Record-Review Kids! 2015

A Special Section of The Record-Review | March 13, 2015

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Inside

KIDS!

Kids! Cover Contest Winner Mara Feuerstein

HOT TOPIC: Vaccination in our nation............................ 3A Prenatal care benefits from medical advances............... 4A Little kids, BIG vacations.. 6A SAFETY FIRST: Protecting your little loved ones......... 8A Babysitting a big undertaking for kids, parents......... 10A BONDING WITH BABY: Move, make music, swim together............................. 12A Sensory-motor play is more important than ever........14A Best ways to protect your child from eye injury........ 15A School Notes..................... 24A

MARCH 13, 2015

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COVER WINNER

randmother Phyllis and grandfather Robert may live in Pound Ridge, but they see their granddaughter, Mara, who lives in Seattle, almost every day. Son Ross and daughter-in-law Julie make sure to send photos and videos all the time, and through FaceTime they get to communicate with their soon-to-be 1-year-old angel.

Technology isn’t the only reason the proud grandparents get to see Mara — she’s visited from Seattle four times already, so it’s not just over the computer that they’ve seen her walk and “talk.” “She’s adorable, super-friendly,” Phyllis said. “She’s got such a robust personality and she’s a very happy little girl.”

Mara, who turns 1 on March 22, has a cat named Finn and gets to play with her grandparents’ two dogs and one cat when she comes to visit. “She’s great with animals, and we’ve got big dogs!” Phyllis said.

Phyllis hopes Mara will become more local soon, giving up her flannel shirts and umbrellas once her full-time working parents finish up their Ph.D. and M.B.A., respectively.

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KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 3A

HOT TOPIC: Vaccination in our nation

I

BY ANTHONY R. MANCINI

n the wake of the measles outbreak that cropped up at the beginning of this year in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., attention has been focused on people who choose not to vaccinate their children, as the cause of the outbreak has been attributed to unvaccinated kids attending the theme park.

Inoculating children against preventable diseases is recommended almost across the board by pediatricians, as links between vaccines and dangerous side effects have not been conclusively established.

Dr. Peter Richel, the chief of pediatrics at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, is a staunch proponent of childhood inoculation for vaccines that are both required

by New York State to attend public school and those that are not required. The doctor said on Feb. 25 that he rarely encounters people who outright refuse to vaccinate their children. He said a pediatrician’s intimate relationship with a family is so deep that he and other doctors as a policy would not accept unvaccinated children as patients, due to the heightened potential for harm.

“Pediatricians in general become a part of a family. They lead and guide and teach and examine and monitor ongoing growth and development of the children in a family, from really birth. Most of us go at least through the end of high school and some of us go for four years after completing high school,” Richel said. “With that said, we love them dearly and

want to care for them, but I won’t sleep well at night if I’m not immunizing and protecting them from what I know are terrible infections and in fact even life-threatening diseases. Most pediatricians, especially in our community, would actually not accept a family if they said we are not vaccinating. It’s with great regret, but that is that.”

Measles was previously considered eliminated within the United States in 2000, but the disease has managed to propagate, especially in 2014, where a number of outbreaks resulted in hundreds of cases. Measles is one of the diseases contained within the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. This vaccine is required for children to attend public school landmark preschool ad_9.833x6.667_Layout 1 2/24/15 10:03 AM Page 1 in New York. Richel

said that the MMR vaccine is one of the most commonly refused vaccines, as in 1998, former researcher Andrew Wakefield published a discredited claim in the medical journal The Lancet, saying that a link exists between the MMR vaccine and autism, eventually creating a health scare. The Lancet retracted Mr. Wakefield’s study, citing ethical concerns and he was effectively stripped of his ability to practice medicine.

Richel finds that parents’ refusal of the MMR vaccine stems from either Wakefield’s fraudulent study, or as an explanation as to why someone they know might have autism.

“When there’s refusal, it usually is a couple of things. It is perhaps that they’re still hanging on to that proposed link by Dr. Wakefield in

England, which has totally been refuted, but they’re still hanging onto that and just aren’t buying the facts,” he said. “If they’re sensitive because of a family member or friend with autism who may or may not be relating the diagnosis to within a year or something with the MMR, I do get that and I’m very sensitive to that. It’s a devastating thing. We see more and more of it these days, but again in my heart, my soul and my mind, I just cannot relate it to vaccinations, even though I’m very open enough to know to say that every child and every person is unique.”

Although an adverse reaction to a vaccine, such as an allergy, is possible, Richel does not link autism with any vaccine, especially since he has seen cases of autism in unvaccinated children.

“Those things happen in children and families who have never been vaccinated,” he said.

“I have a couple of families, by the way, in whom there are several members of the family with special needs who, after the first child, didn’t vaccinate or really delayed them and they still had autism.”

When Wakefield’s claims were still being taken seriously by the medical community, Richel said he and his contemporaries would use separate measles, mumps and rubella inoculations on patients as a safety measure.

The medical community eventually rejected Wakefield’s claims though, and the separate vaccines are no longer manufactured, leaving the MMR the only way to vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella.

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

Prenatal care benefits from medical advances

I

BY TODD SLISS

mprovements and breakthroughs in science and technology have made prenatal care a much less stressful and hazardous time in the life of soon-tobe parents. Whether it’s physically or mentally, parents can breathe a little easier when it comes to preparing themselves for a months-long process that hopefully sees them delivering and caring for a healthy, happy baby.

“Prenatal care is a very important part of pregnancy,” said Dr. Navid Mootabar, chairman of the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Northern Westchester Hospital of Mount Kisco. “From my standpoint it’s very satisfying to take care of somebody for nine months, guide them through a healthy pregnancy and be able to deliver a healthy baby into a happy environment. Unfortunately sometimes problems do arise during a pregnancy and we address them and take care of them as best as possible.”

For Dr. Nabil Khoury, an obstetrician-gynecologist at White Plains Hospital Center, lifestyle planning is an important part of that first pregnancy visit to the doctor.

“After that first visit, the patient is reassured and taught about dietary habits, exercise and avoidance of harmful substances and foods,” Khoury said. “The patient is started on a vitamin supplementation, trying to avoid the occurrence of genetic abnormalities in the baby, such as spina bifida. Also, medical problems are discussed and risk factors identified that might cause potential complications.”

Women who are closer in age to or over 40 are having children with much greater frequency, which is less of an issue medically than ever before, though it still has its risks.

“The biggest change from the past is delayed child bearing age in women,” Khoury said. “With aging comes the increased incidence of multiple genetic diseases for the baby, such as Down syndrome, as well as diseases of aging of the mother such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. In addition, there is more need for assisted reproduction, resulting in more multiple gestations.”

Mootabar has been practicing for 11 years.

“The fundamentals of prenatal care haven’t changed, which is giving preventative care to identify problems during a pregnancy,” he

we’ve done a better job of determining and preventing.”

Pre-prenatal care?

said. “What has changed in the 11 years is the new tests that are available to us, particularly better and more accurate ultrasounds and less invasive testing for genetic diseases.”

“With the advance of ultrasonography, fetal monitoring has been improved dramatically,” Khoury said. “We are able to track from visit to visit the growth of the baby, the fetal anatomy, organ development, etc. Also, newer genetic testing with fetal mapping is available and we are able to screen for more genetic diseases, which in the past could only be discovered at birth. These days, they are discovered before the 15th week of pregnancy, which gives a mother more options.”

Earlier detection is really what sets today apart from two years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago and so on. Most recently, a blood test detects over 99 percent accuracy Down syndrome and “virtually replaces the amniocentesis, which is the needle we passed through a woman’s belly,” Mootabar said.

That procedure used to carry risk of miscarriage. “Now with the new blood test there’s lower risk of any issues,” Mootabar said. “That’s one of the major revolutionary changes in the last few years, this blood test.

Not only Down syndrome but a couple of other chromosomal abnormalities.”

Not everyone had the amnio and not everyone has this particular blood test done.

“The way that I talk to my patients is to have them think about what they are going

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to do with that information,” Mootabar said.

“If you’re going to make decisions on a pregnancy and decide not to continue if the baby has Down syndrome, then go ahead and have the test. If you feel like whatever God gives you you’re fine with, then you don’t have to do the test. The other reason why a lot of people do the test is just to be prepared.”

Further enhancements in testing could one day create a crystal ball for medical practitioners. “On the horizon is the whole issue of genetic testing, trying to be able to isolate diseases that occur as adults as early as in the growing fetus,” Mootabar said. “There are a lot of deadly diseases that occur in people and I think on the horizon with genetic testing we’ll be able to see if a fetus carries these diseases.”

Access to medical care for mother and child is paramount in ensuring the best possible outcome. Monitoring mom and baby is nothing new and “it all started with listening to the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope,” Mootabar said. Next up was the Doppler to hear the baby’s heartbeat and then the first edition of the ultrasound machine.

“With better technology of ultrasound machines over the past decade, we’ve done a much better job of monitoring the well-being of the baby,” Mootabar said. “Problems are problems, but we’ve been able to detect problems in an earlier stage and treat them more accurately. Things like preterm labor

Psychoanalyst Ann Rose Simon, who has been in private practice with locations in Hartsdale and Manhattan for over 30 years, has a different approach for moms- and dadsto-be. Simon works with a lot of couples, but they usually start with her after there are family issues, often stemming from a problem with the child(ren), whether it be eating issues, anxiety or something else.

It’s important, she said, to lay the groundwork before, not after, and let parents know the different possibilities that await them.

“Very often you see patterns which had they been identified early on, had the parents really opened themselves up to saying, ‘Who am I?’ ‘Who is my partner?’ and ‘How can we be sure how we parent and how we are together?’ creates the optimal environment for our children,” Simon said. “Most people don’t do that.”

Babies are a permanent part of our lives and the challenge never ends — it’s constantly evolving, usually changing once you get used to the current phase of life. Preparing yourself for this journey is key for parents, and Simon can help.

“There’s always a lot of anxiety about here I’m going to be a new parent and there’s no turning back,” Simon said. “This is a lifelong thing and there’s a lot of anxiety about it. Join the club. All parents to some degree have that feeling.”

Just like you would set up a nursery and maybe even hire a decorator, there are many things to think about that Simon admits will not prevent future arguments, but will definitely avoid some issues between mom and dad. She helps them look at their upbringing.

Were they raised differently? Do they have similar feelings about discipline? Letting the baby cry? Talking about these things upfront will lead to easier problem-solving later on.

And the last thing you want is for these issues to impact your marriage in a negative way or “otherwise spill over to the child,” Simon said.

Among the exercises Simon has parents go through before the baby is born is to talk about their “hopes and dreams for baby.”

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shouldn’t they be? But what happens when those expectations aren’t met in childhood and beyond?

“The problem arises, and I see this a lot, that they have very rigid hopes and dreams,” Simon said. “If your child is different from the ideal child you had in your head, then it’s very difficult to accept that person. What they want to be might be perfectly fine in the world, but not what you want. Even as a baby, your baby might be very audible and that’s not what you imagined. That’s going to be hard to tolerate unless you come to accept that there are different elements in baby.

To be open to what you want and hope for, but open to the possibility that the child may be very different and accept it and appreciate it.”

Setting this groundwork is similar to setting up the nursery and hiring a decorator.

And like you would babyproof your house,

you also have to “babyproof your marriage.”

Some couples, as soon as the kids are born, everything other than work comes to a halt.

“They never go out together, or very rarely because everything is built around the kids,” Simon said. “Their coupleness disappears and that’s dangerous. It’s an important role to be a partner to your partner.”

There is a also a medical side where parents can focus on everyone’s well-being even before conception — Mootabar called it “preconception counseling.”

“Discussing pregnancy shouldn’t wait until you are pregnant,” he said. “This starts before you’re pregnant to consider becoming pregnant. Come sit down with your doctor and identify any risk factors that we can decrease before pregnancy. It’s starting to get into a healthy diet and exercise routine.

When you talk about preparation it’s not just prenatal care — preconception counseling is important.”

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

Taking little kids on BIG vacations

BY MARY LEGRAND

turesome parents who might be taking their children to Thailand to those who are more comfortable going to Disney World or Hershey Park,” Rosenberg said. She added, “Your children’s ages will change your travel needs and will also change where you are going to bring them when you get there. It’s not just where in the world you want to go, but also the physical and age limitations of the child or children.”

Rosenberg’s suggestion to consult a travel professional is especially pertinent when planning an overseas trip.

“That way you have someone who knows the rules and regulations and ins and outs of each location, including passport, inoculation and paperwork needs, if appropriate,” she said. “There’s a huge bank of information needed; even things that apply to adults are going to apply to children. Take immunizations, for example.

There are certain countries you may not want to take a child who hasn’t been

T

raveling with little kids — infants, toddlers and preschoolers — is part of most families’ lives at some point or another. Gone are the times when young children either stayed home when their parents went on vacation or just took car trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s house out of state, relegating the small fry to the back seat of the station wagon.

These days, families are jaunting all around the country and around the world with their youngsters. While the Internet has made some aspects of travel easier, trained professionals remain at the forefront of ensuring that family or intergenerational vacations hit all the high notes and go off without a hitch.

Jill Rosenberg, CTC, DS, manager of group and executive travel services at AAA Northeast in Garden City — affiliated with AAA Travel Agency on Brook Street in Scarsdale — has been working with clients, including families, for many years from the beginning phases of planning a vacation through its completion.

“The travel needs of families range widely, running the gamut from adven-

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completely immunized.” (Right now that list of countries includes parts of the United States.)

Traveling with young children is not without challenges, including how to safely transport kids in airplanes and rental cars.

“Do you want to carry your baby on your lap in the plane or do you want to purchase a plane seat so the child can sit in his or her own car seat?” Rosenberg said. “You need to find out from the airline — and each company has different regulations — whether your child’s car seat is compatible with the aircraft.”

Talking with a travel professional will in most cases streamline decision-making, according to Rosenberg, who added that doing a lot of work ahead of one’s arrival at a hotel is an added plus as well.

“I just had a year-old baby going on an intergenerational Christmas cruise, and we worked with the cruise line to make sure the baby had a crib and there was a refrigerator in the room for the baby’s milk,” Rosenberg said. “Life is so much easier when all those decisions are made ahead of time instead of after you’ve arrived.”

Intergenerational trips are gaining in popularity. “There was one I handled recently that was for the parents’ 50th anniversary,” Rosenberg said. “The vacation was great because it appealed to all ages, and the kids, who ranged from 2 to 19, all had a blast. The cruise line had great day care, the little ones were in a toddler program and there was a teen nightclub. No one got bored.”

Rosenberg said AAA travel professionals “try to find kid-friendly hotels and destina-

KIDS!

tions, and some of the advice we give parents, especially those traveling with children for the first time, is to have care packages in the car or airplane — extra water and snacks, even little games to make the trip so much easier. If traveling by car, don’t try to make a 12-hour trip in 12 hours — plan little rest stops, let the kids run around and get a little tired out so maybe they’ll sleep for a couple of hours once you get back on the road.”

