Bear Essential News June 2023, Phoenix Edition

Thirsty States Agree to Curb Water Use

After years of draining Lake Mead, the largest water reservoir in the country, Arizona, California and Nevada have agreed to reduce their use of Colorado River water in exchange for about $1 billion from the federal government.

Lake Mead supplies water to 25 million people in these states and gets most of its water from the Colorado River. Upstream along the Colorado is Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir. But a longterm drought in the West has reduced the flow of the Colorado, even though our growing, thirsty population continues to use more water. So both reservoirs have seen dramatic drops in their water levels.

After Lake Mead dropped to dangerously low levels, the Secretary of the Interior declared a Tier 1 water shortage in August of 2021.This forced Arizona and Nevada to take less water from the Colorado. Through old water agreements, California has not had to cut its use.

But the drought continued and Lake Mead continued to dry up, forcing the federal government to declare a more severe Tier 2 water shortage last August, which would force even deeper cuts in water use this year.

Arizona, Nevada and California are the three Lower Basin States of the Colorado River. Arizona

already has taken the biggest cuts, including to the Central Arizona Project, a large aqueduct that carries water from the Colorado to the middle of the state, including Phoenix, and then continuing down past Tucson.

Rare Rembrandts Up for Auction

Two Rembrandt paintings previously unknown to art scholars will be up for auction this summer after not being seen in public for 200 years!

he desert outhwest’s rivers, lakes and canals

The federal government insisted that the states come up with a new plan that would further cut water use to help Lake Mead replenish. A battle was brewing over a new round of cuts. But with a deadline looming, the three states agreed each would take 10 percent less water from what they’re currently allowed. In turn, the states will get around $1 billion in federal funds to share. This will reduce the strain on the Colorado River by 3 million acre-feet of water through 2026. Large amounts of water are measured in acre-feet, which equals about 326,000 gallons.

President Joe Biden called the agreement “an important step forward in our efforts to protect the stability of the Colorado River System in the face of climate change and historic drought conditions.”

Griner Returns to the WNBA Court

Brittney Griner made a triumphant return to basketball last month for the Phoenix Mercury!

Griner’s first game back saw the Mercury playing an away game against the Los Angeles Sparks. According to ESPN, the matchup was the most viewed regular season WNBA game on cable in 24 years. While the Sparks won the game, Griner led the Mercury with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Not bad after spending 600 days away from the league! Her return to the court even drew a standing ovation, but Griner was all business when speaking after the game.

“At the end of the day, I’m at work. I have a job to do,” Griner said after her first game back. “I can’t get caught up in the moment. Kind of feel it, but put it to the side for a little bit and feel it later.”

Griner was arrested in Russia in February 2022 and convicted of a crime before being sentenced to nine years in prison. She spent nearly 10 months in prison in the Eastern European country.

While she was detained, many of Griner’s fellow athletes, including LeBron James, were outspoken about supporting the WNBA star and advocating for her release. Many of her WNBA teammates wore special shirts and pins as a tribute to Griner while she was detained. After declaring her wrongfully detained, the United States government worked for months to negotiate Griner’s release. She was ultimately released on Dec. 8, 2022.

At the time she was detained, Griner was overseas playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA off-season. It is common for WNBA players to play for teams overseas in the off-season to supplement their salaries in the WNBA.

Griner has been playing for the Phoenix Mercury since 2013 and had been playing for Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg in the off-season since 2014. Before playing professionally, she played at Baylor University. She made history there by setting the all-time single season record for blocked shots during her freshman year!

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, often known simply as Rembrandt, created the paintings in 1635. They feature an elderly husband and wife from a prominent Dutch family. The paintings stayed in Europe until James Murray put them up for sale with Christie’s, a well-known auction house, in June 1824. Since the sale two centuries ago, the paintings have remained in Britain in a private collection. Experts were unaware of the paintings until the family completed an inspection of their possessions.

Once discovered, the paintings’ provenance, or their origin and history, were investigated. Experts reviewed the details of the 1824 sale and conducted research,

including scientific analysis, to confirm that the paintings were original Rembrandts. The paintings are again being auctioned through Christie’s. Henry Pettifer, the international deputy chairman of Old Master Paintings at Christie’s, says the rediscovery of the paintings was incredibly exciting.

