Kids VT, June 2016

✱ SUMMER DAY-CATIONS

✱ HOMEMADE PIZZA RECIPE

✱ BIKE SAFETY TIPS

✱ FATHERS IN FOCUS

THE ISSUE

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Copublisher/Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74 Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Managing Editor Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Art Director Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com ext. 41

Contributing Editor Megan James megan@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Marketing & Events Manager Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76

Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

Editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Media Association. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

Copy Editor Paula Routly

Proofreaders Marisa Keller Kathryn Wysockey-Johnson

Production Manager John James

Creative Director Don Eggert

Designers Aaron Shrewsbury Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Matt Weiner

Business Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Angela Arsenault, Erik Esckilsen, Grace Per Lee, Ken Picard, Erinn Simon, Laura Sorkin, Sarah Yahm

Photographers: Matt Thorsen, Sam Simon

dear dads

in may, we asKed our Kids VT Facebook followers to send us photos of the dads and kids in their families. We were so bowled over by the cute, silly and touching shots we received — and their backstories — that we decided to print some of them in this issue (“Fathers in Focus,” page 18).

Those photos made me think about the two great fathers in my life. When I was growing up, my mom, my two younger sisters and I — four opinionated females — outnumbered my dad four to one. But I never heard him lament his position as the only guy in the family.

As a kid, I loved reading with my dad. I remember the two of us sitting side by side, poring over a thick animal guide for what seemed like hours. My dad, who got his PhD in computer science, introduced me to science, technology, engineering and math long before STEM education became a buzzword. He explained scientific concepts by sketching little pictures on napkins. We took apart toasters and computer keyboards to see what was inside.

Still, when his three girls ultimately decided to pursue careers in writing, acting and art, my dad supported us wholeheartedly.

I’ve known my husband, Jeff — dad to our kids, 8-year-old Mira and 5-year-old Theo — since we were in second grade. His enthusiasm for life counterbalances my sometimes cerebral and serious approach. Jeff’s just as game to rehearse show tunes with Mira as he is to play an elaborate action-figure game with Theo. We’re lucky to have him.

Both Jeff and my dad exercise regularly — modeling for their kids the importance of physical fitness — but

neither one of them is into team sports. Apparently, neither are the twin daughters of contributor Erik Esckilsen. In this month’s “Use Your Words” (“Time Out,” page 51), the former all-state high school soccer player writes about how he felt when his girls refused to take the field.

Food writer Erinn Simon describes her husband’s favorite meal to prepare for his family in this month’s “Mealtime.” No, it’s not barbecue; it’s homemade pizza. Find his dough recipe, and two scrumptious pizza variations, on page 15.

You’ll notice there’s no “Go Ask Dad” in this issue. We started the feature, in which we asked local pops to sound off on a topic, in 2011. Back then, our parent publication, Seven Days, had just bought Kids VT, and we wanted to include more male voices in our newly redesigned magazine. After all, it’s not just moms who raise kids and read about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

sure food brought from home is full of healthy choices as that is what we serve. Also, be sure to inform us of any allergy or food restrictions your child may have so we can prepare accordingly.)

Q. Is Regal Gymnastics a NUT FREE facility?

A. No.

Q. My child still naps. Is there a nap time?

A. No, however there will be time for children to cool down in our air-conditioned facility & enjoy quiet reading, coloring, etc. Staff will decide on a daily/individual basis when this time is needed . Summer can be hot and exploration can often be exhausting!

Q. What should my child bring to Discovery Camp?

Four years later, we feel like we’ve managed that — just look at all the amazing dads in this issue! To replace the old feature, we’re rolling out a new one next month, in which we interview a Vermont parent to find out how he or she manages the demands of family and work. It’s called “The Balancing Act.”

A. Please have your child bring a backpack EACH DAY with the following items: water bottle, a set of extra clothes (science can be messy!), sunscreen, swimsuit & towel for outdoor water play. Be sure to LABEL all items!

Q. Can you tell me about the Discovery Camp Counselors?

A. Our camp counselors will consist of our current Balancing Act Enrichment Center teachers as well as trained Regal Gymnastics Academy staff/coaches. All counselors have experience with early learners. Staff are infant/child CPR & first aid certified.

Q. Is aftercare only for 3-7 year olds? Does it follow the science camp themes?

Many of us will need good coordination in the coming weeks as we juggle end-of-school picnics and field days and transition into summer mode. Hope it goes off without a hitch!

A. No. Aftercare is a less structured time for children to play until pick up. This time may also include older campers (ages 7 - 14) from Regal’s Gymnastics Camp.

Q. Can I sign up for individual days of camp?

alison novak managing Editor

A. No Discovery Adventure Campers have the option to attend a 3 day M-W-F week or 5 day week.

some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Grace Per Lee (“Fit Families”) has come face to face with bears in Yosemite, escaped corrupt police in Mexico and encountered a shark while diving in Australia. She’s now writing and raising a family in Burlington — her most surprising and rewarding adventure yet.

Laura sorKin (“Habitat” and “Better With Cheddar”) is a freelance writer and farmer who lives in northwestern Vermont with her husband and two children. You’ll most likely find her typing, weeding or making pickles.

Vermont Ninja Warrior Training Center

JUNE 15 - AUG 21

Kids & teens 10+

June 1st.

Come experience the excitement of trying your favorite obstacles all while working towards improving your performance and technique.We are expecting our Grand Opening to be around May 1st. We will also be offering nightly classes for children 10+.

Sign up at vermontninjawarrior. com or through regalgym.com. Also check Facebook for announcements and info on our grand opening, classes and open gyms. All questions/inquires can be sent to vermontninjawarrior@gmail.com

2015 DISCOVERY CAMP THEMES

JUNE 15-19

Farmer’s Market Fun

JUNE 22 – JUNE 26

Marvelous Mud

JULY 6-JULY 10

Bubblemania

JULY 13-JULY 17

Let’s Go on a Picnic

JULY 20-JULY 24

Oooey Gooey Squishy Stuff

JULY 27-JULY 31

Fairies & Forest Friends

AUGUST 3-AUGUST 7

Wacky Water Play

AUGUST 10-AUGUST 14

Bugs & Butterflies

AUGUST 17-AUGUST 21

Dynamite Dinos

AUGUST 24-AUGUST 28

Summertime Luau

What a Trip!

In late spring and summer, we send our intrepid writers on day trips — or day-cations — to family-friendly attractions in Vermont and beyond. Then we publish their firsthand dispatches in print and online. This month, Angela Arsenault hit up Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland with her brood, and Laura Sorkin and her family visited the Cabot Creamery Visitors Center and Groton State Forest. Find their travelogues on page 24, and look for more day-cations in July and August.

Here, we’ve highlighted some of the beautiful, exciting and educational day-cations we’ve published in years past. You can find these write-ups in full at kidsvt.com. Happy day-cationing!

1. GRANBY ZOO

We had great views of zebras, ostriches and giraffes wandering and grazing together just as they do on the savannah. We also watched the big cats — lions and leopards — lounging in authentic landscapes. All the animals appeared healthy and happy, although the gargantuan gorilla was a tad grumpy.

—Nancy Stearns Bercaw, July 2014

2. FORT TICONDEROGA

A group of “soldiers” brought their weapons outside the fort and explained how to load and fire them. This was one of the highlights of the day for my kids. We sat right up front; it was really, really loud.

—Cathy Resmer, June 2014

3. ROCK OF AGES

The setting is so surreal — sheer, jagged walls of gray granite plunging 600 feet into a pool of fluorescent green water — that Superman’s enemies might mistakenly stop by for Kryptonite. A view of this bedrock would undoubtedly have reduced cartoon quarry worker Fred Flintstone to a pile of rubble.

—Nancy Stearns Bercaw, August 2013

See the full list of day-cations at kidsvt.com/vermont/

4. LAKE CHAMPLAIN

MARITIME MUSEUM

In the Nautical Archaeology Center, Mira tried on a 1935 dive helmet. A nearby sign cautioned that wearing it may make some people feel claustrophobic, and Mira concurred. “It’s pretty hard to breathe in here,” she said from inside the heavy metal contraption.

–Alison Novak, July 2013

5. ARBORTREK TREETOP OBSTACLE COURSE

After signing waivers, we suited up in fullbody harnesses and helmets and headed to the training area. There we learned how to clip and unclip our harnesses to the ropes at the exchange zones — wooden platforms between obstacles where two ropes meet.

—Becky Tharp, July 2013

6. THUNDER ROAD SPEEDBOWL

Once the races began, we could see, hear and feel every car that sped by. Our drinks rattled with every turn and our hair blew with each pass.

—Tasha Lehman, June 2013

7. BURTON ISLAND STATE PARK

Wildlife sightings while camping are always a treat, and Burton Island didn’t disappoint. We spotted a largish black snake curled beneath a tree, a variety of birds, a live crayfish and a turtle. There were also some large, exotic-looking spiders in the bathroom.

—Cathy Resmer, June 2013

8. SANTA’S VILLAGE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

The park offers a good mix of low-tech attractions — the climbing structures, playgrounds, ball-toss games and a reindeer petting zoo — combined with typical twisty-turny fair rides. Happily for a mom prone to motion sickness, all of the rides are geared toward young kids, not adventurous teenagers.

—Kate Laddison, July 2012

9. BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM

While the museum complex does house exhibits of antique farming implements, 19th-century cultural ephemera and an “authentically restored” Victorian farmhouse, the lure of the place, especially for kids, is the fully functional dairy farm, frozen in time. –Kirk Kardashian, July 2012

The dragon’s blood shrubs, bamboo palms, and Brazil nut and cocoa trees were full of avian life, such as the scarlet ibis and hyacinth macaw, in addition to sweet beasts, such as the gorgeous golden lion tamarin and the grounddwelling cuddly capybara.

10. MONTRÉAL BIODOME

—Nancy Stearns Bercaw, June 2012

N.H.

vermontday-cations/page.

Best of the Blog

Get Out: Microadventures

BY SARAH GALBRAITH

For me, life is all about the 5 to 9, meaning the hours that I am not at the o ce. Don’t get me wrong, I love my work as a nonprofit program manager and view it as a contribution to society. Still, my real living happens after I shut down my computer or punch out on the time clock. I relish 6 p.m. hikes, bike trips and paddles into the sunset.

I was immediately struck, then, when I read a recent blog post by career adventurer Alastair Humphreys. He has biked and backpacked all over the world and rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. But it was only after he and his wife started a family that he learned to make the most of smaller windows of time in the wilderness, closer to his home. He did this so he could find some balance between his career as a writer and motivational speaker and his family life.

Now that we have a 6-month-old daughter, Elise, I want to show her how to balance work and life. It’s important to have a career, make progress on home projects and keep up with chores, but it’s also important to

unwind, exercise and connect with nature and friends.

Last Thursday, Tristan, Elise and I left home at 6:30 p.m. for a hike in the Marshfield town forest. We packed a simple dinner of turkey and vegetable wraps and a local craft beer for the adults to share, and put Elise in our hiking carrier for the 1-mile walk to a grassy picnic spot with a view. The three of us took in the magic of the evening; we listened as the spring peepers and snipes came out to sing, and we watched the first planets and stars come into view. After we had our fill, we headed home wearing our trusty headlamps and Elise fell asleep in her carrier. We knew that times like these not only are vital to our well-being but also solidify what’s important to us as a family.

COLORING CONTEST

We got some killer entries last month from more than 90 young artists. Some transformed two swimming orcas into everything from rainbow-tailed partygoers to iPod-toting cool kids. Many artists added additional sea creatures to the underwater scene — sharks, jellyfish, crabs, even a clownfish playing the saxophone. Congratulations to all the winners! Keep that creativity flowing.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

WHALES WITH WANDERLUST

Linden Stelma-Leonard, 10, Westfield

#AWESOME

Maria “Fern” Murphy, 9, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

ARTFUL DOODLE

Charlotte Moriarty, 12, Jericho

FUN WITH PUNS

Manuela Jaramillo, 9, South Burlington

UNDERWATER SWEETNESS

Hallie Miller, 5, Colchester

WACKY WATER

Emma Tremblay, 3, St. Albans

COOL CRITTERS

Abby Booth, 5, Burlington

AQUAMARINE SCENE

Carter Hart, 5, Salisbury

SWELL PASTELS

Avery Mulligan, 7, Hyde Park

BRIMMING WITH SEA LIFE

Audrey Acosta, 8, Montpelier

STRIPES & SWIRLS

The winners of our three gift certificates to Champlain Lanes are…

Home Cookin’: Green Pea Hummus

BY ERINN SIMON

Every day, my kids come home from school famished. I’ve learned that I need to get a snack in front of them immediately if I want homework, violin practice or playdate success. To keep things interesting, I’m always searching for new, healthy ideas...

Find

❑ 1 15-ounce can or one cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

❑ 1 cup shelled fresh or frozen peas

❑ 1 tablespoon tahini

❑ 1-2 whole cloves garlic

❑ 1 tablespoon lemon juice

❑ 2 teaspoons kosher salt

❑ black pepper to taste

❑ sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Theo Fallis, 7, Hubbardton

MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

Lily Williams, 8, Shelburne

TOP TITLES

“I’M HAPPIEST WHEN I’M FLOATING IN THE SEA”

Nora Engisch, 11, Williston

“ORCA — WHAT’S UP DOG?”

