Bear Essential News April 2023, Tucson Edition

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NEWS CAMP GUIDE! Feature FUN E at Y our V eggies! & more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 8, 10 and 25 In This Picture: Find a kite, an apple, a candle, a recycle symbol, an ice cream cone, a waterdrop, a decorated egg, a racquet, a marshmallow on a stick and CAMPS. ® Bear essential news Bear essential news 40 YEARS! April 2023 • Tucson Editio n • www.bearessentialnews.com NEWS Bear’s ’23 Summer Camp Guide! S wift H elps F an Spotlight on seaweed blob News Highlights page 5 A re You R eady for C amp? Find a super summer camp inside! Pages 16 thru 25 or Bear online C ow J okes Springtime silliness! Back Cover C acti N'C ritters Spiny success in our desert Pages 14 and 15 Win a cactus!
2 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 3

Swim Season Is finally Here!

Even though a child knows how to swim, it doesn’t make the person waterproof. NEVER

Active Adult Supervision

• Always watch children when they are in or near ANY body of water, without being distracted

• Never leave children unattended

• Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult

• Designate an official Water Watcher – an adult tasked with supervising children in the water

Barriers

• Pool fencing around pools and spas

• Self-closing, self-latching gates

• Teach children to never climb over the gate or fence

• Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area

• Keep pool and spa covers in working order

Coast Guard-approved Life Vest & Classes

• All inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest in or near all bodies of water.

• Choose a life vest that is right for your child’s weight and water activity.

• Arm floaties are toys. They are not a life-saving device and should never replace a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

• Enroll children in swimming lessons

• Take CPR classes just in case of an emergency

4 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
SWIM ALONE!
Answers: lifejacket, sunscreen, lifeguard, plastic water ,bottle first aid kit, sandals. Horseplay Glass soda bottle Sandals Plastic water bottle Swimming where someone is diving
the picture of things that are SAFE when you’re at the pool or beach, and always ask permission before getting in the water. Circle the picture of things that are SAFE you’re at the pool or beach, and always ask permission before getting in the water. Lifejacket Lifeguard Sunscreen First-aid kit
Circle

News Highlights

Swift Makes Dream Come True for Injured Young Fan

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

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

McCune was 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 ri ona urn Center to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and promise McCune that when she was better, she could come to one of her concerts.

ith 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 tick ets gifted to me but also that they are from Taylor Swift and her team, and they remem bered 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 . million presale tickets. The high de mand, 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?

hat’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!

hile 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 ustralian food company.

sing sequencing that IMITATED wooly

mammoth N and filling in missing bits with the N from an frican elephant this massive meatball was unveiled in March. Scientists put the synthesi ed gene they created into a sheep cell and then cultured it. They ended up growing about grams, or

Seaweed Mass Heading to U.S.

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

The seaweed at issue is called sargas sum, 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 tlantic cean. hat is new is how big these blooms are getting.

Scientists noticed more than years ago that the seaweed masses were becom ing 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

• idth of seaweed mass: , miles

• cean it’s oating in: tlantic

• Species of seaweed in existence: over ,

Seaweed Blob

ounces, of mammoth meat in the lab.

So, is mammoth going to be on the menu any time soon robably not. This experiment was mostly intended to start a conversation about the future of meat. e 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 ames yall, the company’s chief scientific officer.

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

nce the giant blob approaches land, in this case Florida and other coastlines throughout the ulf of Mexico, it can really start to cause problems. large collection of seaweed like this can smother coral reefs and affect fishing. nce they reach land, the piles of sargassum can collect in piles sever al feet high and begin to rot after hours.

The rotting piles of seaweed will smell like manure or rotten eggs not exactly a pleas ant 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 ulf of Mexico presents potential problems, but there are several companies trying to find 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 fish, mammals, marine birds, crabs and sea turtles. There are a variety of types of sea weed, and it can be used for everything from fertili er 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!

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 5 B
South America Atlantic
Ocean
Source: nasa.gov
Image: shutterstock.com
6 • Bear Essential News • April 2023

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Eat Your Veggies at Tucson Village Farm

Have you ever wondered what a fully vegetable dessert tastes like? A dessert made of vegetables sounds weird. But, if you make it the right way, it can taste amazing.

Tarte Tatin is basically assembling an upside down pie in a pan, where the bottom of the pie is on the top and the various fillings are at the bottom. You cook the pie on a stove and then transfer it to the oven to let it fully cook. When it is cooked, you flip the pan over and the pie is now right side up.

I tasted this dessert for the first time at Sunset Supper, an event associated with Tucson Village Farm and 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors. At Sunset Supper 50 people come to Tucson Village Farm and eat a four-course meal made by teenagers. I volunteered and even prepared parts of the dishes at the event. I am one of the youngest volunteers there, and I helped set up the dining area. I was even a server. I enjoyed serving the people and talking to them. From the looks of it, they enjoyed the experience as much as we did!

Meeting People at the TFOB

The Tucson Festival of Books is a wonder to behold. Every which way, there are tents showing things from books to bikes that power electricity, to even toy trains. There are plenty of other exhibits for those who aren’t there for the books: there are games and prizes, food, as well as a look at part of the UofA campus.

