MAY 2015
Manhattan
Birthday Planner Find venues, entertainers, and more in our party directory
Camp & Program Resources for an Amazing Summer Distinguishing Gadget Time from Family Time M
www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events
Win
Camelio
featuring Android 4.1 (JellyBean)
From the moment you first held your baby, your child became the most important thing in your life. In honor of Mother ’s Day this month, share the magic of being a mom by submitting an image of you and your little angel by the end of May at www.parentguidenews.com. We’ll post select entries online so viewers may vote for their favorites during June. Encourage family members and friends to vote once each day for the best chance to win! The parent who sends in the submission with the most votes receives the Camelio, featuring Android 4.1 (JellyBean), is the first fully customizable 7� Android device, is perfect for children and their parents. Up to five users can share the tablet with their own customized theme and case.
Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details.
contents contents
table of
table of
May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5
May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5
Camp Coverage
PROOF
Camp Sessions..................... 22 Which duration is right for your child?
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
P. 22
Birthday Coverage
Camp Directory................ 24 A look at leading day camps and summer programs.
P. 12
This month’s entertainment and activities.
Travel............................................................................. 19
Health........................................................................... 34
Now,andwww.parentguidenews.com makes Insight items for your family’s care.
it easy and affordable to place Update........................................................................... 42
Birthday Directory.... 14 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.
EssentialADVERTISING products and information for your ONLINE. brood. DIRECTLY
Special Needs
Just click on the “advertising information” link
Bonus at the top of the www.parentguidenews.com
4 Keys to Communication.............. 8 Ensure tech time doesn’t replace talk time.
Health & Fitness
SIDS Awareness.......... 10
P. 10
How you can help reduce the risk.
PROOF
Birthday Blowout......................................................... 41
Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
For an unforgettable bash.
P. 20
Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest............................... 2
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6
5 Party Ideas............ 12
P. 8
Reach Thousands Contests of Your Best Prospects Columns for About $2 Per Day
Features
10 Tips for Cruising....... 20 Hit the high seas with kids in tow.
Woman oman mom
Feeling Good, Looking Good........ 35 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.
P. 36
Calendar of Events........................................................ 38
homelisting page follow theclasses, simple A comprehensive of and your neighborhood’s events, and performances. steps to take your business to a totally Photography, new place. Cover Credit: BOOM43 www.boom43.com
Publisher Elgort Please note thatSteve you can always Co-Editors Chan,assistance Donald McDermott receiveSamantha personal by Artcalling Directors the Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Advertising Direct Helpline Director of Web Development Jankowski at (212) 213-8840,Kristen ext. 224 Accounting Teresa Pinargote or e-mailing us at Contributing Writers advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com. Holly Maclean, Jess Michaels, Kara Mayer Robinson, Judith L. Page, Renee Wasserman, Dr. Jan Rydfors, Jennifer Chung Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti Advertising Sales Representatives Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford PGTV Producer Beth Elgort Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2015 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
Work in Workouts....................... 36 No time to go to the gym? No problem!
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May 2015 I parentguide News I
contents contents
table of Sara Gubenko, MSed
table of
Master of Science in Elementary and Literacy Education
May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5
P. 22
May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5
Private tutor
Camp Coverage
Contests
NYC teacher reading & Writing Specialist
Camp Sessions..................... 22 Which duration is right for your child?
Camp Directory................ 24
www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 A look at• leading day camps and
Birthday Coverage
summer programs.
P. 12
academic Support & enrichment to Birthday Directory.... 14 Children across Manhattan Party places and entertainers
Bonus
Applications being accepted for the 2015-2016 school year
4 Keys to Communication.............. 8
tech timephilosophy, doesn’t replace Guided byEnsure the Montessori we gentlytalk helptime. children learn how to learn in a secure, prepared environment, laying a firm foundation for them to become confident, caring, and successful human beings.
Health & Fitness 435 Central Park West
Twin SIDSNew Awareness.......... 10Parks Montessori Schools are P. 10 York, NY 10025 Phone: (212) 678-6072 accredited by the American Montessori
How you can help reduce the risk.
P. 20
Riverside
202 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10025 Phone: (212) 665-1600 Fax: (212) 665-1775
Travel............................................................................. 19
Essential products and information for your brood.
Special Needs
Fax: (212) 678-1998
This month’s entertainment and activities.
Update........................................................................... 42
(646) 389-7323 • Ms.Sarae@gmail.com
Park West
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6
Insight and items for your family’s care.
for the happiest of occasions.
Central Park
Columns
Health........................................................................... 34
For an unforgettable bash.
1 West 91st Street New York, NY 10024 Phone: (212) 595-2000 Fax: (212) 595-0101
Proof
Birthday Blowout......................................................... 41
Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
5 Party Ideas............ 12 Providing
P. 8
Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest............................... 2
Society (AMS), the Middle States Commission on Elementar y Schools (MSCES), and are members of the New York Association of Independent Schools (NYAIS), 10 Tipsthe forIndependent Cruising....... 20 Schools Admissions of in tow. Hit the highAssociation seas with kids Greater New York (ISAAGNY), the Parents League, as well as af filiate schools of Columbia University.
Features
Woman oman mom
Feeling Good, Looking Good........ 35 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.
P. 36
A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances. Cover Credit: BOOM43 Photography, www.boom43.com Publisher Steve Elgort Co-Editors Samantha Chan, Donald McDermott
Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski Accounting Teresa Pinargote Contributing Writers Holly Maclean, Jess Michaels, Kara Mayer Robinson, Judith L. Page, Renee Wasserman, Dr. Jan Rydfors, Jennifer Chung Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti Advertising Sales Representatives Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford PGTV Producer Beth Elgort Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2015 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
One School. Three 36 Campuses. Work in Workouts.......................
No time to go to the gym? No problem! I parentguide News I May 2015
Calendar of Events........................................................ 38
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Letter from the Editor The April showers that we endured last month will hopefully lead to some beautiful May flowers. It is with the same sense of growth, life, vitality, and determination that I, alongside my friend and colleague, Donald McDermott, step up and work together as the new co-editors of PARENTGUIDE News. For years we have watched other editors-in-chief lead the helm with unique styles and visions. Today, we are presenting you with our style and vision! With the changing of leadership and seasons, it’s a great time to look ahead. May is when clouds give way to sunshine; barren earth gives way to flowers and greener grass; and families prepare for the upcoming summer break! Perhaps, this summer is high time to set sail on the high seas. Ponder this option as your read Kara Mayer Robinson’s “10 Tips for Cruising.” The article truly presents the versatility of this vacation choice, and how it can be customized to your family’s style. Whether you are traveling as a brood for the first time, or you are a vacationing pro, cruising getaway options abound! Still unsure about summer camp programs? Flip over to “Camp Sessions: Which duration is right for your child?” by Jess Michaels, to explore some of the different styles of camp days and schedules that exist. The more you know gives you a jump
your needs, your neighborhood
U
by Samantha Chan
start to finding a session that satisfies your family’s summer plans. Another reason this is a great time for the changing of the guard, is the celebratory theme of our Birthday edition! Get ready for some great special occasions by browsing our Birthday Directory, featuring a plethora of entertainers and venues for your next fete. After you take a dip in the directory, find yourself immersed in “5 Party Ideas: For an unforgettable bash” by Holly Maclean. There you can figure out exactly how you and your birthday child want to celebrate the big day. Once you have finished our May articles, stop by www.parentguidenews.com for more fun and entertainment! Enter to win some great family-friendly prizes with our photo contests and giveaways, and read up on the latest tales from our mommy blogger Merrie in the Sandbox Social. Donald and I are looking forward to growing with you and the publication. We hope to earn your trust, and continue to uphold the level of excellence you have come to expect from PARENTGUIDE News! Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy the issue.
May 2015 I parentguide News I
DON’T MISS Avengers Assemble!
Summer movie season kicks off with one of the most anticipated films of the year in Avengers:Age of Ultron. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans. The flick blasts into theaters beginning May 1.
Explore the World
Bright World eBooks offer kids a fully immersive, 3D reading experience that taps into children’s natural ability to use visual cues.Your little ones can follow along as the app reads engaging stories out loud with supportive text, visuals and a unique explore mode. Find out more at www.3dlearninggroup.com.
Wiki Kids
Available now at the Apple App Store,Wiki Kids is a tablet-formatted encyclopedia that offers curious kids a platform they can use to independently explore the world.The new app was specially designed to place a strong emphasis on active learning, critical thinking, and communication to improve test results in math and science.
May
by Donald McDermott
Music with Elmo
Get ready to sing, dance, and learn as Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Sesame Street: Elmo the Musical Volume 2 - Imagine and Learn. Available now on DVD and Digital Download, audiences of all ages join Elmo on a variety of math filled adventures.
Lets Bop
KidzBop continues to present child friendly renditions of some of today’s most popular songs. Available in stores and online now, KidzBop 28 includes chart toppers like Uptown Funk, Lips are Movin, Blank Space and many more! Find out more by visiting www.kidzbop.com.
Tom and Huck
Based on the classic novel comes the newest adaptation of the timeless tale, Entertainment One presents the new DVD, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain narrates his masterpiece and brings his beloved characters to life as Tom Sawyer has nothing but mischief on his mind with his fearless friend Huckleberry ‘Huck’ Finn.
New Appisodes
PBS KIDS is proud to announce its first “appisodes” app: WordWorld Tales! Available free for the iPhone and iPad, the exciting and educational new app includes a library of story tales that encourage kids to explore, discover, and create different parts of each appisode.
Tis the Seasons
One of the best selling/life simulation games of all time is back in Story of Seasons. Players will have a chance to create unique farmers, ship goods to other countries, create your own family, and much more. Designed for the Nintendo 3DS, Story of Seasons is available for purchase now.
Travel to Tomorrow
Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boygenius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory in Tomorrowland. The Sci-Fi, mystery, adventure for families is in theaters this month.
Laugh and Learn
Nickelodeon’s hit preschool literacy series makes its long waited DVD debut. Created by Nickelodeon and Paramount Home Media Distribution, Wallykazam! includes four episodes of the popular show that follows the adventures of Wally and his pet dragon, Norville. Pick up your copy today.
Donald McDermott is a co-editor.
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May Moms in Mother Nature
It’s Mother’s Day at Central Park Zoo on May 10. Beginning at 10am, head to the zoo to celebrate animal and human moms! A scavenger hunt, treat making, and Mother’s Day-themed arts and crafts make this a must-attend event. Appropriate for children ages 3-10 accompanied by an adult. For more information, log onto www.centralparkzoo.com, or dial (212)439-6500.
PROOF
by Samantha Chan
Everyone’s Favorite Bunny
Bugs Bunny is at the Symphony May 14-16 with four classic performances! This is the perfect time to introduce little ones to classical music with Bugs Bunny’s greatest Looney Tunes hits projected on a giant screen as the New York Philharmonic provides a lively soundtrack. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. Performance times and tickets can be found online at www.nyphil.org.
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Growing Together Cultural Children’s Fun! 419 Park AvenueFestival South, New York,Out-of-This-World NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 www.parentguidenews.com Learn how to grow with your two-year-• 212-213-8840 May 2 and 3 brings about Komodo Prepare for Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show old at a workshop on May 12, 6-7:30pm, at Rutgers Community Programs. Head to 236 W. 73rd St. to join educator Anna Murdrick as she teaches parents everything they need to know about the development of two-year-olds. Learn the signs and how to encourage social, behavior, physical, and cognitive development. Dial (212)8778227, ext. 212 or e-mail Jennifer Moore at jmoore@rutgerschurch.org to attend.
No Hi: Children’s to land at FAX the #Jewish Museum, 1109 5th TO: Day Festival at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Ave. on May 17! This absurdly funny and This all-day, two-day event takes place touching multi-media concert of live songs, FROM: ISSUE DATE: performed by at 212 W. 83rd St. and brings about stories, and animation, events, stories, and art activities based award-winning illustrator/songwriter Moraround the Japanese national Taylor features new songsOK. and videos. Pleaseholiday call or fax gan your comments and/or that celebrates children’s unique perDon’t miss it. Appropriate for ages 3-10. sonalities and happiness. Learn more Questions? Dial (212)423-3200, then head SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: by dialing (212)721-1223 or clicking on to www.gustaferyellowgold.com. www.cmom.org. Samantha is the co-editor.
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Professional Training in a Nurturing Environment
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Call Now to Register for the 2015-2016 Performing Arts Pre-Professional Division
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(Near the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R & F Trains and the M15, M57, M31, M101, M102, M103, Q32, Q60 & Q101 Buses) 917-281-1030 or 212-204-6348 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com May 2015 I parentguide News I
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By Judith L. Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
KEys to
CommuniCation
Ensure tech time doesn’t replace talk time.
It is probably an irreversible trend: an increasing number of young children have access to technology, including smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. Just a few short years ago, it was teenagers who were consumed by their cell phones to the frustration of their parents. Now, many toddlers are already logging serious tech screen time. Even the youngest children are often able to expertly navigate tech devices. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, the perfect time to make communication a priority. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, visit http://identifythesigns.org to learn more and seek an assessment from a certified speech-language pathologist. Many parents are concerned about the impact this technology will have on their children. Yet, there is no getting around the fact that these devices have become a big part of modern life. Parents rely on them in many ways and their kids have followed suit. It isn’t fully known how tech time affects a child’s overall development, including communication skills, social interactions, and academic success. That being said, there are many things that we do know about how children develop. One of the things we know is the undeniable role of verbal communication as the primary source of learning for young children. The most rapid period of brain development occurs before age 3, and talking, singing, and reading to children are the necessary fuel for this growth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time of any kind for children younger than age 2, and a maximum of two hours daily for older children. A critical guideline for every household is that tech time must not replace time for traditional communication. Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers keep traditional communication at the forefront of family life:
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1. Capitalize on everyday situations. The greatest learning opportunities for young children can be found in seemingly mundane tasks: driving in the car, going to the grocery store, doing household chores such as the laundry, or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. Narrate what you see or what you are doing at these times, use descriptive language, and ask questions of your child to help build strong speech, language, and communication skills.
