FamilyGuide 2022 Summer Camp Issue

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Vol. 6 EDITORIAL Managing Editor DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Associate Editor LINDA PERSIGEHL Contributing Writer KARA SCHWEISS

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Joseph Dumba, MD

Contents Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Managing Editor

Cold Days, Friday Night Lights Summer Camp Edition 2022

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10 8 12 06

Correspondence

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Feature

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Exemplary Educator

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Super Student

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Feature

16

Meet the Family

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2022 Summer Camp

28

Superintendent Letters

Thinking Ahead to Students’ Futures

Bridging the Cultural Divide

For the Love of the Game — Erin Mardi

A Unique Bond

Triple the Love — The Oakeys

Special Advertising Section

Family Resource Guide

s a child, I attended Camp Wesley Woods in Indianola, Iowa. I remember they had a firm rule of “there’s no time in the woods.” Counselors collected everyone’s watches first thing, and we got them back when our parents picked us up. When I camp with my husband these days, I mostly live by this rule. It’s wonderful to slow down and not live by specific timeframes.

I remember one day in June at Camp Wesley Woods when I was around age 10. One of the daily activities was swimming at Lake Ahquabi. This particular day was cold, and I remember getting chilled to the bone and ending up at the nurse’s station. I laid under a wool blanket and drank hot cocoa (also memorable because the camp rarely gave kids sugar). Eventually I warmed up and went back to my campsite.

Talking to two health staff members at Carol Joy Holling Camp reminded me of these incidents. Licensed therapist Alexis Hofker often helps campers work through Carol Joy Holling’s no technology rule, and her mother, Denise Osborn, serves as the head nurse, gathering a team of nurses to help with tick bites and kids shivering from too much time spent in the pool.

I know it’s hard for anyone in Nebraska to believe this, but I don’t know much about football. I stayed on the sidelines and cheered, taking cues from other cheerleaders about what was going on during the game. That’s not the case for Erin Mardi, who herself runs down the field as one of two females on the football team at Westside High School.

Mardi, however, sees herself as simply one of the guys.

This annual edition features a lot of great articles. I hope you enjoy them all.

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Correspondence

Vickie Kauffold

Jeff Rippe, Ed.D.

Bary Habrock, Ph.D.

Archdiocese of Omaha lovemyschool.com

Bellevue Public bellevuepublicschools.org

Elkhorn Public elkhornweb.org

THE 202 1-2022 SCHOOL year brought significant challenges to our schools and across the nation.

The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha have continued to prioritize the safety of our students, allowing our schools to be in person as we care for the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every student.

I am grateful for the dedication of every teacher and staff person in our 70 schools, which create communities that encourage compassion for others. In a world filled with challenges, Catholic schools provide an opportunity for students to live out their faith, serving God and one another. We believe a Catholic education is truly an investment in the future.

Two highlights: Our high school students continue to perform above state and national averages on the ACT and other standardized assessments; and the Dual Language Academy, which opened in 2018-2019, expanded into a new location and continues to grow and serve more students with its unique, immersive bilingual education.

With nearly 19,000 students and more than 1,700 staff, we are the fourth-largest district in the state.

Our schools welcome students of all backgrounds and work hard toward our ultimate goal of making Catholic education more accessible and affordable to all in Nebraska who desire it. Thank you for your continued community support.

I COULD NOT be more thankful to work beside the greatest staff, students, and families. The pandemic has continued to present us with challenging times. We’ve come to understand how important our relationships matter to our well-being. I am grateful how TeamBPS rose to the occasion and aspired to inspire our students to have another successful school year.

Our district focused on a meaningful, coordinated response to support students and staff throughout the pandemic and flourished with educational opportunities.

Our Frank Kumor Career Center enhances high school education with real-life and relevant learning experiences, which include our automotive maintenance academy, health science (CNA) academy, and the new education career academy launching in the fall. Our grantfunded programs grew with the most recent one from the National Center for Family Literacy, along with the IMPACT World Language grant and Project STEM. Bellevue is proud of our relationship with Offutt Air Force Base and commitment to support the needs of over 2,400 military-connected students.

All 20 schools in the district have recently been designated as Purple Star Schools.

BPS has a vested interest in creating an inspiring, positive, and engaging environment. Our many accomplishments take teamwork, communication, leadership, a strong curriculum, accountability, efficiency, and a dynamic group of people. We are fortunate to have a community that supports and values education.

IN SPITE OF the challenges faced over the past two school years, we remain proud of our school community and the collective work of many to educate our students.

Through it all, our teachers have been creative and hardworking, our students resilient and engaged, and our parents exceptionally supportive and involved. These facets continue to make the Elkhorn school community a great place to live, learn, and grow.

The 2021-2022 school year marked the 35th consecutive year of enrollment growth for EPS, which now serves over 11,000 students in 20 buildings—the newest having opened in August 2021. EPS has embraced this continued growth, maintaining a district-wide sense of community while also ensuring that every student thrives in school and is prepared to write their future story beyond our system.

EPS is grateful for another year of continued growth, outstanding achievement, and community partnership, and remains dedicated to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead while shaping them into responsible, lifelong learners. Together with our students, staff, and families, we look forward to another year of excellence in all facets of our students’ education.

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Jim Sutfin, Ed.D.

Cheryl J. Logan, Ed.D.

Mike Lucas, Ph.D.

Millard Public mpsomaha.org

Omaha Public district.ops.org

Westside Community westside66.org

WE ARE SEEING an interesting trend in Millard Public Schools. As educators, we always keep a close eye on the decisions our families and young people make and how these decisions affect educational outcomes. In the past year, we have watched more students than ever get involved in athletics and activities. From the varsity to the intramural level of athletics, and all the extracurricular clubs and activities we offer, students are joining. Across our middle and high schools, students are coming to school early, staying late, and being a part of their communities in record numbers.

This is a wonderful thing. Yes, they are busy. It can be tough to juggle school and activities along with family life and other commitments. But, we’ve found that students who do juggle these things actually perform better in every aspect of their life. When you belong and excel in one area, you tend to transfer those skills to all the other areas of your life. Being a part of something is powerful.

Being a part of school is doubly so, because it not only gets our young people involved and connected, it gets them educated. That’s a trend we like to see.

WRITING THIS, WE are early in the second semester of the 2021-2022 school year and #OPSProud to see our students and staff excel. Nebraska’s 2022 Teacher of the Year is Mr. Lee Perez of Alice Buffett Middle School. Among many academic honors earned by students, celebrating our many Advanced Placement Scholars brought great joy.

Young people in OPS reached statelevel competition in athletics and earned placement in all-state music.

Our Strategic Plan of Action drives evidence-based, data-driven growth for the students we serve.

That includes early literacy and connecting classroom learning to life after graduation. The focus elevates a student’s experience, from the first day they walk through our doors to crossing the stage at commencement and beyond.

Following another summer program to address unfinished teaching and learning from the pandemic, we are thrilled to open four new schools: Forest Station Elementary, Pine Elementary, Buena Vista High, and Westview High. We thank the voters who approved our 2018 Bond Program that made these possible.

The dedication of our students, staff, and families is exceptional.

That collective commitment allowed us to responsibly navigate our third school year disrupted by the pandemic. A heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who played a role in that effort.

ONE OF MY favorite quotes is: “The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!”

