Bear Essential News April 2023, Phoenix Edition

Let’s Go... VALLEY METRO!

Desert Plants

Brighten the Way!

News Highlights

Swift Makes Dream Come True for Injured Young Fan

Taylor Swift kicked off her Eras Tour last month in Glendale—and while it was a big night for everyone who managed to snag tickets, it was an unforgettable night for 13-year-old Isabella McCune.

Five years ago, McCune spent nine months in the hospital after an accident left burns on more than 65 percent of her body. Swift was on her Reputations Tour in 2018, the last time she toured until last month, when word reached Swift’s team about McCune’s accident.

McCune was 8 years old when she recorded a message for her favorite singer, telling Swift how her music got her through her worst days and how it helped to keep her calm. Since McCune couldn’t go to Swift’s concert, Swift came to visit her young fan in the hospital!

The pop star snuck into the Arizona Burn Center to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and promise McCune that when she was better, she could come to one of her concerts.

With the help of a local radio station, Swift made good on her promise and recently surprised McCune with tickets to her concert for McCune and her family. The teenager had tried to buy tickets to the concert but wasn’t able to secure them before they sold out within minutes. McCune was beyond excited about her chance to go to the concert, calling it a once-in-

a-lifetime opportunity.

“Not only the fact that I was able to go and I got these tickets gifted to me but also that they are from Taylor Swift and her team, and they remembered me and thought of me to give me these tickets,” McCune said.

She is certainly not wrong about it being such a unique opportunity—the pop star’s ticket sales made national news last fall when they sold out in record time. Ticketmaster offered presale tickets and sold more than 2.4 million presale tickets. The high demand, and Ticketmaster’s handling of the presale, led the company to cancel ticket sales for the general public.

Is Mammoth a Thing of the Past or the Future?

What’s for dinner Suppose the answer was a mammoth meatball. ou would have to be pretty hungry. Not to say that it’s ginormous—although it is pretty big—but that it is a meatball actually made from wooly mammoth!

While you might imagine eating with the Croods or the Flintstones to sample such a savory snack, a mammoth meatball was actually cultured, or grown, in a lab at an Australian food company.

Using sequencing that IMITATED wooly mammoth NA—and lling in missing bits with the NA from an African elephant—this massive meatball was unveiled in March. Scientists put the synthesized gene they created into a sheep cell and then cultured it. They ended up growing about 400 grams, or 14

Seaweed Mass Heading to U.S.

A giant blob of seaweed is slowly oating toward Florida’s beaches. The collection of seaweed weighs more than 10 million tons, and stretches more than 5,000 miles—twice the width of the continental United States!

The seaweed at issue is called sargassum, and it’s a leafy BUOYANT algae that collects and oats around the ocean. It’s nothing new for the seaweed to form large blooms in the Atlantic Ocean. What is new is how big these blooms are getting.

Scientists noticed more than 10 years ago that the seaweed masses were becoming large enough to be captured on satellite images. They originally thought it was just a particularly massive bloom, but have come to learn that the seaweed bloom has only gotten bigger and bigger each year.

SEAWEED MASS FACTS: USA

• Width of seaweed mass 5,000 miles

• Ocean it’s

Seaweed Blob

ounces, of mammoth meat in the lab.

So, is mammoth going to be on the menu any time soon Probably not. This experiment was mostly intended to start a conversation about the future of meat. “We need to start rethinking how we get our food. My biggest hope for this project is that a lot more people across the world begin to hear about cultured meat,” said James Ryall, the company’s chief scienti c of cer.

There is no plan to have anyone chow down on this particular lab-grown meat. In the U.S., only lab-grown chicken is approved for human consumption. Researchers are not sure that the modern human digestive system could handle mammoth! They note that while our ancestors hunted and ate mammoth, this protein has not been a part of our diet for over 5,000 years. Instead, the meatball was sent to a museum of science and medicine in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave.

Once the giant blob approaches land, in this case Florida and other coastlines throughout the Gulf of Mexico, it can really start to cause problems. A large collection of seaweed like this can smother coral reefs and affect shing. Once they reach land, the piles of sargassum can collect in piles several feet high and begin to rot after 48 hours.

The rotting piles of seaweed will smell like manure or rotten eggs—not exactly a pleasant odor! It also releases chemical irritants that can be harmful to people with respiratory issues, such as asthma.

It may sound a little intimidating, and the giant blob currently headed for shorelines in the Gulf of Mexico presents potential problems, but there are several companies trying to nd ways to use the seaweed. It could make things ranging from biofuel to vegan leather. That’s because seaweed is very versatile!

