Skip to main content

California Kids - April 2018

Page 1

April 2018

www.valcomnews.com |  TRAVEL, 6 |  WHO WROTE THAT, 9 |  GAMES, 10 |  CRAFTS, 11

Summer School & Summer Fun! JUNE 18–JULY 27, 2018 • GRADES 2–8 • WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG/SUMMER-PROGRAM


TAKE THE JOURNEY IN Opens April 6th

Host your next birthday party at the Esquire

Theatre

Contact April Kovac akovac@imax.com 916-446-2333x201 ESQUIRE

THEATRE

I

1211 K STREET, SACRAMENTO CA, 95814

I

WWW.IMAX.COM/SACRAMENTO

IMAX® 3D is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

2

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018


A spotlight on community creeks

28th annual Creek Week to celebrate: ‘Earth, water, sky – creeks!’

Art Director: John Ochoa

M

ark your calendars! Friday, April 6 to Saturday, April 14 for the 28th annual Creek Week. Make plans to participate in one or more of the many fun and educational activities for all ages and volunteer at the annual community-wide cleanup and celebration! Splash Off April 6, 11 a.m. to noon It’s Splash Off Creek Week. Sponsors are thanked and the 2018 Creek Stewart award winner, Mira Loma High School, is the award winner for their Arcade Creek Project. Powerhouse Science Center, 3615 Auburn Blvd, Sacra.m.ento, CA 95821. More information at http://www.creekweek.net/activities.html. Bufferlands Birds & Blooms Tour Saturday, April 7, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. The Fishhead Lake mitigation wetlands and surrounding uplands are home to waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. Native wildflowers bloom in early spring. Visitors will receive a packet of native flower seeds. Meet-

www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Bitsy Kemper, Carmel Mooney Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl - 916-429-9901 Cover courtesy Metro News Service California Kids! is published monthly and distributed to more than 1,000 locations in the Sacramento Valley, including all of Sacramento County, and portions of Yolo (Davis and Woodland), Placer (Rocklin and Roseville), El Dorado (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville) counties. Subscriptions are available for $30/year. Mail prepaid check or money order to California Kids!, 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818. Make sure to specify the person and address to which you wish issues to be mailed.

ing location is weather-dependent. More information at http://www.creekweek.net/ activities.html. Arcade Creek Exploration Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m. to noon Explore Arcade Creek’s “creek zone” with biologists. Learn about riparian habitats, diversity and see firsthand how scientific tools are used.

Deadlines for advertising and calendar listings are the 25th of the month prior to publication. Calendar listings should be mailed to 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818, faxed to (916) 429-9906, or e-mailed to editor@valcomnews.com. Copyright 2018 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 429-9906. E-mail:calkids@valcomnews.com. ©2018 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

See Creek Week, page 4

Let’s go to the City! SF Ferry Building Farmers’ Market Exploratorium

Pier 41

PIER 39 Shops & Dining Fisherman’s Wharf

AT&T Park

Daily ferry service from Vallejo

Giants Game Service Follow. Connect. Share.

For Ferry Route, Schedule, Ticket and Terminal Information www.SanFranciscoBayFerry.com (707) 643-3779 APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

3


SACRAMENTO’S SUPER PARTY CENTER! TWO FREE PIZZAS with purchase of any bounce party

COME JOIN THE PARTY! ALL AGES & THEMES

OPEN PLAY

Tuesday-Friday 9-11 am & Friday Nights 6-9 pm

(Coupon must be used at time of booking. Expires 4/30/18)

Now Enrolling for

WINTER CAMP!