We are approaching two full years of trying to do our main thing in public education while navigating COVID. We want to focus all of our heart and energy on children, helping them learn and grow into happy, productive adults. That work has never stopped, but our conversations now center on masks and vaccinations, doing too much or not doing enough.

The bright side is this COVID has reminded us of our “why.” Students who fell behind during remote learning are now reading at grade level thanks to new summer school options. Children are grateful to be with friends in person. Teenagers are grateful to have a listening ear at school. The students are our main thing.

We will get through this, because we are keeping the main thing the main thing: we love teaching kids.

We love seeing them grow and thrive because of the opportunities at school and we feel a calling to be part of that journey. We will continue to do our best because, at the end of the day, we go home hoping that maybe, for even one child, we made a difference. I offer a sincere “thank you” to all teachers and school staff.

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Feature

THINKING AHEAD TO STUDENTS’ FUTURES Benson High Academy Teaches Professional Knowledge

story KARA SCHWEISS

photography BILL SITZMANN design MADY BESCH

Angela Johanek

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enson High School junior Ayiana want people to be as successful as possible, mining the area of interest begins in Woodman is academically successand that’s what college and career acadeeighth grade with introductions to what ful, but she’s also thinking ahead to mies really offer.” programs are available at high schools. the future.

The bigger picture is about the larger OPS ninth-grade students select an acad“I want to be a general surgeon,” community, which means its input is emy, or pathway, for their final three years she said. “That’s my main goal, my final goal.” considered, Johanek added. For instance, of high school.

She’s well on her way. Woodman chose Benson High School’s student populaJohanek said today’s high-school experito enroll in her high school’s Health Profestion reflects a high degree of diversity. ence is quite different from what previous sions Academy, which offers coursework The surrounding business community is generations remember, especially those to prepare her for her chosen career field. experiencing revitalization. And studies who were enrolled in local school districts.

In addition to core classes of English, show that Benson High graduates tend to In the 1980s and 1990s, college preparation math, science, and social studies, Woodstay close to home or return to the area was largely the emphasis, and in decades man takes classes such as foundations of after college. before that, many high schools focused on healthcare, intro to medical terminology, “We offer all of the needs that really fit preparing students for a transition to work, and medical pathology, some of which offer our area and fit our community, and we often in the trades. Today’s students have college credit as dual enrollment opportusee that within a 20-to-25-year growth,” more choices, she emphasized. nities. She’s earned her certified nursing Johanek said. “So, it’s not like we’re just “What we have now is the best of both assistant (CNA) certification, and taken hitting on immediate needs; we’re looking worlds,” Johanek explained. “That’s what advantage of a job-shadowing opportuat long-term…It’s a way for our families we’re trying to provide, so that everybody nity at nearby Maple Crest Health Center. to connect to the community in different who walks out has a plan…When you can Woodman said she intends to eventually ways; it’s not just a place to live, it’s a place start to show them, over the course of apply for a position there while she earns where they can grow. That will also help us the four years, different experiences and her undergraduate degree and dives into be more longstanding as a school and more different ways to look at their future, by the pre-medicine curriculum at either successful that way.” the time they get to be a senior they’re a the University of Nebraska at Omaha or Benson High School offers three acadlittle bit more clear-headed about where Creighton University. Then, she will apply emies that group together similar career they want to see themselves. And they’ve to medical school. fields in focused curriculum and follow the had some experiences about where they Woodman said her Health Professions Freshman Academy taken by all students: don’t want to see themselves.”

Academy experience has made her believe Business & Entrepreneurship, Design & High-school career pathways/academies she has what it takes to succeed in the Construction, and Health Professions. curriculum is a more established model in medical field.

Johanek said the aggregate curriculum for other parts of the country, Johanek said, “I didn’t think I’d learn as much as I each area is broad, but students are able to and it’s proved successful. The concept is [have],” she said. “It definitely prepares focus their coursework as they progress. succeeding here, too. Last year, Benson you extremely well.”

OPS high schools all offer a selection High’s academies were named by the Benson High Academy Specialist Angela of academies, which complement core Nebraska Department of Education as an Johanek said Woodman exemplifies what classes as well as longstanding collegeOutstanding Career and Technical EducaOmaha Public Schools’ career academy and prep and advanced placement options and tion Program Award winner. The National pathways programs were created Career Academy Coalition desigto do for students. nated Model Academy status to “It’s a tailored curriculum based Benson High’s Health Professions “College and career academies are on where kids see themselves postAcademy and Freshman Academy. relatively new to Nebraska and Omaha. high school,” Johanek said. “A lot of Johanek credits these achieveIt’s important for people to understand what we recognized in conversaments to multiple factors. Extertions with the community—whether nal partners, like area businesses that even though it may be new and it may that be two- and four-year colleges, and higher-education institufeel strange now, it really is what’s best for or trade schools, or straight-to-hire tions, have been supportive of the kids and it really is what’s best for us.” business places—was that students high school’s program. Benson — Angela Johanek were not as prepared coming out High’s teachers and students are of high school; they either didn’t living up to high expectations and know how to find the jobs or they rising to the academic rigor the didn’t have the specific skills for success electives. Now, seven years into the acadacademy model demands. in those different areas. So, college and emy program at Benson High, Johanek “College and career academies are relacareer academies really help to meld the said she sees shared areas of interest tively new to Nebraska and Omaha,” she best of the two worlds: what we’re providcreate smaller communities of students said. “It’s important for people to undering in high school education and all the within the 1,400-student school, which stand that even though it may be new skills we need there, and also the more also fosters increased individual attention and it may feel strange now, it really is tailored information and skill set they’ll from their instructors. what’s best for kids and it really is what’s need once they leave this building. We Every student at Benson participates best for us.” in an academy, and the process of deterLearn more at ops.org/benson.

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story LINDA PERSIGEHL // photography BILL SITZMANN // design MADY BESCH

Bridging the Cultural Divide Bellevue Public Schools’ Lorena Gates Helps Latinos

“It’s a safe place, where parents can talk, learn from each other, and compare strategies…what worked, what didn’t…and find out what’s going on.”

— Lorena Gates 10 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

Super Student

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

E R I N

M A R D I

E

rin Mardi loves football. She loves playing Madden NFL video games, she loves watching football games, especially Nebraska Cornhusker games, with her father. She also loves talking about, and playing, football.

In third grade, Erin, now a high school junior who will turn 16 in September, saw a signup sheet for Junior Warriors football being handed out to the boys in the school. When that school day finished, she took an extra sheet from the school office.

“I tried to talk her into a different sport, but she wasn’t having it,” said her mom, Cori Mardi. “We thought we’d give it a try, and she loved it. The boys let her play, so we just kept going.”

And going. Erin started playing corner back in middle school, then switched to receiver in eighth grade. She played in Junior Warriors Club through eighth grade, then joined the junior varsity team in ninth grade.

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E A R N S

“It’s a lot of fun. I enjoy being part of it, running around, getting to hit people,” Erin said. “It’s good physical activity.”

Not only does she enjoy playing football, her coaches enjoy working with her.

“I grew up with a powerful mother, and several powerful sisters,” said Westside assistant football coach Garet Moravec. “When I saw Erin, I had a desire to help her and empower her.”

Moravec is also the team sports psychologist and sees that Erin takes in stride the differences necessary for her to play this game.