Parents magazine is known for its handy tips on all kinds of subjects and, not surprisingly, there’s a lot of practical advice to be found on its website, parents.com. Like the suggestions Rosenberg offered, the writers Kate Kelly, Jessica Hartshorn and Amy Gorin from American Baby have offered their expertise on parents.com.

They suggest that parents pack one small bag for the day of the trip and then pack everything else in a bigger bag. That way, they note, parents don’t have to rummage around looking for just a few items among many other things in giant suitcases.

Making one’s way through airport security is enough of a nightmare for adults who are traveling by themselves. Taking a family with young children through can be daunting. “In preparation, we suggest you all wear slide-on shoes and little to no jewelry,” the American Baby writers suggest on parents.com. “To limit your juggling, try to use one big sack as your carry-on rather than a purse plus a diaper bag plus a bag.”

“Families save up for vacation all year, and that week should be special and wonderful,” Rosenberg said.

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 7A

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

Safety first

Protecting your little loved ones

BY VALERIE ABRAHAMS

L

et’s face it, when many of today’s parents think back on things we did when we were kids, we cringe at the thought of our own kids doing some of those things.

My brother and I played a game called deer-hunter, shooting air rifles at our friends hiding among apple trees in the orchard across the road from our farmhouse. Sometimes we threw rotten apples at passing cars. Far from our parents’ sight, we biked back roads or wandered through fields and streams. We swam in a remote pond with no floatation devices. One summer, on an adventure to Blackhand Gorge, my brother chipped two teeth when he jumped from the sandstone cliffs into the shallow river below.

Broken teeth and stitches were cool back then; the bigger the scar the better. But we don’t want our kids to be as stupid as we were. For today’s parents, safety is paramount at home and school, in the car and on the bike, or during sports and playtime.

Numbers from the Centers for Disease

Control and Protection show that each year, nearly 9 million children ages newborn to 19 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries; poison control centers handle more than 1 million calls each year for children under 5; and injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger.

But most of these injuries can be prevented. To that end, the National Institutes of Health recommends that parents start with the basics: • Install the right child safety seat in your car.

• Teach children how to cross the street safely.

• Make sure they wear the right gear and equipment for sports.

• Install and test smoke alarms.

• Store medicines, cleaners and other dangerous substances in locked cabinets.

• Baby-proof your home.

• Don’t leave small children unattended.

Today’s parents can also rely on devices they put into book bags or wearable gear such as key fobs or bracelets, as well as apps and services, to monitor their kids’ whereabouts and well-being. But ultimately it’s up

to parents to teach kids to take responsibility for their own safety and their own actions, according to Ju’Riese Colon, executive director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

That’s especially true for Internet safety, a constant concern among families today. As soon as kids get a Kindle or an iPad, parents

should talk to their children about potential risks to privacy, personal safety and being good digital citizens. Kids are getting and using them at earlier and earlier ages.“Internet safety is just like anything else when you are trying to keep children safe,” Colon said. “It’s CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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a conversation that has to happen early and often. Tell them to be aware when posting images on social media because those images will follow your children around well into adulthood.”

Adults also need to model good behavior: “What we expect our child to do online, we should try to do ourselves,” she said. “For example, do not post travel plans and vacation photos or details that indicate where we are.”

With the technology in the palm of their hands and the Internet a focus of their daily lives, kids are often more tech saavy than their parents. “It’s important for parents to keep up,” Colon said. “Find out what sites your kids are on and continue the dialogue. Friend or follow them on whatever site they are posting. Find out if their online friends are friends in real life.”

This will give parents insight into their kids’ online lives as well as provide “teachable moments” when parents can explain acceptable online behavior. “Make sure kids are aware and teach them a good rule of thumb: ‘If you wouldn’t say something to someone to their face, don’t say it online,’” Colon said.

Remind them that although the Internet gives anonymity, still, there’s a real person on the other end to “treat as you would want to be treated yourself; think before you post.”

Colon also recommended that parents get to know each product and how to manage the settings to protect children. “Tech companies and social media sites have done a fairly good job of incorporating privacy and safety features,” Colon noted. “Go through

KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 9A

those resources together” to help make the online experience more rewarding and less likely to raise concerns.

Teachers have become an avenue for introducing Internet safety as many schools are creating policies to deal with the repercussions of cyberbullying or inappropriate digital behaviors.

An online resource that provides conversation starters for all ages, from toddler to teen, is Netsmartz.org. It features plenty of animation to address Internet safety in a fun and nonthreatening way. The material is frequently updated to keep childern engaged while they learn important lessons about Internet safety and digital citizenship, cyberbullying and sexting. It presents many scenarios to help kids make smarter decisions, and the teens’ page shows how careless Internet use can result in dangerous or damaging experiences.

Netsmartz also has resources to help parents identify when children are being bullied or are bullying. There is a sample Internet safety pledge on the website for parents and kids to use in putting together a promise to be smarter online and to define what’s appropriate and what’s not for every gadget or website.

Other sites for safety tips at home or online are: healthychildren.org; safetynet.aap. org; safekids.org/safetytips; and WiredSafety. com. The CDC also provides information on protecting children from injuries through its Protect the Ones You Love initiative. Visit cdc.gov/safechild.

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

Babysitting a big undertaking for kids, parents

I

BY EVE MARX

f you are among the very fortunate parents who have never needed to hire a babysitter, you are in a minority. Unless you’re lucky enough to have relatives living close by who are available and crave more time with your kids, chances are one day, one night, even one morning or afternoon, you will be hiring a babysitter.

What do you need to know before inviting this person into your house? How old should your sitter be? How do you find a good one?

And last but not least, what should be your expectations about the experience?

Kate Silverstein Galligan, a Katonah mom, said that with four kids, not only has she hired her share of babysitters, but a few of her children are old enough to be hired as babysitters. “I think 11 is a good age to be a mother’s helper with a parent at home,” Galligan said. “I think 12 is old enough for quick, daytime sitting, like when the mom is running errands or going to the gym. I think 13 is an appropriate age for babysitters who are needed for longer periods of time, but not for long stretches of time or any very late nights yet. I think 14 years old and older is fine for evening sitting.

“My eldest took the babysitting course, but he never did much sitting, except for people’s pets. My middle two children did not take the course, but babysit all the time.

Go figure.”

Galligan said when she has had occasions to hire a teen sitter, she always goes by word of mouth. It’s Galligan’s seasoned opinion that the desired age of the babysitter depends a lot on the ages of the children to be babysat. “For infants and very young kids, I’d be more likely to hire a college student or an older woman,” she said. “But for energetic

elementary school kids, I think teens are the best!”

Mary Gaza has three children, a 13-yearold boy, an 11- and 8-year-old girls. She is one of the lucky moms who has used the same babysitter for 13 years. “I work from home,” Gaza said. “I do have family in the area, but my parents travel often so I’ve nev-

er relied on them for babysitting.”

Gaza’s regular babysitter is a 55-year-old woman who has been with the family since her eldest child’s earliest months. “If my husband and I go out on a weekend, I do hire outside babysitters,” Gaza said, noting that her children look forward to having the occasional teen weekend babysitter: “My kids love it. They get one-on-one attention and all the teenagers know how to play Wii and Xbox.”

As her children have gotten older, Gaza, who is a compliance consultant, said her weekend babysitters are getting younger. “I now have a sophomore sitting for me,” she said. “The babysitter is really there to keep the peace.”

When she’s looking for a babysitter, Gaza goes with someone she knows or sort of knows. “Every one of our sitters has some connection to our family,” Gaza said. “Some of them are older siblings of my children’s classmates. I have to know the parents.”

Gaza said she’s never inquired if her sitters have taken a specific babysitter course, a CPR course or other child-minding training — which has become very common and readily available throughout the county — but said that her own 11-year-old daughter is taking a privately operated babysitting course that includes CPR training and what to do in a major emergency, like choking or trips and falls, and what to do if a stranger CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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MARCH 13, 2015 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

comes to the door. She described her daughter as being “very gung-ho about it.”

Having a network of babysitters is important, as is treating sitters well, Gaza said.

“You have to use them regularly because if you don’t, someone else will, she said, and she was adamant about what to pay them: “You have to pay them well.”

She also makes sure to have plenty of snacks for the babysitter available in the house, everything from healthy food to junk.

“I want them to be happy to come here,” Gaza said.

Even so, it’s tricky to book teens. “They’re all so busy with extracurriculars, I might have to make four phone calls before I find one who is available,” Gaza said.

Amy Kaprelian has two elementary schoolaged children. “I’ve used social networking groups to find sitters, but overall I still prefer word of mouth,” Kaprelian said. “Since my kids are still quite small, I definitely look for someone who is mature, but can also engage with them.”

Kaprelian says she selects sitters based on personality and maturity levels rather than actual age. “Some younger teens just ‘have it,’” she said. “And my kids are the first ones to pick up on a Pied Piper quality in a sitter.” She advised parents who are just now thinking about hiring sitters that when they find one they like, “Do everything you can to hold on to them.”

As for expectations, Gaza was clear: “Babysitters are there to amuse your kids. They’re not there to load the dishwasher. They’re there to play Xbox and Wii.” She said she ex-

KIDS!

pects and pays for her adult babysitter during the week to do more mom-type functions, such as being there for the kids when they get home from school, emptying the backpacks, providing a snack and getting them ready for swim lessons.

Galligan said when her own kids are going out on a babysitting job, she gives them reminders. “I remind them to make sure they know how to contact the parents in the event of an emergency, but I also remind them of basic babysitting etiquette,” she said. “I remind them that the language they use around the kids is not the language they use around their friends; there’s nothing worse than having a child tell his parents that the choice new word he just learned he picked up from the babysitter. I do encourage them to clean up; nothing is better for parents than coming home to a house with a clean sink and the toys picked up. And I suggest they not eat all the ‘good’ food in the house. A little is fine, but if parents are coming home from a party expecting to finish off the Chunky Monkey in the freezer, it shouldn’t all be gone when they get back.”

As for parental etiquette, Galligan said, “I don’t know if parents realize that most kids know down to the minute how long they have been sitting and exactly how much they should get paid! They also love the parents who round up, rather than pay to the exact amount. Of course, an hourly rate is an hourly rate, and our kids are lucky to be able to earn so much at such a young age, but still, they do get pretty psyched over those extra few dollars. Just saying.”

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 11A

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

BONDING WITH BABY:

Move, make music, swim together

BY LAURIE SULLIVAN

T

raditional mommy and me classes have taken on a new face. With more and more women in the workforce, those classes could be daddy and me or grandma or grandpa and me.

For mothers or fathers participating in classes with their babies, it provides a unique bonding experience and exposes newborns to the stimulation of new sights, sounds and movements. Of course, not all babies react the same; some are content to take it all in, while others may snooze through class and still others initially may cry. According to an article on About.com, some great advice is to not give up after that first class.

There are many benefits to mommy and me classes for adult and child. They give you a chance to get out of the house in those early weeks to a nonstressful environment and even network with other new mothers.

Exercise classes for both can help you get back in shape and help you shed some of that excess baby weight. Unlike many Hollywood stars who look as if they never had babies after they deliver, the reality is that many women struggle with shedding those

extra pounds to get back to their prepregnancy weight. Baby and me classes can add a new dimension to a baby’s world — and yours, too.

Locally there are a variety of different types of mommy and me classes designed to expand baby’s world and yours, from yoga to music to movement programs to support groups for babies and parents to play groups to parent/child aquatic classes. And the key

words for all these programs? “Bonding” and “both.”

Moms and babies: interaction, activity

Rika Levin, marketing and communications director at the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale, described the four programs offered, all of which have been running there for more than 10 years. Levin said the JCC’s Baby and Me support group for new moms and

their babies is “the greatest way to meet new people and explore topics like infant development, sleep habits, new role relations, returning to work, etc.”

This 50-minute class is facilitated by a social worker and given over multiple days.

The class is limited to eight sets of parents and babies.

The Music with Marc program is for older babies, ages 6-18 months. The class features singing songs, dance, rumble and movement games from around the globe. Drums and other instruments are provided. Levin said the class offers both socialization and dexterity for babies. Music with Marc is limited to eight to 10 infants and adults. This multiday Tuesday program runs for 45 minutes for each class.

A Mommy and Me playgroup for 12-18and 18-24-month-old little ones teaches kids how to socialize in what Levin described as a “warm, caring environment through play and interaction.” There are creative activities that include art, music, games, puzzles, free play and more. Parents and/or caregivers must participate. Classes are small, with a maximum of eight kids and eight adults.

Play and basic water skills are offered in CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

A car broke his bones, but not his spirit.

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MARCH 13, 2015 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

the JCC’s parent/child aquatics class. Working together, parents and kids learn basic skills in this Little Goldfish class for 1- and 2-year-olds. Through the use of flotation devices, games and water play, children learn to become comfortable in the water and get physical activity. Each session is 30 minutes long and is given on Wednesdays and Fridays. All aquatic classes are taught by certified professionals and have a maximum class size of eight to 10 parents and their little ones.

“It’s been great meeting with new moms and caretakers,” said Julie Dorfman, JCC’s director of its Early Childhood Center.

“Those first couple of years is scary and tiring and we take great pride in helping our families with all the transitioning. We also find that many of our young families have recently moved from the city to Westchester so we like to also help them meet other young families in the area.”

Baby Bootie Boot Camp and more

Yes, boot camp for babes from 6 weeks to 6 months and 7 months to 1 year and, of course, their moms, is taught by Dr. Lois Rogalski, a mother of five herself. She describes Baby Bootie Boot Camp as a “holistic exercise class for mom and baby.” Babies are not only exercising with their mothers, but are exposed to background music that Rogalski varies from jazz to the classics to what’s current.

Rogalski explained that the benefit of the class is to “regain and revitalize your abs, gluts and inner thighs — the core muscles

KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 13A

— while enhancing the cardiovascular system.” She added that the class incorporates Pilates, “which is good to sculpt your entire body and good for getting your abs in shape [while] you’re holding your baby… It’s a nice bonding experience.”

The babies are with their mothers who hold them. Rogalski ends each class with “a nice, quiet meditation.”

Rogalski, who is a certified yoga, Pilates and physical fitness instructor, created the program after her first grandchild was born 17 months ago. She found that she was “working up a sweat” while taking care of her granddaughter, and thus Baby Bootie Boot Camp was born. She noted that not only do “babies get bored,” she believes that “exercise makes an imprint from an early age for babies.”

According to Rogalski, the secondary benefit of these classes is that moms are networking with other moms with babies of similar age. She said that friends sometimes start taking the class together and classes can be custom tailored. She also offers private classes.

Rogalski keeps classes small, about four sets of mothers and babies.

