Birmingham Parent Magazine - February 2014

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

FEBRUARY 2014

THE

BIG CAMP ISSUE

Introducing

SCHOOL NEWS

GOING TO THE DENTIST: The First Time Adventure

Follow the CIVIL RIGHTS Trail

GEARING UP FOR CAMP: Pack What They Need & Leave the Rest at Home

HELP FOR HOMESICKNESS AT CAMP 2014 CAMP DIRECTORY

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UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Education & Outreach

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Make It Happen Performing Ensemble’s

In Honor of Black History Month

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Know what to do in case of suspected concussion.

205.975.4769 A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY Should be urgently assessed medically Should not be left alone Should not drive a motor vehicle

205.408.4386

7023 Meadowlark Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 (Just off Hwy. 280 in between Wal-Mart & Lloyds-Greystone)

Mention Birmingham Parent Magazine & receive $100 OFF Play System Installation

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We Sell Trampolines & Basketball Goals

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

EDITOR'S NOTE 3590-B Hwy. 31 S. #289 Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

B I R M I N G H A M PA R E N T ’ S

VIRTUAL

2014

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans

WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL CAMP ISSUE

Editor Carol Muse Evans

In this issue of Birmingham Parent you’ll find great information about going to camp, our annual camp directory and of course, our camp advertisers who have invested in this issue to be brought to you.

Many of you look forward to our Camp Expo event in mid to late February each year. Though we have promoted Camp Expo for this month initially, we have decided to do an online VIRTUAL CAMP EXPO in 2014 instead – a new trend among parenting magazines. Many camps find they can present a lot of information this way, and parents aren’t limited to one day to do their camp research and shopping.

The Virtual Camp Expo will be on our website all year long, and you can visit it any time 24-7. Next year, we hope to bring back the regular event and do the expo online as well, so we look forward to your input on what you think, and what is your favorite way to shop for camp and summer opportunities for your child.

But camp isn’t all there is this month. Don’t miss the great story about teaching your tween about hygiene on page 50 by Tiffani Hill. There are some great tips for room moms (and dads) for Valentine’s Day parties on page 42, and Lynn Fullman takes you on a civil rights tour honoring Black History Month on page 34.

Of course, we’ve got our popular calendar of events, both in pull-out form with the highlights in the center of the magazine, and the more detailed calendar following it.

Have a great February! It’s been said it’s a little month with a lot to offer, and it is true.

Contributors Cathy Ashby, Lynn Grisard Fullman, Tiffani Hill, Denise Yearian, Paige Townley, Pam Molnar, Dr. Luis Pineda, Dr. Vivian Friedman, Christopher “Bull” Garlington

Thanks for picking up this issue!

Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

4 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Calendar & Business David Evans

sales Special Events Coordinator Sharon Menachemi Account Executive Kayla Fricks Webmaster David Evans

art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno Distribution T&P Deliveries Legal Counsel Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

FEBRUARY2014 Athletic Adventures Await at Summer Sports Camps

FREE

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FEBRUARY 2014

THE

26

BIG CAMP ISSUE

8 38 36

Introducing

SCHOOL NEWS

GOING TO THE DENTIST: The First Time Adventure

GEARING UP FOR CAMP: Pack What They Need & Leave the Rest at Home

HELP FOR HOMESICKNESS AT CAMP

Follow the CIVIL RIGHTS Trail

2014 CAMP DIRECTORY

10 18 12

departments

10 Gearing Up for Camp: Pack

15 Camp Club Member

12 Birmingham Parent’s 2014

18 Help for Homesickness

What They Need & Leave the Rest At Home

Summer Camp Directory

at Away Camp

36

Full Swing in Mobile,

Birthplace of Mardi Gras

36 Black History Month

Discover Civil Rights History

48

34

Discover Civil Rights History

34 The Celebration is in

Advertorials

Celebration is in Full Swing

38 Going to the Dentist

First Time Adventure

42 Calling All Room Moms: A Valentine's Day Party Plan

04

Editor’s Note Welcome to the Camp Issue

07

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

08

School News

28

February Pull Out Calendar

30

February Expanded Calendar of Events

46

Ask the Specialist: Can Certain Foods Help Fight Cancer?

54

Death by Children: Driving Miss Crazy

Raising Awareness for Rare Diseases

48 Five Moms One Mission: Raising awareness for Rare Diseases

50 The Smell of Puberty

How to Help Tweens Understand Hygiene

ON OUR COVER: Vivian, age 6, of Mount Olive loves art. She is photographed here at the Birmingham Museum of Art in their Contemporary Gallery. Backdrop is “Bonjour Julie” (1971), Joan Mitchell, American (1925-1992). . Art is just one of the many camp options for children this spring and summer. Photo by Donald Love Photography , www. dlovephotography.com, 205-902-5357. Vivian is one of the “Cover Kids” selected from the November fall family fest in Homewood.

6 | birminghamparent | february 2014

parenting

Parenting with Dr. Friedman I frequently provide child care for my sister’s children who are ages two and three. She leaves them with me for several days at a time including overnight. My children, who are four and six, were much more independent at the ages of my niece and nephew. My sister’s children don’t make any attempt to dress themselves but simply expect me to dress them. My children by age three could put on their own clothes and I had only to button their pants and tie their laces. With four children age six and under in my care, I need the children to do what they can for themselves. Is my sister remiss in not teaching them to be independent or am I expecting too much?

Q:

It sounds like you are quite busy with four very young children. The expectations placed on children for independence tend to run with the burdens of the caretaker.

That is, a mother of a single child, or two children widely spaced, tends to do more for the child than does the mother of several young children or a caretaker in a daycare setting. The less time and energy available for the child, the more he is expected to do for himself.

Not only does spacing and the number of children in the care of one caretaker determine the amount of autonomy expected, but birth order does too. We tend to expect more of the first child and call him “the big boy,” but the youngest child tends to be called “the baby.” These labels tend to affect self-perception throughout life.

A:

There are plusses and minuses to either situation. The child dressed by the caretaker tends to be less independent at a young age and tends to have fewer self-help skills. Yet if he is loved rather than smothered, and if he is allowed to grow as he marches on in chronological age, he will benefit from the years of nurturance. He will tend to be sweeter in nature from having been nurtured. Early, forced autonomy tends to produce tougher children.

Whether toughness is good or bad is a matter of opinion and the circumstances the child encounters later in life.

The child expected to be independent will seem more mature at a younger age. He might or might not maintain these gains as he grows. If he feels deprived, he may demand attention and nurturance later, when develop-

mentally it may seem less appropriate.

Depending upon temperament, some children forced to autonomy at an early age become angry. Instead of developing autonomy, they develop a lifelong pattern of seeking and demanding nurturance from others. Addictive and alcoholic personalities are examples of this.

I tend to favor nurturing children when they are young so that they can develop a sense of being valued and loved.

This allows them to move on to appropriate independence as they get older.

If you are overwhelmed, you might want your sister to take more responsibility for her children. It probably is not realistic to expect children ages two and three to completely dress themselves and there is no particular advantage to their mastering these skills before their time.

Vivian K. Friedman Ph. D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

JUNE 2 - 6 Theatre Arts (grades 4-6) Kodu: Game Programming (grades 5-8) Molecular Biology (grades 6-8) Hydrobotics (grades 6-8) Biotechnology (grades 6-8) JUNE 9 -13 Creative Writing (grades 5-10) Basic Musicianship (grades 5-7) Theatre Arts (grades 7-9) Hydrobotics (grades 6-8) Chemtastic (grades 6-8) Kodu: Game Programming (grades 5-8) Envirolab (grades 6-8)

JUNE 16-20 Visual Arts (grades 5-8) Intermediate Musicianship (grades 7-8) Green Innovations (grades 6-8) Civil Engineering (grades 6-8) Computer Programming: Android App Camp (grades 6-8) JUNE 2-20 Pre-Algebra (grades 7-9) Algebra I (grades 8-10)

birminghamparent.com | 7

mon-sat 10am-5pm

school news

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Contact your local Leukemia & Lymphoma office for more info 205.989.0098 or kimberly.johnson@lls.org

8 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Einstein Expo winners from Prince of Peace Catholic School: Row 1: Meghan Mooney, Jeries Lutfi, Katherine Smith, Courtney Evans, Gregory Shunnarah, Cecilia Brewer. Row 2: Samantha Teta, Miriam Abikhaled, Carley Rickman, A.J. Kingsmore, Stanley Stoutamire, Hope Lacy, Abbie Bateh, Jacob Talyor, Margaret Ann Payne, Emma Muscato. Row 3: Mia Gerson, KaiLian Davis, Christian Wolf, Kome Ubogu, Matthias Rathbun, Lacy Wallace, Caroline Anthony, Evvy Lusco. Missing: Jaason Wedin.

O STUDENTS WIN EINSTEIN EXPO Prince of Peace Catholic School’s Einstein Expo only happens every few years, but it produces some of the most interesting projects.

The school’s earth, physical and life science fair is open to students in grades three through eight and showcases their imagination, ingenuity, and experimental skills. Winning projects included titles such as: “Can Worms Smell,” “The Germ Buster,” “The Hairspray Face Shield,”

“Sugar versus Stevia” and “Self-Inflating Balloons” and many others.

The young scientists made an oral presentation of their projects to a panel of judges during the school day. Later that day, the students returned to school with their parents to discover if their project had been awarded a ribbon. The students pictured were winners in the various categories and grade levels.

O JCA’S LADY EAGLES BEGIN SEASON ON NEW FIELD

Jefferson Christian Academy’s “Lady Eagles” will proudly play their first home game Monday, March 10, on a new softball field on JCA’s campus. For years, the school’s softball team has played their games and practiced on borrowed fields. The new home field is located behind the school’s gymnasium, with backstop, outfield

fence and dugouts. Funds for the field come from donations and gifts specifically for that purpose, with volunteers helping with the work. JCA does not use money from tuition and fees to support its athletic programs.

Jefferson Christian Academy is a private Christian school located in Irondale serving students

from pre-school through senior high school. JCA stresses the development of the entire child: academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. To learn more please call 205-9569111 or visit us on the web at jcaweb.net.

O PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL FIFTH

GRADERS CONTINUE CAMP COSBY TRIP TRADITION

Fifth graders from Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover spent an unforgettable three days and two nights at YMCA’s Camp Cosby’s “outdoor classroom� recently.

They learned safe and proper canoe techniques on Lake Logan Martin and survival skills on land including building a fire, shelter and rescue signals. In the Life Learning Lab, the fifth graders touched a six-foot ball python and discovered how animals adapt to survive in their environments.

Another fun part of the trip was the “Ways of Old Days� simulation that took the students back in time to the pioneer days by writing with a quill and ink and

making their own toys. Plant physiology, geology, water cycles were also part of the curriculum.

The students were accompanied by their teachers Donna Hecklinski and Laurie Jones, Principal Connie Angstadt, Father Tom Ackerman, Guidance Counselor Debbie Calvert as well as parent chaperones. “I always treasure this learning opportunity with our fifth grade students. Every student is blessed with special gifts and so many of these gifts rise to the surface at camp. We create lifetime memories,� Angstadt says.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PPCS

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Prince of Peace Catholic School’s ďŹ fth grade went to Camp Cosby’s Outdoor Classroom Program where they spent three days and two nights in a fun-ďŹ lled, educational atmosphere. The annual ďŹ eld trip is a much-anticipated event in the ďŹ fth grade year at the school.

SCHOOL

NEWS

SEND US YOUR SCHOOL NEWS, editor@birminghamparent.com. We welcome photos, too, but be sure you have the rights to the photo before sending and include any caption or photo credit we should include. There is no guarantee about what news items we will use – we are limited by our space restrictions, but will try to include all we can! Deadline each month is the 10th prior to the month of the magazine.

3EARCH SMARTER ,IVE BETTER

birminghamparent.com | 9

Gearing Up for Camp PACK WHAT THEY NEED & LEAVE THE REST AT HOME

By Cathy Ashby

F

or many families, packing for summer camp is much like the annual to-do surrounding the choosing and buying of school supplies.