“Erin has to have her own locker room,” Moravec said. “[When she is done dressing] she sits out there patiently waiting for the rest of the team. I saw her waiting, and I realized she has to deal with things other players don’t… she never loses her patience.”

That patience resulted in her earning awards by her coaches known as the Samauri Warrior. Her first award was a pin that she can put on her coat. She then received a second award for

V A R S I T Y

exceptional behavior, which was a dog tag. Those awards were well-deserved.

“She’s just committed,” said head football coach Brett Froendt. “She’s overcome a lot. [What stands out is] her persistence, her grit. Her willingness to stick to her mission of competing, regardless of gender.”

That tenacity earned her a spot on the varsity team in late 2021, the first female position football player for Westside High School. One other girl, Kristen Casey, played varsity football as a kicker for Westside High School in the early 2000s.

Erin would normally have been placed on varsity football throughout her entire junior year, but Westside had 156 students playing football in the 2021 season. With more players than jerseys, several juniors remained on the junior varsity team for the majority of the season.

“We left about eight numbers empty,” Froendt said. “As the season wore on, we wanted to promote those juniors that were most deserving.”

H O N O R S

Erin was deemed one of those most deserving for her attendance during camps and workouts in the off-seasons of winter and summer (she runs track in the spring), her attitude on- and off-field, and her tenacity. Those qualities also earned her a varsity letter at the season banquet in December.

Earning her football letter was a special moment, but she considers one of the most special taking the field with her teammates on Nov. 23, when Westside played Gretna in the Class A championship at hallowed Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Erin suited up, but did not play as starting players were used throughout the game.

“When we got off the bus, we were right next to the stadium,” Erin said. “I thought, ‘we are here. This is happening.’…It was insane.”

Playing with the guys is no big deal to her, or most other people. In fact, she has rarely heard negative comments about being a football player.

“That happened once,” Erin admitted. “I said ‘This is fun.

Deal with it.’”

“It’s a lot of fun. I enjoy being part of it, running around, getting to hit people.”

—

E R I N

M A R D I

story DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN photography BILL SITZMANN design MADY BESCH

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Feature story DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN photography PROVIDED design MADY BESCH

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arol Joy Holling Camp holds a special place in the hearts of many in the area. The expansive, Lutheran-based camp near Ashland, Nebraska, hosts thousands of children at their grounds each summer for swimming, horseback riding, cooking over a campfire, and other forms of old-fashioned outdoors fun.

This time outdoors, however, can sometimes pose health hazards, which is why therapist Alexis (Osborn) Hofker, LIMHP and an LMH in Iowa, and nurse Denise Osborn, RN, are listed among the staff members.

“We have lots of tick removal and mosquito bites,” Osborn said. “We keep aloe vera around for sunburn.”

Although much of the care is routine, Osborn’s interest in the camp is far from routine.

“I always wanted to go to summer camp, and my parents couldn’t afford it,” Osborn said. “I lived vicariously through my kids and what I do for camp now.”

All six of Osborn’s children attended Carol Joy Holling Camp as youngsters.

Several of them, including Hofker, continued by helping the camp as they became college students. Six years ago, Osborn began working as a nurse for the camp, and she has turned that one nurse position into having several nurses available to treat campers.

She developed an internship program with her alma mater, Midland University (then known as Midland Lutheran College), and garnered student nurses to assist her. Osborn also had a student nurse last year from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, come to participate. It is the job of Osborn and her student nurses to see that the campers’ physical health

“WE WANT TO MAKE SURE CAMP IS AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL KIDS.” — Denis e Os b or n

needs are taken care of. That includes distributing medication. While the student nurses often give necessary pills, Osborn, who lives about 15 minutes from camp, is on hand to administer injections.

Osborn’s connection to the camp garnered the idea to bring on Hofker to help campers with homesickness and other issues they may experience while at camp.

“I know Jason (Gerdes, the executive director) from church,” Hofker said. “My mom would watch my two girls one day a week, so they were at camp with my mom. The health care staff would ask me questions, and it just kind of blossomed from there.”

A large part of Hofker’s role is educating the collegeage staff who spend the most time with campers. Hofker trains the Summer Ministry Team (often known as counselors at other camps) about homesickness and how to look for severe cases, but also about setting rules and boundaries, mandatory reporting, and trauma.

“I’m a trauma-educated therapist,” Hofker said. “You have people who have been through trauma and those who may have not.”

This includes coaching team members to ask questions, such as, “Who are your caregivers?” as opposed to “Who are your parents?” Hofker is not there to serve as a therapist, but a problem-solver.

Another big part of the job is managing the addictive responses to technology.

Carol Joy Holling Camp is a technology-free zone, and in this day and age, that’s a big jump for many kids.

“I get asked all the time, ‘Can I wear my SmartWatch?’”

Hofker said. “No…You can, but it won’t do any good.”

Reception is terrible there.

She implemented a day-by-day journal for staff members and campers, so they can get a broader picture of what a camper might be missing.

While the younger campers often feel homesick, older campers often have other issues.

“A lot of times by middle school, it’s more disconnected behavior,” Hofker said. During those years, a camper wants to do what their buddy is doing, which may not be the same thing as the scheduled activity.

One thing the mother and daughter agree on is helping as many people as possible.

“We want to make sure camp is available and accessible to all kids,” Osborn said.

“We have disabled programs and we don’t want to have to turn any kid away from having that experience.”

Hofker sometimes attends to campers with issues such as autism, which includes distributing earplugs to help them remain calm through the day.

“Camp is a noisy place,” Hofker said. “It can be a lot for some of the kids.”

The nursing staff and Hofker are well-trained to know that sometimes, camp just isn’t the place for a child.

They are there to intervene if someone needs to go home.

Fortunately, that doesn’t happen too often.

No matter what a camper’s medical needs are, parents can feel safe that their children’s health is in the hands of people who love children, and Carol Joy Holling Camp, as much as any attendee.

“It’s fun,” Osborn said. “I get to go to camp vicariously.”

Visit caroljoyholling.org for more information.

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TRIPLE the L VE

From Left to Right: Trinity, Kinley, John (standing), Kaleb, Kristi (standing), and Alivia

The Oakeys Go From Two Children to Six story DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | photography SARAH LEMKE | design MADY BESCH

ohn and Kristi Oakey have provided their children with a multitude of adventures.

“Our big thing is having experiences, so we like to go on trips,” said John, who readers might recognize as the First News anchor on KETV NewsWatch 7.

“Alivia came home one day and said ‘can you believe [a classmate] has never been on a cruise?’ She thinks everyone does that.”

When not traveling, the children stay busy. Daughters Trinity, age 13; Alivia, age 12; and Kinley, age 9; play soccer. Son Kaleb, age 11, plays baseball and football. Trinity and Alivia play in band at school.

These children became part of the Oakey family through a wild adventure. John and Kristi were thrilled when son Blake (not pictured) was born in March 1991, and again when son Brady (also not pictured) was 16 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

born two years later, but as the millennium approached, there were no more children. Kristi eventually discovered it was not meant to be. The couple put their names in for adoption through their church, but for four years, nothing happened.

In the mid-2000s, Kristi took a work trip that changed their lives when she met someone who told her about fostering children. John was skeptical that his wife could handle being emotionally attached to a foster child, only to have to give that child back to a birth parent, but they decided to try. The process of applying to be a foster family was tough.

“They don’t sugar-coat it. They want to make sure you know the kids may be coming from a bad domestic life,” John said. “I felt like we had a lot to offer.”