“Painted with a deep sense of humanity, these are amongst the smallest and most intimate portraits that we know by Rembrandt, adding something new to our understanding of him,” said Pettifer in a statement.

Rembrandt was a Dutch painter best known for his realism and portraits. His work is world-renowned and hangs in some of the most high-profile museums.

The recently rediscovered paintings are expected to bring between $6.25 million and $10 million for both. This is certainly no small sum but may be cheap by comparison. In 2009, another Rembrandt portrait sold for a whopping $25.3 million. Seven years later, two Rembrandt portraits were acquired by the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum, two museums in Europe, for more than $85 million each! They became the most expensive Old Master paintings ever sold.

Image: ESPN

Get the Scoop!

I Enjoyed a Visit to England’s Capital

by Reporter Georgiana Readhead Homeschool

Recently, my family traveled to England with my Tizzy and Grandad! I had a wonderful time. London is very different from Arizona. I loved the architecture of all the bridges and buildings. London is very old, so quite a few of the buildings look old fashioned and ornate, like the famous clock tower Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Buildings and shops decorated with owers around the windows and doors were especially pretty.

London is a famous city, known for many things. I found going out to eat to be most interesting. London’s famous cuisine is pub food, with ingredients and dishes like hearty chicken, beef, soup, pies, hot chips, stew, toasted sandwiches and pasta dishes. I thought it was all delicious! London is also famous for Indian food. My family loves eating spicy Indian food so we had plenty of delicious choices. The English are also well known for their love of afternoon tea—usually sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, sweet and savory pastries, macaroons, cakes, and, of course, tea!

There were a few things in London that I found to be surprising and quite different. For instance, unlike

the United States which has a President, in England there is a King. King Charles III was coronated on May 6. There were lots of Union Jacks decorating the city to celebrate the King’s coronation.

Another difference I noticed while walking around London were the bright red telephone boxes and red mail boxes. I haven’t noticed red telephone boxes in the U.S. and here we have blue mail collection boxes.

There’s Lots of Fun at Summer Camp

by Reporter Lauren Van Engelen, Tarwater Elementary

For camp last summer, my brother and I went to Kids Express at Jacobson Elementary. We went five days a week. The staff is so nice—I recognized two

rocket launchers. For arts and crafts we made flowers out of paper, and bees out of pom-poms, Popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. We also cooked and baked fun snacks. We made a ladybug out of fruit, caterpillar out of grapes and raisins, salad wraps and moon pies. We also had time to play games like dodge ball and Duck Duck Goose. It was fun. I was tired by the end of the day.

We went on field trips. We went to the Main Event. The Main Event is a place with bowling, arcade games, an obstacle course in the air, laser tag, and a claw machine. We also went to the movie theater. We got to watch the movie “Minions: Rise of Gru” and enjoyed popcorn and lemonade.

What Makes a Champion? Ask These Coaches

by Reporter Lindsay Shifflett Arizona Desert Elementary

This school year, Arizona Desert Elementary School had two championship teams, in basketball and volleyball. I set out to learn about our coaches and what makes for winning teams. After interviewing both coaches, a few things stood out to me. Our school has a culture of hope. We say the Kids at Hope pledge every morning. We say “all kids are capable of success, no exceptions.”

I asked what makes a good coach. Ms. Franki Diaz, who coaches our girls 6th–8th grade basketball, said “My love for the sport and willingness to teach it to others” is what makes her a good coach.

Ms. Chloe Broussely coaches 6th–8th grade volleyball. She spoke about the importance of encouraging her players. Both played sports when they were growing up. Diaz said she watched her big sisters play and wanted to be like them.

In order to determine each girl’s position, a coach needs to know her players’ strengths and weaknesses. Both coaches were asked how they decide on player positions. Broussely said, “I ask them what they prefer.” Diaz said she decides based on “how hard each player works and their attitude on the court.”

A winning sports team is a team effort. The coach is the expert who shares their skill and experience with the players. Broussely feels that knowing when to regroup is important, and Diaz talked about the importance of hard work, dedication and growth.