916.371.2386

2939 Promenade Street, West Sacramento

Now able to BOOK ONLINE (please mention this ad when booking online)

www.TheBounceSpot.com

Construction Is Underway The City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities and its construction contractors are working on water meters, water mains, and water service lines in the area. Visit www.MetersMatter.org to learn more about the project and to find out what may be happening in and around your neighborhood. This work may result in: • Traffic delays • Sidewalk closures • Construction-related dust and noise This work addresses the State’s mandate for water meters to be installed on all water services. Thank you for your cooperation on this very important project. Contact us for more information: www.MetersMatter.org Meter Information Line: 916-808-5870

4

Creek Week: Continued from page 3

Del Paso Regional Park Natural Area, 3565 Auburn Blvd. Sacra.m.ento More information at http:// www.creekweek.net/activities.html. Water Wonderful World Saturday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. Explore the local waterways. Take a hike to the river and learn about its journey; see the kinds of animals living in and along its edge, and learn the importance of keeping our local waterways clean. Effie Yeaw Nature Center. More information at http://www.creekweek.net/ activities.html. Living in Water Sunday April 8 1:30 p.m. Discover the hidden world of water insects and polliwogs! Using catch and release activities, get a close-up look at these a.m.azing little animals living in our ponds and local waterways. Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located at 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA 95608 More information at http:// www.creekweek.net/activities.html. Mather Vernal Pool Public Tour Flower Walks: Sunday, April 8 & 29 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join Sacra.m.ento Splash for a 2-hour tour of the Mather Field vernal pools. Vernal pools are so diverse and a wonder to see! In April, the warmth of the sun evaporates the water giving rise to the flower phase. Depending upon factors like the soil and hydrology conditions, each pool will showcase its own unique assortment of critters and flowers. More information at http://www.creekweek. net/activities.html. 4426 Excelsior Rd, Mather, CA 95655 West Nature Area Tour at former McClellan AFB Tuesday, April 10, 10 a.m. - Noon Take a tour of the West Nature Area at the former McClellan Air Force Base. Visitors will learn about the long-term conserva-

tion plans for this 220acre wildlife preserve and their ongoing remediation and restoration efforts including the site’s natural resources and protected species, as well as habitat management like beaver da.m.-building activity and invasive plants. More information at http:// www.creekweek.net/activities.html. Creatures of the Creek Wednesday, April 11 6:00 p.m. until dark Join Bufferlands biologists on a walking tour of Morrison and Laguna creeks. Explore the restored habitats of the Bufferlands in search of the animals which call the local creeks their home. Sightings of fish, turtles, herons and beavers are all possible as we roa.m. this unique area! The meeting location is weather-dependent. More information at http://www. creekweek.net/activities. html. Steelhead Creek Beaver Pond Walk Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. Early evening is the best time to see beaver activity and lots of other local wildlife. Take a stroll with Mary Tappel through Wolfe Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. NOTE: This event will be cancelled in the case of heavy rain. More information at http://www. creekweek.net/activities. html. Clean Up and Celebration! Saturday, April 14, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Find clean up locations and register online at http:// www.creekweek.net/volunteer.html First We Clean! Then We Celebrate! 9 a.m. – Noon, Countywide,volunteers are needed for trash and debris removal on clean-up day! Noon - 2 p.m., Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael. Free Lunch & T-shirt for volunteers Exhibits, fun activities & contests Red Shoe Productions Entertainment

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018


Farm tours teach children about fresh food at the California State Fair Farm

T

he California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm does more than grow food; it grows knowledge and enriches the lives of area youth and even peaks the students’ interest to pursue careers in California’s number one industry: Agriculture. School tours at The Farm teach K-6th graders about California fresh produce at the 3.5 acre working farm. Schools from all over the region are welcome to tour the farm. K-6 grade students get a unique, hands-on experience in a living classroom that shows them firsthand where their food comes from. Students will see actual crops, including a functioning greenhouse. They will participate in five learning stations: Grow itexplore seeds; See it- see what the seeds turn into; Save it- the newest methods for growing plants; Plant it- plant seeds; and Taste it- taste the foods grown on The Farm. The CA State Fair Farm grows over 90 varieties of fruits and vegetables all year long, from cotton, kiwi, squash, eggplant, chili peppers, corn and melons to pumpkins. Nearly 4,000 students experience what it takes to plant, maintain and manage a farm during Spring/Fall Farm Tours. The California State Fair Farm is a working farm that produces tons of