The kids spend hours laboring over the list of what the camps suggest they bring, adding their own special touches and musthaves to the mix. And they look forward to the requisite trips to Wal-Mart and Target.

Whether or not you plan to buy all new supplies or pack things you have on hand, packing for camp is a crucial part of the summer camp experience.

And sticking to the camp’s unique packing list is a must.

The lists will vary from camp to camp, based on specific program needs. Traditional, outdoor camps require different things than sports camps, academic programs require different things than adventure or travel camps, and so forth.

So, if you haven’t received a list of what to bring to a camp your child is registered to attend, call to request one. Generic lists probably won’t do much good.

Camps often also recommend specific kinds of luggage, trunks or footlockers. If possible, follow the recommendations because camp staff have experience with their facilities and storage capacity, and they know what works best.

10 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Pack old things and pack lightly.

Keep in mind that families don’t need to go overboard buying new things before camp. Usually, you can find almost everything yours campers will need in your house. New toiletries and incidentals are one thing, but new clothes, towels and linens are another. In fact, when it comes to these items, camp staff members agree — the older, the better.

Campers are less likely to care deeply if old things get lost or damaged. If you must send new clothes or linens, remember to launder them before packing them. Shrinkage and discoloration are often problems for kids who do laundry — perhaps for the

first time — at camp.

The old adage “less is more” also applies. Campers are less likely to lose items when they don’t bring as much stuff.

haven’t labeled it, there’s no hope of getting it back.” They recommend three methods of labeling: indelible ink stamps, laundry marking pens and iron-on/sew-on labels.

Label everything.

Everyone brings white socks and a pair of jeans to camp.

And almost everyone brings a blue towel and a pair of black shorts. How do campers tell them apart when they get mixed up at the pool, in the bathroom or in their cabin?

They don’t. So make sure the camper’s name is clearly and permanently on everything you send.

Jon C. Malinowski and Christopher Thurber, authors of The Summer Camp Handbook, write: “If you

Leave valuables (and contraband) at home.

It almost goes without saying, but camp experts say it anyway (because kids just keep bringing these things to camp, year after year): Expensive items don’t belong at camp. Things get lost, things get stolen and things get damaged in the hectic fun of camp life. Campers should leave their valuables at home where they’ll be safe. (Of course, campers are strictly forbidden to bring alcohol, drugs or weapons to camp.)

What they don’t tell you to bring.

Camp packing lists are comprehensive about what campers need.

But don’t overlook the things they’ll want.

Childhood pillows, pictures from home, favorite books and magazines, contact with Mom and Dad. These are the things that many campers miss the most when they’re away at camp. Consider sending a few comfort items along to help ease anxiety. Small stuffed animals and pre-written letters go a long way toward making campers feel at home and heading homesickness off at the pass.

Consider sending a few comfort items along to help ease anxiety.

Pack Like a Pro Tips from The Summer Camp Handbook by Jon C. Malinowski and Christopher Thurber

a Label everything. We can’t say this enough, so we’ll keep saying it. Label everything.

a Make a list of everything that you’re

bringing to camp and tape it to the inside of your trunk or suitcase. If you’re packing into a backpack or duffel bag, put that list in one of the pockets. Use the list at the end of camp to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

a Instead of stacking neatly folded clothes in

your trunk or suitcase, roll the clothes neatly and pack them upright like pencils in a jar.

That way, you can see everything that you have, without unpacking a thing.

a Pack small items in zippered plastic bags so they all stay put.

Cathy Ashby, a freelance writer and editor, is a former camp director and counselor.

Camp Juliette Low Cloudland, GA Located on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, CJL is an independent, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7-17. 1 & 2 week sessions available June 8—August 2, 2014

x Horseback

x Canoeing

x Ropes course x Climbing wall x Crafts/pottery x Drama x Pool

x Sailing x Archery x Fire-building x Backpacking x Camp crafts

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day camps Q ALABAMA BALLET JUNIOR CAMP 2726 First Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-1874 libbaowen@alabamaballet.org www.alabamaballet.org Fee: $285- 1 wk; $475 2 wks Number of Sessions: 2, boys and girls Dates: June 23 – July 3, 2014 Ages: 8-12 Junior Camp is a great opportunity for dance students to stay in shape over the summer and make new friends. Participants bring a sack lunch.

Q ALABAMA BALLET SUMMER PROGRAM 2726 First Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-1874 libbaowen@alabamaballet.org www.alabamaballet.org Fee: $625 per session Number of Sessions: 4, boys and girls Dates: June 2-28, 2014 Ages: 11-20 The Summer Program is four weeks of professional training that culminates in a final performance on Saturday, June 28.

Classes include ballet, pointe and hip-hop.

Q ALABAMA BALLET – TUTUS AND TIARAS 2726 First Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-1874 libbaowen@alabamaballet.org www.alabamaballet.org Fee: $250 per session Number of Sessions: 2, boys and girls Dates: July 21-25; July 28-Aug. 1, 2014 Ages: 4-7 Tutus and Tiaras participants will take an age appropriate ballet class, create crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime.

Q ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Birmingham, AL 35203 www.asfa.K12.al.us jlittle@asfa.K12.al.us Camps available in writing, dance, music, math, chemistry, computer programming, robotics, engineering, theatre and visual arts. For full course descriptions and registration forms, visit our website. Enrollment is available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Creative Writing Ages: grades 5-10 Dates: June 9-13 Theatre Arts Ages: grades 4-6, June 2-6 Ages: grades 7-9, June 9-13 Visual Arts Ages: entering grades 5-8 Dates: June 16-20 Green Machine!

Engineering Camp Ages: grades 6-8 Dates: June 16-20 Mo’ Bio: Molecular Biology Ages: grades 6-8 Dates: June 2-6 Biotechnology Camp Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 2-6 Math Enrichment: Pre-Algebra Ages: entering grades 7-9 Dates: June 2-20 Fundamentals of Algebra I Ages: entering grades 7 & above Dates: June 2-20 Music Camp for Beginners Ages: entering grades 5-7 Dates: June 9-13 Music Camp for Intermediate Students Ages: entering grades 7 & 8 Dates: June 16-20 Hydrobotics Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 2-6 & June 9-13 Kodu: Game Programming Ages: entering grades 5-8 Dates: June 2-6 & June 9-13 Chemtastic Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 9-13

12 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Android App Programming Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 16-20 Envirolab Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 9-13 Civil Engineering Ages: entering grades 6-8 Dates: June 16-20 Young Dancer Intensive Ages: students grades 5-8 who have studied ballet min. 2 yrs.

Dates: July 7-18 Q ALDRIDGE GARDENS SUMMER CAMPS 3530 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-682-8019 aawilson@aldridgegardens.com aldridgegardens.com Astronauts, Wizards and Fairies, American Girls, Nature Sleuths, Critter Detective and more! Morning day camps, weekly June 2-27.

Campers entering K-3rd grade. All teachers have Alabama Certification in Education.

Q ALTAMONT SUMMER 2014 The Altamont School 4801 Altamont Road South Birmingham, AL 35222 205-879-2006 mwhiteside@altamontschool.org www.altamontschool.org Fee: varies Number of Sessions: 1, boys and girls Dates: June 2 and July 11, 2014 Ages: 3rd-12th grades Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment, advancement or a way to burn some energy, Altamont has just what your child needs this summer – something constructive to do.

Q ALYS STEPHENS CENTER’S ARTPLAY 1006 19th Street South Birmingham, AL 35205 www.artplayasc.org kkirklin@uab.edu 205-975-4769 ArtPlay is the education and outreach department of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Offering Musical, Visual Arts, and Theatre summer camps for children age 6 to 18.

Q BCT’S SUMMER ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Birmingham Children’s Theatre 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-458-8181 jack@bct123.org www.bctr123.org Fee: $225- $425 Number of Sessions: 3 Dates: June 16 -July 18, 2014 Ages: upcoming 4K- 10th graders During our summer camp, theatre professionals teach a variety of exciting classes, including acting, singing, dancing, crafts, monologues, theatre games, improvisation and much more!

Q BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART – ART CAMP 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Birmingham, AL 35203 205-297-8151 education@artsbma.org www.artsbma.org The only summer experience that gives your camper immediate access to our collection of original artworks from around the world. Give your child a summer of endless inspiration!

Q BIRMINGHAM ZOO 2630 Cahaba Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223 205-397-3877 www.birminghamzoo.com/ education education@birminghamzoo.com Your child can experience upclose animal encounters, train & carousel rides, fun in the splash fountains and guided tours. The best place for summer fun is at a Birmingham Zoo Camp!

Q CAMP 119 St.Vincent’s One Nineteen Health & Wellness 7191 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242 205-408-6540 www.onenineteen.com/fitnes/ campsvon.asp Fee: $35/day non-member and $30/day member Dates: June 2, 2014 August 8, 2014 Ages: 6-12 Children that participate in our Camp 119 program will experi-

ence sports, swimming, camp games, indoor/outdoor activities and crafts. A full day of fun! www.onenineteen.com/fitnes/ campsvon.asp Q CAMP FLIPTASTIC Head Over Heels Gymnastics 500 Caldwell Mill Trace Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-2720 office@headoverheelsgyms.com www.headoverheelsgyms.com # of Sessions: 5 Fee: $99/Preschool; $225/ School Age Dates: June 9-13 and July 14-18 for school ages.

Dates: June 17-19 and July 22-24 for pre-school ages.

Daily themes, fantastic staff, creative crafts and plenty of gymnastics make our summer camp all day fun!!

Q CHILDREN’S DANCE FOUNDATION HALF AND FULL DAY CAMPS 1715 27th Court South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-0073 shellie@childrensdancefoundation.org www.childrensdancefoundation.org Creative camps for Kindergarten through 9th grade in our Community Arts Center. Weekly classes for ages 1 and up too!

Q ELIZABETH PERRY RUSHTON CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 2118 Fourth Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203

admin@eprcdc.com www.eprcdc.com 205-322-8310 The Elizabeth Perry Rushton Child Development Center, established in 1995, serves children ages 6 weeks through 4 years, and is accredited by NAEYC. Q FRESH AIR FAMILY GROSS OUT CAMP P.O. Box 321038 Birmingham, AL 35232 205-540-6642 verna@freshirfamily.org www.freshairfamily.org Award-winning Gross Out Camp is offered all summer long at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

See website for more info. on this hands-on biology camp.

Q GRACE COMMUNITY SCHOOL & DAYCARE 8777 Helena Road Pelham, AL 35124 205-769-6209 Nate.wells@thewhaleschool.com www.thewhaleschool.com Dates: Summer Break Ages: Infants-entering 3rd grade Theme weeks, daily Bible lessons, tutoring, character training.

Q HIGHLANDS SUMMER CAMP 4901 Old Leeds Road Birmingham, AL 35213 205-956-9731 gmccool@highlandsschool.org www.highlandsschool.org

A higher degree of fun! Come choose from arts, sports, crazy and fun camps! Extended hours available. June 2-August 8, 2014.

Exciting camps for all ages during school vacations. Various themes allow children to experience something new each day.

See website for all details.

Q JOSEPH BRUNO MONTESSORI ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP 5509 Timber Hill Road Birmingham, AL 35242 Rebecca@jbma.org www.jbma.org Fee: see website Dates: June 9 – Aug. 1, 2014 Ages: preschool and elementary students

Q PELHAM SKATE SCHOOL’S BASIC SKILLS SUMMER CAMPS Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena 500 Amphitheatre Road Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-6448 www.pelhamciviccomplex.com

Offers interactive and creative summer camps designed to engage children in meaningful and fun summer activities. Relax and EXPERIENCE summer on our peaceful wooded campus.

Q LA PETITE ACADEMY 2041 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 7365@lapetite.com www.lapetite.com 205-879-7615 Provides educational childcare for children 6 weeks-age 12.

Passionate about providing children with the tools they need to be successful in all aspects of their lives.