2. Carve out tech-free times. Traditionally, dinner and bedtimes are ideal opportunities for communication. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for tech devices to start to slowly infringe upon those times. Make a concerted effort to prevent that. Instead, use dinner time to talk about the food your family is eating and the day’s events. Don’t theNYall-important 419 Park Avenue South,abandon New York, 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 tradition of reading a bedtime story to your children, or making up stories toto: FAx # gether. These provide excellent opportunities to hone communication skills.
PROOF
Join them! Keep verbal communication a part of this by asking questions and talking about what they are doing. 4. Use technology safely. Many kids frequently use devices with accompanying headphones or earbuds. If they adopt a habit of listening for long periods at high volumes, they could acquire noiseinduced hearing loss. In fact, hearing loss has increased significantly in children since the mid-1990s, and the World Health Organization recently put out a warning about this health threat to young people. Even mild hearing loss can seriously impact speech and language development, as well as academic and social success. Teach children to practice safe listening by keeping the volume at half level and taking listening breaks. Make sure to model this behavior yourself!
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www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
From:
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3. Make tech use a group activity. While devices are often dubbed “personal,” Please yourchildren comments they don’t call haveor to fax be. Many play and/or games, color, or do puzzles on these devices.
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SigNAture oF APProvAl:
No matter how your family approaches technology, remember to never underestimate the power of simply talking. The link between talking to young children and their later academic achievement has been scientifically established, and technology use is not a replacement for talk.
Judith L. Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the 2015 president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is associate professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1 month to 1 year old. It is not an illness or diagnosis; rather, it is defined as an unexpected, sudden death of an infant less than age 1 that remains unexplained even after an autopsy and thorough medical investigation. Although unexpected, there are precautionary steps that a parent can take to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Put your baby to sleep on her back (at night and at naptime) until she can roll by herself. (Be sure to do plenty of tummy time during the day!)
animals. To confirm the safety of your baby’s mattress or crib, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800)6382772, or via www.cpsc.gov.
• Use a firm mattress and keep the crib clear of any clutter including bumpers, blankets, sleep positioners, pillows, and stuffed
• Stay up to date on your baby’s immunizations. Immunizations have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.
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• Keep your baby’s room at an ideal temperature for sleeping (68-70 degrees) and dress her in light, comfortable clothes to avoid overheating.
Like Us on Facebook for Chances to WIN • Do not let others smoke around your baby. The statistics are frightening. Infants of mothers who smoked during pregnancy Exclusive Prizes are three times more likely to die of SIDS than infants of non-smokers; exposure to secondhand smoke also increases a baby’s risk. Like • Offer a pacifier at naps and nighttime during the first year of your baby’s life. If your baby is being breastfed, wait until she www.facebook.com/parentguidenews is 1 month of age to introduce the pacifier. Pacifiers have been linked with a lower risk of SIDS.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS should be avoided, per the American Academy of Pediatrics, since they have not been sufficiently tested for safety and effectiveness. The American Academy of Pediatrics also cautions that home monitors should not be considered an effective strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS. While electronic respiratory and cardiac monitors may be used for infants deemed to have extreme cardiorespiratory instability or who have had an apparent life-threatening event involving apnea or other breathing difficulty, there is no evidence that using a home monitor reduces the incidence of SIDS.”
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Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions. • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping an infant in the same room as her parents (in her own crib or bassinet) for the first six months of the baby’s life. This also has been linked with a lower risk of SIDS. • Educate and share information about safe sleep practices with your caregivers, child care providers, friends, babysitters, and grandparents. You are your baby’s best advocate.
Like
Renee Wasserman, PT, MPH, founder of SleepyHead Solutions, is a www.facebook.com/parentguidenews Family Sleep Institute-certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant. Her services include phone, e-mail, and in-person consultations to solve your child’s sleep challenges. You can find out more information at www.sleepyheadsolutions.com or by e-mailing renee@sleepyheadsolutions.com.
Additional Resources
www.sidsamerica.org/sids-resources • www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html www.cdc.gov/sids/resourcelinks.htm
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May 2015 I parentguide News I 11
5 Party Ideas
For an unforgettable bash
by Holly Maclean
Celebrating your child’s birthday should be a happy and exciting experience for all. Planning a party can be a lot of work, but it is so rewarding when you see the smile on your child’s face after they’ve had an amazing birthday with their family and friends. You can either plan a theme party at home or take the celebration to a super cool venue that the kids will love. Here are five ideas for a fun kids birthday party that is sure to be a hit with your child.
4Disney Themed Party
5Skating Party
There are tons of cool activities you can do for a Disney themed birthday party. First, you should find out your child’s favorite Disney movie or you can choose a recent Disney hit like the movie Frozen. Decorations should involve colors that correspond with the movie like white and blue for Frozen with homemade snowflakes and snowmen. You could even be extravagant and hire an ice sculpture! No birthday party is complete without a yummy birthday cake and a treats-filled piñata; there are different recipes and craft ideas online for creating your own from scratch. Have an activity station for the kids to do arts and crafts and play games like pin the carrot on the snowman. Don’t let your guest leave empty-handed; make some goodie bags for the kids to take home and fill them with candy, small toys, stickers, pencils, or any other party favors you can think of. Of course, every party needs some music so get the movie soundtrack and alternate with some dance music to get the party moving!
Most roller rinks host birthday parties for kids and have their own party rooms and party packages. Depending on the weather, you can either have a roller skating party or an ice skating party (but there are indoor ice skating rinks, too). This type of birthday party is a great way to get the kids active and let out their energy in a fun, safe way with the adults watching from the sidelines. A disco roller rink with a DJ adds even more fun to the party, and when the kids are ready for a break, they can enjoy some cake and ice cream while the birthday kid opens presents!
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9Cupcake Decorating Party This creative party keeps the guests entertained and they get to take home their own handcrafted goodies when the party is over. Stock up parentguidenews.com
on a ton of baking and decorating supplies like colored icing, sprinkles, cake toppers, food coloring, and more. It’s so much fun taking your child down the baking aisle to pick out their party treats and while you’re there you can also grab some plain t-shirts or aprons for the kids. When the guests first arrive hand out some markers and stickers so they can write their names on their aprons and decorate them with pictures. Next, bring out some cupcake recipe books for design inspiration. Your guests will then spend time baking their own unique cupcakes at this super sweet birthday party.
3Travel-the-Globe Party PROOF
For this kids’ birthday party, you and your guests will get to travel around the world as you set up different stations throughout your home to each represent different should have flag as a 419 Park Avenue aSouth, Newcountry. York, NYEach 10016“countryâ€? • 212-213-8840 • Faxits212-447-7734 decoration, a sampling of the country’s cuisine, language cards with some basic words in that country’s native language, and an activity to: FAx # based on the country. When the kids arrive, give each of them their own “passportâ€? which they will stamp at each station every time an activity is rom: DAte: completed. The party invitations caniSSue even be the passport or a boarding pass with the party information on it.
their favorite superhero or even invent a superhero of their own. Instead of the usual party appetizers, have a create-your-own “hero� station with a DIY sandwich bar. Include different types of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, lettuce, and tomatoes for guests to create their own sandwich. Give out rock candy kryptonite and face masks for party favors, plus some silly string if you don’t mind having to clean up the mess afterwards. A fun activity for the kids could be decorating their own superhero capes with art supplies that they get to take home as a souvenir and have them make up their own super power. If you know someone who has art skills, ask them to help set up a superhero face painting station to paint on masks, tiaras, bat symbols, and more.
ProoF
Holly MacLean is the founder of Wee Urban modern organic baby apparel that is made in Canada. The unique collection of baby gear, accessories and gift sets goes beyond the conventional and explores the exceptional! Using their custom Velvet-X certified organic cotton blends, low-impact dyes, and other trendsetting fabrics, Wee Urban hopes to inspire families to be make better choices and of course - do it all in urban style! Visit www.weeurban.com.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.
7Superhero Themed Party
SigNAture oF APProvAl:
Everyone loves superheroes, and a superhero party can have the kids’ imaginations running wild. Have every guest come dressed as
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May 2015 I parentguide News I 13
Let’s Celebrate! Entertainers, Party Places and More...
At Their Place Berenstain Bears LIVE Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC) 248 W. 60th St., NYC 10023 (866)811-4111 www.berenstainbearslive.com Plan your child’s next birthday party with the characters from the classic children’s book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain. The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come. The venue welcomes parties, offering a Bear-y Birthday Party Package. Pricing and package details can be obtained by e-mailing party@ berenstainbearslive.com. If you have any other occasion which to celebrate, and it includes eight people or more, they are also welcome to hang out in Bear Country with the family that generations have loved. For detail on other group packages, contact groups@ berenstainbearslive.com. Don’t forget the V.I.B Package for Very Important Bears! It includes playful Bear Ears to wear during the show, and seating on the Grassy Knoll at the foot of the Bear Country stage! It is a guaranteed fun time for any fete!
Proof
Blue Man Group Astor Place Theatre 434 Lafayette St., NYC 10003 (212)260-8993/(800)BLUEMAN www.bluemangroup.com Blue Man Group is not just a show, it’s a state of mind. Having utterly redefined the New York theater scene, Blue Man Group continues to reinvent itself. The wildly popular show at the Astor Place Theatre now combines signature Blue Man Group moments with breathtakingly fun new pieces. Blue Man Group is great for birthdays or any special occasion! This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be an outing that your group will never forget. Birthday party packages are available for groups of 10 or more. Package includes discounted tickets, name of birthday child on the LED screen at the beginning of the show, merchandise item for each guest, and a Blue Man Group poster for the birthday child. For more information or to book, call the Group Sales Department at (212)260-8993.
Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
robofun
Chelsea Piers Parties Complex 23rd Street and the Hudson River, NYC 10011 (212)336-6518 www.chelseapiers.com/birthday Chelsea Piers is home to Manhattan’s best sports-themed birthday
SM
robofun
y Birthdaties! Par
Choose from the following technologies to create the perfect party experience!
birthdayparty@robofun.org | 212.245.0444 2672 Broadway & 102nd St. NYC *Please note that LEGO® robotics projects cannot be taken home.
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY parties, all year round! State-of-the-art facilities and world-class instruction combine with convenient party planning and packages for a fun and memorable birthday celebration! A wide variety of activities are available for all, from preschoolers to teens, such as the 23,000-square-foot gymnastics center outfitted with in-ground trampolines and deep foam pits, rock climbing wall designed for kids and teens, indoor playing fields, Little Athletes Exploration Center, basketball courts and batting cages. You can also choose from two indoor ice skating rinks, a 40-lane bowling center or a hitech golf driving range for parties. Private instructors are available for all parties (excluding bowling parties). Food and refreshments are served in private party rooms. For gymnastics, rock climbing, soccer, basketball and other team sports parties, contact the Field House at (212)336-6518 or fieldhouse@chelseapiers.com; for ice skating or ice hockey parties, contact Sky Rink at (212)336-6100 or skyrink@chelseapiers.com; for golf parties contact the Golf Club at (212)336-6400 or golfclub@chelseapiers.com; for bowling, call (212)835-2695. On-site parking is available for a fee. Easily accessible by the M23 or M14 bus. Please call or visit the website at www.chelseapiers.com/birthday and see why Chelsea Piers is the best choice for a stress-free and fun-filled birthday party!
Proof
The Ultimate Beauty Bash Deluxe to The Glamour VIP Party. All parties include incredible hairstyling from Cozy’s Braid Bar & Blow Bar by Up-do Specialists, mini art manicures and sparkly makeup application. Additional fun includes art projects, dancing, runway show, music, pizza, beverages and much more. Also available is the BFF day– two or more girls can have the greatest play date of all, no occasion necessary! The hour-long package includes amazing hairstyling, nail art and glitter makeup, plus a special “glam� bag to take home. For fun on the run, let Cozy’s come to you– a Glam-to-Go Party can be arranged at your home, party room or favorite restaurant! No venue is too big or too small. For more information visit www.cozyscutsforkids.com or contact Cozy’s Party Coordinator at (212)585-2629 or email customercare@cozyscutsforkids.com.com.
Proof
Karma Kids Yoga www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 25 W. 23rd St., Third Floor, NYC 10010
Cozy’s Cuts for Kids 1416 Second Ave., NYC 10021 (212)585-2629 www.cozyscutsforkids.com A Beauty Bash at Cozy’s is a rite of passage for all NYC stylistas! Parents sit back and relax while the girls get their glam on in their own private salon. Pick a package that suits your little ladies, from
(646)638-1444 downdog@karmakidsyoga.com www.karmakidsyoga.com Karma Kids yoga parties are unique, age-appropriate, and so much fun! Every party includes creative poses, themes, breathing techniques, yoga games, and relaxation time with hand or foot massages. A yoga party with friends is a great way to celebrate your child’s special day. The Basic Package includes one hour of yoga with props and music for as many as 10 children (24 kids maximum), and 30 minutes to celebrate in the magical studio with pizza and refreshments. Choose a fun theme for your child’s yoga party: Jungle, Beach Party, Zoo, Outer Space, Farm, Yoga Games, or come up with your own special
Seriously Art-Rageous fun! The mobile art program that brings the fun to you!
A DynAmic hAnDs-on Technology & enTerTAinmenT museum locATeD in The heArT of new york ciTy Whether your child enjoys video games, movies, animation or music we’ve got the party for you! celebrate your child’s birthday at the lab with a party like no other! Choose from one of our unique party packages that offer exclusive use of our four floor facility. t BIRTHDAY PARTIES t ART CLASSES, PLAYDATES and GROUP EVENTS
t GLITTER TATTOO ARTISTS, FACE PAINTERS and STORY ART-VENTURES!