Most children avoid vegetables like the plague. Growing up, I kept myself away from vegetables. Yet, when I tried this dessert, it blew my mind. This dessert is called Tarte Tatin—the secret vegetable is beets!

The next Sunset Supper is on pril , and I’ll definitely be there to prepare and make some delicious food. You can get a seat by going to the website. Visit www.tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu then click Events.

Much To Do at Tucson Festival of Books

On March 5, my mom, my brother, and I went to the Tucson Festival of Books. There were so many interesting things to see and do, including Science City and many authors that had come to speak! We even saw some of my favorite authors, Katherine Applegate and W. Bruce Cameron.

For kids who like to read, it was a wonderful weekend. At TFOB, authors from all over the country come to talk and sign books. This year, Bernie Sanders, a U.S. senator, came. My brother and I had never been to an author presentation before, so we weren’t sure what to expect. ven though they are really popular authors, there were plenty of seats to see Applegate, author of the Newbery-winning “The One and Only Ivan,” and Cameron, who wrote the og’s urpose trilogy at their presentation, ll Things Dog.” It was worth the wait! It was fun to hear questions answered, and afterwards there was an opportunity to get books signed.

We also went to Science City, where there are multiple experiments and displays to try and look at, covering a range of topics from desert animals to outer space. There were large telescopes for looking at the sun and planets. One of the most intriguing was a rocket tester, where kids could build paper rockets and test them out with an air pump. It was a popular experiment, and a lot of kids were there to try their rockets. The stand was a good place to try out

There was an outdoor food court full of fun things to eat and drink, like Indian food, sandwiches, and lemonade. There were local restaurants like Tucson Tamale, Frost Gelato and Beyond Bread. There was also a stage near the front where people were doing salsa dancing. At the end of a couple dances, they let some of the crowd come and dance with them. So, if you like reading and want to see some of your favorite authors, check out the Tucson Festival of Books in 2024!

I decided to interview a few people on what they think of TFOB. One was Carrie Turley, who owns Lawley Publishing, a small publishing house with about 15 employees. This was Turley’s second year running a tent at TFOB. She has met a very diverse group of people, and especially enjoys meeting children. When asked about a favorite book, she said, “Picking a favorite is like picking a favorite child.”

If you attended this year’s Festival of Books, you probably noticed a lot of blue balloons with the words “Magic Portal Books.” I traced the balloons to the Magic Portal Books tent, where I met Conner, a boy volunteering with his mother, and the author of an interactive book called “Sherman, A Tucson Tortoise.” To access the book, you have to scan a barcode, or go to the website to read about Sherman. Another person I interviewed was a friend, Katherine Wang. I call her KK, and she won an art contest at TFOB. She won a $100 gift card to an art store. KK said her mom made her enter the contest. Her winning painting depicted a cactus wren, the state bird, sitting on a saguaro. Her cousin also entered and won. ’s twin sister, CoCo, entered, although she did not win. I’m really proud of her, said CoCo, “I was jumping for joy.”

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 7 News Stories Written by Kids—
for Kids
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Dancing Builds Confidence

I am part of Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, a Mexican dance group that is celebrating 25 years of dance. I started dancing when I was 7 years in 2020, and I still dance today. My mom got me into dancing. I wanted to quit right away because I thought I wouldn’t have any fun, but my mom kept me going. I eventually became better and I was finally confident in myself. I told myself that I was good enough!

My group went to Disneyland to perform in front of over , people! I did my first show and I loved it! Then, the show passed and I went right back to not liking it. very time I would do a show I would love dancing, but I still didn’t feel like I was good at it and I felt embarrassed.

t the beginning, I wasn’t very good I didn’t know a lot of steps and I was confused. very time a show would come up, I would try my hardest, but I still felt I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t confident in myself, but as time passed, I felt so special getting to do this! I tried my hardest and when I got off the stage, I felt EMPOWERED!

MORE SCOOPS, page 10 ➧

8 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
B Continued from page 7

Bear Hugs: Engaging With the Grandkids

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 ’s while thinking of birds, bugs, babies and buds. t the C’s I stopped with the first word C CT S 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 benefited from cacti.

Image: shutterstock.com

This year for arth ay, I’ve decided to make a cactus treasure hunt. It may happen on a walking path in Saguaro National ark, on a trail near the house, or at ach’s reenhouse Cactus Nursery. Ith , species of cactus of all colors and si es you’ll never grow tired.

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

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April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 9

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Festival Has More Than Books

Are you interested in reading and doing hands-on science activities? If you are, the Tucson Festival of Books is the perfect place for you to visit! On March 4, our family went to the TFOB. I always have a lot of fun there each year! When we got to the University of Arizona Campus that morning, there were so many people and tents everywhere! We walked until we got to the Children’s lace. In the Children’s lace tent, you get to choose your own free book. This time I chose scape From ompei.

After that, I met my friend Max. Our birthdays are only three days apart! Max and I were very excited to see each other and we headed directly to Science City, where we remembered making rockets last year. This year we wanted to make rockets and launch them again! As soon as we got to the rocket station, we started our work as engineers. Max, Miles (Max’s brother) and I competed with each other. First, how far our rockets could go. Mine won that round! Next, we did accuracy. There are two targets. On my third try, I got it in by changing the angle and how hard I stepped. It was such a fun place!