Sidney Harris, 5, Montpelier

“KILLY”

Mania Rae Tibbits, 5, Fairfield

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 49. The deadline for submissions is June 15

Emelia McCalla, 11 RUTLAND “Orca Races”

Kaya Rubin, 5 BURLINGTON “At the Pool”

Val Keepin, 8 BURLINGTON “POD”

Tristan and Elise

COURTESY OF SARAH GALBRAITH

THE BEAT

PRESENT

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

July 27-31 • 9am to 3pm

For Grades 2-8 at Rochester School 222 South Main Street, Rochester, VT

Snacks provided! Bring bagged lunch. Register at whiterivervalleyplayers.org

Amy LePage-Hansen

Mother Nurture: Creating Space for You

A Day-Long Retreat

Saturday, June 27 • 9am-3pm Montpelier • Registration Ends: June 19 amy.emergeyoga@gmail.com

802-778-0300 • www.emergeyoga.net

Rejuvenate, Nourish and Revitalize YOU

New Arrival

This year for Father’s Day, musician Chris Dorman is getting a special gift — his debut CD. The Shelburne dad of two, better known in kids music circles as Mister Chris, releases ALWAYS THERE on June 21. He first shared his vision with the album’s producer, Jared Slomo , more than two years ago. Then last summer, Dorman raised more than $16,000 via Kickstarter to fund the project. Many local musicians — including Caleb Bronz, Tyler Bolles and Lowell Thompson — lend their talents to the CD. And students from South Burlington’s the Schoolhouse, as well as Dorman’s 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, sing on several tracks. “So much went into it,” Dorman says, “and I have to admit that when we got toward the end, it was hard to let go. I can relate it directly to parenting: When we’re getting ready for our kiddos to be born, sometimes we think, Wait, maybe you should stay in there a little longer.” — A.N.

ALWAYS THERE: Dorman celebrates his album’s release with a concert in the offices of Burlington-based Parent Co., livestreamed on the parent.co website and at Dorman’s Music For Sprouts site on June 21 at 6 p.m. He’ll also perform a free albumrelease concert at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier on June 27 at 10:30 a.m., and another free performance at the Huntington Public Library on June 28 at 11 a.m. Find more information about the concerts and Dorman’s music at musicforsprouts.com.

ONE TO WATCH

Ben

SEVENTH GRADER BEN SPRENGER knows how to mix it up. Over the last couple of years, Ben has been performing as DJ Necutron, a madeup name that references his favorite . He’s spun tunes at a skateboarding competition at Talent Skatepark and at dances and lunch periods at Essex Middle School. In March, he had his biggest gig yet: the Kids Are Alright benefit concert at Higher Ground in South Burlington.

“It was awesome,” says Ben of performing on the same stage where he’d recently watched one of his favorite electric dance music (EDM) duos, Adventure Club.

At 13, Ben already displays a striking sense of style. On a recent afternoon he’s wearing two black stud earrings, black sweatpants and a black T-shirt emblazoned with the logo for Neurobotik — the video game his dad’s company, Xemory Software, created. A pair of red high-top Converse All-Stars, printed with the Campbell’s tomato

soup logo, adorn his feet.

Ben was inspired to start DJing at 11 when a counselor at his YMCA camp brought in a Yamaha DJX keyboard. “I thought it was so cool,” Ben recalls. “I’d create beats on it.”

Soon after, Ben got a similar used keyboard for his birthday. “Boom,” he says. “That was my opening.”

He’s accumulated quite a bit of equipment since then, saving up

his money — from paid DJ gigs — to buy a laptop, a speaker set, a minikeyboard and a Numark Mixtrack Pro turntable. All of that gear takes up prime real estate in his bedroom. Ben mixes beats at home on a digital turntable and laptop set up on a plastic craft table. An enormous speaker looms over his twin bed.

He’s honed his technique watching YouTube tutorials and local DJs like C-Note Entertainment’s Charlie Rice, who works the school dances with him.

Inspired by artists such as Daft Punk and the Canadian EDM producer deadmau5, he’s started mixing his own songs, too. Those musicians, Ben says, “amaze me.”

Ben hopes he can parlay his hobby into a career one day. “I really want this to be my job,” he says. “Creating music is awesome. I get that adrenaline rush and it makes me feel happy.”

— M.J.

“ONE TO WATCH” shines a spotlight on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local kid, age 17 or under, who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/ kidsvtonetowatch/page.

Ben Sprenger

BY MEGAN JAMES AND ALISON NOVAK

Easy Rider

Shuttling kids from one summer camp or activity to the next can be a logistical nightmare. The YOUTH SUMMER FUN PASS aims to make it a little easier. The program, a joint effort by the Chittenden County Transportation Authority and the Green Mountain Transit Agency, gives children ages 7 to 17 unlimited reduced-price access to local bus-service routes between June 15 and August 25. For $15 or $25, depending on which carrier they patronize, kids get a waterproof, silicone bracelet they can show the bus driver when boarding, eliminating the need for cash or a paper pass; parents still have to pay full fare. Says CCTA’s general manager Karen Walton, “This program is a great opportunity to reinforce bus service as an asset to the community and to train the next generation of riders.” — A.N.

IT’S THE SUMMER TO DISCOVER

Still looking for summer camp ideas?

From camps on the shores of Lake Champlain to specialty day camps in your community, the Y has plenty of fun experiences to offer. More

SHOPPING Buckle Up

Vermont Hannaford stores recently became a little safer for their youngest customers. Last summer, the retailer rolled out several new shopping carts at each of its Vermont locations outfitted with a SAFE-DOCK SYSTEM for infants. The specially designed carts allow parents to snap infant car seats into a plastic dock and secure them with a strap, so that baby’s not precariously balanced on top of the cart.

Sara Hancock, manager of the Swanton Hannaford and mom to an almost 3-year-old, says customers use the docks frequently. She says they’re far superior to the carts they’ve replaced, which had builtin infant seats that didn’t fit older babies and weren’t desirable for “germophobes” like her. The new carts provide customers with “a

better solution” for shopping with an infant in tow, Hancock says. “I wish I would have had the opportunity to shop with them.” — A.N.

Shopping carts outfitted with the SAFE-DOCK SYSTEM are available at 17 Hannaford locations in Vermont, including Barre, Bennington, Bradford, Brandon, Brattleboro, Burlington, Enosburg Falls, Essex Junction, Middlebury, Milton, Morrisville,

Each orthodontist at Timberlane Dental Group is board-certified, and has the additional training and experience to make sure you get the best smile. Our orthodontists are well versed in all the treatment options for straightening teeth, and creating healthy smiles for you and your family.

To arrange an initial consultation at no-charge, please call Timberlane Dental Group at 802-864-6881, or visit timberlanedental.com

•

The orthodontists at Timberlane Dental Group are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Rogers to the practice. With extensive experience treating adults, Matt is looking forward to providing patients of all ages with the care they need for beautiful smiles.

YOUTH SUMMER FUN PASS: Visit cctaride.org or gmtaride.org to buy wristbands and for more information.

Celebrate the Lake Celebrate the Lake July 3, 2015

Full

Face

the Fir s

the Fir s

6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bristol Green Playground

ECHO Member Adult: $25 Non-member Adult: $30

ECHO Member Youth: $15 Non-member Youth: $20

support

NOW

2015-2016

PLUSES

• Wheelchair-accessible play structure

• Convenient parking

• Picnic table, benches and gazebo on the green make for easy snacking and nursing.

• Peace Garden created by students at Bristol Elementary School adds to the picturesque surroundings.

• A stone’s throw from lots of yummy food options including gourmet ice cream parlor lu•lu (11 Main Street), and “from scratch” Bristol Bakery & Café (16 Main Street)

MINUSES:

• No bathrooms on-site

• Older children may find the play structures too small or basic.

UNVEILED IN THE FALL OF 2014, this play area in the center of Bristol gives young kids lots of options. The eye-pleasing natural wood structure boasts a wheelchair-accessible ramp leading up to a slide and a large wooden platform covered by a roof. AstroTurf blankets the ground. There’s a circular set of monkey bars and a smaller structure geared toward the preschool set, with a small slide, tunnel and climbing features. A simpler, separate play area features logs protruding from the sandy ground at di erent heights, perfect for scampering across. A swing set includes two toddler swings, three regular swings and one handicapped-accessible swing. “Destination

Email us at

Road Biking

GearinG Up

Here’s what you’ll need to help make your next family bike ride safe and fun:

Bell: Alert other riders or walkers to your presence. Bells are especially handy when passing pedestrians on the bike path.

FootweAr: Avoid open-toed or loose-fitting shoes, and make sure laces are tied so they don’t get tangled in pedals.

Helmet: Don’t leave home without it. Be sure to check for proper fit (see safety tips).

PAtcH kit: A flat doesn’t have to be the end of a ride! A simple patch kit takes up as much space as a box of raisins.

PumP: whether or not you patch it, you can reinflate a flat tire and, if it’s not too bad, ride it home.

WanT To hiT The road with your family — on two wheels instead of four? Local Motion, a Burlington-based bike-advocacy nonprofit, can help. The group hosts cycling workshops that teach kids and adults to ride with confidence.

Jason Van Dreische, Local Motion’s director of advocacy and education, advises caution when it comes to riding with children. “They need to consistently exhibit control and awareness,” he says. “Not just of the road itself, but of other road users and their likely actions.” He recommends working up to riding with children by practicing on quiet streets where the stakes are low, and observing how kids react to obstacles and surprises.

One of Van Dreische’s favorite family biking spots is Thompson’s Point in Charlotte, which has winding roads, minimal traffic and gorgeous scenery. Park on Deer Point Road, just north of Thompson’s Point Road. Or, for a longer ride, park at the Charlotte ferry dock, then take Converse Bay Road to Lake Road to Thompson’s Point Road.

“Fit

Here are some gear and safety tips, courtesy of Local Motion, that will help your family get rolling.

• Wear a helmet. Two of your fingers should fit between your eyebrows and the helmet brim. No more than two fingers should fit between the strap and your neck. Ensure that the strap around the crown of the head is tightened so that you can shake your head without the helmet sliding around.

• Know your ABCs. Air pressure: Keep tires properly inflated for a safer, comfier ride with fewer flats. Brakes: Check that each of your brakes works before you ride. Chain: Make sure it’s rust-free and in good working order.

• Be predictable. Ride in a relatively straight line. When turning or changing lanes, signal first by pointing in the direction you’re headed.

• Stay to the right and ride single file. Adults should always ride first and, when possible, last in line, and ride a little farther out in the road than the kids.

rAin geAr: choose gear that packs up small.

reFlective weAr: even in daytime, reflective vests and other clothing let drivers know you’re there.

For more information on family biking, including a free parents’ guide to bike safety and a curriculum guide for teaching bike skills to kids ages 8-14, visit localmotion.org/education/ bikeskillstraining.

• Bike on the road, not on the sidewalk. Drivers don’t expect to see bikers on sidewalks — so they don’t. Small children are even more difficult to see; they’re also less aware of likely danger spots. When it comes to biking, streets are safest. If you must take to the sidewalk, treat each driveway as a four-way stop. K

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

tAg-Along: kids ages 3-5 who can’t keep up on a family bike ride can use a tag-along, which includes regular handlebars, a bike seat and one wheel and attaches to an adult bike. when is a kid ready for one? they have to be able to reliably sit still, says van Dreische. if they shift their weight suddenly, they can throw you off balance.

trAiler: Young children can come along for the ride in a bike trailer once they’re able to hold their head up without wobbling; that’s usually between 9 months and a year old. they should always wear a helmet. consult your pediatrician if you’re not sure your little one is ready.

Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF?

A local motion kids’ biking workshop this spring

Behind the Books

For this month’s issue, Kids VT interviewed local children’s book authors and illustrators about their recent and upcoming projects.

Tanya Lee Stone is the author of almost 100 books for kids and young adults, including nonfiction works — one about Barbie dolls, another about the first black paratroopers in World War II — and picture book biographies shining a spotlight on strong women in history. Her newest biography, The House that Jane Built, comes out this month. A Connecticut native, Stone and her family have called South Burlington home for the past 18 years.

Kids VT: Tell us a little about your latest book, The House that Jane Built. Why did you choose to write about Jane Addams?

TLS: In 1900, Jane Addams was more famous than Oprah Winfrey is today. She did a lot of remarkable things, one of which was bringing the concept of community centers to America. My book tells the story of how she founded Hull House, the precursor of all American community centers.

KVT: A number of your books are about strong females. What do you hope that readers, especially girls or young women, take away from your work?

TLS: There are many missing stories in our history, primarily of women and people of color. I love discovering extraordinary stories of people who have shaped our world and filling in some of those missing gaps!

KVT: What are you working on now?

TLS: It’s called Girl Rising is a nonfiction book that will expand the content and stories of the

powerful 2013 documentary of the same name by Richard E. Robbins. It’s about why there are 62 million girls worldwide who are not being educated.

KVT: What’s your favorite part of being a writer?

TLS: Getting up every day and being immersed in learning. I never know what I am going to find out, or on what adventure I may embark!

Author and illustrator Sarah Dillard’s first book, Perfectly Arugula — about a hedgehog who plans a tea party — came out in 2009. In 2014, she published two books about a bespectacled chicken who becomes an unlikely superhero, Extraordinary Warren: A Super Chicken and Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day, as well as First Day at Zoo School, a picture book for 5to 7-year olds about animals getting ready to start school. Mouse Scouts, her new chapter book series for kids ages 7 to 10, comes out in early 2016. She’s lived with her husband and beloved dog at the base of Mad River Glen in Fayston since 1999.

Kids VT: How did you get into writing and illustrating children’s books?

Sarah Dillard: I loved books when I was a kid and loved to draw. In college, I majored in studio art with a minor in English literature. After I graduated, I went to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) for a year and took illustration courses. It set me on a path to being an illustrator, but it wasn’t a straight line.

KVT: How did you get the idea for Extraordinary Warren? Why did you decide to write about a chicken?

SD: I did a little doodle of a chicken talking to an egg, and I wondered what was going on there. I always love the idea of characters who appear very ordinary but have great dreams. I love drawing animals. I find drawing animals is for me nicer than drawing people. When kids look at pictures of children, they’re looking for themselves. You

can relate to animals in a broader way than you would people.

KVT: Your Extraordinary Warren books are a mix of picture book and graphic novel. Why did you decide to create them this way?

SD: It kind of just started to come out this way. I think it’s a really nice way to tell a story. It works very well for reluctant readers. I just love the sequential story telling. Perfectly Arugula was done the same way. It just seems to be the way I tell the story.

KVT: Tell us a little about your upcoming chapter book series, Mouse Scouts.

SD: It’s about a troop of mice that are very much like Girl Scouts. They live in our world, so they’re always kind of scavenging and avoiding people and cats and other predators. Every chapter ends with a page from the Mouse Scout Handbook, like a craft or a how-to page.

KVT: What makes Vermont a great place to be a writer?