Parties can be booked Tuesdays-Saturdays by speaking with our birthday coordinator at (212) 833-7340.
sonywondertechlab.com
XXX OZMFUTHPHIBSU DPN t 917.704.0102 your needs, your neighborhood
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY idea! Other packages include CircusYoga, Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga, Butterfly Yoga, Downward Doll Yoga, and Yoga Art parties. Older kids can celebrate with a Yoga Spa party, Yoga Mat Painting, Pajama Yoga, or just a great yoga workout that includes more challenging poses, such as arm balances and upside down poses, partner and group poses, and more! NEW offerings include Sleep-UNDER and Sleep-OVER parties! Karma Kids Yoga can also bring the yoga party fun to you! This is a birthday party that your child will never forget. Come Play Yoga! Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave., NYC 10021 (212)410-9780 wendy@kidsatartnyc.com www.kidsatartnyc.com Imagine having a party where your child and guests create fabulous projects to take home. At Kids at Art, there are a variety of art projects to choose from in their private art studio, which is all yours for an hour and a half! Projects can be tailor-made for your child or you can choose from a variety of others. Included are all art supplies, personalized invitations, complimentary t-shirt for the birthday child, paper goods and juice. Balloons and other goodies can also be supplied for an extra charge. Kids at Art Also offers karaoke/disco birthday parties, American Idol, Broadway, Beatles, Glee, and much more! Real DJS from Expressway Music are exclusive at Kids at Art! All parties are run by a staff of professionals. Please call or visit the website for more information. Medieval Times The Meadowlands Castle 149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-0327 (888)935-6878 www.medievaltimes.com In the mood for some old-fashioned fun? Medieval Times invites you to come celebrate more than 20 years of feasting, fighting and fun! A popular dinner attraction for all ages, Medieval Times Castles features a two-hour dinner and live show based upon authentic medieval history. Guests enjoy a four course medieval banquet while witnessing brave knights compete on horseback in games of skill, jousting matches and swordfights. Admission includes a four course dinner, beverages and a live show. Parking is free. In addition to their regular daily schedules, Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate the next birthday of the young Lord or Lady of your own castle! Their special action-packed birthday party packages include preferred seating, an individual photo with the King or Queen, a cheering banner, birthday cake, and an announcement in honor of the birthday child during the performance! Medieval Times is located west of Giants Stadium and just minutes from mid-town Manhattan. Other locations include Hanover, MD; Lawrenceville, GA; Kissimmee, FL; Schaumburg, IL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Dallas, TX; Buena Park, CA; and Toronto, Ontario. Call the number above for reservations and further information.
5/31/15.
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RoboFun Vision Education & Media 38 E. 23rd St., #3A, NYC 10010 (212)245-0444 robofun@vemny.org www.robofun.org Host your child’s next birthday party at the RoboFun Studio! Depending on the package chosen, aspiring inventors can build and parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY customize a LEGO robot, design a simple video game, or create and shoot a stop-motion animation film. Best of all, parents only need to bring cake— Robofun staff does all the work so that parents can enjoy the special celebration! Pizza, favors (a T-shirt and drawstring backpack), staff, paper goods and decorations are all part of the arrangement. Ages 4 to 12. www.robofun.org
At Your Place
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
PROOF
Sony Wonder Technology Lab 550 Madison Ave.,NYC 10022 (212)833-8100 timothy_foster@sonyusa.com www.sonywondertechlab.com Prepare your child and their friends for a birthday celebration like no other! Sony Wonder Technology Lab offers one-of-akind parties for all age groups in an exciting, state-of-the-art facility. Choose from a VIP tour with exclusive use of the Lab’s four floors of dynamic interactive exhibits, an intense PlayStation 3 gaming experience in the High Definition Theater, an opportunity to develop your very own short claymation movie and much more! All birthday packages also include a decorated reception complete with pizza, cake and beverages as well as specially designed birthday invitations. The birthday staff caters to your unique needs to provide a memorable and fun experience. From now until March 2015, receive $200 off the package of your choice when mentioning this listing. Sony Wonder Technology Lab is a technology and entertainment museum located in the heart of NYC with four floors of hands-on interactive exhibits. For more information and rates, please visit www.sonywondertechlab.com/pr-birthday_parties.html.
PROOF
Let’s Gogh Art, NYC (917)704-0102 www.nyletsgoghart.com Let’s Gogh Art is a mobile, creative arts enrichment company delivering art-based programs, education, and birthday party packages. When you book amazing art parties for boys and girls, Let’s Gogh Art creativity crew brings a unique arts and crafts party to your location. Enjoy crafts like decorating totally awesome tote bags, painting racecars, embellishing super hero capes, and more. Gogh Glam parties provide your birthday child with a mani or pedi, nail art, plus crafts like decorating jeweled bags, magic wands, or flip flops. Enjoy special “Gogh-tinis� while getting a glitter tattoo from a professional artist. Looking for a holiday theme? Let’s Gogh Art has plenty of project possibilities for any holiday. Let’s Gogh Art creates art-rageously fun craft tables where kids of all ages can create while the adults get to enjoy the party! The best part is they bring the fun to you, and take the mess when they leave! Looney Louie (212)533-7491 looneylouienyc@yahoo.com www.looneylouie.com Looney Louie is a professional children’s entertainer whose specialties include magic, juggling, music, balloon twisting and, of course, lots of comedy. He has been performing professionally since 1990 and performs at approximately 40 to 50 engagements each month, including birthday parties, hospitals, your needs, your neighborhood
Camps run June 22 - September 4 Ages 3 to 17 years 16 Sports Camps to choose from, including: Preschool Ice Skating, Junior Ice Skating, Junior Ice Hockey, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey and Acceleration Hockey.
EARLY BIRD PRICING
Register by May 22nd & save! Enroll for 1, 2 or more weeks Easy Online Enrollment • Lunch Provided Transportation & After Care Available
SUMMER CAMP
212.336.6846 chelseapiers.com/camps
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY schools, corporate events and even the occasional adult party. He is particularly proud of the work he does for The StarlightStarbright Children’s Foundation of NY, NJ and CT, helping to brighten the lives of seriously ill children throughout New York City by regularly visiting area hospitals. If you haven’t seen Looney Louie, someone you know probably has. He spends about an hour and a half at each event and performs a show consisting of a hilarious juggling routine and an even loonier magic show that includes loads of audience participation. Not only does Looney Louie bring up assistants from the audience, but at birthdays the birthday child becomes the star of the show and even receives a special prize just for them. Looney Louie also makes festive balloons for all the guests and sings happy birthday. While this show is ideal for kids 3-8 years old, more than a few grown ups have been seen laughing and screaming during his show. Looney Louie speaks Spanish and French, and frequently performs in Spanish in New York. Needless to say Looney Louie is very flexible and knows how to use his skills to their best advantage to make your event a great success. Not only is Looney Louie a great entertainer, he’s also a proud parent.
Proof
at the top when it comes to making children’s birthday dreams come true. Silly Billy becomes an integral part of your child’s party, staying from beginning to end, entertaining children all the way. The show starts off with a hilarious magic routine, heavy on audience participation. Next comes join-in storytelling where all the children are players in a skit - dressed in balloon costumes that Silly Billy makes right there! The birthday child gets to choose from 15 stories including, Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and even “The Circus.” Weaving spontaneous comedy into his vast repertoire, Silly Billy keeps kids of all ages and adults in stitches. Silly Billy doesn’t wear makeup but the kids know he’s a funny clown. His rapport with the children is what makes him unique. Fifteen years in the business and over 8,000 parties under his belt, Silly Billy really knows children and they respond to him with warmth and love. Silly Billy can do completely different shows for children who have seen him before. For children 7-11, he can be Dr. Blood, who does a really gross magic show.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Singalong with Phoebe (203)216-0849 Silly Billy: The Funny Magical Clown phoeberoome@yahoo.com 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734 (212)645-1299 Talented children’s entertainer Phoebe•creates a special environwww.sillybillymagic.com ment where she becomes an integral part of birthday happenings, When WABC-TV called him “The King of the Kiddie Comedy large or small. Phoebe leads children in wonderful sing-alongs tO: FAxnatural # Circuit,” they weren’t kidding! He has performed at the White that bring out their energy in delightful, upbeat songs. House, you’ve read his six-page profile in The New Yorker, and She’ll sing and play guitar and dulcimer as children join in and you saw him on David Letterman and FrOm: Comedy Central, now play bongo drums, maracas, iSSue DAte: mouth bows, limberjacks, snare have Silly Billy at your party! Silly Billy ranks right up there drums and a whole new set of rhythm instruments gathered from her travels around the world! Her dancing puppets are delightful addition and/or to her unusual Please call oranother fax your comments OK. show where singing is “joyful noise!” Each party is unique and different - she does shows ranging from intimate gatherings to Lincoln Center - but SigNAture OF APPrOvAl: Phoebe’s talent always reaches grand scales. Set your party to music with Phoebe - a happy occasion will follow whenever she’s around. Phoebe has also appeared in videos, commercials, on TV and in movies.
BIG
or
SMALL
Sing-Along With Phoebe
Joyful birthday parties
Works!
Have a joyful sing-along!
PHOEBE ForCALL advertising information please call (203) 216-0849 (203) 761-0410 (203) 216-0849
212-213-88
phoeberoome@yahoo.com phoeber@optonline.net
BIG or SMALL works! For information on how to reach the best families in your area, please call
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TRAVEL 1
by Donald McDermott
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PROOF 4
1 Fun and affordable for families on the go, The Camelio Tablet from Vivitar is a fully customizable, seven-inch, Android device that is perfect for tweens through adults. www.cameliotablet.com 2 Pish Posh Baby offers an array of handy solutions for napping in the car or plane, including the Pish Posh Baby Skip Hop Zoo Travel Blanket, which can easily be used as a pillow or blanket to make every naptime comfy and cozy. www.pishposhbaby.com 3 BubbleBum, the world’s original inflatable car booster seat presents a brand new, raspberry and cotton candy pink chevron design that makes it the perfect addition to all of your little princesses’ summer adventures. www.bubblebum.com
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 4 Kid friendly function comes together with an adult friendly look for the Posh Play Snack Sack, a reusable, lightly insulated lunch box that is perfect for on the go moms, tweens and toddlers alike. www.poshplaymat.com
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5 A great product to take along on all of your warm weather activities, Bubi Bottle (pronounced boo-bee) is a foldable, colorful BPA-free beverage bottle that doubles as a water-proofing apparatus, multi-use container and a hot/cold compress. www.bubibottle.com Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!
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Donald McDermott is a co-editor.
It’s not just about getting away. it’s about getting together.
At the #1 Kid-Friendly Resort, we’ve got the biggest and best backyard imaginable. It’s filled with mountains, waterparks, and so much more! We’re the ideal Summer setting for those little moments that’ll stick with you and your kids for a lifetime. Customize your trip with one call to our Vacation Planning Specialists.
1.866.771.3717 smuggs.com/pg your needs, your neighborhood
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by Kara Mayer Robinson
10
Tips for Cruising
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
Hit the high seas with kids in tow.
Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned passenger, these tips will help you navigate the waters for the ultimate in smooth sailing.
1. Choose your cruise line wisely. Some
companies— like Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Lines— cater to kids with features like kiddie pools, water parks, character meals, and play zones. Others— like Viking and Seabourn— are adult-centric (hello, anniversary getaway!). Many lines have formal dinner seatings: You eat at the same time, same table, with the same servers, every night. Others, like Norwegian Cruise Lines, are “freestyle:” You eat at any restaurant you choose, any time. Love The Love Boat? Book a special sailing with Princess Cruises, which occasionally has cast members from the show onboard. (Check with Princess Cruises at www.princess.com for details.)
2. Choose your itinerary wisely. Want to go international? Tropical? Do you want to sail right from New York (or Bayonne, NJ)? Or would you rather fly to Fort Lauderdale or Miami for an itinerary that reaches destinations farther south (and perhaps gives you an opportunity to visit the grandparents)? How many ports of call would you like? Too many days at sea can translate into boredom. Too many days in port, especially if they’re consecutive, can be exhausting. Look for sailings with a happy balance.
3. Select a great cabin. Have a big family? Book adjoining rooms or a family suite. An interior
cabin may shave off a few dollars, but an exterior room with a balcony is a treat. Throwing your curtains open in the morning and coming face to face with a gorgeous new landscape is priceless. The same applies when sitting back with a glass of wine as you watch the ropes go up and the ship push off the dock at the end of the day.
4. Be excursion-smart. Check out online reviews
before you book. Pre-arranged excursions take the planning pressure off, but be prepared to overpay and be herded around. A day at a private beach, for example, can cost $150 per person. If you’re more adventurous, most ports of call are lined with taxi drivers and private excursions waiting to take passengers anywhere they want to go. The cost varies. In Roatan, Honduras, you can catch a $40 cab to a private beach (and back). Anchoring in Naples, Italy? For about 300 Euros, a driver will give your family a tour of the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
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5. Pre-approve the kids’ club.
A rockin’ kids’ club is a major plus. Some ships, like the Regal Princess, have clubs that are fully loaded with Xbox stations, skeeball, and the latest electronic equipment. Others, like the Norwegian Jewel, are more activity-based, with themed activities and programs. Some feature interactions with Disney, Nickelodeon, or DreamWorks characters. Pick one that entices your kids the most.