In the ocean, it serves as a source of food and habitat for various wildlife, including sh, mammals, marine birds, crabs and sea turtles. There are a variety of types of seaweed, and it can be used for everything from fertilizer to cosmetics. Seaweed is also used in food, and not just sushi. Certain seaweeds provide extracts used to help thicken things like pudding and chewing gum!

Get the Scoop!

Firefighter Shares His 9/11 Story

by Reporter Dalia Bukundja Arizona Desert Elementary

We have heard many stories of 9/11 in the past. I met one of the first responders who was actually a part of that day that changed America forever.

Mike Penchina joined the fire department in 1969. He decided to give it a go without knowing he would eventually wind up becoming a firefighter. On Sept. 11, 2001, firefighter Penchina and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary in Canada. Penchina was watching the news while his wife was in another room. A jet had recently struck the north tower.

He was asked to return and assist. Around 410,000 first responders aided, working continuously. When Penchina crossed the border, he stopped and tried to call his family to see how they were doing, but the calls would fail due to poor signals.

When firefighter Penchina reached New York, he was devastated by what he saw. He knew there were people’s family members bodies in the rubble he needed to find. What kept him going was finding the remains of his best friend who was one of the

Let’s Celebrate Earth Day!

by Reporter Ezekiel Perez Homeschool

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. It was U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson’s idea. Now, it is celebrated around the world to bring awareness of the importance of protecting our planet. It is an opportunity to help Earth by taking actions that avoid pollution and create solutions for environmental problems.

memorial for all people that died. A new building was made which was called the, “Building of Freedom”. Many writers and poets have drafted many different books and poems about 9/11. The most known one is the firefighter’s prayer.

Adviser: Karen Golden

Balloons Can Harm Animals, Sea Life

by Reporter Gabrielle Grant, Arizona Desert Elementary

A park ranger found a starving turtle washed up at a river, and he found a balloon string wrapped around its neck! Even worse, the deflated balloon was wrapped in it, too. This is the effect of balloons on the environment. It hurts humans, animals and the Earth! Balloons are one of the leading causes of wildlife deaths. Sadly, you may have been contributing to this, so, pause and think before letting go or buying balloons!

Balloons travel hundreds of miles, and it also takes

a hot minute for them to pop. Even the most fenced-in places cannot block out balloons—they are in the sky! When balloons deflate, they can end up thousands of miles away from where they started out. For example, a man in Tennessee found a birthday boy’s balloons stuck in his fence. The balloons flew all the way from Missouri! It is fortunate that they ended up in that man’s fence, because it could have been worse. Instead, that balloon might have ended up in a river, clogging its flow of water and blocking fish from getting upstream or downstream. This is bad for fishing too! If locals such as bears or birdscannot get to a food source that they usually go to, they will starve and die. The clogging of water also makes rivers overflow, which can cause flooding and cave-ins, damaging animal burrows. Image, a poor rabbit sleeping and suddenly the roof starts falling! It can cause unnecessary amounts of erosion and sedimentation. This sedimentation can make the water murky and unsafe to drink. It also prevents the animals from seeing the fish that they need to hunt. Visit www.balloonsblow.org for alternatives to releasing balloons and to see pictures of the damage a balloon can cause.

Adviser: Karen Golden

Here are some ideas to celebrate Earth Day: clean up the sidewalk in front of your house; ask your parents to reduce the use of plastic by drinking water from a reusable container; and make a shopping bag with old T-shirts. Recycle paper or cardboard by making crafts or birthday cards with magazines or boxes.

Also, planting a tree, starting a vegetable garden, or planting milkweed for monarch butterflies would help our environment. It does not have to be a big garden or a huge tree. Every little or big contribution helps clean the air.

Reading books that celebrate this day or our planet is great, too. Some suggestions for young readers include “Clifford’s Spring ay Clean-Up” by Normal Bridwell, “Biscuit’s Earth Day” by Alyssa Satin Cupucilli, and “It’s Earth ay” by Mercer Mayer.

Remind family and friends to respect flora and fauna while camping, and to always choose actions that protect our environment. If we team up to help our planet this Earth Day and every day of the year, we can have a better world!

MORE SCOOPS, page 17 ➧

Image: shutterstock.com

Bear Hugs: Engaging With the Grandkids

by Mary DeStefano

Celebrating Earth Day by Connecting with Cacti!