SD: I think it’s a beautiful place to live. I think as an author or illustrator, you can live anywhere, so why not pick a beautiful place? It’s inspiring to be here.

Tanya Lee Stone

Sarah DIllard

Husband and wife Jason Chin and Deirdre Gill both write and illustrate children’s books. The newest of these, an investigation of the water cycle that Chin illustrated, entitled Water is Water, was released in May. Gravity, a book Chin wrote and illustrated, came out in 2014. Chin has also written and illustrated nonfiction picture books about the Galapagos Islands, the redwoods and coral reefs. Gill’s first picture book, Outside — about a boy’s imaginative snowy adventure — was released in 2014. She’s currently working on illustrations for a picture book about trains. Both Chin and Gill grew up in Vermont and moved back to their home state from Brooklyn five years ago. They live with their 4-yearold son and 1-year-old daughter in Middlebury.

Kids VT: Jason, in your books, you sometimes use stories to introduce nonfiction topics and your illustrations are very detailed. Can you talk about this approach?

Jason Chin: Adding a story to nonfiction is kind of like the sugar that helps the science go down. Stories are really memorable and engaging and have a way of interesting kids. The science in my books is pretty advanced, but the picture story makes the book accessible. The pictures give beginning readers a point of entry and a way to be successful at reading the book

without being successful at understanding all the science.

KVT: Deirdre, can you talk a little about the process of writing and illustrating Outside?

Deirdre Gill: I was working on a blog about what kids can do to help the environment, The Green Guide for Kids. That’s when the idea for Outside took root. From the first idea to the published book it took four years. The manuscript was accepted when my son was 1. It was finished two days before our daughter was born. When I finished the book, I looked back at my sketchbooks and realized I had done probably 4,000 sketches. For me, it can take a couple of months to go from a drawing to a finished painting. One picture can go through 30 to 40 drafts before I’m ready to paint it.

KVT: Any funny anecdotes about how your kids have reacted to your work?

JC: My book Gravity came out last year. After I read it to my son, a few weeks later he told me that sometimes he gets up in the morning and gravity wants him to lie right back down.

KVT: How has becoming parents informed your work as writers and illustrators?

DG: Especially with our son, now that he’s old enough that we can watch his reaction when we’re reading him books, I have a better understanding of what kids understand. And knowing what piques his interest and what fascinates him is very insightful when coming up with story ideas or what to include in the picture.

JC: I’m much more concerned with the clarity of my pictures. Consistency is so important. Sometimes I read my son books and have to explain to him, “Now that picture is in shadow so it’s not red anymore.” Now when I’m making pictures, I keep that in the back of my mind.

KVT: Any big ideas you try to get across in your work?

JC: One thing Deirdre and I both have in common is real admiration for kids’ imaginations, a desire to make books that help kids use their own imagination, that will hopefully encourage kids to go out in nature and develop their own fantasies around the book.

KVT: How do your balance work with parenting?

JC: We do most of our work when our kids are sleeping.

Chin will read from his new picture book, Water is Water, at Phoenix Books in Burlington on June 13 at 11 a.m.

Other notable books by local authors published in 2014 and 2015:

FOR EARLY READERS

Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle

Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney

Little Red Henry by Linda Urban Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen

FOR MIDDLE-GRADES READERS

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S.S. Taylor Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11 by N. Griffin Treasure Town by Doug Wilhem Hide and Seek and All the Answers by Kate Messner

FOR YOUNG ADULTS

No Easy Way Out and No Dawn Without Darkness by Dayna Lorentz

Living with Jackie Chan and Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles Like Water on Stone by Dana Walrath

Book Review Winners

Congratulations to these talented young storytellers who submitted stories. Each wins a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

Maria “Fern” Murphy, 9 Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Mary Jane

McKenziekis, 9 Craftsbury

Deidre Gill

Jason Chin

THE LEARNING CENTER at Healthy Living

JUMBLEBERRY JAM

INGREDIENTS

1

DIRECTIONS

In a wide bowl, crush berries in batches until you have 4 cups of mashed berry. In a heavy bo omed saucepan, mix together the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring o en, until the mixture reaches 220° F. Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, just refrigerate.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN IN JUNE

All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569.

Dad’s Homemade Pizza

my husband, sam, is a terrific dad, a talented photographer and a dedicated Little League coach. He’s also an accomplished baker.

Before we were married, Sam co-owned a pizza shop in Shelburne. For two years, he made about 50 pounds of pizza dough from scratch every day, and he got pretty good at it. One might even say he became obsessed with the alchemy of flour, water and yeast.

I still dream of those years, when he would come home late after a long shift, smelling of dough and carrying still-warm boxes of my favorite pies: bacon-feta-caramelized onion or spinach-roasted red pepper-Parmesan.

The shop didn’t last, but our passion for pizza has endured. More than a decade and three kids later, we have Pizza Movie Night every Friday at our house. And while dinner is usually my domain, Sam is our chief pizza maker.

In most families I know, one parent cooks the majority of the meals and the other whips up a few specialties. It’s a stereotype, but many dads gravitate to the grill. Making dough is my husband’s barbecue.

In honor of Father’s Day, Sam agreed to share his recipe for homemade pizza dough, plus two of our favorite Pizza Movie Night pies. K

homemade Pizza dough

ingredienTs:

½ cup very warm water (100-110 degrees)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 packets rapid-rise yeast

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl

2 tablespoons kosher salt

6 cups King Arthur bread flour

direcTions:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. once it’s preheated, immediately turn it off. Combine water, yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the yeast has dissolved and foamy bubbles appear. This is known as “proofing” the yeast. The bubbles mean the yeast is active. if no bubbles appear, the yeast might be expired; start over with another packet.

Add the olive oil and salt and mix. Slowly add in the flour, a cup at a time, mixing well, first with a wooden spoon, then with your hands when the dough starts to come together. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and continue to knead for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Clean out your mixing bowl with hot water and dry it well. Coat the inside with a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Form the dough into a ball and place it into the bowl, turning it a few times to make sure it’s coated with oil on all sides. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise for an hour in the warm oven.

once the dough has doubled in size, put your fist right into the middle to deflate it (this is known as “punching down” the dough) and turn it out onto your kneading surface. Knead once or twice, and then cut into three equal pieces for three large pizzas.

use the dough immediately, or freeze, wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. A freezer bag would also work. just make sure you squeeze any air out before sealing.

sam’s chicKen salad Pizza wiTh arugula

ingredienTs:

1 ball homemade dough

¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful or two of arugula

For the chicken salad:

2 cups cooked chicken, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces

¾ cup diced apple (mac and Honeycrisp work well)

¾ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup dried cranberries

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill

kosher salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt

direcTions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine the chicken-salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare a pan with cooking spray or brush with olive or vegetable oil.

roll or stretch out the dough to fit your pan. We usually use a 12-by-18-inch baking sheet, but a pizza stone or 16-inch round pan will work, too. Brush dough with olive oil, then spread the chicken salad evenly on top, leaving a ½- to 1-inch border around the edges.

Top with the shredded cheddar and black pepper to taste.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the top is bubbly and the crust is crisp on the bottom and starting to brown.

Let cool for a couple of minutes, then top with fresh arugula and serve.

sPicy (or noT) Tex-mex Pizza

ingredienTs:

1 ball homemade dough

½ cup mild salsa (we love salsa verde)

1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese

2/3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

½ medium red onion, sliced into thin half moons

2 whole scallions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, roughly chopped (optional)

Handful of cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

direcTions:

Stretch out the dough to fit your oiled pan, as explained in the Chicken Salad Pizza recipe.

Spread salsa evenly over the dough.

Sprinkle cheese over the salsa, then layer on the toppings, saving the cilantro and the salt and pepper for after the pizza has cooked.

Follow Chicken Salad Pizza baking directions. When the pizza comes out of the oven, sprinkle cilantro over the top and add salt and pepper.

What should parents know about their child’s body mass index?

ParenTs ofTen see their children in the best possible light. A recent study of more than 3,000 overweight or obese children found that nearly 95 percent of their parents describe their kids’ weight as “just right.”

While such findings, published in the June edition of the journal Childhood Obesity, might be good news for those kids’ self-esteem, they’re alarming to public health advocates struggling to combat a national epidemic of childhood obesity.

This month, Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, explains why a child’s body mass index matters — and what parents can do to improve it.

Kids VT: What is body mass index?

LEWIS FIRST: Body mass index, or BMI, is a calculation that uses your child’s height and weight to estimate their body fat. It’s a way to determine whether they’re accumulating excess pounds due to fat that could become a problem later in life.

KVT: When do pediatricians typically start measuring Bmi?

LF: The American Academy of

Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend calculating this number before age 2. Because the amount of fat that children carry changes by age and gender until they become young adults, we tend to track that number on a growth curve similar to tracking their height and weight. And, unlike adults who have finished growing, where we can look at a single number, with kids we watch the trend line over time to decide if we need to address it.

KVT: Why are Bmi trends so important?

LF: If a child’s BMI stays elevated, we know it tends to increase the child’s risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes as they get older. So, if we can reverse that trend early on, we can put kids at less risk for significant health problems that are associated with being overweight or obese. Once we see elevated BMI numbers, we begin to ask questions such as: What do other family members look like in terms of their shape and size? How often does the child exercise? What does his or her diet consist of? We might take additional measurements, such as a skin fold thickness test, to

confirm that the increase is due to fat. We also look at family history, diet and other indicators.

KVT: When are Bmi numbers considered elevated?

LF: Any child who is between the 85th and 95th percentile, we consider to be overweight. If a child is above the 95th percentile for BMI, we consider that obese. However, parents should be very careful not to use those words with their kids.

KVT: Why?

LF: The goal is to help kids develop good self-esteem by calling attention to what they do well and not what they look like on the outside in terms of their body shape. With good selfesteem, children and teens are more willing and motivated to work on their weight issues than if they’re told repeatedly, “You’re fat.” A better idea is to say, “You’re really working hard on your basketball skills and it shows. Would you like to work on getting into even better shape, which may make you even faster on the court?”

KVT: can other factors besides weight gain elevate Bmi?

LF: Yes. If you have a child with a lot of muscle and not a lot of excess fat, their BMI can also be elevated. So, it’s possible that a middle-school child who’s

Ca ing Young Writers...

Summer break is almost here! Draw a scene from a past summer outing, add a caption, and share it with us by June 15 for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Crow Bookshop!

See page 47 for details.

a superb athlete could have an elevated body mass index but it’s mostly muscle mass. But that’s a rarity in kids.

KVT: Why do some parents not recognize that their child’s Bmi is high?

LF: There are several reasons. It may be that parents have a level of denial about their own weight. Because more kids than ever before qualify as overweight or obese, some parents don’t know what an overweight child really looks like. Some parents believe that everything will get better in regard to excess fat once their child hits puberty, and, sadly, that is not what often happens.

KVT: What tips can you offer for lowering a child’s Bmi?

LF: I advocate using the 5-4-3-2-1-0 formula. Each day the entire family should aim for consuming at least five servings of fruit and vegetables, four servings of water, three servings of low-fat dairy products, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of exercise and zero sugar-sweetened beverages. That tends to be a good formula for families to work together to move the BMI curve in a healthier direction. K

IntervIew compIled and condenSed by ken pIcard

elevated Bmi tends to increase a child’s risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes as they get older.

Cartooning

AVA KATHlEEn AlbREcHT is just 8 years old, but she’s already juggling multiple publishing projects. More specifically, three original comics: The Samurai’s Plans, The Lady and the Magic Creatures and Minecraft Magic.

Ava was one of 12 kids drawing furiously on a Saturday morning in May at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction. On weekdays, adult students work in the school’s refurbished post office studio. But the Saturday Morning Cartoon Club is for kids ages 9 and up.

Across the sun-dappled classroom from Ava, 10-year-old Olivia Ferraro worked on a one-page comic chronicling the evil deeds of her seemingly innocent cat, Lucy. Avery Swett, also 10, labored over the surprisingly heroic story of The Unuseful Magician. And Bradlee Smith dispensed career advice in the Guide to Being a Ninja. One tip: Obtain nunchuks as soon as possible.

Four fashionably dressed students from CCS’s cartooning MFA program were running the show, the goal of which is to nurture a love of comic storytelling and sneak in some real drawing instruction.

Lessons differ every month, but the structure of the class is always the same. Lead teachers Rebecca Roher and Stephanie Zuppo launch it with some quick aerobic stretches to get everyone’s blood pumping, followed by an introductory drawing activity. Students then focus on one particular

skill or theme, such as gestures or expressions. Roher wants kids to look at published comics with a critical eye and incorporate what they notice into their own work.

This particular class fell on Free Comic Book Day — May 2 — when stores across the country give away comics produced and distributed by the major comic book publishers. Building on that idea, Roher and Zuppo told students that they’d each create an original comic book, which they could photocopy and share with their peers. The kids began to draw immediately, without a hint of shyness.

Turns out girls like ninjas and zombies as much as boys do. Defying the stereotype that comics are more popular with males, the genders were pretty equally represented in the class, and three of the four teachers were women.

Isabella Hall, 13, fills her stories with strong female characters. “I sometimes relate to [being] curious and adventurous,” she remarked while drawing swords. “But I don’t really want to adventure when I grow up. I just want to draw comics all day.”

friends ... It cultivates their interest and … provides a deeper experience.” She hopes to create more programming that will help young Vermonters pursue cartooning and other careers.

AVA KATHlEEn AlbREcHT, 8

Dave Lloyd, CCS’s operations manager, believes that these kids are learning things that will prove useful down the line. “Cartoonists convey difficult messages in very simple imagery,” he explains, and that’s a desirable skill in an increasingly complex digital world.

“You can’t stop these kids from drawing,” said CCS president Michelle Ollie, as she looked around the classroom of concentrating kids. “And to get them in a room like this where they’re around their peers and

Find information about an upcoming summer cartoon club for kids ages 9 and up — and a weeklong “create comics” boot camp for teens — at cartoonstudies.org/index. php/programs/summer-workshops.

The students in the cartoon club seemed to know they’re gaining valuable experience. Ninja aficionado Bradlee said that he’s learned how to smudge ink to create a sense of motion when he draws comets and asteroids. Isabella explained that she’s gotten much better at making drawings that propel the story forward.