MORE CHAMPS, page 14

people from my school. We were put into groups of kids our same age, so I got to meet new kids that go to other elementary schools.

Each day had STEM, arts and crafts and cooking stations. What we did for STEM was make slime and

We had some events like fun parties outside. They let out different age groups at a time. There was a bubble mania day where there were mountains of foam and we got to wear a swimsuit. We got to do water days. One day there was a fire truck and we got to meet firemen and go in their fire truck. They turned on the fire truck’s hoses and let us play in the water. There were squirt gun battles, too.

You can go to https://cusd80.ce.eleyo.com/childcare/1/kids-express and register. It is so much fun!

Photo: Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace

King Charles and Queen Camilla

the Scoop!

More London, England

Also, while America uses dollars and cents, England uses colorful notes called pounds and copper-plated coins with engraved images of the current ruling King or Queen called pence.

London is a big city, like New York City, so most people catch taxis, double decker red buses, ride bikes, take subway trains (called the Tube’), walk, or use forms of public transport. My family usually took a black taxicab, caught the Tube, or walked. When we took a taxicab, I found it quite different driving on the other side of the road.

Although I enjoyed many of the activities in London, my favorite by far was watching a West End theatre show. I love theatre arts and performing, so I found going to the West End district in London to be really inspiring. I got to see “Wicked” and “Matilda The Musical!” I loved the marvelous actors, great sets, and inspiring music.

I loved London—it was memorable and amazing. I hope I can go back someday to see more theatre, explore more of the sights, and have more afternoon teas!

MORE SCOOPS, page 8 ➧

BGet the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Kids Dive into Technology

by Reporter Logan Woodward Apache Elementary

Diving into summer, for some kids, also means diving into technology. Most of the technology kids use are their phones or video games, but sometimes it is used for good. For example, texting your family in or out of state.

According to CNN, playing video games or watching TikTok or YouTube for too long is just unhealthy. Most kids play so many video games they do not eat enough or do not get enough sleep. Did you know an American teen spends on average of over seven hours 22 minutes looking at a screen each day Limiting the screen usage of kids during the summer will benefit these kids if they know it or not.

So, if you want your kids to be healthier, take action. Like, doing various ideas to split your day up or limit time on devices.

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

2023 –’24Editorial Calendar

Keep YourPets Safe from the Summer Heat

Summer is a great time to kick back and relax! But don’t forget that you need to take special care of your pets to protect them from Arizona’s dangerous summertime heat.

EVER leave your dog in the car. When temperatures rise this time of year, things can get much hotter in a parked car even in the shade. Inside a car, temperatures can climb quickly to well over 120 F. Your pet is probably better off staying at home. Our toasty temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and worse, heatstroke, which can cause brain damage and even kill your beloved dog or cat.

If your pet stays outside, make sure it has constant access to plenty of cool, clean water and shade. Your dog, in particular, will appreciate a kiddie pool with a few inches of water so it can cool off. During the hottest part of the day, consider bringing your dog or cat inside for a while.

Dogs still need exercise during summer, so go for walks when it’s cooler in the morning or evening.

Dogs with thick coats can keep their cool better if they’re trimmed. Leave hair about an inch long to protect against insects and sunburn.

Learn the signs of an overheated dog: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a racing heartbeat or pulse, a staggered or unsteady walk, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. Dogs and cats don’t sweat to keep cool. They get rid of excess heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If your pet becomes overheated, contact your parents immediately. Move your pet inside or into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water to its body to gradually lower its temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck and chest only and let it drink some water or lick ice cubes. Your family should take it to the veterinarian immediately. ALSO this summer, make sure your pet has an ID tag in case it gets lost. Remember, Fourth of July fireworks and crowded and loud summer events can spook your dog. Keep your pet safe at home, instead.

Instead of going for a car ride, your pet is probably better off staying at home when it’s hot. Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heatstroke, which can cause brain damage or even kill your dog or cat.

Dear Paw Prints,

My cat will not stop eating poisonous bugs, and I don’t know what I should do. Please help!

Thank you, I.G.

