years, summer vacation meant a week of camp at the Durham Museum for my kids.

It was a friend who clued me in on the fun. I always thought the Durham was just a museum and an amazing event space, but their summer camps are incredible.

My son, Declan, and my daughter, Mara, absolutely love the museum’s summer camp called “Omaha Staycation.” We coordinated with our dear friends the Henningsens and our Livingston cousins, and enrolled the whole gaggle of kiddies for a weeklong adventure with friends.

It was a whole week packed with amazing adventures around town, including a behind-the-scenes look at the Orpheum Theatre and day trips to the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum and the Wildlife Safari Park. There was even a little cultural education in the form of taking in tours of the Joslyn Art Museum and El Museo Latino.

It was an itinerary that had me wishing they had these kinds of camps for grown-ups. The kids had a blast, and the best part is each day they came home from camp happy (good for them) and exhausted, which mean early bedtime

(a parent’s dream).

Before they attended the Omaha Staycation camp, Declan and Mara got to learn how the to be world-class spies during a week at the museum’s Top Secret camp. They created their very own spy name and disguises while solving mysteries.

After spending the mornings practicing the ins and outs of espionage, they’d put on their wizarding hats for afternoons at magic camp. In a page out of Harry Potter, the kids practiced potions, discovered their Patronus and even got a visit from a real live owl.

One of Declan’s favorite memories from wizarding camp was the day they sampled some Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. It’s all fun and games when you get one of the regular jelly bean flavors, but watch out for those surprises hidden in the pack like ear wax – gross!

Whether you opt to do a full day of camp or just a morning or afternoon session, one of the things I really like about the museum’s camp programming is that there is a lot of flexibility depending on the interest, availability and stamina of your kiddo.

The selection of camp themes has grown

over the years; their list now contains 13 different choices. The counselors keep the kids active and engaged with some out-ofthe-box camp activities.

If you are signing up for the S.T.E.A.M. week, you can expect games, crafts and activities each day aimed at science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Other weeks include working as a team of castaways looking for rescue from a deserted island, the ever-popular Wizard Academy and a camp dedicated to the museum’s traveling exhibition called “James Cameron — Challenging the Deep.” It lets the kids tour the exhibit and learn about ocean science and exploration.

Now, in addition to offering the Staycation week, the Durham also offers something they titled Meet the Metr”O,” which promises a behind-the-scenes look at uniquely Omaha institutions.

So get the kids out this summer adventuring this summer with the Durham Museum. It’s an ingenious way to get their bodies and minds moving.

Molly Cavanaugh of Channel 94.1 FM’s Big Party Show in Omaha is a mom to two children living in Chicago. She writes twice a month for Momaha.com.

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SUMMER K I D S C AM P GUIDE You’ll find something for everyone

OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC SUMMER INSTITUTE

Omaha Conservatory of Music Summer Institute is a music camp for young musicians. We bring in world-class guest artists to create a vibrant and fun experience. Each day includes classes and private instruction and wraps up with nightly concerts. Campers perform on some of them and learn from others. Fullday camp (July 18-25) is open to strings, piano and voice students of all levels ages 9 and up. Half-day camp (July 27-31) is open to beginning and intermediate strings and piano students ages 5-8 7023 Cass St. omahacm.org/ocmi

CAMP KINDNESS

Camp Kindness is for animal-loving kids ages 6-13. Weeklong, half-day sessions include hands-on experiences with shelter ambassador animals, helping a kennel buddy get adopted, cuddling kittens and learning the role animals play in our lives!

8929 Fort St. 402-444-7800 www.nehumanesociety.org

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April 2021

CAMP NAKOMIS

Campsites, beach, fields, swimming pool, fishing dock, canoes, pontoon boat, archery site, outdoor billiards, racecar track, basketball court. Our camp has it all!

Campers enjoy the outdoors and participating in group games and activities.

Day to day, we fish, hike, shoot bows and arrows, make friends, swim and, of course, have fun. Weekly themes are incorporated throughout those activities.

2610 Hamilton St. 402-342-1600 bgcomaha.org

VET CAMP

Learn about animal behaviors and nutrition.

Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian.

Perform a simulated exploratory surgery.

Interact with live animals each day. For registration and information, visit: www.oxbowvetcamp.com

JCC PREMIER CAMPS

Art. Musical theater. Dance. Special interests.

We commit to providing top-quality programming that will enrich your child’s summer. Open to members and nonmembers.

333 S. 132nd St. 402-334-6409 jewishomaha.org/jcc/camp

Learn about animal beha behaviors and nutrition.

KIDS CAMP GUIDE

Explore a dday in the life of a veterinarian. erform a simulated exploratory surgery.

Perform explor teract with live animals each day.

Inter

2021 Summer Reading Program Summer is the best time to read for fun and earn great prizes while you’re at it! All ages are invited to learn, create, explore and have fun reading during Omaha Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program. Keep the entire family engaged, entertained and motivated to reach their reading goals throughout the summer by participating in free virtual programs.

SAVE $25 ENTER THIS CODE AT CHECKOUT:

MOMB21 Junior Vet Camp

Intermediate Vet Camp

Students completing 2nd - 5th grade Mon. - Thurs. 8 am - 4 pm • June & July

Students completing 6th - 8th grade Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4 pm • June & July

For registration and information, visit:

www.oxbowvetcamp.com

SUMMER

CAMPS OPEN TO MEMBERS & NON MEMBERS June - August • Weekly • K-7th GRADES Day Camps include field trips, crafts, swimming, sports, music, science and more!

Premiere Camps in art, dance, musical theater, and pop culture!

Sports Camps in basketball, soccer, cheer, triathlon, extreme sports & more!

We’re the only day camp in Omaha to carry ACA accreditation!

Register Today!

WWW.JCCOMAHA.ORG 333 S. 132nd St. | Omaha, NE 68154 | 402-334-6426

Visit omahalibrary.org or your local branch to learn more and sign up.

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS

Spend the summer making art!

Campers will get inspiration from artworks in the galleries and gardens to create works of their own in the studios. Camps are offered all summer long for youths and teens, with options for full or half-days.

2200 Dodge St. 402-342-3300 bit.ly/JAM-art-camps

AMERICAN LEGACY COMPLEX HORSEMANSHIP CAMP

Learn about horse safety, grooming, horse breeds and colors, tack and equipment, riding styles and much more. American Legacy Complex offers horsemanship camps for kids ages 4-13. The weeklong camps for beginners/intermediates run from June 8 to July 17. An advanced camp will be held July 20-24. Campers will spend the majority of each day riding — all summer camp activities are geared toward learning horsemanship.

7193 County Road 40 402-468-4588 402-670-7220 www.americanlegacycomplex.com

21

KIDS CAMP GUIDE

SPEND YOUR SUMMER ON STAGE at THE ROSE

Camp Maha

Does your child have a love of acting, dancing, singing, drama or musical theater? The Rose Theater offers camps for ages 2-18, beginners to advanced, at our new facility at 120th Street and West Center Road. The Rose is Omaha’s premier performing arts facility for young people. Classes are taught by leading professionals in the field.

One-week and multiweek camps are available.

17114 S. 63rd Street, Papillion Day camps, resident camps, and weekend camps await at Camp Maha. Swimming, archery, hiking, ropes courses, and more will fill her summer with new challenges and outdoor adventures.

12100 West Center Road, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Suites 505 & 506 402.558.8189, GirlScoutsNebraska.org www.rosetheater.org

Youth Summer Camps 2020 Since 1967, Camp Mount Michael has been providing boys ages 7-14 with summers filled with outdoor adventure, dedicated mentors and memories to last a lifetime. Campers have the opportunity to ride horses, shoot archery, swim and engage in other activities and games.

Camp Mount Michael has developed one of the most respected and enjoyable camping experiences for boys in Nebraska!

JCC SPORTS CAMPS

Basketball. Volleyball. Soccer. Cheer.

Dance. We commit to providing top quality programming that will enrich your child’s summer. Open to members and nonmembers.