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6. Let them go! Register your kids
for the kids’ club on the very first day. If they’re reluctant, check it out together. Counselors expect kids to be shy and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to whisk them into the fun zone. Not sure what to do after you sign them in? Let us count the ways! Try a massage, a drink with your partner, lounging with a novel on a deck chair…
IF you go, Try these cruise lines: Princess Cruises princess.com Why we love it: a decked-
out kids’ club (PlayStations, karaoke machines), yummy food, upscale-yet-relaxed vibe, ties to The Love Boat
7. Let them grow. A week on
a ship can translate into a bonafide growing experience. Put your grade schooler in charge of her suitcase and wardrobe. Let your preschooler serve himself in the cafeteria. (Some, like the Norwegian Jewel, even have pint-sized buffet tables filled with kid faves.) Let your tween freely roam to the food court, kids’ club, or arcade. Opportunities for independence abound, so take advantage.
get a glimpse— and maybe even a drink— from everyone’s favorite bartender, Isaac, on your next Princess Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line ncl.com Why we love it: freestyle
8. Learn something amazing. Many ships have employees from around the world. Notice staff nametags, which list their home countries, and point them out to your kids. Strike up conversations. Check out the hidden parts of the ship. Visit the bridge. Roam around, and you may find perfect reading nooks, lounge areas with less wind (and fewer passengers), a hidden-away ice-cream machine, or a shuffleboard court.
dining, friendly service, Nickelodeon parties, circus school
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International royalcaribbean.com Why we love it: Fisher-Price
9. Manage your screens.
You’ll definitely have downtime in your cabin, so bring iPads or personal devices for the kids. Pre-downloaded e-books or episodes of a favorite show go a long way. Need Wi-Fi? You can buy a package on the ship (but the connection may be torturously slow). Some ports have shops or cafes that sell Wi-Fi by the hour or offer it for free.
toddler play areas, DreamWorks characters, onboard iceskating rinks, climbing walls, and skydiving simulators
grandeur of the Seas- Royal Babies & Tots
10. Bring the relatives. A
cruise has something for everyone and lots of breathing room, so bring the whole crowd. You can split up during the day, share babysitting, then meet up every evening for a big, happy family dinner.
your needs, your neighborhood
Kara Mayer Robinson is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in Parents, Pregnancy, and Time Out New York. With three kids and an insatiable case of wanderlust, she’s forever seeking a balance between packing lunch boxes and suitcases.
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s n o i s s e S p m a C
by Jess Michaels
Which duration is rig for your child? ht Photo Credit: American Camp Association速, Camp Laurel Girl Scouts Lebanon, CT
A
summer camp experience offers children the chance to try new activities in a safe and nurturing environment. It offers them the opportunity to gain life skills and essentials such as independence, confidence, and resilience. When choosing a day or overnight camp, there are many things parents need to think through. One consideration regards enrollment options. Parents should take some time to consider for how long they want to send their child to camp -- not just for this year, but for future years, too. Camps offer a variety of session options for families, some of which you may not know. Here are some of the common enrollment options that day and overnight camps offer.
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Photo Credit: American Camp Association 速, YMCA Camp Willson/YMCA of Central Ohio, Bellefontaine, Ohio
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Whether choosing a day or overnight camp, there truly is a camp enrollment option that will work for your family.
Mini days at day camp
Before and after care
Some day camps offer “mini days” for the youngest campers. These mini days are generally for pre-kindergarten-aged children and allow them the opportunity to go to camp for a few hours a day.
There are day camps that offer before and after care where children can arrive early in the morning before the camp day begins and stay later in the day after the official camp day ends. This is often a good option for working parents.
Three-day option
Full-session overnight camps
There are day camps that offer sessions a few days a week, such as three or four days. These days are either mini days or full days. These shortened weeks are often offered for the youngest campers.
Photo Credit: American Camp Association®, Camp Pemigewassett, Wentworth, NH
Day camp sessions Many day camps offer different session lengths running anywhere from two through eight, allowing children to have a wonderful camp experience for however long works for their family’s summer plans. Photo Credit: American Camp Association®, Chewonki, Maine
Full-session overnight camps run for seven weeks. Attending camp for the whole summer gives children the opportunity to have enough time to adjust to camp, be part of the camp community longer, to have a longer period of time to develop skills gained at camp, and to strengthen friendships. For parents who want their children to eventually have a full-session camp experience but maybe not during the first summer, some camps offer a twoor four-week introductory session for the youngest campers.
Session camps
Camps with flexible session lengths
Some families are looking for a shorter camp experience for their child but one that still offers a full camp experience. A session camp lasts for a few weeks, usually three or four. Campers in each session arrive together and leave together. Some session camps will allow campers to stay for more than one session, however, others won’t. If you think you may want to eventually send your child for a longer period of time, make sure the session camp you choose allows campers to stay. If not, sending your child to a full-session camp with an introductory short session is a good option.
There are overnight camps that offer anywhere from one-to-sevenweek sessions. Some camps offer one or two weeks at a time. Others offer a minimum of three or four weeks at a time. Often times, camps will bunk children together for the amount of time the camper is staying. Keep in mind that if you decide to send your child to camp for one or two weeks, it often takes time for a child to adjust to camp life and by the time a child gets accustomed to camp, it will be time to go home. Camps that offer flexible sessions allow families to choose the length of camp that works best for them.
your needs, your neighborhood
Jess Michaels is the Director of Communication for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the summer camp experience. Parents who would like assistance in finding the right camp for their child may call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ at (212)3915208 for free, one-on-one advice or visit www.searchforacamp.org.
May 2015 I parentguide News I 23
Discover Some of the Area’s Best Summer Camps and Programs 92nd Street Y Camps 1395 Lexington Ave., NYC 10128 (212)415-5573 www.92y.org/Camp Summer fun from the people who know kids best: 92nd Street Y’s day camps for ages 5-14, in a beautiful country setting just 20 minutes from the GW bridge, with convenient pick-ups from multiple Manhattan locations, and now also in Brooklyn.. Programs include sports, arts, film, jewelry, martial arts, swimming, cooking, music, drama and much more, all designed and lead by the childhood development experts at 92Y. Young campers (3-5 years old) attend in Manhattan. With special needs camps, camps for teens and two-week sleep away camps, 92Y Camps are dedicated to providing the best summer experience for kids of all ages and stages.
Proof
and take exciting field trips in the Adventure Camps. A choice of activities is offered, including a full program of sports, arts, crafts and performing arts. The youngest campers spend afternoons engaged in water and gardening activities. Playing fields and indoor gymnasiums on campus present campers with opportunities to play traditional and cooperative games. Older campers can choose to go on camping excursions. In August, campers specialize in a sports or art course. Extended day options and sibling discounts are available. Come see their wonderful facilities. Go to the A.C.T. Program website for the latest information on the new playground opening in June and Holiday Camps in February, March, April and June. Have your child spend a season of outdoor summer fun in A.C.T.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 A.C.T. Programs The Cathedral of St. John the Divine 1047 Amsterdam Ave., NYC 10025 (212)316-7530 act@stjohndivine.org www.actprograms.org ACT is “Where the Action Is” this summer for your child on the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine campus. A.C.T’s Summer Country Day Camp in the City readily boasts of its 11-acre campus, roaming peacocks and happy campers since 1971. There is something here for every child from ages 414. Campers have the versatility to participate in arts, sports and specialized camps, explore New York City sites, embark on scavenger hunt challenges
Proof
Action Arts Summer Camp Teachers College, Columbia University 525 W. 120th St., Box 139, NYC 10027 (917)561-9624 actionartscamp@yahoo.com www.tc.edu/actionartscamp Teachers College, Columbia University, is proud to host the 2015 Action Arts Summer Camp for children ages 5-13. The camp runs from Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, August 3-14. Each day, campers join arts education professionals to engage in hands-on discovery in music, art, dance, drama, and playwriting. Through the use of a developmentally appropriate curriculum, campers use inquiry methods to support the process, discover tools, and participate in cooperative decision making. The program cultivates freedom, awareness, and expression while nurturing
JOIN US!
Summer Day Camp! Lessons Year Round! Day Camp at theol Pine Street Scho June 29 - Aug 29
Downtown East Village Midtown Upper East Uptown
Swim every day! Cooking, science, sports, and more!
physiqueswimming.com 212-725-0939 info@physiqueswimming.com
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CAMP DIRECTORY children’s independent voices. The camp also promotes multicultural self-expression, listening, composing, moving, dancing, drawing, and creating all through the use of encouraging motivation. A typical day at the camp includes integrated emphasis on art, music and dance programs, story time, outdoor and indoor free play, snack time, and water play. Instructors at the Action Arts Summer Camp are experienced professionals and artists who are or have been part of Teachers College Art, Music or Dance or English programs. They are adept at working with all children and accommodating various abilities. Advantage All-City Camps Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island 10044 Junior Tennis: (212)935-0250 Sports & Arts: (646)884-9644 gkent@advantagetennisclubs.com www.advantagecamps.net Advantage All-City Camps offer more choices, more facilities and more satisfaction. For lots of tennis plus optional sports and arts, choose Junior Tennis. Directed by Xavier Luna, it’s the City’s oldest and most established junior tennis program. Campers ages 6-17 receive three-six hours of expert instruction, practice and play. They swim at an adjacent indoor pool and play field sports a short walk from the club. For lots of sports and arts plus tennis, choose Sports & Arts. Paul Fontana directs the camp. Boys and girls ages 5-14 play about an hour of tennis a day, plus basketball, soccer, and swimming. The daily art program, featuring acclaimed artist Bonnie Lane, offers workshops in kite making, shadow puppets, origami and more, plus weekly art events. Both camps are at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club– just a short tram- or F-train-ride from Manhattan. Choose separate or consecutive weeks, with a discount for multiple weeks. Snacks and lunch are included and you can opt for daily transportation, too. Look forward to the best summer ever for your camper!
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The Ailey School The Joan Weill Center for Dance 405 W. 55th St., NYC 10019 (212)405-9000 juniordivision@alvinailey.org www.theaileyschool.edu This summer, The Ailey School offers its 2015 Junior Division Summer Intensive program for intermediate and advanced students ages 11-15 years old. The curriculum includes ballet, modern, and jazz classes, and a repertory workshop. Advanced students have the option to add pointe twice a week. Repertory workshop classes give the students the opportunity to work with innovative choreographers in original repertory and perform their works at the end of the summer program in the Ailey Citigroup Theater. Whether they become dance professionals or lifelong enthusiasts of dance, The Ailey School offers children and adults one of the best, most diverse dance programs available.
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Asphalt Green
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Upper East Side
YOUR Child Can Do This! REGISTER FOR SPRING & SUMMER 2015 Spring Break & Summer Camp Program Together With The Ballet Club
555 E. 90th St. NYC 10128 (212)298.7900 camp@asphaltgreen.org www.asphaltgreen.org Battery Park City 212 North End Ave., NYC 10282 (212)298-7900 campsagbpc@asphaltgreen.org www.asphaltgreen.org For more than two decades, Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp has formed millions of memories for campers while meeting that unique age-appropriate physical, mental, behavioral and social milestones parents want. The camp is offered at two state-of-the-art Manhattan
robofun
SM
• Mondays-Fridays OR Weekend Classes • Starting from Age 2 & Up • Holiday Workshops Fall/Winter • Private & Semi Private “Healing through Art”
starts June 8 LEGO® Robotics, Grades K-6 Coding | Game Design, Grades 1-6 Stop Motion Animation, Grades 3-6
LittlePicassoNYC.com Children’s Art Studio
313 East 61st Street 646.559.1588 your needs, your neighborhood
online registration at robofun.org 2672 Broadway & 102nd St, NYC | 212.245.0444 May 2015 I parentguide News I 25
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CAMP DIRECTORY campuses– Upper East Side and Battery Park City– for kids ages 413 years. Campers experience fun, active-filled days including swimming, a variety of sports, arts, weekly field trips, special events, and more! Air-conditioned bus service is available from designated stops throughout the City. Join Asphalt Green June 29-August 21 because it will be the best summer of your life! Ballet Academy East 1651 3rd Ave., NYC 10128 (212)410-9140 info@baenyc.com www.balletacademyeast.com Summerdance is designed to immerse girls ages 4-9 in arts-centered activities such as ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. Drama, yoga, arts and crafts, swimming, musical theater, and even cooking are also a part of the exciting Summerdance curriculum. Summerdance culminates with two special in-studio performances at the end of each four-week session. The program runs from June 29 through August 20, Monday-Thursday. Children can sign up for either four or eight weeks. Visit the BAE website at www.balletacademyeast. com or call (212)410-9140 for full information. In addition to the full-day Summerdance program, summer classes are offered to children ages 18 months and older.
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9:30am-2:30pm for children ages 3.5-8. Activities include ballet, creative dance, drama, yoga, and art projects including air-dry clay projects and three-dimensional painting, and outdoor activities. The Ballet Club also offers a Movement Mini-Camp for ages 3.5-8, from 9:30am-12:30pm, Mondays-Fridays. It is an exciting introduction to a full morning of activities, including alternating days of ballet, creative dance, drama, and yoga. You may pick and choose the weeks that you would like to attend. To register, contact The Ballet Club at (917)281-1030 or info@theballetclub.com. There are also Summer Intensives available July 13-31 and August 3-21. The Ballet Club Intensive offers three hours of training per day, five days a week, for students ages 7-14, and is an outstanding opportunity to rapidly improve a student’s fluency in ballet technique. The training includes daily ballet technique class, and alternating days of modern dance, floor barre, ballet history, drama, choreography, and composition. Please contact Ms. Easterling at (917)281-1030 or at mseasterling@theballetclub.com.
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www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 The Barrow Group
Ballet Club 328 E. 61st St., Second Floor, NYC 10065 (917)281-1030 / (212)204-6348 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com March 23-27 and June 22-August 28, The Ballet Club and Little Picasso Children’s Art Studio join forces to provide a creative, nurturing, and fun Movement and Art Program Mondays-Fridays,
312 West 36th Street NY, NY 10018 www.barrowgroup.org (212)760-2615 The award winning not-for-profit Barrow Group Theatre company offers one- and four-week acting intensives for kids (ages 7-10), tweens, (ages 11-13) and teens (ages 14-18). Youth programs focus on ensemble building games, script analysis, scene study, on camera work, rehearsal, and performance. The curriculum reinforces working with ease, clarity, and simplicity by encouraging an atmosphere of trust and play. Under the guidance of Barrow Group acting teachers, students rehearse and perform shorts scenes in the Barrow Group Studio Theatre at the culmination of the program.
