(585) Kids Spring 2024 Summer Camp & Activity Guide

Hello, (585) families

What a glorious time of year! Spring is here and the sunny days are abundant. This is when I spend my free time preparing my garden and taking long walks with my family. Like Terri Ercole suggests in this issue’s “Mindfulness moments” article (page 20), I take in my surroundings with every sense. I taste the fresh herbs that are sprouting, smell the flowers that are blooming, listen to the birds sing, watch the clouds drift across the sky, and feel the freshly turned earth in my hands.

In this issue we celebrate the season with a detailed listing of area summer camps and activities for children and teens. We also have crafts, book suggestions, summer safety tips, and much more. Happy spring!

—Christine Green, Managing Editor

Photo of Christine Green by Renée Veniskey

Emily DiCesare is an E.R. doc by trade, salad blogger by passion, who lives in Brighton with her family.

Terri Ercole is an elementary school teacher and volunteer with the Center for Youth in Rochester.

Graciella Dressler is a journalism and broadcasting major at SUNY Brockport.

Audrey Mead is a curious fifth grader with a passion for reading. She loves Legos, performing in musicals, and writing stories.

Sarah Mead is a writer who loves children’s books and dance parties in the kitchen. She lives with her family in Victor.

Lainey Porter is a junior at SUNY Brockport studying journalism and photography.

Anna Overmoyer a traditional and dimensional illustrator who grew up in the forest of Upstate New York. anna-overmoyer.square.site.

Jinelle Vaiana is a freelance writer and copy editor, and a self-

proclaimed “word nerd.” She’s been writing for local publications for more than ten years, and she’s also a nonprofit board member and talent acquisition professional. Reach her at jvaiana@585mag.com.

Deena Viviani is the young adult services librarian at Brighton Memorial Library.

Photo by Michael Hanlon

Design by Cathy Monrad

Lainey Porter and Graciella Dressler

Put music on your schedule this summer!

Join us for individual lessons or choose from a variety of camps for all ages, including:

• Early Childhood Summer Session

• Adventure Music Camp

• High School Wind Ensemble and more!

It’s not too early to start planning! Visit us online today.

This directory is not an exhaustive list of camps. If you would like to see your organization listed in our camp directory, please contact us at cgreen@585mag.com.

Active and sports: page 7

Animals and nature: page 9

Arts: page 9

Modeling and etiquette: page 10

Overnight camps: page 11

Science and technology: page 11

Special needs: page 12

Theater: page 12

Variety of offerings: page 12

ACTIVE AND SPORTS CAMP PINNACLE

7600 Pinnacle Rd., Victor 585-433-2930

pinnacleathleticvictor.com

Camp Pinnacle gets children active on 60,000 square feet of turf, two basketball courts, volleyball courts, and more. Camp Pinnacle focuses on large and small motor skill activities while providing a safe and FUN environment for kids to play this summer.

DICK’S HOUSE OF SPORT

200 Eastview Mall, Victor 585-282-0000

stores.dickssportinggoods.com/ny/victor/1500/

DICK’S House of Sport at The Eastview Mall is excited to host a variety of summer camps to instill love of sport, develop performance within sport, or simply to just have fun and make friends!

EMPIRE TENNIS ACADEMY

1981 Clover St., Rochester 585-697-7766

empiretennisacademy.com

Based out of the Harley School Fieldhouse, Empire’s junior program is among the best in Rochester, using dynamic drills and games to not only improve players, but also to motivate youngsters to play, compete, and become lifelong players.

FAST BREAK

121 Lincoln Ave., Rochester 585-285-7064

fastbreakkids.com

Fast Break offers a variety of sports camps for children of all ages.

LAKESHORE HOCKEY ACADEMY

123 Ling Rd., Rochester 585-865-2800

lshaice.com

This camp offers players with on-ice training, off-ice shooting, strength and conditioning, and team building.

MASTER KIM’S TAEKWONDO

1601 Penfield Rd., Rochester, 585-377-2000

3042 W. Ridge Rd., Rochester, 585-227-8000

2255 E. Ridge Rd., Irondequoit, 585-342-5010 masterkims.com

This camp can help children develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. Master Kim’s Taekwondo is a landmark of Rochester martial arts. Weekly camps include Taekwondo classes, games, arts and crafts, and weekly field trips.

MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB

200 E. Highland Dr., Brighton 585-461-2300

midtown.com

Camp Midtown kids enjoy a variety of games, crafts, and weekly themed sessions, from the pool to the tennis courts and everything in between.

NEON WAVE SURF CAMP

237 High Street Extension, Canandaigua 585-732-0643

thisisneonwave.com

The Neon Wave and Canandaigua Sailboard teams traverse beautiful Canandaigua Lake during a five-day camp aboard a top-of-the-line wakesurf boat. Campers will learn to wakesurf in a team environment with like-minded kids and industry professionals.

ACTIVE AND SPORTS cont.

PAWS YOUTH AND ADVOCACY CENTER

632 Hollenbeck St., Rochester

585-514-1733

pawsofrochester.org

PAWS offers a fun-filled camp focused on building better people and players. It is open to all abilities (beginners to travel players). It also focuses on the Big 3, (fielding-hitting-throwing). Positional play, game situations and strength/conditioning is also mixed in various stations.

PINNACLE ATHLETIC CAMPUS

7600 Pinnacle Rd., Victor 585-433-2930

pinnacleathleticvictor.com

Pinnacle Athletic Campus in Victor offers an engaging and energetic experience for kids 5–12 years old. This vast facility has countless opportunities for kids’ growth. While learning various sports at Pinnacle, children will discover respect, collaboration, and the joy of teamwork.

ROCHESTER FENCING CLUB

3335 Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester 585-654-6047

rocfencing.com

Fencing is a great way for children to develop memory, focus, and to improve their mood while learning the traditions of respect and courtesy of the sport. Sessions run Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

ROCHESTER PARKOUR

1344 University Ave., Rochester 585-204-7537

rochesterparkour.com

From movement games to Nerf battles, co-owners Charles and Nicole have created a space for kiddos to explore this interesting form of movement and exercise. For ages 6–9.

ROCHESTER PHOENIX MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMP

563 Titus Ave., Rochester 585-371-7732

rochesterjiujustu.com

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a type of self-defense martial art. In addition to developing physical strength, children also learn to focus, follow instructions, and use their minds to problem-solve. Children will learn some basic BJJ moves, the importance of self-control and self-defense, and play games that use gross motor skills.

ROCHESTER YACHT CLUB

5555 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester 585-342-5511

rochesteryc.com

For ages 6–17, these summer programs teach and promote an interest in yachts and yachting and the principles of seamanship and navigation.

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ROCVENTURES

1044 University Ave., Rochester 585-442-5462

rocventuresclimbing.com

RocVentures is an exciting and active option to keep children entertained during the summer. Kids can participate in a range of activities such as climbing, team-building games, and more!

SODUS BAY JUNIOR SAILING ASSOCIATION

7433 Clover St., PO Box 117, Sodus Point 315-333-2079

sbjsa.org

This association’s sailing curriculum is designed to provide all levels of instruction from beginner to advanced. All classes will be offered as a one-week session. For ages 8–18.

SPORT INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY ACADEMY (SIHA)

80 Lyndon Rd., Fairport

123 Ling Rd., Rochester 800-724-6658

siha.com

This is a camp is forty hours of hockey for ages 6–17. SIHA is a fast-paced program perfect for any level of hockey player. The Fairport camp will be held at the Rochester Ice Center July 10–14. The Rochester camp will be held at the Lakeshore Hockey Arena July 31–Aug. 4.

TENNIS CLUB OF ROCHESTER

570 Kreag Rd., Pittsford 585-381-2529

tcr1886.com

The club has a variety of options for campers to fill their days with sports, swimming, group activities, and fun. The camp includes one-week sessions, Monday–Friday, beginning June 26.

TOTAL SPORTS EXPERIENCE

880 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, 585-458-4263

435 W. Commercial St, East Rochester, 585-203-0367

totalsports-experience.com

This camp offers a variety of camps for kids interested in sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and more. Sessions vary in length and programs are available for ages 2–18 plus.

YMCA OF GREATER ROCHESTER

YMCARochester.org

The Y provides a safe environment for young people to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, and develop interpersonal skills. Discover the health benefits of the outdoors with locations across Monroe, Ontario, Steuben, and Yates Counties.