produce, which is donated to the Sacramento Food Bank. In 2017, more than 16,000 pounds of produce was donated. The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm Tours are offered for six weeks in the spring and fall. The spring farm tours at Cal Expo are Monday– Thursday starting April 9 and wrap up May 17. The fall tours will begin on Sept. 10 and will conclude Oct. 18. Schools are encouraged to book tours for both spring and fall now before all of the slots are taken. There is a nominal fee of $7 per student for the tour. Included in the fee is a tour through the Forest Center, an area that features 40 native species of trees. Experts from the Forest Foundation allow the children to get close to nature while learning about the benefits of a healthy sustainable forest. Also during the farm tour, students can milk “Cali”, a mechanical cow donated by the California Milk Advisory Board. Reservations are going on now at http://www.castatefair.org/farmtours/. For more information about The California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm School Tours and to schedule an interview with a classroom tour, contact: Media Director, Darla Givens, 916-263-3108.

Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 5/31/18

Snowline Thrift Store (916) 246-7498 APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

3133 Arden Way, Sacramento www.snowlinehospice.org

5


Big Bear Lake is snow much fun for families By Carmel L. Mooney

One of California’s best places for snow much family fun is Big Bear Lake, Calif. We love it more each time we go. There’s so much to do once you arrive on “Big Bear time.” Even though Big Bear has some of the best family skiing and snowboarding in the state, with virtually no lines, the pinnacle of our most recent trip was an 8-wheel-drive off-road adventure. It was more than spectacular to experience the back country of the San Bernardino mountains from a heavy duty off-road vehicle. Our tour with Big Bear Off-Road Adventures was nothing less than fabulous and absolutely unforgettable, taking us to breathtaking vistas and allowing us a behind-the-scenes perspective on the beauty that is so unique to Big Bear. Our guide/driver Eric was the best. We even got to “off-road it” and explore an area where the TV show Bonanza was filmed many years ago. The abilities of the off-road vehicle allowed us to traverse thick, virgin powder and to see winter wonderland sights that were literally inaccessible to anyone else. It’s not just a ride; it’s an adventure! Right before we went offroad, we even stopped at Maggio’s Pizza and got the best

6

“to-go” salads and calzones we could have ever dreamed of. Fresh, delicious ingredients made our lunch stand out as truly memorable. We always truly love skiing at Big Bear. Friendliness and no stress are what make skiing at Big Bear a sheer delight. Much more than just a skiing and snowboarding destination, it has all the bases covered when it comes to an all-inclusive snowy destination that rivals Tahoe or Vail. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain visitors will appreciate the unique flavor with beautifully manicured slopes, friendly and competent instructors, and the feeling that you’ve stepped back into a sim-

pler day when a family could spend more time skiing and less time waiting to have fun. That’s a win-win with our family. Moonridge Park is a wonderful zoo/animal park open all year so a family can really enjoy seeing animals in their natural winter environment. It’s exhilarating to actually see a snow leopard romping in the snow or a bear family frolicking in fresh powder. The animals there are well loved and cared for. It’s truly a treat. Try a beginner’s snowshoe tour at the Big Bear Discovery Center, or an afternoon on the Alpine Slide or tubing. The “snow much fun” options are virtually endless. Big Bear has

