WHAT’S NEXT AT WILMINGTON PARENT?
Cape Fear Region’s #1 guide for what to do, where to go, and how to make family life more magical everyday.
SEPTEMBER
Joy of Learning
Celebrate the back-to-school season and ignite your child’s love of discovery with editorials focused on groundbreaking study tips and hints for keeping learning alive in your home.
OCTOBER Boo!
From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, costume ideas to autumn recipes, this month we celebrate the delightful power of transformation and surprise.
NOVEMBER
Let’s Make Music
Rhythm, melody, and harmony, oh my! Discover easy ways to weave music into your daily life, and the educational power music education has on young learners.
DECEMBER
Time to Celebrate!
Make the season unforgettable with hands-on activities, practical tips, and handy guides to create magic, light, and joy that brings the whole family together.
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A Note from the Editor
Fireflies and family picnics, outdoor concerts and long, lazy afternoons. August is the height of vacation and it’s also the doorway to autumn. It’s those final moments of summer and back-to-school season all at once.
On that note, you’ll find this issue packed with summer adventure ideas and back-to-school guides alike. Inside, you’ll find ways to enjoy the last month of vacation; from how to make paper lanterns to excellent family picnic spots. And we’ve also brought you comprehensive back-to-school guides, with tips for how to best prepare for the year ahead and after school activity ideas that will spark inspiration for you and your kiddos.
As summer wanes and a new season approaches, we encourage you to lean into that sense of inspiration, to take hold of what is new and engaging for your child - and for yourself - and get swept away. We hope you find this issue more than useful, and we’ll be back in September with more valuable resources for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Phina
Brill
Opinions/Suggestions/Feedback
We value our reader’s opinionshelp us to serve you better! You can email us at brad@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Wilmington Parent is published 12 times a year. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All contents of Wilmington Parent are protected under copyright. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
© Wilmington Parent 2025 Wilmington Family Media LLC
Complimentary copies of Wilmington Parent are available to the public at various locations in the greater Wilmington area. One copy per family is permitted. Additional copies require the written permission of the Publisher.
The World at Your Fingertips Science
and Nature Events
From spotting planets and constellations to building rockets and race cars, this month’s science and nature-themed events will spark your child’s joy of discovery and exploration.
Turtle Talk + Feeding at Airlie Gardens
Where: Airlie Gardens
When: Tuesday, August 26, 2:00 pm
Join an environmental educator in the classroom to meet one of our ambassador animals! Learn about native reptile species, their characteristics, and even watch them eat!
Butterfly Releases at Airlie Gardens
Where: Airlie Gardens
When: Tuesdays, 10 am, June - September
An educator will be in the Airlie Gardens
Butterfly House discussing the life cycle of a butterfly and the different types of butterflies you can see that week. Butterflies will then be released into the Butterfly House.
Island STEAM Club:
Science Story Hour: Toothpick Stars
Where: Pleasure Island Library
When: Every Tuesday, 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Ages: 6 - 11
Science Story Hour: Science Fun
Based on a Story
Where: Pleasure Island Library
When: 1st Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Ages: 6 - 11
Builders Club: A Fun Building Activity
Where: Pleasure Island Library
When: 2nd Tuesday, 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Ages: 6 - 11
Art Creations: Get Creative and Make a Unique Art Project
Where: Pleasure Island Library
When: 3rd Tuesday, 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Ages: 6 - 11
LEGO Club:
Free Build With Toy Bricks
When: Pleasure Island Library
When: 4th Tuesday, 3:00 - 3:45 pm
When: 6 - 11
Get Creative Altogether Art
Events
If you have children who love to get creative and dive into color and collage, these hands-on programs will be sure to delight.
Kids at CAM: Doodle with HP Fangs
Where: Cameron Art Museum
When: Saturday, August 9, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
It’s time to doodle and draw the morning away! Together, participants will find inspiration in the art on view and have fun with artist and teacher, Greyson Davis (HP Fangs).
Mary’s Art Explorers:
A hands-on art and storytime experience perfect for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
From My Window
Where: Cameron Art Museum
When: August 14, 10 - 11:00 am Ages: Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (older siblings welcome)
Start with storytime and then engage in a story-inspired craft under the guidance of an educator from Cameron Art Museum.
With Airlie Gardens: One Tiny Turtle
Where: Cameron Art Museum
When: August 28, 10 - 11:00 am
Ages: Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (older siblings welcome)
Join Cameron Art Museum and a special guest from Airlie Gardens to investigate
reptiles and their ecosystem together and to dive into a story-inspired craft.