The kids also seemed to be aware of some of the more intangible benefits. “I’ve learned that drawing makes your imagination grow,” Ava reflected. Then she turned back to her samurais, hoping that, this time, she’d get the shoulders just right. K

i’ve learned that drawing makes your imagination grow.

Ava Kathleen Albrecht poses for Isabella Hall during the opening exercise

Drawings by Isabella Hall

Fathers in Focus

Kids VT readers share the stories behind their sweet snapshots

Apicture may be worth 1,000 words, but sometimes images alone can’t tell the whole story. When we asked our Facebook friends to send us photos of the dads in their lives for our Father’s Dayinspired issue, we were overwhelmed by the response. We received dozens of heartwarming snapshots of men sharing tender and silly moments with their kids. It made us want to know more about these guys. Who are they? What inspired the photo? What makes these dudes such good dads? We asked the photo submitters to answer these questions, and their responses surprised us, made us smile and sometimes moved us to tears. We thought you’d enjoy reading some of them, too.

This was the first time Jackson slurped his pasta. Despite the busy world of Disney around us, Joe and Jackson were focused only on each other.

What makes Joe such a great papa ... Wow, I’m getting teary-eyed. A memory Joe likes to share is when Jackson was born. He says that Jackson entered the world with his eyes wide open, look- ing around, filled with curiosity. Since then Joe has helped Jackson explore the world around us. Recently, they have been patiently watching a bird’s nest. First, they would stand together and watch the mama bird as she sat, day after day. Then after the birds hatched, Joe would stand with Jackson and wait for the three little baby birds to poke their heads out of the nest as their mother fed them.

It’s the simple moments, shared at the dinner table or on the front porch, that show how wonderful Joe is as a papa to our son.

Joe Victory and son, Jackson, slurping pasta at Disney World in March, 2015. Submitted by Sara Victory, Winooski

Submitted by Simone Tefts

Submitted by Honi Bean Barrett

Submitted by Meredith Coeyman Submitted by Ceili Quigley

My husband and I met in high school in New Hampshire; we’ve been together for almost 18 years. One of the first things I loved about him was how good he was with his little sister, who was 7 when we started dating.

Less than three years ago we were living in New York when a job opportunity popped up in the Burlington area, and he jumped on it. We both knew how much our boys would love all that this beautiful area has to offer.

I took the sunset photo on our family house-hunting trip three years ago. We were exhausted, both physically and mentally, and we had to make a decision on a house. Brian drove us to the waterfront at the most beautiful time of day and melted our troubles away.

Since then he has brought our oldest skiing at Smugglers’ Notch, taken us all to the top of Jay Peak on the tram, hiked with us at the Eagle Mountain Natural Area, listened for owls on an Owl Hoot Hike, visited museums and farms, and so much more. He listens, cares and loves like no other. Nothing beats the look in our sons’ eyes when Daddy is playing with them.

Posie loves being with Chris. They create daddydaughter dates and visit different locations. In certain circumstances, Posie will request for her daddy to pick her up and will whisper “I’m a little shy” and then give him a big squeeze. What makes Chris a great dad that is he’s not afraid to show her his truest self. He gets silly with her in crowded places, shares his passion of soccer by saving a seat for her on the coach’s bench, tells her stories of his own childhood memories, and shows her how to care for and respect all beings.

Phin, our oldest, had gotten a boo- merang for his birthday in March, but it was too cold to use it until just recently. Phin is autistic, so to get him to understand that we couldn’t use the boomerang inside, we read to him the package that describes the “soft, outdoor fun.” It was nearly impossible for Phin to wait for the weather outside to improve.

Finally, the day came to try the new toy, and within minutes “soft, outdoor fun” was stuck in a tree. Daddy came to the rescue with a nice long stick.

Daddy does more than rescue boomerangs, though. He is a tireless source of support, not only for Phin, but for me and our younger son as well. He is an equal advocate for our son’s rights and he stands alongside his family with pride.

Brian Cuddy and Logan at the Burlington waterfront in 2012. Submitted by Sarah Cuddy, St. Albans

Chris Bourdeau helping his son Phin get a boomerang out of a tree in their backyard earlier this spring. Submitted by Kele Bourdeau, Burlington

Chris George giving Posie a ride at the Old Brick Store in Charlotte last June. Submitted by Niki George, North Ferrisburgh

Submitted by Ali Lewis Bigenho Submitted by Danielle Snelling

Submitted by Alaura Dubray

Submitted by Greta D’Agostino

Submitted by Ashley Cleveland

My husband, Andy, is father to three girls: Ramona, 14, Gemma, 11, and Acadia, 8. Nine years ago, as he was preparing to become a father of three, Andy rediscovered the positive physical and emotional impacts of running. In the process, he lost 90 pounds and experienced firsthand the powerful impact of setting a goal and achieving it with support.

In 2013, Andy did not hesitate to put on a pink headband and be a positive supporter when our daughter Gemma prepared to complete her first-ever 5K through Girls on the Run Vermont. This photo was captured at the finish line. To say that Gemma was a hesitant runner is an understatement, so in this photo I see a proud, supportive father and a proud, empowered little girl.

I work mainly at night, so when my wife, Alaina, went back to work during the day after both pregnancies, it only made sense for me to take care of the kids. I was nervous as hell to be taking care of two of them, both under the age of 3.

This photo helps remind me of something larger, though. I’ve always had a poor body image and a family history of heart disease. After Jude (our first) was born, both my wife and I decided we needed to take better care of ourselves. We began exercising and eating right. The only way I can ensure I’ll be around for my kids for a long time is to keep being healthy. Recently I’ve been training for the Vermont City Marathon. When my wife’s working, I push the kids in a double stroller as I run.

This picture was taken after a six-mile run. Looking at it makes me want to continue to run and be healthy for them.

Craig was frustrated that the tiller — yet again — wouldn’t start up. While he was tinkering with it, 18-month-old Eloise grabbed a screwdriver and scooted in to “help” out. Craig is very patient with her and loves involving her in projects when it makes sense to do so. She’s at an age where she is increasingly curious about the things we do and, of course, we want to do what we can to help foster that. It warms my heart to see how good he is with her. The role of “Dada” has made me appreciate so much more the patient, kind-hearted soul that he is.

Andy Bilodeau and daughter Gemma finishing the Girls on the Run 5K in 2013. Submitted by Betzi Bilodeau, Essex

Eloise Luce “helping” dad, Craig Luce, with the tillerlast month. Submitted by Morgan Luce, Underhill.

Andrew Ede with Jude and Margot last month in Essex Junction. Submitted by Andrew Ede, Essex Junction

Submitted by Tara Gravelin

Submitted by Jenn Adams Submitted by Brooke Bousquet Submitted by Samantha Bate

My husband is Chinese, and thus our son is half Chinese. My husband loves all food and shares his joy for it by cooking all kinds of ethnic food for our wonderfully blended family. We each have two children from a previous marriage — ages 9, 6, 5 and 3 — as well as this little 20-month-old guy together. Mitchell is the most amazing dad ever, on top of balancing a busy career as a physician!

This picture was taken on a break away at Glens Falls, N.Y. My husband, Preeth, is a wonderful dad. He lives for his children, and in this picture he is bonding with his little boy and taking in every second of his tininess. Preeth is kind, patient and loves playing and snuggling with his children. I feel blessed that they have such a loving father who would do anything for them. He works so hard, but on his time off, his children are his priority, always.

Mitchell and Parker Tsai eating Chinese food in Providence, R.I. in April. Submitted by Sheramy Tsai, South Burlington

Preeth Sundaran and Kaelen in April. Submitted by Yvonne Sundaran, South Burlington

Submitted by Jane Ledoux

by Jessic Bazarnick Karpinski

by Alison Novak

Submitted by Jessica Chenette

Ari loves the fact that her dad is strong enough to hold her up while she tries to do tricks!

My husband, Heath, is an amazing dad to our three children. He works hard all day but still finds the time to coach our son’s baseball team, chauffeur our daugh- ter from gymnastics, help with homework and take time for himself in the gym — he’s been a bodybuilder for over 10 years. He is always there for our kids, to give them advice about a problem they are having, listen to a story or simply hang out.

My husband, Kris, and I got married the summer before his senior year of college, and discovered, a month later, that we were expecting our first child: Kristopher Sean Michael Perkins Jr. was born exactly 10 months after our wedding day.

During that first year of marriage, Kris was working more than 25 hours a week while he wrote a 30-page

at a local middle school. He graduated magna cum laude in 2011 — when our son was 6 weeks old. Our daughter, Katherine Sara Elizabeth, was born two years later.

thesis and student-taught

This picture was taken on the last day of our first family vacation last summer, in Maine. We were about to leave to go back home, but decided to stop by Old Orchard Beach one more time before heading out.

We put on our new hoodies and walked the beach, talking and playing. The kids wanted to take a picture with their daddy. We took several silly pictures and this was the last one, right before they started to run off to play in the ocean. My husband decided to kiss their hands before letting them play. I love this picture because it’s so clear he loves his son and daughter and is very grateful for them.

We took the kids to Maine so they could see the ocean for the first time — and because it was the last place Kris went on vacation with his dad before he died. My husband was 8 years old when he lost his father, two months after that vacation.

It was wonderful exploring the places my husband explored when he was a little boy. This trip felt like the first time we got to truly enjoy our little family. My husband, who continues to be the sole financial supporter of our family, is now only a few credits away from getting his master’s degree in special education. He has gotten straight As in graduate school, while working 40 to 65 hours a week. And he’s only 26.

This fall, he will be a special educator for a local elementary school. Kris has the wonderful gift of seeing a child’s potential and helping him or her achieve a better version of themselves. He’s a terrific role model for our children, and we’re beyond proud of him.

Ariana gets a lift from her dad, Heath Badger, in March. Submitted by Kacie Badger, Georgia

Kris Perkins with Kristopher Jr. and Katherine in 2014. Submitted by Melissa Perkins, South Burlington

Submitted by Amanda Gilman-Bogie Submitted by Katherine Dodds Submitted by Walter Peterson Submitted by Jessica Foerst-Bilodeau

Submitted by Sofi Gonella

I love this photo of my family, taken on a lazy Sunday afternoon, because it shows how comfortable, loving, content and relaxed we can be together. I felt pure joy seeing them snuggled up, and I was inspired, because sometimes the quiet moments are the best.

photo shows Tyler being an incredible dad and husband and making sure that his twin sons experienced nothing but love before they passed away shortly after their birth. Cedar and Sojourn were born unexpectedly at 20 weeks and five days gestation. They were our first babies and deeply loved. Incredibly, we conceived twin boys again and I am now 28 weeks pregnant. It is likely that these babies will get to come home with us and we are so grateful for this second chance.

Dennis Wygmans and daughter, Thalia last year. Submitted by Nicole Curvin, South Burlington

This

Tyler Mast looks on as his wife holds twins Cedar and Sojourn last October. Submitted by Alexandria Kerrigan, Huntington Submitted by Jackie Miller Boyd Submitted by Willis Brigham

SUMMER

Day-cations Better With Cheddar

School’s almost out, and “Day-cations” are in. Every summer, Kids VT seeks out familyfriendly destinations where you and your kids can experience the natural beauty and unique culture of the region. They’re all places you can visit with your kids in a day.

Each of our three summer issues features two recommended trips, complete with tips on nearby dining and attractions. This month, Laura Sorkin takes her family for some cheese sampling at the Cabot Creamery Visitors Center, followed by a hike at Groton State Forest, while Angela Arsenault brings her brood to play at the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland.

BY LAURA SORKIN

When we arrived, the place looked clean, well-maintained and freshly painted.

Cabot

Creamery Visitors Center, 2878 Main Street, Cabot, cabotcheese.coop/ cabot-vistor-center-tours

Groton State Forest, vtstateparks.com

I indulge in all types of cheese, from runny Camembert to zingy chèvre. So do my husband, Eric, and 11-year-old son, Henry. But my daughter, Lucy, 8, is a pickier eater who’s just beginning to consider Muenster an acceptable food. Even so, we can all agree on one variety: Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar. My family consumes so much of the stu that I usually buy it by the two-pound block.

The Cabot Creamery Visitors Center and production plant are

located just an hour from our home in Cambridge, but we’d never visited. The time had come to make a pilgrimage.

We set out around 10 a.m., stopping in Je ersonville to pick up Lucy’s friend, 8-year-old Graden. We were all feeling upbeat on that first truly warm spring day. The drive along Route 15 was easy, and the factory was a cinch to find, thanks to helpful signage on the road.

The creamery, established in 1919, has been updated over the years; the Visitors Center was added in 1987.

We stepped inside to find a bounty of dairy products, Cabot merchandise and a selection of locally made items such as maple syrup and cookbooks. We gravitated to the sample table, which was loaded with about 25 cheeses to try.

Our group was not shy. We tasted the standard fare — including mild, sharp and seriously sharp cheddars — as well as more uncommon flavors such as Everything Bagel Cheddar, which had been hand-rubbed with onion, poppy seeds and garlic. It was unexpectedly delicious. Pro tip: You may want to warn your children that a few of the samples are hot-pepper varieties. Henry unwittingly tried a piece of habanero cheddar, then cleaned out the bowl of sample crackers trying to put out the fire.

We’d come for the factory tour,

COURTESY OF CABOT CREAMERY

FILE: PAT LEWIS

Henry, Lucy and Graden

can’t Beat Wonderfeet

By Angel A Arsen A ulT

We set out for the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum without much of a plan. I knew only two things: We were going to Rutland, and we needed to eat lunch before we got there. My husband, Ryan, 7-year old daughter, Lio, and 5-year-old son, Dash, had been game earlier that morning. But our moods quickly shifted once we hit the road.

We were still on I-189, between our Williston home and South Burlington, when Dash asked if we were “getting warmer,” which is his version of “Are we there yet?” He asked another five times between Shelburne and Vergennes.

“No, Dash. We’re cold. Freezing cold,” Ryan and I explained. “We’ll let you know when we’re getting warm.”