“OUCH! That sounds painful to me!” said my granddaughter when I suggested my idea.

As I thought of ways to celebrate Earth Day, I began at the front of the alphabet thinking of air and anthills then on to the B’s while thinking of birds, bugs, babies and buds. At the C’s I stopped with the rst word–CACTUS or CACTI. It seemed the perfect choice.

Next, I tried to entice my granddaughter into liking cacti. I asked her who loves cacti and she promptly said, “No one.” Then we talked about how many animals are dependent on cacti and made a list. She was still not a believer, so I suggested a cacti walk in my neighborhood.

On the walk we saw a bird nesting in some cholla cacti and birds hanging out in saguaro holes made by Gila woodpeckers and gilded ickers. She found several holes in the dirt around cacti as well as bugs on the ground. As we walked we played I Spy’ for different types of cacti found. We took photos and when we returned to the house she looked up to see what other animals bene ted from cacti.

This year for Earth ay, I’ve decided to make a cactus treasure hunt. It may happen on a walking path in Saguaro National Park, on a trail near the house, or at Bach’s Greenhouse Cactus Nursery. WIth 2,000 species of cactus of all colors and sizes you’ll never grow tired.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember this year’s theme.

INVEST IN OUR PLANET

Name:

Tell

Science in Spanish Makes Lessons Fun!

Estefania Garcia teaches third grade at Madison Heights Elementary. This is her fth year teaching and her rst year at Madison Heights. Garcia went into teaching because she knew that she could make an impact on kids and the community through her work in the classroom. Garcia was born in Mexico, but her family moved to Arizona when she was just a baby. She still likes to travel to Mexico to visit family, she says.

Garcia works with a cohort of third-grade teachers, She teaches science and does so in Spanish.

“Science is a fun (subject) to teach,” Garcia says, “and it’s nice to have the Spanish language aspect to it.” She says between the subject matter and the Spanish, it makes lessons engaging.

Her students agree! Garcia was nominated by student Peter, who writes that his teacher “is so kind, and she’s good at teaching Spanish.”

Teaching animal life cycles has been one of the most memorable units this year, says Garcia. The students were excited to research their animals, and the classroom was populated with zebra sh and caterpil-

lars, then cocoons. Later the students got to release the butter ies. The two classroom zebra sh go home with designated students on the weekends.

In her free time, Garcia likes to read. Reading was her favorite subject when she was a student, and she still enjoys favorites like children's book authors Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl. These are two of the authors she likes to recommend to her students.

More recently, she started reading historical ction. She notes, “I’ve recently gotten into memoirs. I like learning about other people’s experiences and perspectives.”

Garcia encourages her students to give their best effort, even when a task is dif cult for them. “When they’re getting frustrated (they should) take a step back and try their hardest...that will give them the best outcome in the end,” she says.

Garcia is happy that she joined the teaching team at Madison Heights. It was the right move for her. “It was a nice transition. Everyone was really supportive and it has been nice,” says Garcia.

Teacher name: _______________________

School: _____________________________

District: _____________________________

Your name: __________________________

Grade: ______ Phone: _________________

email:______________________________

Why is your teacher great? Send

All About Cac us! All About Cac us!uu ulu l

Boomer Bear takes a look at how cactus and critters share their Sonoran Desert home.

Iyou re drawing a icture o our desert, chances are you re going to include at least a ew ric ly lants, since cacti es ecially saguaros are such an ICONIC art o our eauti ul desert

Lucky to Live in a Lush Landscape

Arizona actually has part of all four major deserts of North America. But our Sonoran Desert is one of the most beautiful in the world! When people think of deserts, they usually think of an unbearably hot, dry and barren place. Although times of drought do hit here, two rainy seasons can bring a foot or more of rain during a good year!

“We have two rainy seasons, one in winter and one in summer. We get a little over half of our rainfall in summer and a little less in winter,” points out Robin Kropp, education specialist for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. “It is quite lush here compared to many deserts. Some scientists think that the Sonoran esert landscape around (here) shouldn’t even be CLASSIFIED as a desert because it is so rich in plant life.” In winter and

What Is a Cactus?

early spring, other deserts have colder temperatures than here.

But our native plants, including cactus, need to be tough enough to survive long periods of drought and occasional freezing temperatures. “One of the things that makes a desert a desert is that rainfall patterns can be extreme. Sometimes we get very little throughout the year (drought). Sometimes we get a big downpour in one storm, and that ends up being a big portion of the year’s rain!” Kropp explains.