Messy Hands @ Pleasure Island Library
When: Tuesday, August 5, 10:15-10:45
Ages: 2-5
A child-driven, process-based art program where young children can explore their creativity using different art mediums.
Teen Poetry Club @ Pine Valley Library
When: Tuesday, August 5th, 5:30 - 6:30 pm (and every first Tuesday of the month) Where: Pine Valley Library Ages: 12 - 18
Join a relaxed group for poetry-related activities, casual creative writing sessions, and to explore and experiment with different styles of poetry! No experience necessary, and no pressure to share what you write.
DIY for Teens - Origami Bookmarks
When: Monday, August 11, 4:15 - 5:00 pm
Where: Pleasure Island Library
Ages: 12 - 18
Create your own original bookmark together with other teens at the Pleasure Island library. A fun, casual afternoon of creativity and conversation.
Book-Lovers Corner!
A monthly showcase of great books young readers absolutely love, hand-picked by tutoring experts, librarians, children’s authors, and of course, parents like you! With special recommendations for toddlers, early readers, middle grades, and teens, this section is jam-packed each month with books that will capture your child’s imagination and ignite a lifelong love of literature.
This month’s reads: books about walking out the front door and experiencing the world outside.
Outside in
By Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby
Ages 3-6
A 2021 Caldecott Honor Book, Outside In reminds emerging readers of the ways nature creates and touches our lives in homes, apartments, and cars, and is the perfect way to reflect on the world’s connectedness.
Lily Takes a Walk
By Satoshi Kitamura Ages 6-8
A book about the power of imagination and finding the extraordinary in the every day, when Lily sets out to take her dog, Nicki out for a walk, she discovers that everything - from the lamp posts to phone booths, have a life of their own. Funny, charming, and all out delightful, Lily Takes a Walk will be a book you and your kiddos reference for years to come.
The Trouble With Heroes
By Kate Messner
Ages 9-14
Told in verse, this transformative story follows 13-year-old Finn who processes the sudden loss of his father by climbing 46 Adirondack High Peaks. This novel grapples with the definition of masculinity, and gives young readers an adventure tale that is both gripping and healing.
Back to School with Bento Boxes
The Lunch Dilemma: A Familiar Struggle
Every parent knows the drill: the morning rush, the lackluster lunchbox choices, and the lingering guilt over whether you’re sending your child off with something nutritious—or just something quick. My friend Jill recently confessed over coffee that she relies on prepackaged lunches because it’s easier. “I want to pack healthier meals,” she said, “but who has the time?”
Jill’s not alone. For many parents, packing school lunches feels like an uninspired, never-ending and unappreciated chore! Between picky eaters, tight schedules, and the ever-rising cost of groceries, it’s no wonder so many of us default to convenience. But what if there was a way to make lunch prep easier, healthier, and even a little fun? Enter the bento box—an innovation for busy families.
What Is a Bento Box?
Bento boxes are more than just lunch containers; they’re a tradition rooted in Japan and designed to make portable meals balanced, convenient, and visually appealing. Originally, they were filled with rice, meats, fish, and vegetables, creating a harmonious meal. Today, the concept has developed to fit modern lifestyles, accommodating everything from sandwiches and salads to yogurt and wraps.
At its core, a bento box is about balance and presentation. Each compartment is an opportunity to include a different food group or flavor, making it easy to create a meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Think of it as a blank canvas where you can play with colors, textures, and flavors to create something special.
The Basics of Balance
A good bento box is more than just a collection of random foods—it’s a thoughtfully balanced meal. Lunch is the meal that fuels the rest of the day, so it’s important to include a mix of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits.
Here’s a quick guide to building a balanced bento
Protein: Make this the star of your box. Options include grilled chicken, baked tofu, hard-boiled eggs, or even a scoop of chickpea salad.
Carbohydrates: Whole-grain crackers, pasta salad, or a small portion of rice can provide the energy kids need.
Vegetables: Raw veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks add crunch and color. Try steamed, blanched or roasted veggies with sauces, dressings or dips.
Fruits: Add color with a handful of berries, apple slices, or orange wedges.
Snacks and Dips: A sprinkle of nuts, a dollop of hummus, or a few whole-grain crackers will round out the box.