DAY CAMPS:

Camp Arrowhead (Pittsford), 585-383-4590

Camp Bay View (Webster), 585-341-4001

Camp Cory (Penn Yan), 585-325-2889

Camp Eastside (Penfield), 585-341-4030

Camp Glacier Lake (Canandaigua), 585-394-6866

Camp Northpoint (Hilton), 585-784-3800

Camp Watson Woods (Painted Post), 607-936-4638

OVERNIGHT CAMPS:

Camps Cory and Gorham are detailed in the “Overnight Camps” section on page 11

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WARRIOR FACTORY/SUMMER NINJA CAMP

3150 W. Henrietta Rd .Suite 4, Rochester 85-427-9289

rochester.thewarriorfactory.com

The Warrior Factory Ninja Camp includes activities that range from training techniques, open gym play, ninja games, obstacle courses, and some ninja-related activities. Week-long camps are available over the summer as well as during school breaks.

ANIMALS AND NATURE

FOXHALL FARM TRAINING & SALES

2332 State Rte. 444, Bloomfield 585-259-9516

foxhallfarm.wordpress.com

Foxhall Farm Training & Sales has up a variety of camps throughout the year for horseback riding and equestrian exploration. The camp provides lessons in riding, stable management, equipment, and horsemanship.

LOLLYPOP FARM

99 Victor Rd., Fairport

585-223-1330

lollypop.org

Lollypop Farm has a variety of summer camps for kids interested in learning more about animals and the animal welfare community. Fun for animal enthusiasts entering second through ninth grade.

RMSC CUMMING NATURE CENTER

6472 Gulick Rd., Naples

585-374-6160

rmsc.org

Outdoor educators help campers search for salamanders, build gnome homes, climb trees, dig for artifacts, learn basic wilderness skills, enjoy outdoor team-building activities, and more. Ages 6–18.

SENECA PARK ZOO

2222 St. Paul St., Rochester 585-336-7213

senecaparkzoo.org

Summer ZooCamp offers half-day or full-day options where campers ages 3–12 explore nature and animals. Every camp includes daily animal experiences, nature hikes, outdoor play, and more.

ARTS (Please note: theater camps are on page 12)

THE ARTS CENTER OF YATES COUNTY

127 Main Street, Penn Yan 315-536-8226

artscenteryatescounty.org

The Arts Center of Yates County presents an Arts Retreat for Children at Sunny Point—a fun and inspiring four-day visual arts retreat for children passionate about engaging in the visual arts. This camp is for students entering grade 1–5 held at the Keuka Lake facility.

ALLENDALE COLUMBIA SCHOOL

519 Allens Creek Rd., Rochester 585-641-5231

allendalecolumbia.org

Allendale Columbia School offers a variety of camps from entrepreneurship and art in nature to jewelry making and creative performance and much more. Campers can choose one camp or mix-and-match day camp with special weekly programs.

BACH TO ROCK/ROCK CITY WORLD TOUR AM

2160 Penfield Rd., Penfield 585-364-3766

bachtorock.com/penfield

Campers will learn to play hit songs and perform with other campers on the big stage or in the Beat Refinery room. Options include Rock City World Tour (4–6), Glee Club (6+), Rock Band (7+), Beat Making (8+), Recording Arts (10+), and DJ (10+) camps.

CASA ITALIANA

4245 East Ave., Rochester 585-396-0411

naz.edu/casa-italiana/childrens-programs

Children will learn about the cultural heritage and language of Italy. Week-long activities include indoor and outdoor language games, cooking, history, geography, traditions, theater, folk dancing, and more. Monday–Friday from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

CREATED BY US POTTERY

3 Railroad St., Fairport 585-223-8210

createdbyuspottery.com

Camps are half-day or full-day camps July 11–Aug. 19 (9 a.m.–noon). For ages 5–9: weekly themed camps/painting pottery and canvas, plus crafts and games. For ages 10–15: learn a variety of painting techniques on pottery, canvas, and wood.

DRAPER CENTER

1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester 585-208-6285

drapercenter.com

There are camps of all levels of study and intensity for children wishing to improve their abilities or become a professional dancer. Summer programs: Creative Movement (ages 3–4) and Pre-Ballet (ages 5–6) June 8–July 20; Imagination Dance Camps (ages 3-6) July 10-20; two-week programs July 10-21; and fourweek intensive July 31–Aug. 25.

EASTMAN COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

26 Gibbs St., Rochester 585-274-1000

esm.rochester.edu

Camps spend a week at Eastman making music with people who love playing, learning, and creating music in a supportive and fun environment. ECMS offers individual lessons on all instruments. All ages and abilities are welcome to join the community.

ELIT E STUDIO OF DANCE

1387 Fairport Rd. Suite 900, Fairport 585-425-7975

elitestudioofdance.com

Registration is underway for summer classes including tumbling, hip hop, themed camp weeks, and competition-level classes, for boys and girls from tots to teens.

FABLE KIDS CREATIVE STUDIO

1350 Pittsford Mendon Rd., Mendon 201-234-9449

fablekidsstudio.com

Fable Kids Creative Studio is a creative place for children of all ages to explore, create, and cultivate their inner artist.

THE HOCHSTEIN SCHOOL OF MUSIC & DANCE

50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester 585-454-4596

hochstein.org

Hochstein has a wide range of summer offerings for all ages, including Arts In Action camps, musical theater vocals and dancing, and an array of instrumental instruction including rock, jazz, percussion, and composition. Camps run July 10–Aug. 18.

KANACK SCHOOL OF MUSICAL ARTISTRY

2077 South Clinton Ave., Rochester 585-244-6910

kanack.org

The Kanack School of Musical Artistry offers a variety of week-long camps throughout summer focusing on everything from Suzuki, orchestra, andchamber music to fiddle, improvisation, and art.

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER’S MEMORIAL ART GALLERY

500 University Ave., Rochester 585-276-8960

mag.rochester.edu

These immersive all-day camps welcome campers ages 6–15 and offer both art day camps and clay camps. These programs introduce art techniques and creative problem solving, and are a fantastic way to strengthen art skills and confidence in creativity.

MS. MASON’S ART CLUB

100 Passing Creek Dr., Webster 585-872-4779

mmartclub.com

Ms. Mason’s Art Club provides weekly art sessions. Each day consists of hands-on activities designed for students who are 7 to 14 years of age. All projects are well thought out and demonstrated to create success but allow for individuality to shine.

NEW YORK STATE BALLET TRAINING ACADEMY

821 Fairport Rd., East Rochester 585-203-1763/585-704-1903

newyorkstateballet.org

2022 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR 2024 Summer Camp & Actviity Guide

SCHOOL OF ROCK

235 High St. Extension, Victor 585-400-7625

schoolofrock.com/locations/rochesterny

School of Rock’s music camps offer an incredible selection of experiences from beginner music camps to intermediate and advanced sessions. Camps include performance boot camps, artist-themed camps, songwriting, and more.

SPINS DANCE STUDIO

2505 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester 585-248-9330

spinsdancestudio.com

The Spins mission is to enrich students’ lives with dance by providing quality instruction in a safe and nurturing environment of positivity, structure, and high energy.

LOUIS S. WOLK JCC–TYKES

The William & Mildred Levine Bldg

1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 585-461-2000

jccrochester.org/arts-culture/tykes/

TYKEs strives to inspire an appreciation of the arts, literary awareness, and social skills while teaching key life lessons. Performances, school field trips, after-school classes, and KidStage summer camp take place in the warm, welcoming Hart Theater at the JCC in Brighton

THE ART STOP

1822 Penfield Rd., Penfield 585-872-5710

artstopllc.com

Campers age 5–12 will work on a variety of art projects using different mediums such as acrylics, clay, gouache, watercolor, marker, pastels, colored pencils, and more. Full-day, half-day (morning or afternoon), and extended care offered.

MODELING AND ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE CHICS

Rochester 585-413-7206

theetiquettechics.com

The Etiquette Chics offers a variety of etiquette classes at Pittsford and Perinton Recreation, as well as at local country clubs, libraries, and with Girl Scout troops. It also offer virtual sessions.

THE MARY THERESE FRIEL MODELING AGENCY

20-102 Assembly Dr., Mendon 585-624-5510

mtfmodels.com

Girls ages 9–19 are invited to an exciting week of runway and print modeling, tv commercial and motion picture acting, selfdevelopment, presentation skills and leadership, and training, plus their own personal photo shoot! One-week camps are held in July & August. ARTS

The academy offers certified professional dance instruction on state-of-the-art dance floors. Training includes performance opportunities for children to showcase the skills learned and joy experienced while dancing alongside the professional dancers of New York State Ballet.