“Cacti are special because they are adapted to survive long periods without rain by storing water inside like a built-in water bottle. They can live off this stored water until it rains again,” she says.

Origins of Cacti

Surprisingly, scientists found that the first cacti didn’t grow in desert areas! And, they haven’t been around as long as more primitive plants like ferns and cycads, which first sprouted some 300 million years ago.

The first flowering plant bloomed more than 174 million years ago. But cacti are sort of the new kid on the block, according to botanists who study them. “Cacti appear about 35 million years ago. They are definitely newer, very recent arrivals,” explains Raul Puente, curator of collections for the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. “The center of origin is considered

Cacti come in all different shapes and sizes from towering tall ones to ones that barely poke up from the ground. They are special succulents of the family Cactaceae. Like other succulents, cacti have soft tissue that can store lots of water, which the plant uses during dry conditions.

“Cactus plants have these main features that distinguish them: thick, waxy skin that holds the stored water inside; water-storing tissues; and flowers with many petals, pollen-bearing parts, and lobed female parts,” Kropp explains. Instead of having leaves, “many cacti are covered with spines as well. You probably know that they keep many animals away from the cactus’ body. They help protect their stored water from thirsty animals. But another important reason that they have spines is protection from the sun—spines make little bits of shade all over the plant, kind of like the cactus’ sunscreen.”

to be the Andes region of South America—right in the corner between northern Argentina, northern Chile and Bolivia.”

From there, these spiny plants spread in all directions. The ones that headed northwest went well beyond what is now Mexico and Arizona. Cactus seem to adapt well to everything but extreme cold. “You can find them in the tropics, even in rainforests,” Puente notes, “all the way up to the lower third of Canada. So they have been extremely successful, able to colonize a key portion of the continent. They thrive not only in the desert—that’s the last area that they occupied!”

Photo courtesy of Chris Rohrer

Lots of Desert Critters Depend on Cacti

No, you don’t want to hug a cactus, but several desert dwellers RELY on them.

“Some birds, like Gila woodpeckers and some other species of woodpeckers like flickers, carve their nests into the stems of saguaros and other species of columnar cactus. And then the same cavities later on can be occupied by other animals like elf owls around here,” Puente says.

Larger raptors (hunting birds) like hawks, caracaras and even bald eagles will make big nests in the arms of a saguaro!

A variety of critters feed on cacti. “Birds that eat fruit, a lot of rodents, too. ou’ll see rodents survive by eating the fruit or feeding on other parts like cactus stems, flowers or roots,” Puente explains.

“Then you have bigger animals like javelina or coyotes—many species eat the fruits of prickly pear and barrel cactus or even cholla.”

Saguaros Are Incredible

Growing up to 75 feet, saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea) are the tallest native plant in the Sonoran Desert. And for many folks, the saguaro is the symbol of our desert and the West! They are a columnar cactus, meaning they have vertical ribs, which function like an accordion, expanding when the plants take in water and folding as that water is used. And after our recent rains, there are plenty of chubby saguaros out there, weighing up to 4,800 pounds! This wet winter weather will make for spectacular white blooms on these saguaros. These large flowers attract bees, other insects and at night, bats! In fact, saguaros and other cacti have adapted to being active in the desert night, when temperatures are cooler and when they won’t lose as much water as when it’s hot and sunny.

The bulk of the flowers are open at night. Then at night they are pollinated by bats! Some species go after the nectar, which is the reward for the pollinators, including the bees. Once pollinated, each flower turns into a delicious, juicy red fruit filled with 400–800 seeds. Birds and other desert critters ingest those seeds and carry them off, eventually pooping them out. If the bird is perched on a shrub or tree branch, a fortunate saguaro seedling will start its early years growing under the protection of a nurse plant, which can provide shade and moisture. Saguaros, which can live 175 years or more, are just some of the protected plants here in Arizona. And all plants in a National Park are protected and cannot be removed.

If you want to see and learn about cactus and other desert plants, plan a family or class outing to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix (visit dbg.org for details) or the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum west of Tucson (desertmuseum.org).

The onoran esert is ho e to the illustrious saguaro, and the views at aguaro ational ar are incredi le

CAMP GUIDE

s

Bear’s Summer Camp Guide 2023

It’s that time of year when kids are counting down the days until school is out for the summer. While the children are excited about the school year coming to an end, it can often be a stressful time for parents. Working parents are often faced with nding a sitter during the summer. Many times the solution is summer camp.