In early July 2009, the couple were accepted as foster parents, and were almost immediately offered two little boys age 2. The Oakeys, who wanted one foster child, turned them down.

A week later, on July 10, DHHS called them back and said they had a little girl.

Kristi and John were thrilled, and went to Project Harmony, where the little girl was being kept safe.

“This is Trinity,” said Child Saving Institute employee Kelly Schick, their friend and wife of then-KETV sports reporter Matt Schick. Project Harmony partners with Child Saving Institute to provide immediate care. The Oakeys looked at the brown-haired, brown eyed girl, and realized she was right for them.

“I held her,” said Kristi, who immediately loved the nine-month old girl. “John said, ‘we can do this.’”

Kelly also knew they could do this, and was happy this special youngster was going to a remarkable place. “[At Project Harmony] I could have up to 30 children in my charge, but Trinity was the only baby I had that day,” said Kelly, who now lives in North Carolina with Matt. “I knew the Oakeys were going to provide her with a great home.”

Meet the Family John and Kristi, then parents of two teenage boys, quickly created a space for a baby girl. “We had nothing,” Kristi said.

“They gave us a gift card to Target, but it wasn’t nearly enough.”

She continued, “It was kind of funny.

I headed for dresses and frilly things, John was more practical. He headed for diapers. We spent a lot more than they give you.”

A week after caring for the baby, however, the Oakeys received unexpected news. Trinity’s birth mother, who was in jail, was pregnant. DHHS did not want to split up the family, and the baby would need to go to foster care when it was born.

More than one foster child was not in their plans, but without hesitation, John said, “We’ll take the baby.” Five months later, Alivia was born.

The parents held full-time jobs (Kristi owns a home health care service) and raised four children in two different, often difficult, age ranges.

The two girls called John “Daddy” and Kristi “Mommy,” and visited their birth mother. After 18 months, the courts decided the birth mother could raise her children. This included a newborn boy named Kaleb, who the birth mother took home from the hospital.

“It’s sad what the system…they are always going to favor birth families even though that isn’t always the best situation for the kids,” Kelly said. “The birth mom never shut the Oakeys out...

The Oakeys provided such a stable home, which is exactly what those kids needed.”

John and Kristi took the girls on the weekends. They kept the girls going to the Goddard School (a preschool), and bought clothes and shoes for them.

“We caught on after a while,” John said.

“We would send them to [mom] in nice clothes, and when they returned, they were in different clothes.”

John and Kristi began keeping the clothes and toys at their house. Eventually, the Oakeys went to pick up the children and realized they were living in a filthy home. Then, the Oakeys lost contact with them.

One week later, John and Kristi received a phone call. “They’re asking for you,” the girls’ biological grandmother said.

As required by law, DHHS maintained ties with the Oakeys as a foster family for 15 months following the return of the

children to their birth mother. The day the birth mother’s family reported her to the authorities was the 15-month date.

The Oakeys picked up the two girls again, along with Kaleb, who knew few people outside of his sisters.

“DHHS said ‘They go together, or they stay together,’” Kristi explained. The agency did not want to run the risk of having the family take the little boy only to later separate him from his sisters.

The family acquired a new set of baby items. The toddler latched onto John

“The social worker called me and said ‘she looks just like Trinity,’” Kristi said. “I said I had to call John.”

John prayed as he headed to get a haircut, and felt overwhelmed with the idea that they should have this baby.

“What am I going to say in 18 years when this girl comes looking for her siblings?” John said.

The Oakeys took baby Kinley in 2012.

One year later, the birth mother relinquished her rights to the children, and the two fathers also relinquished their

The family now declares each Dec. 23 as “Oakey Day.” They spend the day as a family, participating in fun activities such as their trip to Urban Air Adventure Park in 2021. within the first two weeks, calling him “Mom.” During visitations, the foster parents noticed the birth mother was growing. She denied being pregnant, but her condition became undeniable.

The fourth baby was born with drugs in her system and thus surrendered to foster care. A newborn baby is easy to place; however, the ideal situation is still to keep the biological siblings together. The Oakeys were given first notification when the newborn was ready to be released into foster care, and had 30 minutes to decide whether or not to take the baby. They had talked about this coming child all summer and had determined they could not foster another little one.

rights. John and Kristi legally adopted all four children Dec. 23, 2013.

These days, the children live a quality life with their parents and bernedoodle dogs.

“What I realized because our children have a lot of baggage, I want them to learn to attach to something and love,” Kristi said.

The family now declares each Dec. 23 as “Oakey Day.” They spend the day together, participating in fun activities such as their trip to Urban Air Adventure Park in 2021.

Each day is an adventure, some good, others difficult, but the Oakeys would not have it any other way.

FAMILY GUIDE 2022

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REGISTER NOW!

GREAT SUMMERS START AT THE Y! 2022 YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP

New experiences, skill-building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships are all an integral part of YMCA Summer Day Camp.

Weekly themed activities allow campers to create arts & crafts, explore science & technology, swim, appreciate nature, and better understand our many cultures.

Campers will build their self-confidence, appreciate teamwork & sportsmanship, all while gaining independence as they nurture their spirits, challenge their minds, and strengthen their bodies. Kids will explore diverse interests and have a lot of fun along the way!

Scan the QR code to learn more & view our 2022 YMCA Summer Day Camp booklet.

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org/camp

18 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

Summer Ca mp uth Yo

Special Advertising Section

Summer camp is a right of passage and tradition.

Countless youngsters find memories in canoeing on lakes, making s’mores over a campfire, singing “Kumbaya,” and sleeping in tents or bunk beds. Others will gain memories of improving their jump shots or theater skills. The following special advertising section highlights several summer camps around the area.

SUMMER CAMP SECTION

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B E C AU S E T H E R E ’S MO R E T H A N O N E K I N D O F K I D, W E O F F E R MO R E T H A N O N E K I N D O F C A M P.

ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC SUMMER CAMPS AT CREIGHTON PREP

Zoology Young Scientists Choir Robotics

ATHLETIC

ACADEMIC

Whether you want to help your child develop an existing skill or explore something entirely new, Creighton Prep Summer Camps offer the perfect opportunity. Designed for boys and girls from kindergarten through ninth grade, camps meet daily. With morning and afternoon sessions, you can select multiple camps to attend.

Baseball Basketball Dodgeball Football

Soccer AN MO D RE! Wrestling Speed & Agilit y Strength & Conditioning

SIGN UP TODAY! For details about camp topics and times visit CreightonPrep.org/camps 7400 Western Ave. Omaha, NE | (402) 393-1190

20 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

SUMMER CAMP

Sign Up for Camp Kroc

Registration Starts March 1

CAMP

KROC

Kids ages 6-13 will love summer at Camp Kroc!

It’s fun, adventure and learning from May 31-Aug. 12.

Cost: $150 per week/per child for members $180 per week/per child for non-members $30 discount for each additional child

SUMMER CAMP Week 1: Going Green

Week 2: Ooey, Gooey, & Pooey Week 3: Outdoor Adventures Week 4: Summer Safari

GET IN

TO SUMMER CAMP

Week 5: Party in the USA Week 6: A Trip to Space Week 7: S'Winter Week 8: Tee’Rific!

Week 9: Gotta Catch ’Em All Week 10: Island Fiesta Week 11: Vacation Bible School (VBS) Call 402-905-3500 for information or to sign up.