22520 Mount Michael Road, Elkhorn 333 S. 132nd St. 402-238-1457 402-334-6409 mountmichael.com/campjewishomaha.org/jcc/camp mountmichael/camp-homepage 2315 | St. 402-556-7821 www.artsforallomaha.org

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April 2021

2840 County Road 13, Fremont 402-628-6465 www.CampRivercrest.org

PAPPY’S YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS Pappy’s Summer Camps consist of day camps, half-day camps and Friday adventure camps throughout the summer.

Registration opens April 1 for Papillion residents and April 8 for nonresidents.

City of Papillion Recreation Department 145 W. Second St., Papillion 402-597-2041 www.Papillion.org/Recreation

BIG RED SUMMER ACADEMIC CAMPS Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential, career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, June 7-12. Camps are open to students in grades 10-12, including recent high school graduates.

Camp sessions include: ag & natural resources, animation, digital media, engineering, filmmaking, talent in startups, teaching, Unicameral youth legislature and veterinary science.

402-472-9017

Bigredcamps.unl.edu

Register at 4h.unl.edu/camp Use code: KIDSCAMP2020 for $10 off *terms and conditions apply

KIDS CAMP GUIDE

THE DURHAM MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP

JCC SUMMER CAMPS

Whether it’s Camp Shemesh for ages 2-5 or a camp for older kids, we commit to providing top-quality programming that will enrich your child’s summer.

Open to members and nonmembers.

Register today for camps running June through August!

333 S. 132nd St. 402-334-6409 jewishomaha.org/jcc/camp

Specialty themed camps like Camp Construction and Wizard Academy.

Field trips, fun and learning! Half-day and full-day week-long programs, plus extended care, available for 1st-5th grades. With reduced camp sizes and enhanced safety measures, our goal is to provide a safe, enriching environment.

June 1 – August 6, 2021 (half-day or full-day camps) 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68108 1st-5th Graders Members: $80-170/week, Non-Members: $90-190/week www.CampsAtTheDurham.org

STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM CAMPS

Ignite the thrill of learning with camp offerings in aviation, engineering, robotics, space, science and technology!

From June 8-July 22 there are one-day or combo-day camps for kids in grades 1-8. Museum offers before and after care with optional lunch. The museum is just 20 minutes from Omaha.

28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland Tara at 402-944-3100, ext. 204 SACMuseum.org

YMCA DAY CAMPS

MCC COLLEGE 4 KIDS AND COLLEGE 4 TEENS Keep learning fun this summer with College for Kids and College for Teens at Metropolitan Community College. With classes for children ages 3-18, there is something for everyone.

Various metro Omaha locations 531-MCC-5437 mccneb.edu/ce/summerfun

YMCA Summer Day Camps provide kids ages 5-12 with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution, leadership skills, social responsibility and more. Campers have fun while they develop friendships, better their health, enhance literacy, develop skills, and gain independence while appreciating teamwork.

YMCA of Greater Omaha 402-977-4300 metroymca.org/camp

Have a BOLD summer with your choice of activities on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Students from grades 7-12 have options to attend camps in areas like athletics, multimedia, cyber security, health science, music and many others. Students who spend time on college campuses gain confidence in making that transition later on. Explore your options and learn more at unk.edu/camps. Be Blue. Be Gold. Be Bold.

23

BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY

IS YOUR CHILD CELLPHONE-READY? It’s a hot issue for many families.

Here’s how to assess when the time is right

T

he “Wait Until 8th” project asks parents not to purchase a smartphone for their children until they are in the eighth grade.

Let kids be kids a little longer, the group says.

“By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over having a smartphone,” the group says at its website waituntil8th.org.

Tony Pesavento, a psychiatrist with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, says he likes the premise. But he thinks kids should have a cellphone based on their maturity level. A few considerations: • Does your son or daughter have the ability to keep track of the phone or do they lose things often? That’s important not just because of the price, but how much information the phone contains.

• Does your child have the ability to turn things off or can they become fixated by a game or show? It might be best to wait if the latter is an issue.

• Does your child make good decisions with other connected devices?