the corner on winter fun activities for folks of all ages. Before you retreat back to a warm and comfy cabin, you’ll want to explore the wonderful dining in Big Bear. Again, lots of delicious and family-friendly options await after you build up a hearty Big Bear appetite. Most restaurants are local family-run, and the friendly service and kindness is evident, making dining a pleasure. Sonora Cantina serves great food and ambiance at reasonable prices, and with good portions. It has been one of our standing favorites for years whenever we visit. The Himalayan is the only restaurant in Big Bear to offer Indian and Nepalese food. It is outstanding. With delicious sauces, warm and delicious Naan, Tandoori entrees, and using only the freshest herbs and ingredients, this place is healthy and wonderful. We loved every bite. It’s family operated and provides great food with exotic flavors. It’s the perfect place to warm up with remarkably good and filling food after a day in the snow. Various vacation rentals have provided us the ideal locations from which to get the most out of our delightful Big Bear Adventures. Our cabin rentals have always been clean, cozy,

well-appointed and central to all the fun. The tourism department for Big Bear can make excellent recommendations and have never once steered us wrong. We have experienced many different cabins at Big Bear but always enjoy games, movies, telescopes, wonderfully stocked kitchens, extra blankets, spas, and even nice, rock fireplaces. The various rentals we have enjoyed , have always felt like a home away from home. That’s so important when you travel as a family and are go, go, go with lots to do and see. Take note that Big Bear Lake is less than two hours from Disneyland and LAX or Orange County airport. It’s very accessible for a Sacramento area family to fly in and get settled easily. We have often enjoyed combining a trip to Disneyland and then a few days to Big Bear afterward. You’ll be hard pressed to find a place so fun, yet so relaxing and friendly for a family vacation, as Big Bear Lake. Just keep in mind that when visiting Big Bear Lake in the winter, the mountain weather can change quickly so stay informed of chain control warnings. For road conditions, call: 1-800-427-ROAD www.bigbear.com.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018


Railroad Museum encourages interested volunteers to attend special open house on April 14 All aboard for inspiration! California State Parks, the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation and Old Sacramento State Historic Park are now recruiting adults (18 or older) who are interested in volunteering to help communicate the West’s fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush. For those interested, a special, drop-in Volunteer Open House is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Stanford Gallery located at 111 I Street in Old Sacramento (next door to the California State Railroad Museum). Volunteer applications are being accepted now through April 16 and will be followed by an interview process. The next docent training session is scheduled to begin on May 5. Each year, more than 500 men and women volunteer for the California State Railroad Museum’s programs – including weekend excursion train operations, track construction, restoration and maintenance, even clerical work. A background in history is not required to become a volunteer. In fact, most of the volunteers in the popular program began with little knowledge of railroads or the Gold Rush. As individuals become more familiar with the Museum’s varied and frequent programs, many volunteers take on additional responsibilities, such as conducting research or giving talks to community organizations. New docents can choose to work in the Museum interacting with visitors from around the world, working in the railroad restoration shops on

rare and unique railroad equipment, work on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, or other jobs in this dynamic and fun environment. Volunteering represents a serious commitment of at least 84 volunteer hours annually, but the hours are flexible and the rewards can be tremendous. Docents receive perks, such as a discount at the Museum Store, preferential and/or early access to selected special events, and the pride of working at North America’s

finest and most visited railroad museum that is also a proud Smithsonian Affiliate. Volunteer applications can be downloaded at http://www. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25583 and completed forms can be emailed to allaboard.csrm@parks. ca.gov or mailed/delivered to the Volunteer Coordinator, California State Railroad Museum, 111 I St., Sacramento, CA 95814. For more information, please call 916-445-0269 or visit www.californiarailroad.museum.

at Do you know wh over 2000 kids Located on Beautiful Lake Natoma n fu r fo did YOUTH CAMPS • BOATING SAFETY • WATER SKIING WAKE BOARDING • JET SKIING • SAILING • WINDSURFING last summer? ROWING • KAYAKING • CANOEING • STAND-UP PADDLING CHALLENGE COURSE Boat Rentals • Team Building • Youth Camps Birthday Parties • Adult Classes • Facility Reservations

Your kids will never hav e so much fun ! Ages 7 - 1 7

A Program of:

CALL FOR YOUR NEW 2018 SCHEDULE! 1901 HAZEL AVENUE • GOLD RIVER, CA 95670 • 916.278.2842 • www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7


Vintage toys inspire ‘Kit ‘n Kaboodle’, the Crocker’s new art spot for kids Art Spot: Kit ‘n Kaboodle now open at Crocker Art Museum Ask any young art lover how to explore the Crocker Art Museum, and they’ll tell you, “we see with our eyes, not with our hands”. While touching art is a no-no inside the main galleries, the Museum’s toy-inspired children’s Art Spot, Kit ‘n Kaboodle, is fair game. Funded in part by First Five Sacramento and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Crocker’s Art Spots progam is a rotating series of experiential art installations designed for children age 5 and younger, as well as their caregivers. Each Art Spot is created by a different artist or team that participates in the Crocker’s ongoing early childhood programming to gain a thorough understanding of children’s developmental needs and interests. Now open in the Museum’s historic building, the Crocker’s newest Art Spot, Kit ‘n Kaboodle, was created by Sacramento artists Suzanne Adan and Michael Stevens. Married 47 years “and counting,” Adan and Stevens not only enjoy creating art together, but they also collect vintage toys and lunchboxes. As the couple worked with Museum educators to conceptualize Kit ‘n Kaboodle, their toy collection partly inspired the installation’s aesthetic. Kit ‘n Kaboodle is layered with nostalgia, humor, and whimsy. Stevens’ folk art craftsmanship

and Adan’s engaging, texture-infused painting style form a wonder-filled environment that invites visitors to let their imaginations soar, as they explore vintage-inspired games, artful puzzles, and interactive sculptures. As young visitors explore and discover the artistic features, they can also enjoy a little peek at a mini-exhibit of some of the artists’ vintage toys and lunchboxes—an

aspect that often appeals to parents and caregivers as well. Art Spot: Kit ‘n Kaboodle is open and ongoing at the Crocker Art Museum. Another Art Spot, Tot Land, features the giant sculpture Dreamboat. Tot Land is also open and ongoing. Art Spots are free to children and their caregivers with Museum admission.

Connecting Campers With What Matters 2018 Overnight Camp YMCA CAMP RAVENCLIFF YMCA CAMP LOMA MAR Youth Camp (Ages 7–13) SPACE ENGINEERING ROBOTS & MORE!

Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: Session 4: Session 5:

June 24 - July 1 -At Camp Ravencliff July 1 - 8 -At Camp Ravencliff July 15 - 22 -At Camp Loma Mar July 22 - 29 -At Camp Loma Mar July 29 - Aug. 5 -At Camp Loma Mar

Teen Camp (Ages 13-15) NOW – April 30 | Early Bird May 1 | Open Registration

8

Session 1: July 8 - 15 -At Camp Loma Mar

For more information or to register online visit

ycamprocks.org • 925-455-7975

Fee

Camp Registration Dates:

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

$680 $600 $560

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018


Who wrote that? KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with Joanna Rowland

By Bitsy Kemper

Who Wrote That? is a monthly column that profiles the talented authors and illustrators who are bringing children’s books to life.

J

oanna Rowland was a late bloomer in the world of writing books. Writing classes? She avoided them because she feared she wasn’t any good. She worried she daydreamed too much while the teacher was talking. Little did she know the importance of daydreaming in brainstorming and writing, skills she’d be honing a little later in life. It wasn’t until her 30s, back in 2009, that the itch to write started to, well, itch. Blossom, if you will. “It was literally a light bulb moment,” Joanna said. “I know exactly where I was and what I was doing when it came. And the dream never went away.” Writing is one of Joanna’s favorite ways to create. “I love that words can make people feel and think.” A Transitional-Kindergarten teacher with a B.A. in child development and a multiple subject teaching credential, she is well prepared for her three-book (as of today) writing career. Joanna sat down and talked with columnist Bitsy Kemper about her writing journey. Bitsy: What was your first book? Joanna: Always Mom, Forever Dad came out in 2014. The idea came to me when a relative