Dear I.G.,

Cats are born to hunt. Thankfully, most cats know if they can or can’t eat the things they’ve caught. If your

cat has a bad reaction to a poisonous bug, take it to the veterinarian right away. Then find a pest control company that uses pet safe methods to get rid of the bugs. And remember, cats can never have too many toys. Spend time loving and playing with your cat every day, so when you’re busy your cat is content to just relax and sleep.

Good luck!

JULY

Feature: Cool Summer Fun & Games

AUGUST

Feature: Space Exploration

Special Guide: Field Trips & Programs

SEPTEMBER

Feature: The New Generation—That’s You!

Special Guide: Field Trips & Programs

OCTOBER

Feature: Arizona’s Water Future

Special Guide: Fabulous Fall Family Fun

NOVEMBER

Feature: Get Into Scouting!

Special Page: Holiday Performances & Contest

DECEMBER

Feature: Kid Treasures

Special Guide: Kindergarten & Academic Guide

JANUARY

Feature: AZ SciTech Festival Pullout Guide!

Special Guide: Bear’sBirthday Guide

MARCH

Feature: Amazing Baby Animals

Special Guide: Bear’s Summer Camp Guide

APRIL

Feature: Arizona Recycles!

Special Guide: Bear’s Summer Camp Guide

MAY

Feature: Jump Into Art!

Special Guide: Bear’s Summer Camp Guide

JUNE

Feature: Strange Arizona Places

Here’s a look at the Features and Special Guides coming up in Bear!

Keep Cool with Water Park Fun!

by Reporter Jesus Lara

Summer is coming up, which means it will be getting really hot! Lots of places are open, like water parks! Here are a few places to go to during your summer.

The first option is Hurricane Harbor located in Glendale! Hurricane Harbor is a great water park that has a large variety of rides. Around the park you can also find a lazy river, spots for food and several water fountains so you don’t get dehydrated. It is a safe and cool place for summer fun!

ARIZONA! ARIZONA! Amazing Boomer’s

The second option is Waylon’s Water World, located in Yuma! It includes a water park, arcade games, mini golf and go-karts!

The third and final option is Funtastics Family Fun Park located in Tucson! It includes the Cactus Springs water play area, laser tag, go-karts, roller coasters and mini golf!

So, be ready and have a fun time!

Discover Pinetop this Summer

by Reporter Jason Pluta

One of my favorite places to visit during the summer is the White Mountains in Pinetop, Arizona. My mom, grandma and I go there every year. We rent a special hotel called a timeshare, but you can also rent a cool cabin. There are so many things to see and do in Pinetop.

Pinetop has many hiking trails you can explore. In my opinion, the best hiking trail is by a lake called Scott Reservoir because there is a natural ice cave you can visit on that trail. There is also amazing scenery on hiking trails like tall pine trees and different wildlife including elk, black bears and wild horses. There are even some poisonous plants like poison ivy and poison oak, so it’s important to stay on the trails to be safe.

Fishing is also a popular and fun thing to do in Pinetop. Rainbow Lake is a big lake where you can rent a boat to fish, or you can fish in a smaller body of water called Silver Creek. Silver Creek is connected to a hatchery, which is a place where they breed and release fish to restock the lakes. The hatchery even offers tours so you can see how it operates.

Have you ever been to the White Mountains? There is fun for the whole family in Pinetop. I hope someday you can have adventures in Pinetop, too.

Visit Saguaro National Park

by Reporter Natalie Jones

Saguaro National Park is a great place to visit. It has two sides, the east side and the west side.

Saguaro National Park East has a beautiful hiking loop called Desert Ecology Trail. The easy trail is ¼ of a mile and paved. There are lots of signs to read and learn about wildlife and plants. Many different levels of trails are open for different skilled hikers.

Want to have some quiet time? Saguaro National Park is the perfect place for you. Our family set a timer for 1 minute and enjoyed the sounds of nature. We heard birds and the wind blowing through the palo verde trees.

There is lots of wildlife. You could see javelina, lizards, hawks and woodpeckers. We saw a coyote behind a small shrub. If you want to see some wildlife, ask a park ranger about sightings so you know where to look for some animals.