• Most important, how do they do in terms of social relationships? “If kids have had struggles with bullying or are very sensitive in their relationships with others, you might want to hold off,” Pesavento says. “Cellphones can be a major vehicle for bullying.”

Of course, all of your good intentions can suddenly fly out the window if someone in their class gets a smartphone at a younger age. Then the pressure is on, and everyone is going to want one.

It’s a hot-button issue for many parents and their children.

But it’s not your child’s right to own a cellphone, Pesavento says. It’s a privilege.

If you decide your child is ready, they will need to accept that they must share the pass code and allow random checks.

24

April 2021

ADOBESTOCK

That’s part of the privilege.

Checking their phone is not meant to be an interrogation or to catch them redhanded in something. It acts more as a deterrent.

Parents can also consider using control apps to regulate what sites their children can access or numbers they can call.

Pesavento normally believes in limiting access each day on all devices.

For 12- and 13-year-olds, that would be 90 minutes to two hours. But with the pandemic, he doesn’t see an issue with temporarily easing those restrictions. For some kids, it’s their only way to connect with their friends.

Once things return to a more normal situation, guidelines can again be reinstated.

“I love the idea of a cellphone free time in the home around dinner time,’’ Pesavento says. “I know some families

where everyone’s phone goes into a bucket. That also demonstrates modeling by the parents.’’

Pesavento says he has no problems telling parents to take a phone away for a while if they see a child continuously making poor decisions.

“If they aren’t showing the ability to manage it, I totally would (take it away),” he says. “It’s a learning opportunity to earn it back.”

As Pesavento says, it’s much easier to bully over the phone. If it’s happening, your child may isolate more, show signs of sadness and irritability, be resistant to going to school and sporting events or start to pull away from their peers.

“The trouble with cyber bullying and kids having access to other kids, is they can be doing nice and friendly things and also bullying 24-hours a day, seven days a week.’’

When When children children are are your your everything, everything, Anything Anything can can be. be.

At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater At Children’s Hospital & We Medical Center, science heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. provide the very bestand in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, breakthroughs.

Wetomorrow’s provide theexperts very best pediatricfor specialty care, advance pediatric educate andinadvocate children, families and pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for life children, families entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the of every child.and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Education Education

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Research Research

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Advocacy Advocacy

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Care Care

COMING SOON THE ROSE THEATER! COMING SOON TOTO THE ROSE THEATER!

Book Tom Warburton & Mo Willems.

Lyrics Mo Willems.

Book by Tomby Warburton & Mo Willems.

Lyrics by Mo by Willems.

Music

by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

Dramaturgy

by Megan Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

Dramaturgy

by Megan Alrutz. Alrutz.

The Pigeon books Mo Willems.

Based Based on Theon Pigeon picturepicture books by Mo by Willems.

Mar - Apr Mar 19 -19 Apr 25 25

Whatever do,let don’t The Pigeon in his own musical production!

Whatever you do,you don’t The let Pigeon star in star his own musical production!

Because notbeing easy The being The Pigeon– you get never getANYTHING! to do ANYTHING! Because it’s not it’s easy Pigeon– you never to do Butthe when Bus has Driver has athat crisis that threatens toher make her passengers But when Busthe Driver a crisis threatens to make passengers late, maybe that wily birddoCAN do something. an innovative (gasp!) (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN something.

StarringStarring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let The Pigeon mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive Drive Theis Bus! to get everyone’s wings flapping.

This comedic The Bus! sure istosure get everyone’s wings flapping.

This comedic musicalmusical production evenfun more funstaying than staying late and having a hot dog party! production is evenismore than up late up and having a hot dog party!

Watch in person Watch in person or stream online! or stream online!

LESALE ON S ON ETSSA ETCK TICKTI ★ RSON PEON INRS IN0PE S 0$2 $2 CKSET TIET TI CK

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COMING IN JUNE COMING IN JUNE 20212021

2001 Farnam Street Omaha, 2001 Farnam · Omaha, 68102NE 2001 Street Farnam Street ··NE Omaha, NE 68102 68102

WWW.ROSETHEATER.ORG WWW.ROSETHEATER.ORG