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OVER NIGHT CAMPS

BEAM CAMP

55 Boy Scout Rd., Strafford, NH 718-855-7600 ext. 823

beamcamp.org

This is a sleepaway camp program oriented around youth agency, skill-building, and collaboration. Sessions are centered around a big project with workshops led by guest artists. Independent work projects are designed by campers themselves. Includes a fully equipped woodshop, metal shop, FabLab, and an art barn.

CAMP CHERITH OF WESTERN NEW YORK

9534 Short Tract Rd., Hunt 585-468-3850

campcherithwny.org

This Christian camp helps kids build lasting friendships. Camper activity choices include swimming, hiking, horseback riding, target sports, fishing, nature, and much more. There is one week of day camp, then four weeks of residential camp for ages 7–17.

CAMP CORY

140 East Lake Rd., Penn Yan 585-325-2889

campcory.org

Campers are immersed in the traditions of camp including the spirit of our villages and all the activities the beautiful property has to offer. Small groups allow campers to receive the attention and guidance they need while swimming, sailing, doing outdoor activities, and so much more.

CAMP GORHAM

265 Darts Lake Rd., Eagle Bay 315-357-6401

campgorham.org

Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, Camp Gorham is an overnight camp founded on the principle of independence, belonging, achievement and friendship. This camp provides the perfect setting for hiking, swimming, and exploration on horseback.

CAMP HICKORY HILL

2970 Kohler Rd., Varysburg 585-535-7832

camphickoryhill.org

These faith-based overnight summer camps are filled with excitement and packed with activities to help campers grow spiritually and socially. There is worship, prayer, and Bible teachings throughout the day.

CAMP STELLA MARIS

4395 East Lake Rd., Livonia 585-346-2243

campstellamaris.org

For more than ninety years, Camp Stella Maris has been a home away from home for campers to try new and exciting things, challenge themselves, and make friends that will last a lifetime.

CAMP WHITMAN

150 Whitman Rd., Penn Yan 315-220-0084

campwhitman.org

This is a traditional overnight summer camp experience focused on exploring the outdoors, developing friendships, and growing in connection to faith. This summer’s themes include water, music, and arts sessions.

CASOWASCO CAMP & RETREAT CENTER

158 Casowasco Dr., Moravia 315-364-8756

casowasco.org

Casowasco is a United Methodist camp located on Owasco Lake and is home to lots of activities on and off the water. Camps include boating, wacky games, and more. Sessions run Sun.–Fri. or campers ages 7–17.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ADIRONDACK WOODCRAFT CAMPS

285 Woodcraft Rd., Old Forge 315-369-6031

woodcraftcamps.com

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps’ mission is to help young people grow in courage, build resilience, and see the natural world with caring eyes. For ages 6–17.

BROOKLYN ROBOT FOUNDRY

585-201-8636

ochester@brooklynrobotfoundry.com

brooklynrobotfoundry.com

The Robot Foundry has a variety of weekly Summer Circuits program featuring cool themes with special robot projects, crafts, games, outside time, and more awesomeness. Learn about circuitry and other STEAM-tastic wonders! For kids 6–12 years old from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Camps take place in July and August at various area locations. Contact for details.

CODE NINJAS

3040 Monroe Ave., Rochester 585-900-2633

codeninjas.com/ny-pittsford

Code Ninjas offers a variety of programs for ages 5–14 focusing on technology and STEM skills.

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

One Museum Way, Corning 607-937-5371

cmog.org

Kids can explore the art, design, history, and technology of glass, watch live glass blowing demonstrations, and even make their own glass. Discounts may apply for adults and groups. Kids and teens 17 and under are always FREE.

CREATIVE THEMES

325 Eaglehead Rd., East Rochester 585-385-6830

cthemes.net

Creative Themes Day Camp provides a quality day camp enriched with innovative, challenging, and fun learning experiences in a beautiful outdoor setting. Activities and facilities provide the fun and encourages individual growth and creativity.

MARVELOUS MIND ACADEMY

274 N. Goodman St., Rochester

585-210-8554

marvelousminds.com

Marvelous Mind Academy is an educational cooperative for exploratory learning that uses the world as its classroom.

ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER

657 East Ave., Rochester 585-271-4320

rmsc.org

Campers will stay curious with a hefty helping of hands-on, minds-on science, and fun. Kids will share in new adventures, discover science, and explore exciting experiments. Ages 3–15.

SPECIAL NEEDS

AUTISM UP

50 Science Pkwy., Rochester

585-248-9011

autismup.org

Autism Up provides year-round innovative social clubs, sensory exploration classes, personal fitness, and recreation programs for individuals ages 3+ of all abilities. Center for Community Transition for ages 18-plus, Summer Speech Boot Camp and host of iCanBike July 24-28. Summer Programming: July 16–Sept. 9.

CAMP EAGR

1650 South Ave., Rochester 585-442-4430

epiny.org/epilepsy/camp-eagr

Camp EAGR is a week-long overnight camp for youth with epilepsy who gather for a week of swimming, horseback riding, rock wall climbing, laughing, and fun.

CAMP GOOD DAYS CNY REGION

356 N. Midler Ave., Syracuse 315-434-9477

campgooddays.org/regions-central-ny

Camp Good Days offers dummer camping sessions and yearround programs for children and families impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia. All programs offered free of charge.

CAMP GOOD DAYS ROCHESTER

PO Box 665, 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Rd., Mendon

These summer camping sessions and year-round programs are for children and families impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia. All programs offered free of charge.

THEATER

A MAGICAL JOURNEY THRU STAGES

875 East Main St., Auditorium Center, Third Floor, Rochester 585-935-7173

mjtstages.org

2022 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR 2024 Summer Camp & Actviity Guide

A Magical Journey Thru Stages is a nonprofit organization

that creates fun, high-quality youth theater year-round. Young entertainers can grow and expand their talents while rehearsing and performing in a musical day camp.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

99 Cobblestone Ct. Dr., Victor 585-727-2438

bestfootforwardkids.com

Participants will study dances, music, group choreography, vocal techniques, and perform acting exercises. Auditions will be held on the first day of camp and performances take place each Friday. There are four back-to-back sessions beginning July 10.

GEVA THEATRE CENTER SUMMER ACADEMY

75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester 585-232-4382

gevatheatre.org

Summer Academy is a four-week theatrical training program for young actors. Students graduate with a robust acting education and perform a professional showcase.

MAIN STREET PLAYERS

275 Pinnacle Rd., Rochester 585-455-5050

tfsdartsmsp.com

Main Street Players are about creating connections and collaborating through the art of storytelling. This camp has inclusive experiences that offers performers of all ages have an opportunity to discover thei theatrical skills.

MT ED (MUSICAL THEATRE EDUCATION)

4785 Lake Ave., Rochester 585-802-1902

musicaltheatreeducation.com

Campers will spend their days rehearsing for their chosen show, playing theater games, and participating in vocal, acting, and dance training. Camp day runs 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

OFC CREATIONS’ ROC SUMMER THEATRE EXPERIENCE

OFC Creations Theatre Center: 3450 Winton Pl., Rochester Rochester Kodak Center: 200 W. Ridge Rd, Rochester 585-667-0954

ofccreations.com

OFC offers camps for ages 4–18 focusing on skills in acting, singing, and dance. Camps for all ages are offered at both their Brighton campus and downtown campus. Campers work alongside professional directors and designers while learning different styles of dance and new genres of vocal selections.

VARIETY OF OFFERINGS (from arts to STEM to sports)

4-H CAMP BRISTOL HILLS

480 N. Main St., Canandaigua 585-394-3977 x 407

cceontario.org/4-h-camp-bristol-hills

4-H Camp Bristol Hills offers a variety of day and overnight summer camp programs for youth 5 to 16 years old. Activities include swimming, fishing, low and high ropes courses, shooting sports, animal care, cooking, arts and crafts, sports, rocketry, outdoor survival class, and much more.

2022 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR 2024 Summer Camp & Actviity Guide

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SENECA WATERWAYS COUNCIL

2320 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester 585-244-4210

senecawaterways.org

Campers will enjoy the outdoors this summer at Boy Scouts of America. There are a wide variety of programs at two different camps for children of all ages.

CARE-A-LOT

Fairport, Farmington, Henrietta North & South Greece, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor carealot-childcare.com

Care-a-lot offers quality programming, trained professional staff, air-conditioned classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Summer camp themes are chosen based on children’s interests, popular culture, and feedback from years prior.