After I said goodbye to Max, I went to the Space VR Simulator tent. I chose Jupiter for my planet. I had to put on a headset and headphones. The experience made me feel like I was sitting in a spaceship orbiting Jupiter. It was a self-guided tour, meaning there is someone speaking to you via the headphones. The tour took me about 10–15 mins and it was so cool!

After that, my dad bought me some churros. They were so crispy and sweet. I always love the food at the Festival of Books!

The last thing I decided to go to was the National ark Services tent. There was a very cute stuffed dinosaur Junior Ranger there. He even had a ranger shirt with a badge on it!After I finished my dot chart, I got to put my raffle ticket in the box to win that dinosaur. I would be so excited if I got that dinosaur! I quickly went through all of the stations to get my stamps. There was the one with binoculars where you had to test your eyesight and one about ewis and Clark National Historical ark. I even got a unior anger badge after I completed all the required work and did the oath!

Cool Time at Festival of Books!

This year I was lucky enough to go to the Tucson Festival of Books. I had a really cool time and got a lot of cool stuff but there are some parts about the trip that will be hard to forget.

t the start of the trip we went to the children’s free book tent sponsored by Stocker Foundation. My mom and I got in line and only waited about 30 seconds to get in. There was a worker at the front who would ask, hat grade are you in I responded Fifth grade. Then he told me to go to a certain section. It turns out they have different book sections for you determined on your grade so you don’t get books that are too old or too little for you! I ended up getting ilderness of Stars. It’s an ama ing book!

Soon after we went to the CASA tent. CASA is a cool organization that helps children in foster homes. It’s such a cool thing that my mom volunteered to help children in need. They also had spin the wheel! I got hand sanitizer and a fan! uring that visit they also taught me to do C without the breathing part. So that was really helpful. Now I know what to do if someone is in danger and I’m near.

My favorite part of this trip was meeting Walter F. Ram! He was an merican soldier and a (prisoner of war). I met him and got him to sign my book. Turns out he is almost 100 years old! I have never met someone from the war before, but I will always have a picture of us and a signed copy of Helno al, his book. I do hope I can meet someone like him again!

ast but not least, it’s where I joined the oung eporter rogram with Bear Essential News!

10 • Bear Essential News • April 2023 B Continued from page 8
April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 11

LETTERS to Boomer

Hi, Boomer Bear!

My favorite author is Dr. Seuss because I love how he rhymes in his books and how they are really creative.

Your friend, A.J.

Would you read Seuss here or there?

Would you read Seuss anywhere?

What a great choice, A.J.! Theodor Seuss Geisel (who wrote your favorite kids books under the pen name, Dr. Seuss) was born March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. I bet you didn’t know that “Green Eggs and Ham” was the first book I was able to read on my own!

In recognition of getting young ones to read, the National Education Association holds Read Across America Day every year on his birthday.

Readers are winners, Boomer Bear

Wishing a very HOPPY Easter to my friend Boomer Bear and all my other friends at Bear Essential News!

I really like all of you very much— you’re all wonderful friends to me. I enjoy getting to write stories and working for (the newspaper) very much and hope you all have a Happy Easter. Having friends like you is a real treat!

Your friend, B.E.

Thank you for the holiday wishes, B.E. Hope you and your family had a nice one! Wondering if you prefer munching on a chocolate bunny or those marshmallow Peeps more?

Your buddy, Boomer Bear

Dear Boomer, What activities do you like to do on Earth Day?

Just wondering, E.L. Timely question, E.L.! Here in the Old Pueblo, Bear Essential News is one of the founding sponsors of the Tucson Earth Day Festival, which happens Saturday, April 22, at the Children’s Museum Downtown from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Tons of Earth-friendly activities, and it’s a FREE admission day to the museum.

And with Earth Day coming up, I’ve put together a picture-perfect prickly feature

all about the cacti in our Sonoran Desert. I interviewed a couple friends of mine from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum west of Tucson and the Desert Botanical Garden up in Phoenix. See pages 14 & 15 or go online. Enjoy Earth Day! Boomer Bear

Boomer Bear, How does it feel to be a mascot?

Yours truly, A.A. It’s not easy, A.A., to be me!

While it’s great having all my friends and fans, looking this handsome all the time and setting fashion trends for bears everywhere takes some effort!

So I just hafta thank my personal stylist, Bear Essential’s talented art director, who always makes me look good!

Thanks for writing, Boomer Bear

Dear Boomer Bear, For summer camp, I probably want to go to a STEM or technology camp.

Your friend, A.V.

You’d enjoy that, A.V.!

If you enjoy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), the Arizona SciTech Festival is in its final month with all sorts of free, fun-n-fabulous Signature Events happening throughout the state. You can see all the events at AZSciTech.com. And to find a technology or STEM camp, look at Bear’s 2023 Camp Guide starting on page 16.

Have a great time, Boomer Bear Hi, Boomer!

Reading is important to me because you get better at it every time (you finish a book). I love to read books for teens.

Sincerely, E.N.

What a great way to look at things, E.N.!