The west side of Saguaro National Park has unique cacti. We saw a cactus that was bent at the top and had no arms at all, quite a few cacti that were skinny at the top, and a prickly pear pad shaped like a heart.

There is so much to see at Saguaro National Park!

The west side also has some petroglyphs. They are located on a hiking trail called Signal Hill. It is half a mile and has a stunning view at the top. If you would like a harder trail there are lots to choose from.

The Visitor Center on the west side is small but fasci-

nating. There is an example what a bird’s home inside Center leads to an easy The east and west and explore. Saguaro place to visit. There is

Image: visitpinetoplakeside.com

Bear Reporters are hitting the road to discover cool places to visit and fun things to do across Arizona. Get your family or friends on board and have a super summer outing. Here’s a thumb’s-up list of some chill places Boomer’s friends found!

ARIZONA! ARIZONA! Amazing

Cool Down In Flagstaff

by Reporter Benjamin Baker

Are you looking for a place to cool off in the summer and keep from melting? Head up to Flagstaff, a wonderful place to beat the heat. Flagstaff has things for everyone to enjoy, including great restaurants, parks and places to stay.

Flagstaff also has a train station, a visitor’s center, hiking trails, dormant volcanoes, stunning sunsets, and yummy food and drinks at Macy’s European Coffee House and Bakery. If you have time, try to head down to Downtown Flagstaff, which has good things to eat, summer events and unique shops.

Some of the summer events include a farmers’ market, outdoor movies and music. Flagstaff is about 144 miles from Phoenix, but well worth the 2 hours and 16 minutes that it takes to get there.

I think that the best time to go is during July, since that is when it is hottest in the desert, but cool and refreshing there.

So get your luggage and head on up north, and have an amazing time!

Head to the Library this Summer!

by Reporter Ezekiel Perez

example of the inside of a saguaro and inside a cactus looks like. The Visitor trail that is wheelchair accessible. sides are both amazing places to visit National Park is truly a wonderful something for everyone!

A great place to visit and spend the summer this year is your local public library. Every year around the country, public libraries celebrate the Summer Reading Program. It starts on June 1 and ends on Aug. 1. It is a game where every minute you read equals one point. You also can earn points by attending events and looking for secret codes in the libraries and other places around town. Your goal is 1,000 points.

I had the opportunity to interview Sean P.S. George, the South Region Manager and South Mountain Commu-

nity Library Co-Manager. George is excited because the Summer Reading Program is getting closer to normal after having to close during the pandemic. This year there will be more events.

I was curious about who creates the theme. George told me it is created by a national organization called Collaborative Summer Library Project. Every state used to come up with its own theme, but around the year 2000 this organization formed, and most libraries across the country use this collaborative summer reading theme. The theme this year is “All Together Now.”

The program has great sponsors, local business that support the local libraries. Some prizes might be different at each branch depending of its location. You start earning prizes when you enroll.

Don't wait! Enroll now, read, and have fun getting prizes!

Adviser: Kattiana Perez

Retro Arcade Is a Blast from the Past

by Reporter Parker McGowan

I walked through the door into the arcade. Suddenly, I heard numerous beeping noises. The center of the room had a long line of pinball machines. There were many retro games in other rooms and ’ 0s toys almost everywhere. One of the best kinds of places to play video games are arcades. Some arcades have new games and some of them have older ones. Starfighters Arcade in Mesa is a pixelated funhouse arcade filled with lots of games.

Starfighters Arcade offers over 160 classic games including Defender, DonkeyKong, Dig-Dug, and Gauntlet 1 and 2. My personal favorites are Escape from the Planet of Robot Monsters and the famous original Super Mario Bros! Once you pay the entry fee of 11 dollars, all the games are unlimited play every time you die in a game you don’t have to pay another quarter! Starfighters Arcade offers pinball machines too. They offer the largest number of games in the state for public play!

Starfighters Arcade makes a fun night for kids and adults alike. Playing there was an incredible experience! No matter your age, you can enjoy pinball and video games galore!

Starfighters arcade is located at: 4 40 E. Jasmine St. 102, Mesa.