Q MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER 200 19th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8414 www.mcwane.org

Dates: June 9-13, July 7-11, and Aug 4-8, 2014 Fee: $250/wk Ages: 5-11 We have the coolest camp in town! Join us at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena for our “Learn to Skate” camps this summer.

Q PRIMROSE SCHOOL AT LIBERTY PARK 1800 Urban Center Pkwy.

Vestavia, AL 35242 205-969-8208 www.primroselibertypark.com Number of Sessions: 11 themed weeks Dates: May 27 to week of Aug. 4, 2014 Ages: 5-12 Primrose School at Liberty Park Summer Camp program for rising kindergarteners through 5th grade. Summer 2014 – Dare to Imagine 11 different weekly themes. www.primroselibertypark.com.

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zipline, crafts, archery, canoeing & more! Accredited by ACA. Open house May 18, 2014.

Q DEER RUN CAMPS & RETREATS 3845 Perkins Road Thompson’s Station, TN 37179 888-794-2917 www.camps.deerruntretreat.org registration@deerrunretreat.org # of Sessions: 8 Fee: $729/1 week or $1569/2 week Ages: Completed grades 3-12, boys and girls Dates: June 8 – July 26, 2014

Q RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY’S BROADWAY BOOTCAMP 3028 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, Alabama 35233 205- 324-2424 www.redmountaintheatre.org workshops@redmountaintheatre.org RMTC’s Broadway Bootcamp offers a variety of acting, singing, and dancing instruction for ages 5-21 taught by Birmingham’s best to Broadway professionals.

Q SAMFORD UNIVERSITY ACADEMY OF THE ARTS 205-726-4049; 205-726-2810 www.samford.edu/academy-ofthe-arts Music for children and adults at Samford University in Homewood. Preschool piano, Kindermusik, private & group piano, voice and strings lessons.

Q SUMMER@SPRINGS INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL 190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 205-532-1806 www.indiansprings.org/summer dray@indiansprings.org # of sessions: Varies by course Fee: Varies by course Dates: June and July select weeks Ages: Rising 4th-12th graders One- and two-week academic enrichment courses.

overnight camps Q CAMP JULIETTE LOW 321 Camp Juliette Low Road Cloudland, GA 30731 770-428-1062 info@cjl.org www.cjl.org Ages: 7-17 On Lookout Mountain! A traditional girl’s camp where self-reliance, confidence and teamwork are nurtured through fun, instructional programs.

Smiles and friendship abound in beautiful surroundings.

Q CAMP SUMATANGA 3616 Sumatanga Road Gallant, AL 35972 256-538-9860 reservations@sumatanga.org www.sumatanga.org Camp Sumatanga, 50 miles north of Birmingham, offers sports camps, Lacrosse, Horse camps, Mom and Me and many more. Serving over 60 years.

ACA accredited.

Q CAMP WOODMONT 381 Moonlight Dr. Cloudland, GA 30731 706-398-0739 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com Just two hrs. north of Birmingham. Deep-seeded traditions.

Horseback riding, climbing,

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DEEPER FAITH. GREATER ADVENTURES – Traditional; Christian emphasis. Wooded; horseback riding, climbing tower, paintball, archery, crazy games, lake activities and more. Nightly speaker, worship. Bible study.

Q MCCALLIE SPORTS CAMP 500 Dodds Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37404 423-453-5633 sportscamp@mccallie.org www.mccalliesportscamp.com For 35 years McCallie Sports Camp has been the South’s premiere sports camp for boys.

We emphasize sportsmanship, participation and fun for all ability levels.

Q RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS P.O. Box 299 Mentone, AL 35984 256-634-4043 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com Riverview is a private camp for girls ages 6-16 on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone. Over 16 activities to choose from for a summer full of fun.

Q VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUESTRIAN CAMP 606 Valley View Ranch Road Cloudland, GA 30731 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com Fee: $1500-$2950 Dates: June 1-August 1 Ages: Girls 8-17

Horse Lovers’ paradise since 1954! Atop Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls, 8-17; English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting and Trails.

Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse.

Q YMCA CAMP COSBY 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road Alpine, AL 35014 252-268-2007 info@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org Camp Cosby serves ages 6-16 with traditional overnight summer camp. Campers stay in air-conditioned cabins with highly-trained camp counselors. Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, water-skiing, arts and crafts.

special needs opportunities Q CHILD’SPLAY THERAPY CENTER 3057 Lorna Road Suite 220 Birmingham AL 35216 205-978-9939 kerri@childsplaytherapycenter.com www.childsplaytherapycenter.com Occupational, physical, speech and music therapy, along with academic tutoring. Beautiful facility designed just for kids.

Our experienced, loving staff will exceed your expectations!

things for camp Q APPLAUSE DANCEWEAR 1629 Oxmoor Rd. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-7837 www.appausedancewear.net Largest selection of dancewear in the Southeast. Clothing, shoes and accessories for all types of dance to fit toddler to plus size, teams and individuals.

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JOSEPH BRUNO MONTESSORI ACADEMY Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy will be offering half and full day summer camps beginning in June 2014.

Camps will be held on the beautiful wooded campus with offerings for children at the preschool and elementary levels. The campus is the perfect setting for outdoor and environmental offerings that focus on nature and science. Campers will explore the natural world of flowers, animals and insects. Interactive Science camps will be available to engage the minds of our future scientists. The arts are woven into

the summer experience at Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy as well.

Opportunities exist to paint, draw and create in camps that focus on art, dance and drama.

Join us for a summer adventure as we explore, learn and have fun at Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy!

Summer is a great time for children and families new to Montessori to experience the learning philosophy first hand. Visit our website at www. jbma.org for specific camp dates and offerings.

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy www.jbma.org

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY’S BROADWAY BOOTCAMP RMTC’s Broadway Bootcamp (June 2-13) ŝƐ ƚǁŽ ĨƵůů ǁĞĞŬƐ ŽĨ ĂĐƟ ŶŐ͕ ƐŝŶŐŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĚĂŶĐŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĂŐĞƐ ϳͲϭϴ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚŝƐ ŚŝŐŚͲƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ͕ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝůů ƌŽƚĂƚĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ Ɛŝdž ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ŝŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŽƌƐ ƌĂŶŐŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵΖƐ ďĞƐƚ ƚŽ ƐĞĂƐŽŶĞĚ ƉƌŽĨĞƐͲ ƐŝŽŶĂůƐ ĨƌŽŵ EĞǁ zŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ >ŽƐ ŶŐĞůĞƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ ĐƵůŵŝŶĂƚĞƐ ŝŶ Ă ^ŚŽǁĐĂƐĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ^ĂŵĨŽƌĚ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ tƌŝŐŚƚ ĞŶƚĞƌ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƚŽ ĂŶ ZDd ƐƵŵŵĞƌ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚǁŽ LJĞĂƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĂƵĚŝƟ ŽŶ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ŶŽƚ ďĞĞŶ ƚŽ Ă ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ͕ LJŽƵ ŵƵƐƚ ĂƩ ĞŶĚ

RMTC’s Broadway Bootcamp placement ĂƵĚŝƟ ŽŶƐ ŽŶ DĂƌĐŚ ϴͲϵ͘ KƚŚĞƌ ZDd ƐƵŵŵĞƌ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ Žī ĞƌŝŶŐƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ĂƐŝĐ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ;:ƵŶĞ ϮͲϲ͕ :ƵŶĞ ϵͲϭϯͿ ĂŶĚ ƌŽĂĚǁĂLJ ůĂƐƚ ;:ƵŶĞ ϮͲϭϯͿ͘ ZDd ΖƐ ĂƐŝĐ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĂŶ ŝŶƚƌŽĚƵĐƟ ŽŶ ƚŽ DƵƐŝĐĂů dŚĞĂƚƌĞ ĐŽŶĐĞƉƚƐ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŐĞƐ ϱͲϲ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ŚĂůĨͲĚĂLJ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ůĂƐƚ ĨŽƌ ŽŶĞ ǁĞĞŬ͘ ƌŽĂĚǁĂLJ ůĂƐƚ ŝƐ Ă ƚǁŽͲǁĞĞŬ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ ĨŽƌ ĂŐĞƐ ϳͲϭϴ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ĨƵŶͲĮ ůůĞĚ ŝŶƚƌŽĚƵĐƟ ŽŶ ƚŽ DƵƐŝĐĂů dŚĞĂƚƌĞ͘ EŽ ĂƵĚŝƟ ŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ͘

dŚĞ ĚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ ƚŽ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞƐĞ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ ŝƐ Ɖƌŝů ϭϴ͘ ŶŽŶͲƌĞĨƵŶĚĂďůĞ ĚĞƉŽƐŝƚ ŽĨ ΨϭϬϬ ŝƐ ĚƵĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ Ɵ ŵĞ ŽĨ ƌĞŐŝƐͲ ƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͘ WĂLJŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ĨƵůů ŝƐ ĚƵĞ ďLJ Ɖƌŝů ϭϴ͘ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĂŝĚ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ ƌĞĚŵŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƚŚĞĂƚƌĞ͘ŽƌŐͬǁŽƌƐŚŽƉƐ͘

DEER RUN CAMPS & RETREATS “Deeper Faith. Greater Adventures.”

Each camp week is an exciting, wellplanned, outdoor summer experience that creates positive lifetime memories in a Christ-centered environment with mature, well-trained counselors.

Located near Franklin, Tennessee on 100 wooded acres of beautiful rolling hills, campers enjoy new facilities and numerous outdoor recreation options: horseback riding, waterfront fun (swimming, zip line, waterslide, aqua park, kayaks, canoes), climbing

tower, low and high ropes courses, archery, BB guns, paintball, and more. Each day includes ageappropriate small group Bible study; a dynamic, challenging speaker; and a time of praise each night that is focused on developing confidence, character, and integrity in your child.

Sessions: preteens (completed grades 3-5), middle school (completed grades 6-8), and high school (completed grades 9-12). Each camper receives a camp themed tshirt and DVD of their camp week.

Discounts: early registration, multiple siblings, or multiple sessions. For out-of-town campers arriving by plane, choose supervised shuttle service to and from camp during your online camper registration.

Come tour our facilities and meet camp directors and summer staff at one of our open houses (March, April, or May). Information and registration: Camps.DeerRunRetreat.org or call 888-794-2918.

www.Camps.DeerRunRetreat.org

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS

At Riverview Camp for Girls, campers will meet new friends, accomplish new things and have more fun than they ever dreamed possible! Nestled in the bend of Little River atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama, girls live in the simple

yet lovely rustic cabins with modern conveniences. Riverview offers both one and two-week sessions for ages 6 to 16. We have planned everything you are looking for in a perfect camp setting. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors, canoe on Little River, hike on beautiful pathways, or take a horseback trail ride. Approximately 20 different activities allow campers to enjoy their quest of adventure, inspiration, character & confidence building. Riverview is a non-denominational Christian accredited camp that provides a balanced approach to nurturing spiritual growth and development. Our experienced camp

professionals, including a physician and registered nurses, have been carefully selected and trained to ensure your daughter’s safety. Directors and Owners, Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks are entering their 32nd year and Assistant Director, Donna Bares has worked with the Hooks for 27 years. Our goal is for children and parents to feel the safe haven that is provided for our campers… a summer camp rich in fun, friendship, learning and adventure. For a complete review of the campus, enjoy www.riverviewcamp. com and see why thousands of girls call Riverview “my camp”!