Not only do I love to write to my friends here, but I love reading, too! Pizza Hut encourages young readers as a sponsor of Letters to Boomer and across the country with its BOOK IT! incentive program for kids and classrooms preK thru sixth-grade. To enroll for the 2023–24 reading program, go to bookitprogram.com.

Keep reading! Boomer Bear

Boomer Bear,

The best part of going to camp is experiencing new things and meeting new friends!

See ya, L.P.

You must’ve gone to camp, L.P.!

I’ve attended all sorts of summer camps—sports camps, space camp, robotics camp and more traditional camps with nature hikes, swimming and all sorts of crafts. They all give great new experiences, and I’ve made some of my best friends!

Happy Camping, Boomer Bear

LOCATIONS TUCSON, ARIZONA • 8245 N Silverbell Rd • 7665 N La Cholla Blvd (Dine In Location) • 3964 N Oracle Rd • 4811 E Sunrise Dr Ste 151 • 6305 E 22nd St (Dine In Location) • 1927 E Speedway Blvd • 1502 W Saint Marys Rd Ste 110 • 4710 E Speedway Blvd (Dine In Location) • 9564 E Golf Links Rd • 3801 S 6th Ave • 1865 W Valencia Rd • 2680 E Valencia Rd • 8160 S Houghton Rd
to Boomer@BearEssentialNews.com
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Mail your letter to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 Tucson, AZ 85716 or email your question to boomer@bearessentialnews.com Limited Time Only! $14.99 1-topping Big New Yorker Pizza Earth Day FUN! Repurpose Your Pizza box. Imagine all the creative ways you can decorate and recraft any size pizza box. card from B.E. 12 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 13

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! nd, 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!

Background image: shutterstock.com 14 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
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

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ou d e roud, too, i you could ec out your own ho e ila wood ec ers do ust that

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. hile the children are excited about the school year coming to an end, it can often be a stressful time for parents. orking parents are often faced with finding 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, ST M, ST M, 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 hat 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 grand parents for a weekend, they might be ready for a residence (overnight) camp. esidence camps can be as short as a weekend or some might run one to two weeks long. ith 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: nother factor in choosing a summer camp is the cost and closeness to home. ou can find 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 find out if discounts are available.

Types of camps: hat does your child like to do or what would they like to learn to do Several camps teach children ST M in creative and fun ways. Mu sical 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! hen selecting a camp do not be afraid to ask questions. hat is the ratio of campers to camp staff Is the staff well trained, experienced and background checked How will you be notified in case of emergency oes the camp accommodate children with food allergies or disabilities

Ready, Aim, Summer Camps! nce 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 oomer’s Summer Camp uide .

16 • Bear Essential News • April 2023 2023
s 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
CAMP GUIDE

BEN’S BELLS

40 W. Broadway

520-622-1379

Grades: K–8

June 2023

info@bensbells.org

www.bensbells.org/camp

Camp Kind is a week-long experience for kids who want to learn more about intentional kindness and practice it as a skill. Activities include creative crafts, memorable music, engaging stories and the chance to work on ceramics.

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE

Bookmans.com

East • 520-748-9555 • North • 520-579-0303 Midtown • 325-5767

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.

CATALINA COUNCIL

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

2250 E. Broadway Blvd. 520-750-0385

June–July • Grades: 1–5 jnherriman@gmail.com www.catalinacouncil.org/outdoors/ summer-programs/

A fun filled weekend adventure camping on Mount Lemmon. Each day is filled with activities including leatherwork, handicrafts, BB guns, archery, outdoor skills, sports, hiking and more. Each day ends with a fun filled campfire. Tents, all meals and snacks are provided.

CHILD & FAMILY RESOURCES GO GRRRLS FREE WORKSHOP

2800 E. Broadway Blvd. 520-308-8776

July 17–21 • Grades: 6–8 jcox@cfraz.org bit.ly/GoGrrrlsInterestCard

Go Grrrls is designed to give girl-identified youth in grades 6–8 the skills and knowledge they need to plan for a future of success. Youth who participate in the Go Grrrls program will learn how to set and enforce boundaries in situations. Learn to make healthy choices, set goals while playing games and earning prizes. Pre-registration is required.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

TUCSON

200 S. 6th Ave. • 520-792-9985 Option 5 education@childrensmuseumtucson.org www.childrensmuseumtucson.org/camps/ CMT Summer Camps offer fun-filled learning! Campers will enjoy hands-on art projects, experiments, demonstrations and time in the Museum. A variety of science, technology, engineering and art with Museum staff. Half-day camps, mornings only. Cost $155 per weekly camp, member discount provided. Ages: 4-10

CONGREGATION ANSHEI

ISRAEL ESTHER B. FELDMAN PRESCHOOL

5550 E. 5th St. 520-745-5550

June 5–July 21

ECDirector@caiaz.org www.caiaz.org

Come join the fun at CAI Preschool summer camp. Children will enjoy water play days, amazing crafts, music, science, hands-on activities and more. Our fun, loving staff and beautiful park-like shaded playground make our summer camp the perfect place to be.