Image: agstaffaz.gov

It’'s a Road Trip!

Heading out for a road trip with the family is always an adventure, and often includes a few wrong turns along the way.

hec o his on h s fea re o ge so e grea i eas for o r o n fa i roa ri his s er

Meet Me at the Movies!

Boomer’s Top 10 Boredom Busters

#1–Invent a crazy dance

#2–Draw a self portrait

#3–Write a poem about you

#4–count the coins in your piggy bank

#5–Plan a party for someone

#6–Call a friend and say hi

#7–Make up some jokes

#8–Write a nice note for your parents

#9–Play an instrument

#10–Invent a new game

How Many Players?

There are many types of sports teams fielding different numbers of players in the game.

Kids in the Spotlight

by Reporter Kent McGowan, Homeschool

I sat down in the well-worn seats of the cozy Spotlight Youth Theatre. I couldn’t wait for the show to start! I watched the performers stride onstage. The audience began to cheer. There’s nothing like watching a play at the theatre.

I recently attended a Shakespeare performance at the Spotlight Youth Theatre called “Macbeth.” From poetic monologues, to dashing swordfights, the actors’ talent was incredible. The director of the play had a unique take on Shakespeare’s play and set it in the World War II era. Another original aspect about that performance was that all the actors were teenagers!

At Spotlight Youth Theatre, teenagers are the stars of every show. This theatre allows people up to age 19 to act in all performances. The plays range from “Macbeth” to “The Jungle Book” and are open to audiences of all ages.

The next show, called “Hands on a Hardbody,” is a musical about a competition to win a car. It opens on May 19 and the final show is on June 4. The Spotlight Youth Theatre also runs summer camps to teach acting skills. You can buy a ticket to one of their shows for around $15, and get more info about upcoming shows, summer camps, and auditioning at their website: sytaz.org

More Champs Continued from page 5

A championship team begins with adults who are champions, how the coaches treat their players and how hard they all work towards the same goal.

Recently, Arizona Desert had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of two new fields and three new future champions.

Adviser: Karen Golden

Education Is a Family Affair for This Teacher

Robin Austin teaches second grade at Oakwood Elementary. She just finished her 19th year of teaching—all but one of those years in the classroom has been at Oakwood.

Austin was born in Tucson and grew up in Phoenix. She started her career in another field purchasing and logistics—but went back to school when her two sons were young so that she would have the same schedule.

Going into teaching was a change but not a huge departure for Austin. Education is a family affair. Her father was principal at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf and her mom was a P.E. teacher and tennis coach. Austin’s sister is also a teacher at Oakwood.

In fact, Austin and her sister make a great team! In high school they played doubles in tennis and made it to the state tournament twice. Now this sister act team teaches second grade. Austin teaches math to both classes.

“I really enjoy teaching math,” Austin says, and notes, “I love working with my sister...She is a GREAT teacher and I think she pushes me to be an even

better teacher. We bounce things off each other all the time which I feel is beneficial to all of our students.”

In her free time, Austin enjoys hiking, pickleball, tennis and golf. She says she started golfing this year with one of her sons.

“I’m a very outdoorsy person,” says Austin. But she doesn’t really like it when the outdoors comes inside the class—namely scorpions! Austin has an aversion to these arthropods, especially when the creepy critters make their way into classroom sinks or lights.

Austin says that one of the things her students might not know about her is that she worked at Disneyland while she was attended college. She worked at Star Tours.

Student Blake nominated his teacher. Blake notes that Austin “is helpful and nice” and that she “makes learning fun.”

Austin encourages her students to never give up on a subject or on themselves. “We all have different strengths,” she says, “but with effort you can be good at anything.”

GIFT CARD

Tell us why your teacher is GREAT and be entered to win a for your teacher and a $25 GIFT CARD for yourself!

Teacher name: _______________________

School: _____________________________

District: _____________________________

Your name: __________________________

Grade: ______ Phone: _________________

email:______________________________

Why is your teacher great?

More Amazing Arizona!