Five minutes later, he asked again, in his whiniest voice. The force and volume of my reaction made me realize I was hangry. Lunch could not wait. Under duress, we settled on a deli in Middlebury. Bad decision. Three out of the four of us could barely eat the sandwiches we ordered, which were either soggy, oozing or grotesquely overstuffed.

Back on the road, we were now a half-full-but-no-less-cranky bunch with seriously low expectations for the rest of the trip. I was afraid that we wouldn’t be able to snap out of our collective funk and enjoy our destination.

Thankfully, the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum is so engaging that we soon forgot about our lunch experience.

The idea for the children’s museum emerged from a community forum hosted by the Rutland Creative Economy in 2010. The following summer, Wonderfeet was presented as a pop-up museum at the city’s summer block party series, Friday Night Live. It was so popular that it moved to a year-round location in August 2013. The museum’s February expansion to a 2,400-squarefoot space was powered by community and corporate donations.

Inside the museum, Ryan purchased tickets — $5 each — from two smiling adults sitting behind a miniature train-station facade. Our kids bee-lined

it to the sand table, where they got their hands on some kinetic sand, which can be shaped and molded thanks to a bit of added silicone.

From there, they took in the surroundings and planned their next move — to the light-and-shadow cave. This darkened area can be accessed through an adult-size door or a short tunnel. Inside, kids “draw” by shining little LED lights on walls covered with phosphorescent paint. The lights leave traces that linger for a few moments before slowly fading away. Lio was fascinated. “It’s like these walls are specially designed, and these lights are like ink on them,” she said, eyes wide.

Through the museum’s partnership with General Electric, executive director Myra Peffer told me, this room will eventually include a flashing light that “captures” a child’s shadow on the glowing wall, enabling the kid to examine the silhouette before it vanishes.

The affiliation with GE also helped

courtesy of angela arsenault

Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, 11 center street, rutland, 282-2678, wonderfeetkidsmuseum.org

inside, kids “draw” by shining little led lights on walls covered with phosphorescent paint.

Lio and Ryan

Day-cations: cabot

so we paid the small fee — $3 per adult; kids are free — and waited five minutes for the next guide, who led us, along with six other visitors, into a small theater. There we watched an interesting eight-minute video about the company’s history, featuring 100-year-old photos of the creamery. Cabot is a co-op, meaning it is coowned by the 1,200 dairies — all within a 65-mile radius of the town of Cabot — that supply the milk.

When the video ended, our guide gave us protective foot coverings and led us to the cheesemaking facility in an adjacent building. We walked down a hallway lined with windows. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to see the morning of our visit. Workers make cheese daily at the plant, but not round the clock; we had arrived during a lull. We only got to see the final stage of the process: workers and machines packaging finished blocks of cheese in plastic.

Nevertheless, the kids enjoyed looking at the intricate machinery. And our guide was engaging, peppering the tour with trivia about the company and cheesemaking in general.

We wrapped up our hourlong visit around midday. When we asked our guide for a lunch recommendation, she explained the two options in tiny Cabot: You can pick up sandwiches at the Cabot Village Store or eat at Sarah’s Country Diner, located at the back of the Cabot Hardware Store. There was no question — we were headed to the hardware store.

Sarah’s is located just a few hundred yards down the road from the creamery, but we may as well have traveled back a century. We entered through the store, past walls of rakes and paintbrushes, to reach the restaurant, which is in a room of its own.

The classic American diner consists of just two tables and a small counter. Sarah, a friendly young woman, takes orders and cooks the food. We munched on BLTs and burgers while listening to the paint mixer rattle up front. It was a scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting and one of the highlights of the day.

After lunch, we drove 20 minutes south to Groton State Forest. Since we were visiting in early May, some of the facilities and state parks were still closed, but there were many options

for year-round hiking. We chose the 1.5 mile trail to Owl’s Head, rated as “moderate” in the Groton State Forest Summer Trails Guide.

The hike began with about 45 minutes of easy uphill walking, followed by 15 minutes of a steeper ascent to reach a small lookout tower. From the top, we could see nearby Kettle Pond and Lake Groton, and all the way to Camel’s Hump, 60 miles away. We stayed up there for half an hour, relaxing and draining our water bottles.

On the way down, the kids started losing steam, so we opted to walk along the traffic-free dirt road instead of on the trail. We ended the excursion with a terrific Italian meal at Sarducci’s in Montpelier. A great hike, beautiful views, the first warm day of the year and the World’s Best Cheddar — it was a seriously excellent day.

Know before you go: cabot factory tours cost $3 for adults and are free for kids under 12. the cabot website explains that the plant is not always making cheese. to time it right, call ahead.

if you plan on picking up some cabot products, bring a cooler with ice packs. for a hike in Groton state forest, pack plenty of water, a snack, bug spray, sunblock and hats. montpelier is a 20-minute drive from the forest. Bring a change of clothes if you plan on swinging through the capital city for dinner.

Where to eat:

sarah’s country diner, 3087 main street in cabot, is a must. you can also pack a picnic — perhaps leaving room on your sandwiches for some cabot cheddar — and eat lunch during the hike.

Also nearby:

Groton state Forest offers hundreds of miles of biking, hiking and horse trails. find more info, plus a map, at vtstateparks.com/pdfs/groton_trails.pdf.

The Groton Nature center, 1595 Boulder Beach road, is open on weekends and features exhibits, programs and concerts in the summer. info, 584-3827 in the summer, head to Boulder Beach, 2278 Boulder Beach road, also in Groton state forest. the beach has everything one could want post-hike: bathroom facilities, a snack shack with cold beverages and a beautiful lake for cooling off. info, 584-3827

We gravitated to the sample table, which was loaded with about 25 cheeses to try.

Lunch at an old-fashioned diner inside a hardware store

The top of Owls Head at Groton State Forest

Day-cations: Wonderfeet

establish Wonderfeet’s fledgling robotics station. This area — the most suitable in the museum for kids older than 8 — is enclosed by a toddler-proof gate and houses a cache of Legos and a sloped drag-race track where kids can create and test Legomobiles. A pair of computer stations, where kids can program a small Lego robot to move around a raised platform, is coming soon.

I chatted with Peffer while my kids swirled around us, excitedly blurting out the occasional, “Mom! Did you see the …” or “Mama, look at this!” She told me about plans to add a play train and a pretend credit union and town hall to the museum’s kid village, which currently features the ticket-booth train station, a diner and a farmers market.

Though the one-room museum feels small, it wasn’t crowded during our visit. My husband remarked that the team behind Wonderfeet has “done a lot with a little,” referring to both the space and its annual operating budget of $223,000.

An exhibit composed of a fan and a few scarves held Lio and Dash rapt for the last 15 minutes of our roughly two-hour visit. Over and over again, they placed the scarves into a clear plastic tube held in place just above the fan. The kids squealed and danced every time the featherweight fabrics shot up and out of the tube and then floated back down to earth.

I watched, thinking, We could totally make one of those at home. And, later, we tried. But as I suspect is the case with many of the simple-seeming exhibits at Wonderfeet, it’s not as easy to pull off as it looks.

On the way home, we stopped for a kid-friendly dinner of pizza and creemees in Bristol. Caught up

in the meal, we accidentally neglected our evening routine of discussing the day’s rose, thorn and bud (or favorite part, least favorite part and what we’re most looking forward to). Just after the creemee stop, a tired Dash perked up in the backseat and said, “Mama, you know what was my rose?” I would have bet money on the ice cream, but instead he said, “Going to the kids’ museum!” K

Know before you go:

Wonderfeet Kids museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on tuesday, thursday, friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 per person; free for babies under 1. Group reservations can be made for Wednesdays.

A variety of annual memberships are available, ranging from $65 for one adult and one child to $500 for the special Benefactor membership, which covers up to six people per visit and includes participation in the Association of children’s museums’ reciprocal network and a private party at Wonderfeet.

Where to eat:

We grabbed a couple of sweet treats and coffee just a few doors down from the museum at the coffee Exchange café 101 merchants row.

if you’re traveling to rutland from chittenden county, Bristol is a great side trip for dinner or lunch. We went to cubbers Restaurant, 8 main Street, for pizza and the venerable Village creeme stand, 41 West Street, for dessert.

Also nearby:

Had we been able to hold out a little longer for lunch, we would have checked out the downtown Farmers market, which takes place in rutland’s Depot park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., may through october. Visit vtfarmersmarket.org for more info.

2015 SUMMER Summer Intensive for Teens

Classes & Camps

• Week-long ballet themed camps for ages 3-9

• Week-long ballet Mini-Intensive for ages 12-18, for the serious dancer looking to stay in shape for various summerlong intensives

• Weekly ballet classes for young dancers - adults - beginner - advanced

Ages 13 - 18

Beginner-Intermediate

July 27 - July 31 & August 3 - August 8

Week-long dance intensive for the teen dancer who wants to take their dance training to a higher level, prepare for dance in college, musical theater, or high school dance team. Or maybe your dream has been to dance en pointe? Classes offered in ballet, variations, pointe, pointe prep, jazz, lyrical, modern, choreography and more.

Join us for one week or two, dance all day, every day and we’ll help you to reach your goal!

JUNE CALENDAR

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY ALISON NOVAK & MEGAN JAMES

Walking with Giants

The woolly mammoth on display at the Montshire Museum this summer is covered with vegetation instead of hair. It’s one of a group of life-size sculptures of extinct creatures made using local plants. The Snuffleupaguslike beast is part of ‘PREHISTORIC MENAGERIE,’ an exhibit that also features five other species from the Cenozoic Age, which began 65 million years ago. New Hampshire artist Bob Shannahan crafted the animals using steel and aluminum, which he covered in natural materials. Don’t miss the 7-foot-tall carnivore with the head of a warthog.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION

Visitors explore a nature trail to the Quechee Gorge, attend raptor programs and go on a guided children’s scavenger hunt. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-13; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Families get up close and personal with big, shiny vehicles. Clowns and a bounce house add to the fun. Montpelier High School, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $3 per adult; $2 per child; $8 per family. Info, 225-8699.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

SUMMER REVELS

Celebrators of the Summer Solstice make merry by candlelight with singing, dancing, puppetry, storytelling and other magical interactive entertainment. All ages. Norwich Town Green, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 866-556-3083.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

CIRCUS SMIRKUS BIG TOP TOUR OPENING WEEKEND

Bon Appetit! Spectators of all ages dig into this culinary-themed performance featuring talented youth ages 10-18. Circus Smirkus, Greensboro, 1 & 6 p.m. $12.50-20.50; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

‘PREHISTORIC MENAGERIE’: Through September 7 at Montshire Museum in Norwich. All ages. Regular museum admission: $14 for adults; $11 for children under 18 before June 20. Summer museum admission: $16 for adults; $13 for children from June 20 to Labor Day. Info, 649-2200. montshire.org

COURTESY OF MONTSHIRE MUSEUM

2 TUESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun, nurturing environment. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:45-11:55 a.m. $15 per class or $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class.

Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4:15-5:30 p.m. $15 per class or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

chace mill Prenatal Yoga: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod. com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 12:15-1:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m. $15; $70 for 5-class pass; $75 for monthly unlimited pass. Info, 829-0211.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: Moms looking to get back into shape after giving birth participate in this lowimpact class that helps build core strength, lean muscle and endurance. Non-walking babies welcome. HammerFit Athletic Club, Essex, 1111:45 a.m. $9 per class. Info, 878-0444.

Essex open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 11 a.m.-noon. $8. Info, 655-3300.

Trail Running series: Short races for kids are followed by 5K runs (10K on the second Tuesday of each month) for adults in this weekly outdoors series. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $3-8; free for children under 8. Info, 879-6001.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: Players of all skill levels engage in Magic: The Gathering and other amusements. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

movies

Youth media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs film, edit and produce videos while exploring other areas of digital media. Grades 4 and up. Follows the school calendar. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

children’s sing-Along: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician. Ages 5 and under. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889. colchester Preschool music: Youngsters have fun with songs. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

submit your July events for print by June 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

music With mr. chris: Singer and storyteller Chris Dorman leads kids in music and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Nature & science

salsa Garden Planting: Little diggers get hands-on experience working in the library’s salsa garden. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

3 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

chace mill Postnatal core class: New moms tone and shape their postpartum bodies. Babies welcome. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 12:15-1:15 p.m. $15; $70 for 5-class pass; $75 for monthly unlimited pass. Info, 829-0211.

chace mill Prenatal Barre: Moms-to-be get a ballet-inspired workout. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 7:30-8:30 a.m. & 5:30-6:30 p.m. $15; $70 for a 5-class pass; $75 for an unlimited monthly pass. Info, 829-0211.

montpelier mom & Baby Yoga: Mamas focus on movement and breath while incorporating their little ones into their practice. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with babies 1 and under. Emerge Yoga, Montpelier, 10-11 a.m. $12. Info, 778-0300.

Food

Kismet Teen Takeover: Students from the Central Vermont High School Initiative transform Kismet’s dining room into their own teen-led restaurant in celebration of a farm-to-school collaboration. Kismet Farm to Table, Montpelier, 5-8 p.m. Cost of dinner; preregister. Info, 454-1053.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See June 2.

Library & Books

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Avid readers ages 8-11 engage in a spirited conversation about Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

VPT Writer’s contest Evening of stories: Those who like a good yarn enjoy stories written and read aloud by local young writers. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags “ooh” and “aargh!” during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under, accompanied by an adult. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Nature & science

salsa Garden Planting: See June 2.

Classes

4 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:151:15 p.m.

chace mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2. Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

List your class or camp here for only $20 per month! submit the listing by June 15 at kidsvt.com or to classes@kidsvt.com.