Mastering the Bento Box
If bento boxes seem intimidating, don’t worry—they’re easier than they look. Start by choosing the right container. Bento boxes come in all shapes, sizes, price points and materials, but the best ones are lightweight, sturdy, and leak-proof. Look for boxes with compartments or dividers to keep foods separate and organized.
Once you have your container, focus on packable foods that don’t need reheating. Think of salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even cold pasta dishes. Batch cooking can save time—grill a batch of chicken or boil a dozen eggs on Sunday, and you’ll have protein ready for the week.
Pro tip: Create a Bento Lunch Playbook. Just like meal planning for dinners, this playbook can include seasonal grocery lists, a weekly schedule, and presentation ideas. Involve your kids in the process—they can help test combinations, brainstorm themes, and map out their own combos and preferences.
Getting Kids Involved
One of the best parts of bento box lunches is how they can teach valuable life skills. Packing their own lunches isn’t just a chore—it’s an opportunity to build independence, responsibility, and even executive functioning skills (like planning and organization).
Young Kids (4–7): Start small. They can wash fruits and veggies, scoop hummus into a small container, or arrange crackers and cheese in a compartment.
Tweens (8–12): Let them take on more responsibility, by cutting foods, making salads, or assembling wraps. They can write grocery lists for their lunches, make meal plans and research lunch ideas.
Teens (13+): By this age, kids can take full ownership of their lunches—planning, shopping, and packing. You can set house rules, such as “every lunch must start with whole, nutritious foods,” but otherwise, let them have fun.
When you give kids partnership in meal-making, their interest will soar! Not only does it teach hands-on nutrition and meal prep, but encourages them to take pride in their work. This sense of pride often translates into greater confidence and independence as they see the results of their efforts—opening their lunchbox to a meal they created themselves.
Kids are more likely to eat meals they’ve helped prepare, making this a practical solution for picky eaters or those who bring home uneaten lunches. By involving kids, you’re doing more than just packing a lunch—you’re empowering healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Creativity and Presentation
In Japan, presentation is a key part of the bento tradition—it’s believed that a beautifully arranged meal tastes better. While you don’t need to turn every lunch into an art project, care and effort is a lifelong skill.
Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or fruit. Add a layer of greens under a sandwich for color. Or create a “rainbow corner” with slices of bell peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage. Small silicone cups can separate dips or hold small snacks like trail mix or energy bites.
Themes are another way to approach lunch. Try a “breakfastfor-lunch” box with mini pancakes, turkey sausage, and fruit. Or go international with a “Mediterranean box” featuring hummus, pita, olives, and cucumber slices.
Make It Practical
Bento boxes are designed for convenience, but planning can make them even easier. Dedicate a shelf in your fridge to chopped veggies, cooked proteins, and portioned snacks. A “bento box station” in your kitchen can keep containers, utensils, and accessories organized.
Try batch cooking—grill chicken, roast veggies, or cook a pot of quinoa on the weekend, and you’ll have the building blocks for several days’ worth of lunches.
Bento Box Ideas
Italian Bento: Mozzarella balls, rotisserie chicken, garlic bread bites, and cherry tomatoes.
Mexican Fiesta: Mini quesadillas, black bean and corn salad, guacamole, and tortilla chips.
Snack Box: Hard-boiled egg, carrot sticks, hummus, almonds, and mixed berries.
Seasonal Favorites: Pumpkin muffins, apple slices with almond butter, and roasted sweet potatoes in the fall.
Embracing Bento
By the end of our coffee, Jill was sold on bento boxes. “It sounds doable,” she said, “and maybe even fun!” Why not try it? Make your own Bento Lunch Playbook, involve your kids, and watch them take ownership of their meals. Here’s to a healthier, happier, and less stressful school year.
Brain-Boosting Skills Kids Develop Through Bento Box Lunch Packing
Packing a bento box isn’t just about preparing a meal— it’s a hands-on activity that nurtures essential life skills and supports cognitive development. Here’s how each part of the process builds critical brain skills:
Planning:
Kids learn to think ahead by deciding what they’ll include in their lunch. This strengthens executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and prioritization.
Designing:
Choosing how to arrange foods in the bento box encourages creativity and spatial awareness. It’s also a great way to introduce concepts like balance and aesthetics.
Creating:
Whether they’re cutting fruits into shapes or assembling wraps, kids engage in problem-solving and fine motor skill development as they work with their hands.
Packing:
The act of fitting foods into compartments hones spatial reasoning and teaches them to think systematically about how to make everything fit neatly and securely.