CHALLENGE ATHLETICS

25 Parce Ave., Fairport 585-678-9434

challengerochester.com

Offers a variety of camps for ages 6 and up. Martial Arts Camp runs 9:30–11:30 a.m., tumbling camp 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 1:30– 3:30 p.m., and dance camp 1:30–3:30 p.m. A mini camp is also available for children ages 4–7, and is offered 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

CITY OF ROCHESTER R-CENTER SUPER CAMPS

57 St. Paul St., Rochester 585-428-9777

cityofrochester.gov/summercamps

Children can have a fun and active summer at the City of Rochester’s ArtSmart East & West and Youth Sports Camps. R-Center offers kids a diverse group of friends, caring staff, affordable prices, and convenient locations. For ages 6–13.

GENERATIONS CHILDCARE

Fairport, Gates, Rochester, Irondequoit generations-care.com

Generations Summer Adventure for Kids provides a great way to learn new skills and experience exciting summer fun, all in a nurturing environment during the ten weeks of summer. There is a new theme every week plus summer reading, music, art, science, and fun. For ages 5–10.

GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE AND MUSEUM

1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 585-538-6822

gcv.org

Camps can make memories that last a lifetime. At GCV&M, campers can get hands on with history, become one with the nature, and express their creative spirit. Hearth cooking, historic games, farm animals, salamanders, campfires, woodland hikes, legend, lore, and more!

GIRL SCOUTS OF NYPENN

960 James St., Syracuse 800-943-4414

gsnypenn.org

Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take

on new challenges, and can always be themselves regardless of background or ability.

GIRL SCOUTS OF WNY

100 Elmwood Ave., Door 9, Rochester 888-837-6410

gswny.org

Girl Scouts offers summer camps for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. There are day- and week-long camp options, with swimming, hiking, horseback riding, archery, and ropes course.

HARLEY

SCHOOL

1981 Clover St., Brighton 585-442-1770

harleyschool.org

Summer at Harley is made up of carefully crafted programs, camps, and classes. Harley provides opportunities to explore a variety of interests in Summer Academy classes, driver’s education, “neighborhood feel” day camp, or an immersive nature experience in Eco Camp.

HISTORIC PURSUITS

4017 Miner Rd. Palmyra 315-576-3202

historicpursuits.org

Historic Pursuits offers custom-made courses for individuals, families, and organizations that wish to learn about America’s past by experiencing it first-hand: colonial tea parties, Revolutionary War encampments, frontier obstacle courses, and so much more.

MCQUAID JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

1800 South Clinton Ave., Rochester 585-473-1130

mcquaid.org

McQuaid Jesuit is a Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory school that inspires young men to realize their gifts through the pursuit of excellence in all things, service to others, and a lifelong commitment to justice.

SUMMER’S BEST 2 WEEKS

Crossroads Church

1574 Rochester Street, Lima 585-624-3610

crossroadschurchny.org

SB2W provides a fun, competitive environment for campers to develop new skills while participating in a variety of sports activities with other children their age.

SUMMER DAYS AT THE J (FORMERLY JCC DAY CAMP)

1200 Edgewood Ave., Brighton 585-461-2000

jccrochester.org/camp

The Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester’s day camp aims to build a formative and fun program for grades K–10 that welcomes all campers into a safe community of respect and inclusion. Activities include nature, sports, arts and crafts, swim, and theater.

VARIETY OF OFFERINGS cont.

OUR LADY OF MERCY

1437 Blossom Rd., Rochester 585-288-7120

mercyhs.com

Our Lady of Mercy offers camps for girls focused on friendship, challenges, and growing their talents.

ROCHESTER CHILDFIRST NETWORK

942 South Ave., Rochester

585-473-2858

rcn4kids.org

Rochester Childfirst Network offers infant and toddler care as well as summer camp options for children ages six weeks to twelve years. Enrollment is open for camp at their convenient South Ave. location.

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

585-473-6604

setoncs.org

2022 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR 2024 Summer Camp & Actviity Guide

165 Rhinecliff Dr., Rochester

The Seton Summer Program is a day camp that blends academics, arts, and recreation. Daily features include academics with certified teachers, creative arts, and recreation. Camp at Seton is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

THE CHARLES FINNEY SCHOOL

2070 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield 585-387-3770

finneyschool.org

Campers will learn the fundamentals or refine their skills in volleyball (grades 7–12), basketball (grades 3–7), or soccer (grades 3–7).

WRITERS & BOOKS

740 University Ave., Rochester 585-473-2590

wab.org

Does your child, tween, or teen love to read, write, act, tell stories, attend Hogwarts Academy, explore social justice, imagine, create, make new friends? Then SummerWrite camp, in July and August, will enrich their world.

Ages

Summer safety

How to handle common summertime pests and ailments

BY SARAH MEAD

I love to give my kids as much time outdoors as possible during the summer. We’re all in a better mood after a day of fresh air and exercise, and there are many great places around Rochester to go for a hike and appreciate the wildlife all around us.

Studies show that outdoor play improves gross motor skills and emotional regulation while decreasing stress and rates of childhood obesity, according to Doctor Laura Kopp of Panorama Pediatrics. Here are some tips to stay safe this summer so you can enjoy all the fun.

SUNBURNS

Kopp warns, “If you are feeling hot, your child is, too!” Babies under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Choose a sunscreen made for kids with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunblock so be sure to reapply every hour or so, especially if you’re swimming.

Kids don’t have to get a sunburn to be harmed by the sun’s rays and it’s the invisible UV rays that cause the most damage. Sun hats and umbrellas are great during the peak hours.

Burns can leave the skin red, warm, and painful. Cool compresses, a cool bath, or acetaminophen can relieve the pain. Severe burns can cause blistering, fever, chills, headache, dehydration, and fainting. If your child experiences more severe symptoms, you’ll want to call your pediatrician.

POISON IVY

I love exposing my kids to plant life, but I am terrible at identifying poison ivy. I still find myself reciting “leaves of three: let it be.” I know the leaves have three separate leaflets with a longer central stalk. But it comes in many shades of green and can be hard to tell apart from harmless species. It can look like a thick vine, other times it looks like a bush or shrub and sometimes it

carpets the ground.

If you’re like me, play it safe by wearing long sleeves and closed-toed shoes when hiking and gloves when gardening. Try not to touch any leafy plants and wash your hands well with soap after a hike. Dish soap is the best for removing urushiol, the oil found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Contact with poison ivy might look like an itchy, red rash that starts within four hours to four days of touching the plant and blisters that ooze clear fluid. You might see bumps that look like streaks on the skin or a crusty rash. Are you itching yet just reading this?

If you do suspect your child has been exposed, wash off the oil with soap. Scrub fingernails and clean all items including shoes as the oil can remain for months on anything it touches. Encourage children not to scratch or break the blisters. Poison ivy is not contagious. New rashes mean you’ve encountered the oil again.

Mild rashes can be treated at home—cool compresses and calamine lotion will help with the itching as well as oatmeal in the bath. Call the doctor if the rash is severe or widespread. Call 911 if there is swelling of the tongue, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

TICKS AND BUGS

Our family loves to hike, but ticks are prevalent and can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease. These tiny, unwelcome visitors live in long grass, piles of leaves, or wooded areas. Even though we keep our grass cut short, they love to hitch a ride to our yard on deer and other wildlife. Ticks do not fly or jump, but they easily latch on to anything that brushes against them.

Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot them crawling, and tucking pants into socks keeps ticks from getting at your

Photo, right, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Poison ivy Sunburn

child’s ankles. Wear a hat and tuck away long hair to prevent ticks from getting onto the hair and scalp.

After a hike, do a tick check on all people and pets. Ticks like to hide in places like armpits, belly buttons, behind the knees, in and around the ears, and along the hairline. Ten minutes in the dryer will kill any ticks on clothing and if you can get the kids in the shower right away, most ticks will wash right off before getting the chance to attach.

DEET is the most effective ingredient to prevent ticks, but you can always rely on tick checks and appropriate clothing and skip the repellent. We have designated hiking pants and shoes for everyone in the family which we spray with permethrin and let dry before wearing. It lasts up to six washes and works well against mosquitoes and ticks.

If you do find a tick, remove it as quickly as possible using tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as you can and steadily pull the tweezers upward to remove it without twisting or jerking.