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CHILDREN'S DANCE FOUNDATION

In our DRESS UP AND DANCE half-day camp, Kindergarteners will dress in costume for a daily creative movement class and explore adventurous destinations through story, music and art. In

our popular CREATIVE ARTS camp, 1st- 5th graders will explore Folktales and Favorite Stories through dance, creative drama, music and art. In our DANCE EXPLORATIONS camp, 3rd- 6th graders will have classes in ballet and modern dance technique, improvisation, dance history and sewing. Students will contribute to the making of a dance for the camera. In our THEATRE EXPLORATIONS 2-week camp, 6th-9th graders will have classes in acting technique, voice and movement, improvisation, stage combat, ensemble building, play rehearsal and more! All

camps are led by professional teaching artists. CDF provides snacks, a t-shirt and an early drop off option for all full-day camps. CDF ‘s Weekly classes, June 2 to August 2, include a Parent/Toddler Class, Movement-toMusic for ages 2-4 and for school-age children with special needs, a TEEN Modern/Jazz dance class and adult master classes in modern dance. Visit CDF on the web for a schedule and to take a virtual tour of our studios in Downtown Homewood where all summer camps and classes are held.

academic delays. We offer summer camps for handwriting, early language skills, kindergarten preparedness, social skills, and sensory motor development. Our brightly colored, beautiful facility consists of 8000 square feet of state-of-the-art space designed just for kids! It includes 2 sensory motor gyms, kid-friendly and adult waiting areas, feeding therapy room, multi-purpose toddler/preschool room, numerous private therapy rooms, and a space just for teens and pre-teens.

Parents are welcome to participate in therapy. However, they are also able

to view and listen to their child’s session from the waiting areas on special tablets via webcam technology. Our special programming includes Orton Gillingham reading therapy, the “SOS” approach to feeding therapy, Handwriting Without Tears, and Integrated Listening.

www.childrensdancefoundation.org

CHILD'S PLAY THERAPY Child’sPlay Therapy Center provides occupational, physical and speech therapy services, along with academic tutoring, music therapy and psychological testing and counseling. We are a child friendly, non-clinical environment, where children feel welcomed and at home. Our experienced staff uses play and “kid approved” activities to help children reach their goals.

We can help your child succeed in the areas of speech/language development, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention/ concentration, feeding concerns and

Child’s Play Therapy 205-978-9939 3057 Lorna Road suite 220 Hoover, AL 35216

www.childsplaytherapycenter.com

ALDRIDGE GARDENS Summer camps at Aldridge Gardens offer something for everything your kids are into!

Little campers entering kindergarten through 3rd grade will spend five mornings enjoying the Gardens in exciting ways. They can blast off from a different location in the Gardens each day and explore the world of astronauts, rockets, planets and the moon. Or, they can enter a world of make-believe as they encounter wizards and fairies, experiment with potions and uncloak secrets on scav-

enger hunts. Pint-sized private investigators will use sleuthing skills to gather clues and solve daily mysteries in nature. Young adventurers will hear tales by Chris van Allsburg, then explore the Gardens for story-related treasures, play games and create crafts. Little detectives can bring their powers of observation to learn about the animals of the Gardens through nature walks and discovery of clues that critters leave behind.

And, inspired by the American Girls, campers can bring their dolls along on journeys through the Gardens,

where they’ll do daily crafts, hear stories, sing songs, follow recipes and participate in nature projects.

June 2 – 27. All camps run 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Mid-morning snacks and juice are provided. Teachers have Alabama Certification in Education.

3530 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216 205.682.8019 aldridgegardens.com

tell stories with pantomime. Children will also have a story time where they learn the story behind ballets such as The Nutcracker. Parents are invited to observe a performance on the final day. Participants need to bring a sack lunch.

205-322-1874 www.alabamaballet.org/schoolsummerdance.shtml

ALABAMA BALLET The Alabama Ballet Summer Program is four weeks of professional training that culminates in a final performance on Saturday, June 28.

Dancers ages 11-20 are invited to take classes such as ballet technique, pointe, variations, partnering, modern, jazz, hip hop and Pilates in our home studios. Housing is available for out-of-town students Junior Camp is a great opportunity for students ages 8-12 to continue dancing over the summer. For students new to the Alabama Ballet’s

Royal Academy of Dance program, it’s the perfect way to preview the syllabus and meet some of the teachers. Participants should bring a sack lunch each day. Camp begins at 10pm and ends promptly at 3pm.

There is a performance at the end of the second week.

Tutus and Tiaras is the perfect program for future dancers! Every day of the 5-day session, children ages 4- 7 will take an age appropriate ballet and tap class, create ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers

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BIRMIMGHAM ZOO Have you ever seen a lizard without legs, a bird that can’t fly or a cat that likes to fish? Summer campers at the Birmingham Zoo will have the opportunity to search our 122 acres for some of the world’s most unique animals. With approximately 800 animals of 200 species, including sea lions, rhinos and endangered species from six continents, a ZooFari Summer Camp brings adventure and knowledge together for a fun and exciting camp experience!

ZooFari Summer Camps are available for 4K through 8th grade students.

Space is limited, and camps fill up quickly. Please register in advance to guarantee your child a spot. Before Care and After Care is also available. In addition to an exciting and educational camp curriculum, campers will also enjoy lunch and a daily snack, live animal demonstrations and animal biofacts.

Your child can experience up-close animal encounters, train and carousel rides, fun in the splash fountains, crafts and activities and guided tours of the Zoo. The best place for summer fun is at a Birmingham Zoo Camp!

www.birminghamzoo.com/ summer-camps

CAMP SUMATANGA Camp Sumatanga has been conducting exciting, faith based camps for over 60 years. More than 1000 campers come each summer to a variety of camps. Sumatanga is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) which ensures that the highest standards possible are adhered to and the best practices are utilized.

Sixty+ dedicated and highly trained young adult summer staff give their all each summer to make it the best experience possible for the campers.

Camper ages range from 4 to 94!

Camps include day camps; half week

intergenerational camps (parents & children and grandparents & grandchildren); and weeklong camps for elementary, middle school, and high school age. Camp options include: Lacrosse, Sports camps, Weird and Gross camp, Taste of Camp, Horse Camps, Grand Camps (with grandparents), Adventure Camps, Mission Camps, Mom and Me, Dad and Me, and many more.

ing, rappelling, rock climbing, low ropes course, Alpine Adventure Tower, field sports, horses, basketball, tennis, volleyball, archery, gaga ball and a large swimming pool are some of the options offered. We are open year round for retreats and conferences too.

Sumatanga is nestled in the foothills of Chandler Mountain, just 50 miles north of Birmingham. Hiking, canoe-

YMCA CAMP COSBY SUMMER CAMP Since 1922, Camp Cosby has helped set the standard of excellence in resident camping through programs that match the interests and abilities of each camper. Boys and girls, ages 6-16, have the opportunity to build self-esteem, grow, learn, and challenge themselves.

With 137 acres nestled in east Alabama, Camp Cosby provides the perfect summer camp atmosphere to over 2,000 campers each summer.

Camp Cosby’s facilities include 22 airconditioned cabins, an open air gym,

media center, swimming pool and a 22-stall horse barn.

Along with the finest facilities, Camp Cosby staff members are among the best! We search all over the world to find our wonderful camp counselors.

Counselors are selected on their ability to relate to campers using their individual skills and talents.

Summer camp staff attends intensive leadership training before summer begins to be equipped to meet every child’s needs.

June Camp June 9-13 July Camp July 14-18

Campers will enjoy a wide range of activities that include swimming, waterpark fun, climbing the 55 ft. alpine tower and water skiing. We also have over 10 miles of trails for BMX, minibikes, horses, and hiking.

With our caring staff and our camping values combined, your camper is guaranteed to have a wonderful camp experience!

8 sessions available June 2 –July 27 Visit our website for camp details at www.campcosby.org

Daily themes, fantastic staff, creative crafts and plenty of gymnastics make our summer camp all-day fun!

Our goal is to be your child’s favorite camp!

NEW

MITY-MITES PRESCHOOL

Camp Fliptastic ages 3-6

MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 9-4 - Ages 5-12 Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for an additional fee. Early drop off begins at 7:30am; late pick up until 5:30pm. Friday afternoon at 3:00pm is our “show-off” camp finale performance for family and friends.

www.campcosby.org

June 17-19 July 22-24

Registration for current students: Jan.15th Registration open to public: Feb. 15 Sign up early, camp enrollments are limited.

Tuesday-Thursday 9-12

981-2720 . 500 Caldwell Trace Park (Caldwell Mill/Valleydale Road) www. headoverheelsgyms.com

Campers must be 3 years old and potty trained. Please no Pull-ups.

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Help for Homesickness at Away Camp

F

or some kids, homesickness feels like a mild case of the blues – a twinge of sadness that comes and goes throughout the day. For others, it hits much harder, with overwhelming depression and bouts of uncontrollable crying, punctuated by panic attacks, nausea and an elevated heart rate.

Regardless of what form it takes, homesickness can be scary. It strikes children of all ages, and, according to the American Camping Association, it strikes nearly all children: “Nearly 96 percent of all boys and girls who were spending two weeks or more at overnight camp reported some homesickness on at least one day. Almost all children (and grown-ups!) feel homesick when they’re away from home.”

Who Gets Homesick?

It’s hard to predict which campers will and which campers will not experience severe homesickness, but the likelihood grows under certain conditions: If the child’s parents are overly concerned about homesickness If the child is a first-time camper or is very young If the child’s home life is going through big changes (divorce, death, new siblings, etc.)

If the child has been sent to camp against his or her will If the child is chronically anxious

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What Can Parents Do? “Homesickness comes from the fear of the unknown. All youngsters (and many adults, too) when taken from their familiar surroundings feel the uncertainties of the new experience,” says Bunny Brown, Director Emeritus of Skyland Camp for Girls in Clyde, North Carolina. “Parents can acknowledge the problem but negate its lasting effect on the experience ahead by encouraging the youngster to have the most fun ever and enjoy and report the new adventures.”

Brown suggests that parents explain that homesickness is normal and that it will pass. She strongly encourages parents to focus on the positive, rather than the negative. “Tell the departing

By Cathy Ashby

camper you are excited about sharing the love of riding or swimming or tripping, and ask her to write you all about it. Convince her that there will be new friends to help her discover the fun ahead.”

In addition to talking with children before camp begins, Don Wood, former executive director of the American Camping Association’s Southeastern division, recommends that parents include “comfort items” when packing for camp. “Send a picture of the family dog or family or something that the child will relate to home,” he suggests. “Parents may also send cards already stamped and addressed for the child to write home.”

Another popular strategy involves sending friends or siblings to camp together in

SIX RISK FACTORS YOUR CHILD MAY BE PRONE TO HOMESICKNESS: This is her ďŹ rst time away from home and/or parents.

She has low expectations about camp.

She feels forced to go to camp.

She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust new people and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like new things.

She isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t good at coping with negative feelings or difficult emotions.

She is overly anxious or nervous on a routine basis.

the hopes that they will comfort one another and avoid homesick feelings altogether.

Whenever possible, camp directors suggest letting the camper familiarize herself with the people and the program before camp begins. If the camp offers a commuter option, consider introducing your child to the program as a day camper.

What Should Parents NOT Do?

Do not remind your child about things she will be missing at home.

Do not tell your child that you will pick him up if he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t having a good time.

Brown cautions parents to tread carefully when talking about homesickness. She also urges parents to examine their own feelings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some parents want a camper to be homesick to prove the value of their love and the love at home,â&#x20AC;? she says.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling a bit of your own parental separation anxiety, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell your child that you will be lonely without her. A simple â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love you, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss you while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re goneâ&#x20AC;? is sufficient. If you overdo it, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll worry about leaving you alone.

Who Can Help?

Few people have more experience dealing with homesickness than camp professionals, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising that Wood encourages parents to ask camp staff members for help if the need arises before or during camp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Counselors are trained to watch for homesickness and work with the camper to help him or her adjust,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Cathy Ashby, a freelance writer and editor, is a former camp director and counselor.

cheerleading â&#x20AC;˘ ropes course â&#x20AC;˘ ARTS & CRAFTS â&#x20AC;˘ soccer â&#x20AC;˘ sports â&#x20AC;˘ nature â&#x20AC;˘ drama

Do not send your child to overnight camp if you are certain he will be homesick.

chorus â&#x20AC;˘ gymnastics â&#x20AC;˘ Dance â&#x20AC;˘ canoeing â&#x20AC;˘ tennis â&#x20AC;˘ GOLF

Recognized as one of the Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite Christian summer camps for girls!