Culinary Skills:
From washing fruits to spreading hummus or assembling sandwiches, kids practice basic kitchen techniques that build confidence and independence.
Research:
Exploring new foods, flavors, and recipes encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Kids might even research cultural dishes to include, broadening their horizons.
Cleaning Up:
Tidying up after themselves reinforces responsibility, discipline, and respect for their workspace.
Unboxing:
Opening their lunchbox at school helps kids reflect on their choices and learn from the experience—what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d change next time. Daily clean-
ing out their lunch boxes increases awareness of waste and all the steps in the lunch cycle.
Taking Responsibility:
Being in charge of their lunch fosters accountability and helps kids develop a sense of ownership over their decisions.
Pride in Accomplishments:
When children create a tasty and attractive meal, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to learn more.
Why This Matters:
Each step of the bento box process contributes to a child’s cognitive and social development. By involving kids in lunch packing, you’re helping them build skills that extend far beyond the kitchen—skills they’ll carry with them for life.
It’s (Almost) Back-to-School Time!
14
1
Inspirational Ways to Make the Season a Breeze
Adjust Your Schedules Ahead of Time: There’s nothing like the sudden switch from a summer schedule of late wake up times to the school year schedule of early mornings dashing to class. Give the whole family a break by easing into the school year rhythm ahead of time. Start setting your alarms just 15 minutes earlier each day, and by the time the first day of school begins, the whole family will feel ready and mornings will be easy and painless.
2
Turn the Supplies List into a Scavenger Hunt: Hang childrens’ backpacks from your coat rack by the door, and clip the school supplies list to them. Each time you find a school supply, cross it off or check a box saying you found that object. Pencils, notebooks, and soccer cleats, required reading, sweaters, and water bottles. Turn it into a game with the whole family. There will be some things you may need to find at the store, but others you may be able to track down in your own home!
3
Study as a Family: Parents have a huge amount of influence over their children. So, set an example and study alongside your kids. Enroll in a language class, a college
course, or learn through independent study. Stay dedicated to what you’re learning and have study time with your kids, working side by side on your individual projects. Make studying the new normal in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed by the impact it has; creating a culture of learning right in your home.
4
Make Lunches Magical: A great school lunch is like a love note to your child. You don’t have to get fancy, but find the joy in packing something yummy, and include a physical note for your youngster, too. From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut like stars to bento boxes packed with nutrients, lean into the joy of creating lunches your child will look forward to, and make sure they have the nutritional impact to keep your child energized through long days of learning.
5
Create a Study Group: Studies show us that one of the best ways to create momentum around learning is through learning together. This is true for both adults and kids. As your youngsters head back to school, consider creating a weekly or biweekly study group for your children to finish their homework together. Brew some tea, bake some cookies, and invite par-
ents, too. This can be a great way to create community around learning, and watch the momentum positively impact your kids.
6
Foster Friendships: School relationships can be both fodder for lifelong connections and are an essential part of the fabric of your child’s wellbeing. Help to nurture budding friendships by carving out time for socializing, getting to know your child’s friends’ parents, and making family connections as well as kid connections; make time for board game nights, family bike rides, arts and crafts days, and cookie-baking mornings.
7
Build (and Hone) Your Weekly Routine: According to a study by the University of Albany, children who have predictable routines at home experience greater levels of safety and security. Creating a weekly schedule that suits your family’s unique setup. While it’s okay to have things change from the norm (and this makes vacations feel extra special) your routine should be a weekly structure that creates a container for fun, learning, and discovery. Thursday nights are homework nights, Friday nights are family dinners with friends over to boot. Saturday mornings are a stroll through the farmer’s market, and Sunday evenings are a time to get ready for the week ahead. Build the routine that works for you and watch your family flourish.
8
Keep Reading: Reading expands everything from your child’s vocabulary to their understanding of the world, and kids who hear more words each day tend to perform better in school and experience greater success later in life, from academics to job satisfaction. Keep up your reading habits, with bedtime stories and books tucked in a lunch box. There’s nothing like a shared nightly chapter of a new favorite novel to lighten your child’s step.
9
Make a Homework Corner: It doesn’t have to be fancy, but having a dedicated space where your child can focus on their homework is important. Whether it’s a desk in their room or a small table in the corner of the kitchen, don’t hesitate to decorate with twinkly lights and stock lots of pens and pencils. This space should stay your child’s own, so they know they can concentrate on their homework and unique interests in a dedicated space.