Learn more at omahakroc.org.

Half-Day Camp in June & July | Ages 5 to 10

ENROLL NOW!

soccershots.com/omaha SUMMER CAMP SECTION

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Middle & High School #STEM Summer Camps Across the State: UNL, NE Wesleyan, Cedar Point Biological Station & Creighton Try out a campus or career!

REGISTER NOW AT FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG/CAMPS

YNS.NEBRASKA.EDU

Do Space Summer Passport Program AGES 3 - 13

Do Space Summer Passport.

7205 Dodge St Omaha, NE 68114 | 402.819.4022 Learn more at DoSpace.org

22 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

CODE, MAKE, LEARN, & EXPLORE this summer with the

JUNE 4 - JULY 31

Register your passport on Beanstack to track attendance at events and enter to win prizes!

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS • LEARN ABOUT NATURE • CONNECT TO OUR PLANET

Dospace.beanstack.org

Our Summer Passport Program provides a FREE resource that engages the Omaha youth in tech-related educational activities.

Got summer plans yet?

Let MCC help.

Registration is open now for College for Kids and College for Teens classes at Metropolitan Community College.

• Art • Culinary • Engineering

• Science • and more

COLLEGE FOR KIDS AND TEENS SUMMER CAMPS 2022.

USE PROMO CODE WCS2022 AND RECEIVE $5 OFF. mccneb.edu/ce/summerfun | 531-MCC-5437

Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. We are committed to ensuring our websites and facilities are accessible and usable to everyone. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.

SUMMER CAMP SECTION

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Save $25

Summer Explorations Fun, one-week courses at the forward-thinking high school designed to spark curiosity and build skills for rising 7th–9th graders

ENTER OM22 AT CHECKOUT Explore the career of a veterinarian

Perform a simulated surgery

Interact with live animals each day

Junior and Intermediate camps available For registration and information, visit www.oxbowvetcamp.com

Film Making Graphic Novels

Robotics Crime Scene Forensics & Psychology

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT BY MAY 1! omaha.questforward.academy/summer

Faith: Alive!

Where faith comes alive through fun and friendships!

Learn more at CarolJoyHolling.org

24 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

J U N E 6 – J U LY 2 9

1 & 3 Day Camps • Grades 1-8

Learn more and register! sacmuseum.org/camps/

Make It the Best Summer Ever!

Register Now for Scout Camps Nobody does camping better than the Scouts BSA – and we’re gearing up for another great summer. Cub Scouts can attend day camps, overnight camps or family camps.

Scouts BSA have the choice of five weeks of adventure at Camp Cedars.

REGISTER FOR CAMP NOW!

Enjoy activities like: - swimming - hiking - fishing - boating

- rock climbing - horseback riding - rocket launching - shooting sports

Join any time of year! Cub Scouts are boys and girls ages 5-10 and Scouts BSA are 11 and older. Find a pack or troop near you at mac-bsa.org.

e r u t n e v d A stories of

omahamagazine.com

PACE Summer Camps ART & CULINARY JUNE 15 - 17 & JULY 13 - 15

$125 Members >> $150 Non-members Ages 7-9 & 10-12 >> Scholarships Available

Join us for summer fun at Nebraska Dance!

Summer Classes & Camps in June-July Check out our website for registration Session 1 June 13-30 • Session 2 July 11-28

nebraskadance.com (402) 895-0646

Acro, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Pom & Cheer, Tap and so much more!

Central 114th & Dodge West 180th & Q

Registration Deadline:

MONDAY, JUNE 13 & JULY 11 HOFF FAMILY ARTS & CULTURE CENTER 1001 South 6th Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Call 712.890.5601 or visit www.paceartsiowa.org SUMMER CAMP SECTION

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25

Reg iste befo r re Apr il 1 f $ or

20 o ff

20 On Sale now!

22 register at ocm.org

ARE YOU READY TO SEE IF HEALTH CARE IS FOR YOU? Health Career Camp June 13-14

Biomedical Sciences Camp June 15-16

LEARN MORE & REGISTER bryanhealthcollege.edu/events

WEEKLY CAMPS OPEN TO EVERYONE! JUNE 6 - AUGUST 5

YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS 2022 BASKETBALL • SOCCER • FOOTBALL • BASEBALL • WRESTLING

Register Online at:

MOUNTMICHAEL.COM

Treat your Kids to the Sweetest Summer Ever!

2 202

The Durham Museum is serving up a one-ofa-kind camp experience that sparks the imagination. Don’t miss out—register today!

CampsAtTheDurham.org 26 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

dventure AAdventure AWAITS

DAY CAMPS

PREMIERE CAMPS

SPORTS CAMPS

We're the only ACA Certified day camp in Omaha!

Dance, Show Choir, Art, Musical Theater, Cooking, Leadership & more.

Basketball, Soccer, Cheer & Dance Team, Triathlon, Aquatics & more.

K-7th Grade

K-12th Grade

K-9th Grade

LEARN MORE AT 333 S. 132nd St. | Omaha, NE 68154 | 402-334-6426

AMERICAN LEGACY COMPLEX

www.jccomaha.org

BEGINNERS MORNING CAMP AGES 4-6 JUNE 6-10 • JULY 5-8 • 9 AM - 12 NOON BEGINNERS ALL DAY CAMP AGES 7-13 JUNE 13-17 • JUNE 20-24 • JUNE 27-JULY 1 JULY 11-15 • 9 AM - 4 PM INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED ALL DAY CAMP AGES 7-13 • JULY 18-22 • 9 AM - 4 PM

7193 COUNTY ROAD 40, OMAHA, NE 68122 402.468.4588 • 402.670.7220 • AMERICANLEGACYCOMPLEX.COM

Competitive & Recreational Soccer Programs for all players Ages 4 - 18 Sporting Nebraska FC is a full service soccer club with locations from Omaha to Lincoln.

Sporting Nebraska FC soccer development programs offer opportunities for players at all levels.

As a player ages up, their soccer pathway can go into a couple directions. These pathways are fluid and provide a player areas to grow and develop into their natural process.

Recreational Youth Soccer - U4-U19 This program runs from age 3-18 years. It is the starting point for all players at our youngest age.

Academy Program - U8-U10 The Academy Program is the start to the SNFC competitive soccer. The program is for ages U8-U10 (7-10 years old) and is designed for players that are ready for a more competitive pathway.

Competitive Program - U11-U19 The Competitive Program runs from ages U11-U19 and is coached by licensed, paid coaches.

ECNL - U13-U19 The ECNL Program is an extension of the SNFC Competitive Program for ages U13-U19. This program is geared for players wanting to play at a collegiate level and potentially beyond.

Registration for spring Recreational soccer is now open.