Summer camps give children the chance to try new things, explore, learn, make new friends and collect memories that will last a lifetime. There are camps that offer swimming, dance, theater, sports, STEM, STEAM, art, animal care and so much more! Choosing a summer camp is often decided by factors like is it a day camp or overnight camp How close is it to home How much does it cost and are scholarships available oes the camp require special clothing, shoes and equipment What is the ratio of campers-to-camp staff

Day Camp or Residence Camp? If your child has attended summer day camps in the past, attended sleepovers with friends or even stayed with grandparents for a weekend, they might be ready for a residence (overnight) camp. Residence camps can be as short as a weekend or some might run one to two weeks long. With a residence camp the children will learn independence being away from parents and siblings. If a child is too young for a residence camp, day camp is probably the best. They will spend all day with other campers and be home in time for dinner.

Cost and Location: Another factor in choosing a summer camp is the cost and closeness to home. ou can nd many day camps just miles from your home and many camps offer scholarships, early registration and other discounts. ou can look at the website of a camp to nd out if discounts are available.

Types of camps: What does your child like to do or what would they like to learn to do Several camps teach children STEM in creative and fun ways. Musical and theater classes often have a performance at the end of the camp to present to parents. Most camps offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Those camps that are mostly outdoors are usually located in a higher elevated area when the temperatures are cooler.

Do not be afraid to ask! When selecting a camp do not be afraid to ask questions. What is the ratio of campers-to-camp staff Is the staff well trained, experienced and background-checked How will you be noti ed in case of emergency oes the camp accommodate children with food allergies or disabilities

Ready, Aim, Summer Camps! Once you have decided if your child wants to go to a day or residence camp, it’s time to sit down with them and go over all the many camps available in your area. To make it easier, and to see the variety of choices, check out Boomer’s Summer Camp Guide 2023.

on in e on age

i e o hin a o s er ca s an no is a grea i e o s ar researching an anning so ha o can ha e he es s er e er

continued from page 13

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE VALLEY

602-954-8182

Ages: 5–18

BGCAZ.org

Sign up for summer Enrichment & Fun at BGCAZ’s high-quality, affordable summer program. Morning programs will focus on engaging and fun academic and social enrichment to prepare students for fall. Afternoons will include arts, sports, games and more! Teens (13–18) will create exciting service learning projects that will build selfconfidence and leadership skills and count for volunteer service hours. Weekly program fees for youth 5–12 start at 60 and financial aid is available at all Clubs. Teens are free with Club membership. Open 7 a.m-6 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are included daily in the full-day programming. Check BGCAZ.org to find your local Club. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BMX

24024 N. 11th Street • Phoenix 602-999-5979

All Ages

www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257

All ages and all experience levels are welcome! Clinics, Practice and Racing. Visit

www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257 for full details, location, directions and more.

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE

MESA: 8034 N. 19TH Ave

PHOENIX: 1056 S. Country Club Dr www.bookmans.com

Check out Bookmans.com for weekly family friendly events and activities. Click on the Join tab to sign up for the Kids Club or 1317 to get discounts.

CAMP ZOO AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

455 N. Galvin Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-286-3800

June 5–July 28 (no camp July 4) Registration Opens March 10 for zoo members and March 24 for non-zoo members

www.phoenixzoo.org/camps-programs/ camps/

There’s nothing quite like Camp Zoo! Each age-appropriate, weeklong session is lled with animal encounters, activities, games, indepth investigations and organized free-time. Camps run from June 5 – July 28 and are for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grades in the fall of 2023. Availability is limited reserve your camp today!

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Summer Theatre Camps

4501 E. Main St. • Mesa 480-756-3828

May 30–July 14

Ages: 5–17

nfo@evct.org

www.evct.org/camps

EVCT has four different in-person summer camp programs Imagination Theatre Camp for kids age 5–8, Musical Theatre Camp & Theatre Workshop Camp for kids age 8–15 and a Four ay Acting Intensive for kids age 11–17. Participants learn performance techniques, teamwork, communication skills and have FUN in a non-competitive, educational atmosphere. Instructors are local theatre professionals in the field of dance, music and theatre.