Symptoms of tick-borne illness may include a “bull’s eye” rash around the bite area, fever, fatigue, headache, and joint pain or swelling. Not all ticks carry diseases and most children who are bitten by a tick will not get sick. Daily tick checks and nightly showers will give you peace of mind and help you enjoy the outdoors this summer.

Kopp reminds us that the power of play is the gift that continues to give for all ages. She says, “Children who play outside develop into creative, curious thinkers who are mindful of their environment. So, enjoy our beautiful summers!”

DANCE WITH US THIS SUMMER!

THEME CAMP WEEKS (Ages 3+)

Disney Days

July 8-12

July 15-19

Taylor Swift (and other pop stars!)

July 29-Aug 2

July 22-26

Registration is underway for all of our summer classes including tumbling, hip-hop, and competitive level classes. Boys and girls, tots to teens - there’s something for everyone at Elite!

Find out more at www.elitestudioofdance.com

Wednesdays 12 to 1 pm

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session focusing on a different division each week. schedule: harleyschool.org/enrollment-events/ Powerful Learning Moments Every Day.

Tuck pants into socks to keep bugs away from ankles

Heidi Erb, Travel Advisor

585-210-6194

keytotheworldtravel.com

h.erb@keytotheworldtravel.com

By Anna Overmoyer

Color your world

Mindfulness moments

WAKEUP,SENSES!

DAY 4

IBY TERRI ERCOLE

magine starting each day with the loud joyful phrase, “WAKE UP SENSES!”

Let’s try to wake up your senses and make each day more complete.

MINDFUL SENSES CHALLENGE

As you work through these daily challenges, journaling is a great way to revisit all that you experience. Journaling can be words, phrases, pictures, or whatever helps you remember the experience.

DAY 1

Bring all your focus on your sense of sight. Think of yourself as an eagle, able to see a rabbit two miles away. Take it all in while you focus on little details and the big picture.

Look at your hand. Notice the different colors, textures, and the wrinkles as you bend your wrist. Go outside and find a blade of grass, a flower, or the bark of a tree. Try seeing the unique colors and lines running through them. Keep it going! You have a whole day to explore through your sense of sight.

DAY 2

Now to focus on your sense of hearing—what I called Big Ears in my classroom. Big Ears is simply imagining you have giant ears that can take in the closest quiet sounds, as well as sounds miles away like an elephant. Sit in your house, close your eyes if you are comfortable, and listen. Take time to notice and name sounds. Next, try to listen only to sounds in the room you are in. Can you hear ones you’ve never heard before? Finally, listen very closely to your own sounds. Maybe your tummy is growling, or you have to sneeze.

DAY 3

You don’t have to be adventurous to focus on your sense of taste, but it would make the day more interesting. Start with something you like to eat. Does it taste the same on the tip of your tongue, the sides, or the back of your mouth? Think about the texture, the temperature, and the time it takes to finish your first bite. Remember to think as you eat. For most of us it’s a whole new experience.

You might need an adult’s help for this next challenge. Find food in your refrigerator or pantry and inhale deeply. You can almost taste it, right? Now try it again with your eyes closed. Did it smell different? Next, go outside and sit quietly while taking in all the smells around you. You might smell grass, flowers, rain, or even animals around you. Remember to focus on your sense of smell all day.

DAY 5

Last let's explore your sense of touch or feeling. Look in your closet and try on a soft sweater, then try a scratchy wool one. What about sinking into a hot tub and then a cold pool? Back to food—mushy peas, not a fan of them, but crisp fresh ones I adore. Can you guess the mammal that has the best sense of touch? It is none other than the star-nosed mole.

That’s it, five days of mini challenges to wake up your senses. You may never see, smell, taste, touch, or hear the world in the same way again. Give it a try. Revisit your journal and add to it, keeping your senses alive. Invite others to jump into the challenges.

Audrey Asks...

a DJ

BY AUDREY MEAD WITH SARAH MEAD

Audrey is a curious twelve-year-old who wants to learn more about everything. She is searching for kids in the Rochester area who are doing big things.

Today she interviews thirteen-year-old Ja’lynn Marie Patmon who is known around Rochester as DJ Coco. Ja’lynn is an eighth grader at the Harley School. She loves Chicago Med, Tyler Perry movies, and YouTube. Her favorite music is rap and R&B, and her favorite foods are wings, seafood, and French fries. She has two sisters, one brother, and a Shitzu/ Yorkie named Coco.

What made you want to become a DJ?

I was interested in all the DJs I have seen, and I also went to a DJ camp at 585 Dream.

Who inspired you?

Khadija Yawn, who is my mentor and a DJ, too.

Favorite books?

I really like the books we read in school like Macbeth, The Outsiders, and The Book Thief.

When did you decide to start DJing and why?

In 2020. I love listening to music in the genres I like. I loved how other DJs mixed every genre I liked and I wanted to learn how to do it.

What is your dream venue and performer?

I want to go on tour to other states. I would love to work with Beyoncé, Rod Wave, and Drake!

What is your setup like?

I have a table, DJ equipment, and facade. I use Serato DJ software on my Mac computer. My computer and speakers are connected to my DJ board. I wear headphones when I mix the music and, sometimes, I’ll use a microphone.

Where have you performed in the past?

I have performed at Rochester summer concerts, birthday and Christmas parties, the Memorial Day parade, and the Juneteenth festival. I perform at teen parties and cheer competitions. Recently, I DJ’d for a famous teen, That Girl Lay Lay.

Wow! Can you tell me more about that?

We were one of the opening acts at the RBTL Auditorium Theatre. There were so many people in the audience!

Do you have any upcoming events?

Yes, I’ll doing a Dioman Renee Dance showcase, Rise up Rochester, and I will probably be performing at Cheer Competitions, teen parties, and school events.

That sounds like a lot of work. Do you have to take any time off of school?

No, I try to schedule around weekends, so I don’t have to miss any school.

What do you have to do to prepare for your events?

I have to figure out what type of party it is, then I get the playlist, which could be R&B, jazz, hiphop. Then I have to choose my outfit based on the theme. Some events are background events. Line dances are always a hit.

Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?

I like to paint and do hair in my free time. I’m also a cheerleader, basketball player, trumpet player, actor, and author.

I heard that you coauthored a book! What’s it about?

Yeah, it’s called Pretty from the Kink in my Curls to the Beat In my Step. I wrote it with my mom after I was bullied as a little girl, for my skin color. It’s for grades three to six, and it encourages girls to love themselves.

Are you planning on sticking with being a DJ in the future?

For sure, I think it’s a really nice skill to have. But I want to be a doctor when I grow up.

That is a pretty cool skill for a doctor to have! How can people find out where you are performing?

They can follow me!

Instagram: @jalynn_marie_p

Facebook: @Jalynn Marie

Phtoo by Michael Hanlon

Ja'lynn Marie Patmon a.k.a. DJ Coco

Ruler of the sandhills

The sandhill cranes at the Seneca Park Zoo

SBY GRACIELLA DRESSLER

tanding between three and five feet tall with a wingspan of almost seven feet wide is the sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes are a grayish-brown color except for their foreheads and around their bright red eyes. These cranes, found all over North America, are just one of fifteen species of crane in the world.

A fun fact about cranes is that they mate for life, meaning Seneca Park Zoo’s sandhill cranes, Niles and Rizzo, will be together for the rest of their days.

Niles, the male crane, is nine years old and has been living at the zoo for almost five years. Although Rizzo has only been at the zoo for two years, she is a lot older than Niles. In fact, Rizzo is nineteen years old, which is pretty amazing because the average age for sandhill cranes is between fifteen and twenty years old. Seneca Park zoologist Brian Sheets says that Rizzo shows no signs of slowing down and will live for another ten years.

Though these two birds are a couple, they have completely opposite personalities.

“Rizzo is very outgoing and trusting compared to Niles. With almost all wild animals, you can’t quite get that complete trust factor, it’s just their survival instinct,” Sheets says. “Niles has been pretty standoffish since we’ve got him. Miles never really trusted us, but he has improved. He comes closer to us now because [Rizzo] showed him the way.”

Sheets says they don’t know where Rizzo came from before arriving at the zoo. He thinks she must have been injured at a very young age, allowing her to imprint on humans earlier.

Imprint is just another word for forming a close bond or connection with someone. Regardless of where Rizzo came from, Sheets says she was great in a summer program hosted by the zoo where families could get up close to Rizzo and watch her eat bugs out of piles of straw.

Generally, cranes can be found all over North America in marshy areas where they can walk along shallow water to hunt fish, snails, and other small creatures. Cranes are omnivores meaning they eat plants and animals. Rizzo and Niles eat small frogs, grain, berries, and whatever insects they can find.