Gymnastics camp: Bristol Recreation Department is offering camps for toddlers, teens and adults. All gymnastics camps are under the direction of the very talented Lindsey Hescock. Parent-Toddler Gymnastics Camp (ages 2-3): Monday through Friday, June 22-26 or June 29July 3, 9:30-10:20 a.m. $80. Preschool and Kindergarten Gymnastics (ages 4-5): Monday through Friday, June 22-26 or June 29-July 3, 10:30-11:20 a.m. $95. School-Age Gymnastics Camp (ages 6-12): Monday through Friday, June 22-26 or June 29-July 3, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95. Teen and Adult Gymnastics Camp: Monday through Friday, June 22-26 or June 29-July 3, 12:30-1:30 p.m. $95. Location: Bristol Elementary School Gym, 57 Mountain Street. Info: Bristol Recreation Department, 453-5885. bristolrec.org

superhero Training Academy 3.0: It’s a bird… It’s a plane... No, it’s Superhero Training Academy! Is your little marvel the Man of Steel or the Amazon Princess? Campers use their super-human powers to help save the world. Activities include kryptonite hot potato, superhero tumbling, jet-pack flight test, leaping tall buildings and defeating bad guys. Participants have the opportunity to take part in the Bristol Fourth of July Parade! Ages 4-8. Instructor: Matthew Senecal. Monday through Friday, June 29-July 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $95. Location: Holly Hall of Justice, Main Street, Bristol. Info: Bristol Recreation Department, 453-5885. bristolrec.org

Paint Your own masterpiece at the inn as Baldwin creek mary’s Restaurant: Attention, parents: For two hours, while you’re sipping a glass of wine, one of our fine local artists will guide you through painting so that you come up with your own unique masterpiece. You will be amazed at what you create! All supplies will be provided, including a glass of wine. Ages 18 and up.

Friday, June 5, 6-8 p.m., $45. Location:

the Inn at Baldwin Creek, 1868 North 116 Road, Bristol. Info: Bristol Recreation Department, 453-5885. bristolrec.org

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children promotes self-esteem, self-defense, bully-proofing, character development, a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Your kids will learn skills they can use for the rest of their lives; regular BJJ training builds endurance, resilience and patience and helps to instill courage and self confidence. First class is free! Free uniform with first-month enrollment fee. Location: Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Road, Williston. To register: 660-4072, julio@ bjjusa.com or stop by our school. vermontbjj. com

YmcA swim Lessons: Learn to swim with the Greater Burlington YMCA. Join a scheduled class or have us come to your backyard or neighborhood pool to provide lessons. Registration for classes begins June 10. Backyard Swim is accepting registrations now. Contact Jaimie Held, Aquatics Director at jheld@gbymca.org or 652-8156. gbymca.org

summer day camp: Be part of a great summer day camp! Fishing, swimming, a bike trail and a field for games. Horseback riding, paddleboat races, rocket launching and other fun activities! Ages 7-15, coed. July 27-31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: By donation. Location: 141 Sweet Hollow Road, Sheldon. Info: Matt Luneau, 315-952-5005. godsvision.net

Horse Riding camp: This camp doesn’t just teach how to ride horses, but also how to put on and take off tack and how to feed the horses. Ages 7-15, co-ed. July 20-24, 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $60. Location: Phoenix Meadows Horse Farm, Rt. 105, Swanton. Info: Matt Luneau, 315-952-5005. godsvision.net

4 THuRsdAY, p.30

Hot Air

Community

4 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Community

Hot Air

Colorful orbs ascend to great heights during the 36TH ANNUAL QUECHEE HOT-AIR BALLOON CRAFT AND MUSIC FESTIVAL. While inflatables take flight, Red Hot Juba keep toes tapping on solid ground with “blisterin’ hot countrified jazz,” and the Dave Keller Band serve up soul and blues tunes. Families flock to Frisbee-catching-dog and live-bird shows, parachute demos, a Kids Zone and juggling and comedy acts. Dozens of craft vendors give the

Colorful orbs ascend to great heights during the 36TH ANNUAL QUECHEE HOT-AIR BALLOON CRAFT AND MUSIC FESTIVAL. While inflatables take flight, Red Hot Juba keep toes tapping on solid ground with “blisterin’ hot countrified jazz,” and the Dave Keller Band serve up soul and blues tunes. Families flock to Frisbee-catching-dog and live-bird shows, parachute demos, a Kids Zone and juggling and comedy acts. Dozens of craft vendors give the grown-ups another diversion. Up, up and away!

QUECHEE HOT-AIR BALLOON CRAFT AND MUSIC

FESTIVAL: Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. until dark; Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 5:30 a.m. until dark at 70 Village Green Circle in Quechee. Balloon ascensions at 6 p.m. and dusk on Friday, and 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ages. $5-15; free for children under 6. Info, 295-7990. quecheeballoonfestival.com

QUECHEE HOT-AIR BALLOON CRAFT AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. until dark; Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 5:30 a.m. until dark at 70 Village Green Circle in Quechee. Balloon ascensions at 6 p.m. and dusk on Friday, and 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ages. $5-15; free for children under 6. Info, 295-7990. quecheeballoonfestival.com

Milton Outdoor Community Dinner: A meal from the grill, live music by the Smokey Newfield Project and farmers market goods entice community members. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs but leave the pets at home. Takes place on the Hannaford Green. Hannaford Supermarket, Milton, 4-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See June 2.

Milton Outdoor Community Dinner: A meal from the grill, live music by the Smokey Newfield Project and farmers market goods entice community members. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs but leave the pets at home. Takes place on the Hannaford Green. Hannaford Supermarket, Milton, 4-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See June 2.

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Walk/Run Trail Series: All ages and abilities break a sweat in a 5K open race, 3K walk/run or 1K kids run. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $4-6; kids 1K is free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Walk/Run Trail Series: All ages and abilities break a sweat in a 5K open race, 3K walk/run or 1K kids run. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $4-6; kids 1K is free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Yoga with Danielle: Curious toddlers and preschoolers learn movement techniques through social interaction, repetition and play. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1800.

Library & Books

Yoga with Danielle: Curious toddlers and preschoolers learn movement techniques through social interaction, repetition and play. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1800.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

5 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 8:309:30 a.m.

5 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Food

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 8:309:30 a.m.

Food

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: Families of foodies enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free; cost of food. Info, artsriot.com.

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: Families of foodies enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free; cost of food. Info, artsriot.com.

Five Corners Farmers Market: From natural meats to breads and wines, farmers share the bounty of the growing season at an outdoor exchange, complete with live entertainment and kids activities.

Lincoln Place, Essex Junction, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Baby & Maternity

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

Richmond Farmers Market: Vendors peddle maple iced tea, honey ice cream, vegan chocolates, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 343-9778.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore arithmetic concepts. Ages 3-6. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Essex Junction Drop-in Story Time: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers stop by for picture books and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Movies

Family Movie: Viewers screen a familyfriendly flick about a small fairy and a gentle giant. Popcorn and drinks provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346. Village Harmony Concert: Young adult singers and instrumentalists perform traditional music from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Georgia and South Africa. Located in Fritz’s Barn at 693 McCrillis Road in Marshfield, 7:30 p.m. $5-10; proceeds benefit the Jaquith Public Library. Info, 426-3210.

Nature & Science

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: Little explorers ages 5 and under and their caregivers discover the sights, sounds and sensations of the forests and fields while learning how the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play. Dress in water- and mudproof clothing. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

6 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types create seasonal clay objects in this ever-changing weekly series. Projects available for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.

Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039.

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See June 3, 9-10 a.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Walk for Animals: Walkers complete a short loop — with or without leashed dogs — to raise funds for the Central Vermont Humane Society. A postwalk celebration includes cake and ice cream. Montpelier High School, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Donations and pledges encouraged; preregister. Info, 476-3811.

Fairs & Festivals

Waterbury Kids Fest: Music, dancing, crafts and kids activities come to tents in the heart of town. Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: Producers and artisans o er fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

Capital City Farmers Market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors sell farm-fresh veggies and fruits, artisan cheese, handcrafted breads and more at this outdoor emporium. Downtown Rutland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 753-7269.

Health & Fitness

Gems Summer Celebration 5K & Kids Dash: Games, music and local vendors make for a fun end-of-school-year celebration. Medals are awarded to all race finishers, in addition to awards for “Craziest Socks,” “Wildest Hairdo” and more. Georgia Elementary & Middle School, St. Albans, 8 a.m.-noon. Free admission; cost for race. Info, 524-6358.

Lincoln Mountain Magic Run: Athletic types pound the pavement for 1K and 5K races — or opt for the stroller fun run — to raise money for the Lincoln Cooperative Preschool. Lincoln Elementary School, 9:30 a.m.-noon. $10-20; $35 per family. Info, 453-3113.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine enthusiasts visit with Cleo, a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Nature & Science

Let’s Go Fishing: Families cast o for a fun day of learning, followed by an outdoor excursion to find the catch of the day. Milton Municipal Complex, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

My Sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this 20-minute program geared toward kids ages 4-8. Arrive 15 minutes in advance of presentation. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30 p.m. $3 per person; call to reserve tickets. Info, 748-2372.

JUNE CALENDAR

Playgroups

MONDAY

Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.-noon, $10 per child; $5 for additional siblings. Info, 223-0517.

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.

Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 578-6471.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Richford Playgroup: Richford Elementary, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Swanton Playgroup: Swanton Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Does not meet June 23. Info, 764-1810.

TUESDAY

Bradford Playgroup: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Brookfield Playgroup: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Burlington Dad’s Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures

Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details. Most playgroups follow the school calendar and many end in June.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Program: Winooski Memorial Library, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Chace Mill New Mothers/Infants Playgroup:

Prenatal Method Studio, 1:30-2:45 p.m. $3 suggested donation. Info, 829-0211.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667.

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 6852264, ext. 24.

St. Albans Building Better Families Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Williston Babytime Playgroup: Dorothy

Alling Memorial Library, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Evening Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution

Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:2011:50 a.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Essex Junction Building Bright Futures

Playgroup: See Tuesday. 9:30-11 a.m.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Spanish Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, first Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Randolph Playgroup: White River Craft Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Spanish Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, first Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-9739.

West Fairlee Playgroup: Westshire Elementary Playgroup, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

FRIDAY

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, mary.ne nger@gmail.com.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Marshfield Open Gym: Jaquith Public Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.

Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

Swanton Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Program: See Tuesday.

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.

SUNDAY

Barre Older Kid Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 5-7 p.m. $10 for one child; $5 for additional siblings. Info, 223-0517.

National Trails Day Celebration: Visitors explore a nature trail to the Quechee Gorge, attend raptor programs and go on a guided children’s scavenger hunt. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-13; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

7 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Community

Camp Hochelaga Open House: Parents of prospective campers ages 6-11 visit the grounds of this camp for girls with day and sleepaway options, meet counselors and learn more about its o erings. Camp Hochelaga YWCA VT, Essex Junction, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 862-7520.

Silent Auction & Community Potluck: Music by Bud Leeds & the Dixie Six and a communal meal herald the end of spring. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne, 5-8 p.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 985-3819.

Food

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

Stowe Farmers Market: Live music, face painting and cooking demos complement an array of food and craft vendors. All ages. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8027.

Winooski Farmers Market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids activities and tunes come together on the banks of the Winooski River. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, winooskimarket@gmail. com.

Games

Family Fun Sunday: 12-and-under gamers cap o the weekend with a kids meal and two tokens. Tilt Classic Arcade & Ale House, South Burlington, 3-7 p.m. $7 per child. Info, 489-5350.

Health & Fitness

ChildLight Yoga for Kids: Young yogis come together to explore the beauty of new beginnings. Recommended for ages 3-6 with parents or caregivers. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-1:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

My Sky: See June 6.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be in all stages of pregnancy nourish and nurture their babies through movement while learning how to prepare for birth. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

Pee Wee Pilates: New moms strengthen their cores with their babies in tow. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 646-206-0514.

8 MONDAY

6 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

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Games

Lego Fun: Budding builders share blocks. Grades K and up; kids under 5 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See June 4, 11 a.m.

9 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Babies and older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See June 2.

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Trail Running Series: See June 2.

Library & Books

Dads are Superheros!: Thoughtful sons and daughters make a special Father’s Day gift for their papas. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See June 2.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See June 2.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along: See June 2.

Colchester Preschool Music: See June 2.

Music With Mr. Chris: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Storytime in the Nestlings Nook: Little ones listen to stories about feathered friends. Tales are followed by a nature walk, craft project or music. Intended for preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

10 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:457:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See June 3. Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3. Montpelier Mom & Baby Yoga: See June 3. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See June 3.

Food

Colchester Farmers Market: Rain or shine, local farmers, artisans, food vendors and musicians gather on the green. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Kids in the Kitchen: Strawberry Shortcakes: Chefs-in-training whip up flaky, warm biscuits and top ’em with local berries and cream. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Bring your own board or borrow from the library. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Music

Just Eat It

The food trucks are coming! The food trucks are coming! Culinary whizzes from all over the state descend on downtown Middlebury for the first-ever FOODAROO. The all-ages festival is the brainchild of MUD, or Middlebury Underground, a new, freewheeling event series focused on “anything cool that deserves to be heard.”

Families sample scrumptious treats while street performers and local musicians — including Josh Panda, the Grift and Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band — keep the beat.

FOODAROO: Sunday, June 21, 3-8 p.m. on Merchants Row in Middlebury. All ages. Free; food for sale. Info, 388-4277. mudtalks.org

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See June 4.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

Nature & Science

Whirligigs & Water Tigers: Little learners gather ’round the Peeper Pond to study aquatic insects through a puppet show, dragonfly dance and hands-on exploration. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See June 3.

11 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Walk/Run Trail Series: See June 4. Yoga with Danielle: See June 4.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See June 4.

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through songs and games en español. Bring food to share and stay for a Latin potluck lunch after class. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

St. Albans Library Legos: Young building enthusiasts engage in creative construction with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

12 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 8:309:30 a.m.

Education

Burlington Fire Department Visits: Community helpers teach about fire safety and show o their gear and trucks in conjunction with the “Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl” traveling exhibit. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Milton Homeschool Project Day: Out-of-classroom learners share their current projects with an audience of parents and siblings. Grades K through 12. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Food

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See June 5. Five Corners Farmers Market: See June 5. Richmond Farmers Market: See June 5.

games

dungeons & dragons: Players exercise their problem-solving skills in imaginary battles and adventures. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex open gym: See June 2.