The
Weekday School
at Riverside Church
is pleased to announce
SUMMERSIDE CAMP 2015 Session I: June 15-26 Session II: June 29-July 10 (closed 7/3) Session III: July 13 - 24 Register for one, two or all sessions.
MInI CAMP
FUll CAMP
for 2s and young 3s 8:45am - 12:30pm
for 3-6 year-olds 8:45am - 2:30pm
education for the individual
126 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 646-638-2705 ext. 688 | summer@winstonprep.edu
Summer Program 2015 | June 26-July 24, 2015
Registration for the Summerside Camp program is under way. Information and registration forms are available:
Morning Academic Program Mon-Fri, 9am-1:30pm Small class sizes Daily skill development in literature, history, science, and math Gym, art, and music classes daily Students from 4th to 12th grades
Online: www.wdsnyc.org/pages/summerside-camp Contact: Tricia Pool at tpool@wdsnyc.org Call for more information 212-870-6743
Be sure to save a spaceOngoing Registration! 490 Riverside Drive • New York, NY 10027 • 212-870-6743 26 I parentguide News I May 2015
Winston Preparatory School
After-school Activities Mon-Thurs, 2pm-3:30pm One-on-one classes and independent study program also available during August.
July Focus Program Mon-Thurs, 9am - 3:30pm One-on-One Instruction Targeted skill development 45-minute or 90-minute sessions
Applications available online at www.winstonprep.edu parentguidenews.com
CAMP DIRECTORY Camp Ramaquois 30 Mountain Road, Pomona, NY 10970 (845)354-1600 www.ramaquois.com Camp Ramaquois invites families to discover the day camp that is as complete as any sleepaway camp. Serving children as young as age 3 and older, Camp Ramaquois strives to create a unique environment where children feel a sense of belonging, learn lifelong skills, have opportunities for leadership, and forge lasting relationships with their peers and their counselors. All this is accomplished in a physically and emotionally safe environment that revolves around fun! The magnificent 40-acre facilities come complete with seven heated pools, softball and soccer fields, six tennis courts, an impressive five-acre spring-fed lake, basketball and volleyball courts, air-conditioned gym, dining room and craft shops, a multitude of age-appropriate daily activities and programs, and much more! Camp Ramaqouis is conveniently located in Rockland County, just minutes from the Palisades Parkway. Call today to arrange a private tour or visit their website to find out more. Camp SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young 179 Blue Star Way, Hendersonville, NC 28739 (828)393-4244 www.campsay.org Camp SAY is a life changing summer camp for kids and teens who stutter. The experienced staff combines the highest-quality, traditional summer camp experience, with a broad range of activities and programs that empower young people. There is a culture of acceptance and positivity where stuttering– the trait that many kids feel separates them from others– actually unifies them at Camp SAY. The two-week sleep-away camp is located on a 500-acre, American Camp Association (ACA)-accredited facility, nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Children and teens who stutter, ages 8-18, are welcome along with their young family
your needs, your neighborhood
members and friends, who want to share an incredible camp experience together. From the moment that campers wake up, until it’s time for sleep, they are engaged in a virtually unlimited range of confidence building activities, including Arts and Crafts, Sports, Water Activities, Equestrian Program, Outdoor Activities, and Communication and Skill-Building Activities. If desired, Speech Therapy is available, too, with individual and group sessions, personalized to fit each child’s unique communication goals. Campers from across the country attend Camp SAY, and more than 80 percent of campers return year-after-year. Financial Aid is also available (on a need-basis), for camp tuition and travel. Learn more online at campsay.org, by e-mailing meg@say.org, or calling (828)393-4244. Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp Chelsea Piers 23rd Street and the Hudson River, NYC 10011 (212)336-6846 camps@chelseapiers.com www.chelseapiers.com/camps Chelsea Piers is home to 16 specialty sports camps for children and teens, ages 3 to 17 years. Since 1996, campers have enjoyed worldclass facilities, expert instructors and the most exciting sports curriculum available, without leaving NYC! Camps include: Sports Academy, Elite Soccer, Basketball, Gymnastics, Golf, Performance Golf, Bowling, Ice Hockey, Acceleration Hockey, and Urban Adventure for teens; Junior Gymnastics, Ice Hockey and Ice Skating camps; and half-day Preschool Gymnastics and Ice Skating camps. Campers also enjoy several special activities including Harbor Cruises aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel and appearances by professional athletes as well as World and Olympic competitors. Camps run June 22 through September 4, 2015, in one-week to 11-week options. Register on or before Friday, May 22 and receive Early Bird Pricing! Campers may enroll for one, two or more weeks.
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CAMP DIRECTORY Collina Italiana 1556 3rd Ave., Suite 603, NYC 10128 (212)427-7770 info@collinaitaliana.com www.collinaitaliana.com This summer, immerse your family in the wonders of the Italian culture and language without leaving the city, with Collina Italiana. Located on the Upper East Side at 1556 3rd Ave. (near the 4, 5, and 6 trains at 86th Street) and running June 8-July 17, and August 10-September 4, the new Summer in the City 2015 allow students to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate and inviting atmosphere. The program is designed for kids (and parents) who want to absorb the warm and lively culture of Italy. Have fun, Italian style! Learn and practice Italian, meet new friends, and enjoy a unique summer in the city. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano, where campers learn Italian through play, music, theater, and games; Cinema Italiano where animated movies and cartoons teach Italian; Arte Insieme, which encourages campers to be creative, make art, and speak Italian; Piccolo Teatro, where it’s all about acting and perform your favorite star; Le Uscite, taking campers to museums to discover Italian art; and Il Tavolo in Italiano, summer school, but more fun! Ask about the sibling discounts! Learn more online or give the Italian instructors a call today.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Deer Mountain Day Camp 63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, NY 10970 (845)354-2727 www.deermountaindaycamp.com With 25 acres at the base of the Ramapo Mountains, a natural lake, six pools, seven tennis courts, 7,000-square-foot dining hall, 1,000square-foot air-conditioned performing arts center, 2,000-square-foot air-conditioned preschool building, ropes course with zip-lines and
SUMMER at ST. BART’S 2015 ST. BART’S DAY CAMP Ages 3–6 • June 8th–August
JUNIOR ADVENTURERS & ADVENTURE CAMP Ages 6–13 • June 29th –August
All options include swimming every day! SWIMMING • SPORTS • MUSIC • ARTS & CRAFTS ROOFTOP PLAYGROUND • DANCE & MOVEMENT
For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact us at
212-378-0203 • info-camp@stbarts.org www.stbarts.org/summer-camp 28 I parentguide News I May 2015
climbing wall, courts, fields, and air-conditioned cabins for sports, fine arts and nature. Deer Mountain offers a transformative setting that is as beautiful as it is well appointed. Family-owned for nearly 60 years, Deer Mountain has smart, authentic leadership and experienced staff who create super fun experiences for kids ages 3 to 15 in an environment where kids feel comfortable to be who they are. Expert instructors create engaging, high quality programs, so kids develop real skills in Swimming (twice per day: Instruction and Recreational), sports, fine arts, performing arts, and outdoor adventure activities. There are special events too! Door-to-door private, air-conditioned transportation; hot catered, healthy lunch and snacks, towel service is included. Parents choose Deer Mountain because of their experience; kids love them because of theirs. Call (845)354-2727 to set up a personal tour appointment or visit the website.
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Deerkill Day Camp 54 Wilder Road, Suffern, NY 10901 (845)354-1466 directors@deerkilldaycamp.com www.deerkilldaycamp.com Deerkill Day Camp, owned and operated by the Rhodes family since 1958, is a traditional coed day camp that offers a warm and supportive environment on a beautiful suburban campus. The camp’s group leaders, the counselors who are with the children throughout the day, are mature adults, not college students. Deerkill has programs for campers from ages 3 through 14. Deerkill offers a superb swimming program, team sports and a dozen specialty programs in the creative and performing arts. The campus has 15 developed acres including a theater studio and a dozen specialty buildings. The large enclosed basketball pavilion, gymnastics building and three mini gyms allow the camp to offer a full program even on rainy days. Swimming instruction is in heated pools with one counselor to every three children in the water. All campers are picked up and dropped off at their door by air-conditioned mini-buses supervised by bus counselors. Hot lunches, towels, supplies, field trips, a free family weekend club and other “extras” are included, and no tipping is allowed. Deerkill encourages parents to visit camp while it is in operation, and the camp always encourage communication between group leaders and parents. Friends Seminary 222 E. 16th St., NYC 10003 (646)979-5065 campinfo@friendsseminary.org www.friendsseminary.org Friends Seminary, founded in 1786, is the oldest continuing co-educational independent school in New York City. Bordering Stuyvesant park, Friends educates students in grades k-12. Quaker values and academic rigor combine to create an environment nurturing to both the student and the global citizen. From June 15-July 31, the Summer Friends Day Camps adhere to school values with a touch of summertime whimsy for children ages 3-15. This summer in addition to the camps, innovative programs for older children are now available. For inquisitive young scientists, hands-on exploration with TekIntellect and BioBase and Needle Arts, and Fashion Camp with Handwork Studio. Back by popular demand is We Are Three- Friends’ innovative half-day program for 3 year olds, as well as the acclaimed Four’s and Fun, Fives and Fun and Creative Day Camp for children entering grades 1-5. The camp day will include individualized swimming instruction, creative arts workshops, Karma Kids Yoga, CATS tennis, Live Animals with the Nature Company, weekly drama, music and creative movement, exciting group games and sports, and dynamic and enriching field trips. To round it out, Summer Friends is proud to offer a camper-to-counselor ratio of 4-1 and 5-1. To accommodate working parents, Early Bird and Extended Day options are available. Attend for the summer or come for a week, but don’t miss out. parentguidenews.com
HudsonWay Immersion School 175 Riverside Boulevard, NYC 10069 (212)787-8088 www.hwis.org At HudsonWay, campers don their backpacks, gather their passports, and off they go on this classroom adventure! The children take a virtual tour to Mandarin or Spanish-speaking regions from within the classroom, gaining a dynamic understanding of unique cultures. HWIS Immersion Summer Camps expose children ages 2-12 to Mandarin or Spanish in a 100-percent immersion environment. Experienced, native speaking teachers use non-verbal cues to guide campers of all levels as they acquire language skills and become global citizens. The Upper West Side, NYC campus offers six one-week sessions from June 29-August 7. To learn more about HWIS Immersion Summer Camp programs, visit www.hwis.org/summercamp. Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave., NYC 10021 (212)410-9780 wendy@kidsatartnyc.com www.kidsatartnyc.com Kids at Art, focuses on the basics of visual arts with age-appropriate projects for each group from 2+ years of age— painting, drawing, sculpture, mosaics, and much more. Classes are limited in size, giving each child more individualized attention. Birthday parties at Kids at Art are the most creative in format and fun! At Kids at Art, the process is just as important as the finished project. Kids at Art is also available for private art class for five to ten children one time or once a week. Summer 2015 at Kids at Art is going to be a blast! This year, choose from a full-day (9am-3pm) Mini Camp Workshop session, or a half-day (9am-noon) session for ages 4.5 and older. Workshops are available by the day, halfday, or the week. For the 2-4 year and the 5+ set, there is also a once per
your needs, your neighborhood
CAMP DIRECTORY week class option this year. Please visit the website for all schedules and to register: www.kidsatartnyc.com . Kid’s Korner Preschool 247 W. 24th St., NYC 10011 (212)229-9340 kidskornernyc@gmail.com www.thekidskornerpreschool.com Chelsea’s best kept secret! Located in the heart of Chelsea, Kid’s Korner, a NAEYC accredited preschool/nursery school, occupies the first two floors of a cozy brownstone. Dedicated and highly qualified staff lead a wide range of stimulating, hands-on activities for each child. Kid’s Korner offers a wonderful summer experience for children, as well. Kid’s Korner Summer Camp has music, yoga, dance, arts and crafts, water fun and more available. Children enjoy their afternoons in the school’s private playground painting, playing games and having fun with water. The playground is shaded in the afternoons and completely private from outside traffic. Children enjoy the comforting and relaxing atmosphere while socializing with their peers. The camp accommodates children ages 2 and 3 as well as pre-kindergarten students ages 4 and 5. Kid’s Korner Summer Camp hours will be 9am-5pm. Camp session I runs July 6-July 24, while camp session II runs July 27-August 14. Three-, Four- and Five-day options are available for full or half day. Come explore Kid’s Korner on an informative tour to see what all your friends are whispering about! Lavner Camps at New York University Kimmel Center 60 Washington Square South, NYC 10012 (610)664-8800 info@lavnercampsandprograms.com www.lavnercampsandprograms.com Lavner Camps is excited to offer the following cutting edge summer
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CAMP DIRECTORY camps in the state-of-the-art Kimmel Center at NYU for campers age 6-12! July 6-August 14, 2015 Summer Camps include 3D Minecraft Camp, Computer Programming Camp with Java, Coding Camp with Scratch, Robotics Camp, Video Game Design Camp with Apps!, Fashion Design Camp, Jewelry Design Camp, and Chess Camp. Campers may attend camp for one week or multiple weeks! Private lessons are available before and after camp! Working within the “Lavner” philosophy of expertly designed curriculum, excellent instructors and staff, personal attention to campers, great locations, and attention to safety, the camps create a unique atmosphere of learning, friends, and fun! While they are tons of fun, camp curriculum is structured so that each camper is challenged and skill sets are improved. Lavner’s methods are proven, and campers succeed at camp and gain life skills for the future! Lavner Camps also offers a CIT Leadership Program for teens ages 13 to 15. CITs receive leadership training and get the opportunity to work with campers! Go online for more details and to register for camp! Full-day, early-arrival, and extended-day options are available.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Little Picasso NYC 313 E. 61st St., NYC 10065 (646)559-1588 www.littlepicassonyc.com There are two artistic ways to celebrate summer at Little Picasso NYC. The Children’s Movement and Art Summer Day Camp is a joint program with the Ballet Club that runs June-August. This creative, nurturing, and fun movement and art is perfect for ages 3.5 to 8. All programs are taught by teachers with extensive training in their field and who are experienced working with children. There is a maximum of 12 students per group, with a staff-to-child ratio of at least one adult per five children. Art activities including sculpting with air dry clay, three dimensional paintings, animal drawings and portraits, and more, are held at Little Picasso NYC Children’s Art
Summer is a great time for kids to explore the wonders of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). SciTech Kids sparks a child’s innate curiosity and creativity about science through rich, hands-on captivating experiences. Whether an Explorer (ages 4-5) Adventurer (ages 6-8) or Investigator (ages 9-12) SciTech Kids inspires kids to think like scientists. Working alongside real scientists, our kids are involved in authentic scientific inquiry that changes both the way they see themselves and the world.