Sheets says cranes typically stop in Platte River, Nebraska when they migrate and sometimes there are almost half a million of them on one stretch of river. The Platte River is covered in sand hills, which is where these cranes get their name from. Sadly, Rizzo and Niles cannot migrate or fly like other sandhill cranes because they could hurt themselves.

Birds have hollow bones, so once they break a bone that bone will never heal. When a wild bird breaks a bone, life in the wild becomes extremely hard—that’s why rescue centers like Seneca Park Zoo are so important. Rescue centers and zoos give injured birds and other animals a second chance at life.

“We don’t know what their injuries are, but we do trim their feathers; at least we trim Niles's, who can fly a short distance. He’s flown over into the sea lions pool a few times, we had to go and retrieve him,” Sheets says.

As a substitute for migration, when it gets cold, the zoo

Background photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons by Jetuusp CC by SA 3.0; crane photos courtesy Seneca Park Zoo

keeps the pair in a heated indoor space with a couple of windows. After a few of days of being indoors, Sheets says they will turn down the heat so the birds can start to adjust to colder temperatures. Once they’ve adjusted, the birds can return to their outdoor enclosure to stretch their legs.

“They’re fairly easy to deal with because we can go in [their cages]. It’s easier to influence them to move around or give them something to do or talk about them to the public because they are right there with us and can’t really hurt us,” Sheets says.

For the crane enclosure, the zoo created a smaller version of where cranes would usually be found in the wild. It’s a big stretch of land surrounded by a moat of water to keep the cranes from visiting the sea lions. The zoo also built wallows of mud for the cranes to have that marshy area but then the island also gives them the option of dry land surrounded by trees.

“Sometimes we give them live fish, but they usually just kill them,” Sheets says. “They have a nice space though it’s more than enough for the two of them.”

As the weather starts to get warmer, you’ll be able to get a better view of all the animals who enjoy warmer weather. So plan a day in the spring time to go see Rizzo and Niles in their little home at Seneca Park Zoo.

Summer programming starts Memorial Day and runs all summer long with animal experiences, keeper chats, giraffe feedings,

Adventure to adoption challenge

The Inventor Center at RMSC partners with Lollypop Farm

BY LAINEY PORTER

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to be a veterinarian? Well now’s your chance to find out! Located on the third floor of Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) is the Inventor Center, and the latest inventor challenge is all about pets—Lollypop Farm: Adventure to Adoption.

Lollypop Farm is celebrating 150 years of animal care and protection for the Rochester community. Lollypop Farm focuses on justice, prevention, and lifesaving care for about 10,000 animals each year. It has worked closely with RMSC staff, showing them all aspects of the job, to bring you a fun medical science challenge.

“We want to encourage guests to problem-solve and think through a challenge. In this case, it’s looking at the information and trying to do a diagnosis or what the treatment should be and thinking like a medical professional might,” director of exhibits, Calvin Uzelmeier says.

There are a total of seventeen realistic stuffed animals such as Rex the iguana, Thumper the rabbit, and Francis the ball python. The animals are swapped in and out, but

eight are available at all times for you to examine, diagnose, and treat. Once you pick out an animal you can place it on the x-ray table while looking through a chart that tells you about the animal and its symptoms. After examining the x-ray and deciphering what may be wrong, look at the slide sample. Using the images on the clipboard and screen ask yourself, “what does it look like? Would this diagnosis make sense with what I saw on the x-ray and slide sample? Did I accidentally miss something? How would I treat this?”

Once you have your answer, hear from a veterinary technician about what they learn from the experiments. The final step of this challenge is the adoption game!

All of the animals in the adoption game are real life Lollypop Farm adoption stories. Information about a person/ family and what they are looking for will pop up on the tablet screen and you have to find the right match for them. After you find it, the next person/family will cycle through until you’ve matched them all. The same adoption game is also available to play in card form. Once you’ve done these steps you’ve completed the challenge.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: Why do pets see the veterinarian?

A: Pets, just like humans, have to get regular checkups to make sure they are healthy. The veterinarian is a doctor for animals. They make sure your pets have upto-date vaccines and boosters, check their eyes, nose, and ears, and examine their body weight, muscles, and condition. They will diagnose, treat, and perform operations for any animal in need and make sure your furry friend is healthy!

Q: Why are x-rays helpful?

A: An x-ray generates an image of the inside of an animal’s body to find problems. By looking at the x-ray, veterinarians can identify broken bones and spot tumors and enlarged organs, pregnancy, and bladder stones, for example.

Q: What is the importance of asking questions when examining an animal?

“Very often we have some guests become attached to the animal that they’ve been taking care of, so we sell them in the shop and have adoption forms you can fill out.” Uzelmeier says.

Although challenges in the Inventor Center usually switch out every few months, Lollypop Farm: Adventure to Adoption has become a favorite for guests and will remain open for a year (until September 2024).

A: Asking a pet’s owner questions about their pet is the first step to solving the problem! When you ask a question, you can break down the information given to you and better think a problem through. 1

“It’s been really popular, visitors have really taken to it, and it gets a lot of repeat visitations. I think having a story is incredibly important to encourage people to be interactive and try different things. For example, the different animals, different problems, and different stories for the animals in the challenge,” Uzelmeier says.

The RMSC and Lollypop Farm created this interactive challenge focused on medical science and problem-solving skills to push your abilities. Do you think you can do it?

BY GRACIELLA DRESSLER

APRIL 7

AUDITION PREP WORKSHOPS

This workshop focuses on every element of a performance from walking into the room, introductions, song delivery, and more! This program will focus on performance delivery not only from the vocal perspective, but as a musical theater triple threat. Registration available online.

2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

OFC Creations Theatre Center

3450 Winton Place, Rochester 667-0954

Ofccreations.com

APRIL 15

PJ STORYTIME

Wear some pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to the Children’s Room for some bedtime stories. This event will provide an evening of stories, songs, and dance. The program designed for toddlers and preschoolers but all ages are welcome.

6:30 p.m.–7 p.m.

Fairport Public Library

Children’s Room

1 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport 223-9091

Fairportlibrary.org

APRIL 21

OUR PLANET, OUR HOME

Celebrate Earth Day with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: OrKIDStra series. Enjoy free preconcert activities and experience the musical majesty of Earth. Learn about the beauty of the planet and how to appreciate the responsibilities of caring for Earth. Activities begin an hour before the performance.

2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Hochstein Performance Hall 454-2100

rpo.org

MAY 1

SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO

Say hello to Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and other residents of Sesame Street. This program will have sing-alongs, dancing, and a photo experience with all Sesame Street characters. Tickets available online.

6 p.m.

Kodak Center

200 West Ridge Road, Rochester 254-0181

Kodakcenter.com

MAY 4

HIDDEN VALLEY ANIMAL ADVENTURE

OPENING DAY

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided drivethrough adventure or a guided bus tour. This one-of-a-kind safari park boasts more than 350 animals of thirty-five different species. There is also a small animal walkthrough adventure.

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure

2887 Royce Rd., Varysburg 535-4100

hiddenvalleyadventure.com

CLEAN SWEEP SATURDAY

Volunteers will gather for a light breakfast before heading out to project sites in Rochester neighborhoods to clean up winter debris and litter.

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure

9 a.m.

Innovative Field

One Morrie Silver Way 428-5990

cityofrochester.gove/cleansweep

MAY 9

LEGO CLUB

Enjoy a night of creating Lego creations with other fellow builders. All ages are welcome.

Registration opens April 11. 6:30 p.m.–7:15 p.m.

Ogden Farmers’ Library

269 Ogden Center Rd., Spencerport 617-6181

Ogdenlibrary.com

MAY 10

ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL

It’s year 126 of Rochester’s famous Lilac Festival. May 10 will kick off ten days of fun with back-to-back events. Admire the incredible gardens, indulge in festival food, and get involved in some of the many events of the largest free festival of its kind in North America.

Through May 19

Highland Park

180 Reservoir Ave. 473-4482

Roclilacfest.com

MAY 11

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH TRAIN RIDE

Celebrate Mom with a relaxing ride on the railroad. Enjoy a delicious brunch by Catered Creations at Currier’s Station.

Also May 12

Departure at 11 a.m.