Rogalski noted that the mommy and me yoga classes strengthen a child’s focus from an early age. She ends the class with a final meditation. After this one hour class she said kids are calmer. Mommy and Me Yoga is open to babies 12 months and up. During class Rogalski uses names like butterfly, London Bridge, flower and duck for yoga poses and employs other creative sequences, with music playing in the background. Kids are CONTINUED ON PAGE 26A

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KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

Sensory-motor play is more important than ever

BY ROBBIE LEVY, MA, OTR/R

A

9-month-old baby pushes up on her hands and knees and crawls to a stack of blocks or rings and knocks them down. The baby smiles from ear to ear, having achieved something new. Now what we see these days are babies and toddlers with iPhones in their hands or mouths being carried or wheeled from one place to another in some sort of stroller or bucket with no one speaking to them. Observe playdates for preschoolers and you often see kids playing on devices with little interaction between them.

They are not using all their senses, expanding their development or having rich language and social exchanges.

How do young children learn and grow? It is by experiencing the world with their seven senses. Sensory-motor play allows them to do this. We have seven senses: vision, hearing, touch, movement, joint-sense (proprioception), taste and smell. Every child needs to experience all seven in large doses in their early years to grow into healthy and self-regulated students when they enter school ready to meet the physical attention and academic demands of kindergarten. It is through play rich in sensory and motor components that children develop language, social competence, intelligence and motor abilities.

Today with the onslaught of technology in our society, it is less common to see children playing with all of their senses and certainly not enough of the time. Technology typically provides mainly visual and auditory stimulation and a whole lot of it. Children’s bodies need more variety in sensory input, greater diversity in experiences and undoubtedly more social interactions, both with peers and adults.

What do the experts say? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came out with guidelines in 2012 about the use of media as well as ideas on how to include it functionally in our lives as it is here to stay. According to the AAP, children 2-and-under should not be participating in media experiences at all. For children from 3-5 years, it should be 1-2 hours of media experiences.

Those are the recommendations, but what is the reality? Most

young children participate in 7-8 hours of media activities a day.

That is a large discrepancy from the recommendations and we should carefully consider what this discrepancy means.

When young children play with too much technology it limits their interaction with three-dimensional objects. While they may hear and see an object, they cannot feel, squeeze, move, smell or taste it. They miss out on five of the seven properties of that object. Children are also missing social opportunities, problemsolving experiences and time for creativity. In addition, they tend to be more sedentary during technology play. What can we do as parents, caregivers and teachers to infuse sensory-motor play back into their lives?

For our youngest children we need to get them on the floor and allow them to play. Make sure the environment is safe and have them spend time with toys both with and without adults.

We can get down on the floor with them. Provide language-rich interactions and shared joint attention especially when reading, with or without technology. Let them be on their tummies and move in and out of various positions as well as climb, jump and slide as they are able. Allow for messy play. Children learn by feeling things, so play with play dough, shaving cream, water, textured toys and allow children to explore with their hands, feet and mouths. Do not rush to put crayons and scissors in their hands

at this age. They need to still be experiencing the world directly, not through a tool.

Children 3 to 5 are expanding their skills every day, so allowing diversity in their experiences is key. Remember all seven senses when playing gross and fine motor games and keep them fun and creative. Continue being messy! Kids still need to touch and feel to learn. You can add tools to the hand like crayons, markers and scissors, but make sure they are not using tools exclusively.

Finger-painting is a great activity at this age and the pictures can get more sophisticated as the child gets older. Don’t forget buttons, snaps, zippers and laces. Provide interaction with nature even if you need to bring it indoors. Grow an indoor herb garden or terrarium if the weather is inclement. Play with all your senses. Experience different playgrounds instead of just using the same one. This expands your child’s motor planning abilities and ultimately their motor skills and development. Use fine-motor manipulative toys especially with a little resistance (toys you push and pull together), hammer and screw together.

Have them create mini-cities or forts using their imaginations and build on your child’s language at the same time. Use anything you can find for building: pillows, sheets, paper towel rolls, egg containers, bean bags etc. Cooking is another wonderful activity that incorporates many senses. Have your child pour and stir and even whip if they can. Older children can practice cutting as well.

Also allow time for children to be in self-directed play.

As children spend most of their time responding to the directives of an adult or computer voice, this time allows them to use their creativity, problem-solve independently, as well as enhance their self-regulation.

It is through play rich in sensory and motor components that children develop language, social competence, intelligence and motor abilities. Let’s add as much of this play back into their lives so we can support and enhance their development for years to come.

Robbie Levy MA, OTR/R, is the director of Dynamic Kids in White Plains with 33 years working with children and a national lecturer for PESI-Rehab. She can be reached at rlevy@dynamickidsny.com or 428-5151.

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KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 15A

Best ways to protect your child from eye injury

BY CONSTANCE SKEDGELL Did you know that 43 percent of all eye injuries — including those in adults — occur in children under the age of 15? While children under 5 account for only 8 percent of such injuries, the damage can impair their vision and even endanger an eye. Should you be concerned? Yes, according to Dawn P. Rush, M.D., pediatric ophthalmologist at Northern Westchester Hospital.

“Small children are active, inquisitive and daring, which make them accident-prone,” Rush said. “They are unsteady walkers, yet love to explore everything. The eye injuries they suffer damage the orbit (eye socket), cornea (external eye) and the globe (eyeball) itself. Blunt trauma can injure the retina.”

The good news is, there are many effective ways to prevent pediatric eye injuries.

Dr. Rush explains common causes of ocular accidents and the injuries they cause, and provides empowering advice on your role in protecting a child’s eyes from harm from birth to age 7.

Many injuries result from objects that are thrown, such as “toys used as missiles.” These can scratch the cornea or, more seriously, produce blood in the eye, which can cause glaucoma and result in permanent visual loss.

Severe injury occurs when a sharp or small object traveling at high speed penetrates and cuts the eye. If the globe ruptures, blindness and even loss of the eye can result. A playground is often the site of potential eye in-

can cause a black eye, swollen eyelid, corneal scratch or bleeding under the conjunctiva (the clear film covering the white of the eye).

When curious kids open cabinets, falling pots can cause eye trauma. If cleaning supplies are present, a “chemical splash” can seriously damage eyes.

Scratch injuries are common in babies and toddlers, often incurred when they move suddenly while being held, and the mother’s or infant’s own nail catches the eye. In addition, sports like Little League baseball, that involve a flying ball small enough to fit into the eye’s socket, put the eye at high risk, Rush cautioned.

How can you prevent injuries?

jury, with kids throwing sand, dirt or pebbles.

Lodged in the eye, these foreign bodies can cause scratches to the cornea, infection and more serious types of injury.

Interactions with animals, such as family pets, can damage children’s eyes. “A young child is often at the same level as the dog, and about the same size,” Rush said. “The child can be seen as a threat. This happens especially at the homes of relatives, with a dog that doesn’t often see the child.” Injuries include eyelid laceration or teeth puncture wounds on the lid or eyeball.

Then there’s the broad category of injuries that result from little kids being wobbly and prone to falling at the level of table corners and the edges of counters. These stumbles

Childproof your house, which involves “thinking like a sleuth.” Move heavy objects out of reach and lock cabinets containing poisons and cleaning fluids. Latch doors leading to stairs or install a gate. Cushion all sharp corners. Watch out for dogs that aren’t used to little kids.

A child playing sports with an eye-sized ball needs protective eyewear with a polycarbonate lens, prescribed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist. As lens material is rarely identified on labels, have your gear checked by either specialist.

“The mechanism of most pediatric eye injuries is twofold: the home is not childproofed and the parent turns away for a second, to answer the phone or flip the eggs,” Rush said. “To make matters worse, the parent, who is the first triage person, typically

does not know what happened.”

Rush’s maxim is, “Supervision plus protection equals happy play.”

What to do in case of injury

If you see or suspect an eye injury, Rush advises first examining the eye and attempting to figure out the cause. “Try to discourage the child from rubbing the eye,” she said. “If the eyeball is punctured, rubbing or squeezing will disrupt the eye’s structure and fluids can leak out.”

Next, follow this decision tree: • Is your child complaining of eye pain or something in the eye? Use sterile saline solution to fully irrigate it. Rush recommends keeping a bottle of the solution readily at hand for this purpose. After irrigating the eye, wait.

• Is it still scratchy? If so, see a physician.

• Do you suspect a chemical injury? Immediately irrigate the eye, either in the shower, at the sink or with a sterile saline solution. Then seek immediate medical attention.

• Did your child report being poked in the eye? If the eye is puffy or tearing, if vision is blurred or the eye is bleeding, immediately call your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.

• Severe injury — causing pain, reduced or double vision, a very swollen eye or if a ball hit the eye — requires urgent care from a pediatrician, pediatric ophthalmologist or ER doctor.

“When in doubt, check it out,” Rush said.

“You can never be too careful when it comes to a child’s eyes.”

PAGE 16A | THE RECORD-REVIEW

KIDS!

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While people who deny vaccinations outright are rare, according to Richel, what is more common is parents opting to space out vaccines that can be administered all at once to a couple of weeks. He said parents would request this when they feel their infant cannot handle several vaccinations at once. For instance, during an infant’s 2-month-old doctor’s visit, Richel normally administers eight vaccines. They include the DTaP, which itself is comprised of inoculations to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; hib, or haemophilus influenzae; polio; pneumococcal strep; hepatitis B; and rotavirus. Because these vaccines are combined, Dr. Richel said an infant would only undergo three injections that would take care of everything except rotavirus, which is an orally administered vaccine. Of these eight vaccines, rotavirus is the only one not required in order to attend public school in New York.

Richel said there is no evidence to suggest receiving eight vaccinations in a single doctor’s visit is harmful, thought when parents ask to have them spaced out, he complies.

“It is not uncommon today to have new or young parents ask for separation or spacing of the vaccines,” he said. “They think that it’s too much of a load on the immune system when they hear that many.”

The doctor said what is not OK is to wait a prolonged period of time to administer an essential vaccine to a child. He said he occasionally hears arguments from parents who do not want to vaccinate until it is time for the child to attend school. Richel said this is not a good practice because many of these diseases are present in the environment. He said children should not be sheltered from any diseases either.

MARCH 13, 2015

“They have to live,” Richel said. “They have to take them to see the Disney movie. You’ve got to go to the mall. We have to go to the grocery store, so we’re going to have droplets in the air, so it’s kind of naive of us to think that they would be protected that way.”

Some people are concerned about the past presence of thimerosal, an antiseptic and antifungal preservative that used to be found in multidose vaccines, Richel said. Thimerosal contains mercury, which is poisonous to humans and was pulled from most applications as a safety precaution. Although there has been no medical study establishing thimerosal as a cause of autism, there is a fear in some areas of the community.

Richel only uses preservative-free, singledose vaccines when treating patients. He said he is only familiar with one vaccine still using thimerosal, a version of a multiuse flu vaccine, and he does not use this variety. He said in this particular vaccine, use of thimerosal is so minute it should not pose a problem.

The doctor said it is a good practice to continue to receive boosters of the TDaP vaccine into adulthood when necessary, which is similar to the DTaP in combining tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, to protect other adults and children alike. He said it is important for young adults to remember to continue to visit a doctor after finishing seeing a pediatrician.

“Many of you young folks are healthy and don’t always remember that when you leave us as pediatricians,” he said. “When you’re healthy, you get out of college, you get working and you don’t necessarily go to an internist for a yearly exam like you did all during your pediatric life. Sometimes that falls by the wayside.”

Even though it is generally accepted that if 95 percent of a population were immune to a CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

MARCH 13, 2015 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

disease, it would be very difficult to contract the disease if not immune, a concept called herd immunity. Richel said it is important for healthy individuals not to have to rely on herd immunity.

“Folks that do delay or the ones that refuse, they’re depending on herd immunity, which is not fair to them or to the others around them,” he said. “If they’re still at risk, therefore anyone around them is should they contract any infection. That’s precisely what’s happened with the measles.”

There are rare cases of children who have a comprised immune system or a particular allergy that might prevent them from receiving certain vaccines. Richel said that this small group of people is more reliant on herd immunity and often specialist doctors are employed to help them find the best care.

Children can be opted out from New York’s requirements for vaccines for medical reasons. Religious arguments can also be used to opt out. This requires a stringent review of a parent or child’s faith, putting the burden of proof on the parent.

Victoria Presser, public information officer with the Scarsdale Union Free School District, said that the records detailing which children are exempt are protected by medical privacy laws. She said that regarding measles, everyone attending Scarsdale schools fulfilled state regulations.

“Every public school district in New York state is required to keep track of all vaccination records of every student and there are minimum requirements for school attendance and it’s all tracked minutely,” Presser said. “There are exceptions made for medical or religious exemptions, but they’re very rigorously reviewed and that’s a negligible number. In any case, concern-

KIDS!

ing the measles vaccine, everyone has met the requirement.”

Besides the vaccinations mentioned above, the only other inoculation required by the state to attend public school prevents chicken pox.

Richel also recommends receiving vaccines that are not required to attend public school in New York, such as hepatitis A; meningococcal conjugate, which protects against bacteria causing meningitis, among other ailments; human papillomavirus; and the seasonal flu vaccine. He has seen resistance from people unwilling to vaccinate their children with the flu vaccine, some of them reasoning that they would prefer their own immune system to protect them from the flu. Richel has also found others who are convinced that a flu shot has gotten them sick in the past, which is very possibly a coincidence.

Even though the flu vaccine has a low effectiveness rating, this year’s flu shot is around 30 percent effective, offering some protection, Richel said.

“It’s recommended for everyone, particularly for the young and the old and those with increased risk factors,” he said. “I certainly can’t force anyone to have that elective vaccine, but know that influenza is an infection that is a significant virus and can cause loss of school, loss of work and, if you look up the data, loss of life.”

Richel has seen instances of parents who did not want their children to be inoculated against strains of human papillomavirus that take the form of a sexually transmitted infection, which can cause genital warts or lead to cervical or penile cancers. He said some parents see the vaccine as a free pass toward promiscuous behavior or that a child will not need it because they are planning on waiting to have sex after marriage The doctor said it is good to receive the vaccine because treating genital warts is difficult and it is a good idea to reduce a risk of cancer.

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THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 17A

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PAGE 18A | THE RECORD-REVIEW

KIDS!

MARCH 13, 2015

V The Record-Review 2015 W

DAY CAMP GUIDE Amadeus “Anything Goes” Theater and Art Day Camp

Camp Keshet at Bet Torah Nursery School 60 SMITH AVE. MT. KISCO, NY 10549 (914) 666-7595 Director: Mindy Citera nurseryschool@bettorah.org

201 KING ST. CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 (914) 238-0388 amadeus@amadeusconservatory.com www.amadeusconservatory.com Philosophy: Our musical theater camp gives children ages 5-16 the opportunity to perform “Anything Goes,” study two instruments, compose their own songs, make a CD, play in jazz percussion, chamber, and rock ensembles, create sets, dance and learn choreography, learn film-making and photography, and study studio art. Camp will culminate in a public performance of “Anything Goes” in a professional theater, as well as an art show.