COY’S CAMPS AND CLASSES

4500 N. Oracle Rd. #260 520-762-6062

molly@coyscampsandclasses.com

www.coyscampsandclasses.com

Chess Camp: Grades K–8. Dates: May 29–June 2, June 5–9, July 10–14, July 17–21. Coding Robotics Camp: Grades 2–5. Dates: June 2-–23, July 24–27.

Summer Chess and Coding Robotics camps in our convenient location at the Tucson Mall. Also check out our weekly chess lessons for all ages.

DAVID RUBIO YOUTH ACADEMY

2100 W. Curtis Road 520-818-8668 (call or text)

Contact: Amanda Rubio Ages: 6–18

davidrubiovolleyballcamp@gmail.com

www.davidrubiovolleyballcamp.com

Camps take place at Sporting Chance Center from March to June. Sign up for individual sessions or all sessions. Skills training in Progressive Playing, Setters Clinic, Serving and Passing Clinic and Little Kids Camp.

DRAMA KIDS

INTERNATIONAL

520-304-2876

May–July Ages: 4–18

dramakidsaz1@cox.net

www.dramakids.com

Drama Kids camps are perfect for new actors wanting to discover their dramatic side, as well as for those actors wishing to continue to develop their theater, public speaking and musical theater skills while building character. Themed Theatre Camps, Musical Theatre Camps, Teen Improv Camp.

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 17 Continued on page 18 Register Today at Pinspiration.com/ tucson

DESERT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

June–July Grades: K–12

www.desertchristian.org/summerofferings

Desert Christian Schools offers a variety of summer camps. Campers can enjoy baseball, softball, basketball, dance, theater, cooking, robotics, STEM and more. Registration opening soon visit website for more details.

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

4300 E. Broadway Blvd. 520-327-2288

May 30–July 16 • Ages: 5–17 customercare@girlscoutssoaz.org

www.girlscoutssoaz.org/en/camp/allabout-camp.html

It’s in our nature to camp! Camp experiences and friendships are made to last a lifetime. Between the nature walks, archery, tie-dye, songs, and sisterhood, campers are sure to develop new skills and come home with confidence and wonderful stories. Camp helps our kids build resilience, confidence and learn how to build community. Our trained and caring staff supports Girl Scouts ages 5-17 in discovering who they are and what they can become.

GOLF N’ STUFF

6503 E. Tanque Verde 520-296-2366 X13 • Taylor Nelson gnssales@gmail.com

continued from page 17

www.golfnstuff.com

Come and enjoy your summer at olf N’ Stuff! Mini ark ass: . per person. Includes one round of golf, one attraction and 12 arcade tokens.

ll ark ass: . per person. Includes one round of golf, four attractions and 12 arcade tokens.

eekend Special: per person. hours unlimited golf, Bumper Boats, Go-Karts and 12 arcade tokens.

roup and irthday arty rates available.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Humane Amigos Summer Camp

635 W. Roger Road

520-321-3704 X 125 • Monica Kothe Summer Camps in June and July Ages: 6–12 mkothe@hssaz.org

www.hssaz.org/kids

Turn your compassion into action at the Human Society of Southern ri ona! HSS Campers will get hands on experience caring for and socializing with our Education Ambassador Animals, such as guinea pigs, rats, ball pythons, and more! Campers will learn about their animal companions and gain skills to foster a greater human-animal bond. With interactive activities, crafts and games, who could turn down this opportunity to spend their school break at HSSA?

18 • Bear Essential News • April 2023

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR PEACE

4625 E. River Rd. (River/Swan) 520-299-8908

Weekly Camps from June 4–July 21 Ages: 2–6 Cathy@internationalschoolforpeace.com www.internationalschoolforpeace.com

Tucson’s FI ST Spanish Immersion Preschool invites you to immerse your child in language learning & multi-cultural experiences all summer long. Full and Partial Spanish enrichment available.

Weekly themes and water play, small class sizes and flexible hours, peaceful conflict resolution. Before and after care options available. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Summer care starting at $185/week.

LA PALOMA ACADEMY

Central: 2050 N. Wilmot

Lakeside: 8140 E. Golf Links Rd. South: 5660 S. 12th Ave. Ages: 3–12

Central:

www.lpatucson.org/

Get ready for a summer of fun! At La aloma South’s summer camp, kids, age 3-12, can keep busy, Monday-Friday, from June 1-July 14, 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fully supervised activities like arts and crafts, sports, swimming, academic enrichment, and more. The weekly rate of $150 includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and all activities. a aloma’s summer camp is S eligible. nrollment deadline is May . Call 520-721-4205 for more information.

Lakeside:

Get ready for a summer of fun! At La aloma South’s summer camp, kids, age 3-12, can keep busy, Monday-Friday, from

June 1-July 14, 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fully supervised activities like arts and crafts, sports, swimming, academic enrichment, and more. The weekly rate of $150 includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and all activities. a aloma’s summer camp is S eligible. nrollment deadline is May . Call 520-733-7373 for more information.

South: Get ready for a summer of fun! At La aloma South’s summer camp, kids, age 4-12, can keep busy, Monday-Friday, from June 1-July 14, 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fully supervised activities like arts and crafts, sports, swimming, academic enrichment, and more. The weekly rate of $170 includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and all activities. a aloma’s summer camp is S eligible. nrollment deadline is May . Call 520-807-9668 for more information.