Continued from page 11

Lake or Lava Tubes, Flagstaff Has It All

by Reporter Stella Edwards

When you are in the Flagstaff area, take a quick day trip to Lake Mary. Although the water is murky, it is still a great place to go boating or fishing. The water is usually calm, so it is good for kids and pets. Bring a blanket and pick a spot to have a gorgeous picnic surrounded by pine trees and wildlife.

If you’re sick of typical everyday hikes, the Flagstaff Lava Tubes are a must! This hike leads you underground into cool, dark tunnels. When you walk down into the cave, you will be surrounded by lava rocks from top to bottom. It is a straight shot in and out, so you won’t get lost. Make sure to wear warm clothes and bring lots of lights with backup batteries.

Check Out Lake Pleasant

by Reporter Katelyn Jackson

When you need a break from the heat, Lake Pleasant offers a wide range of fun and refreshing activities. You can spend the day hiking and swimming near the shore or head out into the lake. You can rent a jet ski or paddle board. Choose from various hiking paths around the lake to take in natural scenery of cactus and mountains. The lush landscaping makes for a fun and adventurous hike near this beautiful lake. Start your journey by looking at the map.

When you need a refreshing way to cool off after a hike, you can jump into the clear, blue water at the beach for a swim. The sandy shore around the lake is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sun. Don’t forget sunscreen and bring lots of water!

Take a Magical Day Trip to Sedona

by Reporters Allie Miller and Keira Turner

Sedona’s famous red rocks provide a backdrop for a magical day trip. The Pink Jeep Tour is one of the most famous attractions. Hop in a Jeep to see the rocks from a new perspective while learning about Sedona’s history. Another way to see a new view is climbing at Bell Rock. Any age or skill type can climb on the rocks and boulders. If you want to climb to the top of the rock, it takes roughly one to three hours depending on your skill level. When you are climbing up you will come across some amazing views, especially at the top. This is a highlight in Sedona, especially if you love to free climb.

When you get hungry, visit the Javelina Cantina for the best Mexican food made fresh daily. The dress code is casual, so no need to change out of your hiking clothes. From $14 guacamole dip to $25 fajitas, the food is well worth it! And if you’re lucky, you can see the javelinas up close from the patio outside.

If you want to cool down after a long hike, Slide Rock is a nice place for a quick swim. This park contains naturally made waterslides. It is such a beautiful experience, showing God’s creativity.

Enjoy Fishing and More in Payson

by Reporter Brady Butler

Visit Crackerjack Creek near Payson to swim and play in the water. Make sure to bring a fishing pole because you’re sure to see some trout and bass (and if you’re older than 10, make sure to grab a fishing license on the way). Although you need a fishing license to catch fish, you can catch crawdads and tadpoles without one. It is so beautiful out there.

While you are in the area, check out Extreme Arizona to rent some UTVs, ATVs and dirt bikes. There are some great trails with even better views. Bring a helmet and a pair of goggles so you don’t get dust or mud in your eyes.

Adviser: Leanne Dick

GSACPC Honors 22 Local Gold Award Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) awarded its most prestigious honor, the Gold Award, to 22 local girls this year. This distinguished award recognizes Girl Scouts in grades 9–12 who take action in their communities by tackling an issue they are passionate about and developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges.

The 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts are: Falak Asif, Evvie Atkins, Hailey Bates, Amanda Bernier, Cori Borgstadt, Jessica Burke, LeAnna Clipper, Marissa Denham, Megan Finder, Misha Ghafouri, Elisabeth Green, Amelia Gualtiere, Ella Hamer, Emma Hirning, Awen Hofmann, Katie Holm, Bailey Iannone, Lauren Jarvise, Elizabeth Parker, Zariya Shams, Emily Shanafelt and Viviana York. The 2023 Gold Award ceremony was held on March 25.

“This year’s Gold Award honorees exemplify fantastic leadership and civic engagement by dedicating themselves to addressing important causes and taking

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

action to make the world a better place,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “As a nationally recognized symbol of leadership, the Gold Award is a truly remarkable achievement.”

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

These Gold Award honorees tackled issues in their communities by establishing designated mental health spaces for students on high school campuses, fighting food insecurity in Indigenous communities, building the first dog park located in a national park, collecting bikes and helmets for children of military families, creating programs to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers, and much more.