Tryouts for our Competitive and ECNL programs are as follow: U11 - U13 Begin June 6, 2022 U14 - U19 Begin June 27, 2022

Learn more about Sporting Nebraska FC at www.SportingNebraskaFC.com SUMMER CAMP SECTION

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Family Resource Guide

CAMPGROUNDS ELKHORN CROSSING Bennington Road, east of N. 252nd St. 402-444-6222 or 402-315-1712 papionrd.org

FREMONT LAKES STATE RECREATION AREA 4349 W. State Lakes Road Fremont, NE 68025 402-753-0957 outdoornebraska.gov

HAWORTH PUBLIC CAMPGROUND 1099 Payne Drive Bellevue, NE 68005 402-293-3122 bellevue.net

HOME PARK

6902 N. 16th St. Omaha, NE 68112 402-457-4715 parks.cityofomaha.org

LAKE MANAWA STATE PARK 1100 S. Shore Drive Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712-366-0220 iowadnr.gov

LAKE WANAHOO STATE RECREATION AREA 27702 F St. Waterloo, NE 68069 402-443-1037 outdoornebraska.gov

LOUISVILLE STATE RECREATION AREA 15810 Nebraska Highway 50 Louisville, NE 68037 402-234-6855 outdoornebraska.gov

EUGENE T. MAHONEY STATE PARK 28500 W. Park Highway Ashland, NE 68003 402-944-2523 outdoornebraska.gov/mahoney

MEMPHIS STATE RECREATION AREA Clear Creek Drive Lincoln, NE 68516 402-471-0641 outdoornebraska.gov

PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK 14421 346th St. Louisville, NE 68037 402-234-2217 outdoornebraska.gov

RIVERWEST PARK 233rd and W. Maple Road Omaha, NE 68022 402-953-4731 riverwestpark.net

TWO RIVERS STATE RECREATION AREA 27702 F St. Waterloo, NE 68069 402-359-5165 outdoornebraska.gov

28 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

WALNUT CREEK LAKE 11710 Turkey Road Papillion, NE 68046 402-679-9889 or 402-592-8877 papillion.org/parks

WEST OMAHA KOA 14601 U.S. Highway 6 Gretna, NE 68028 402-332-3010 or 800-562-1632 koa.com

HOSPITALS BOYS TOWN HOSPITALS boystownhospital.org

BOYS TOWN PEDIATRICS boystownpediatrics.org

CHI HOSPITALS chihealth.com

IMMANUEL 6829 N. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68122 402-572-2121

LAKESIDE 16909 Lakeside Hills Court Omaha, NE 68130 402-717-8000 16901 Lakeside Hills Ct. Omaha, NE 68130 402-717-8000

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS childrensomaha.org Children’s Hospital & Medical Center 8200 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-955-5400 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Specialty Pediatric Center 111 N. 84th St. Omaha, 68114 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center – Behavioral Health 1000 N. 90th St. Omaha, 68114

CHILDREN’S PHYSICIANS childrensomaha.org

BELLEVUE 4802 Shannon Dr. Bellevue, NE 68133 402-955-7600

GRETNA 11856 Standing Stone Dr. Gretna, NE 68028 402-955-6630

LA VISTA 9801 Giles Rd., Suite 1 La Vista NE 68128 402-955-8400

OMAHA 4104 S. 50th St. Omaha, NE 68117 402-955-7474

2412 Cuming St., Suite 103 Omaha NE 68131 402-955-8100 4825 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68132 402-955-7676 13808 W. Maple Rd., Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68164 402-955-3000 9202 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68114 402-955-7500 16909 Q St. Omaha, NE 68135 402-955-7575 982167 Nebraska Medical Center (42nd & Emile) Omaha, NE 68198 402-955-8125 110 N. 175th St. Omaha, NE 68118 402-955-5437

METHODIST HOSPITALS bestcare.org Methodist Health System 825 S. 169th St. Omaha, NE 68118 402-354-4800 Methodist Hospital 8303 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-354-4000 Methodist Women’s Hospital 707 N. 190th Plaza Omaha, NE 68022 402-815-4000

METHODIST PHYSICIANS CLINIC URGENT CARE bestcare.org

MILLARD 5908 S. 142 St. 402-354-1001

NORTHWEST 10710 Fort St. 402-354-1001

SOUTH OMAHA 3353 L St. 402-354-1001

NEBRASKA MEDICINE HOSPITALS/HEALTH CENTERS nebraskamed.com

NEBRASKA MEDICINE CLINICS clinics.nebraskamed.com

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION nebraska.va.gov

INDEPENDENT BELLEVUE Bellevue Urgent Care 1307 Harlan Drive Bellevue, NE 68005 402-291-8701 bellevueuc.com

OMAHA AFC Urgent Care 4004 N. 132nd St., Suite No. 101 Omaha, NE 68164 402-378-9467 afcurgentcare.com Charles Drew Health Center 2915 Grant St. Omaha, NE 68111 402-457-1200 charlesdrew.com

PAPILLION Urgent Care of Papillion 8419 S. 73rd Plaza, Suite No. 101 Papillion, NE 68046 402-991-9060 myucop.com

LIBRARIES BELLEVUE

BELLEVUE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1003 Lincoln Road Bellevue, NE 68005 402-293-3157 bellevuelibrary.org

LA VISTA

LA VISTA 9110 Giles Road La Vista, NE 68128 402-537-3900 cityoflavista.org/library

OMAHA

DO SPACE 7205 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-819-4022 dospace.org

OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARIES omahapubliclibrary.org Click on “Hours & Locations”

A. V. SORENSON 4808 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68132 402-444-5274

BENSON 6015 Binney St. Omaha, NE 68104 402-444-4846

BESS JOHNSON 2100 Reading Plaza Elkhorn, NE 68022 402-289-4367

CHARLES B. WASHINGTON 2868 Ames Ave. Omaha, NE 68111 402-444-4849

FLORENCE

2920 Bondesson St. Omaha, NE 68112 402-444-5299

MILLARD 13214 Westwood Lane Omaha, NE 68144 402-444-4848

MILTON R. ABRAHAMS 5111 N. 90th St. Omaha, NE 68134 402-444-6284

SADDLEBROOK 14850 Laurel Ave. Omaha, NE 68116 402-884-7473

SOUTH OMAHA 2808 Q St. Omaha, NE 68107 402-444-4850

W. CLARKE SWANSON 9101 W. Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68114 402-444-4852

RALSTON

BARIGHT PUBLIC LIBRARY 5555 S. 77th St. Ralston, NE 68127 402-331-7636 ralstonlibrary.org

OUTINGS BELLEVUE

FONTENELLE FOREST NATURE CENTER 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Bellevue NE, 68005 402-731-3140 fontenelleforest.org

TREERUSH ADVENTURES AT FONTENELLE FOREST 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Ste. A, Bellevue, NE 68005 402-316-7038 treerush.com

SARPY COUNTY MUSEUM 2402 Clay St. Bellevue, NE 68005 402-292-1880 sarpycountymuseum.org

OMAHA

BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS 724 S. 12th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-341-7130 bemiscenter.org

BOB KERREY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 705 Riverfront Drive Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-5900 visitomaha.com/bob

BOYS TOWN 13628 Flanagan Blvd. (137th St. and W. Dodge Road) Omaha, NE 68010 402-498-1141 boystown.org

DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 5730 N. 30th St. Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-9990 douglascohistory.org

Family Resource Guide DURHAM MUSEUM

MALCOLM X HOUSE SITE

801 S. 10th St. Omaha, NE 68108 402-444-5071 durhammuseum.org

3448 Evans St. Omaha, NE 68111 402-881-8118 malcomxfoundation.org

EL MUSEO LATINO 4701 S. 25th St. Omaha, NE 68107 402-731-1137 elmuseolatino.org

FLORENCE MILL 9102 N. 30th St. Omaha, NE 68112 402-551-1233 theflorencemill.org

FREEDOM PARK 2497 Freedom Park Road Omaha, NE 68110 402-444-5955 cityofomaha.org

GENE LEAHY MALL 1203 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-5955 visitomaha.com