LIVE THEATRE WORKSHOP

3322 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 520-327-4242

June–July Grades: 1–12 amanda.g@livetheatreworkshop.org www.livetheatreworkshop.org/education/index.html ive Theatre orkshop’s camps are amazing and intense weeks of producing, acting, dancing, playing improvisation games, and exploring the technical side of the theatre arts. Camps are arranged by age and grade level and all skill levels are welcome! T ’s goal is to focus on the process of putting on a production at the end of each camp while building a diverse community of young artists. Whether your student is wanting to try theatre for the first time or they are ready to take on a full production, we have a camp for them.

Continued on page 20

International School for Peace

Tucson s irst anish ersion reschool

Play-based, multicultural, non-biased curriculum that celebrates diversity. Low teacher-student ratio.

Summer Care Dates: June 4–July 21

Rates: Starting at $185 a week

Offering: Full and half day options, Full and Partial Spanish Immersion Extended care options available

4625 E. River Road

summer camp 2023

June 5–

July 21

• Kids Ages 2–6 Years Old

• Themed Weeks

• Water Play & Fun

• Secure, Shaded Playground

• Full & Half-Day Options

• Before & After Care

Registration begins April 10

(Located on the grounds of St. Francis in the Foothills) Call 299-8908 for more info or visit www.internationalschoolforpeace.com

Summer Chess & Robotics Camps

Chess • Grades K-8 Robotics • Grades 2-5

See our website for camp dates and for weekly chess classes, all ages—all year long!

Convenient location in Tucson Mall

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 19
4500 N. Oracle Rd. #260 • 520-762-6062 coyscampsandclasses.com

THE MINI TIME MACHINE MUSEUM OF MINIATURES

4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. 520-881-0606

Ages: 6–12

Program Dates: June 5 to July 30, 2023 mackenziem@theminiatimemachine.org www.theminitimemachine.org/summer-camp/

Our week-long summer camp sessions incorporate hands-on STEAM concepts in a fun environment for students to build, explore, and create. Choose from beginner or advanced themes including Degoba (Star Wars), Mad Hatter Tea Party, Cat Bus, Minecraft and more! Half-day camp sessions take place from 9 a.m. to noon or 1–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All supplies to complete projects provided. To

continued from page 19

ensure a quality experience, each camp is limited to 15 participants and pre-registration is required. Cost is $175.00 per child, per session ($150.00 for museum members).

ORO VALLEY SUMMER CAMPS

Various Locations in Oro Valley June–July Ages: 6–12 www.playOV.com

Weekly camps with a variety of activities. Camp Swim Play Fun, STEM + Art = STEAM Camp, horse camp, music, dance LEGO Camp and more! Look for our ad in this issue of Bear and scan our QR Code for more information.

PINSPIRATION

7090 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 194 520-308-4188

approved by TUSD

June 5–Aug. 8

Ages: 6–12 tucson@pinspiration.com www.pinspiration.com

DIY crafting kids summer camp. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. each week. Kids make 2–3 projects per day. $50 per day or $220 per week. New themes each week.

PRIMAVERA ONLINE SCHOOL

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

www.chooseprimavera.com

Primavera Online School is a tuition-free, 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. rimavera’s teacher led instruction gives students the personalized attention and support they need to excel and become college and career ready

PRESIDIO MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP

196 N. Court Ave. 520-622-0594

aprilb@tucson presidio.com

www.tucsonpresidio.com

Archaeology Summer Camp

June 5–9 Ages 9–14

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an archaeologist? Well now is your chance to find out! Campers will learn how archaeologists really work through a series of hands-on activities that include prehistoric

tools, excavating our simulated site, and analyzing the artifacts that they have found.

The Cultures of Tucson Camp

June 12–16 Ages 8–14

Campers will learn about the history and culture of the Tucson area through a series of hands-on activities that may include assisting a blacksmith, making adobe bricks by hand, and making soap from native plants.

Living History & Re-enactment Camp

June 19–23 Ages 7–14

Learn local history through play: role play, theatrical re-enactment and fictional dramatization of historical events. The Presidio Museum is the ideal setting for young imaginations to bring Tucson’s unique history alive. With access to a wide array of period structures, backdrops, costumes and props, young participants will truly feel they are living history.

Price for all camps:

$290 for Non-members, $265 for Presidio Museum Members 10% discount for siblings.

REID PARK ZOO

3400 Zoo Court

520-837-8200

Weekly Camps June–Aug Grades: 1–5 & 6–8 education@reidparkzoo.org

www.reidparkzoo.org/events/

Reid Park Zoo is offering week-long camp sessions for campers going into grades 1–5. Each camp will include animal ambassador encounters, behind-the-scenes opportunities, games, and hands-on activities that highlight grade-specific topics.