10
Keep Creativity in the Mix: With many school districts pulling funding from the arts, it’s more important than ever for parents to make sure youngsters have art-making as part of their daily and/or weekly routine. Art provides stress release, brain stimulation, supports problem-solving skills, and gives your child a way to process their experiences as they grow. Stay tuned to what ignites your child’s enthusiasm, and make sure to provide some resources to support that; whether it’s a weekly art class at the Wilmington Library or a notebook and colored pencils in their homework corner.
11
Treat Bundle Work + Joy: An inevitable part of back-to-school season is homework - and sometimes lots of homework. Practice pairing the tasks your child finds the most challenging with things they love. Make Thursday night math + popcorn night; spread out work on the kitchen table and munch to your heart’s content while tackling hard-tocrack equations. Turn on a favorite audiobook while finishing art projects or putting the final touches on a science presentation, or bring writing homework to the farmer’s market and have a picnic while your child finishes an essay.
12
Know What to Look Forward to: The fall semester can feel long. Break it up with weekend outings, a beach camping trip, or family visits. Put fun miniadventures on the calendar so that your child or teen can know a break is coming. Sometimes the most valuable part of a vacation is the anticipation, and the incredible power that anticipation has to buoy us through busy periods of time.
13
Get the Whole Family Active: School can be stressful, and one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is through exercise. Make sure your child has physical activities on the calendar, from soccer practice to swimming lessons. And if less structured play is preferable, make sure you’re prioritizing walks through the park or along the coastline, bike rides to the farmer’s market, or friendly evenings throwing a ball around.
14
Prioritize Your Own Health + Wellbeing: The school year introduces innumerable stressors, from getting everyone in the family where they need to be on time, to making sure your children are eating a reasonable amount of greens each week. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is your own health and wellbeing; physical, mental, and emotional. Make sure you nurture your own creativity, pursue your own interests, and nourish your body and mind with healthy, delicious foods. Make time for a walk with a friend. Keep a jar of colored pencils close at hand. Stock the pantry with things you love to eat. Happy parents create space for children to be happy, too. So taking care of yourself is a way of caring for your child.
Not-toMiss After School Activities For Every Age Group and Interest
IN THE ARTS
Untitled Theatre Productions
With summer camps during the off season and audition-only productions during the fall and spring, Untitled is a great place for serious theater-lovers to find their groove. www.untitledstage.com
Cameron Art Museum Youth Programs
With after school classes in creative writing, creative play, and visual art media, CAM provides a supportive environment that encourages creativity in every child. www.cameronartmuseum.org/ youth-studio-classes/
KinderStop Onsite at Wilmington School of the Arts
Dedicated to inspiring students to pursue excellence in academics and the arts by awakening and nurturing creativity in every child, WSA provides after school programs with daily or flex plans depending on your scheduling needs. www.kinderstoponsite.com/before-andafter-school-care
TACT Youth Academy
From fundamentals of acting to behind the scenes prop shop adventures, musical theatre to character study; the Youth Academy at Thalian Association Community Theatre is a vibrant hub of education where local young actors can hone their craft and elevate their skills under the guidance of actors, directors, and choreographers. www.thalian.org
Sprout Yoga + Art for Kids
Playful, fun, and interactive, each month the arts and physicality are combined in collaborative classes that combine new ideas, art mediums, and themes.
www.sproutyoga.net
South East Dance Academy
Professional, high-quality training for both recreational dancers and those aspiring to make dance their career. sedadance.com
Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts
Offering quality instruction in fine arts including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts focusing
in classical ballet, the conservatory also offers modern, jazz, tap, acro, contemporary, and progressing ballet technique. wilmingtonconservatory.com
SPORTS
Port City Soccer
With games on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, this co-ed rec league makes soccer accessible to kiddos in the Wilmington area. www.portcitysoccer.org/rec-program-information
Off the Wall Sports
With a snack and homework time followed by games and active play, Off the Wall has structured after-school activities that ensure that when you pick up your child, their homework is complete and they’ve had 60-minutes of physical activity.
www.playoffthewall.com
Port City Gymnastics
With an afterschool gymnastics club that emphasizes work and play, children get homework help and physical activity facilitated by Port City’s highly trained coaches.