Arcade & Attica Railroad

278 Main St., Arcade 492-3100

aaraildroad.com

MAY 12

MOTHER’S DAY AT GENESEE

COUNTRY VILLAGE & MUSEUM

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the historic village and learn about a day in the life of a nineteenth-century mother. Enjoy brunch with meals made in the museum Meeting Center dining room. Mother’s Day admission and brunch are separate tickets.

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Genesee Country Village & Museum

1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford 538-6822

gvc.org

Rochester Lilac Festival

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

Our Planet, Our Home

JUNE 23

JUNE 1

ROYAL PRINCESS TRAIN

This is a fun railroad adventure with three beloved princesses. The train ride will begin with royal introductions followed by some storytelling. Guests will get the chance to take pictures with all the princesses and even enjoy a live musical performance. Princesses of all ages are welcome to join in on the fun.

Arcade & Attica Railroad

278 Main St., Arcade 492-3100 aaraildroad.com

JUNE 2

UNDER THE SEA PRINCESS CELEBRATION

Dress up like princes and princesses and enjoy a magical festival with Ariel and her friends. This event will include a singalong, story time, games, crafts, snacks, and a big dance party on stage. For ages three to seven. Tickets can be found online. Performances at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

OFC Creations Theatre Center

3450 Winton Place, Rochester 667-0954

Ofccreations.com

JUNE 15

FATHER’S DAY TRAIN RIDES

Celebrate father’s day on the railroad. Families are welcome to a day of riding the 1909 Erie Railroad. Trains will be leaving every half an hour to tour the museum grounds. Ticket prices can be found online.

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

282 Rush Scottsville Rd., Rush 533-1431

rochestertrainrides.com

JUNE 23

JOLLY HOLIDAY BRUNCH WITH MARY & FRIENDS

Enjoy a magical brunch at The Old Farm Café with Mary Poppins and friends. Brunch will be followed by a sing-along and photos with Mary on the gazebo. Tickets available online. Suggested for ages three to eight.

Performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

OFC Creations Theatre Center

3450 Winton Place, Rochester 667-0954

Ofccreations.com

4395 E. Lake Rd 4395 E. Lake Rd

Livonia, NY 14487 Livonia, NY 14487

Rochester's premier summer camp

Rochester's premier summer camp since 1926

Camp Stella Maris offers a variety of

Camp Stella Maris offers a variety of programs for campers ages 5-16. programs for campers ages 5-16.

Located 30 minutes south of Located 30 minutes south of Rochester on Conesus Lake, CSM on Conesus Lake, offers a safe, caring environment for offers a safe, caring environment for campers to try new and exciting campers to try new and exciting things. Challenging oneself, making things. Challenging oneself, making new friends, and having fun are new friends, and having fun are what camp is all about! camp is about!

Programs

Overnight camp

Day camp

Overnight experience

4-Day stay

Leader in Training

Counselor in Training

www.campstellamaris.org info@campstellamaris.org info@campstellamaris.org 585-346-2243 585-346-2243

www.campstellamaris.org

SummerfuninPenfieldat

TheCharlesFinneySchool!

Spo�scampsandmorethroughoutthesummer.

AllcampsheldonTheCharlesFinneySchoolcampus: 2070FiveMileLineRoad,Penfield,NY14526

Jolly Holiday Brunch with Mary & Friends

Arcade & Attica Railroad

278 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009

Step back in time aboard our vintage diesel train excursions in New York State! BUY TICKETS: (585) 492-3100 •

Mother’s Day Brunch

May 11 & 12 at 11am

Season Opener— Memorial Day Weekend

May 25, 26 & 27 at 1pm

Embark on a scenic journey through the countryside and farmlands to kick off our regular season! At the Curriers Depot stop, you’re free to explore, look at the engine, take pictures, and talk with the crew.

Royal Princess Train

June 1 at 1pm

Join three of your favorite princesses for a magical train ride. Kids dress in your princess gown for story telling and sing alongs.

Train Ride for Father’s Day

June 15 at 11am

June 16 at 11am & 2pm

Fathers ride free with purchase of one other ticket on this round-trip excursion.

When you are away

Uncle Benny’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Makes 8 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 box (16 oz.) elbow macaroni or shells

1 cup milk

BY EMILY DICESARE

P8 oz. sliced American cheese, cut up

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat large pot of water to boiling. Cook pasta according to directions. Drain.

2. Add milk to pasta pot and heat over medium heat. Sprinkle in cheeses, salt, and pepper, and whisk until melted.

lanning to feed your family when you’re out of town, working in the evening, or simply unavailable for dinnertime can add a layer to stress to already busy parents and caregivers. If you search on Pinterest or Google for ideas, there are plenty. However, many of them are crockpot meals. While I love a crockpot dinner, they typically require prep time four to six hours before, which not everyone has. They also don’t work if you’re going to be out of town for several days. Here, I offer several meal tips and tricks that work well for my family.

One way to incorporate a crockpot meal is to plan it for the day you leave. Alternatively, you could plan it for the day you return—freeze and have your caregiver throw it in the slow cooker before they leave. Dinner is ready when you arrive home!

Plan for food that can work for more than one meal. A rotisserie chicken can be served with salad, roasted veggies, or a pasta salad one night. The leftover chicken can then be used in quesadillas, chicken salad sandwiches, or atop a green salad another night or in lunches.

Plan for takeout one night or buy a frozen pizza and a bagged salad kit for a more cost-effective option. This is a great way for older kids to help prepare dinner. It’s also a simple meal for a caregiver to make while carting kids to and from activities.

Don’t forget about breakfast for dinner. Frozen waffles and scrambled eggs are always a hit. A quiche can be made and frozen

3. Add macaroni back to the pot and stir to combine.

before you leave. Serve it with a simple green salad or a fruit salad.

Make your kids part of the process; they can do more than you think! Challenge them to prepare dinner one night. My boys learned to make the macaroni and cheese recipe here while on a family trip to visit my aunt and uncle. It’s simple, and they now prepare it by themselves.

Finally, try not to stress about it. If your kids don’t eat the way they you would typically like them to, it’s ok. Eating some less healthy choices four or five days out of 365 is not going to make or break their healthy habits.

If you are lucky enough to have family members caring for your kids while you are away, remember that your parents and/ or in-laws (likely) successfully raised two fairly normal humans. So, the way they feed your kids is fine (despite what you think!).

A few days or a week away to recharge and spend time with yourself, your friends, or your partner is more important than the kids eating perfectly healthy 100 percent of the time while you are gone. This is an example of when the saying “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” is especially true. Your kids and caregivers are creating wonderful memories together as well. There’s nothing better than the kids thinking that they and Grandma are pulling a fast one on Mom and Dad.

Celestial stories

BY DEENA VIVIANI

The Monroe County Library System is an official Rochester Museum and Science Center Community Eclipse Ambassador! Reach out to your local libraries or visit calendar. libraryweb.org to learn what space-related programs they’re offering this spring. In the meantime, check out some of these books for facts and stories about the space that surrounds us.

PICTURE BOOKS & EARLY READERS

Eclipse

By Andy Rash

Scholastic, 2023

A boy and his dad travel to the path of totality to view the 2017 solar eclipse in Illinois.

Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut

Ellen Ochoa

By Doreen Rappaport & Oliver Dominguez

Little, Brown, 2023

A biography about the first Latina astronaut to go into space.

How to Eat in Space

By Helen Taylor & Stevie Lewis

Little, Brown, 2023

Humorous but true facts about eating in zero gravity with extra pics of real astronauts.

The Moon

Tonight: Our Moon’s Journey Around the Earth

MIDDLE GRADE

By Jung Changhoon &

Jang Ho

Blue Dot, 2023

A girl tracks the moon throughout the month and explains the lunar calendar.

Thank You, Moon: Celebrating Nature’s Nightlight

By Melissa Stewart & Jessica Lanan Knopf, 2023

Moon is thanked for many ways it helps life on Earth.

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights

By Angela Dalton & Lauren Semmer

Harper, 2023

A biography about the woman who played Lieutenant Uhura on the original Star Trek TV series.

Farther Than the Moon

By Lindsay Lackey Roaring Brook, 2023

Houston is accepted into astronaut camp and hopes to find a way to bring his brother with cerebral palsy into space.

Grace Needs Space!

By Benjamin A. Wilgus & Rii Abrego

Random House, 2023

A girl who lives on a space station is excited to travel to a moon.

The Most Exciting Book of Science, Inventions, & Space Ever

By

Claire Watts, Jilly MacLeod, Carole Stott, Richard Walker, Lisa Swerling, and Ralph Lazar

DK, 2023

This heavily illustrated nonfiction book has a large section called “Intergalactic Guide to Space.”