Listing continued on next page

20 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
Enjoy 3 Hours of UNLIMITED Miniature Golf & Laser Tag Plus choose two ride tickets for: Bumper Boats or Go-Karts Have a Super Recess with a FIELD TRIP! FIELD TRIP! www.golfnstuff.com 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Tucson, AZ Call (520) 296-2366 ext. 3 for reservations! FREE Golf Pass!! Expires 5/30/23 (with the purchase of another at the regular price) 36 Holes of the World’s Finest Miniature Golf • Arcade • Skee-ball Wet n’ Wild Bumper Boats • Cool Go Karts • Batting Cages • Laser Tag • Group Rates 6503 E. TANQUEVERDERD. • 885-3569 at Plus Tax per person* $$1750 1750 (Retail Value $50.00+) WOW! *Available Monday thru Friday, any 3 hour block of time before 5 p.m. 30 person minimum & reservations required Let the Games Begin!

REID PARK ZOO CONTINUED

Grades 1-2: Adaptations

Campers will investigate what makes each animal species unique. From fascinating facial features to bewildering behaviors, campers will observe and consider the many different and interesting ways that animals have adapted, as well as uncover how these adaptations help them survive.

Grades 3-5: Habitats

Campers will go on a journey around the world from right here in Tucson. Campers will see firsthand animals that live in different habitats around the world, from the vast savannas of Africa to the steamy rainforests of the Amazon and beyond. They’ll explore what makes these habitats and the animals that live in them special. Advance registration is required and scholarships are available.

THE CAMP FOR GRADES 6–8 IS SOLD OUT.

ROCK SOLID CLIMBING

3949 W Costco Dr Suite 151 520-222-6228

Ages: 5–12

Cory@RockSolidClimbing.com

www.rocksolidclimbing.com/summercamp

on’t let your kids climb your walls this summer. Let them climb ours instead! Rock Solid Climbing provides an excellent and varied all-day, week-long summer camp program for children ages 5–12. Kids will run, jump, paint, draw, play games, solve puzzles and of course CLIMB!

SATORI SCHOOL

3801 N. 1st Avenue

520-887-4003

Ages: 3–3rd grade mindy@satorischool.org

www.satorischool.org

Satori Summer Adventure Camp: Each week Satori campers will engage their imaginations as they explore the Sonoran Desert and dive deep into the ocean. Daily activities include crafts, science experiments and end of week celebrations!

TROUBADOUR THEATRE

3308 E. Grant Road

520-980-9578

• Kristen Wheeler

June & July

Ages: 7–18

troubadourtheatre@yahoo.com

www.troubadourtheatre.com

Troubadour Theatre offers day camps in music, acting, musical theatre and more. Register by April 1 for a $50 discount.

Rock, Roll, Repeat! Rock n Roll Music Camp: Ages: 11–18, June 5–16

First Spotlight Young Actors Camp. Ages: 7–12, June 5–16

Antic Arts Comedic Acting Camp. Ages: 10–18, June 19–30

Dungeons & Dragons Game Camp. Ages: 10–18, July 17–21

Broadway Bound Musical Theatre Camp (Oliver Jr.). Ages: 9–18, July 5–21

TUCSON ARIZONA BOYS CHORUS

5770 E. Pima

520-296-6277

June 12–16

Ages: 6–14

www.boyschorus.org/adventure/

oin us une for an exciting week of a new adventure every day. The fun includes singing, fancy trick rodeo roping, acting, stagecraft, swimming, play in a day theater performance, zoo concert, and much more. Our camp is offered in two sessions based on age with three half days and two full days of camp. Daily adventure locations include the TABC Chorus Hall, Reid Park Zoo, and Edith Ball Aquatic Center. Camp fee includes daily snack, picnic lunch on Friday, fancy trick rodeo rope, and camp t-shirt. We offer age appropriate sessions for boys age 6-14. To register visit www. boyschorus.org/adventure or call 520-2966277

Early Bird Discount for registering by April 30 - $185

Current chorister and family discounts also available

To register visit www.boyschorus.org/ adventure or call 520-296-6277

Continued on page 22

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 21
Academy of Tucson Schools may be the place for your family!

TUCSON CLAY CO–OP SCHOOL & GALLERY

3326 N. Dodge Blvd. 917-705-3803

Ages: 6–12

tucsonclaycoop@yahoo.com

www.tucsonclayco-op.com

Campers will learn Wheel Hand Building Sculpture. All materials included in camp price. $155 for a two week session (full scholarships available through CAUSE)

Session 1: May 30, June 1, 2, 6, 8, 9

Session 2: June 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23

Session 3: June 27, 29, 30, July 4, 6, 7

Session 4, July 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21

Session 5: July 25, 27, 28 Aug 1, 3, 4

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM

166 W. Alameda 520-624-2333 ext 7121

continued from page 22

education@TucsonMuseumofArt.org

www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/art-camp/ summer-camp/

Draw, paint, sculpt, collage, print and more at the Tucson Museum of Art. Each weekly session is led by local teaching artists and art educators focusing on in-depth lessons in art making. Classes are inspired by the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The museum offers classes for ages 5 – 13 to express their creativity and produce original works of art.

Dates: Monday–Friday, June 5–Aug 4 (closed week of July 3–7)

Full Day Member Price: $250, Non-Member- $275

Aftercare: $40 until 5 p.m., for the week

Continued on page 24

22 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 23

TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

900 S. Randolph Way • 520-791-4877

tucsonaz.gov/parks

Find your fun with Tucson Parks and Recreation for a safe and educational summertime experience.