said she wished there were more positive books on divorce. So I told her I’d write one. Luckily, it worked out and sold. BK: What about your next one about grief? JR: Well, there was a child that was meant to get my book on divorce, but she lost her father before the book came out. I knew she needed a different type of book. That is where the journey of writing on grief began. BK: So you wrote it for her? JR: During the two years of writing The Memory Box, my family lost some special people in our lives. I rearranged the story a bit so that the reader never knows exactly who died; it more references feeling loss. That way any reader can relate to the loss of any lost loved one, even a pet. BK: Two years spent working on one story seems long. JR: I started writing it in 2014. Even though I tried

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AUTHOR Joanna Rowland

Joanna Rowland lives in Sacramento, CA with her husband and three children. She likes to teach in the day and write at night. In the summer you’ll find her by the pool coaching synchronized swimming. Website: http://www.writerrowland.com Twitter: @WriterRowland Favorite saying: Dream Big

APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

to write other books, The Memory Box was a book that wouldn’t let go of my heart. I had to write it. For over two years, I kept working and revising. It sold to the perfect publishing house (SparkHouse Family) and found the perfect editor. It recently received a silver medal from The MoonBeam Award for picture book all ages! It means so much to see that after years of work, people felt it made a difference. BK: Are there any hidden meanings or images? JR: Personally there are. You’ll notice a synchronized swimming picture in there. The book is in memory of a synchronized swimmer I used to coach that swam with my daughters and niece. To be able to hand someone a book that I know will have a special meaning for them is the best feeling ever. The birds in there also have a special story for lost, loved friend. BK: What about your third book, where did you get that idea? JR: It was during teaching on a windy day that my stu-

dents had a hard time listening. The title “The Monstructor” popped in my head, and I ran with it. BK: What else inspires you as far as creativity? JR: Nature inspires me. Reading books or watching a great movie with all the feels inspires me. But my writing community really feeds my soul. I love SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the conferences and friends I have met there. It truly is a second home. BK: Are you surprised you’re an author? JR: When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher or a stay at home mom. I teach Transitional Kindergarten now so that worked out! It’s fun to have a job where I get to read stories to kids everyday. BK: And now, some of them are your stories!

Bitsy Kemper is author of 16 children’s books. You may have seen Bitsy on CNN, heard her on national radio, noticed her quoted in a range of places from Parenting magazine to Writing Children’s Books for Dummies, or seen her work in countless newspapers, radio and TV stations across the U.S. of A. Busy with three kids (four if you count her husband), she happily finds time to present at schools and writer conferences from CA to NY. Find out more at www.BitsyKemper.com.

BOOKS BY JOANNA ROWLAND The Memory Box A Book About Grief Author: Joanna Rowland Illustrator: Thea Baker Publisher: Sparkhouse Family The Monstructor Author: Joanna Rowland Illustrator: Melissa Goodman Publisher: Clearfork Always Mom, Forever Dad Author: Joanna Rowland Illustrator: Penny Weber Publisher: Tilbury

9


Games

Call My Bluff

T

his is a fun word game (made famous by the TV show) which can help children to learn new words, practice dictionary work and presentation skills! It works best in a classroom or large group setting, and you will need time to prepare. Call my Bluff instructions Age: 7+ You will need a large dictionary and at least 4 players, preferably more. 3 players are chosen to give the first presentation. They must choose a difficult word from the dictionary (which they hope no-one will know) and write 3 definitions for the word. One of the definitions must be true, and the other two should be plausible (but can be funny). Now write the word on a card or the chalkboard and ask the 3 children to read out their words to the group or class, giving no indication which is right and which are wrong. Make sure the children adopt a good poker face when giving their definitions! The audience now votes on which is the right definition. If they guess right, the audience gets a point. If they guess wrong, each of the other 2 presenters gets a point! Variations: 3 adults or older children can prepare a number of words in advance, and present them to younger children. Instead of using word definitions, you can write 3 or more “truths” about a character you are studying, or perhaps a favorite celebrity. The audience has to guess whether the “facts” are right or wrong.