www.portcitygymnastics.net/ afterschool-program
Carolina Gymnastics Academy
A play-based gymnastics school where youngsters are given homework supervision and the opportunity to engage in physical fitness. www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com/ after-school
Hummingbirds Yoga
A kid-friendly mobile yoga business, with yoga for kids, teens, tweens, families, and baby and parent yoga. www.hummingbirdsyoga.com
MATH + SCIENCE
Young Scientist Academy: Snapology After School STEM + STEAM Programming
Building confidence through learning using favorite hands-on activities like LEGO, bricks, K’Nex, and Technology. Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math combine in this best-loved after school programming. www.snapology.com/north-carolina-wilmington
Upward Bound Math + Science
Tutoring and college preparatory workshops
provided by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Participating students visit campus twice each month at the University’s “Saturday Academy” including ACT and SAT preparation classes, college admissions, and financial aid workshops.
www.uncw.edu/seahawk-life/get-involved/community/teens-children/upward-bound-mathand-science/
Mind Over Math
Designed to meet the needs of all age groups, elementary through college, Mind Over Math helps students rise above current academic challenges and prepare for the future with test prep and academic counseling.
https://www.mindovermathtutoring.com/
GENERAL
New Hanover County Elementary Afterschool Sites
The Y offers afterschool programs for elementary students at several locations throughout New Hanover County, including multiple elementary school sites, Nir Family YMCA, Midtown YMCA, Ogden YMCA Activity Center, and GLOW Academy. www.ymcasenc.org/ymca-youth-services/newhanover-county-elementary-afterschool-sites
YMCA Middle School Afterschool Program
The YMCA’s middle school afterschool program focuses on safety, health, social growth, mental health, physical fitness, and academic enhancement. This program is for students in grades 6-8 attending Midtown YMCA and Nir Family YMCA. www.ymcasenc.org/ymca-youth-services/newhanover-county-elementary-afterschool-sites
Midsummer Paper Lanterns
Dried
flowers, tissue paper, a little glue, and a splash of water. These magic ingredients come together to create luminous orbs that can hang from trees and bob in the summer evening breeze, lighting your garden or back porch with a gentle glow.
MATERIALS TO GATHER:
For Pressing the Flowers
• Flowers, grasses, ferns, leaves
• Wax paper or coffee filters
• A big book, flower press OR an iron, ironing board, coffee filters, and kitchen towel
For Making the Lanterns
• Balloons
• Tissue paper (any color, but lighter colors will allow the hues and details of the dried flowers to come through)
• Non-toxic Elmer’s Glue
• Water
• A bowl (for the water and glue)
• A jar (or other container for balancing the lanterns)
• Twine or string
• Battery-powered tea lights
HOW IT WORKS:
Lantern making is easy and incredibly rewarding. This craft does get messy, so make sure you’re ready to get sticky with glue and tissue paper. Little ones may need a helping hand for some of the more dextrous steps, so it can be helpful for your first couple of lanterns to be a collaborative process.
Step 1
Gather your flowers and plants to press! Your child can join in the search, and this task can include days (or even weeks) of enjoyment. Look for flowers, leaves, grasses, and ferns that will press flat. You will likely use more than you expect in your lantern making process, so enjoy the hunt.
Step 2
It’s flower pressing time! There are a few different ways to approach this step. The most important thing is that the plants you have gathered are fully dehydrated once they are added to the lantern. If they are not completely dry, they may become moldy.
In a Book or Flower Press
If you have a flower press, go for it! If you don’t, a dictionary or other hefty book is perfect. Put the flowers in between wax paper or coffee filters to absorb the moisture as they dry. Leave for three days to a week or more.
With an Iron
If you don’t have time to wait for the flowers to dry in a book or press, an iron is a great option. Set up your ironing board. Then, lay a kitchen towel flat on the board. On top of the towel, place a coffee filter. Lay your first flower or leaf on top of the filter, arranging it as you want it to be pressed. Next, place another section of a coffee filter on top, fold the towel over your filterflower-filter sandwich and iron on a low setting until the flowers are completely dry and flat.
Step 3
Blow up one of your balloons until it is about ¾ inflated. Now, begin to dip the pieces of tissue paper into your glue mix and lay
them flat on the balloon. Start by adding just one layer, smoothing as flat as possible, and leaving a space near the balloon’s opening.
Step 4
Add your dried flowers and plants! With one layer of paper and glue, you can now lay your pressed flowers onto the balloon. Either gently hold the balloon by the knot or balance the balloon on a jar while you complete this step. Cover the flowers with one to two layers of tissue paper dipped in glue.