Library & Books

Early Bird math: See June 5.

songs & stories With matthew: Musician Matthew Witten helps kids start the day with tunes and tales of adventure. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Ongoing Exhibits

EcHo LAKE AQuARium

ANd sciENcE cENTER, BuRLiNgToN

Info, 864-1848

s mokey Bear & Woodsy o wl: Home sweet Home: This traveling exhibit, created in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, teaches young woodland stewards how to care for natural resources through on-the-job forest-ranger training. Every other Friday from 10 a.m. to noon the Burlington Fire Department teaches about preventing fires locally. Through September 13.

moNTsHiRE musEum

oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

Info, 649-2200

Prehistoric menagerie: Life-size sculptures of animals from the Cenozic Age — including a wooly mammoth, a tiny horse and a 7-foot-tall carnivore with the head of a warthog — transport visitors back in time.

Through September 7.

sHELBuRNE musEum

Info, 985-3346

Walter Wick: games, gizmos & Toys in the Attic: This retrospective exhibition of the photographic illustrator and award-winning co-author of the “I SPY” children’s books, features large scale photographs, meticulous models and behind-the-scenes videos.

Through July 5.

VERmoNT iNsTiTuTE

oF NATuRAL sciENcE

NATuRE cENTER, QuEcHEE

Info, 359-5000

Birds Are d inosaurs Exhibit: Are dinosaurs still alive today? Amateur paleontologists dig into the amazing story of how birds evolved from dinosaurs through skeletons, life-size replicas, and hands-on activities.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See June 5.

13 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

craft school saturday drop-in: See June 6.

Baby & maternity

chace mill Postnatal core class: See June 3, 9-10 a.m.

chace mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

community

The clothes Exchange: Fashion-minded peeps shop ’til they drop for gently used and new clothing for the whole family. Located in the space formerly occupied by Coldwater Creek. Burlington Town Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free; sales proceeds go to the Vermont Foodbank. Info, clothesexchange@seaba.com.

Touch-A-Truck: Families get up close and personal with big, shiny vehicles. Clowns and a bounce house add to the fun. Montpelier High School, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $3 per adult; $2 per child; $8 per family. Info, 225-8699.

Fairs & Festivals

Kids Pirate Festival: Small swashbucklers swing back in time for nautical fun. Two days of activities include treasure hunting, tugo-war, crafts and musical entertainment by Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate. (See spotlight on page 50.) Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-12; free for children under 6. Info, 475-2022.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See June 6. Rutland Farmers market: See June 6.

Library & Books

Jason chin Book Reading: The local nonfiction author reads from his latest book about the water cycle, Water is Water. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Kids craft: Kids engage in a cool summerthemed craft. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & science

Bird-monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk. Appropriate for older children. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.

children’s Fishing Festival: Kids and adults alike get hooked on the joys of angling with knot-tying and lure-making workshops, a fish cookout and the opportunity to catch a trout in the property’s pond. Ed Weed Fish Culture Station, Grand Isle, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 372-3171. my sky: See June 6. Vermont days: Green Mountain State parks and historic sites kick off summer with two days of free admission and on-site activities. No license required for fishing. (See spotlight on page 48.) Various locations statewide. Free. Info, 800-837-6668.

MUSIC DAY CAMP

JUNE 22-26

Band students must be entering grades 6-10 fall 2015 Orchestra students must be entering grades 4-10 fall 2015

Story Times

MONDAY

Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Essex Junction Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621.

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

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Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. June 22. Info, 244-7036.

Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday. Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Baby & Toddler Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

Barnes & Noble Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday.

Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141.

Marshfield Story & Activity Time: Jaquith

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details. Most story times follow the school calendar.

Public Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.

Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.

THURSDAY

Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, June 11, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday.

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211.

Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.

Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

FRIDAY

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Fletcher Story Time: Fletcher Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 228-8921.

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

Rock, Roll & Read Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Meets June 26. Info, 244-7036.

SATURDAY

Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114.

Burlington Story Time at Phoenix Books: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 448-3350.

Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday. first Saturday of every month.

Swanton Story Hour: See Wednesday. 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

14 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Historic Open House: Families meet a Bald Eagle, learn about Vermont wildlife and enjoy a live performance from the Boys Night Out band. Justin Morrill Homestead, Stra ord Village, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 765-4288.

Kids Pirate Festival: See June 13.

Food

Stowe Farmers Market: See June 7.

Winooski Farmers Market: See June 7.

Games

Family Fun Sunday: See June 7.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring Walk: See June 7.

My Sky: See June 6.

Sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about the work birds do through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-9; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-2:45 p.m. Free with museum admission, $3.50-7; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Vermont Days: See June 13.

15 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See June 8.

Pee Wee Pilates: See June 8.

Games

Milton Lego Club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Shelburne Open Gym: Tumbling tots burn energy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and more. Gymstar Gymnastics, Shelburne, 8:30 a.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: Little musicians ages 24 months and under sing songs and engage in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

June Calendar

15 monday (Continued)

Every Hero Has a story!: Face painting and a visit from the mayor help launch the library’s summer reading program. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

music

music for Preschoolers: See June 4, 11 a.m.

16 TUESDAY

arts & crafts

Preschool story Hour: Young art connoisseurs and their caregivers listen to a picture book, look at original works of art and create a project to take home. Ages 3-5. Plattsburgh State Art Museum, N.Y., 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 518-564-2498.

Baby & maternity

Breastfeeding cafe: Moms nurse their babies, chat and pose questions to a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, dads and siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825.

Burlington Postnatal yoga: See June 2.

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See June 2. chace mill Prenatal yoga: See June 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See June 2. shelburne open Gym: See June 15, 8:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Trail Running series: See June 2.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & adults: See June 2. summer nature Writer club: Middle schoolers connect with the natural world through journal, fiction and nonfiction writing in this three-day workshop presented by the Young Writers Project. Nature walks guaranteed! Ages 12-15. Stowe Free Library, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-6145.

movies

youth media Lab: See June 2.

music

children’s sing-along: See June 2. colchester Preschool music: See June 2. music With mr. chris: See June 2.

Theater

Kamikaze comedy 20th anniversary Extravaganza: Audience suggestions are woven into hilarious scenes in this improvisational show. Ages 12 and up. FlynnSpace, Burlington, 8 p.m. $17.50 for adults; $10 for children under 16. Info, 578-4200.

17 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

chace mill Postnatal core class: See June 3. chace mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3.

montpelier mom & Baby yoga: See June 3. montpelier Postnatal yoga: See June 3.

Food

colchester Farmers market: See June 10. Kids in the Kitchen: chicken Pad Thai: Fledgling foodies learn basic sauce-making tips and proper meat handling and veggie-cooking skills while creating this Southeast Asian dish. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See June 2.

Library & Books

colchester Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Father’s day craft: Thoughtful sons and daughters drop into the library to make a personalized card for Pop. St. Albans Free Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. magic show with Tom Joyce: Sleights of hand amaze spectators to kick off the summer reading program. All ages. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Read to a dog: Adorable pups from Therapy Dogs of Vermont listen to read-aloud tails — er, tales. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister for event times. Info, 865-7216. summer nature Writer club: See June 16.

movies

marshfield Family-Themed movies: A wholesome flick entertains viewers of all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See June 3.

18 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

chace mill Prenatal yoga: See June 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See June 2.

Walk/Run Trail series: See June 4. yoga with danielle: See June 4.

Library & Books

colchester Lego club: See June 4. milton PJ story Time: Small tots drop in with their jammies on for bedtime tales. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. spanish musical Kids: See June 11. summer nature Writer club: See June 16.

music

music for Preschoolers: See June 4.

19 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Quechee Hot-Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival: Up, up and away! Watch inflatable rides rise into the sky, then hear music, play games and visit craft vendors. (See spotlight page 40.) Quechee Village Green, 3 p.m. $5-15 general admission tickets are good for the entire weekend; children under 6 are free; $10 for dads accompanied by a child on Father’s Day. Info, 295-7990.

Food

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See June 5. Five Corners Farmers Market: See June 5. Richmond Farmers Market: See June 5.

Games

Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. New players welcome. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15.

Library & Books

Axis & Allies: War at Sea: Teens play a World War II game of strategy using battleships, air fleets and submarines to decide the fate of the world. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:305 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Early Bird Math: See June 5. Essex Junction Drop-in Story Time: See June 5.

Marshmallow Roast & Lawn Games: Brownell Teens hosts this delicious event with hopscotch, marbles, bocce and badminton on the library lawn. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See June 5.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: A buccaneer sings songs and shares the legend of Black Sam Bellamy, the Robin Hood of the sea. Kindergarten and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

20 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See June 3, 9-10 a.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:3011:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Quechee Hot-Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival: See June 19, 5:30 a.m.

Summer Revels: Little revelers help Robin Hood and his friends from Sherwood Forest ring in the Summer Solstice with singing, dancing around the maypole and a folk play. Norwich Town Green, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 866-556-3083.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See June 6.

Rutland Farmers Market: See June 6.

Health & Fitness

Parents Night Out: Adults looking for some alone time drop o their young yogis for dancing, game playing, pizza eating and relaxation activities with di erent themes each month. Ages 4-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $15 for siblings; preregister. Info, 864-9643.

Library & Books

Superhero Parade with Champ: Costumed children pound a path around the building with a furry friend — or stu ed animal — in tow to kick o the summer reading program. Superhero slime and face painting follow. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Nature & Science

A Peek at Nesting Peregine Falcons: Biologist Margaret Fowle brings participants to a breeding site in Bolton for a chance to spot young birds of prey. Come with your binoculars or spotting scopes. Adults and children ages 8 and up. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9-11 a.m. $10-12 per adult-child pair; $4-5 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

My Sky: See June 6.

Theater

Backpack Theater Performance: The local dramatic company puts their spin on two tales — The Wild Things and Sleeping Beauty Franklin Central School, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

21 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Education

Walter’s World: A huge scavenger hunt and art activities inspired by the museum’s Walter Wick exhibit make for a playful Father’s Day celebration. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $7-24; free for children under 5 and members. Info, 985-3346.

Fairs & Festivals

Quechee Hot-Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival: See June 19, 5:30 a.m.

Food

Foodaroo: Food trucks and craft purveyors give attendees a taste of the best Vermont has to o er at this inaugural event presented by Middlebury Underground and Town Hall Theater. Street performers and leading local bands provide additional entertainment. Merchants Row, Randolph, 3-8 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4277.

Stowe Farmers Market: See June 7.

Winooski Farmers Market: See June 7.

All Ages…All Levels

Get Out … Gratis!

curious about chimney Point in addison or the Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford Village? Want to check out Half Moon Pond State Park in Hubbardton, one of Vermont’s 2014 Parks of the Year? now’s your chance. during VermoNT dAYs, residents of the Green Mountain State can visit more than 50 state parks and nine historic sites without spending a dime and fish without a license. on Saturday, families also get free admission to the Vermont History center in Barre and the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. at the latter, they can view a full-size abenaki wigwam and a railroad station complete with a working telegraph. Who said nothing in life is free?

21 suNdAY (continued)

Games

Family Fun sunday: See June 7.

Health & Fitness

childLight Yoga for Kids: See June 7.

Father’s day Paddling Adventure: Families partake in a watery canoeing or kayaking adventure in celebration of dads, followed by games and refreshments. Canoes and life jackets provided. Meet at the Waterbury Reservoir entrance. Waterbury Center State Park, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; space is limited; preregister. Info, 595-7953.

Nature & science

Bird-monitoring Walk: See June 7.

Father’s day celebration: Underwater explorer Ben Maddox describes his snorkeling adventures in Vermont waters and shows clips from his video series, then kids make and take crafts to give to dad. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Regular museum admission; $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 864-1848. my sky: See June 6.

VermoNT dAYs: Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at multiple locations throughout the state. All ages. Free. Info, 800-837-6668. vermontvacation.com/ vermont-days

22 MONDAY Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

chace mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

chace mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See June 8.

Pee Wee Pilates: See June 8.

Games

Burlington Chess Club: Strategic players make moves on a black-and-white board. Ages 9-13. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15.

Library & Books

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See June 2.

Pirate Craft Day: Young swashbucklers craft a hat, patch and other accessories befitting a high-seas adventurer. Grades Pre-K and up.

Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Read to a Dog: See June 17, 12:301:30 p.m.

Burlington Stories With Megan: Preschoolers have a ball with rhymes, songs and books. Ages 3-6. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Garden Heros: Green-thumbed kids harvest and cook with just-grown ingredients. Milton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Meet K-9 Heroes: Police K-9 instructor Wade Labrecque brings trained dogs to show their police-work skills. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-2:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Teen Puppeteer Workshop: Young adults learn puppetry skills to display during Preschool Story Time on July 1. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See June 4, 11 a.m.

23 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Heroic Crafting: Creative types make hero-themed projects. Ages 4-12. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Food

Garden Heroes: Young patrons walk to the library’s plot at Summit Street School to tend to the plants, pull weeds and harvest veggies, then return to the library to prepare delicious dishes. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Lunch at the Library: The Burlington School Food Project provides nutritious meals to kids and teens ages 18 and under from any town. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15, 8:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Trail Running Series: See June 2.

Superhero Story Time: Listeners enjoy spectacular stories and a craft. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Telling Your Own Stories with Comics: Kids ages 7 and up illustrate panels to tell a tale. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Movies

Kids Movie Matinee: Dim the lights and pass the popcorn! Kids screen an animated feature film featuring Gotham’s favorite superhero. St. Albans Free Library, 2 p.m. Free; attendance capped at 30 people. Info, 524-1507. Youth Media Lab: See June 2.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along: See June 2. Colchester Preschool Music: See June 2. Music With Mr. Chris: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Nature at Night: Whooo’s out and about in the dark? This presentation teaches how to look and listen for owls and other creatures once the the sun goes down. Milton Public Library, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Theater

The Wild Things & Sleeping Beauty: A traveling troupe of youth performers puts on two classic tales to the delight of young audiences. Grades K and up. Highgate Elementary School, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3970.

24 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

‘Readers are Heroes’ Stitch-In: Members of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America showcase a variety of needlework techniques. Spectators choose an embroidered READ bookmark to take home. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See June 3.

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3.

Montpelier Mom & Baby Yoga: See June 3.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See June 3.