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Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabamaâ&#x20AC;Śnestled in a bend of Little River. $GYHQWXUH LQVSLUDWLRQ FKDUDFWHU FRQÂż GHQFH EXLOGLQJ DUH MXVW D IHZ RI WKH EHQHÂż WV WKDW JR KDQG LQ KDQG ZLWK WKH DFWLYLW\ FKRLFHV 5LYHUYLHZÂśV &KULVWLDQ HPSKDVLV H[FLWLQJ SURJUDPV are appreciated by both parents & campers!

Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions!

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Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

swimming â&#x20AC;˘ beach volleyball â&#x20AC;˘ archery â&#x20AC;˘ riding â&#x20AC;˘ basketball â&#x20AC;˘ golf â&#x20AC;˘ much more!

According to Brown and Wood, there are a few things parents should not do when preparing a child to avoid homesickness:

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

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www.dlovephotography.com 205-902-5357 birmingham, al

UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Education & Outreach

Register for

Summer Camp

Available for ages 6 to 18

» Musical » Visual Arts » Theatre Registration begins February 1

ArtPlayASC.org

»

205.975.4769

20 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Your child can experience up-close animal encounters, train and carousel rides, fun in the splash fountains and guided tours of the Zoo. The best place for summer fun is at a Birmingham Zoo Camp! The Zoo has exciting full-day and half-day camps for children going into 4K through 8th grade. Register today!

OUR BRAND NEW CAMPS!

• Zoomazing Jr. ZooKeeper Camp • Zoomazing ZooKeeper Camp

For more information and to register visit www.birminghamzoo.com/classes or call 205.879.0409. *Before Care, After Care and Lunch are available at an additional cost.

AND ICE ARENA

summer

camp!

JUNE 9-13 JULY 7-11 AUGUST 4-8 All camps are $250 for the week, 8am-4pm, ages 5-11 welcome.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Three on ice sessions per day, ƐƚƌĞƚĐŚ ĐůĂƐƐ͕ ŽīͲŝĐĞ ũƵŵƉ ĐůĂƐƐ͕ ĂƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĂŌƐ͕ Ă ƐŬĂƟŶŐ ĞdžŚŝďŝƟŽŶ͕ Ă ƚͲƐŚŝƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ͘ Hockey camps ĨŽƌ ďĞŐŝŶŶĞƌ ƚŽ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŝůů ĂůƐŽ ďĞ ŽīĞƌĞĚ ƚŚŝƐ ƐƵŵŵĞƌ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŚĞĐŬ ƚŚĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ͘

Camps are for Ages 5-11 (maximum of 40 skaters per camp). dŚĞƐĞ ĐĂŵƉƐ ĂƌĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƐŬĂƚĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ ůŝƩůĞ ƚŽ ŶŽ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ &ƌĞĞƐŬĂƚĞ Ϯ͊

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Do you know what your kids want to do this summer?

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ONLINE, BEGINNING FEB. 1, 2014 VIsit http://birminghamparent.parenthood.com/directory/camp/ or go to www.birminghamparent.com VISIT OUR CAMPS ONLINE, SEE PICS, VIDEOS & GO TO THEIR SITES! Booths & Sponsorship buttons available - call now! 205-987-7700 or carol@birminghamparent.com 22 | birminghamparent | february 2014

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Smiles are always welcome here.

Summer@Springs Extraordinary Day Camps for Extraordinary Young People in Grades 4-12 Standardized Test Preparation Science Discovery Study Skills Essay Writing Boot Camp Algebra Readiness—And More!

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Registration and Information: www.indiansprings.org/summer

I NDIAN S PRINGS S CHOOL Nationally Ranked Boarding & Day School for Grades 8-12 Located 12 miles south of Birmingham off I-65 205.988.3350

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&DPS 6XPDWDQJD Camps for ages 4 - 94!

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VOTE NOW in the 2014 Birmingham Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Favorites Awards!

Visit www.birminghamparent.com to vote online for your favorite party place, kids meal, toy store, radio station & more.

YOU CAN ALSO BE ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A GREAT GULF SHORES PRIZE PACKAGE! Must vote in at least 20 categories for you survey to be counted and also put into the random drawing for a 3 night stay for 4 people in a Gulf-front condominium in beautiful Gulf Shores. This fall vacation package will include a meal and an attraction, too! Some restrictions and black out dates apply.

Tell us Your Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorites & WIN! Cast your vote online at www.birminghamparent.com from January 1-April 22, 2014

VOTING ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON APRIL 22, 2014. Look for the family favorites award winners in the June 2014 issue of Birmingham Parent. You must vote in at least 20 categories for your vote to count, and if you wish to be entered in the random drawing, we must receive your complete contact info. Information may be shared with prize sponsors.

24 | birminghamparent | february 2014

SPONSORED BY

Take your summer dance training to the next level.

Exceptional faculty, incredible results.

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ore at .org

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birminghamparent.com | 25

Athletic Adventures Await at Summer Sports Camps

By Cathy Ashby experienced are the instructors, coaches How and counselors? safety regulations and medical facilities Do meet your standards? the facilities (ball fields, cafeterias, Are dormitories) well maintained?

There are other questions you’ll want to ask and factors you’ll want to weigh when choosing a sports camp. Look for a program that makes fun a priority.

Such a program will motivate campers to strengthen their skills and improve their performance. If they don’t enjoy the game at introductory levels, they won’t want to grow and develop as players and athletes.

Be wary of programs that focus too heavily on performance or competition. Unless your child exhibits extraordinary talent, summer sports camps should offer more than hard work and skill building.

Parents should give consideration to the overall size of the program, as well. If your child wants training in specific skills, he or she may need one-on-one attention possible only in smaller programs.

W

hen it comes to summer sports camps, the name of the game is participation. At most camps, every player plays. That’s not the case in many school and community youth sports programs, where the best of the best frequently clock more game time than their average and below-average teammates.

Summer camps level the playing field with specific skill building activities, drills, and practices for all kinds of athletes. Whether your child is superstar material or just so-so, sports camps offer opportunities for athletic development and a whole lot of fun.

How Do You Pick a Winner?

When it comes to choosing a sports camp for your children, many of the factors you’ll consider are the same involved when choosing other kinds of camps:

What is the staff to camper ratio? Does it allow for the kind of individualized instruction and supervision your child needs or wants?

What are the program philosophies? Does the pro-

gram’s attitude toward competition, sportsmanship, and teamwork match yours and your child’s?

26 | birminghamparent | february 2014

What Are the Benefits of Sports Camps?

One obvious answer is improved play. Dedicated practices and performance drills have turned many an average player into a highly effective athlete during the hot summer months. Often, the camp experience is a child’s first brush with tournament play.

This introduction to competitive athletics one of the primary benefits of summer sports camps – it gives campers a taste of what the life of an athlete is like. Working with coaches from colleges and universities packs twice the punch.

But sports camps can help children develop more than just physical skills. Athletic programs help children develop important life skills, including self-discipline, self-motivation, teamwork, and proper manners.

Also critical to the personal development of campers is the positive role modeling provided by camp staff members. Sports camps tend to employ athletes who excel at the sport and coaches who have a passion for the sport. These people can help young athletes envision a continued pursuit of athletic excellence well into the future.

Cathy Ashby, a freelance writer and editor, is a former camp director and counselor.

Quality childcare conveniently located in downtown Birmingham.

The Rushton Child Development Center offers full-time, year-round childcare for parents who work in the downtown area. Our program features a comprehensive curriculum in a nurturing environment.

For children ages 6 weeks through 4 years State licensed & NAEYC nationally accredited Private Internet classroom views for parents Program offers low student-to-staff ratios CALL FOR DETAILS ON CURRENT OPENINGS!

Elizabeth Perry Rushton Child Development Center 2118 4th Ave. North â&#x20AC;˘ Birmingham, AL 35203 205.322.8310 â&#x20AC;˘ www.eprcdc.com

birminghamparent.com | 27

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED

10

3

11

4

Moms Connect – 5th Annual Chocolate Night! 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church.

CREATE A VACUUM DAY

12

5

Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-6pm, Gardendale-Mt Vernon United Methodist Church.

THANK A MAILMAN DAY

Happy Valentine's Day!

MONDAY

HIGHLIGHTS

Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-7pm, GardendaleMt Vernon United Methodist Church.

6

13

THURSDAY

Meet the Artists 5-7pm, Aldridge Botanical Gardens

february 2014 National Children’s Dental Health Month

Black History Month

14

7

UAB Faculty Brass Quintet in Concert 8-10pm, UAB Alys Stephens Center, Reynolds-Kirschbaum

Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-5pm, Gardendale Mt Vernon United Methodist Church.

VALENTINE’S DAY

BAMOM Twice as Nice Consignment Sale 5-9pm, Zamora Temple, Irondale.

8

1

Great Backyard Bird Count 10am-2pm, Birmingham Zoo.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

15 Audubon Tom Imhof Zoo Bird Walk 8-10am, Birmingham Zoo.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, see February 1.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see February 1.

8th Annual Riverchase Loves Artists Show 10am-4pm, Riverchase Country Club.

Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am12pm, Birmingham Public Library.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Free

SATURDAY

9

2

16

UAB Guest Artist Concert 3-5pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall.

Audubon Teaches Nature: Vernal PoolsNature’s Incubator for Cool Critters 12:30-4pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

Groundhog Day at the Zoo 9:30-11am, Birmingham Zoo.

GROUNDHOG DAY

SUNDAY

National Weddings Month

Great American Pie Month

FRIDAY

National Grapefruit Month

Creative Romance Month

Canned Food Month

National Cherry Month

American Heart Month

NATIONAL TORTILLA CHIP DAY

PRESIDENTS DAY

24

17

25

18

Wind Symphony and Symphony Band 3-5pm, Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall.

Moms Connect 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church.

NATIONAL BATTERY DAY

NATIONAL TELL A FAIRYTALE DAY

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

26

19

NATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY

UAB Faculty Recital 7:30-9pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall

27

20

21

NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY

28

Asbury Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 8am-6pm, Asbury United Methodist Church.

Recital Hall.

Asbury Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 8am-1pm, Asbury United Methodist Church.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library.

22

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

AND PUT IT ON YOUR FRIDGE OR FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD!

PULL THIS CALENDAR OUT

23

february 2014 calendar

Calendar sponsored by

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, see February 1.

9 Sunday Audubon Teaches Nature: Vernal Pools-Nature’s Incubator for Cool Critters 12:30-4pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park (Children 6-11 and seniors 62+: $1; Adults: $3). 205-663-7930, Ext. 4, www.awrc.org.

UAB Guest Artist Concert 3-5pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring the Sharpe-Zohn Guitar Duo. 205934-7376, www.uab.edu/cas/ music. FREE.

FIND OUT IF BIRMINGHAM BILL SEES HIS SHADOW

Irondale. The sale is open to the public, but consigning is limited to our members. Each sale includes clothing and shoes for children and adults, furniture, baby equipment, specialty items and much more. Half-price sale on Saturday, February 8. www.bamom. org. FREE.

Moms Connect – 5th Annual Chocolate Night!

6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church. Moms Connect at Riverchase Community Church is a support group of mothers with children of all ages. Bring your favorite chocolate food/recipe to share. Please contact Lynn at 205-664-4531 for childcare reservation. 205-664-4531, FREE.

8 Saturday

12 Wednesday

and if we'll have six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2 at the Birmingham Zoo.

1 Saturday Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Hikes for Tykes is a free program provided to encourage preschool children and their parents to engage in an outdoor educational adventure. 205-540-6642, www. freshairfamily.org. FREE. Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-8622018, http://magiccitychessu. wix.com/magiccitychessu.

FREE.

2 Sunday Groundhog Day Groundhog Day at the Zoo 9:30-11am, Birmingham Zoo.

Will Birmingham Bill see his shadow or not? Find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to take pictures with Birmingham Bill, play kid-friendly games and watch a special wildlife show. www.birminghamzoo. com.

6 Thursday Meet the Artists 5-7pm, Aldridge Botanical Gardens. Former students of Berry High School teacher Soon-Bok Sellers will be exhibiting in her honor in February and March in the Eddie & Kay Aldridge Art & Historical Collections Museum.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com.

7 Friday BAMOM Twice as Nice Consignment Sale 5-9pm, Zamora Temple,

11 Tuesday

th

8 Annual Riverchase Loves Artists Show 10am-4pm, Riverchase Country Club. Riverchase Women’s Club is sponsoring this event.

Proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, The Amelia Center and the Exceptional Foundation. Free golf cart valet. www.riverchaselovesartists.com. FREE. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see February 1.

Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-6pm, Gardendale-Mt Vernon United Methodist Church. Shop a huge selection of gently-used baby and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, strollers, high chairs, furniture, electronics, video games, movies, etc. www.kingdomkidsconsignment.com.

13 Thursday

Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-7pm, Gardendale-Mt Ver-

Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the March 2014 issue is February 3. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent. com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is designed to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700.

30 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Calendar sponsored by

*HSS MVY -YLL *VUÄ KLU[PHS /LSW 1-866-962-3030 non United Methodist Church, see February 12.

14 Friday Valentine’s Day Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale 8am-5pm, Gardendale Mt Vernon United Methodist Church, see February 12.

UAB Faculty Brass Quintet in Concert 8-10pm, UAB Alys Stephens Center, Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall. 205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/cas/music.

FREE.

to bring their binoculars, bird field guides and cameras. www.birminghamzoo.com.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see February 1.

CELEBRATING YEARS OVER

33 &FAMILY-OWNED OPERATED

Great Backyard Bird Count 10am-2pm, Birmingham Zoo. Birdwatchers unite across the globe to track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces.

Birmingham Audubon Society experts provide bird watching tips at the activities at the zoo. www.birminghamzoo.com

LIKE US ON

Big Machines Day Regular hours, McWane Science Center. Get up close and personal with some really BIG MACHINES at this annual McWane event. Admission charged. 205-714-8300, www. mcwane.org.

15 Saturday Audubon Tom Imhof Zoo Bird Walk 8-10am, Birmingham Zoo. Join the Birmingham Audubon Society and the zoo in a twohour guided birding trip. Bird lovers of all ages are invited

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, see February 1.

UAB Festival of Brass Concert 3-5pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring the UAB Brass Choir, ensembles

Dan cewear & 1629 Oxmoor Rd Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-STEP www.applausedancewear.net

ss o e c c A

r i es

Your One Step to All Your Dancing Needs! birminghamparent.com | 31

february 2014 calendar

Calendar sponsored by

THERE IS A PLENTIFUL HELPING OF CONCERTS THIS MONTH. Check out the daily calendar for great music experiences, many with free admission.

and several honors brass ensembles made up of area high school students, concluding with a spectacular mass finale comprised of more than 100 performers. Limited seating. www.uab.edu/cas/music.

FREE.

17 Monday Presidents Day 20 Thursday UAB Faculty Recital 7:30-9pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring UAB’s Gene Fambrough, percussionist. www.uab.edu/cas/music.

FREE.

10th Annual Wild About Chocolate 6-9pm, The Harbert Center, downtown Birmingham.

Alabama Wildlife Center’s fundraising event supporting AWC’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and return Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds to the wild.

Tickets, information, 205-6637930 x8, www.awrc.org.

21 Friday Asbury Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 8am-6pm, Asbury United Methodist Church 205-9033208, http://asburygigglesandgrace. FREE.

22 Saturday Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see February 1.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, see February 1.

Asbury Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 8am-1pm, Asbury United Methodist Church. Select items are 50 percent off, see February 21.

25 Tuesday Moms Connect 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church. Moms Connect at Riverchase Community Church is a support group of mothers with children of all ages. Meal Maker-work together to plan and make meals for a week! Childcare is available. Please contact Lynn at 205-664-4531 for childcare reservation. 205-664-4531, FREE. Wind Symphony and Symphony Band 3-5pm, Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall. Wind Symphony and Symphony Band, conducted by Sue Samuels, PhD. www.uab.edu/cas/music. FREE.

When you imagine their future - Imagine a beautiful smile!

Three convenient locations to serve you!

Deborah A Sema D.M.D., M.S. specialist in orthodontics

205-942-2270 www.ovortho.com

Great smiles for children... and Mom & Dad Too! 32 | birminghamparent | february 2014

CLEAR BRACES, INVISALIGN, AND INVISALIGN TEEN

415 West Oxmoor Road Birmingham 5751 Pocahontas Road Bessemer 3045 Independence Dr. Homewood

Calendar sponsored by

BIRMINGHAM ZOO

ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am-12pm & 2-3pm, $3. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North American accredited Zoo in 2014!

Sea Lion Training, daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www. birminghamzoo.com

2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www. ashof.org

HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM

3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com

ALABAMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www. jazzhall.com

ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205663-7930. www.awrc.org

AMERICAN VILLAGE Highway 119, Montevallo. 205665-3535, www.americanvillage.org

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www. bbgardens.org

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205328-9696, www.bcri.org

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org

PHOTO BY MILTON FULLMAN

ALDRIDGE BOTANICAL GARDENS

february 2014 events & attractions

1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER ROBOTS + US. This exhibit, opening February 8, features more than a dozen interactive robotic components, showing how robotic technology can change our lives for the better.

IMAX Movies: TORNADO ALLEY Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX on this heart-pounding science adventure. Armed with a 70mm camera, a fleet of customized vehicles and advanced weather measurement instruments, the stars of Tornado Alley take audiences on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado’s destructive power at point blank range.

Through May 31.

TITANS OF THE ICE AGE Titans of the Ice Age transports viewers to the beautiful and other worldy frozen landscapes of North America, Europe and Asia ten thousand years before

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE February is Black History Month. See story on page 36. modern civilization. Dazzling computer-generated imagery brings this mysterious era to life - from saber-toothed cats and cave bears to dire wolves and woolly mammoths - giants both feared and hunted by prehistoric humans. Through March 20.

GREAT WHITE SHARK Misrepresented, maligned and misunderstood, the Great White shark is an iconic predator the creature we love to fear.

Through May 31.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org

RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER Children’s Story Time. On the first Monday and third Saturday of every month at 10am, children 3-5 are invited to story time to encourage their excitement about the outdoors.

Short activity follows. Must be accompanied by an adult. $3, $2 for members.

1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org

SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

MOSS ROCK PRESERVE

4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org

Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org

TANNEHILL IRONWORKS HISTORICAL STATE PARK

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark.com

12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org

VULCAN PARK 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

birminghamparent.com | 33

family travel

THE CELEBRATION IS IN FULL SWING IN MOBILE, the Birthplace of Mardi Gras

T

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOBILEBAY.ORG

he Krewe De La Dauphine Parade on Saturday, February 1 on Dauphin Island in Mobile will be the first official Mardi Gras parade in the Mobile Bay area, kicking off a full month of festivities.

On Friday, February 14, the Conde Cavalier Parade kicks off Mobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown Mardi Gras celebration, and for more than two weeks, the birthplace of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mardi Gras will transform into a city of revelry, parades, masquerade balls and MoonPie throws. The streets of downtown Mobile Bay will be filled with the sounds of live marching bands, floats and throngs of jubilant parade spectators.

This pre-Lenten celebration will last for more than two weeks culminating on Mardi Gras Day, March 4, also known as Fat Tuesday. Almost nightly for the duration of the season, brightly lit, brilliantly colored floats will take to the streets. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by costumed revelers in satin and sequins complete with decorated masks and armed with such throws as beads, MoonPies, doubloons and candy. In between each float, tunes from marching bands and brass ensembles delight spectators.

For more information on Mardi Gras and the upcoming schedule of parades and family fun, check out the Mobile Bay Mardi Gras page on Facebook. To plan a trip, visit www.mobilebay.org or call 800-566-2453.

34 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of

“Hmmm, I wonder. . .”

“What’s so shiny?”

“Hey, little crab!”

It’s amazing how fun learning can be in the right environment. Here you’ll find 32 miles of uncrowded sugar white beaches, sparkling water, unspoiled natural wonders and interactive educational attractions just waiting to be explored.

And a whole different state of discovery.

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black history month

Explore Alabama and Beyond to

DISCOVER CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY

T

he chapter on the Civil Rights struggle is thick, involving the world, the nation and the South where one of the most unthinkable events took place in Birmingham – four little girls killed in a 1963 bombing.

The children were at church when the bomb exploded on a Sunday morning. Their young lives were cut short, but their legacy lingers, evidenced last year by the multitude of 50-year anniversary events that focused on the bombing, the deaths and the heart-wrenching struggles.

It was also in Birmingham that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marched and was jailed, and where he penned his nowfamous Letter from a Birmingham Jail. It was in Birmingham that fire hoses and dogs were turned on crowds. And here that the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, (www.bcri.org), remembers that era.

Across the street from the institute is Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where the girls died in the bombing that was perpetrated by Ku Klux Klansmen. A memorial nook at the church remembers the girls and the bombing. Adjacent to the institute is Kelly Ingram Park where protesters once gathered and where statues recall key events of the movement.

If you want to stay overnight near the Institute, consider staying downtown at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel (www.starwoodhotels.com). Another option is Hampton Inn & Suites, Downtown-Tutwiler. (www.hamptoninn3.

36 | birminghamparent | february 2014

hilton.com) which has received both the Mobil Four Star and AAA Four Diamond awards.

You will find several options for dining downtown. Among options are Century Restaurant and Bar (www.centurybirmingham.com) at the Tutwiler, where locally sourced southern flavors are blended with gourmet ingredients. Also, Oscar’s at the Museum (www.oscarsatthemuseum.com) inside the Birmingham Museum of Art, is known for serving locally sourced ingredients. Oscar’s serves Sunday brunch and lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Alabama has a host of other sites linked to civil rights struggles. Among those are The Rosa Parks Library and Museum (www.troy.edu), where you can see a replica of the 1953-era bus reminiscent of where Park was arrested; the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church (www.dexterkingmemorial.org), where Dr. King served as senior pastor; the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. King and his family lived, and the Civil Rights Memorial Center, www.splcenter.org, that honors 40 people who died during the 14-year struggle that began in 1954.

Selma holds key sites, including The Safe House Black History Museum, where Dr. King sought haven from Ku Klux Klansmen and the Selma Interpretive Center (http://www.nps.gov/semo/index. htm) located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge where protestors set out for the Selma-to-Montgomery march.

Nearby is Brown Chapel, staging point for the marches and a refuge for those driven back by tear gas and assaults.

Additional chapters in the civil rights movement were written in Memphis, Tenn., where key locations recall those times. Among the most noted sites is the balcony outside of Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.

PHOTOS BY MILTON FULLMAN

By Lynn Grisard Fullman

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel focuses on the Civil Rights story for the 21st century. The nearby Legacy Building holds exhibits that address the search for James Earl Ray (Dr. King’s assassin) and the Civil Rights movement after the leader’s death.

For a true taste of Memphis food, pop into Four Way Restaurant for pork chops, fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler. As for overnighting, The Peabody Memphis is a great choice, having been designated a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond historic hotel. Several other hotel options are downtown. For more information, go to www.memphistravel.com.

In Chattanooga, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center (www.bessiesmithcc.org) remembers the popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. Through March 1, the center will host “Pictures Tell the Story: The Work of Dr. Ernest C. Withers,” featuring select photos taken

by Withers from the 1940s to 1970s, capturing black society in about 5 million shots detailing the South and its people.

For more details on Civil Rights sites in Alabama, request the brochure Alabama Civil Rights Trail from the Alabama Tourism Department, 1-800-252-2262.

A Birmingham-based, award-winning writer, Lynn Grisard Fullman has contributed to numerous newspapers, magazines and blogs. Follow her on Twitter @ lynnfullman.

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GOING TO THE DENTIST: The First-Time Adventure

By Denise Morrison Yearian

Jane and Drew Tamassia love going to the dentist. They think it is fun.

Perhaps it is words like “tickle toothbrush” and “sugar bug remover” that make these preschoolers giggle. Maybe it’s the mini-movie theater or downtown Disney decorations that draw them in.

“I think they like going because I started them early and chose someone who knows how to work with children,” says Suzanne Tamassia, whose own childhood dental fears drove her to find a dentist who works with specifically with children.

“Pediatric dentists have special training in helping anxious children feel secure during dental treatment,” says Dr. Olga Sanchez-Hernandez of McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. “And pediatric dental offices are designed for children. Staff members choose to work in a pediatric dental 38 | birminghamparent | february 2014

practice because they like kids. So most children are calm, comfortable and confident in a pediatric dental office,” she adds.

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends age 1 for the first visit, says Dr. William Clark Thomas and Dr. Lauten S. Johnson of Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry in Birmingham and Hoover. “This is to establish a dental ‘home’ for the child. Then, every six months we try to clean their teeth, but depending on the child, we may just do an exam the first few visits for a more positive experience,” they add.

Even before that first appointment, there are things parents can do to prepare their child for their visit. “A parent’s positivity going in to the first exam is key,” according to Dr. Angelica R. Rohner, DMD, of Homewood. “Don’t use any ‘scary’ words such as drill, shot/

needle, or ‘nothing’s going to hurt,’ ” Rohner explains. “We suggest positive child-friendly terms such as tickle toothbrush, sleeping spray and this is going to be easy!”

That is what parent Susan Magasiny did. “Before Jake’s first appointment, we talked about how the dentist was a doctor for his teeth and that to keep them healthy, he needed to have check ups,” says the mother of two. “I told him the dentist was going to look at his teeth, count them, and maybe take a picture. It was no big deal.”

“I remember sitting at home roleplaying with Jane,” recalls Tamassia.

“I would say, ‘Open your mouth and let me see your teeth,’ then I would pretend to be the dentist. She liked that.” Roleplaying did prepare Jane for that first visit, because when she went she knew just what to expect.

“We have television above the treatment chairs to make the visit more fun,” Thomas and Johnson say, “and we allow parents to go back with the child for each visit if they want to, and if it helps the child feel more comfortable.”

“Pediatric dentists are trained in many methods to help children feel comfortable with dental treatment, such as the ‘tell-show-do’ technique, where [I] might name a dental instrument, demonstrate the instrument by using it to count your child’s fingers, then apply the instrument in treatment,” Dr. SanchezHernandez says.

“What is really important is that parents not relay any fears they have about going to the dentist,” says Dr. Lawrence Louie. “Every once in a while I see where parents have elaborated on what happened to them and it comes through to the children.”

On occasion, dental emergencies arise which cannot be avoided. “One week after Jake’s first appointment, he fell into a picnic table and had a severe dental injury. His gum was pushed up to the top of his mouth and his whole front tooth was exposed,” recalls Magasiny.

“I called the dentist and they took us in right away.”

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A DENTIST BEFORE THE VISIT:

AFTER THE VISIT:

7 Do you have special training or interest in treating children?

7 Was my child seen promptly?

7 Was I asked for a complete medical and dental history of my child?

7 Are you a member

But it was a wait-and-see injury. In the months to follow Jake had to return several times so the dentist could evaluate the situation. “I started to prep him about losing his tooth early, which he did about six months later,” she continues. “But through it all, Jake built trust and confidence in the dentist.”

So much so, if you asked him today he would tell you he looks forward to his dental visits. His mother does too. “What I appreciate most about our dental practice is that they have given me tools to teach my children preventative dentistry,” says Magasiny.

Tamassia agrees. “I like how our dentist takes a sincere interest in children,” she says. “Everything is catered to them – there’s an indoor climbing playhouse, video room, and lots of books. They even get to takehome a goody bag and report card!”

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children. Carol Muse Evans, publisher of Birmingham Parent, contributed to this piece.

of the American Dental Association (ADA) or the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)?

7 Is the dental office set up for children?

Does it offer toys, books, games and/or child-sized furniture?

7 How does your office

deal with dental emergencies?

7 Is the office conveniently located to your home or your child’s school?

7 Does the practice accept dental benefit plans?

7 Was the dentist gentle but thorough when examining my child’s mouth?

7 Did the dentist or staff talk with my child, encouraging his involvement in dental health?

7 Was I informed about my child’s tooth development, the causes and prevention of dental disease, and appropriate dental care at home?

7 Were my questions treated with concern and respect?

7 Was the visit a positive experience for my child?

Information supplied by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

OFFI CE H OU RS:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DR. CLARK THOMAS DR. LAUTEN JOHNSON www.alpediatricdentistry.com Welcoming children 6 months and older.

Kids Love Us, Parents Trust Us!

Treating children, not just their teeth, for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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HOOVER LOCATION

MONTCLAIR LOCATION

1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244

3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35213

205.982.0112

205.879.6150

Dr. Clark Thomas birminghamparent.com | 39

FAQS ABOUT VISITING THE DENTIST When should my child first see a dentist? At the eruption of the first tooth and no later than his first birthday.

How often does my child need to go? Every six months.

When should I first clean my child’s teeth and what should I use? Clean your child’s gums right from the start. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and water, at least once a day before bedtime.

Dentistry for children & special needs persons

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD 5751 Pocahontas Rd Suite B Bessemer . AL 35022 {p} 205-230-9000 {f} 205-230-0188 tabgat@psmilesal.com

www.psmilesal.com

COMING IN

MARCH Special Needs Directory What is Albanism?

When can I begin using toothpaste? Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when your child is between the ages of 2 to 3.

How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride? Ask your dentist to evaluate your primary source of drinking water. If the fluoride level is deficient, he may prescribe fluoride supplements.

What can be done to alleviate pain during teething?

Give your child a clean teething ring, cold spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Or rub his gums with a clean finger.

When should a child stop bottle feeding? Between 12 to 14 months of age.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and how can I prevent it? Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by nursing a child to sleep or putting him to bed with anything other than water. To prevent it, have your child drink from a cup by his first birthday. Do not let him fall asleep with a bottle. Night-time breastfeeding should be avoided after the first primary teeth erupt. Drink juice from a cup instead of a bottle.

When should my child stop sucking his thumb or fingers? Most children stop by age 2. If your child is still sucking his thumb after age 4, discourage it and talk with your dentist or pediatrician. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded and crooked teeth, or bite problems.

What should I do if my child has a toothache? Rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on his face if it is swollen. Give your child pain reliever for pain. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Information supplied by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Barney Goes to the Dentist by Linda Cress Dowdy; Publishing Lyrick The Berenstein Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstein; Random House Brush Your Teeth Please Pop-Up by Leslie McGuire; Reader’s Digest Curious George Goes to the Dentist Margaret Rey; Houghton Mifflin Doctor DeSoto by William Steig; Farrar, Straus & Giroux Going to the Dentist by Fred Rogers; Putnam +Have You Ever Seen a Moose Brushing His Teeth? by Jamie McClaine; Partners Publishing Group How Many Teeth? (Let’s Read-andFind Out Science 1) By Paul Showers; HarperCollins Publishing Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer; Golden Books Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) by Christine Ricci; Simon Spotlight/Nick Jr. “Smile” Says the Crocodile by Jane Belk Moncure; Child’s World

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40 | birminghamparent | february 2014

RESOURCES TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR THEIR VISIT WITH THE DENTIST

ANY FEARS THEY HAVE ABOUT

The Tooth Book (Bright & Early Board Books ™) by Dr. Seuss; Random House A Trip to the Dentist Can Be Lots of Fun! (Videorecording) by Robert Wortzel and Rob Garner; Night Media Group, Inc. A Trip to the Dentist Through Pinatta’s View (Videorecording); Boggle-Goggle Enterprises What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist (What to Expect Kids) by Heidi Murkoff; HarperFestival

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Calling All Room Moms:

A VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY PLAN

By Pam Molnar

Every February, thousands of students celebrate Valentine’s Day with a classroom party. They exchange Valentine cards, make a craft and play a few games. As a room mom, it is hard to come up with ideas that the kids have not seen before. If you are still struggling with planning your child’s classroom party, here are some great ideas:

CRAFTS VALENTINE’S DAY VASES. Purchase vases from the dollar store, along with glue, paint brushes, Epson salt and red food coloring. Before the party, mix the Epson salt with the food coloring to give the salt a pink glow. Set up a station to include 6 gallon zip bags filled with the Epson salt mixture.

Have the kids paint the outside of the vases with glue and when the vase is covered, place inside the zipped bag.

Move the mixture around to cover the vase evenly. This works well with votive candles, too.

FAMILY BRACELET. Kids can make this for their best Valentine (Mom) or the girls may want to keep it for themselves. Purchase elastic string and beads to make a family bracelet.

Choose bead colors to correspond with birthstone colors – red for January, purple for February, etc. – and let the kids choose the bead colors for their family. Find heart shaped spacer beads to complete the design.

CORKBOARD FRAME. For this project, you will need ¼” thick corkboard cut into 4” squares, clear pushpins and colored yarn. Have the kids arrange the pushpins in the shape of a heart and wind the yarn around the push42 | birminghamparent | february 2014

pins to form a heart shaped frame.

Ask the parents ahead of time for a photo of their child and have them available for the kids to put in the middle of the frame. Embellish the rest of the frame with foam stickers or jewels.

GAMES MUSICAL HEARTS. A Valentine’s Day spin on the two classic games, musical chairs and hot potato. Using hinged clothespins, pass around a paper heart while seated in a circle. Like musical chairs, play music as they pass the heart. If you break a heart, drop a heart or have the heart when the music stops, you are out. This game moves quickly!

MATCHING HEARTS. This is a whole class game. Write the name of a famous couple (like Mickey and Minnie) or other items that would go together (salt and pepper or hat and gloves) on each half of a heart. Mix up the halves and pass the hearts out to the students. Can everyone find their match in 5 minutes? How about in 2 minutes?

TWISTED HEARTS. Kids love the game Twister! Create a Valentine’s Day version by taping 16 colored hearts on the floor. (Not enough room for 16? Make

smaller rows or use fewer colors.)

Create your own spinner or create colored dice – one with the heart color and the other one with the words for right or left hands and feet.

PLANT A KISS ON THE MASCOT. Recreate your school mascot or shine a digital version on the wall. Make enough paper lips for each student. Blindfold the student and have a partner (like one from the Matching Hearts game) tell him where to place the lips. The closest lips win.

SHAKEDOWN. Fill an empty widemouthed bottle (like Gatorade) halfway with candy hearts. Use super glue to attach another bottle mouth to mouth and tape around it to secure.

For this game, have the kids roll the dice and then try to shake down all the hearts except that number into the other bottle. For example, if they roll a three, they need to shake down most of the hearts into the next bottle, leaving three remaining in the first bottle. For an added challenge, give them a time limit or create two shakers and make it a race.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She has been a room mom for 10 years.

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and lovers. The roots of Valentine's Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman god of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.

More than $1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day.

SILENT BALL All the students are seated at their desk. Using a yarn ball, have the students throw the ball to each other. A student is out if it is a bad throw (not to the person), if someone drops it or if someone gets out of their seat to catch it. Students who are out have to get out of their seat and stand in the front of the classroom. Last one seated is the winner.

About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.

MORE FUN: In the excitement of the party, kids can go through these activities fast! Looking for a quick game to play to pass the time until the party ends? Every Room Mom should keep these games in her classroom party arsenal: HEADS UP 7UP! Every child sits at his desk with his head down and one thumb up. Seven children are chosen to be “it” and quietly goes around the room picking one thumb to push down. When everyone is through, the seven go to the front of the room. Those who had their thumb moved stand up and guess who did it. If they are right, they switch places and get to be it. If they are wrong, the actual person who moved their thumb gets to stay and play again.

FOUR CORNERS. Choose four Valentine’s Day words like heart, cupid, love and valentine. A room mom stands in each corner of the room holding one of those words on a piece of paper. The teacher closes her eyes as the students pick one corner to stand in. The teacher calls out a word and those students standing in that corner have to sit down. Play continues until one person is left standing.