Oliver’s Great Big Universe

By Jorge Cham Amulet, 2023

Oliver wants to be an astrophysicist, but first he must survive middle school.

Where are the Aliens? The Search for Life Beyond Earth

By Stacy McAnulty & Nicole Miles

Little, Brown, 2023

A nonfiction chapter book with spot illustrations about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

YOUNG ADULT

Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension

By Rita Feinstein

Page Street, 2024

Crosby fears the passing of a rogue planet will kill everyone who doesn’t ascend to the fourth dimension.

A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars

By Hakeem Oluseyi & Joshua Horwitz

Delacorte, 2023

A memoir about a poor boy with a mega-high IQ who became a renowned astrophysicist.

Star Wars: The High Republic— Defy the Storm

By Justina Ireland & Tessa Gratton

Disney, March 2024

A Jedi Knight and scientist team up to save innocent beings from an overtaken zone of space.

Stars, Hide Your Fires

By Jessica Mary Best

Quirk, 2023

Cass sneaks onto an imperial palace space station to steal a fortune from an emperor who tuns up dead.

Immersive art programs for kids ages 5–15 in week-long summer camps and Saturday workshops.

curious about our camps? or scan here! scan

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES IN ACTION!

BY DEENA VIVIANI

Global warming. Air pollution. Microplastics. These are some of the issues thrown around about the environmental problems the earth is facing. While it is educational to learn about these issues, what can be done about them?

Ask the Rochester Youth Climate Leaders (RYCL)!

“Anytime there is an opportunity for action involved in climate change, it can feel so forced,” says Dorothy Leasure, a sophomore at the Walden Project in Naples. But RYCL offers reachable actions to “empower people to create connections and a positive outward rippling effect for our environment.”

After the first Youth Climate Summit was hosted at the Harley School in 2015, teens from schools throughout Monroe County wanted to continue their discussions about climate action with like-minded students. Hence, RYCL was born.

“Something I love about RYCL is how truly youth-driven it is,” says Lizzie Stewart, a senior at Brighton High School. “RYCL provides us with a safe and supportive space to practice our leadership skills and experience the gratification that comes from seeing our efforts make an impact, no matter how big or small.”

leaders and those we are supposed to trust are not going to fix this crisis,” says Juliet Besch-Turner, a freshman at the Walden Project. “We will have to suffer more of the consequences of our successors’ actions and inaction.”

“We won’t get anywhere if we keep assuming our individual carbon footprints are negligible,” adds Jayden Vogler, a senior at Brighton High School who plans to study atmospheric science at Cornell University in the fall.

And RYCL is very action-driven. Kids participate in educational summits, climate rallies, and tabling events. In September 2023, they marched through Rochester to remind city leaders and corporations like RG&E that changes need to happen.

“The youth of today have been repeatedly shown that our

Ivy Bergin, a senior at Brighton High School, agrees. “I believe that RYCL’s efforts towards spreading awareness and endorsing climate-optimal legislation has expanded our community’s knowledge of the climate crisis and planted the seeds for greater change.”

One of RYCL’s recent focuses has been to pass the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act). This would ensure that state regulation of gas utilities follows the emission reduction mandates in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. On January 23, group members attended a rally and lobby event in Albany to push this agenda.

“RYCL engages at a local and state level to push for the change that needs to happen,” says Besch-Turner. “I do what I do with RYCL because I believe it benefits myself, my community, and the world at large.”

One of the biggest threats these teens see for our earth is overconsumption. “Rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and stronger storms are becoming more impactful,” says Vogler. “It is

Photos provided

RYCL member at lobby event in Albany

inexcusable to continue investing money and power into such unsustainable causes, whether it be fossil fuels or consumerism.”

“I believe that we should all do our part to ethically-source our food, clothing, resources, and other goods,” adds Bergin. “Through understanding where our belongings come from, we gain greater compassion for our fellow humans and understanding of our power to influence the world.”

Many RYCL members joined because of their concern for the earth or their affiliations with their schools’ climate clubs, but they have stayed for the camaraderie and connection to teens from outside their own neighborhoods.

“I can connect with fellow [youth] leaders in the Rochester area to better understand local climate news as well as generate ideas for projects and interschool collaborations,” says Stewart.

“RYCL has given me the opportunity

to connect with smart and like-minded teenagers who are committed to making a difference,” says Bergin. “Being around such kind, fun, and admirable teenagers has been very empowering.”

Besch-Turner adds, “Being a part of the change I so badly want to see brings me a further feeling of peace, purpose, and community in such an uncertain world.”

If you would like to get involved with RYCL (585rycl.org), the group meets every other Saturday at Rochester’s Equal Grounds Coffee House (750 South Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. “It’s not the kind of thing you

need to bring a friend to,” Bergin says. Veteran members warmly welcome any newcomers, so don’t be shy!

You can also contact the group through Instagram (@rocyouthclimateleaders) or email ryclcontact@gmail.com for more information.

“I don’t think it’s fair that kids have to lead this movement,” says Besch-Turner, “but I do think that we have such a powerful voice right now, and that we need to use that voice to make change happen.”

Rochester Youth Climate Leaders

BY JINELLE VAIANA

STUDENTS GALLOP INTO SUMMER

Painted Bar Stables and Osmote Wine will collaborate on an event to celebrate the end of the school year and get kids outside, interacting with animals.

End of School Pony Rides will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28 at Osmote Wine in Burdett—a scenic property overlooking Seneca Lake. This event will be open to children of all ages, although those too young to balance on the ponies will spend the time meeting, sitting on, and taking photos with the animals instead of riding.

At least one full-size horse will also be onsite for older children and adults to ride. Rides will take place in a temporary ropefence arena on the grass, and there will be live music and a food truck.

“While the little ones are off enjoying activities like horseback riding and live music, parents can kick back with a nice glass of wine and take in the beautiful lake view. It’s a win-win—everyone gets to have a great time in a relaxed, familyfriendly atmosphere,” says Osmote owner and head winemaker Ben Riccardi.

Erika Eckstrom, owner of Painted Bar Stables, is excited to use the horses to help kids develop a connection with the natural beauty of the vineyards and an active, outdoors environment.

Rides start at $15, and packages will likely be available for multiple rides. osmotewine.com/events/event-threezdcmp

YOUNG STARS SHINE

For the past ten years, OFC Creations Theatre Center has been offering summer theater camps for local kids as young as four years old.

This summer, camps will take place at two locations: the OFC campus in Brighton and at Kodak Center in Rochester. Campers will perform a total of twenty-two musicals/plays during the season—everything from The Frog and the Princess for ages four to seven in July to The Wedding Singer for ages thirteen to eighteen in July and August.

“Theatre is so important for development at any age. Being onstage and portraying another character allows you to escape reality for a moment and discover more about yourself,” says Kaitlyn Baldwin, marketing manager at OFC. “It brings the community together

and makes our next generation stronger.”

Kids also build important skills like public speaking, confidence, and teamwork, she adds.

Parents can take advantage of beforeand after-care opportunities for campers between eight and eighteen years old who need to be dropped off early or stay late, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will include arts and crafts, watching movies, and playing games. ofccreations.com

DINOSAURS ROAR INTO TOWN

Kids are often be reminded of their size and limitations within their environments, which could be why so many are fascinated by dinosaurs— majestic, powerful, and immense creatures that easily inspire awe.

Dinosaur World Live will bring the wonder and power of a long-ago era to the Kodak Center stage on April 23 at 6 p.m. with a family-friendly, interactive show. The audience will follow brave explorers through the Jurassic period as they encounter incredibly lifelike dinosaurs— brought to the stage using skilled puppetry—like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor, and Segnosaurus.

The show is recommended for kids at least three years old, and there will be a chance to meet the explorers and

dinosaurs after the show. kodakcenter. com/events/2024/dinosaur-world-live

OGRE THE MOON

Everyone’s favorite green ogre will visit the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on May 11 and 12 with Shrek the Musical, the Tony Award–winning adaptation of the popular film franchise.

The musical introduces the ogre, at peace in his quiet swamp, as his home is suddenly overrun with exiled fairytale creatures. Upset with the interruption and persuaded to assist them in regaining their homes, Shrek embarks on a journey with a chatty donkey to find Lord Farquaad, responsible for the exile, and demand their removal.

The musical incorporates elements of the first Shrek film, as well as Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek! rbtl.org/events/shrek

Sep 12–29

Oct 10–27 2024

May