Dance

Folk Dancing: Sue Morris teaches traditional moves to hoofers of all ages and abilities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Food

Prenatal care, education & support

Kids in the Kitchen: Knife Skills & Fro-Yo: Little choppers learn how to handle a blade as they prep a variety of local berries and add them to homemade frozen yogurt. Ages 7 and up. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Lunch at the Library: See June 23.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Library & Books

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org

Music

Pirate Maps & Treasure Hunt: Library-going kids learn about maps, make one of their own, then go on a search for booty in the library. Ages 5 and up. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550. Read to a Dog: See June 17.

Movies

LCATV Young Producers Camp: Aspiring directors learn to use video equipment and create a film of their own. Milton Public Library, 1:303 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See June 3.

25 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Food

Lunch at the Library: See June 23.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Walk/Run Trail Series: See June 4. Yoga with Danielle: See June 4.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See June 6, 10:30 a.m.

Colchester Lego Club: See June 4.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Ahoy, matey! The musical aquatic adventurer performs entertaining and educational songs from his latest album. Ages Pre-K and up. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Spanish Musical Kids: See June 11.

Summer Reading Kick-Off: Devoted bookworms blast o for adventures in lit and craft some superhero masks for the journey. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Super Storyteller Peter: A local raconteur shares kid-friendly tales. Ages 4 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Movies

Middle School Books-to-Film Discussion: Bookworms read a novel in advance, then watch the movie version over snacks. Call library for book title. Snack provided. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Music for Preschoolers: See June 4.

Theater

‘The Wild Things’ & ‘Sleeping Beauty’: A talented teen troupe from Swanton performs two treasured stories for kids in grades K and up. Essex CHIPS & Teen Center, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955.

26 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 8:309:30 a.m.

Education

Burlington Fire Department Visits: See June 12.

Food

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See June 5. Five Corners Farmers Market: See June 5. Richmond Farmers Market: See June 5.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: See June 12.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math: See June 5. Family Film Night: Kids and adults cozy up in the library’s community room for a G- or PG-rated movie and popcorn. Call for title. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: See June 12.

Summer Book Sale: Gently used books and AV materials for kids and adults tempt bargain hunters. Colchester High School, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Movies

Teen Movie: Middle and high schoolers cozy up for a film about a young soprano who becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius. Drinks and popcorn provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See June 5.

Theater

‘The Little Mermaid’ Jr.: Young actors from the Flynn Youth Theater Company take audience members on a magical journey under the sea. FlynnSpace, Burlington, 3 & 6 p.m. $5-10. Info, 863-5966.

27 SATURDAY

Baby & maternity

chace mill Postnatal core class: See June 3, 9-10 a.m.

chace mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:3011:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Abenaki Heritage Weekend: Members of the Native American tribe demonstrate singing, drumming, basket making, cooking, dancing and other skills. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-12; free for children under 6. Info, 457-2022.

Jolly Rager

Sailors, sirens and mutineers gather on local shores for the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s annual Kids PiRATe FesTiVAL. The new england Brethren of Pirates, an entertainment troupe made up of professional reenactors, takes over the museum’s outdoor campus for storytelling, interactive roleplay and raucous fun. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate belts out swashbuckling tunes while little scallywags make pirate-themed crafts, participate in a rowdy game of tug-o-war and hunt for treasure. Revelers are encouraged to come in costume; don’t forget your eye patch!

Kids PiRATe FesTiVAL: Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. $8-12; free for children under 6. Info, 475-2022. lcmm.org

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See June 6.

Rutland Farmers market: See June 6.

Library & Books

summer Book sale: See June 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nature & science

Fantastic Physicists: Science-minded kids engage in experiments with balloons, electricity and more. Franklin Town Hall, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. my sky: See June 6.

Theater

‘The Little mermaid’ Jr.: See June 26, 1 & 4 p.m.

28 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

submit your July events for print by June 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

28 suNdAY, P.44

Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

JUNE CALENDAR

Fairs & Festivals

Abenaki Heritage Weekend: See June 27.

Food

Stowe Farmers Market: See June 7.

Winooski Farmers Market: See June 7.

Games

Family Fun Sunday: See June 7.

Health & Fitness

Race 4 Sundaes: A 1-mile fun run is followed by a 5K and 10K at 9 a.m. Finishers each receive an ice cream sundae. Community Church of Huntington, 8:30 a.m. $10-20; proceeds raised benefit Neighbor Helping Neighbor. Info, 434-6715.

Library & Books

Summer Book Sale: See June 26, 10 a.m.-noon.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring

Walk: See June 7.

My Sky: See June 6.

Sundays for Fledglings: See June 14.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour Opening Weekend: Bon Appetit! Spectators of all ages dig into this culinary-themed performance, featuring talented youth ages 10-18. Circus Smirkus, Greensboro, 1 & 6 p.m. $12.50-20.50; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

29 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See June 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See June 8.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See June 8.

Pee Wee Pilates: See June 8.

Games

Burlington Chess Club: See June 22.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2.

Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15.

Library & Books

Burlington Stories With Megan: See June 22.

Garden Heros: See June 22.

Green Mountain Book Award Reader’s Club: Book enthusiasts ages 14 and up discuss Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson while enjoying snacks. Adults welcome. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See June 4, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Farm Heroes: Kids ages 5 and up meet at the Big Red Barn at Whitcomb Farm for a picnic lunch and a tour of the grounds. Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins, Williston, noon-1:30 & 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955.

STEAM Mondays: Science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts are explored through hands-on activities and experiments. Grades K-5. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

30 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Heroic Crafting: See June 23.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See June 2. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See June 2. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See June 2.

Food

Garden Heroes: See June 23.

Kids in the Kitchen: Vegetarian Taco Salad

Bowls: Chefs-in-training make taco bowls from scratch, then fill them up with beans, veggies and gorgeously green guacamole. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Lunch at the Library: See June 23.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See June 2. Shelburne Open Gym: See June 15, 8:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Trail Running Series: See June 2.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See June 2. Project Micro: Participants of all ages view water, leaves and other items under the microscope, with help from UVM lab technician Janet Schwartz. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Read to a Dog: See June 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Superhero-Costume Making: Heroic kids listen to superhero stories, then make outfits appropriate for saving the world, including a cape and mask. Ages Pre-K and up. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See June 2.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along: See June 2. Colchester Preschool Music: See June 2. Music With Mr. Chris: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Fun With Mr. K: Budding biologists learn about beavers through hands-on discovery. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Theater

‘Robin Hood’: Very Merry Theatre presents a classic tale on the library lawn. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

28 SUNDAY (CONTINUED)

• Private party

staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador.

Write Your own

Calling all bookworms!

Forinspiration:

Summer break is almost here! In Pictures from our Vacation by Lynn Rae Perkins, two kids use cameras to document their family’s cross-country road trip. What does summer vacation look like in your family? Draw your favorite place to visit in the summer. Then write a 2- or 3-sentence caption explaining the drawing.

For kids who are wild about animals!

For kids who are wild about animals!

For kids who are wild about animals

For kids who are wild about animals!

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Afternoons only still available!

Afternoons only still available!

Afternoons only still available!

Afternoons only still available!

July 13-17 ● July 20-24

July 13 -17 ● July 20-24

July 13 -17 ● July 20-24

July 13-17 • July 20-24

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

Full-day camp: A few slots available

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

Full-day camp: A few slots available

Register: (802) 862-0135 x 12

Full-day camp: A few slots available

Full-day camp: A few slots available

Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

July 27 – July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

July 27 – July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

Before & after care hours are available.

Before & after care hours are available.

Register:

Register: (802) 862 -0135 x 12

Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Register: (802) 862 -0135 x 12 Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

Backyard Teepee

if you plan on spending time inside the Mazzarese sisters’ backyard teepee, you’d better be less than five feet tall. There’s just enough room inside for “three tiny kids or two middle-size kids,” says 8-year-old Valentina.

parents: silvio mazzarese, Teresa Bobel

Kids: liliana, 11, Valentina, 8

She and her 11-year old sister, Liliana, got the idea for the teepee two years ago while cleaning up their Jeffersonville yard. As their father, Silvio, leaned sticks and dead branches against a maple tree, the three of them realized he had created a cool space underneath. They used one of the tree’s live branches to support even more sticks — and, later, cornstalks — until their structure was roughly seven feet tall.

The interior has been evolving ever since. A ring of rocks topped with an

old camp stove is a pretend fireplace. Small tree stumps serve as kid-size seats. The girls use rocks and sticks to create shelves where they display found treasures, including centuryold pieces of glass and iron gleaned from a nearby farm. Their favorite teepee item is the lump of charcoal they took from an extinguished bonfire; they use it to draw on any flat surface they can find.

Liliana and Valentina play in the teepee year-round. In summer, they while away the hours immersed in imaginative play and “searching for gold” among nearby rocks. In winter, they cover the teepee with a felt blanket for insulation.

Liliana says she likes having a space that she and her sister can use and rearrange as they please — though she’s happy to share it with some of the neighborhood’s smaller residents. They put the blanket over it, she explains, “so the animals could use it.” K

• using a live tree as an anchor provides a place to start laying sticks and stabilizes the structure in wind and bad weather.

• The cornstalks — an homage to native americans, the original teepee builders — were leftover Halloween decorations the family cut from a nearby field.

• The teepee has never completely fallen down, but it has needed occasional repairs. The girls simply pile on new sticks, weaving them together to hold them in place.

Silvio Mazzarese, Teresa Bobel, Liliana and Valentina

The family’s chicken inside the teepee

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will each receive a one-day pass to Petra Cliffs Send Kids VT your work of art by June 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the July issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

PUZZLE PAGE

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

EVA lives in Colchester and turns 9 on June 7. She’s a happy, energetic and artistic third grader who enjoys school and spending time with friends. She loves outdoor activities, especially soccer, skiing and riding her bike. Eva wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 kids.

Print

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — Sweet Foods

BY HELENA HOVANEC

GIANNA lives in Barre and turns 4 on June 10. She loves music, dancing and camping with her family. She can’t wait to have a monster-truck bouncy house at her birthday party.

To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club. Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

roof than anywhere in VT!

SARA lives in Colchester and turns 8 on June 22. She loves hanging out with friends from 4-H Club and Girl Scouts. In the summer, she enjoys swimming.

CAKE CANDY CHOCOLATE FLAN FUDGE GELATO ICING MAPLE SYRUP MOLASSES PIE A LA MODE PUDDING SCONE S’MORES SUGAR SUNDAE Riddle Answer:

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ .

MASON lives in South Burlington and turns 3 on June 25. He’s an imaginative and energetic little guy who loves to laugh and act silly. He has two older siblings, Tanner and Naomi.

Gianna, Sara and Mason each win a player pass.

Time Out

What does it mean when kids refuse to play ball?

MY TWIN 4-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTERS were superexcited about their first real soccer match. At least, they said they were. They’d given my wife and me no reason to doubt them. Their practices had been a blast. A couple of their teammates were pals from school. One of their favorite preschool teachers was a coach. Every kid had her or his own ball, a team T-shirt and shin pads. This was going to be great.

Only, come game time, it wasn’t great. It wasn’t even soccer. My daughters flat-out refused to play.

This made no sense to me. They’d been so psyched. Why the sudden change of heart?

I wondered if they might be insecure about not being as good as the other kids. But that seemed unlikely. As any pre-K soccer spectator knows, it’s the rare 4- or 5-year-old who can stand out amidst the tangle of feet kicking the ball haphazardly around the field.

Had my wife, Laura, and I inadvertently pressured our girls into playing? Had we conveyed too strongly how much we’d enjoyed playing soccer as kids? Were they now paying us back?

It was hard to tell. Variations on “I don’t want to” and “I don’t feel like it” were all they’d give us — before, during and after every game.

Over the next six weeks of the fall soccer season, we tried everything we could think of to get them to take the field. Each weekend game became a new competition — parents versus kids. Sometimes we played defense: “Please tell us how we can make this more fun for you.” Sometimes we played o ense: “You know, it’s really hot out today, and it’s kind of selfish not to go out there so some of your teammates can take a rest.” Sometimes we made post-game treats contingent on playing time.

Nothing worked. We failed to motivate our daughters to play more than a few minutes here and there. Our first soccer season ended for us in a nil-nil tie.

Looking back almost a year later, I’m still confused about what happened. Do my daughters even like soccer? They won’t say, definitively, one way or the other.

Now Laura and I are wondering whether we’ll sign them up again this year, or try a di erent sport, or — gasp — not sign up for any sport at all.

This last option, I’m a little embarrassed to admit, had never occurred to me before. I grew up in a pretty sporty household. My father had been an elite college athlete, a basketball player. He wasn’t much of a role model for me, but my older brother was — he lettered in four varsity sports at South Burlington High School before playing varsity soccer at a midwestern university. I played soccer at SBHS, too — well enough to make the all-state team. Being on a sports team was my family norm.

I guess I’ve always assumed my girls would play team sports, too. I’d love for them to enjoy the social benefits of playing on an athletic team, to bond with other kids over some common goal and learn to put the group’s success above their own glory.

The pre-K soccer team seemed like a great place to begin. In our hypercompetitive culture, kids who get a late start can find themselves at a disadvantage against kids who have been playing longer, attending sports-themed camps and so on.

But maybe my girls just weren’t ready yet. After all, I wasn’t playing soccer at their age. I learned to juggle a ball on the sidelines of flag-football games because there was no soccer league for elementary school-age kids.

Or maybe they’re not cut out for team sports. And maybe that’s OK. After all, my longer-term goals for them are really more about wellness than about winning or losing.

The community they’re growing up in has a broader, more enlightened sense of the value of physical activity — and the many di erent ways to pursue it — than the one of my youth. Check out YMCA, parks and rec and daycamp programs: There’s swimming, dance, kayaking, wall climbing, fitness walking, biking, yoga. As skeptical as I remain about the benefits of baby yoga, I’m glad that today my daughters and their peers can develop strength, agility and coordination in myriad ways that don’t require wearing pads and a mouth guard.

And then I look at my own household, headed by two parents who exercise regularly. We’re not athletes, Laura and I, and we’re not in training for anything — except, we hope, a healthy and active life. That’s our family norm. We don’t talk about it much. We just do it.

Maybe that was the mistake we made with youth soccer. It all started with the parents talking up an activity that we enjoyed as kids. Maybe this season we start by listening.

We failed to motivate our daughters to play more than