Catch The Dragon’s Tail This traditional Chinese game is great fun for the playground. You will need a large group of children at least 10, but the more the merrier! Age: Any The children all form a line with their hands on the shoulders of the child in front. The first in line is the dragon’s head, the last in line is the dragon’s tail. The dragon’s head then tries to catch the tail by manoeuvring the line around so that he can tag the last player. All the players in the middle do their best to hinder the dragon’s head. Don’t let the line break! When the head catches the tail, the tail player takes the front position and becomes the new dragon’s head. All the other players move back one position

Bridges This game is good for a stretch of motorway with lots of bridges. It’s a fun challenge that tests children’s distance awareness. Age: 5+ When you see a bridge ahead the non-player tells all players to close their eyes. Keeping their eyes closed, players call out ‘now’ when they think they are passing under the bridge. The player who gets closest is awarded a point. Play best of 5. The player with the most points wins. The non-player’s

decision on whom to award the point to is final. Variations: Chose any landmark you like as your marker. Call ‘now’ as you pass by.

You Bring the Memories... YouWe’ll Bring the Memories Bring the Cake! We’ll Bring the Cake

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS! April 28th, 2018 from 2pm-5pm Classroom Tours, Giveaways, Bounce House, Music

Overnight Theatrical Camp

Wonder-Land Christian Preschool and Daycare School 3300 Walnut Ave, Carmichael � 916-481-1798

Galena Forest, NV, June 24– June 30, 2018 Camp Star Bound combines a six night, seven day performing arts experience with all the fun of a traditional summer camp Find out more and register today!

www.campstarbound.com

Mention this ad and receive $50 off tuition! 10

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018


Make it yourself! Polystyrene Egg Bunny

Easter Bunny Fuse Bead Pattern

This Polystyrene Egg Bunny is a perfect craft for Easter and makes a great table decoration that the kids will be really proud of!

or this Easter bunny fuse bead pattern you will need a large square base and pale pink, white or pale grey fuse beads for the body, as well as dark pink and black fuse beads for the details. This bunny makes a cute card topper and also looks great on the Easter table - perhaps attached to a cardboard ring to make a napkin holder, or propping up a place card!

F

You will need: A large polystyrene egg Pink paint Pink craft foam Googly eyes White pipe cleaner (chenille stem) White pompom Glue Instructions: • Paint the egg pink and leave to dry. • Cut the chenille stem into 3 short lengths. Glue these to the front of the egg as whiskers. • From the pink foam, cut two feet, two ears and a nose and glue these to your rabbit. • Add two googly eyes and a pompom tail and leave the glue to dry.

Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

Storytime Theatre Of Sacramento City College Proudly Presents

GOLDILOCKS!

Adapted and Directed by Doug Lawson

Opens Saturday April 7th and continues Saturdays and Sundays at 12 noon closing on April 29th.

$5

Admission for all ages. Children 2 and under FREE! - HALF-PRICE OPENING DAY SPECIAL! APRIL 7TH ONLY! - GROUP RATE FOR PARTIES OF 15 OR MORE, 20% OFF!

Please call 916-558-2174 to make arrangements. The group rate is not valid on opening day.

Cash or checks only at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at citytheatre.Net All performances are in The Little Theatre, Room 106 of the performing arts center located in the corner created by 12th ave and freeport blvd (the northwest corner of the sacramento city college campus).

Sunday, April 15th Will Be Interpreted In American Sign Language.

3835 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95822 APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE NOW CHARGES $2.00 FOR ON CAMPUS PARKING 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

11


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook