Bham Family magazine - March 2020

MARCH 2020

Findingtheir

VOICES

USING THEATER TO PREPARE KIDS FOR THE REAL WORLD PAGE 8

Getting Ready for SUMMER CAMPS PAGE 22

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Y

ou may have heard the old saying, “The only constant in life is change.” Spring is here, and we can see the changes all around us.

Here at Birmingham Fun and Family, we have some changes going on too. For starters, you may have noticed that we’ve taken a new name. The change to Bham Family represents a new chapter in a long, successful run for this publication. For 20 years this magazine has been reaching readers in Birmingham with great family-oriented content. Now, under the helm of publisher Matthew Allen, who took the reins in January of 2019, we are making some exciting new changes. While many things remain the same, our goal today is to serve you with the kind of compelling hyper-local content that busy parents can use to navigate the many opportunities in town and to shine a light on our area’s most interesting parents and children.

We hope you’ll also appreciate the fresh look of the redesign and our new regular departments, which will cover topics like local school news, enjoying the arts, healthy living options, sports programs, and matters of faith.

In every issue we also examine important medical concerns for children (“Medical Spotlight” p.20) and highlight one Birmingham area youth who is doing amazing things to better his or her community (“Kids Who Shine.” p.30).

In this issue, we focus on local summer camps and classes available to enrich your child’s growth and education. In “Camp Comprehensive” (p.22), veteran camp directors share which questions to ask when evaluating camps.

We also found out about one camp in Shelby County that is part of a larger program to prevent and offer early intervention to kids who are at risk of serious drug abuse—read about that in “A Community Safety Net” (p.24.)

As the new editor and content director for Bham Family, I hope to hear from you. Drop me a line at jeana@jbmcmedia.com or plan to join our staff at the spring Bham Family Fam Jam Festival and say hello.

Jeana Durst Content Director and Mom

4 Bham Family March 2020

LOCATIONS BIRMINGHAM 500 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 100 MADISON 8490 Highway 72 W, Suite 100 TRUSSVILLE 117 North Chalkville Road TUSCALOOSA 4700 Rice Mine Road NE VESTAVIA HILLS 520 Montgomery Highway Family March 2020 5 MADISON and VESTAVIA locationsBham now open!

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ABOUT US

Bham Family is published monthly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260.

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Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Star Is Born The STARS program at the VST offers something for every child.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE

Educating youth takes center stage at VST

BY JEANA DURST Shakespeare said it best: “All the world’s a stage.” With that in mind, can you think of any other activity that can prepare a student for what it’s like to be in the working world as well as theatre? Jennifer Spiegelman, education director at the Virginia Samford Theatre and director of their STARS program (Students take a role at the Samford), points out that stepping onto a stage helps to facilitate all those other skills that go with being a functional adult, like being able to communicate, expressing how you feel, working with other people, and feeling confident.

“Witnessing this is one of my favorite parts of the job,” says Spiegelman.

She oversees all the programs that are offered at the theatre for children ages 7 to 18, which include after school classes and summer camps as well as three productions throughout the year in which only kids perform. The STARS program started in 2006, and in 2015 they started expanding programming because of growth. “We have a lot of returning families,” Spiegelman says.

Academy classes, which are offered in the spring and the fall, end in a showcase performance where students get to demonstrate the skills they’ve acquired. There are two tiers of two-hour classes available: regular and advanced.

The regular classes cover voice and dance, and acting and improvisation, while the advanced ones (which require auditions for admission) 8 Bham Family March 2020

feature more focused instruction in acting and a musical theatre intensive. “We recommend our academy classes for kids who want to get a taste of live theatre,” Spiegelman says. As a bonus, the children who have performed in STARS shows can volunteer to work backstage during mainstage productions and be part of the run crew. “We emphasize working as a team and building each other up as much as we can,” Spiegelman says.

Another entry point for students who are looking for more of an overview of theatre arts is Camp VST, which offers three sessions in the summer. Their main classes, open to ages 7 to 18, are acting, improvisation, voice, and dance. “And we have a rotating elective class such as costume design, playwriting, stage combat, and special effects and makeup,” Spiegelman adds.

All STARS productions are entirely run by students, and the auditions are open to anyone.

The upcoming audition for Frozen Junior will be held on April 4 for ages 12 and up and April 11 for ages 7 to 11. “We usually have more than 100 kids come to auditions,” Spiegelman says. That’s another reason the academy classes are so nice to have; there kids can work with the teachers to get their audition pieces ready so that they feel more comfortable. Though all of the programs require fees, Spiegelman says they never turn children away.

In fact, during the 2018-2019 season, of the 356 students who participated in the Stars program, 54 received scholarships. In short, with the program, every child is given an opportunity to shine.

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FOOD REVIEW

Red Sea Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant We typically tell our kids not to eat with their hands at the dinner table, but you can relax that rule when you dine at Red Sea Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant in Homewood. Eating with your hands is important to Joy Ethiopian dining culture.

King The only authentic Ethiopian restaurant in the Birmingham area, they serve most dishes with injeria, a flatbread that comes with every meal.

Often when you think of some ethnic foods, the first word that comes to mind is “spicy.” At the Red Sea, owner Gini Heyder knows just the right amount of spice to add to each dish. And the variety of vegan and shared dishes makes it a great choice for families who want to eat healthy. One of my favorites is the beets. They are fresh cut and well-seasoned (unlike the canned beets my mom made). Another popular dish at Red Sea is the lamb shank. It’s a massive, tender piece of roasted lamb

paired with rice and vegetables which should be shared; however, depending on the day I’ve had, I could handle it by myself.

After dinner, try the baklava.

It’s light and flaky with a sweet honey and nut taste in every bite. Red Sea also offers perfect after-dinner drinks with the traditional coffee ceremony, similar to a tea party. Besides drinking out of the small teacups, the ceremony also involves lighting scented candles, perfect for a unique moms’ night out.

This is a stop on Joy’s Eat, Drink, Ride Food Tour. To learn about more local spots or hop on the food tour, go to diningoutwithcomediennejoy.com.

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Ikebana Floral Design THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 6-8PM Our second class on the nuances of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement. If you’re a first timer or a seasoned hand, Beth White will advance your understanding and add to your knowledge.

Take two or more of your live arrangements home! $25 AG members, $30 non-members 20 guests max.

Plan you r sp ring/summer garden Workshop with Jan Rogers THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 6-8PM Jan and members of the AG Spring Plant Sale crew will help you plan your green spots to maximize your spring and summer garden. Then, they’ll thrill you with samples and sale items to include in your plans! $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers 25 guests max.

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JUST FOR DADS One of my favorite places on earth is the HEB Foundation Camp near Leakey, Texas (population 399), in the Texas hill country. In 1994, I was hired as a counselor to live in a cabin with 17 eight- and nine-year-old Ward boys for two weeks. Admittedly, Williams I had a lot of excitement and anxiety about this. I liked being around kids but hardly had any knowledge of how to manage children. I experienced an enlightening moment during preview week, when one of the leaders’ children injured himself within a couple yards of me. Completely perplexed about what to do, I heard an adult staff member yell to “pick the child up.” I yelled back, asking how I should do that.

Meanwhile, the leader came and picked the child up, dusted the soil from his face, and effectively comforted him. I had to learn a lot in a short time, in part, because it was vital to helping those entrusted to my care.

My two sons were born 18 months apart.

There were fun, adventurous, and chaotic moments in those early years. Back then, my wife marveled that being a father seemed to come naturally for someone who did not have a father at home growing up. I don’t think it was natural.

Working at summer camp taught me patience and how to strive to do what is best for kids.

The other thing my experience at summer camp taught me was to love the outdoors, to love the loud chaos of relationships, and to love solitude. I learned skills in repelling, horseback riding, fishing, pitching a tent, the care of nature, and many others. Along the way, I grew close to God in profound ways. The relationships formed at camp have been life-long—it’s even how I met my wife. While camps and camping might not be for everybody, I believe everybody should at least try camping. You might be amazed by what you learn—or even who you meet.

Ward Williams is the founder and executive director of Vineyard Family Services. Contact him at ward@vfsdads.com.

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EDUCATION

Academic Matters

U P D AT E S F R O M T H E A LTA M O N T S C H O O L

The Altamont School, located five minutes from downtown Birmingham atop Red Mountain, is a college preparatory school, enrolling 365 students in grades 5 through 12. It was established in 1975 through the merger of Birmingham University School (founded in 1922) and Brooke Hill School (founded in 1941). The mission of The Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals who are innovative and honorable. They draw students from 36 different zip codes and offer a college preparatory curriculum and a personalized college search program. One hundred percent of graduates attend a four-year college or university; more than 75% of them at an out-of-state school.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

DID YOU KNOW? Nearly one-third of the Altamont student body takes a computer science class, starting as early as 5th grade. Classes range from web design, video game creation, and 3D printing to college-level AP courses.

ACADEMIC RECORDS Over the past five years, 11 Altamont students have earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. This year, six students in the senior class have a perfect 36. The odds of this are incredibly rare.

On average, only one-tenth of one percent of all test takers receive the top score. To put this in perspective, among recent U.S. high school graduates just 2,760 out of the more than two million students who took the ACT reached a composite score of 36.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE The C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center helps Altamont students find avenues for their unique expression of leadership. Currently, there are more than 80 student-led service projects active in the Birmingham community.

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One student leader is Benjamin Tang. He is the current president of both the Basil M. Parks chapter of the National Honor Society and Altamont’s Mu Alpha Theta chapter. Tang also presides over Altamont’s Honor Court. When he saw a need for the women and children living at The Lovelady Center, a residential rehabilitation home for women, to have working technology for their GED and after school programs, he went to work on the problem. For two years, Tang has worked to rebuild seven refurbished, functional computers for Lovelady, and he continues to provide computer donations and training to other non-profits.

Maya Kitchens is another student who is making a difference. As the vice president of Altamont’s National Art Honor Society chapter and a founding member of the Girlspring club, Kitchens initial project started by volunteering in the Art Cart Department at Children’s Hospital of Alabama and grew to help in the ER, assisting children who are waiting to see the doctor. She also held numerous drives to collect crayons, coloring books, Play-Doh, and other one-use items to keep patients occupied while receiving care.

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BIRMINGHAM HOMESCHOOLERS COMMUNITY

A new chapter in homeschooling Homeschooling families find invaluable connections through one community group during a time of growth and change.

BY JEANA DURST Did you know that there are 7,000 families in the Birmingham metro area who homeschool their children? Maybe you are among the parents who have made that choice too. Or perhaps you are wondering if it would be a good fit for your family. Whatever the case, what you need to know is that homeschooling has evolved tremendously in the past decade, and the resources and opportunities for parents are more vast than ever.

This month’s Birmingham Home School Fair is just one example of the type of support that is available. Kristy Trent, coordinator for the Birmingham Homeschoolers Community and a homeschooling mother of four, shares her take on what parents need to know.

In the past 10 years there’s been rapid growth and a shift in the homeschooling community, she explains. “Prior to today, homeschoolers tended to be more isolated. Now, a lot of things in our culture bring parents to a place of examining where they want to put their values as far as their children 16 Bham Family March 2020

go,” Trent says. And, increasingly, homeschooling families want to provide more social, schoollike experiences. “A move toward that has really grown. In the past three years, we now have three independent home school sports programs in Birmingham where kids can play football, basketball, and girls’ volleyball,” Trent says.

Also, there’s an increase in co-op programs, which are places where students can be in a classroom setting with an instructor for a few days a week. Because the co-ops are not connected to a school, they are open to all homeschoolers regardless of how they are enrolled. For instance, Trent explains, “My daughter can go to a co-op at the Church of Brook Hills where she can take classes with a homeschooler who lives in Leeds.” With several co-ops in the area, one of the challenges is creating awareness.

The Birmingham Homeschoolers Community, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

established more than 10 years ago, connects families with these types of opportunities. “We have roughly about 2,500 families who are connected to our community and almost 3,000 who connect through social media groups,” Trent says. What started as a small group at The Church of the Highlands grew when they built the church campus at Grants Mill, and then became a community organization that is now indispensable in bridging connections for families and students. “We have a team of about 15 moms who work together,” Trent says. For example, some groups serve pre-school and early elementary families, while others organize fire station and police station tours. “We also have moms who focus on coordinating opportunities for different age groups to socialize,” Trent says. Each month there is an activity like a Valentine’s Day party. “We could probably win the award for the largest Valentine’s swap in the world,” Trent jokes.

With such a large group, they have plenty of success stories to share. Trent reports that within the Birmingham Homeschool Community, several high school seniors are receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships from in-state as well as out-of-state colleges. And many are actively involved in programs you’d find in public schools. “We have homeschoolers who are serving their community through Beta Club service, and our BHC Beta Club received several awards at last year’s state convention,” Trent says.

18 Bham Family March 2020

GET CONNECTED AT THE BIRMINGHAM HOMESCHOOL FAIR The Homeschool Fair, hosted by the Birmingham Homeschool Community, takes place at the Marriot Birmingham Grandview Exhibit Hall on March 20. National colleges and curriculum providers will be present to provide information, books, and resources.

Various co-op programs will be there as well. There’s a youth curriculum sale where current homeschool families can sell resources on Friday afternoon. In addition, workshops will feature speakers who inform parents about topics such as “Homeschooling through High School” and “Developing Your Transcript.” Attorneys will discuss legalities to provide clarity on Alabama homeschooling laws and requirements. Other forums include basics like “How to Pick Curriculum” and “Planning Your School Day.” It’s a one-stop shop for every kind of need.

Registration is free and you can sign up at the door. For more information, visit birminghamhomeschoolfair.com

How Chamber membership works for me.

“I’m a relatively new business owner. When I first ‘opened’ Vinehouse Nursery, I thought I was ready. I quickly realized there was a lot that I didn’t know. The Shelby County Chamber has been a truly worthwhile investment for us, and the Chamber has continued to offer valuable advice, marketing and a wealth of information which has truly been instrumental in our success. I would strongly recommend any small business taking advantage of all the resources which our Chamber has to offer.”

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MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT

ASK A PHYSICIAN Know the Facts about the HPV Vaccine MYTH: Cases of HPV, the human papillomavirus, are rare.

FACT: HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting more than 80 million Americans. About 80 percent of sexually active adults have been infected at some point. HPV is easily spread by sexual contact including skin-to-skin contact and can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. HPV can lead to cervical cancer, oral cancer, genital warts, abnormal pap smears, penile cancer, and anal cancer.

MYTH: The HPV vaccine is new.

FACT: The HPV vaccine has been in use since 2006. In fact, rates of cervical cancer have been declining since the introduction of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types that are associated with many cancers.

MYTH: There are many adverse side effects associated with the vaccine.

FACT: The HPV vaccine is safe and has no more side effects than other routine vaccines that are recommended. The benefits of the HPV vaccination far outweigh any potential risk of side effects. The most common side effects are mild fever and tenderness, swelling and redness at the injection site.

Dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting also can follow a shot. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. We believe that immunizations are vital to your child’s health. They not only protect your child from deadly diseases like meningitis, measles, hepatitis, whooping cough, and flu, but they also protect other children your child comes into contact with. The HPV vaccine, in particular, has a very good safety record backed by more than 10 years of monitoring and research. More than 170 million doses have been distributed in that time, and there have been no serious safety concerns. The vaccine continues to be monitored for safety in more than 80 countries around the world.

MYTH: Only girls need to receive the HPV vaccine.

FACT: HPV can infect girls and boys. Therefore, the vaccine is recommended for girls and boys 11 or 12 years old, as well as for older kids who are unvaccinated. The vaccine is given as a series of shots: Two dose series if started before 15 years old; Three dose serves if started at 15 years old and older The HPV vaccine is more effective when given at this age rather than waiting until a child is older. Vaccines protect your child before they are exposed to a disease. That’s why the HPV is recommended earlier rather than later, to protect children long before they are ever exposed to the virus.

MYTH: Vaccinating teens causes them to be more sexually active.

FACT: Studies tell us that getting HPV vaccine doesn’t make kids more likely to start having sex. The HPV vaccine actually has the best chance of protecting against infection if the series of shots is given before a person becomes sexually active. If you are concerned that your child will assume you are “giving them permission to have sex,” tell your child what’s important to you. When you talk about sex, share facts, feelings, and values; give your child guidance about making smart, safe choices around sex. The key is to let your children know that they can freely come to you with questions about sex.

20 Bham Family March 2020

Dr. Peily Soong Peily Soong, MD, is a pediatrician at Pediatrics East in Trussville.

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ABOUT CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children. Children’s offers inpatient and outpatient services across its Russell Campus on Birmingham’s historic Southside with additional specialty services provided at Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary care is provided at more than a dozen medical offices in communities across central Alabama.

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CAMP COMPREHENSIVE

Experts offer advice for how to plan a perfect summer camp experience for your child.

BY JEANA DURST

It’s a question that we parents face every spring: How do I keep my child engaged and actively learning during the summer in a way that they will enjoy? With endless options for summer camps and limited time for working parents to research the choices, it’s nice to have a guide that can help walk you through the process of selecting the right summer camp for your young ones. Bham Family talked to several veteran camp directors to see what the most important considerations are during this selection process—and along the way, we found out about some amazing camp opportunities in town. Read on to find out strategies for selecting the right camp, how to get prepared, and how to make it the best experience possible for your child. Some of this may seem like common sense, but we know that your busy schedule and the mad rush to secure a spot can overwhelm even the most organized parents.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

SELECTING AND PLANNING FOR CAMP Plan early. Parents begin to book spots as early as January, according to Peggy Chowning, the vice president of education at The McWane Center, who for approximately 20 years has been managing outreach classes, homeschool classes, summer camps, an early childhood department, and the science engagement department at the museum.

Insider’s tip: She says that Camp McWane first- and second-grade camps fill up most quickly.

Be sure to review the schedule. “Don’t just assume because the camp type aligns with your child’s interest that it will be a fit,” says Niressa Arwood. She is the director of daytime operations at Ace Cheer Company, which organizes Ace Cheer Camps. The camps began over 7 years ago and offer week-long Tribe Spirit Cheerleading camps focused on cheer and tumbling for ages six through twelve. Arwood says to ask for a specific schedule of activities and inquire about how the time will be spent.

Check the references. Arwood encourages parents to seek out other parents whose kids have attended Decide on your goals for the camp experience.

Ace Cheer Camps. It’s sometimes as simple as Not every camp is a good fit. If you are seeking an asking on social media. Use your network to confirm educational experience, look to camps like Camp camp credentials.

McWane and Aldridge Gardens who hire teachers Ask about safety policies and focus specifically on and procedures. For instance, creating continuity with Chowning says that at all the the child’s educational McWane camps “when parents check kids in, they get a check goals. For instance, Camp out card, and then the child McWane offers many can only be checked out by specialized educational someone who has the card or focuses including Little PHOTO COURTESY OF MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER is on a pre-approved list.”

Leonardos, which gives four- and five-year-olds exposure to his ideas.

Consider any special needs your child has. If your They also over a Sci Girls Camp, (obviously just for child has unique physical, cognitive or emotional girls) that focuses on women in science, touching needs, look for camps that cater to that and have on biology, chemistry, ecology and engineering for that conversation with camp directors before the first fourth- to eighth-grade girls. day of camp. For example, the McWane Camps are 22 Bham Family March 2020

partnered with Kulture City, a nonprofit that serves kids who need a sensory inclusive environment.

Chowning will ask parents, “What works at home that we can do here?”

Remember to be mindful of the age requirement. There’s more to going to camp than just the learning, and it’s important to be around children the same age,” Chowning says.

While they be mentally ready for an educational camp component, psychologically your child may not be ready to be with an older (or younger) age group. Trust the camp counselors for guidance on this.

“We match themes with state standards,” Chowning says.

Inquire about the PHOTO COURTESY OF ACE CHEER CAMP teacher-student ratio. A small adult-to-child ratio is best. For instance, Chowning says that each camp classroom at Camp McWane includes a teacher, a counselor, and volunteers. This ensures that your child receives individual attention and optimal learning.

Find out about the credentials of the instructors.

“All of our teachers at Aldridge Gardens camps are certified teachers,” says Debbie McDonald. They have specialized training that allows them to take really good care of the kids. McDonald, or Mrs. Mac, is the education director at Aldridge Gardens and has been in charge of camp programming for four years. She is a retired Hoover teacher who taught special ed for 28 years. She organizes programs such as the American Girl Doll Camps in partnership with the Hoover Belles among other ones like The Art and Math of Origami and Engineering and Construction Camps, which keep math skills alive over the summer.

Visit the venue beforehand if you can. “It’s nice to see how clean the venue is,” says Arwood.

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

“Foreknowledge is good knowledge,” says McDonald. She advises parents to communicate with camp directors as they would a babysitter and to let them know of any special needs or food allergies.

Understand that there are many options. Not every parent is keen to PHOTO COURTESY OF ALDRIDGE GARDENS pack up little Ella and send her away for overnight camp or even to a week-long camp. For those stay-at-home parents who might just want an occasional outing, there are one-day camps available.

For instance, Ace Cheer Company in Homewood hosts a one-day Beach Splash Summer Camp in June and July that gives kids a chance to just be kids—with open playtime and plenty of games.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD Be sure to read all of the materials prior to camp.

Make sure your child is equipped with the necessary gear they need for camp. “Believe it or not, not having a ponytail holder can ruin the first day of camp if your first-grader is the only one without one,” Arwood says. Make sure you know the dress code.

Predispose your child to the mission of the camp.

It’s important to get them excited about the camp activities before they walk in the door. “It is good to talk to your child before camp starts and let them know what they will be studying,” Chowning says. It’s an opportunity to start an educational discussion with your child and reinforce the learning at home. “Letting kids know what to expect makes a big difference,” Arwood says.

Make sure your child is prepared for inclement weather. McDonald advises all parents to dress their kids for weather conditions, or at least pack a bag with provisions for outdoor wear.

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your child’s camp experience their best. Even down to writing their names on all of their items with a sharpie marker. It seems like a little thing, but little things make a big difference when it comes to ensuring your child’s learning and success.

Bham Family March 2020 23

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMP JOURNEY

A COMMUNITY

SAFETY NET

Compact 2020 is helping Shelby County and Hoover kids steer toward a better path through a first-of-its-kind early intervention and drug prevention program.

BY JEANA DURST Nine out of 10 people who come through Shelby County Drug Court began using drugs as a child. Let that sink in. One organization in Shelby County is taking a novel approach to eliminating drug addiction by reaching children and families before the grip of addiction is so strong that it overtakes and ruins lives. Compact 2020 is directed by the Shelby County District Attorney, the County Manager, and the Shelby County Sheriff. With partners in the school system and specialized prevention teams who understand the pulse of the community, you might say they are the eyes and ears of the community, watching out for all children, and helping parents gain awareness.

“Compact 2020 is like the Marvel Universe bringing together many different investigators and professionals,” says Nathan Kendrick, assistant director of Compact 2020.

Kendrick, who is a lieutenant at the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Department and has history as a school resource officer in Shelby County, profoundly understands the issues surrounding children and drug abuse. The message he has for parents is this: Compact 2020 is not a law enforcement program. It’s about prevention and early intervention. “Our goal is to never have to arrest a kid and to put juvenile court out of 24 Bham Family March 2020

business,” Kendrick says.

The idea for this program began in 2016 when the opioid crisis was reaching a peak and countless kids were being lost to its grip. That’s when the Shelby County Commissioner, the Sheriff, and the DA met and decided that more could be done for early intervention. “The work they did laid the groundwork for today,” Kendrick says.

One of the most important aspects is the partnership with Central Alabama Wellness; the aim is to be therapeutic, not punitive, for the kids in need of help. With a goal to help restore these children to a healthier path, Compact 2020 is focused on solutions. “We had a lot of programs in place to help with drug prevention, but we knew that there were gaps,” Kendrick says. Unlike traditional law enforcement in which you build probable cause and arrest offenders, Compact 2020 provides resources for kids facing potential addiction problems.

As Kendrick points out that “You can’t separate mental wellness from drug issues.” He says it’s important for parents to acknowledge that when their son or daughter speaks of tremendous stress, to take it seriously because the need to escape stress is a very real reason that kids turn to drugs to escape. Consider this: When most of us were growing up, we had to face peer pressure at school and in social situations; however, when we came home, we were in a safe zone and

CAMP JOURNEY PREPS KIDS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESSURES

could unplug from all of that. Today’s kids live in an era of 24/7 connection, and, therefore, a constant barrage of peer pressure and messaging. If you think looking at your neighbor’s Instagram account sometimes makes you feel like an underachiever, imagine the pressure your child feels on several social media outlets when they haven’t yet gained the maturity to put this in proper perspective.

What’s unique about Compact 2020 is how it works—and the extended reach of its network. With school resource officers, teachers, coaches, law enforcement officers, community members, parents, all working together to identify at-risk kids, there’s a greater chance that no child will slip through the cracks. Tips about kids at risk can be made anonymously if desired, and these are always investigated to ensure evidence supports the claims.

Before any child is brought into the program, law enforcement officers who are trained investigators ensure that there is credible intelligence to support the need for identifying a child. “They make sure this isn’t just a rumor,” Kendrick says.

And investigators always tell the parents. “The investigator sits down with the parents and shares the evidence while a trained therapist takes the child into another room to do an assessment,” Kendrick says. Then the true work begins as they connect them with resources tailored specifically to the needs of the case, which most often includes a referral to Central Alabama Wellness—a key partner with trained professionals experienced in counseling substance abuse. Other resources include connection with mentor families who have walked the same path, faith-based resources, and generalized family counseling services.

Each community served (Montevallo, Columbiana/Wilsonville/ Shelby, Alabaster, Pelham, Oak Mountain, Helena, Chelsea, Hoover, Harpersville-Vincent) has a team and one point contact to facilitate their work with Compact 2020 who meet regularly during community meetings. Together, this “Marvel Universe” of trained professionals and community members hope to rescue adults from future drug addiction—by reaching one child at a time, one family at a time. As Kendrick shared, he has already received a note from a young man who thanked Compact 2020 for saving his life. And he left us with one important reminder: “This is not a socioeconomic issue. Just because you live in a certain area or you are in church doesn’t mean you are immune to this.”

Camp Journey supports the work of Compact 2020 by involving young kids in drug prevention conversations and providing chances to build relationships with school resource officers during the summer. “No matter how young your kid is, it’s never too early to start having conversations about drugs and pressure. The stress still affects them,” Kendrick says.

Designed to be one more vehicle for reaching children early, this program specifically serves rising 6th graders, when they are most receptive to this type of experience and before they are bombarded with middle school challenges. Plus, they have a lot of fun in the process, playing games and getting to know one another.

This camp, which is a partnership between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Calera Police Department, Montevallo Police Department, Shelby County Schools, and Compact 2020, brings together education and leadership and values training in an environment where games and adventure activities facilitate the learning. It’s hosted at various Shelby County schools and is free of charge.

For more information, visit compact2020.com.

Bham Family March 2020 25

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Plan your child’s best summer yet with this guide to the area’s most interesting summer camps.

We know it can be a challenge keeping up with the many options for your child’s summer camp experience.

As parents, we want to make sure our kids keep learning and find enrichment activities that not only provide continuity with their academic progress but also enrich their lives in fun and interesting ways. We surveyed area camps and include highlights here from Birmingham’s best. See our listing to find your pick and to make sure your child is a happy camper this summer.

Camp Journey

Ace Cheer Company TRIBE SPIRIT Summer Cheerleading Camp

Birmingham Children’s Theatre Players Summer Camp

301 Snow Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, www.acetribe.com. Tribe Spirit Camp brings the excitement of dance, tumbling, and cheerleading to summer. Campers will receive cheer/dance lessons and tumbling instructions. Three sessions run June 8-2, June 22-26, and July 20-24. Age: Grades 1-11.

Aldridge Gardens Summer Camps 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover AL 35216, www.aldridgegardens.com.

Your child will love spending time at these creative camps in the midst of nature. They specialize in American Girl Doll Camps, which include assistance from Hoover Belles, and other educational camps, such as The Art and Math of Origami, Engineering and Construction and Cooking and Booking in the Garden. Eight camps run beginning from June 1- June 26. Ages: 5K-third grade.

Beauty and Brains Girls’ Summer Camps Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL, 35213, www.beautyandbrainsgirlsstem.com. Summer camp instructors are energetic college students and school teachers interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education or business fields, with offerings that include camps like Spa Science, Invent Like a Girl, and Stop Motion Animation. Ages: Girls 5-14 (activities divided into age groups).

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Location to be determined, www.shelbyso.com.

A partnership between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Calera Police Department, Montevallo Police Department, Shelby County Schools, and COMPACT 2020, this camp develops leadership, values, and knowledge in each camper through a highly structured educational and adventurous camp experience.

Brookwood Mall, 780 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, www.bct123.org.

Young campers use acting, voice, and movement skills to go on an adventure through a world of imagination.

Older students will learn techniques of dance, movement, voice, acting, and improvisation to help develop stage presence, encourage self-confidence, and help students find their voice. Two tracks: Birmingham Children’s Theatre Imaginarium Players for ages 4-7 and Birmingham Children’s Theatre Studio Players, ages 8-18.

Creative Montessori School Elementary Summer Camps 2800 Montessori Way, Homewood, AL, 35209, www.cmskids.org. CMS offers camps featuring different areas of interest, including service camps, creative writing, music composition, young chefs, and magic camp, just to name a few. The extended day option includes fun activities (arts/crafts, outdoor play, etc.) in the afternoon. There are 18 sessions offered this summer and non-CMS students are welcome to attend. Camps require that a student has completed first grade.

Dawson Music Academy Summer Music Camp 1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood AL 35209, www.dawsonmusicacademy.org. Preschool campers will rotate through “Meet the Instrument,” Music & Movement Time, Worship Time, Recreation Time, and Craft Time, while elementary-aged campers will be able to explore an instrument of their choice in a small group setting.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Hoover Met Complex Sports Camps Hoover Met Complex, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, Hoover, AL 35244, www.hoovermetcomplex.com.

Young athletes are able to enhance their skills in the game of their choice. Coaches will work on sportsmanship, teamworking, skill instructional, and making sure it is non-stop fun.

Jackie O’Neal School of Dance Summer Camps 3336 Rocky Ridge Place, Birmingham, AL 35243, www. jackieonealschoolofdance.com.

More than 20,000 students have not only learned to dance, but have also developed strong work ethic, self-confidence, discipline, and grace at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance.

Various summer camps are available.

Highlands School Summer Camp

4901 Old Leeds Road, Birmingham AL 35213, www. highlandsschool.org. Offerings include enrichment camps that feature active, artistic, academic and just plain fun choices and are subject-specific like karate, chess, coding or American Girl. And traditional day camps are offered for kindergarten through 6th grade that includes a lunch, weekly themes, trips to the pool (1st-6th grade), outdoor play time, activities and exciting, creative projects.

Kidz Fit Camp at Pure Fitness 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 115, Vestavia Hills AL 35216, www.purefitnessllc.com. This is the only summer camp experience that gives each child a chance to stay fit and active over the summer while working on sports skills, living a balanced healthy lifestyle, as well as working on their flexibility and mobility.

McWane Summer Camps (Camp McWane) 200 19th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203, www. mcwane.org. McWane Science Center Camps

include topics that inspire curiosity and sense of wonder for hands-on, minds-on, science and fun.

Summer camps offer further inquiry into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics for children 4 to 13 years old. Campers can learn about the deep oceans, journey into outer space, build robots or spend time with McWane animals

Summer at Altamont 4801 Altamont Road South, Birmingham AL 35222, www.altamontschool.org. These camps focus

on fine-tuning math and English skills, or fulfilling required courses in a more relaxed environment.

Altamont offers a wide array of quality classes, taught by faculty, which are both educational and fun.

STARS Camp VST at Virginia Samford Theatre

1116 26th Street South, Birmingham AL 35205, www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

This summer theatre intensive is designed to give children, ages 7-17, the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre.

Students will participate in a series of classes and workshops taught by some of Birmingham’s best instructors and performers, focusing on acting, dance, music, stage combat, and more.

Red Mountain Theatre Summer Camps 301 19th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, www.redmountaintheatre.org. Camps teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. The curriculum includes vocal, dance, and drama training and culminates in a staged performance, where students perform for live audiences.

Shelby County Arts Council Summer Camps 105 W College Street, Columbiana, AL 35051, www. shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Campers create a variety of artworks, such as painting, collage, clay, drawing and more. Kids will learn about art and history as well as the most exciting eras of art around the world.

Shelby County Schools Locations vary, www.shelbyed.k12.al.us. Shelby County Schools’ Community Education Department offers summer camps at selected sites. Learning activities, arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips are major components of the program. Enrichment camps are also available at certain sites.

Bham Family March 2020 27

HEALTHY LIVING

Get Your Kids Moving Pure Fitness offers a one-of-a-kind camp experience for children to learn the foundations of leading their best healthy life.

BY JEANA DURST In this age of device addiction, it’s more important than ever to get kids moving. Many kids meet that need through sports, so it’s easy to find a sports camp this summer, but what if you just want to expose your child to basic concepts of health and fitness? Pure Fitness Kidz Fit Camp has got you covered. Focused on wellness and increasing agility and mobility, this camp also teaches children how to make smart meal choices.

Pure Fitness owner Erin Holtz explains that the idea for this camp came about at the request of parents who trained at the gym. “We thought it would be a great idea to teach kids how to be active, and show them that they can have fun doing it,” Holtz says.

The camp for ages 7-14 runs 8:30 a.m. to noon July 13-17, with a healthy lunch provided each day.

The kids will have the opportunity to learn about athletic and fitness careers from professionals in those fields. For instance, last year’s camp featured visits from a college soccer athlete and a fitness boxing instructor. Additionally, kids will run obstacle courses and complete sports drills, making the camp a good fit for kids who are involved in other sports programs. (Groups are small and kids receive individualized instruction tailored to their abilities.)

Another popular feature of the camp is the training from a registered dietician. Kids leave camp knowing exactly what the perfect plate looks like. “That was probably one of the favorite activities,” Holtz says. It didn’t stop there; kids were provided with information that allowed 28 Bham Family March 2020

them to make those same kinds of healthy choices when they dine out. Getting your young ones to choose veggies over French fries is something most parents can definitely get behind.

By the end of the week, Holtz says she noticed that kids begin to request healthier options on their own without prompting. And all of the healthy meal educational resources are sent home so parents can extend the learning beyond the camp dates.

Important to note is that all the activities are led by certified personal trainers employed by Pure Fitness and sports professionals, which means that every instructor has the kind of specialized training to ensure children are safe while they participate in activities.

Because this camp takes place in a working gym, each day holds a physical challenge, and the campers venture outdoors as well. This camp is really about establishing a healthy lifestyle early on and providing skills that kids can take home.

“Getting active early in life instills those habits and is going to give your child a better chance at staying healthy throughout their lives,” Holtz says. In fact, last year one six-year-old came home every day with a new idea for being active at home, she reports. More than just a camp, Kidz Fit Camp can be a foundation for a healthy lifestyle that will benefit kids for years to come.

For more information, visit purefitness.com. Small class sizes and specialized one on one training sessions make this gym unique. Their trainers can cater to any fitness level and people with injuries or in stages of illness.

Bham Family March 2020 29

KIDS WHO SHINE

ELLA WALLACE, 10

“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” Paul Brandt

T

he first thing you notice about Ella Wallace when you meet her is the spark in her eyes and the vibrant spirit. It’s clear she’s got plans, and anyone who knows her will tell you those plans most likely involve helping someone in need.

Her philanthropic mindset was evident when she was only four years old; she told her parents they should sell their home to give it to a homeless person. By five, she had organized a lemonade stand to raise money for an organization serving homeless people in Dallas, where she lived at the time. “It gives me a feeling that I really like whenever I help others,” Ella says.

In some ways this Homewood Shades Cahaba fourth-grader is like her peers—she loves making up silly games with friends and her favorite subjects are art, music, and math. But what separates her from other students who like to help others is her persistence and the level of organization behind her missions. In April of 2019, Ella planned a fundraising party (and an auction item to raffle) that raised $300 to buy food for the animals at The Humane Society.

Later that year, she joined others at her school to donate her hair to Locks of Love.

Her efforts grew as she did. Ella’s last project of 2019 was a special one. She organized a pie sale to fund supplies and gifts for the residents of Briar Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Hoover.

She strategically chose the Thanksgiving holiday to bake 14 peanut butter and chocolate pies for

people hosting family at the holiday. (And used her birthday money to buy the food.) After her sale, Ella interviewed the staff at Briar Glen to determine what the residents’ needs were and assembled a giant gift basket chock full of lotions, soaps, blankets and other sundries—just in time for Christmas. “A lot of them wouldn’t get Christmas presents, and it made them really happy,” Ella says.

Now, she is on to an entrepreneurial idea that will take her fundraising to the next level. Ella is actively developing “Pop, the Pop Up Shop,” which will be a small “she-shed” from which Ella can cook and sell goods to fund her philanthropy projects, specifically to raise money to help people cover medical bills. This idea was inspired when her sister broke her arm and had to have surgery. “I thought about it and I wondered how you would get surgery if you couldn’t afford it,” Ella says. She plans to decorate Pop with an 80s diner theme. (She has a logo and picked out their signature color—red.) Her family is helping her navigate the permit process, and they are actively seeking venues where she can set up.

In the meantime, her giving spirit continues as she is currently gathering donations of toiletry items and games for another delivery to the residents of Briar Glen. Ella’s mom happily shares that she is always pushing them with a new idea of how to help others and their biggest challenge is to keep up with her plans. Ella just smiles and says, “I’m not going to stop.”

To nominate a child for Kids Who Shine, email matthew@jbmcmedia.com.

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The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

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Engaging the full spectrum of substance abuse in Shelby County

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www.compact2020.com 32 Bham Family March 2020