Step 5
Use a clothes pin to hang your balloon from a clothes line or balance the balloon on top of your jar to dry. Leave for 2-4 days to make sure the entire balloon is nice and dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 6
Once your lantern is completely dry, pop the balloon! The remnants of the balloon will be left inside the lantern. Now, gently peel the deflated balloon from the inside of the paper mache exterior. This step requires patience, and youngsters may need a helping hand so as not to tear the paper.
Step 7
Punch a hole in each side of the lantern and string your twine through, creating a handle from which the lantern can hang. Place a battery-powered tea light inside the lantern, and hang from tree branches, the back porch, etc. Children and adults alike will delight in these luminous orbs; with flowers, leaves, and ferns lighting the night.
Thalian Association Community Theatre Giving Young Performers Permission to Thrive, Both Onstage and Off
Driven by an electric passion to bring world-class theater education and resources to area youth, Thalian Association Community Theatre - or TACT - serves up a feast of theater offerings that nourish Wilmington’s youth year round.
Whatever the day, week, month, or season, there’s a production in the works, classes in session, production meetings kicking off, and scores of young actors memorizing lines. Designers sketch sets and builders construct them, seamstresses sew costumes and rows of enthused kiddos line up for fittings. Here, young performers’ skills and talents are nurtured in an environment that is all about helping children reach their full potential.
The renowned arts organization is literally bouncing with energy and creativity, with an enthusiasm for theater and theater education that is contagious.
What Thalian Events Should Parents Keep on Their Radar?
Thalian Association Community Theatre provides an embarrassment of riches, offering myriad year-round classes, bringing thousands of children into the theater each year to view shows, building learning guides used by schools throughout the county, hosting summer camps, and excitingly, holding auditions for children’s theater plays and musicals. What are the key resources
most useful to families with kids? There are opportunities to watch for at Thalian Association Community Theatre. Here are our top recommendations:
TACT
Youth Academy
From fundamentals of acting to behind-the-scenes prop shop adventures, musical theatre to character study; the Youth Academy at Thalian Association Community Theatre is a vibrant hub of education where local young actors can hone their craft and elevate their skills under the guidance of actors, directors, and choreographers. The academy runs after school programming throughout the fall and spring semesters, starting from age 3 all the way up through high school seniors. All classes are at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
Auditions
for Youth Theatre
Actors of all ages are invited to audition for the Thalian Youth Theatre series, with plays and musicals that are performed for young people from across New Hanover County and beyond. Selected actors are part of an intensive theatre process with a core
Our goal is not only success on stage, but success in life
group of other performers over a 6-week rehearsal period and the productions are staged at the 2nd Street Stage Historic USO/ Community Arts Center.
Teaching Resources
Each season, educators can find downloadable resources for every youth production right on the Thalian website. These include creative activities, study guides, questions and answers, and more - all related to upcoming productions. Whether you’re a teacher at a New Hanover County school or a homeschool parent, these resources make invaluable assets for the classroom.
Creative Arts Camps
Kids ages 4 and up dive into summer camps in the performing arts, technical theater, visual arts, ceramics, and more, discovering a deep joy for the creative process in a fun, supportive, hands-on environment. These camps run throughout the summer months and are an excellent choice for kids interested in a future in the arts and those looking for an immersive dive into creativity and collaboration.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
As part of their season, Thalian Youth Theatre ensures that every production includes sensory-friendly shows for children with lower light and audio levels and more space for each audience member.
More Children’s Resources at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Pied Piper Children’s Theatre
Every year for the past three quarters of a century, the Pied Piper Theatre company has performed for over 6,000 school students from across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Duplin counties right here at Thalian Hall for the Performing Arts. Educators throughout each county receive a packet with the upcoming shows’ music, story, and themes, so that once youngsters arrive, they are primed to fully experience the show.
“Parents come up to me and say ‘you don’t know what this means to my child’. That’s the reason we keep working day and night to bring these shows to life.”
-Susan H. Habas, Executive Director, Thalian Association Community Theatre
Movies
In addition to live theater, Thalian Hall also offers a vibrant film series, special screenings, several local film festivals, and a yearly roster of arthouse, foreign, and notable movies often hard to find elsewhere. Keep an eye on the Thalian website for special children’s screenings of new releases and childhood classics alike.