GIRL SCOUTS— ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

Four Camps • Phoenix, Prescott, Payson 602-452-7000

Register Now

June-July

www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/camps/summercamp.html

After a safe and successful camp season last year, the GSACPC Camp team is thrilled to invite girls back for another year packed with more of what you love. We are looking forward to troop, resident, mini-resident and

combo camp options! We’re also excited to offer programs we know you’ll love – archery, aviation, STEM, equine, rock climbing, bouldering, and zip lining.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER ARIZONA

855-450-0558

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 135 • Tempe Ages: 3–10

Arizona@LEGOLANDDiscovery.com

www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona/

Jump into the biggest box of LEGO bricks EVER at LEGOLAN iscovery Center Arizona! With two rides, a 4 Cinema, plus 12 build & play zones, there is something for children of all ages. Tickets are limited, book online to guarantee admission.

THE LITTLE GYM OF PARADISE VALLEY AND SCOTTSDALE

4225 E. Windrose Dr. Suite 111 • Phoenix 602-996-1380

Ages: 3–12 years

tlgparadisevalleyaz@thelittlegym.com

www.thelittlegym.com/parties-camps

ay camp at Little Gym of Paradise Valley gives your kid the summer camp experience without the bug bites, poison ivy, sunburns and week-long commitments. Combining fun physical activity, games and arts & crafts, we’ll help your child beat the summer heat by staying cool at The Little Gym.

Continued on page 16

Surprise Angels Surprise Angels

Instructing Kids Since 2012

Starting May 29–August 4

• Week long sessions– $295/week

• Mon.–Thurs. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ages 4–16 • Siblings 10% OFF

• Aftercare available

• Includes Friday Field Trips and Lunch

The McCormick Scottsdale • 7421 N. Scottsdale Road For information, or to register call 602-803-4006 or email skorey777@gmail.com

Ages 3–5 Thur.

note

All Girls Are Welcome at Girl Scout Summer Camp!

All girls are welcome at Girl Scout Summer Camp! No matter what your girl is interested in, there’s a camp for her that is sure to ll her summer with new friends and new adventures. Registration for summer camps is now open for girls in grades K–12.

There are so many things to explore at Girl Scout Summer Camp—hiking, aviation, STEM, equine, rock climbing, bouldering, zip lining, horseback riding, swimming, archery, canoeing, cooking – and more! There’s something for every girl to discover in a safe, all-girl environment.

Is the girl in your life entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023?

If so, we know she probably can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and nd new adventures. Although Girl Scouts traditionally starts in kindergarten, you and your girl are invited

Is the girl in your life entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023?

girl in your life entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023?

If so, we know she probably can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and nd new adventures. Although Girl Scouts traditionally starts in kindergarten, you and your girl are invited to start early this summer!

three boxes mailed to your to kick-start her Girl Scout adventure. Each box has unique themes based on Girl Scout traditions, the outdoors, self-care, STEM, pet care and more. Upon completion, she’ll earn & receive

Girl Scout Summer Camp begins June 4 and runs through July 28. There are four camp locations in Phoenix, Prescott and Payson. Camps vary from three-day residential sessions to six-day sessions. The price of each session depends upon the length of the session and type of camp, and ranges from an average of $275 to $500.

know she probably can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and nd new Although Girl Scouts traditionally starts in kindergarten, you and your girl are invited this summer!

Daisy Launch Summer Box Program, she’ll receive three boxes mailed to your kick-start her Girl Scout adventure. Each box has unique themes based on Girl Scout the outdoors, self-care, STEM, pet care and more. Upon completion, she’ll earn & receive three Girl Scout Patches!

Through our Daisy Launch Summer Box Program, she’ll receive doorstep to kick-start her Girl Scout adventure. Each box has unique themes based on Girl Scout traditions, the outdoors, self-care, STEM, pet care and more. Upon completion, she’ll earn & receive her rst three Girl Scout Patches!

Is the girl in your life entering Kindergarten in the Fall?

The cost for the program is $40* per girl and includes:

Whether you’re looking for a troop, day, resident or mini-resident camp option, you’ll nd the right camp at www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp. Register today for a summer full of fun and adventure!

The cost for the program is $40* per girl and includes:

She probably can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and nd new adventures. Girl Scouts traditionally starts in kindergarten, but with the Daisy Launch Summer Box Program you and your girl are invited to start early this summer!

• Three activity kits delivered directly to your doorstep throughout the summer!

The cost for the program is $40* per girl and includes:

• Three activity kits delivered directly to your doorstep throughout the summer!

• Girl Scout Membership from April 2023 to September 2024 ($35 value)!

Three activity kits delivered directly to your doorstep throughout the summer!

• Girl Scout Membership from April 2023 to September 2024 ($35 value)!

• As a member, she will have access to activities, events, troops in your area and more!