Summer 2015 June 8 - August 7
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Studio. Ballet, creative dance, drama and yoga classes are held at The Ballet Club at 328 E. 61st St., second floor. The second program is an Art Only Summer series of workshops and individual classes available mornings and afternoons all summer long. Contact the studio for available spots in age-appropriate groups. Customized programs are available, but class sizes are limited and based on a first-come, firstserve basis. Learn more online or visit the studio today. Morningside Montessori School 251 W. 100th St., NYC 10025 (212)316-1555 info@morningsidemontessori.org www.morningsidemontessori.org Check out the Summer Program’s science focus! The Summer Program at Morningside promises a fun-filled summer for children ages 2.5 to 5 years old. This six-week program is divided into three sessions that run from June 15-July 30. The Summer Program offers three programs for children: Peewee Program on Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9am-1pm; Classic Program on Mondays-Fridays, 9am-2pm; and Full-Day Program on Mondays-Fridays— add on 8-9am or extend the day until 4pm or 6pm. The program takes place in Morningside Montessori School’s sun-filled, air-conditioned classrooms. Staff is made up of experienced teachers and young adults. Special activities include yoga for kids, music with Tim!, arts and crafts, soccer, a learn-to-swim program, in-house trips, and sprinklers to cool off in. There is a spacious rooftop playground where children are free to play in the open space, try out climbers and ride on tricycles. An early-bird option is available for those children who need to begin their day at 8am. This option is open to children ages 3 to 5 years. For more information visit the website.
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NYU Summer Program for Kids at College of New Rochelle New Rochelle, NY (516)358-1811 www.aboutourkids.org The NYU Summer Program for Kids (SPK) is a seven-week, therapeutic day program that runs June 29-August 14. It is geared specifically to meet the needs of 7-11-year-old youngsters with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and behavior disorders. The SPK is the first and only evidence-based program in the New York area. Children are helped to improve social behavior, friendship skills, coping skills, academic competence, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, classroom behavior, sports competence, rule following, and home behavior. A typical day includes academic review, computer-assisted learning, art, morning and afternoon team sports, and daily swimming. Weekly specialized parent training helps to improve parent-child relations. The excellent staff-to-child ratio of 1 to 1.5 enables the NYU Summer Program to make the summer a productive and fun experience for each child. The program is directed by nationally recognized clinicians that are leading experts in their field. Counselors are undergraduate and graduate students who are supervised by the clinical staff. Highly qualified teachers conduct the academic learning centers. The program is directed by Karen Fleiss, Psy. D., Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry NYU Child Study Center and Clinical Director, Long Island Campus. There is limited enrollment. Oasis in Manhattan Central Park - 3 West 95th St. Downtown Manhattan - 219 Stanton St. (800)317-1392 www.oasischildren.com With two locations, Central Park and Downtown Manhattan, Oasis offers campers the summer of a lifetime in New York City! Both locations provide campers ages 4-11 with a traditional summer day camp experience. Oasis features a variety of engaging activities from cooking to martial arts and from dancing to creative writing. parentguidenews.com
CAMP DIRECTORY Campers have the opportunity to learn, run, swim, and play in a safe and encouraging environment. The Central Park location hosts tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, soccer fields, nature trails, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and three indoor facilities. The Downtown Manhattan location features tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, soccer fields, and a swimming pool. Campers are exposed to a variety of sports, swimming, visual and performing arts, and team-building activities. Both locations have experienced staff members who are dedicated role models and of college age and older. Can’t get to Oasis? Don’t worry, the camp will get to you! Oasis bus service picks up and drops off campers from a number of convenient locations in select neighborhoods. Look into sibling discounts. Registration is fast and simple, so don’t wait!
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Physique Swim Camp Pine St School, New York, NY 10005 Physique Summer Camp Swims at: Seahorse Aquatics Club 69 Columbia St, New York, NY 10002 (212)725-0939 www.physiqueswimming.com Physique Summer Camp, located in the heart of downtown Manhattan provides an inviting number of parks in NYC for sports, urban explorations and art. Camp Physique provides the opportunity to improve campers’ swimming skills and participate in outdoor adventures. An Olympic-size, indoor pool at Seahorse Aquatics Club, in the Lower East Side welcomes children ages 5-12 for an hour and a half of swim each day for progressive instructional classes and fun. Swimmers will be taught in small, skill-appropriate groups. Physique Camp focuses on improvement not only in swimming abilities, but in development of motor skills, coordination, flexibility and muscular strength. Campers of all different skill levels will discover a multitude of great aquatic
programs throughout the summer, including: stroke development, basics of water polo and synchronize swimming, unbirthday parties in the water plus plenty of games and silly relays. Their highly trained, certified and experienced staff are committed to quality and excellence in everything they do and will continually strive to meet the needs and expectations of campers and their families. Aside from swimming, the camp also has a great art program. Art activities include photography, printmaking, collages and more! Poppyseed Pre-Nursery 424 West End Ave., NYC 10024 (212)877-7614 info@poppyseedprenursery.com www.poppyseedprenursery.com Enrich your child’s day with music, art and play at The Poppyseed Nursery, where big things are happening for little people. Small-sized, one to two hour groups for toddlers, 2s and 3s with parent or caregiver, meet two or three times a week, providing individual attention and the continuity and consistency needed for forming special friendships. The perfect bridge between the home and school experience, Poppyseed offers age-appropriate activities that foster self assurance and creativity. Self expression through singing and dancing with musical instruments accompanied by the piano cultivates sensitivity to harmony and rhythm. Children explore the sensory world of art with pleasure and spontaneity, developing imagination and creativity through brush and finger painting, collage-making, clay and play-dough, water play and cooking. Special equipment, such as the balance beam, mats, parachute and tunnel, offers a healthy environment for developing self confidence. A professional, highly educated staff helps children learn at their own pace in a perfect setting for each child’s growth. Summer programs for toddlers, 1s, 2s and 3s are in June and July. Field trips are included. Please call for more information.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Come Play& Learn!
Camp Speech Zone offers a fun and educational summer camp for children with speech and language therapy needs.
MONDAYS-THURSDAYS • 10AM-1PM • Ages 3 & Up • Improve Speech, Language & Pre-Academic Skills • Grouped according to age & communication abilities • Music, Sports, Cooking & Art • Therapy Rooms, Sensory Gym • Special Field Trips & Outings Communication goals include but are not limited to: articulation (with PROMPT trained therapists), vocabulary building, developing social skills, following directions, problem solving, and improving overall language structure.
2112 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 • 212.799.1750 www.speechzonenyc.com • dkotlerslp@gmail.com
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CAMP DIRECTORY RoboFun 2672 Broadway, Loft A, NYC 10025 (212)245-0444 robofun@vemny.org www.robofun.org This summer, send your child to RoboFun! Your junior engineer builds and designs their own LEGO robots (grades K-6), video games (grades 1-6), and stop-motion animation films (grades 4-6). Children work in groups of 10-14, with two teachers. The trained staff love children and work hard to make sure each camper has a fun time learning and building their own projects. During the morning session, campers dive into robotics, building their own motorized and programmable creations. Afternoon sessions offer experiments with video-game-design software, in which budding coders produce games they can share with their parents and friends, or script and shoot their own stop-motion animation film. RoboFun Summer Camp is equally suited for new and returning students in kindergarten-grades six, ages 5-12. Children should be registered for the camp program based on the grade they are entering in the fall. Camp runs June 8-September 4, Monday–Friday 9am–4pm (full day), 9am–noon or 1–4pm (half-day). One-week session are priced by full-day and half-day options. Register at robofun.org.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 SciTech Kids Office: 1841 Broadway, Suite 608, NYC 10023 Camp: NY Junior League, NYC 10028 www.sci-techkids.com Summer is a great time for kids to explore the world of nature and STEM (Science Math, Engineering and Math). At SciTech Kids, they spark a child’s innate curiosity and creativity through rich, hands-on, captivating experiences. The science camp is geared for kids ages 4-13 and gives them an enriched camp experience that shows how science relates to everyday life. Central Park is your child’s laboratory. Mornings are spent in the park,
gaining a full, sensory experience while studying the urban ecosystem. The afternoons are filled with a range of science and non-science activities including sports, music, games, and arts & crafts. Themes include 3D printing, robots, space, catapults, oceanography, architecture, and energy. SciTech Kids offers 10 one-week sessions in June, July, and August. To register for SciTech Kids Science camp, visit sci-techkids.com. Seton Day Care Center & Elizabeth Seton Preschool 245 E. 92nd St., NYC 10128 (212)369-9626 susanp@nyfoundling.org www.setondaycare.org, www.setonpreschool.org Children from 2 months-6 years of age and their families feel at home at Seton Day Care Center & Pre-School. The school introduces their new afternoon program: Seton’s Citizens of the World for 2-4 year olds. The class celebrates diversity while developing a strong sense of community. There is a great emphasis placed on social-emotional, fine motor, and gross motor development while building necessary preschool skills. Seton demonstrates quality child care by combining the comforting aspects of home life with a challenging learning program that is cultivated by a staff who is responsive to children’s emerging needs and interests. Rigorous standards for staffing, low staff-child ratios and a welcoming environment for parents are hallmarks of a program that serves to support children’s optimal growth and development. As an affiliate of The American Montessori Society and a member of ISAAGNY, Seton is used as a learning facility for students and intern Montessori teachers. Explore, and take this journey with Seton, exploring the world around you.
PROOF
Speech Zone 2112 Broadway, NYC 10023 (212)799-1750 dkotlerslp@yahoo.com www.speechzonenyc.com Sign your little camper up for Summer 2015 at Camp Speech Zone. The program runs July 1-August 15, Mondays-Thursdays, 10am-1pm. This is a fun and educational summer camp for children with speech and language therapy needs. Children enrolled in Camp Speech Zone improve their speech, language, and pre-academic skills while having fun in the process! This three-hour camp is offered to children ages 3 and older. Children are grouped according to their age and communication abilities. Activities, such as music, sports, cooking, and art take place in Speech Zone’s therapy rooms, sensory gym as well as special field trips and neighborhood outings. Communication goals include but are not limited to: articulation (with PROMPT-trained therapists), vocabulary building, developing social skills, following directions, problem solving, and improving overall language structure. Learn more and sign up today online. Steve and Kate’s Camp Locations in NYC’s East Village, and Montclair and Westfield, New Jersey (347)756-4481 www.steveandkate.com This camp conforms to kids, not the other way around. Instead of a rigid structure, Campers are given choices. Instead of teaching kids the typical way, they are given the tools and gentle guidance to help them become autodidacts, or people who teach themselves. The difference is subtle– and it’s profound. There are a gazillion ways for kids to design a day at camp. One camper might dive into breadmaking and animation, while another flies down a water slide and scores a goal in the inflatable soccer stadium. It’s up to the individual. At Steve and Kate’s, they don’t expect you to know when or what time you can get your troops to camp. That’s why their policy is as flexible as you need it to be. You can buy a whole summer membership or you can purchase as many day passes as you want and use them whenever you can. Didn’t
32 I parentguide News I May 2015
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CAMP DIRECTORY use them? No sweat. You receive a full refund for unused passes. And best of all, you don’t even have to tell them when you’re coming. Tada. Camp just got easier. Sign up your 4-12 year old today! Summer at St. Barts 325 Park Ave., NYC 10022 (212)378-0203 info-camp@stbarts.org www.stbarts.org/summer-camp At Summer at St. Bart’s, campers ages 3-13 have week after week of fun! Each day includes swimming, sports, music, arts and crafts, a rooftop playground, dance and movement, and more! Running June 8-August 21, the day camp is perfect for ages 3-6, where campers are divided by age for appropriate programming. Junior Adventures for ages 6-7, and Adventure Camp for ages 8-13, are other fun-filled options for campers that include trips around the city. What’s the best part of the camp? All options include instructional swimming every day! Special events and theme weeks add to the fun. Late-morning and afternoon snacks are included, and an optional hot lunch is also available. For families with late-working parents, an after-camp program is available until 5:30pm Monday-Thursday, and a specialty cooking class is available on Wednesdays. To receive more information or schedule a tour, contact Summer at St. Bart’s at info-camp@stbarts.org or (212)378-0203. Check out the online registration at www.stbarts.org/summer-camp.