GERALD R. FORD BIRTH SITE AND GARDENS Woolworth Ave. Omaha, NE 68105 402-444-5955 nebraskahistory.org

GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM 7400 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-401-9893

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM 2200 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-3300 joslyn.org

JOSLYN CASTLE 3902 Davenport St. Omaha, NE 68131 402-595-2199 joslyncastle.com

HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM 3701 S. 10th St. Omaha, NE 68107 402-330-4629 omahazoo.com

HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 1200 Douglas St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-345-0202 omahaperformingarts.org

LAURITZEN GARDENS & KENEFICK PARK 100 Bancroft St. Omaha, NE 68108 402-346-4002 lauritzengardens.org

LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL VISITOR CENTER 601 Riverfront Drive Omaha, NE 68102 402-661-1804 nps.gov

MORMON TRAIL CENTER AT HISTORIC WINTER QUARTERS 3215 State St. Omaha, NE 68112 402-453-9372 lds.org

OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 500 S. 20th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-6164 ocm.org

ORPHEUM THEATER 409 S. 16th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-661-8501 omahaperformingarts.org

THE ROSE THEATER 2001 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68102 402-345-4849 rosetheater.org

PAPILLION/LAVISTA

BELLEVUE BERRY AND PUMPKIN RANCH 11001 S. 48th St. Papillion, NE 68133 402-331-5500 bellevueberryfarm.com

PAPIO FUN PARK 210 E. Lincoln St. Papillion, NE 68046 402-592-5671 papiofunpark.com

WERNER PARK 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE 68046 402-738-5100 milb.com

SUMMER CAMPS ACADEMIC CAMPS

AIM FOR THE STARS 402-554-4999 unomaha.edu/camps

ALL GIRLS/ALL MATH 402-472-8965 math.unl.edu/programs/agam

BIG RED SUMMER ACADEMIC CAMPS 402-472-2846 4h.unl.edu

BRYAN HEALTH COLLEGE SUMMER CAMPS

COLLEGE OF SAINT MARY SUMMER ACADEMIES

FINE LINES CREATIVE WRITING SUMMER CAMP

402-399-2400 csm.edu/summeracademies

402-871-3682 finelines.org

CREIGHTON PREP ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC SUMMER CAMPS

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS

SMITTY’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES

402-342-3300 joslyn.org

402-999-6368 smittyspac-omaha.com

402-393-1190 creightonprep.org/camps

844-984-MATH mathnasium.com/papillion

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS SUMMER CAMPS 531-MCC-5437 mccneb.edu/ce/summerfun

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL NEBRASKA CLASSES 402-896-0454 safenebraska.org

OMAHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CAMPS 402-399-9565 omahachristianacademy.org

STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS 402-944-3100 ext. 204 sacmuseum.org/camps

YOUNG NEBRASKA SCIENTISTS #STEM SUMMER CAMPS 402-472-8946 yns.nebraska.edu

YOUTH TECH INC. 877-984-2267 youthtechinc.com

ARTS-RELATED CAMPS

402 ARTS COLLECTIVE SUMMER CAMPS 402-913-1939 402artscollective.org

ARTS FOR ALL SUMMER CAMPS

MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY 402-315-7955 mcguiganartsacademy.com

NEBRASKA DANCE SUMMER SESSION 402-895-0646 nebraskadance.com

OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC INSTITUTE SUMMER MUSIC CAMP 402-932-4978 omahacm.org/ocmi

OMAHA GIRLS ROCK!

UNO JAZZ CAMP 402-554-2297 unomaha.edu/camps

YOUNG WRITER’S CAMP AT UNL 402-472-1807 unl.edu/newp

OUTDOOR CAMPS

BOY SCOUTS RESIDENT CAMP AT CAMP CEDARS

OMAHA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & DANCE’S DANCE & MUSICAL THEATER CAMPS

CAMP VITRUS ET VERITAS CATHOLIC BOYS CAMP

402-674-4610 osomad.com

PACE ART & CULINARY SUMMER CAMP 712-890-5601 paceartsiowa.org

RONCALLI CATHOLIC ART CAMPS 402-571-7670 jrpride.org

THE ROSE THEATER PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER CAMPS 402-345-4849 rosetheater.org

ST. ANDREW’S PERFORMING ARTS CAMP 402-431-8560 standrewsomaha.net

402-691-8875 omaha.schoolofrock.com

402-612-1460 creativegirlsart.com

402-472-2503 unl.edu/band

402-514-3006 mac-bsa.org

CAMP SHAKESPEARE

CREATIVE GIRLS ART CAMP

UNL BAND CAMPS

402-321-2252 omahagirlsrock.org

SCHOOL OF ROCK SUMMER MUSIC CLASSES

BROWNELL-TALBOT CAMPS

800-968-4332 invent.org/local

402-660-1939 twokeysstudios.com

402-556-7821 artsforallinc.com

402-689-7614 nebraskashakespeare.com

CAMP INVENTION

TWO KEYS CREATIVE STUDIOS CAMPS

KIDS CAN! SUMMER CAMPS

402-481-8697 bryanhealthcollege.edu/events

402-556-3772 brownell.edu/bt-beyond

608-345-2018 thekaneko.org

402-819-4022 dospace.org

MATHNASIUM SUMMER CLASSES

402-315-9452 smilingturtleartspot.com

SOUNDRY EXPLORE

DO SPACE SUMMER PASSPORT PROGRAM

402-731-6988 kidscanomaha.org

SMILING TURTLE ART SPOT

SING OMAHA SHOW CHOIR CAMPS 402-933-7234 singomahastudios.org

402-915-0482 archomaha.org

CALVIN CREST CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER 402-628-6455 calvincrest.camp

CAMP FUN-PLEX 402-331-8436 fun-plex.com

CAMP FONTANELLE UNITED METHODIST CAMP 402-478-4296 campfontanelle.com

CAMP FUN & FAITH FOR GIRLS 402-289-1938 campfunfaith.webs.com

CAMP HANSCOM 402-444-4955 parks.cityofomaha.org

CAMP KROC SUMMER CAMPS 402-905-3500 omahakroc.org

CAMP LEGACY 402-884-2242 camplegacyomaha.com

CAMP LUTHER 402-352-5655 campluther.org

FAMILY GUIDE 2022

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Family Resource Guide CAMP MOSES MERILL 402-666-5639 campmerrill.com

CAMP NAKOMIS—BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS 712-347-5687 bgcomaha.org

CAMP PLATTE

CAMP KROC SUMMER CAMPS 402-905-3500 omahakroc.org

CAMP YOUCAN FOR KIDS WITH EPILEPSY 402-770-3936 midwestyoucan.org

metroymca.org/camp

CHAMPION SPORTS KARATE CAMPS

CAMP RIVERCREST

402-515-2272 championsportskarate.com

402-628-6465 camprivercrest.org

CAROL JOY HOLLING CAMP 402-944-2544 caroljoyholling.org

CUB SCOUT DAY CAMPS 402-431-9272 mac-bsa.org

FONTENELLE FOREST & TREERUSH ADVENTURE SUMMER DAY CAMPS

CRCC CAMP FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 402-917-2533 crccomaha.org