Look for the Ready, Set, Rec! vans at a park near you from now through the end of May. The schedule is listed at this link: www. tucsonaz.gov/parks/readysetrec

TUCSON RACQUET CLUB SUMMER CAMP

4001 N. Country Club Rd. 520-303-7902 • Gretchen Schantz May 30–August 4 9 a.m.–2 p.m. summercamp@tucsonracquetclub.com www.tucsonracquetclub.com

TRC Summer Camp is five camps in one! We have over 40 years experience of Summer Camp fun!

Soccer Camp (ages: 5–7 and 8–14)

A soccer morning filled with skill development, age appropriate drills and fun games. The afternoon includes a dip in the pool, lunch and fun activities. All Sports Camp (ages 7–15)

continued from page 22

Sports include tennis, basketball, volleyball, swimming and racquetball.

PeeWee Camp (ages 5–7)

Features basketball, tennis, gym time, swimming and arts & crafts.

Tennis Camp (ages 7–17)

A fun morning of stroke instructions, proper movement and play strategy. The afternoon included pro supervised team competition and ladder play.

Jr Evening Tennis Camp (Ages 7–16) 6:30–8 p.m.

Tennis instruction, drill and fun in the cool evening!

TUSD COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

www.tusd1.org/summerprograms

Our programs engage students on various activities that include arts and crafts, indoor/ outdoor games, cooking, homework help, and more! Programs are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and accept DES. Our summer programs provide families with a safe, nurturing, and structured environment. Arts & Crafts, Games, Mariachi, Dance and more! Ages 3 and up and meals are free. Visit our website for weekly updates and summer program locations.

Join Us at Wizarding Out West at Trail Dust Town March 18! 24 • Bear Essential News • April 2023

VAIL DISCOVERY CAMP

Various School Locations

7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Weekly Camps in June CPCamps@vailschooldistrict.org

www.vailkids.org

Some activities include water days with Slip N’ Slides, obstacle courses, field trips, guest speakers, ST M challenges, musical performances and more.

nrichment Camps

Babysitting Camp: ges and up. Two day camp focusing on First id C certification and how to engage with children while babysitting.

al s orts a : Grades 4–8 eek long camp for active kids who want to play games, attend field trips and create friendships.

issoula Theatre a : rades Campers will go through the process of auditions, casting and rehearsals for the production of The ittle Mermaid. ttendees will work directly with professional actors from the Missoula Children’s Theatre.

Check our website for dates, locations and more camp opportunities.

YMCA OF SOUTHERN

ARIZONA

520-623-5511

Various Locations

June–July

Ages: 5–12

www.tucsonymca.org/program/ summercamp/ iscover your sense of wonder this summer! eekly theme camps like surfing, teamwork, dare to be you, stars stripes, time travelers, mission impos sible and endless summer. Campers will enjoy games, swimming, sports, arts and crafts and more! Financial id is available.The also office camps for military kids.

The offers overnight camps at Triangle anch Camp where campers can par ticipate in horseback riding, swimmming, campfires, starga ing, archery and more. www.tucsonymca.org program resident camp

My Adventure at SARSEF

S S F is a science and engineering fair for grades re and up. My project this year was the Travel Si ed Sink. I made it because whenever my family goes to the bathrooms at the park they are dirty and never have soap. ids’ projects are judged by their teachers, then if chosen their project gets sent to S S F.If you get into the finals, they announce your name and you go on the stage and receive an award. This year, the award ceremony was at eid ark. If you’re lucky, you will have your name called and you get a trophy, but only if your project got st, nd, or rd place. ut there’s also spon sored pri es. For example, my project received the xcellence in ngineering award from the ittle Chapel of ll Nations.

fter the award ceremony, there is a celebration with food trucks, games, and science stuff with pri es. In the end, S S F is fun for everyone.

April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 25
Continued from page 10
Scoop! 3801 N. 1st Ave. • 520-887-4003 • satorischool.org Register Now! June 5th –July 14 • Mon–Fri Ages 3 to 3rd Grade (based on 23–24 year) efore camp care starts : a.m. fter camp care until : p.m. SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP SATORI Make-It-Monday Take a Trip Tuesday Wet-&-Wild Wednesday Thinking Thursday Fun-Filled Friday Have Fun at Summer Camp! Editor & Publisher Stephen B Gin City Editor Renee Griffith Copy Editor Mike Loghry Volume 44 • Issue 7 Bear Essential News for Kids® lease Call (520) 792-9930 for any editorial or advertising inquiries. ids’ iew Communications Corp. all rights reserved . roadway Tucson, Fax ( ) Bear Essential News is distributed free each month. www.bearessentialnews.com Sales Director & Publisher Nancy Holmes YR Coordinator Julie Madden Art Director Gary Shepard
BGet the

Get the Scoop!

CSO Shares STEM Program in Latin America

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 fields 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, Tecnológico 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

26 • Bear Essential News • April 2023
Science News Stories SN
Lopez Lopez and team hosting school STEM night
April 2023 • Bear Essential News • 27

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

28 • Bear Essential News • April 2023

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