PROOF
ESL classes are available for students coming from abroad. Pre-fifth to pre-eighth graders enjoy an exciting new development, UNIS has joined with i2 Camp, a national network of STEM programs to offer a broad range of fun, hands-on courses for middle school students. Additional information about the i2 camp, including registration, can be found at: http://i2camp.org/location/unis/ Winston Preparatory Summer Enrichment Program 126 W. 17th St., NYC 10011 (646)638-2705, ext. 688 summer@winstonprep.edu www.winstonprep.edu The Summer Enrichment Program 2015 at Winston Preparatory School provides parents with the unique opportunity to enroll their child in an individualized academic program designed for the needs of each student. Winston Prep is a highly individualized and responsive setting for high-potential students with learning differences, such as languagebased learning difficulties, nonverbal learning difficulties, and attention deficit problems. The Summer Program is designed to challenge each student’s strengths while developing the essentials of reading, writing, mathematics, organization and study skills. Each individualized educational program is based upon a continuously modified understanding of each student’s dynamic learning profile that evolves as the student progresses and matures. Within the curriculum, skills are taught explicitly, including daily instruction in reading, writing, science, history, and mathematics. From June 26-July 24, students in grades 4-12 attend four classes daily as well as art, music, and gym from 9:00am to 1:30pm. Small classes of 4-8 students help to create a comfortable learning environment and facilitate the individualization of course work. From 2-3:30pm, students may enroll in one-on-one classes to target specific skills or engage in sports or arts activities. Students may also enroll in one-on-one sessions from August 3-20.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Summerside: The Riverside Church Weekday School Camp 490 Riverside Drive, NYC 10027 (212)870-6743 pmutarelli@theriversidechurchny.org www.weekdayschool-nyc.org Registration for the Summerside Camp program at Riverside Church Weekday School is underway. As in the past, Summerside is organized into two distinct camps each operating during three two-week sessions. The two camp offerings are The Mini-Camp (for children 2-3 years of age) and The Full-Day Camp (for children 3-6 years of age). The sessions for each camp are: June 15-26, June 29-July 10 (Not in session on July 3), and July 13-24. Snacks and lunch are provided at both camps. The Mini-Camp is staffed by two teachers with a cap of 12 children. The Full-Day Camp is staffed by two teachers with a cap of 18 children. Art, movement, and music classes are a part of each camp, providing additional enrichment activities for all of the children. In addition, the children in the Full-Day Camps participate in one local trip and one field trip to destinations around the city during each session. Current Weekday School families have priority in the registration for Summerside. Information and registration forms are available online at www.wdsnyc.org/pages/summerside-camp, or by contacting Tricia Pool at tpool@wdsnyc.org. United Nations International School (UNIS) Summer Camp 24-50 FDR Drive, NYC 10010 (212)584-3084 or 3083 ljalilvand@unis.org www.unis.org From June 22-July 31, 2015, The United Nations International School (UNIS) Summer Camp provides recreational, academic, and enrichment activities in a supportive environment that fosters friendship, develops sportsmanship, and is nurturing in spirit. UNIS is located on three acres on the F.D.R. Drive at 25th Street and Waterside Plaza. Campers in prekindergarten to second grade participate in variety of activities: sports, music, arts and crafts, chess, tennis classes, etc. The indoor and outdoor programs vary depending on the age. Pre-third to pre-seventh graders may enjoy a Sports Camp that includes soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and a “RockSTAR” camp in partnership with the Star Education (selected as a “Model Program” by the White House and partner in STEM Education). The students play the guitar, the bass, the drums, the keyboards or vocals to perform classic Rock ‘n’ Roll hits. English and your needs, your neighborhood
for this Log k o o Lo Th rou g
hout the Is
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This is your opportunity to win some very exciting products and/or services featured in this issue’s Health, Travel, Update, and WoMom columns. Log onto www.parentguidenews.com, find the “Win This Product” logo on our homepage, follow some simple directions, and good luck. May 2015 I parentguide News I 33
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HEALTH
by Samantha Chan
6 Treat your family to two new exclusive flavors, now 1 Ciao Bella Gelato. Blueberry Passion Fruit available from Sorbetto and Chocolate Mascarpone Gelato adhere to Ciao Bella’s premium standards, delivering quality flavor. www.ciaobellagelato.com
1 Petroleum jelly alternatives have taken a new, natural turn 7 with Waxelene. Containing just four ingredients— organic soy oil, beeswax, natural vitamin E oil, and organic rosemary oil— it is perfect for your beauty, baby, and household needs. www.waxelene.com
7 Clean your baby’s germy stuffed animals safely via Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaner. Utilizing biodegradable ingredients and the power of steam, safely kills bacteria on stuffed animals in just 30 minutes. www.dryel.com
2 Get clean with CLn Skin Care non-drying products for adults and children age six-months and older.The hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. www.clnwash.com
8 Indulge in a classic flavor combination, now healthier! Justin’s, maker of all-natural nut butters, now offers dark and milk chocolate Organic Mini Peanut Butter Cups. www.justins.com
3 Stock up on healthy snacks, from chia chips to fruit 9 leathers. Nuts.com is a nationwide online retailer of highquality foods for your whole family. www.nuts.com
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9 Maker of ethically sourced chocolate delights, Chuao Chocolatier introduces two new chocolate bars inspired by breakfast! Enjoy Cinnamon Cereal Smooch and Strawberry Waffle Wild. www.chuaochocolatier.com
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10 Lucas Papaw Ointment is your cure-all that is both antibacterial and antimicrobial. Use as a topical treatment for minor burns, scalds; rashes, cuts, chafing, splinters, and the 4 temporary relief of the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema. www.lucaspapaw.com.au Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!
4 From artisan organic granola and granola bar maker, 18 Rabbits, comes Jr. Organic 10 Granola Cereal in two great flavors: Cinnamon Apple and Chocolate Banana. Available exclusively through Target. www.18rabbits.com 5 Comfortable and sturdy, the neoprene-based Nufoot footwear designed for children’s indoor usage, is waterand germ-resistant. Protect your little one’s from dirty floors, while simultaneously stabilizing their feet as they learn to walk. www.nufoot.com
Samantha Chan is the co-editor.
IR_May
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parentguidenews.com
Woman oman mom
by Samantha Chan
For the Woman behind the Mom
1
1 Keep a Chilly Jilly Wrap with you to ensure you are never uncomfortably chilly and on-the-go. Stylish, cozy, lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, the wrap comes in its own silk bag for your convenience. www.chillyjilly.com
2
2 The Energy Shot from myCharge is a compact, cylindrical cell phone charger that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. It’s designed to charge phones up to 25 percent faster than standard methods, and features a USB and micro USB port. www.mycharge.com
3
3 Jade Gedeon shares 75 of her unique jewelry-sculpting techniques and beautiful ideas in a new book Beautiful Bracelets by Hand.Adults everywhere are invited to learn the secrets to make adornments worth chatting about. www.amazon.com 4 Stay fit and active with the light and supportive PureCadence 4 running shoe from Brooks Running.You will have everything you need to get lost in your run, without an ounce more. www.brooksrunning.com/en_us 5 To help you stay on track with your fitness,Taylor Precision Products has unveiled its latest fitness tool, Smart Scale.The product features the free SmarTrack app, allowing users to store and view recorded weight, body fat, and body water. www.taylorusa.com
Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
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your needs, your neighborhood
May 2015 I parentguide News I 35
Woman oman mom
by Jennifer Chung
For the Woman behind the Mom
Work n Workouts
W
No time to go to the gym? No problem!
hether they are driving the kiddos to soccer practice, waking up in the middle of the night to change baby’s diaper, or going grocery shopping for the third time of the week, there’s no doubt that moms are extremely busy. However, that doesn’t mean that new and seasoned mamas should let their workouts fall to the wayside! Working out at home saves time and money, and fitness experts also say that you only need 30 minutes of exercise a day to make a difference. So moms, are you ready to kick your at-home workout regimen into full gear? Use the tips below to easily get fit and feel better than you’ve felt in ages!
1
If you’re a new mom, as soon as your doctor clears you to resume moderate exercise, get outside and take the baby for a walk. Postpartum exercise has many benefits: • Improved immune function and increased production of antioxidants. • Increased energy levels during the day, which is conducive to more restful sleep. • Better flexibility and muscular strength, as well as reduced joint strain. • Suppressed cravings for sweets and an increased appetite for nutrient-dense foods.
2
Resume Kegel exercises within 48 hours of a healthy vaginal delivery.
These deep pelvic floor exercises increase the speed of healing to the vaginal area by increasing blood flow and circulation directly to the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles also reduces and may prevent urinary stress incontinence, which affects up to 70 percent of women during or after pregnancy.
3
Consult a doctor before starting any exercise after a C-section, and be cautious as a new mom to not overdo it. Avoid doing sit-ups until you know you don’t have separation of your
deep abdominal muscles. This condition is called diastasis recti. Ask your doctor to check for this, as it is not necessarily part of your postpartum exam.
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4
Most moms might ask themselves, “How can I possibly fit in an exercise program with a baby?” The answer is to work out with your baby! That’s right, you can have a healthy lifestyle while getting fit with your kids. Try the following suggestions.
“Peek-a-boo” Plank over baby.
Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Engage deep abdominal muscles. Stretch one leg out behind you at a time until both legs are straight and make a straight line from your head to heels, in a push-up position. Rock backward and forward by pushing with your toes and say, “Peek-a-boo!” Repeat 10 times.
Get The Ball Leg Swings.
As baby gets bigger, interact with him on a squishy beach ball-sized ball and do Get The Ball Leg Swings. While lying on your side, place the ball under your ribs. Lift your top leg, swing it in front of you and then behind you. Allow a slight movement of the upper body front and back. Concentrate on leg motion and body lengthening in each direction. Encourage your child to try to get the ball out from under you and run around your legs.
Kisses Tricep Pushup.
Teach your child how to ride a bike and Jog.
Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Engage deep abdominal muscles. Stretch one leg out behind you at a time until both legs are straight in pushup position (or on knees), and make a straight line from your head to heels. Bend elbows and kiss your baby. Repeat 10 times
Meow and Moo, Cat and Cow.
Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Round your spine like an angry cat and say, “A cat says, ‘meow’”Then arch your back, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and say, “A cow says, ‘moo!’”Repeat 10 times.
Nursery rhyme squats.
With baby on the floor or, while holding baby safely in your arms for an extra challenge, sing the ABCs or other nursery rhyme songs while performing squats. Start by standing with feet shoulder width apart, then bend knees in a deep squat by pressing your heels into the ground and sitting back as if you are lowering down onto a bench. Bend slightly forward from the hips as you go down, then return to an upright standing position.
Dance Party Cardio.
Kids love to dance, so turn on childappropriate music and dance it out. Dancing is great cardio, so be silly, laugh, and have fun!
This will allow you to spend time outside and get fresh air. Switch off with another adult if you get winded.
As kids get older, play Airplane Abs.
Lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet in the air. Prop your child onto your feet. Hold his hands and slowly press your legs to his belly and lift them toward the ceiling with the child balanced on your feet. Engage abdominal muscles and take him on a little plane ride. Bend and straighten your knees, slightly moving your legs towards you and away. Avoid side-to-side motion to preserve balance.
Throw The Ball Lats. If your child is able to catch a ball, throw the ball to him. However, if he is too young to participate, throw the ball against a wall. The higher the ball is thrown, the more intense the shoulder workout. Catching the ball will work the lats.
As you can see, the goal is to make exercise fun and interactive. You don’t have to have perfect form while working out with the kids, just be active! Be a consistent example for your kids by modeling a healthy lifestyle, as they will love exercise if you do.
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more. Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights. com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights). your needs, your neighborhood
May 2015 I parentguide News I 37
Suffolk
Calendar of Events Nassau Manhattan Open Houses
Queens
May 2 and 3: Advantage Summer Camps, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island, (212)9350250, (646)884-9644, gkent@advantagetennisclubs.com, www.advantagecamps.net.
Westchester
May 1-7
May 1: Moms + SocialGood 2015, New York Times Center, 242 W. 41st St.,(212)887-9040, This one-day event dedicated to the power of mothers and families to create a better future for their communities. Drawing attention to some of the greatest challenges facing women and children, this year’s speakers include Jennifer Garner, Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, Anne Geddes, David Muir, and Her Excellency Toyin Saraki.
MAY 2015
All ticket proceeds will go directly to these initiatives that are improving the health and wellbeing of women and children around the world: MAMA, Shot@Life, Girl Up, and UNICEF’s Ethiopia NICU project. 10am-3pm. May 2-3: NMAI Annual Children’s Festival, National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, (212)514-3700, www.nmai.si.edu. This year’s family-centric fest is inspired by the upcoming bilingual exhibit, “Ceramica de los Ancestros: Central America’s Past Revealed.” Learn about the creatures that live in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and other nations in the region by participating in hands–on activities like print–making, animal bingo and a pendant craft. Appropriate for ages 2 to 12. Noon both days. May 5: Pirate Yoga, 25 W. 23rd St., 3rd Floor, (646)638-1444, www.karmakidsyoga.com. Climb aboard the yoga pirate ship as you set sail on the high seas in search of secret treasure. Kids age 3-6 learn how to talk like pirates, dress like pirates, and do some pirate training to get our bodies in tip top shape. 4:30-5:30pm. May 6-10: Mothers Day Week with the Museum of Motherhood and Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway, (212)362-8835, www.mommuseum.org/readers-picks-barnes-and-noblefundraiser/. Celebrate Mothers’ Day with a series of talks and readings with a motherhood theme. Books purchased online during the book fair raise money for the Museum of Motherhood, if special code used. See website for details. May 6-8, 7-9pm; May 9-10, 1-3pm.
May 2 Cherry Blossom Festival, Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island, (212)830-7722, www.randallsisland.org.The cherry trees are blooming! Come join the Randall’s Island Park Alliance at this free annual Cherry Blossom Festival, great for the whole family.11am-3pm.
38 I parentguide News I May 2015
May 9 FamilyDay@theCenter:
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design their own functionalist furniture inspired by pieces in the exhibit. 11am-1pm.
May 8-14 May 9: Saturday Morning Storytelling with the Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers, Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, 58 Park Ave., (212)779-3587, www.scandinaviahouse.org. Fantasy tales from Scandinavia and the far North come to life thanks to a this series’s animated storytellers. Hear enchanting Danish and Norwegian stories. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 11am. Through May 10: New York City Children’s Theater: A Band of Angels, Theater 3, 311 W. 43rd St. 3rd Floor, (646)601-1406, www.nycchildrenstheater.org. Enjoy the story that focuses on Ella, a pop-culture obsessed teenager living in the present day, who is transported back in time to meet the Jubilee Singers and gain a new appreciation for history and education. The show includes traditional African-American spirituals which will be performed a cappella. Times vary.
Proof
May 13 Project Playdate, ACT Programs at Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., (212)316-7530, www.projectplaydate.org. Project Playdate provides a three-hour, drop-off, social and educational experience for children 2-7 years old with free play, a shared meal, arts and crafts, story time, dance time, and more! Proceeds from Project Playdate are used to fund services that empower lowincome moms in the community. Accommodations can be made for children as young as 18 months of age. Noon-3pm.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
May 10: Brunch Baby, Brunch Spring 2015, Brother Jimmy’s MaySquare, 2 116 E. 16th St., (212)673-6465. Kids aren’t Union just welcome at this familyRandall’s brunch Island bash—Park, they20eat for free! Cherry Blossom Festival, Randall’s Face painting, toy favors,www.randallsisland.org.The a live DJ, and an arts and crafts table Island, (212)830-7722, cherry keep the kiddos busy while Mom and Dad enjoy brunch dishes trees are blooming! Come join the Randall’s Island Park and cocktails (as free well annual as convenient stroller parking). Alliance at this Cherry Blossom Festival, And greatit’s Mother’s Day, so enjoy a live concert from The Trummytones. for the whole family.11am-3pm. Call for reservations. All ages welcome. 11am. May 10: Live Music: Tycoon Dog, Washington Square Park, Holley Plaza, University Place, between Tenth and Third Streets, www.nycgovparks.org. This free family concert features local favorite, Tycoon Dog. 1-3pm. May 14: Public Opening for ‘Far, Far Away...’,The Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., (212)274-0986, www. cmany.org. The new exhibition considers the possibility of alternate worlds, dreamscapes and imagined landscapes- places where adventures occur and fantasy takes over. Explore a world of transformation where anything is possible. 4-6pm.
May 9 FamilyDay@theCenter: Functionalist Furniture, Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, (212)358-6133, http://cfafoundation.org. Come explore the modernist furnishings and architecture featured in the Center’s Prague Functionalism exhibition, then families with children age 5 and older design their own functionalist furniture inspired by pieces in the exhibit. 11am-1pm. your needs, your neighborhood
May 13
Project Playdate, ACT Programs at Cathedral of Saint
May 16 The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., May 16: Sci-Tech Workshop: Robot Animation Creations, Sony www.tribecapac.org. Stanley Plaza Lambchop Atrium, Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison is just like everyone else: he wants to travel the world, and do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley– the ultimate exchange student– explores the globe and learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 1:30pm.
May 15-21
May 23 Viva Pinocho! A Mexican Pinocchio!,Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, 107 Suffolk St., (212)5291545, www.teatrosea.org. New York’s Latino Children’s Theater, Teatro SEA begins its 2013-2014 with bilingual puppet performances of this reworked folktale. Instead of a wooden puppet, Pinocchio is a young Mexican immigrant trying to accept himself and his heritage while living in the United States. Appropriate for ages 8 and older. 3pm.
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May 2
Calendarof Events
Cherry Blossom Festival, Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Ave.,(212)830-7722, (212)833-7858, www.sonywondertechlab.com. Island, www.randallsisland.org.The cherry Lights, camera, cue the robot! Team create your very own digital trees are blooming! Come join up thetoRandall’s Island Park robot at animation animation techniques, roAlliance this free using annualstop-motion Cherry Blossom Festival, great magnets, paper, scissors, and your imagination. forbot thefigurines, whole family.11am-3pm. You and your team will make your own animated short to take home. Reservations of up to five children ages 8 and older can be made. Registration opens May 2. 11am-1pm. May 17: 12th Annual Mamapalooza, Pier 1, 68th Street and the Hudson River, www.mamapalooza.com. Celebrate families and the people who love them at this annual music and art-filled festival featuring kids activities, crafts, eco-environmental information, food, vendors, interactive fun, and more. 11:30am-5pm. Through May 17: The Trials of Alice in Wonderland, TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., (212)252-1619, www.tadatheater.com. Based on the classic books by Lewis Carroll, this original musical follows Alice and all the usual suspects in the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland. Come and see TADA!’s version of May 9 Alice’s adventures. Times vary. FamilyDay@theCenter: May 20-26: Fleet Week 2015, 711 12th Ave., (212)213-3165, Functionalist Furniture, www.fleetweeknewyork.com/fleetweeknewyork/events.html. Center Architecture, Now for in its 27th year, this weeklong celebration of the sea ser536 LaGuardia Place, (212)358-6133, http://cfafoundation.org. Come explore the modernist furnishings and architecture featured in the Center’s Prague Functionalism exhibition, then families with children age 5 and older design their own functionalist furniture inspired by pieces in the exhibit. 11am-1pm.
May 13 Project Playdate, ACT Programs at Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., (212)316-7530, www.projectplaydate.org. Project Playdate provides a three-hour, drop-off, social and educational experience for children 2-7 years old with free play, a shared meal, arts and crafts, story time, dance time, and more! Proceeds from Project Playdate are used to fund services that empower lowincome moms in the community. Accommodations can be made for children as young as 18 months of age. Noon-3pm.
40 I parentguide News I May 2015
May 16 The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., www.tribecapac.org. Stanley Lambchop is just like everyone else: he wants to travel the world, and do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley– the ultimate exchange student– explores the globe and learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 1:30pm. vices is a great opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast May 23as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities Guardsmen, ofViva today’s maritime services. Enjoy war shipSoto visits, converts, Pinocho! A Mexican Pinocchio!,Clemente Vélez exhibits, demonstrations. vary. Culturaland andaviation Educational Center, 107Times Suffolk St., (212)5291545, www.teatrosea.org. New York’s Latino Children’s Theater, Teatro SEA begins its 2013-2014 with bilingual puppet performances of this reworked folktale. Instead of a wooden puppet, Pinocchio is a young Mexican immigrant May 23: Spotlight Asia: Big Cats, American Museum of Natural trying to accept himself and his heritage while living in the History, Central Park West and 79th Street, (212)769-5100, www. United States. Appropriate foranages 8 tiger and older. 3pm. amnh.org. Scientists might name Amur Panthera tigris alta-
May 22-30
ica, Chinese children call him laohu. Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) are the largest land predators in India, and for many Hindus the tiger is a symbol of power, as the tiger is the sacred transport of the Durga, the warrior goddess. Celebrate a day where nature, contemporary culture, heritage, and conservation are woven together in celebration and awe of Asia’s big cats! Noon-5pm. May 25: Memorial Day Parade and Service, Riverside Drive at West 89th Street. Head to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the Upper West Side for this annual event to celebrate Memorial Day. 10:30am. May 27-31: World Science Festival 2015, (212)348-1400, www. worldsciencefestival.com. At various locations throughout New York City, this must-do event, sparks curiosity in every corner of every borough. Each year hundreds of thousands will gather for a five-day celebration of science. Programs, schedules, locations, and times can be found online. See separate listings for Night Lights, Big City on May 30 and Ultimate Science Street Fair on May 31.
MB M COE 5/15
May 30: New York City Children’s Theater presents My City Park, 89 Bradhurst Ave., W. 146th St., (646)250-1178, www.nycchildrenstheater.org. This free performance piece was written by Brooke Boertzel and Melissa Gordon the show teaches children the importance of shared community spaces as they sing along to songs that celebrate New York City. This educational performance parentguidenews.com
globe and learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 1:30pm. features puppetry, original songs and audience participation. 1pm.
All Month Long
May 9 Every Day
in May: Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park FamilyDay@theCenter: West and 79th Street, (212)769-5100, www.amnh.org. If HurriFunctionalist Furniture, cane Sandy has taught New Yorkers anything, it’s that no one is Center for Architecture, safe from the Place, forces of nature. Now families learn more through 536 LaGuardia hands-on activities about these natural disasters through an in(212)358-6133, teractive exhibit that lets kids bone up on the geological causes, http://cfafoundation.org. the risks to humans, coping in the aftermath and how to predict Come explore the modfuture destruction. Appropriate for all ages. Times vary. ernist furnishings and architecture featured in the Center’s Prague Functionalism exhibition, then families with children age 5 and older design their own functionalist furniture inspired by pieces in the exhibit. 11am-1pm. Share your event details
PROOF
May 23 Viva Pinocho! A Mexican Pinocchio!,Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, 107 Suffolk St., (212)5291545, www.teatrosea.org. New York’s Latino Children’s Theater, Teatro SEA begins its 2013-2014 with bilingual puppet performances of this reworked folktale. Instead of a wooden puppet, Pinocchio is a young Mexican immigrant trying to accept himself and his heritage while living in the United States. Appropriate for ages 8 and older. 3pm.
PROOF
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Calendar of Events by the 1st of the preceding month
May 13
Submit family activities and events FREE of charge at
Project Playdate, ACT Programs at Cathedral of Saint www.parentguidenews.com/Catalog/SubmitACalendarItem John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., (212)316-7530, or e-mail Samantha Chan: www.projectplaydate.org. Project Playdate provides a samantha@parentguidenews.com three-hour, drop-off, social and educational experience for children 2-7 years old with free play, a shared meal, arts and crafts, story time, dance time, and more! Proceeds from Project Playdate are used to fund services that empower lowincome moms in the community. Accommodations can be made for children as young as 18 months of age. Noon-3pm.
For more exciting, family-friendly events in the tri-state area, visit
www.parentguidenews.com
Win $100
our M COE Y5/15 rd TowaMB rty! a P y a d h t t Bir x e N s ’ d l i h C Calling All September Birthdays!
PARENTGUIDE News wants to help make your child’s next birthday the most memorable ever! This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s birthdays that occur in September. To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the Birthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives a $100 gift certificate to spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer for the ultimate birthday bash.
Save BIG at www.parentguidenews.com
Turn your child’s special day into something spectacular. your needs, your neighborhood
May 2015 I parentguide News I 41
UPDATE
by Donald McDermott
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1 Treat your little ones to unlimited bouncy fun with the Evenflo ExerSaucer Soft N Snuggly Jumper, featuring a removable tethered toy, self-discovery mirror, adjustable straps, machine-washable seat, and more. www.evenflo.com/products
6 Now available at Target, and the brainchild of bestselling author, beauty veteran, and native New Yorker, Cozy Friedman, the SoCozy salon-quality kids haircare collection is all-natural and infused with fun scents that children of all ages are sure to love. www.socozy.com
2 Available exclusively at Babies “R” Us, Evenflo Feeding is proud to introduce the first ever, tinted glass baby bottle. The tinted glass bottles come in two colors, and are expertly designed for easy assembly and leak-free feeding. www.babiesrus.com
7 Dedicated to creating products parents need using textiles, prints and colors families will love, lulujo is a proud Canadian manufacturer of premium baby essentials such as the top-selling multi-functional cotton muslin swaddling blankets, ultra soft fabrics, and fashionable prints. www.lulujo.com
3 Kids grow up so fast! The Baby Tooth Album allows you to cherish the moments you have with them through cute keepsake albums that organize tiny teeth and satin pouches to keep teeth safe under pillows for the Tooth Fairy to find. www.babytoothalbum.com
8 With a series of brand new styles set to debut this summer, Robeez and Disney Baby offer a comfortable soft soled shoe for kids that combines essential health benefits with a variety of imaginative designs featuring everyone’s favorite Disney characters. www.robeez.com
4 Bellybuds’ new Baby-Bump Sound System is a specialized speaker system that plays sound directly to the womb and is a great way for expectant parents to connect with their new arrival long before he or she arrives. www.bellybuds.com
9 Experience the excitement and anticipation of opening a present every single month thanks to Whippersnappers from Foot Cardigan. Sign your little ones up and this unique company delivers funky, fresh socks in the mail every month for one low price! www.footcardigan.com
5 Award-winning reusable frames that stick to almost any surface including stainless steel and wood, Fodeez are the perfect choice for organizing a messy fridge while still displaying your documents, calendars, and photos. www.fodeez.com
10 The perfect combination of a book, tablet app, and small plush numbers make up the Hello Numbers Discovery Pack. This unique pack uses multisensory learning to introduce children to numbers in a fun and friendly way! www.numbersalive.com
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes! 42 News I May 2015 SKI parentguide 5/15
Donald McDermott is a co-editor.
BEACHES RESORTS’ CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE WITH SESAME STREET ®
®
YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO A PARTY LIKE THIS!
Beaches Resorts, in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, are celebrating ten years of ‘sunny days’ in partnership with Sesame Street ® . Now in addition to spectacular accommodations, up to 19 specialty restaurants, and unlimited land and water sports, families will partake in new and exciting activities incorporated into The Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street ® . From a brand-new character stage show and a Sesame Street Carnival Celebration parade to Sesame Street Puppet Making and Artist Workshops†, Beaches gives families the ultimate Caribbean Luxury Included® Vacation with more ways to connect, learn, and have fun together. Come join the party!
TO PLAN YOUR VACATION TO THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY RESORTS, CALL YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR 1-800-BEACHES OR VISIT BEACHES.COM †
Sesame Street Puppet Making and Artist Workshops take place Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014. Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is the affiliate of the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.
THE NEW VICTORY ® THEATER PRESENTS
RENNIE HARRIS RHAW LUV: AMERICAN MAY 8 – 17 Rennie Harris has a p knowledge of deeep “de g”” and a hip hop dancin g g lack of ng din ndi tan sta gs ng lon “lo interest in maintaining any sort of hip hop status quo.” The New York Times
Join us this summer for
VICTORY DANCE THREE HOT SUMMER NIGHTS COOL AWARD-WINNING DANCE JULY 9 • JULY 16 • JULY 23
®
A NEW 42ND STREET ® PROJECT
NewVictory.org • 646.223.3010 209 W 42ND STREET, just west of Broadway
FOR AGES 7+