Girl Scout Membership from April 2023 to September 2024

The cost for the program is $40* per girl and includes:

Three activity kits delivered to your doorstep this summer!

• As a member, she will have access to activities, events, troops in your area and more!

• Special invitation to our Daisy Launch Wrap Up party in August!

As a member, she will have access to activities, events, troops in your area and more!

Girl Scout Membership April 2023–September 2024 ($35 value)

Access to activities, events, and more

Special invitation to our Daisy Launch Wrap Up party in August!

• Special invitation to our Daisy Launch Wrap Up party in August! *Financial assistance is available upon request.

*Financial assistance is available upon request.

Special invitation to our Daisy Launch Wrap Up party in August

*Financial assistance is available upon request.

*Financial assistance is available upon request.

Register Today!

Scan the QR code and register today or visit girlscoutsaz.org/daisylaunch.

Scan the QR code and register today or learn more, nd additional opportunities & Download a FREE Activity Calendar at girlscoutsaz.org/daisylaunch

Register

Register Today!

Scan the QR code and register today or learn more, nd additional opportunities & Download a FREE Activity Calendar at girlscoutsaz.org/daisylaunch.

Please note this program is designed for girls going into Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023. We offer other great programs designed for girls in grades K-12! For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/join.

Kindergarten

www.girlscoutsaz.org/join.

this program is designed for girls going into

in the Fall of 2023. We offer other great programs designed for girls in grades K-12! For more information, visit

MARICOPA COUNTY READS

Registration begins May 1, 2023 maricopacountyreads.org

March is here, which means Summer Reading season is near! The valley wide Summer Reading program Maricopa County Reads begins June 1st. The theme of this year’s program is All Together Now, celebrating unity, kindness, and togetherness. Earn points this summer by reading, completing challenges, attending library events, and participating in community experiences. Visit MaricopaCountyReads. org today to sign up to get a program reminder, so you don’t miss out on the fun this summer!

OCTANE RACEWAY

9119 E. Talking Stick Way • Scottsdale 602-302-7223 www.octaneraceway.com

A one-third mile track. Indoor outdoor competitive kart racing, mini-bowling, arcade games, outdoor games and patio. The Brickyard Grill offers burgers, wings, pizza, kids meals and more. All racers must be at least 5’4”. Group event packages available.

PRIMAVERA ONLINE SCHOOL

2471 N. Arizona Ave. • Chandler 480-456-6678

Weekly Camps from June 4–July 21 Ages: 2–6

www.chooseprimavera.com

Primavera Online School is a tuitionfree, accredited, NCAA-approved public charter school that serves grades K-12 throughout Arizona. Primavera has been helping students learn and thrive online for more than 20 years, providing a robust, award-winning digital curriculum and a flexible schedule. Students can enroll in semester-long courses, trimester courses or in its credit recovery program. Primavera’s teacher-led instruction gives students the personalized attention and support they need to excel and become college and career ready.

SEA LIFE ARIZONA AQUARIUM

855-450-0559

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 145 • Tempe

Ages: All Arizona@SEALIFEUS.com

www.visitsealife.com/arizona/

ive into SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, home to Arizona’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel! Discover thousands of creatures such as sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other exciting marine life in more than 30 exhibits. Tickets are limited–book online to guarantee admission.

SURPRISE ANGELS

11304 Dysart Road Suite 112 • Surprise 623-499-4184

June–July

Ages: 6–12

www.surpriseangelsgymnastics.com

Join us at Angels Camp for Gymnastics, Ninja instruction, ballet, tumbling, games, crafts, trampoline play, foam pit and free play.

SETH KOREY TENNIS Summer Tennis Camp

7421 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale

May –June Ages: 4–16 skorey777@gmail.com

www.sethkoreytennis.com/summer-camp

Week-long sessions 295 week and 10 sibling discount. Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Aftercare available for 150 week Mon–Thurs from 1–4 p.m. Field trips are included every Friday with complimentary lunch. Visit website to see daily themes and field trip destinations.

UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK

7608 W. Cactus #101 • Peoria 623-203-7169

sscheffert@uptownjungle.com

peoria.uptownjungle.com

Uptown Jungle is more than a trampoline park, it’s a city-style indoor playground metropolis that allows kids to enter into a world where they become a superhero, rock climber, explorer or even an uptown ninja warrior all inside a child-safe environment. Enjoy Trampolines, Climbing Walls, Spider Tower, Mini Zip, Super Slides, Ninja Course and more!