Main Attractions + Legends Series
A series of shows presenting exceptional touring artists from around the globe; from world-class dance companies to celtic music, rock concerts, and plays. This series brings high level entertainment from outside the community right here to Wilmington and is an excellent way to introduce youngsters to the performing arts.
See More Theater & Save Money with a Main Stage Flex Pass
Five Tickets for $175!
When You Purchase Before September 1 Thalian.org
Spotlight on Theater Theater News
Discover upcoming auditions, classes, plays, and other theater events specifically geared towards young actors and audiences.
Untitled Theatre Productions
Auditions for Grease @ Untitled Theatre Productions
When: Auditions August 10 1:00 - 5:00 pm w/ Callbacks August 11 at 6:00 pm
Where: Hampstead Annex @ 15060 US-17, Hampstead, NC
Ages: 12 - 19
Young actors are invited to come on out and audition for Untitled Theatre’s production of Grease. The show runs October 9 - 12, with rehearsals throughout the fall.
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Bye Bye Birdie @ Historic Mainstage
When: August 1 - 3, Fri-Sat, 7:00 pm + Sat-Sun 2:00 pm
Ages: Families
A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Presented by OHTC Apprentice Theatre.
Into the Woods JR. @ Historic Mainstage
When: August 8 - 10
Ages: Families
Favorite fairy tale characters come to life in this Tony award-winning musical adapted specially for young performers and audiences alike.
Opera House Theatre Company
Oklahoma! @ Historic Mainstage
When: August 14 - 24
Ages: All ages
Where: Historic Main Stage @ Thalian Hall
Experience a beloved American classic reimagined with fresh energy! With Rodgers and Hammerstein’s unforgettable score, this ground breaking musical is sure to enchant audiences young and old.
Snicker and Almond Joy Stuffed Dates
By Natalie Archer
Snicker Stuffed Dates
(Makes 16-20 Servings)
INGREDIENTS:
10 medjool dates, pitted
approximately 2-3 Tbs of creamy peanut butter, divided between 10 dates
1 tsp unrefined coconut oil
1/2 cup chocolate chips (unsweetened or stevia sweetened for lower sugar option)
1/4 cup chopped raw peanuts, to top
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove pits from dates and stuff with peanut butter, then sprinkle a few chopped peanuts on top. Melt coconut oil and chocolate chips together in a glass bowl. Dip each date in the chocolate mixture using a toothpick, then use a spoon to help completely cover. Place on a cooling rack over a parchment lined tray and top with more chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt (optional but highly recommended). Place in the fridge to set and store!
Almond Joy Stuffed Dates
(Makes 16-20 Servings)
INGREDIENTS:
10 medjool dates, pitted
approximately 2-3 Tbs of creamy or crunchy almond butter, divided between 10 dates
10 raw almonds
1 tsp unrefined coconut oil
1/2 cup chocolate chips (unsweetened or stevia sweetened for lower sugar option)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, to top
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove pits from dates and stuff with almond butter, then press a few coconut flakes on top. Melt coconut oil and chocolate chips together in a glass bowl. Dip each date in the chocolate mixture using a toothpick then use a spoon to help completely cover. Place on a cooling rack over a parchment lined tray and top each date with one almond and more coconut flakes. Place in the fridge to set and store!
In Pursuit of
Our Recipeof-the-Month
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for those magical, hard-to-spot recipes that our youngsters will not only eat, but ask for again and again. Our recipe-of-the-month is always quick and easy to prepare, knockyour-socks-off yummy, and packs a nutritious punch that keeps your hungry kiddos healthy, strong, and yes, coming back for seconds.
With the school year upon us, I am back on the lookout for after school snacks that both the kids and I can enjoy. Since our family calendar is about to get extra busy with afternoon sports and activities, I’m on the lookout for snacks that can not only fuel us, but that are easy to prepare ahead of time and take on the go.
Everyone in our family has a big sweet tooth, which means that - in order to satisfy our cravings without all the refined sugar - making treats that are naturally sweetened is important. To do this, I often turn to that magic ingredient: dates. Dates are a wonderful source of potassium and fiber and provide a boost of natural energy. They are also known to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and are rich in antioxidants and vitamin B6. There are so many delicious date recipes out there, but two of my favorites are these Snickers and Almond Joy Stuffed Dates.
I love traditional Snickers and Almond Joy (and so do my kids) but I don’t love the yucky ingredients. In my opinion, these two, simple recipes are more delicious than the original and are the perfect after school or anytime snack that the whole family can enjoy!