Enrollment: 10-50 Camper-counselor ratio: 3:1 Calendar: Six-week session, June 29-Aug. 7; one- to five-week sessions also available.

Hours: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Transportation: Yes Fees: $3,300 or $650/week

Blue Rock Summer Play Camp 110 DEMAREST MILL RD. WEST NYACK NY 10994 (845) 627-0234 Director: Giti Koenig Summerplaycamp@gmail.com www.BlueRockSchool.org Philosophy: Summer Play is a small camp on 4 beautiful, wooded acres on the Blue Rock School campus. Our cozy and beloved day camp offers scheduled activities in the morning and choices in the afternoon. We explore art, music, drama, swimming, woodworking, sewing, gardening, hiking, games and sports with mature group leaders that are teachers, artists and educators with many years of experience nurturing children. They love working at our camp and they return year after year. Teenagers work only under adult supervision in our popular CIT program. Everyone helps create and performs in our musical and end-of-season drama, which family and friends are invited to view. Community, warmth and kindness abound.

Enrollment: Limited to 60 campers ages 3-12 Camper-counselor ratio: 6:1 Calendar: Five weeks, June 29-July 31 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (9 a.m. early drop-off); Friday optional Transportation: Director organized carpooling Fees: $480/week (four days), $560/week (five days); $150 full season discount, plus $150 early bird discount Special programs/other: Exciting excursions for older groups. DIY program for kids 9-12: bread making, fermenting, sprouting, cooking and sewing are just some of the things children will learn. Ask about CIT and Jr. CIT programs.

BTT Summer Fun Time 44 VILLAGE GREEN BEDFORD, NY 10506 (914) 234-3020

Director: Laura Conte info@bedfordtinytot.com www.bedfordtinytots.com Philosophy: Our philosophy is that children be encouraged to learn and grow by providing a foundation of developmentally appropriate experiences where all children can succeed in a safe and nurturing environment. At our summer program we have activities and games planned and set up for the children to participate in at their own discretion. We believe that camp should be a free play environment and this is exactly what we do at our summer camp. There is always something new happening each week at camp!. There will be baking once a week and one unique craft project that the children get to bring home with them. The most important part is that the children have fun and make friends while participating in fun activities planned out to enhance their experience.

Enrollment: 20 campers ages 2-5 Camper-counselor ratio: 6:1 Calendar: June 8-July 17 Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Call or email for fees.

Camp Cavise At Dance Cavise 273 HALSTEAD AVE. MAMARONECK, NY 10543 (914) 381-5222 Directors: Lori and Joe Cavise Jamie@dancecavise.com www.dancecavise.com Philosophy: A program for that special kid that loves to be on stage. Children will study every aspect of the stage, including dance, voice, drama, set and costume design, script writing and more.

Enrollment: Limited to 50 campers ages 5-13 Camper-counselor ratio: 6:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 13 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: From $500/week to $3,795/full

summer; lunch is $5/day Special programs/other: Campers will participate in two original productions directed by Broadway veteran Joe Cavise.

This year, there will be two field trips to see the Broadway productions of “Finding Neverland” and “The King and I.” There will be barbecues, a Hawaiian luau, water balloon fights, ice cream prizes and tons of games. Weekly campers are welcome.

Camp Hillard 26 ELIZABETH ST. SCARSDALE, NY 10583 (914) 949-8857 Directors: Jon and Jim Libman camp@camphillard.com www.camphillard.com Philosophy: Campers learn skills while having fun in a safe, active and wellsupervised environment with first class facilities and superb staff. Celebrating our 87th year of one-family ownership.

Located on 20 beautiful acres in the Edgemont section of Greenburgh. Our program is a balance of outstanding swimming and sports instruction combined with high quality creative and performing arts programs and exciting special events.

Enrollment: 800 Camper-counselor ratio: 3:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 20 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Door-to-door air-conditioned school buses driven by professional drivers and supervised by camp staff.

Fees: Mini day: 3s and 4s, $6,975; Full day: $8,775 (both programs include transportation and lunch). Any four, five, six or seven weeks also available. Call or visit website for more information.

Special programs/other: Activities include swim instruction in seven heated pools, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, softball, lacrosse, flag football, tennis, gymnastics, horseback, arts and crafts, drawing, painting, jewelry, ceramics, nature, theater, music, zipline, flying squirrel, mini golf, archery, mini

sleepaway program, day trips, golf and sports specialization programs for older campers.

Camp Intrepid INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM COMPLEX 12TH AVE. AND 46TH ST. NEW YORK, NY 10036 Director: Dorothy Klein camp@intrepidmuseum.org www.intrepidmuseum.org/campIntrepid.aspx Philosophy: Camp Intrepid 2015, for kids 5-13, is a multi-week, full-day winter/ spring and summer day camp packed with hands-on activities, museum exhibit exploration and interactive weekly themes that include Intrepid Inventors, Space Creations and Spin-offs, Boot Camp and Spy Science. Campers enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on Intrepid’s Flight Deck and Pier 86, creating everything from solar ovens to straw rockets and ship-shape activities like relay races and tug of war. Exploring space in our new Space Pavilion housing the Orbiter, Enterprise and investigating our submarine, Growler, Camp Intrepid is the most unique way to explore, discover and learn.

Enrollment: 20/age group (5-7 years; 8-10; 11-13) Camper-counselor ratio: Approximately 7:1 depending on age group Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended hours 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. available.

Calendar: June 15-Aug. 21; may register for one week or multiple sessions Transportation: No, but courtesy use of parking lot for drop-off and pick-up available Fees: Call or check website for fees Special programs/other: Camp Intrepid in winter/spring is a full-day, drop-off, school holiday program that offers creative activities for students ages 5-13 during weeklong school vacations (this year Feb. 16-20, March 16-20 and 23-27, April 6-10).

www.bettorah.org Philosophy: Camp Keshet is a fun-filled morning of friendship with a focus on literacy and learning through a Jewish lens.

Daily indoor and outdoor explorations include art, movement, drama, gardening, science, music, nature, cooking and Shabbat celebration.

Enrollment: 39 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: June 8-July 31 Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with optional extended day programs available on Mondays-Thursdays until 1:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $800-$1900 depending on number of weeks enrolled Special programs/other: Camp Keshet offers themed weeks such as Wild West Week, Outer Space Week and Dinosaur Week. New this summer is an Around the World in 30 Days program, with travels to Israel, China, Africa, Mexico and more. Special pizza Friday Shabbat lunches. The Monday/Wednesday extended day program offered is Musical Theater for children interested in performing in a musical play at the end of the summer. The Tuesday/Thursday extended day program offered is Jump into Storytime, an exploration of reading and literacy skills in storytime play.

Camp Ramaquois 30 MOUNTAIN RD. POMONA, NY 10970 (845) 354-1600 Directors: Arthur and Natalie Kessler info@ramaquois.com www.ramaquois.com Philosophy: Ramaquois is a magical camp where children experience a sense of adventure, meet new challenges, create wonderful memories and make lasting friendships. Camp Ramaquois was formerly a resident camp and is now “a day camp as complete as sleepaway camp.” From adventurous activities to creative arts to athletic activities, boys and girls ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities. Situated on 44 acres in Rockland County, the camp’s facilities include a 5-acre crystalline lake, nine heated swimming pools, a splash park, an aerial adventure park, tennis, basketball, volleyball and pickle ball courts, hockey rinks, ball fields, soccer fields and a nature area with petting zoo.

Our many air-conditioned buildings include an indoor gym, indoor dining room and airconditioned specialty cabins. Group bunks have bathroom facilities and cubbies for campers to store their gear.

Enrollment: Ages 5-13; register online Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug 20 Sessions: Full eight weeks or seven-, sixor four-week options Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19A

MARCH 13, 2015

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THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 19A

The Record-Review 2015 v DAY CAMP GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18A Transportation: Door-to-door mini school buses servicing Rockland, Bergen, Manhattan, Riverdale, lower Westchester and Greenwich driven by certified professional school bus drivers. A bus counselor oversees safety and provides planned activities on the bus.

Fees: Call for fees. Tuition includes transportation, hot lunch, snack, towel service, craft materials and two camp shirts. Camp shirts are uniform.

Special programs/other: Exciting Trail Blazer optional trip program for grades 3-10. Optional overnight trips for grades 6-10. Tenth grade leadership program. Visit website or call to set up a personal tour.

Challenge Camp SCHOOL OF THE HOLY CHILD 2225 WESTCHESTER AVE. RYE, NY 10580 MAILING ADDRESS: 1250 CENTRAL PARK AVE. YONKERS, NY 10704 (914) 779-6024 Director: Carole B. Berman info@challengecamps.com www.challengecamps.com Philosophy: Open the door to a delightful and meaningful summer of fun and learning for your bright, curious child at Challenge Camp, an ACA accredited camp in Rye, NY. Courses include 3D printing, cooking, magic, Minecraft, robotics, video production and more like sports and swimming. We are dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for children to realize their intellectual and personal potential. Bus transportation, early/ extended day and Kosher lunch options.

Enrollment: 400 Enrollment: Call or visit website Camper-counselor ratio: 10:1 Calendar: Session 1: June 29-July 24; Session 2: July 27-August 14 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 8 a.m. early dropoff to 6 p.m. extended day Transportation: Bus service Fees: Full seven weeks, $4,700; four weeks: $2,600; three weeks: $2,100. CIT program: seven weeks, $1,400; Session 1 or 2: $800. Optional early drop-off at 8 a.m.: $175 or Session 1 $100, Session 2 $75 or extended day (4-6 p.m.), $500, or Session 1 $275, Session 2 $225. Sibling and referral discounts available.

Concordia Summer Camp CONCORDIA COLLEGE 171 WHITE PLAINS RD. BRONXVILLE, NY 10708 (914) 395-4848 Director: Ceil Warren

www.concordiasummercamp.org Philosophy: Concordia Summer Camp offers an amazing variety of enrichment, music, art and sports programs for early childhood (ages 3-5) and grades 1-9. The camp strives to provide your child with an exceptional summer experience by fostering a life-long love of learning and promoting enthusiasm for physical activity through sports. Basketball Camp is taught by college coaches in the spacious Meyer Athletic Center. The Sports Camp for early childhood (ages 3-5) offers age-appropriate sports activities and grades 1-9 offers soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball, dodgeball, floor hockey and more. The Conservatory of Music offers exceptional programs in musical theatre, piano, violin, guitar, vocal arts, chamber music and band bash. The OSilas Art Studio offers World Art classes. The Early Childhood Enrichment Program offers music, art, science, literacy, indoor and outdoor play.

The Enrichment Program for grades 1-9 offers exciting classes for webpage design, forensics, science, cooking, robotics, dance, art and more.

Enrollment: Early Childhood, 120; Enrichment grades 1-9, 200; Sports Camp grades 1-9, 400 Camper-counselor ratio: Early Childhood, 5:1; grades 1-9, 10:1 Calendar: Early Childhood Mini Camp, June 15-26; Main Camp: June 29-Aug. 7; Early Childhood Enrichment Extended Program: Aug. 10-21; Basketball Camp: Aug. 10-13 Hours: Morning programs: 9 a.m.-noon; afternoon programs, noon-2 p.m., noon-3 p.m. and noon-5 p.m. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available from 8-8:45 a.m. and 5:15-6 p.m. on a daily basis.

Transportation: No Fees: See website. Early registration, sibling and package discounts are available.

Special programs/other: New this year: water inflatable fun Fridays.

Congregation Kol Ami Sun and Fun 252 SOUNDVIEW AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 (914) 949-4717 EXT. 107 Director: Nan Blank njbtt@aol.com www.nykolami.org Philosophy: A summer program for 2s, 3s and 4s. Groups are staffed with our own experienced early childhood staff.

We have two well-equipped outdoor shaded playgrounds and in case of inclement weather, a large air-conditioned indoor play space. Both programs include arts and crafts, music, nature, fine and gross motor play and water play. The 3s and 4s enjoy additional specialists who teach drama, art, gardening and soccer, and a weekly Shabbat celebration.

Enrollment: 2s-4s Camper-counselor ratio: 3s and 4s 5:1 Calendar: June 22-July 31 Hours: 2s: children come with a parent or caregiver Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m.; 3s: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon, and Wednesday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with lunch; 4s: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch is served Wednesday).

Transportation: No Fees: 2s, $700; 3s, $1,950; 4s, $2,450

The Country Childrens Center’s Summer Adventure Camp 412 CROSS RIVER RD. KATONAH, NY 10536 (914) 242-0520 EXT. 302 Director: Brent Morton bmorton@countrychildrenscenter.org www.countrychildrenscenter.org Philosophy: Our program is designed to provide children with all the experiences of a great summer day camp while providing working parents with coverage for their daycare needs. We are an independent, licensed child care center dedicated to providing affordable, quality day care programs designed to meet the individual needs of each child through a caring, nurturing and stimulating environment.

Enrollment: 75-85 children in grades k-7 Camper-counselor ratio: 10:1 Calendar: June 29- Aug. 21 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with extended hours offered 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Fees: $3,100 for full eight-week session, $3,300 for full eight-week session with extended hours. Weekly rates available.

Special programs/other: On-site swimming, general sports, arts and crafts, adventure games, science and nature, music and theater, film making and photography, field trips.

Creative Summer at the Mead School 1095 RIVERBANK RD STAMFORD, CT 06903 (203) 595-9500 EXT. 63 Director: David L. Jackins creativesummermead@yahoo.com www.creativesummermead.org Philosophy: Children as artists working with artists. Children 6.5-16 years old pursue five daily classes for four weeks.

Course offerings may include musical theater, dance, video, creative writing, drawing, painting, design, role play, animation, improv, cartooning and more.

Staff are professional artists, entertainers and/or educators. The program ends with Festival Day, a celebration of all the arts experienced during the program.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 Calendar: One four-week session, June 29-July 24 Transportation: No Fees: $1,895 Special programs/other: Performing, visual and expressive arts.

Elmwood Day Camp 900 DOBBS FERRY RD. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607 (914) 592-6121 Directors: Hillari Boritz and Gregg Licht summer@elmwooddaycamp.com www.elmwooddaycamp.com Philosophy: Our mission is for each child to discover, celebrate and be who he or she is supposed to be. Consistent caring relationships and a comprehensive activity program are essential to achieve our mission.

Enrollment: 450-500 campers Camper-counselor ratio: 3:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 20 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Door to door in small yellow school buses Fees: Four-week session, $5,400; eightweek session, $8,300 Special programs/other: Electives, performing arts, athletics, Red Cross swimming, arts and crafts, field trips, special event days.

French Immersion Camp FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK 111 LARCHMONT AVE. LARCHMONT, NY 10538 (914) 413-3665 Director: Agnes Tounkara camps@fasny.org www.fasny.org/After-School Programs Philosophy: Using years of excellence in bilingual education, we have designed a unique program where children will learn French by doing. Research shows that an early start, teachers with native fluency, total immersion and practical experience are essential steps on the path to language proficiency. From experience we know that, if the enjoyment is there, the learning of the language will naturally take place. That’s why our program revolves around fun, hands-on activities led by native French instructors that will stimulate the children’s conversation skills but also open them to the French and Francophone cultures. We welcome

preschoolers as young as 3 years old, half day or full day, as long as they are pottytrained and ready for this wonderful adventure. In small groups, the children will hear and speak French all day through fun activities that will respect their rhythm.

Quiet time is also scheduled. Our program for children in grades 1-5 will stimulate their conversation skills while exposing them to fun and unique activities such as French theater, music in French with our artist-in-residence, cooking, science and technology projects, dance and yoga, art, sports and more. There is one hour of French class per day for all campers.

Enrollment: Ages 3-13 Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 Calendar: June 22-July 24 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with optional extended day Transportation: No Fees: Half day, $280; full day, $500.

Future Stars Summer Camps SUNY PURCHASE COLLEGE 735 ANDERSON HILL RD. PURCHASE, NY 10577 (914) 273-8500 Director: Jordan Snider Jordan@fscamps.com www.fscamps.com Philosophy: Weekly day sports and specialty camps for boys and girls ages 4-16. Campers choose from the following: tennis, soccer, multi-sports, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, circus arts, magic, diving, rising stars, cheerleading, field hockey, softball, football, volleyball, horseback riding, swim, S.T.E.M. education and academics. Each program includes three to four hours of specific training in the chosen sport, as well as supervised swimming. Our staff is a highly trained team of professionals, and limited enrollment ensures that they get to know each camper’s individual needs.

We encourage our campers to play with confidence, enthusiasm and a genuine love of the game.

Enrollment: 600 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: Weekly June-August Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Door to door transportation available Fees: Call for fees Special programs/other: Lunch option available.

Greenburgh Nature Center Summer Camps 99 DROMORE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583 (914) 723-3470 Director: Travis Brady tbrady@greenburghnaturecenter.org www.greenburghnaturecenter.org Philosophy: GNC offers many different camp options: • Nature Navigators (half day camps): Each day offers different activities, including live animal interaction, nature crafts, outdoor nature exploration, indoor and outdoor games, and so much more. Snack is included.

• Critter Camp: Celebrate the wild in your child at Critter Camp, where kids focus on making both human and animal friends. Campers go behind the scenes and into the forest for a hands-on introduction to the extraordinary world of animals and nature. They also get a chance to help care for our resident animals and explore the lives of our wild forest friends.

Lunch must be sent daily or you may purchase a hot lunch from California Pizza

Kitchen for an additional fee.

• Survival Camp: Wilderness survival skills enhance children’s ability to feel comfortable and confident in the natural world. Activities such as fire building, shelter construction, tracking techniques, plant identification, and camouflage are highlights of the camp.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: Nature Navigators: MondayThursday, July 13-16, July 20-23, Aug. 3-6, Aug. 17-20 and Aug. 24-27; Critter Camp: Monday-Friday, July 6-10 and Aug. 10-14; Survival Camp: Monday-Friday, July 27-31.

Hours: Nature Navigators: morning session, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., afternoon session, 1-4 p.m.; Critter Camp: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Survival Camp: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Nature Navigator fee per session: $190/child plus $85 membership fee; Critter Camp fee per session: $360/child plus $85 membership fee; Survival Camp fee per session: $360/child plus $85 membership fee.

Harvey Cavalier Summer Camp 260 JAY ST. KATONAH, NY 10536 (914) 232-0581 Director: Chris Del Campo cavaliercamp@harveyschool.org www.harveycavaliercamp.org Philosophy: Our six-week summer program offers kids ages 4-14 a chance to explore their interests and talents in an enriching and nurturing environment where fun abounds. Electives include fine arts, crafts, theater, dance, music, swimming, ice skating, sports, science and more.

Enrollment: Pre-k through first grade (Little Cavs), 40; grades 2-9, 230 Camper to staff ratio: 3:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 7 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (10 a.m.-2 p.m. option for Little Cavs) Transportation: Bus routes limited to those living in the Armonk/Mt. Kisco/ Chappaqua and Briarcliff/Millwood areas at an extra fee Fees: $2,300 for Little Cavs (extended day options available); $3,900 for grades 2-9. Fee includes lunch.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School Summer Arts Program 25 SCHOOL LANE SCARSDALE, NY 10583 (914) 723-1169 Director: Joe Piscitelli hb@hbms.org www.hbms.org Philosophy: The program offers a stimulating, challenging and enjoyable summer experience in music, visual arts and theater for second-10th-graders.

Lessons, ensembles and weekly concert performances. Basic morning program can be combined with a variety of extended day options, such as world drumming, musical theater workshop, chamber music or jazz workshops, wind serenade, composers corner, music tech lab and HB Rocks! guitar ensemble.

Enrollment: 85-110 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: June 29-July 31 Hours: 9 a.m.-noon for basic program; extended day options to 2 or 5 p.m.

Transportation: No CONTINUED ON PAGE 20A

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MARCH 13, 2015

The Record-Review 2015 v DAY CAMP GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19A Fees: Morning only, $1,630; extended day, $2,315; afternoon only, $860; afternoon plus HB rocks!, $1,685; afternoon plus musical theater workshop, $2,490; extended day plus HB Rocks!, $3,140; extended day plus musical theater workshop, $3,945; HB rocks! only, $825; musical theater workshop only, $1,630 Special programs/other: Scholarships available. Five percent discount if enrolled before March 31.

Hole-In-One Junior Golf Camp DUNWOODIE AND SPRAIN LAKE GOLF COURSES, YONKERS; HUDSON HILLS, OSSINING; MAPLE MOOR, WHITE PLAINS; SAXON WOODS, SCARSDALE; AND MOHANSIC, YORKTOWN HEIGHTS (914) 231-4673 Director: Beth Bricker babc@westchestergov.com www.parks.westchestergov.com/ children-camps Philosophy: Young people ages 10-17 can learn the fundamentals of golf and hone their skills under the direction of top PGA pros in Westchester.

Enrollment: Varies Camper-counselor ratio: Varies Hours: Vary Transportation: No Fees: $50/session

Hudson Country Day Camp 340 QUAKER RIDGE RD. NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804 (914) 636-6202 Director: Meghan Flaherty info@hudsoncountry.org www.hudsoncountry.org Philosophy: Summer fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

Enrollment: 150 Camper-counselor ratio: 2s, 5:1; 3s-8s, 6:1; 9s-11s, 8:1 Calendar: June 22-Aug. 14 Hours: 2s, 9 a.m.-noon; 3s-5s, 9 a.m.noon or 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 6s-11s, 9.a.m.-4 p.m.; extended hours available 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Transportation: Optional Fees: Call for information Special programs/other: Special activities include swimming, sports, science, gardening, crafts, nature, karate, gymnastics and dance.

John Jay Homestead History Adventure Days 400 JAY ST. P.O. BOX 832 KATONAH, NY 10536 (914) 232-5651 EXT. 101 Director: Bethany White bethany.white@parks.ny.gov www.johnjayhomestead.org Philosophy: History Adventure Days is an exciting summer experience that is both fun and educational. We have two great themes that allow you to participate in awesome activities, play great games and interact with amazing special guests. We offer two weeks each with its own out-of-this-world theme for children entering grades 2-7: “North vs.

South: Civil War or Revolution?” (Aug. 3-7) and “Apples, Bees, & Chickens: Down on John Jay’s Farm” (Aug. 10-14).

Set on the picturesque grounds of John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, the

camp allows children to experience history at the home of one of America’s principal Founding Fathers, John Jay. The campers will also explore the 62-acre property, which includes hiking trails, a pond and numerous agricultural outbuildings.

Enrollment: 24/week Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 Calendar: Aug. 3-14 Hours: 9a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fee: $275/week. A 20 percent discount is given to members of the Friends of John Jay Homestead.

Karate Camp at Westchester MMA-FIT 333 N. BEDFORD RD SUITE 228 MT KISCO NY 10549 (914) 244-8888 Director: Chad Weiss contact@westchestermmafit.com www.westchestermmafit.com Philosophy: What will your child learn this summer? If he or she spends the summer with us, your child will stay active, have fun, learn valuable life skills, get first class karate training and have an unique and enriching summer experience Enrollment: Open Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 21 Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $250-$499/week Special programs/other: Special savings for early enrollment.

Katonah Art Center Camps 131 BEDFORD ROAD KATONAH, NY 10536 (914) 232-4843 Directors: Sarah Miller/ Loren Anderson katonahartcenter@verizon.net www.katonahartcenter.com Philosophy: The Katonah Art Center offers a great alternative to summer-long programs. KAC’s camps are one-week long with morning, afternoon and full-day options. Camps are available for ages 3.5 through grade 12. For a complete list of camp topics, call or check out www. katonahartcenter.com.

• Our Art and Imagination Camp for ages 3.5-5 provides a welcoming environment geared specifically toward the creative spirit of young children. Our weekly A&I camps are a creative mix of arts and crafts projects, free art play, story time, outdoor time and collaborative art. A&I camp topics this year include Frozen Frenzy, Big and Small, Pee Wee Puppeteers and more.

• KAC Kids Camp for grades 1-5 offers choices such as pottery, stop-motion animation, make a horror film, candles and soap, fashion mash-up and draw, paint, sculpt.

• KAC Teen Camps for grades 6 and up are a great option for teens that love art and may be too old or bored by traditional day camp. Whether it is fused glass, sculpture, outdoor painting or metalsmithing, our goal is to instill in our teen students the skills needed to continue to explore the subject independently.

• Young Adult Atelier for older high school students offers week-long half-day or fullday sessions of fine art classes.

Enrollment: Arts and Imagination Camp, up to eight children; Kids and Teen Camp, 5-20 campers, depending on topic.

Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1 Calendar: One-week sessions June

29-Sept. 4; A&I June 1-Sept. 4 Hours: Half day or full day: Arts and Imagination Camp: 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., 1:15-3:45 p.m.; Kids and Teen Camp: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-4 p.m.; extended day option 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Call for fees.

Long Ridge Camp 478 ERSKINE RD. STAMFORD, CT 06903 (203) 322-0253 Directors: Geoff, Herm and Myrna Alswanger mail@longridgecamp.com

www.longridgecamp.com Philosophy: Set on 15 acres in Connecticut’s beautiful countryside right over the Pound Ridge, NY, border. Children ages 3-14 experience a traditional day camp setting. Expert swimming instruction, baseball, basketball, soccer, crafts, nature, dance, drama, ropes with zip line, special events and so much more. Individual achievement is encouraged and taught by our staff of experienced and highly trained counselors. Ask about our nursery camp for 3-5-year-olds. Call the Alswanger family, directors for the past 54 years.

Enrollment: 350 Camper-counselor ratio: Better than 3:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 21; four-, five-, six-, seven- and eight-week sessions available Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., with early drop-off and late afternoon pick-up at no extra charge Transportation: Provided to Armonk, Chappaqua, Bedford, Pound Ridge, South Salem, Cross River, Katonah, Pleasantville Rye Brook and surrounding towns Fees: Available upon request.

Mitchell Spearman Junior Golf Summer Camp DORAL ARROWWOOD 975 ANDERSON HILL RD. RYE BROOK, NY 10573 (800) 733-1653 Director: Joanna Dove info@mitchellspearman.com

www.spearmanjuniorgolf.com Philosophy: Premium instruction and a positive learning experience are the foundations to golf success. We work on all aspects of the game — full-swing, short game, putting, on-course strategy and play — as well as utilizing the latest in technology.

Enrollment: Ages 6-16 Camper-counselor ratio: 6:1 Calendar: June 8-Aug. 28 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Fees: $1,150/week. Sign up for one week minimum. Multi-week, multigolfer and early registration discounts available.

Special programs/other: Winter indoor program: running now. Max six per session. Spring program outdoors: Commences April 1. Many sign-up options running Monday-Friday 4-6 p.m. and weekends 2-6 p.m. Minimum one day per week. Two-hour classes. Pee Wees: Ages 4-7, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Join in any time as long as space is available. One-hour classes.

Mohawk Day Camp 200 OLD TARRYTOWN RD. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10603 (914) 949-2635 Directors: Ken, Barbara and Steve Schainman

info@campmohawk.com www.campmohawk.com Philosophy: Mohawk Day Camp is committed to enriching children’s lives through friendship, learning and play. For over 80 years, generations of campers ages 3-13 have had unforgettable summers mentored by remarkable, mature staff in an environment of inclusiveness and exploration. Leadership Training program available for ages 14-15.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor Ratio: 3:1 Calendar: Pre-camp, June 10-21; Main Camp, June 29-Aug. 21 Hours: Full day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 3-13); mini day: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (ages 3-entering kindergarten); half day: 9 a.m.-noon (ages 3-4) Transportation: Door-to-door on air-conditioned buses with counselor, included in tuition.

Fees: Call for fees Special programs/other: Mohawk’s 40-acre site features a year-round farm, 23 sports fields and courts, eight heated pools, eight craft/hobby areas, ropes course and climbing walls and much more.

In addition to traditional sports, crafts, performance, nature and adventure activities, campers enjoy age-appropriate elective choices such as circus skills, sports intensives, rocketry, doll making, songwriting, guitar lessons, dog training and more. Staff members include more than 120 local teachers, many from Mohawk’s own nursery school/kindergarten/ first grade school-year program. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit website or call office.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center 95 RADIO CIRCLE MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (914) 241-2135 Director: Dawn Meyerski dmeyerski@mkccc.org www.mkccc.org Philosophy: Kids say, “The best part of summer is no school and no homework!”

But the learning never ends at Mount Kisco Child Care Center. Children spend the summer engaged in farming/gardening and cooking activities and create a working farmer’s market to sell produce grown on site. They are involved in exercise programs and daily swimming at the town pool. They are also involved in creative arts programs and weekly field trips and/or special events. The full day camp program begins at the end of June and runs eight weeks through the end of August. Mount Kisco Child Care Center has been creating fun and stimulating camp programs for school-age children for 43 years. We have designated ageappropriate play spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Our supportive, highly qualified teachers — all of whom are over 18 years of age — provide a warm and safe environment for your child. It has always been our mission to provide high quality child care with an emphasis on enhancing each child’s self-esteem and celebrating the diversity of our community.

Enrollment: 160 (infants through school-age) Camper-counselor ratio: Varies by age group, but exceeds all licensing requirements Calendar: June 29-Aug 21 Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Vary Special programs/other: Farming/ nutrition program, intergenerational program, field trips, music, swimming.

Music Conservatory of Westchester’s Music & Arts Summer Program 216 CENTRAL AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 (914) 761-3900 Director: Sarah Wetherbee info@musiced.org www.scarsdalemusic.org Philosophy: MCW’s signature summer program for ages 5-11 engages your child while providing the educational experience you’re looking for. This fun enjoyable program includes instrumental ensembles and instruction, singing, acting, musical theatre, composing and more, taught by our fabulous faculty.

Enrollment: Open Camper-counselor Ratio: n/a Calendar: June 29-July 10 (closed July 4), July 13-July 24, July 27-Aug. 7, Aug. 10- 21 Hours: Monday-Friday, half day or full day; early drop-off and extended day options Transportation: No Fees: Call or visit website Special programs/other: Take advantage of our convenient “mix and match” schedule. Sign up for two, four, six or eight weeks. With early drop-off and extended day options, Summer Music & Arts is the most flexible program in the county.

MVP Basketball Camp 29 HOMESIDE LANE WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605 (914) 946-1231 Director: Noel Muyskens nmuyskens@mvpbasketballcamp.org www.mvpbasketballcamp.org Philosophy: The camp teaches boys and girls from 6-16 the fundamentals of basketball, plus teamwork, leadership, goal-setting and dedication.

Enrollment: 250/week Camper-counselor ratio: 6:1 Calendar: June 29-July 10 in Bedford, July 13-Aug. 7 in White Plains Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; early drop-off and extended hours available Transportation: Carpooling arranged Fees: Vary by week Special programs/other: Camp features high school coaches and college players as instructors.

The Nature Place Day Camp 285 HUNGRY HOLLOW RD. CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY 10977 (845) 356-6477 Director: Ed Bieber camp@thenatureplace.com www.thenatureplace.com Philosophy: Nature-oriented and noncompetitive.

Enrollment: 250 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 7 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Bus service from throughout Westchester (included in the cost of tuition) Fees: $5,330 for six weeks.

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New Canaan Nature Center Summer and Adventure Camp 144 OENOKE RIDGE NEW CANAAN, CT 06840 (203) 966-9577 X39 Director: Geoff McCann camp@NewCanaanNature.org

www.NewCanaanNature.org Philosophy: The only place to take summer in… is OUTSIDE! Our action-packed Summer Camp (ages 3-7) emphasizes fun, hands-on experiences that give your child an opportunity to simply be a kid while exploring nature’s marvels and making friends. Weekly camp-wide themes such as Forest Frenzy, Dirt Diggers and Radical Raptors inspire young adventurers at age-appropriate levels as they learn and play amidst our 40 acres of ponds, fields, and forest. Adventure Camp (ages 8-15) offers older campers engaging and unique outdoor activities as they journey from Apprentice to Master Adventurers. Sessions include exciting off-site field visits, paddling and hiking, team challenges and experiments, plus campfire dinners and overnight camping excursions.

Enrollment: Adventure Camp (ages 8-15); Summer Camp (ages 3-7); Mommy, Me and Nature (ages 18-36 months) Calendar: June 1-Aug. 14 Hours: Half day 9 a.m.-noon with optional lunch bunch; full day 9 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Fees: Week-long sessions start at $215/ half day and $370/full day Special programs/other: Our Mommy, Me & Nature Program (ages 18-36 months) allows caregivers and little ones to explore the wonders of summer with nature walks, crafts, live animal visits, songs and stories.

New Canaan YMCA Summer Camps CAMP MINI (PRE-K AGES 3-5) 564 SOUTH AVE. NEW CANAAN, CT 06840 Director: Suzy Pfeifer spfeifer@newcanaanymca.org, CAMP Y-KI (COMPLETED GRADES K-6) KIWANIS PARK NEW CANAAN, CT 06840 Director: Davie Cedela dcedela@newcanaanymca.org SPORTS CAMP (COMPLETED GRADES K-7) 564 SOUTH AVE. NEW CANAAN, CT 06840 Director: Aaron Zimmerman

azimmerman@newcanaanymca.org (203) 966-4528 www.newcanaanymca.org Philosophy: The New Canaan YMCA Summer Camps have provided thousands of children in our community with a camp experience they never forget. Our camps offer a variety of experiences for children of all ages and abilities, with each camp offering safe and supervised fun provided by a caring, responsible staff. Each child gains something different at our camps: making new friends, learning how to swim, self-confidence, independence, and leadership — skills that last far beyond the summer.

• Camp Mini: A child’s first summer camp experience. Held at the Y, Camp Mini provides a safe and comfortable camp experience for children to play, grow and make friends.

• Camp Y-Ki: An exciting outdoor camp experience for school-age children held at Kiwanis Park, offering a variety of activities which help campers build self-esteem, confidence, independence and responsibility, all while enjoying simple summertime fun with new friends.

• Sports Camp: The YMCA Sports Camp provides an exciting and sports-filled experience, including baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, gymnastics, whiffleball, kickball, lacrosse and many other camp games.

Campers have fun with each sport, regardless of their ability or experience.

Camper-counselor ratio: Camp Mini: 6:1; Camp Y-Ki/Sports Camp: 8:1-10:1 Calendar: Session one: June 24-July 3 (no camp July 4 or 5); session two: July 819; session three: July 22-Aug. 2; session four: Aug. 5-16 Hours: Camp Mini: Monday-Friday, 9:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds; extended Gimme More session available for 4- and 5-year-olds from 2:15-4:15 p.m.

Camp Y-Ki: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (extended day program available for an additional fee from 8-9 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.). Sports Camp: Monday-Friday, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. (extended day program available for an additional fee from 8-8:45 a.m. and 3:45-5:30 p.m.)

Fees: Camp Mini: Session one: $405; sessions two-four: $505/session. Gimme More: Session one: $80; sessions twofour: $100/session. Camp Y-Ki: Session one: $445, sessions two-four: $555/ session; extended day fees: session one: $48/hour morning session, $96/afternoon session; sessions two-four: $60/each morning session, $120/each afternoon session. Sports Camp: Session one: $445, sessions two-four: $555/session; extended day fees: session one: $48/hour morning session, $96/afternoon session, sessions two-four: $60/each morning session, $120/each afternoon session.

New York Rock Academy 225 NORTH GREELEY AVE. CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 (914) 238-3123 DAY CAMP LOCATION: MUSIC IN CHAPPAQUA 225 NORTH GREELEY AVE. CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 Director: Janet Angier mail@musicinchappaqua.com www.newyorkrockacademy.com Philosophy: New York Rock Academy is a specialty program designed to maximize the potential of every student. Students ages 8 and up form groups alongside those of similar experience and immediately begin making music. Beginners will find themselves performing complete arrangements of their favorite songs by the end of a single session. Advanced players will have an opportunity to fine-tune their skills, learning subtle and not-so-subtle lessons about instrumental or vocal technique and the organization of a rock ensemble. The motivating force at New York Rock Academy is excitement.

Regardless of level, all students will be encouraged to explore the music they truly love. Our experienced staff provides a stimulating, fun atmosphere.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1 Calendar: Weekly sessions run from June 29-Aug. 21 Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $750/weekly session; $75 registration fee (this fee is waived for matriculating students).

NYGKA Black Belt Academy 558 WARBURTON AVE. HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY 10706 (914) 478-0508 Director: Shihan Jim Chillemi NYGKA@aol.com www.nygka.com Philosophy: NYGKA’s mission is to enhance the life of every single student by providing them with the skills necessary for life. These skills include overall physical fitness, speed and agility, self-protection, confidence, discipline, respect and awareness. We introduced our Mission Bully Proof program to many of our students, their parents, neighbors and friends, and will continue to do so throughout the year and beyond. This program seeks to bring further awareness to problems and circumstances associated with bullying. We hope to help not only our students and their families, but the local community, as well.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: Beginner, Blue and Yellow Belts: July 6-10; Green, Purple and Brown Belts: July 13-17; All level Black Belts: June 29-July 3 Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $600-$700/week; lunch, beverages and snacks included.

On Hudson Dance Studio Inc.

artistic haven for children and teens of all ages and levels of experience. Get in on the act!

Enrollment: 100 Camper-counselor Ratio: 5:1 Calendar: MainStage: July 6-Aug. 14; first three-week session, July 6-24; second three-week session, July 27-Aug. 14; one-week session, July 27-July 31.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Little Theatre, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Transportation: No Fees: Vary by program.

558 WARBURTON AVE. HASTINGS ON HUDSON, NY 10706 (914) 478-0508 Director: Andrea Chillemi onhudson1@aol.com

Purchase College Summer Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts

Onhudsondance.com Philosophy: Learn various styles of dance and have fun while getting your body in awesome shape. Students will be able to sample various styles of dance taught by our professional staff in an air-conditioned, sunny, spacious studio overlooking the Hudson River. Ten years and older with prior dance experience required.

Enrollment: 20 Camper-counselor ratio: 10:1 Calendar: July 20-24 Hours: 10:30a.m.-3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $450

The Play Group Theatre ONE NORTH BROADWAY WHITE PLAINS, NY 10601 (914) 946-4433 Director: Jill Abusch jill@playgroup.org www.playgroup.org Philosophy: PGT Summer Theatre provides an artistically dynamic, creatively challenging summer experience, within a supportive, nurturing and collaborative environment. Choose from six-week MainStage and three-week options for the Teen Conservatory (ages 14-andover), the Young Actors’ Ensemble (ages 11-13), the PGT Kids (ages 7-10) and Little Theatre (ages 4-6). Classes vary each day, including acting, musical theatre, dance and movement, Shakespeare, stage combat, on camera and more. The day also includes rehearsal with each program culminating in a performance. A trip to Broadway, an improv workshop with Chicago City Limits and weekly special days complete the PGT Summer experience.

One-week improv and new design/tech programs are also available. PGT’s professional staff is dedicated to providing an

735 ANDERSON HILL RD. PURCHASE, NY 10577 (914) 251-6500 Director: Kelly Jackson youth.pre.college@purchase.edu www.purchase.edu/youth Philosophy: Children ages 9-18 will work with practicing artists and educators in the studios, stages and classrooms of Purchase College to develop confidence, creativity and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts. Programs in photography, visual arts, filmmaking, creative writing, acting, comic drawing, fashion design, songwriting, vocal, architecture, game and app design and Shakespeare are offered.

Enrollment: Varies by program Camper-counselor ratio: Approximately 10:1 Calendar: Begins June 29; dates vary by program Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; early drop-off and extended day options (9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) available at an additional cost Transportation: No Fees: $1,200-$2,700, vary by program; early registration/additional sibling discounts available.

Purchase Day Camp 3095 PURCHASE ST. PURCHASE, NY 10577 (914) 949-2636 Director: Jim Kelly office@purchasehouse.com www.PurchaseDayCamp.com Philosophy: Purchase Day Camp’s high energy, positive impact activities build self-esteem. Our broad-based program includes swimming, sports, art, music, science and much more. Growth in every specialty is nurtured by our sensitive, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22A

Check out Westmoreland Sanctuary’s summer camps! Campers will have the chance to explore the natural wonders of our forest. To register or for more information, contact Rachel Diersen at 914-666-8448 or rdiersen@westmorelandsanctuary.org Nature Immersion Camp (6-12 years old) Nature Scientists Camp (11-14 years old) Nature Exploration Camp 1 (6-12 years old) Animal Caretaker Camp (11-14 years old) Nature Exploration Camp 2 (6-12 years old)

June 23-26 July 7-10 July 21-24 July 29-31 August 25-28

$150 per camper $225 per camper $225 per camper $225 per camper $225 per camper

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enthusiastic and encouraging team of teachers. Discover why our campers say “I just LOVE it here!”

Enrollment: About 350 Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 21 Hours: Junior Camp 3s and 4s: full day 9 a.m.-4 p.m., mini-day 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., half day 9 a.m.-12:10 p.m.; Senior Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Mini-K (kindergarten only): 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Transportation: Busing available Fees: Base full-day fee: $3,750/two weeks; Mini-K fee: $2,700/two weeks; half-day fee: $1,450/two weeks.

Special programs/other: Little Sprouts Mini Camp for 3s, 4s and children entering kindergarten runs June 8-26. Sign up for one, two or all three weeks.

The Rye Arts Center 51 MILTON ROAD RYE, NY 10580 (914) 967-0700 Director: Adam Levi adam@ryeartscenter.org www.ryeartscenter.org Philosophy: Weekly and summer-long art, music and theater programs designed to nurture your creativity through the arts.

Choose from private music lessons to group fine arts classes in painting, photography, filmmaking and a wide array of STEM+Arts classes. Week-long theater program featuring “Willy Wonka” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” For those seeking a half day of arts, consider our Creative Arts Program for ages 4-10 where students explore a week-long immersion in the arts: drawing, painting, mixed media, creative movement, storytelling, interactive music classes and mini-concerts. STEAM-based tools such as Makey Makey, Scratch, Little Bits and 3D printing may also be included. Weather permitting, students will get an opportunity to paint and attend mini-concerts outside.

All classes/events are run by professional teaching artists and musicians.

Enrollment: Varies by week and class Camper-counselor ratio: n/a Calendar: June 29-Aug. 28 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Weekly.

Rye Racquet Club Tennis Camp 3 SOUTH RD. HARRISON, NY 10528 (914) 835-3030 Directors: Go Inagawa and Neel Roy

carolyn@ryeracquet.com goi@ryeracquet.com www.ryeracquet.com Philosophy: To provide a comprehensive tennis education, including mechanics, stroke production and strategies of the game. To help students develop a lifetime love of the game and a sense of good sportsmanship and fair play.

Enrollment: 40 campers/week Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1 or 5:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 21 Hours: Morning camp: 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m.; full day: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. (Friday camp ends at 1 p.m.); USTA and high school varsity: 2-4 p.m.; Mini-Camp (4-7 years old): Monday-Thursday, 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Call for fees Special programs/other: Students must be evaluated for acceptance into the USTA and/or full day camp. MITL team competition, Elite Training Program offered.

Sew Happy Threads Camp & Last Minute Camp DAMIANO RECREATION CENTER 281 MIDLAND AVE. RYE, NY 10580 (917) 885 7716 Director: Kim Mulcahy kim@sewhappyusa.net www.sewhappyusa.net Philosophy: These are boutique camps tailor made to inspire potential fashion designers and fashionistas out there.

The difference between the Sew Happy Threads Camp and other fashion-type camps is that we actually teach the kids how to design and sew wearable garments. The kids who attend our camps make great new friends and connections and often move on to advanced sewing classes and workshops with Sew Happy.

At Threads Camp, the kids work through fun design challenges, sometimes in groups and sometimes alone to create unique garments and they plan and orchestrate their own fashion show on the last day. At Last Minute Camp we have fun making our super cute sausage dog skirt, pencil case and yummy scrummy pillow. We offer the camp to ages 8-17 and then we group the kids by age with age appropriate projects and assignments.

Enrollment: Enroll on-line Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: Aug. 17-21, Aug 31-Sept 2 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Threads $500, Last Minute Camp $350 Special programs/other: Sew Happy

is also offering three weeks of sewing camps at CampInTouch At Greenwich Academy (http://www.greenwichacademy.org) during the month of June. We also offer workshops, classes, camps and after school clubs year-round.

Sound Scientist Summer Camp THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK 10 N. WATER ST. NORWALK, CT 06854 (203) 852-0700 EXT. 1201 Director: Ann Marie Lisi campdirector@maritimeaquarium.org www.maritimeaquarium.org Philosophy: Children between the ages of 6-15 discover the fun side of scientific inquiry in one-week summer sessions at the aquarium. Kids go beyond the books with exciting, age-appropriate, hands-on activities in our private classrooms, unique exhibits, new research vessel and larger-than-life IMAX movie theater.

Activities and topics vary by session.

Enrollment: 30/session Camper-counselor ratio: 7:1 Calendar: Week-long sessions June 22-Aug. 21. Special three-week Teen Apprentice session July 6-24.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; optional pre-care 8:30-9:30 a.m. and post-care 4-5:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: One-week sessions: $450 nonmember/$400 member (Teen Apprentice $1,500 nonmember/$1,350 member); precare: $85 nonmember/$65 member; postcare: $170 nonmember/$160 member.

Special programs/other: Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Sportime Harbor Island Summer Camp HARBOR ISLAND PARK MAMARONECK, NY 10543 (914) 777-5050 Director: Carlos Campo

CampsHI@SportimeNY.com www.SportimeCamps.com/HI Philosophy: All camps offer appropriate level of learning, playing, competing and summer fun. Facilities include nine tennis courts, ball fields, basketball, beach and spray park. There are three distinct summer junior tennis camps: Tennis camp for children ages 3-7; Junior Tennis and Sports Camp for advanced beginner to intermediate players ages 8-14; Elite Training Camp for competitive juniors of all ages.

Enrollment: 50 campers/week Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1

Calendar: June 15-Sept. 4 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or half-day options Transportation: Limited transportation may be available Fees: Call for fees.

Sportime Lake Isle Summer Camp 660 WHITE PLAINS RD. EASTCHESTER, NY 10709 (914) 777-5151 Director: Harel Srugo CampsLIsle@SportimeNY.com www.SportimeCamps.com/LIsle Philosophy: All camps offer appropriate level of learning, playing, competing and summer fun. Facilities include eight tennis courts, swimming pool, clubhouse. We are located at the Lake Isle Country Club.

There are three distinct summer junior tennis camps: Tennis camp for children ages 3-7; Junior Tennis and Sports Camp for advanced beginner to intermediate players ages 8-14; Elite Training Camp for competitive juniors of all ages.

Enrollment: 50 campers/week Camper-counselor ratio: 4:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 28 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or half-day options Transportation: Limited transportation may be available Fees: Call for fees.

Squire Advantage and Squire Sports Academies MARIA REGINA HIGH SCHOOL HARTSDALE, NY 10530 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 885 SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY 10591 (914) 328-3798 Director: Matt Davanzo squirecamps@gmail.com www.Squirecamps.com Philosophy: Squire Camps, set in Hartsdale on the Maria Regina High School Campus in the heart of Westchester, is celebrating its 42nd season and offers unique and varied opportunities for children ages 5-15. Squire Advantage is a totally individualized program for the inquisitive child who wishes to explore and expand his or her interests.

Advantage Primary, grades K-3, and Advantage Choice, grades 4-9, enable campers to custom design their own schedule by choosing three morning and two afternoon courses from a selection of over 50 offerings, which include digital photography, robotics, rocketry, polymer clay, sports, swimming, Legos, cooking, magic, science and many more. Squire

also offers a tennis academy and an allsports academy. Squire Sports programs provides an outstanding competitive program for athletes who are interested in improving their skills and having fun while doing so. Early drop-off from 8 a.m. on, hot lunch and a morning snack, as well as a t-shirt and water bottle, are included in all programs. Classrooms and dining hall are air-conditioned. Transportation and extended day are available. Instructors are New York State certified teachers.

Enrollment: 200 for Advantage, 50 for Sports Academies Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 or better Calendar: June 29-Aug. 14 Hours: 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. for Advantage; 8 a.m. drop-off included and extended day until 5:30 is optional Transportation: Yes Fees: Vary.

Steffi Nossen Summer Dance 2015 216 CENTRAL AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 (914) 328-1900 Director: Kathy Fitzgerald info@steffinossen.org www.steffinossen.org Philosophy: Programs fit the needs of a broad spectrum of dancers. Both programs and faculty transmit the joy of dance while teaching technique and developing creativity.

Enrollment: Currently accepting enrollment for weeklong Company in Residence Program, an opportunity for experienced high school and college dancers to join a professional dance company in daily Company Class and create and learn repertory; week-long Hip Hop Intensive, an exciting week of hip hop and break dancing classes, including freestyling, repertory, plus dance conditioning and modern dance classes for grades 6 and up; Young Movers Summer Dance Camp for grades 2-5 with classes in modern, ballet, composition, hip hop, tap and musical theater classes, along with creative movement, arts and crafts activities, dance history and games; week-long Dance Intensives for dancers in sixth grade-high school offers daily modern, ballet and jazz technique classes, plus improvisation/composition, repertory, Pilates and yoga; Dance Master Series: 10 Artists in 10 Days — each day a different performing professional will present a Master Class followed by discussion and repertory in a variety of modern and jazz techniques; and Adult Moving Wheels & Heels Adaptive Dance Residency and CONTINUED ON PAGE 23A

YOUR COMMUNITY ART SCHOOL CENTRALLY LOCATED IN WHITE PLAINS

Is this youth facing a

mental health crisis?

Summer Art Classes for Kids & Adults Portfolio Development for Teens Art Institute for Teens Debate and Public Speaking for Kids

learn to spot the warning signs and how to take action until professional help is available.

You can help.

Sign up for Youth Mental health First aid Training.

REGISTRATION BEGINS: APRIL 4

Summer Art Classes for Adults and Children Call for information: 914-606-7500 www.sunywcc.edu/arts email: arts@sunywcc.edu

For more information, contact Julie Klaber at Westchester Jewish community Services, 914-761-0600 x116 or jklaber@wjcs.com.

WESTCHESTER COMMUNIT Y C O L L E G E

www.wjcs.com

MARCH 13, 2015

KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 23A

The Record-Review 2015 v DAY CAMP GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22A

Children’s Adaptive Dance Camp.

Calendar: Professional Dance Residency: June 29-July 2; Hip-Hop Intensive: July 6-10; Young Movers Summer Dance Camp: July 6-17; Weeklong Dance Intensives: July 20-24 and 27-31; Master Series: 10 Artists in 10 Days: July 29-Aug. 9; Moving Wheels & Heels Adaptive Dance: Adult Weeklong Intensive June 22-27; Children’s Camp June 29-July 2.

Transportation: No Fees: Call for details.

St. John’s Pre-School Summer Camp (nonsectarian) P.O. BOX 394 SOUTH SALEM, NY 10590 (914) 763-3671 Director: Barbara Bonfantini Philosophy: St. John’s Pre-School Summer Camp is located in Northern Westchester in the beautiful town of South Salem and is now in its 18th year of operation. We continue to offer a stimulating, age-appropriate experience for children 2-5 years. With an emphasis on theme-related weekly activities, children will have an opportunity to enjoy indoor as well as outdoor activities including art, music, water play, drama and group games.

With our expanded playground, campers will have many new possibilities for summer fun. All of us at St. John’s Pre-School Summer Camp are committed to offering a safe, professional and exciting camp environment where the self-confidence and social skills your children have developed during the school year will continue to grow over the summer.

Enrollment: 15-20 campers/weekly session Camper-counselor ratio: 7:1, experienced, mature staff Calendar: June 29-Aug. 6; parents may register campers on a weekly basis Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:15 a.m.-noon Transportation: No Fees: Upon request Special programs/other: Large playground with a field, bicycles, bicycle track, sandbox, climber, water play and sprinkler fun.

www.thistlewaithe.org Philosophy: On our nearly 7-acre campus in South Salem, Nature Paths launches the young learner on daily exploration that emphasizes problem solving in the natural environment. Hands-on experiments, reading readiness, scientific observation, outdoor games and movement round out the busy morning.

Enrollment: Children ages 4-6 (must enroll for a minimum of two weeks, for either four or five days) Camper-counselor ratio: 7:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 7 Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: Four-day program: $275/week; five-day program: $300/week Special programs/other: Visits from naturalists, arts/crafts, surprise theme days.

Thornton-Donovan School Summer Challenge 100 OVERLOOK CIRCLE NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804 (914) 632-8836 Director: Annemarie Licini alicini@aol.com www.td.edu Philosophy: The Summer Challenge begins its 46th year Monday, July 6, and concludes seven weeks later on Friday, Aug. 21. The Summer Challenge attracts campers from ages 3-14, is co-educational and has swimming and instructional swim as its main focus. The Challenge also makes available 25 other recreational activities. A seasoned staff of 20, mostly teachers and other professionals, help make each summer day a fun and safe one. Our open houses are set for Sundays, March 15, and April 19, both from 2-4 p.m. Call for a brochure or any other information.

Enrollment: 150 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 or 6:1 Calendar: July 6-Aug. 21 Hours: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Transportation: Yes, call for details Fees: $660/week. Discounts on multipleweek programs.

Special programs/other: Summer school classes from July 13-Aug. 7.

ThistleWaithe Nature Paths

Town of Bedford Recreation and Parks:

1340 ROUTE 35 SOUTH SALEM, NY 10590 (914) 977-3662 Director: Maria Fitzgerald information@thistlewaithe.org

BEDFORD HILLS DAY CAMP BEDFORD VILLAGE DAY CAMP KATONAH DAY CAMP CAMPS ARE LOCATED IN EACH HAMLET PARK.

CAMP REGISTRATION: 425 CHERRY ST. BEDFORD HILLS, NY 10507 (914) 666-7004 Coordinator: Kimberly O’Brien www.bedfordny.gov Philosophy: The Town of Bedford is proud to offer three exciting camp locations for kids entering first though seventh grades. Our camps are designed to provide campers with a variety of activities each day in a safe, nurturing and fun atmosphere. The camper’s day is balanced with activities, which emphasize social, physical and emotional growth. Each day, campers are offered some degree of choice and are encouraged to participate in all areas of the program. Programs include theme week activities, special events, performers, swimming lessons, athletics, arts and crafts and more.

Enrollment: Approximately 150/camp location Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 or less Calendar: June 30-Aug. 7 Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $465-$672

Town of Bedford Recreation and Parks: BEDFORD HILLS/KATONAH TINY TOTS BEDFORD VILLAGE TINY TOTS TINY TOTS ARE LOCATED IN TWO OF OUR THREE HAMLET AREAS. CAMP REGISTRATION: 425 CHERRY ST. BEDFORD HILLS, NY 10507 (914) 666-7004 Coordinator: Kimberly O’Brien www.bedfordny.gov Philosophy: The Town of Bedford is proud to offer a wonderful and enriching program for your younger residents. The Tiny Tots program is for 3.5-year-olds to those entering kindergarten in the fall.

Our camps are designed to provide campers with a variety of activities each day in a safe, nurturing and fun atmosphere. The camper’s day is balanced with activities which emphasize social, physical and emotional growth. Camps offer theme week activities, special events, performers, music, storytelling, arts and crafts and more.

Enrollment: Varies Camper-counselor ratio: 8:1 or less Calendar: June 30-Aug. 7 Hours: 9-11:40 a.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $376-$557

Twin Lakes Farm

Westchester Summer Day

960 CALIFORNIA RD. BRONXVILLE, NY 10708 (914) 961-2192 Director: Kirsten Cowen Kirsten@TwinLakesFarm.com

865 ORIENTA AVE. MAMARONECK, NY 10543 (914) 698-8900 Director: David Iskovitz wsd@westchesterday.org

www.TwinLakesFarm.com Philosophy: Traditional riding academy and summer camp with over 45 lesson horses, indoor and outdoor riding.

Enrollment: 30 Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: July 1-Aug. 23; weekly, biweekly, monthly and full summer camp Hours: Half day, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; full day, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $500/week half day, $750/week full day; multi-week discounts Special programs/other: Summer camp includes twice daily riding, horsemanship, horsey arts and crafts, waterslides and horsey games. Afternoon summer leasing also available by the month or week. New renovated facility with new indoor dedicated to camp.

Westchester Community College Center for the Arts Art Camp WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER 196 CENTRAL AVE. WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606 (914) 606-7500 Director: Lisa Santalis Arts@sunywcc.edu Sunywcc.edu/arts Philosophy: Explorations may include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and more. Students will be introduced to and work with a variety of quality materials and will experiment with different styles, inspired by artists and art movements. This interactive program blends fun with fine art (clay sculpture, drawing, painting, digital art, crafts, mixed media, architecture).

Enrollment: 60 Camper-counselor ratio: 16:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 13 Hours: 1-3 p.m.

Transportation: No Fees: $580, plus $8.25 registration fee Special programs/other: Other programs we offer are public speaking and debate camp, teen art institutes in drawing, painting, photography and ceramics and teen art portfolio development.

www.westchesterday.org/summer Philosophy: Westchester Summer Day (WSD) offers an unmatched summer experience where children have fun, learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Our highly trained and caring staff includes teachers, sports and art specialists, lifeguards and a full-time nurse. Our professional staff work together to ensure that each child is happy all summer long. WSD promotes Jewish values and engages children in a host of fun activities within the framework of the modern orthodox tradition.

Enrollment: 600 Camper-counselor ratio: 18:4 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 20 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Transportation is available from Westchester and NYC Fees: See website.

Woodmont Day Camp 420 PHILLIPS HILL RD. NEW CITY, NY 10956 (845) 638-0700 Directors: Ilisha and Sam Borek info@woodmontdaycamp.com www.woodmontdaycamp.com Philosophy: Woodmont Day Camp is a camp where each child will feel the warmth and comfort of home. Your child will experience a dynamic program in an environment fostering growth and independence.

Enrollment: n/a Camper-counselor ratio: 5:1 Calendar: June 29-Aug. 20 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Transportation: Yes Fees: Upon request Special programs/other: Teen travel programs available for seventh-ninthgraders.

View these listings with live hyperlinks to the camp websites in our online KIDS! issue at www.record-review.com Click the “read online” link and go to page 19A.

PAGE 24A | THE RECORD-REVIEW

KIDS!

SCHOOL NOTES

An Affordable Jewish Education for your child when you don’t belong to a Synagogue.

Smart Boards for smart kids at Landmark Preschool

Enroll your child now for the 2015-16 school year!

The Children’s Jewish Education Group offers Jewish cultural studies for grades K-7, with emphasis on tradition, history and holidays. A professional teaching staff is supported by a parent co-op. Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons available. Interfaith families welcome. Classes held Sunday mornings at Purchase College.

Come to our Open House Day! April 19, 2015

Named “Best Sport Camp”

by Westchester Magazine Bedford and White Plains Boys & Girls 6-16

Every day there are new apps and tech toys for children hitting the market. Developers say the apps are educational, and busy parents know that a digital babysitter can buy them a few minutes of valuable time. But is this technology a healthy thing for young kids?

“Technology at 2 years old is definitely a touchy issue,” said Ann Hirsch, director of Landmark Preschool in Bedford. “Two-yearolds need the opportunity to socialize and learn that they are part of a larger community.”

Nevertheless, we live in a tech world. Children will encounter technology at a young age. Introducing them to it in a developmentally appropriate way is important, and the preschool classroom is a great place for that.

As children move from the parallel play stage to more cooperative play during preschool, technology can become a classroom asset. And there are developmentally appropriate ways to bring technology to children in the classroom.

At Landmark Preschool teachers use Smart Boards, interactive white boards that use touch technology to bring the Internet onto a big screen. This technology is incorporated in discrete, meaningful ways. “We do not spend hours on the board, but rather choose very de-

liberate activities, even making some of them ourselves, to help our students to grow,” Hirsch said.

Landmark was the first preschool in Connecticut to install this technology and now has them in all of their 3-, 4- and 5-year-old classrooms. It allows children to experience and learn in more direct ways.

Landmark Preschool is a nonsectarian academic preschool with 40 years of experience in early childhood education. The program cultivates reading readiness and a love of learning through small group instruction. Landmark Preschool has campuses in Bedford, N.Y., and Westport, Redding, and Ridgefield, Conn.

Landmark Preschool is affiliated with Ridgefield Academy, a not-for-profit independent day school that educates over 600 Westchester and Fairfield county students enrolled across its three campuses. This year the school is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool are members of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Visit www.landmarkpreschool.org or call 393-2293 for more information.

STEAM gaining steam at Soundview Prep

Call now for more information or visit our website:

914-864-1267 www.cjeg.org

MARCH 13, 2015

An affiliated member of the

A hot-button topic in education recently is STEM, which is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. When you add Art to STEM you get STEAM. These fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and each of these disciplines is essential for the 21st century. The term STEAM is increasingly in the forefront of educational thinking.

The arts and sciences have merged for ages.

During the Renaissance, artist and scientist Leonardo Da Vinci wrote: “Principles for the Development of a Complete Mind: study the science of art. Study the art of science.

Develop your senses — especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”

Soundview Summer STEAM is a new and unique enrichment program providing students entering third through sixth grades a place to use both the left and right sides of their brains. This program has been two years in the making by program director Melinda Franzese, art department chairman at Soundview Preparatory School.

“Leonardo Da Vinci inspired me to be an artist,” Franzese said. “His art encouraged me to learn about science. I wanted to be able to

bring these ideas together in a fun and creative environment for kids.”

As an educator with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Franzese wanted to deliver a summer enrichment program which was imaginative, cerebral and fun. After learning about STEAM, she was intrigued and knew she wanted to make it the focus of the program. When Nicole Tantillo, a science teacher at Soundview, was asked to join the S team, she was immediately on board.

The mission of Soundview Summer STEAM is to provide kids a creative, handson experience in a noncompetitive environment and small groups while recognizing the value of each child. Each of the program’s five weeks offers a prospect themed around one artist and science, either in an a.m. or p.m. session. Kids can attend each week or choose their favorites.

The program will take place on Soundview’s 14-acre bucolic campus in Yorktown Heights. For more information or to register your child for Soundview Summer STEAM, visit www.soundviewprep.org/summerpro219 Water gram, contact Melinda Franzese at SummerMahopac Program@SoundviewPrep.org or call 9622780 Ext. 108.

845.621

Zephyr Farm 219 Watermelon Hill Rd. Mahopac, NY 10541

845.621.4450 Full Service Equestrian Training SUMMER RIDING PROGRAM Facility for Over 20 Years

• - 9 Week Sessions June 29th - Aug. 28th On 18 1 Acres

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914-946-1231

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Staff of Experienced, Visit Beautiful Facilities – Full-Service Equestrian Training Facility for Over 20 our Years Caring Professionals On 18 Acres • Staff of Experienced, Caring Professionals Riders of All Levels Welcome • Lessons • Boarding/Leasing Riders of all Levels Welcome.

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Visit Our Beautiful Facilities Birthday Parties. — You’ll Be Impressed!

Horses for Sale or Share/Lease.

Visit our Beautiful Facilities – You’ll be Impressed!

MARCH 13, 2015

KIDS!

Reading fundamental for students Reading is one of the most important parts of a child’s education. This month, Huntington Learning Center helps celebrate Read Across America and the 111th birthday of Dr. Seuss.

“Literacy is the foundation of learning and the most essential building block in a child’s education,” said Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center. “Read Across America is one of our favorite national celebrations because not only does it bring attention to the importance of reading as an academic and life skill, it reminds us all that reading is fun. Dr. Seuss’s books revolutionized storytelling and continue to show readers of all ages that reading is one of life’s great pastimes.”

How can p arents encourage their children to get excited about reading? Huntington offers these tips: • Let your child choose books about subjects that interest him or her.

• Continue trying new types of books to give your child opportunities to discover that favorite book or author.

• Select books that your child can read successfully. Choosing books that he or she struggles to read will only prove discouraging.

• Read aloud to your child, even if they are in middle school. It is a great way for them to have one-on-one time with you and you can create excitement about the book.

• Help your reluctant reader find books he or she likes. This may involve some trial and error, but talk with your librarian for ideas and look specifically for book series and lists designed for students who are below-grade-

level or reluctant readers.

• Reward reading. If your child needs a little encouragement, incentivize him or her for reading each day. The more your child reads, the more successful he or she will become — and the more likely he or she will want to read more.

• Make reading a part of everyday life at home.

• Have your child see you reading every day. It shows reading is an important part of your life.

• Make reading fun and don’t force it. Follow your child’s lead when it comes to selecting books, even if it means letting him or her choose a comic book over a novel, or a book that’s below his or her ability over one that challenges him or her.

About Huntington Learning Center

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.

Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com.

Soccer Post of Bedford Hills is the destination for all your soccer needs!

• Extensive selection of Cleats for both Youth and Adult • Apparel and Replica Jerseys for Men, Women & Youth • Authentic Name Kits, Gifts for Soccer Enthusiasts • Exceptional customer service by SOCCER EXPERTS • Coaching Supplies, GK Apparel & Gloves • Team Uniforms, KWIK Goals, Pop Up Soccer Goals, and much more!

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532 Bedford Road • Bedford Hills, NY 10507

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THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 25A

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Bonding with baby CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 A

learning balance and learning how to breathe.

These classes for 12-month-olds to preschoolers (up to 5 years) help kids to grow strong, well balanced and more focused, according to Rogalski.

Yoga classes for older kids (she also offers Pilates) “can be with mommy or dad or with families as a nice bonding experience.” Rogalski noted that younger kids have had nannies accompany them as well. The class helps “give kids confidence and helps the growth of brain cells,” she said.

Rogalski said she never adjusts yoga poses, explaining that the “whole idea is to feel your body to get into poses.” She does suggest a better way to do it, like saying, “Open up your feet,” and gives visual suggestions on how to do it.

Classes are held in Rogalski’s home studio, adjacent to her office where she works with patients in her speech, language and voice pathology practice. Rogalski, who holds a Ph.D. in psycholinguistics/speech, language and voice pathology, incorporates yogic breathing with her students. She is the advisor to the Yoga Club at Scarsdale High School.

Making a splash at the Y

Over at the YWCA in White Plains, babies make a splash in the Wee Splash swim classes.

Designed for babies 6 months to 2 years, little ones are in the water with either a parent or a grandparent. Danielle Cylich, the COO of the YWCA said, “It’s not like it was 20 years ago. Moms are working,” so often a grandpar-

KIDS!

ent or dad is in the pool with the babies. At this level, family caregivers — be it Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa — are taught to “safely work with their child in the water, including how to appropriately support and hold their child in the water and how to prepare and encourage the child to participate fully and try new skills,” according to the Y’s online Website.

Children are taught the foundation to help them learn to swim. The goal of the program is to teach water safety (entering and exiting the pool), adjust to the water, being comfortable in their exploration of buoyancy, body position, floating, gliding basic stroke action, life jacket use and breathing control, blowing bubbles, etc. The classes also feature games and songs to create a fun atmosphere.

The Y’s Little Goldfish program is a swim class for 12-month-olds to 2-year-olds. The class gives parents and/or other family members and babies the opportunity to work and play together to learn basic skills. With the use of flotation devices, games and water play, kids become comfortable in the water while getting physical activity. These 30-minute sessions are held on Wednesdays and Fridays and have a limit of eight to 10 family member and babies.

The Wee Fish aquatics class is for toddlers ages 3-5 who don’t know how to swim yet. It teaches the most basic aquatic skills, generally with assistance. The goal is to introduce basic water skills, while simultaneously alternating arm/ leg action on their front and back and to ultimately be equipped to progress and move on to the next level.

Intermediate and advanced swim classes for swimmers are also offered and require an evaluation for placement. All water classes are taught by certified professionals.

Toddlers can also hit the gym for gymnastics. Tots roll and tumble and are introduced to the basics. Age appropriate gross motor development is encouraged.

Space constraints at the Y only allow them to offer mommy and me classes weekdays. They do however rent space to Musical Munchkins, a parent/child program that runs programs one weekend day and one weekday with nannies and caretakers often accompanying the babies.

MARCH 13, 2015

Musical Munchkins is an interactive program using multiculturally inspired instruments, drumming, movement, multilanguage songs, pretend play and even song versions of kids’ favorite story books.

With so many activity and exercise programs available, babies have the opportunity to expand their worlds… and bond with the ones who love and care for them most. How sweet it is!

y t a r r u d o Farm C e T Summer Riding Camp Bedford, NY

Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm • $550/child Riding lesson, horsemanship lesson/activity, lunch, and game/craft. All levels of experience welcome!

Summer Camp dates: June 30-July 3 • July 7-July 10 • July 14-July 17 • July 21-24 August dates to come Contact Amanda at CourtyardfarmAmanda@gmail.com or at 631-258-4015

MARCH 13, 2015

KIDS!

THE RECORD-REVIEW| PAGE 27A

MVP is ready for another big summer If you’ve lived in White Plains or surrounding areas for a while, you’ve probably seen children wearing many different color variations of MVP Basketball Camp’s T-shirts. MVP has filled more than 20,000 weeks of summer camp since inception. The camp celebrated its 20th season last year with proclamations from both the City of White Plains and the County of Westchester acknowledging the youth services that MVP has provided. What makes MVP truly unique is that more than 30 percent of the campers pay no tuition for a full week under the umbrella of MVP’s scholarship program.

CityMD urgent care arrived in White Plains in October with a new location at 222 Mamaroneck Ave., providing convenient and quality urgent care. They immediately sought to form partnerships to benefit the community with local nonprofits that had similar values. Kids wearing MVP Basketball Camp’s colorful shirts caught their eye. After a conversation between leadership in the two organizations, CityMD made a pledge to donate $5,600 to MVP Basketball Camp’s Youth Development Scholarship program, plus allocated an extra $3,400 to reduce the cost of the 2,000 T-shirts that MVP gives to campers each summer.

The grant from CityMD will be extremely important in helping ensure that MVP can still offer scholarships to more than 30 percent of all campers in a year when they’ve had to find these alternative locations to their usual White Plains facility, which is being remodeled. Scholarships are based

on financial need, as well as performance in school. Any family that is struggling to pay the bills can apply. Many past scholarships have been granted to children through social services agencies like the Coachman Family Center, the Theodore D. Young Center, the Carver Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Mount Vernon.

MVP is more than just a basketball camp — it’s a place where children from all socioeconomic backgrounds learn respect, fair play, determination and hard work.

“The kids who have gone to MVP wear their T-shirts all the time and talk about going back throughout the school year,” said Lowes Moore, former NBA player and ex-

ecutive director of the Boys and Girls Club.

“And even without their shirts, these kids are easy to spot because going to MVP has changed them. They interact more easily with others and take instruction better.”

Changes at MVP

Big changes are in store for MVP in 2015.

Camp begins with two full weeks starting on June 29 at Fox Lane Middle School and High School complex in Bedford. For the first time MVP will feature its 6-8-year-old co-ed program and its program for older girls at this Bedford location, in addition to three age groups for boys ages 916.

Then when MVP returns to White Plains

on July 13 for four separate one-week sessions, the camp will use two new venues — Ebersole arena at Delfino Park and the Rochambeau School — to host its programs for boys and girls ages 6-16. The great news is that MVP will have a more personalized camper focus than ever as it restricts the total number of campers it can accommodate at these two facilities. The bad news is that programs will probably sell out early due to the lower overall program numbers that these facilities can accommodate. Online registration is available now and should stay open until at least the end of April, even for the most popular age groups.

Stan Greene founded MVP Basketball Camp in 1994 with the dream that no child would ever be turned away due to an inability to pay. Greene passed away in December 2009 and is survived by his wife Gingie Greene, who serves on MVP’s board of directors.

Stan Greene’s legacy is a basketball camp that has awarded over 5,000 scholarships since inception to economically disadvantaged children, plus scholarship awards to numerous children with a family member serving in the armed forces through MVP’s Hoops for Troops program. Last year, MVP awarded 339 full-week scholarships.

For more information, call executive director Noel Muyskens at 946-1231. You can support MVP’s mission by making an online tax deductible donation at www.mvpbasketballcamp/community.

Come sto the st p by to sho o p about re and lear n all of the gr event eat sw Comm e have in ou r unity Room !

Let your children learn and explore at camp!

David Llanos Summer Art Camp at Expect Natural

Makers Studio

Drawing and Painting

Ages 8 – 12 Your child will enjoy hands-on experiments, challenges and activities as they build and create in our workshops introducing them to science and engineering which develop valuable problem solving skills. Nothing boxed here! Every creation will be as unique as each individual child.

July 6-10 The foundation for great art making is a strong ability to convey and produce what one envisions! This course is designed around engaging students in real art making and building that solid art foundation.

Our Little Munchkins Ages 2 – 5 Let your preschooler’s first camp experience be full of sweet memories. Our experienced staff will guide young campers through arts and crafts, games developing gross motor skills, fine motor skills activities, social play, music and more!

Stop in or contact us for registration information info@expectnatural.com

774 N. Bedford Road Bedford Hills, NY 10507 (914) 242-4685

Sculpture Builders July 13-17 Kids are naturally drawn to three dimensional art making! In this workshop students will explore essential sculpting experiences individually and collaboratively.

Collage and Print Making July 20-24 This workshop will focus on creating and assembling a variety of materials to create dynamic two dimensional and low relief mixed media art.

Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30-6PM Sun: 10-4PM

PAGE 28A | THE RECORD-REVIEW

clothing / shoes / accessories RY E B RO O K • 1 8 RY E R I D G E P L A Z A

KIDS!

contemporary / juniors / kids / baby other locations: M A N H AT TA N B R O O K LY N G R E E N VA L E

MARCH 13, 2015