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!

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

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

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 find 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 Gold Award allows Girl Scouts to showcase the problem-solving, communication and time management skills they have learned throughout their experience in the organization and prepares young leaders by giving them the confidence to succeed,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “By earning the Gold Award distinction, the 22 awardees join a legacy of Girl Scouts that have used their passion and persistence to make a lasting positive impact on the community.”

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!

Recipients of the Gold Award can access unique scholarship opportunities, are entitled to enlist at a higher pay grade when they join the military, and distinguish themselves among the competition in the college admissions process or when entering the workforce.

• 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

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

Register Today!

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.

www.girlscoutsaz.org/join.

Register Today!

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

Get the Scoop!

CSO Develops Reading Survey for School

by CSO Brayan Alejos, Guanajuato, Mexico

Hello, my name is CSO Brayan and I am from Guanajuato, Mexico. I am part of the CSO program. When I first joined the Chief Science Officer’s Program, I did not know what I was going to do for my Action Plan. I came up with the idea of making an advertisement for the technology courses offered at my school. I also shared about my own experience in the technology courses and gave examples of the class work. That way students would have an idea of what courses would be most attractive to them.

By sharing my experience, there might be fewer students who leave in the middle of their course. I chose this as my Action Plan because I would have loved to have someone to help me choose my courses. Being a CSO has helped me

Chief Science Officer Alejos

grow in a lot of ways. For example, I used to get embarrassed about speaking in front of a lot of people, but now I feel confident to present in front of any sized group. I am very proud to be part of the Chief Science Officers program; I meet people from all over the world, I learn from them and they learn something from me.

For my current Action Plan, I am developing a survey at my school to learn about the promotion of reading. I want to find out how many people at my school are interested in literature and how many are not interested. I will use this data to promote literature in my school so that more students will be interested in reading.

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

Hola, mi nombre es CSO Brayan y soy de Guanajuato, México. Formó parte del programa CSO. Cuando entre a este bello programa no sabía muy bien de qué se trataba con el pasar del tiempo cuando nos pedían hacer nuestro plan de acción empecé a pensar en qué plan de acción podría realizar entonces se me vino a la mente realizar una publicidad a mi escuela de las carreras técnicas que hay en mi escuela y además de contarles lo que yo he vivido en mi carrera técnica, mostrándoles ejemplos de las cosas que realizamos, esto con el fin de que los alumnos en el cual iban a ingresar en un futuro les entre una idea de que es lo que más les llama la atención y así no cometan el error de salirse a la mitad del curso.

Realice este plan de acción ya que a mí me hubiera encantado que alguien me mostrara que es lo que se ve en cada una de las carreras para no cometer el error de entrar a la carrera equivocada y arrepentirme en un futuro. Ser un CSO me ha cambiado mucho de buena manera como la de socializar más con las personas, me ha quitado la pena de hablar enfrente de muchas personas.

Me siento muy orgulloso de formar parte de este programa, de convivir y conocer gente de otros lugares, aprender de ellos y que ellos aprendan algo de mí.

Actualmente estoy desarrollando una encuesta en mi escuela acerca del fomento de la lectura para conocer las estadísticas de cuántas personas les interesa la literatura y a cuantas no les llama la atención esto con el fin que las personas les interese un poco más la literatura la cual tiene muchos beneficios para la vida.

Desarollando una encuesta acerca del fomento de la lectura

Brayan reviews survey information about the student’s interest in literature at his school.

Kids!

Make this Simple and Healthy Protein Packed Treat!

Blueberry Yogurt Bark

Ingredients

2 cups plain greek or regular yogurt

1/4 cup 2% Milk

2 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup blueberries, or your favorite fruit, divided

Instructions

• Stir together yogurt, milk, honey and vanilla. Stir in 1/2 cup of blueberrie.

• Spread into even layer on parchment paper–lined baking tray

• Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of blueberries on top and drizzle with additional honey

• Place tray in freezer for approximately four hours or until the mixture is frozen through

• Using the tip of large knife, break into shards. Serve immediately.

• Store leftovers in airtight container in freezer