The indoor park features a huge variety of action-oriented fun activities that guarantee that your kid will have a blast while getting an excellent workout.

VALLEY OF THE SUN YMCA CAMP SKY-Y

5725 S. Senator Highway • Prescott 800-660-1385

May 28–July 29

david.madden@vosymca.org azycamps.org

continued from page 16

Located in the heart of Prescott National Park, this summer overnight camp is a big adventure for kids ages 7-16–the fun and freedom of being outdoors, while learning new skill, and making new friends will make memories that will last a lifetime. Fun-filled weeks with activities including archery, paint ball, crafts, canoeing, games, rock climbing, and much more–will make a summer experience your kids will love! Sign up today!

XTREME GYMNASTICS

14000 N. Hayden Rd. #104 • Scottsdale 480-595-3543

May–July

Ages: 3–12

xtreme@xtremegynmastics.com xtremegymnastics.com/fit-n-fun-camps/

FIT-N-FUN camps promote health and fitness while having a blast. Children ages 3–12 years will enjoy high energy themes each week. Themes include circus, outer space, super heroes, adventure, gold medal games, team challenge and ninjas. Customize your days or week with Full and Half day options. The Xtreme Gymnastics staff is USAG Safety Certified with complete background checks. Come MOVE-LEARN & XCEL with us.

Continued from page 7

Two Arabian Oryx Calves Born at Phoenix Zoo

by Elite Reporter Brett Eymann

As the species of Arabian oryx continues to recover from a previous extinction, the Phoenix Zoo was happy to announce that two female calves were born at the zoo on Feb. 13.

The Arabian oryx is a white antelope with black across its nose and jaw and their legs are black too. They have long horns on their heads and some say the legend of the unicorn derives from the Arabian oryx. In 1960, the Arabian oryx was hunted for food and many believed there were magical powers in the horn. This led to their extinction in the wild by 1972.

“Operation Oryx” began in 1962 and the Phoenix Zoo joined with the Fauna and Flora International Society (FFI) and others to capture and save as many of this species as possible. By 1964 the Phoenix Zoo had nine Arabian oryxes and 30 years later the Arabian oryx was reintroduced into the wild. Currently there are about 1,200 Arabian oryxes in the wild and the species has gone from endangered to vulnerable. There are about 6,000-7,000 in captivity in zoos and animal preserves throughout the world.

Get the Scoop!

CSO Shares STEM Program in Latin America

by CSO Valentina Lopez, Querétaro, Mexico

My name is Valentina and I started my journey as a CSO back in middle school—I am now a rising senior studying high school in Querétaro, Mexico. Starting out at 13 years old, I knew I was passionate about the sciences and about making a difference in my community, but I didn’t quite know how to do so…not to mention I was pretty timid! After completing the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) with the program, I felt more equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to be successful. I learned how to network, design an action plan, and more importantly, I learned about the value of the student voice after seeing my peers lead the training sessions. That’s when I felt inspired to take my journey to the next level, so I applied for the leadership council.

I am currently a member of the International Leadership Council and throughout my experience, I’ve had the honor to work with all sorts of amazing people from mentors and fellow youth to educators and STEM professionals! What is incredible is that no matter what background, we all share a common goal to transform our network through the elds of science, technology, engineering and math.

Some of the projects I’ve worked on in the past are hosting school STEM nights, teaching coding basics through clubs using the platforms SkillStruck and Scratch, and raising awareness on wildlife conservation with the Arizona Trout in the Classroom (TIC) initiative. Moving here to Mexico, I have taught the engineering and design process at a local elementary school with donated National Inventor’s Hall of Fame (NIHF) kits. I don’t plan on stopping there though! I am working on hosting a STEM career day at my school, Tecnol gico de Monterrey, and on expanding the program’s presence in Latin America.

Are you interested in joining the CSO program? To find out how you or your school can get involved, contact Sarah@chiefscienceofficers.org.

Lopez

Lopez and team hosting school STEM night

into April by kicking it off with some "Spring"

aMOOsing jokes!

Where do cows eat at school?

A: The CALFateria!

What's a cow's favorite dance MOOve?

A: The milkshake!

How do cows do math?

A: With a COWculator!

Where does a cow go when it gets sick?

A: The FARMacy!

Why do cows love Broadway shows?

A: Because they love MOOsicals!

Can you make up a few more?

Embrace the warm spring weather with some delicious in-season fruits!

Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet!

Scan the QR code below and make some delicious Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet!

www.arizonamilk.org