CREIGHTON PEDIATRIC THERAPY HANDWRITING CAMPS 402-280-2200 creighton.edu

DIVENTURES MERMAIDS AND SHARKS SWIM CAMPS

402-731-3140 fontenelleforest.org/camps

402-933-6251 diventures.com

GIRL SCOUTS CAMPS

DURHAM MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP

402-558-8189 girlscouts.how/camp

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER CAMPS 712-328-5638 pottcoconservation.com

HUMMEL DAY CAMP 402-444-4760 parks.cityofomaha.org

LAURITZEN GARDENS SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP 402-346-4002 Ext. 212 lauritzengardens.org

NEBRASKA 4-H SUMMER CAMPS 402-332-4496 4h.unl.edu/camp

YMCA CAMP KITAKI 402-434-9222 ymcacampkitaki.org

YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS 402-341-1600 metroymca.org/camp

SPECIALTY CAMPS

CAMP FLOYD ROGERS FOR KIDS WITH TYPE I DIABETES 402-885-9022 campfloydrogers.com

CAMP HIGH HOPES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 712-224-2267 Ext. 102 camphighhopes.com

30 | FAMILY GUIDE 2022

402-444-5027 campsatthedurham.org

EASTER SEALS OF NEBRASKA CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 402-930-4053 easterseals.com

ELITE CHEER CLASSES 402-537-0855 elitecheer.com

ELITE ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS JIUJITSU & KARATE CLASSES 402-537-0855 karateofomaha.com

FITGIRL, INC CAMP EMPOWERMENT 402-290-4144 fitgirlinc.com

GO! KIDS GYM SUMMER CAMP 402-504-3702 gokidsgym.com

RUTH K. SOLOMON GIRLS PROGRAM SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACADEMY 402-457-7772 heartlandfamilyservice.org

HIS KIDS SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY AT CAMP LUTHER 402-352-5655 campluther.org

HORSEMANSHIP CAMPS AT AMERICAN LEGACY COMPLEX 402-468-4588 | 402-670-7220 americanlegacycomplex.com

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER SUMMER CAMPS 402-334-8200 jewishomaha.org

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM CAMPS 402-342-3300 joslyn.org

KANEKO SUMMER CAMPS 402-341-3800 thekaneko.org

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS SUMMER CAMPS 531-MCC-5437 mccneb.edu/ce/summerfun

MONTESSORI EDUCATIONAL CENTER SUMMER PROGRAMS 402-393-1311 omahamontessori.com

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL NEBRASKA CLASSES

PONCA HILLS SUMMER RIDING CAMPS

GRIDIRON FOOTBALL ACADEMY & SUMMER CAMP

402-453-0900 poncahillsfarm.com/camp

1-84-GRIDIRON gridironfb.com

PROJECT EXPLORE CAMP WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF NEBRASKA, INC.

HAPPYFEET LEGENDS OF GREATER OMAHA

402-334-1677 nchpad.org

SUMMER EXPLORATIONS AT QUEST FORWARD ACADEMY, THE FORWARDTHINKING HIGH SCHOOL

402-932-5571 happyfeetgreateromaha.com

HOFFMAN’S HOOPS ACADEMY 402-650-7648 hoffmanshoopsacademy.com

HUSKER SUMMER CAMPS

402-403-1267 qfa.io/summer

402-472-3467 crec.unl.edu

SARPY COUNTY MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER SPORTS CAMPS

402-292-1880 sarpycountymuseum.org

402-334-6426 jccomaha.org

SUMMER ADVENTURES AT STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM

LITTLE SPORTS OMAHA

402-944-3100 sacmuseum.org/camps

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS 402-341-1600 metroymca.org/camp

SPORTS CAMPS

402-401-1228 littlesportsomaha.com

METRO OMAHA WOLVES SOCCER CAMPS 402-708-8442 metrowolvessoccer.com

METRO STARS GYMNASTICS DAY CAMP

402-896-0454 safenebraska.org

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS CAMP

402-991-5700 metrostarsgym.com

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY’S CAMP KINDNESS

402-660-7886 amazingathletes.com

MOUNT MICHAEL BENEDICTINE YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS

402-444-7800 nehumanesociety.org

BELLEVUE WEST CHEER MINI T-BIRD SUMMER CAMP

NEBRASKA STORY ARTS STORYTELLING CAMP

402-293-4040 bellevuepublicschools.org

402-312-4749 nebraskastoryarts.org

BLUEJAY GIRLS SOCCER ACADEMY

OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM SUMMER CAMPS

402-280-2720 bluejaygirlssocceracademy.com

402-342-6164 Ext. 432 ocm.org

OMAHA FASHION WEEK FASHION CAMP 402-937-1061 omahafashioncamp.com

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM DAY CAMPS, SCOUT AND ZOO TROOP PROGRAMS 402-733-8401 omahazoo.com/day-camps

OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM 402-444-4800 omahalibrary.org

OXBOW VET CAMPS vetcamp@oxbowanimalhealth.com oxbowvetcamp.com

CREIGHTON JUNIOR JAYS DAY CAMPS

402-514-7304 creightonsocceracademy.com

CREIGHTON PREP ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC SUMMER CAMPS

402-238-1457 mountmichael.com

NEBRASKA ELITE VOLLEYBALL CAMP 402-599-0423 nebraskaelite.org

OMAHA SPORTS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS 402-504-1222 omahasportsacademy.com

SOCCER SHOTS SUMMER CAMP 402-954-3068 soccershots.com/omaha

402-393-1190 creightonprep.org/camps

SPORTING NEBRASKA CAMPS

ELITE CHEER SUMMER CAMP

402-896-4420 sportingnebraskafc.com

402-537-0855 elitecheer.com

ELKHORN EQUESTRIAN CENTER CAMPS

402-238-2027 elkhornequestriancenter.com

EVOLUTION SOCCER CAMP 402-718-6289 evolutionsoccerclub.com

UNO ATHLETIC CAMPS Phone no. varies by sport unomaha.edu/camps

Relax in your clean home.

Our teams are ready to help you with weekly or biweekly services.

SA IN T M A RY CO LL EG E O F

SUMMER

IES ARCHIGAH DSCHEOOM L FO WOMEN OF COLOR

202 2

Cleaning Serv ice me Ho

2022 First Place

402.330.0930 . PinkShoeCleaningCrew.com 2210 South 156th Circle, Omaha 68130 NIORS UPCOMING JU S: RE O & SOPHOM

SU ND AY, JU NE 5 – TH UR SD AY, JU NE 9

MOTHER’S DAY IS COMING! May 8th

NIORS: UPCOMING SE

SU ND AY, JU NE 12 – TH UR SD AY, JU NE 16

Join us this June for CSM’s week-long Summer Academies for All Young Women of Color!

• Receive a $500 Scholarship to College of Saint Mary • Learn from a STEAM curriculum • Experience college life on-campus • Make lifelong friends

217 N. Jefferson St. Papillion, NE 402.331.9136 • www.papillionflowerpatch.com

APPLY & LEARN MORE CSM.edu/SummerAcademies FAMILY GUIDE 2022

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PHOTO BY DANA DAMEWOOD

WOO D - F I R E D CATE R I N G F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N & T O B O O K :

DANTE PI Z Z E R IA .CO M | 402 . 932 . 3078 1 6901 WR IG HT PL A Z A # 173 , O MAHA , N E 6 8130