In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets.

Parents receive one out of every five valentines.

In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future husband. birminghamparent.com | 43

Congratulations to our 2013 Finalists!

special needs

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GO TO WWW.BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES! Only one vote per IP address, and you must choose one child in each category for your ballot to count. Voting will end at midnight MARCH 31, 2014. Winners will be announced in the MAY 2014 issue of Birmingham Parent, online and on Facebook and Twitter.

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ask the specialist

Can Certain Foods Help Fight Cancer?

By Luis Pineda, MD

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Dr. Luis Pineda is a hematologist/ oncologist at Brookwood Medical Center.

here are an estimated 1.4 million new cancer cases diagnosed annually in the United States. While there isn’t a magic formula to avoid cancer, there are healthy behaviors and preventative life changes that can be made. There has been a movement to develop a more holistic approach to cancer treatment that focuses on the whole human, including the physical body, emotional state, surrounding environment, family situation, and yes, even everyday diet.

What we eat plays an enormous role in overall health. It’s important to incorporate more natural foods with an emphasis on unprocessed, whole foods that are deep in color (rich colors signify higher antioxidant levels). When it comes to starches and carbohydrates, the lower the glycemic index the better.

As a general rule, choose whole grain products rather than refined white flour.

Local markets generally offer a wide array of fresh products and typically organic items. It’s also a great idea to support local farmers and the Alabama food industry. Shopping for fresh produce means increased vegetable and fruit consumption, both incredible sources of antioxidants, fiber and probiotics - those wonderful bacteria that support digestion and protect against infection. Fresh food also boosts immunity and has potential positive implications on cancer management.

Improved eating habits go hand in hand with the amount of movement people engage in consistently.

Our bodies have an essential need for regular exercise. Thirty minutes or more of physical activity is crucial to balance metabolism and should be incorporated into a daily routine. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance of both diet and exercise for optimum wellness.

Dr. Pineda’s program, Cooking With Cancer, was born from multiple years of observation on what happens to cancer sufferers – from the cancer itself to how the disease is treated. Patients’ nutritional needs deteriorate during chemotherapy and radiation, so he was interested in providing alternative nutritional

There has been a movement to develop a more holistic approach to cancer treatment that focuses on the whole human, including the physical body, emotional state, surrounding environment, family situation, and yes, even everyday diet. options through re-stimulating their affected taste buds. Cooking with Cancer, Inc., aims to offer better quality of life to those afflicted by cancer through good food. For more on Dr. Pineda’s approach to holistic health and his most popular recipe, visit iChooseB.com/howfood-can-fight-cancer/.

Send us your questions for "Ask the Specialist" at info@BirminghamParent.com. No personal replies are sent.

46 | birminghamparent | february 2014

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five moms one mission

RAISING AWARENESS FOR RARE DISEASES

By Paige Townley

48 | birminghamparent | february 2014

ometimes things deemed as rare, like a disease, aren’t really so rare. They can actually be much more common than we realize.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a disease is considered rare in the United States if it is believed to affect less than 200,000 people. According to the National Institute of Health, there are approximately 6,800 diseases that do just that.

So while each individual disease would certainly be considered rare, combined they affect almost 30 million Americans – about 1 in 10 people. These statistics make rare diseases not quite so unusual after all. For at least five Birmingham families, rare diseases are

S

not only common, they are an everyday fact of life.

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a disorder that causes the autonomic nervous system not to develop properly and primarily affects breathing. Those with CCHS breath too shallow, especially during sleep, causing a shortage of oxygen and a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. There are approximately 1,000 known people with the condition, three of which are children in Birmingham.

“Noah was born just a month early and everything was fine, but shortly after birth he started turning blue,” says Melinda Golden, Noah’s mother. “His lips had a blue tinge so they checked his

oxygen, which was low.

Next thing I knew they whisked him away to NICU to keep him on oxygen. His two older sisters only got to see him for about five minutes before he left, and they didn’t get to see him again for two months.”

Noah went through test after test, none of which uncovered anything. Eventually, after a two month period, testing revealed he had CCHS. “When we found out, the doctors were fantastic about it,” Melinda says. “They were supportive and told us he was going to be okay, that he was going to be running around one day like a normal kid.

They gave us hope.”

After some time of training at the hospital, including learning how to manage Noah’s tracheostomy and ventilator, Melinda got to take her little boy home.

Just over a year later, Birmingham had its second case of known CCHS. Sarah Yang’s daughter Madilyn was born five weeks early and immediately turned blue. “We were lucky – Madilyn was born at UAB, and the Chief of NICU’s specialty is respiratory ailments, so he pinpointed it quickly and sent out for genetic tests early,” Sarah explains. “It took about three weeks for the test to come back.

Once it did,she was transferred over to Children’s Hospital’s NICU and got a tracheotomy. We hadn’t even hit our due date yet and she was already having major surgery.”

Madilyn spent 5 months in the hospital and had to get a pacemaker before she came

home. “After she was discharged we started early intervention and doing lots of therapy,” Sarah says. “This past fall she started regular preschool and she does gymnastics now too, just typical two-yearold things, which for us is huge. It gives us a sense of normalcy. That was our biggest fear right after diagnosis.”

Also helping calm Sarah’s fear was networking with other mothers whose children have CCHS. Soon after Madilyn’s diagnosis she met Melinda, as well as Anna Manasco, whose son Teddy was born a few months after Madilyn with an even rarer form of CCHS that causes Hirschsprung’s disease, which causes abnormalities in the nerves that control the digestive tract.

Teddy was forced to undergo a series of surgeries to correct intestinal issues, along with other surgeries including getting a pacemaker. “His surgeries and a few other minor procedures took him to the operating room 11 times in his first 20 months,” shares Anna. “But even through all of those surgeries, he has had a physiologically normal life. It’s just that when he took his first steps he was dragging a bag of intravenous fluids behind him. When he learned to crawl, he was pulling a ventilator behind him. He can ride a tricycle or swing in the backyard, there just might be a ventilator with him.”

As Sarah, Melinda, and Anna were all experiencing similar issues, having each other who understood was

a huge help in dealing with their children’s medical needs and problems. “It has been nice having others who understand,” Melinda says. “Most people don’t understand what it’s like, even the doctors.

So it has been a relief to have someone else around to talk to.”

But as each of these moms has learned, it doesn’t have to be another mother of a child with CCHS to provide comfort. “Ironically, another mother of a child with a rare disease, Michelle McClintock, lives near us, and even though her daughter has a different syndrome, she still gets it,” Sarah says.

Michelle’s daughter, Melissa, has alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss. There are different classifications of alopecia, and Melissa’s is known as alopecia universalis, which means she has no hair on her body at all.

Another mom who

WORLD RARE DISEASE DAY February 28th support for one another.

All five mothers are hoping to help other families who are in similar shoes by working with Children’s Harbor and the UAB Genetics Department to participate in World Rare Disease Day, an annual awarenessraising event that takes place on the last day of February.

The day will include two events simultaneously, one being medical-based lectures for physicians and another being community-based lectures discussing advocacy, insurance procedures, and general info for the community to learn about rare diseases in general.

UAB WORLD RARE DISEASE DAY SYMPOSIUM FRIDAY, FEB 28 8:30-3:00 CHILDREN’S HARBOR 1600 6TH AVE. S, #200, 35233 For more information, visit https://services. medicine.uab.edu/ ElectronicPayments/ Registration. asp?EventID=87

WE’RE HOPING TO REACH OUT TO OTHER PARENTS SO THEY DON’T HAVE TO GO THROUGH IT ALONE. understands: Jeannie Ware, who has two daughters, Brianne and Hannah, with Gaucher disease, a lipid storage disorder. Brianne’s and Hannah’s bodies don’t make enough enzymes that take care of certain lipids, so their bodies store too many.

Both girls require an intravenous infusion every other week as treatment.

While these two disorders are very different from CCHS, the mothers are able to provide a network of

“Our goal is to raise awareness in the community, but also we would like to be a support for other parents, regardless of what disease they are dealing with,” says Melinda.

“We’re hoping to reach out to other parents so they don’t have to go through it alone. You must have the right support because dealing with a rare disease is life changing.”

Paige Townley is a Birmingham-based freelance writer. birminghamparent.com | 49

THE SMELL OF PUBERTY: How to Help Tweens Understand Hygiene

By Tiffani Hill

Ah, take a deep breath. Do you smell that?

It’s the smell of puberty. And it makes parents of tweens everywhere ask three important questions before the kids head out the door each day.

“Did you put on deodorant?”

“Did you brush your teeth?”

“Are you wearing clean underwear?”

One day our kids are toddling around in footed pajamas smelling like baby powder, and the next they’re stomping around in week-old socks smelling like, well, weekold socks. A change has come ... and many times they’re oblivious.

“I just had a battle with a certain 12-year-old girl,” Amy Vanwestervelt, mom to three, says. “She was ready to head out to school in the shirt she was wearing the day before (that she also decided to sleep in), hair not brushed, and hadn’t brushed her teeth. She was ticked off that I made her change, brush and pull her hair back and brush her teeth.”

GIVE THEM THE LOWDOWN Getting kids to pay attention to hygiene is an ongoing battle. My daughter loves to look cute for school – she’ll put together a pretty outfit and take time to put her hair in an actual bun. But brushing her teeth?

It’s like I’ve asked her to deep clean the toilet with a toothbrush! And she has braces, so not brushing can lead to double trouble.

Short of constantly checking behind their ears and standing at the sink with a timer, what can frustrated parents do to get our children to take care of their bodies?

50 | birminghamparent | february 2014

Jennifer Sheehy-Knight, Ph.D, psychologist at Children’s of Alabama, says education is key. “One of the things I often recommend is to pick up a book about what’s happening with their bodies and start reading it with them when you start seeing the first signs of puberty, usually around the ages of nine or 10. This introduction will help with later discussions and you can use it as a reference.”

A few clues it’s starting: oilier skin, a growth spurt, growth of body hair, breast development in girls, and a change in voice for boys. If you’ve noticed a couple of these, welcome to puberty!

Kids this age are already anxious about starting middle school, the new boy-girl dynamic, and changes they feel in their bodies, so the last thing parents want to do is make it worse by telling them they stink.

“Talk about the changes in terms of puberty and development and that as a result their sweat is changing,” SheehyKnight says. “Hormones change in each stage from childhood to teenage years to adulthood and everyone goes through it.

Along with that development comes body odor – it’s a natural part of growing up.

But that odor also signals that it’s time to get serious about how you take care of your body.”

GETTING SOCIAL Additionally, puberty and its symptoms can also affect children socially. Who hasn’t been turned off by a friend’s bad breath or sweaty feet? Let’s face it, some-

times, even though we know it’s not nice, it’s hard to be around a person who stinks.

“Often kids cannot accurately smell their own odor,” Sheehy-Knight said, “It’s important to use good hygiene, even if you think you’re okay, in order to avoid negative comments. Kids this age have to be more thorough. They can’t just give it the ‘once-over.’ Emphasize that it can impact them socially and help them understand that people will shy away. This might help them strive toward better hygiene.”

TO DO: LOOSEN THE REINS This age group requires us parents to balance their autonomy with our authority.

Explain the expectations then let them try to fulfill them. “They’re no longer children, but they’re not yet mature, so you still have to watch and monitor,” Sheehy-Knight said.

“As they’re making this transition, they are working toward more independence. However, they’ll also be forgetful, so a checklist might be a good idea.”

We all have to-do lists, at work, at home, on weekends. “You can help them create one for the morning routine and one for bedtime,” Sheehy-Knight says. “This will allow them to take more responsibility and develop good habits.”

A checklist can work in tandem with a rewards system. For instance, set a showering goal of four days a week and when they reach it, they get extra video game time. Just make sure the incentive is something that will motivate them. It can be as simple as giving them a choice.

“A couple of things I do is buy a bazillion kinds of deodorant,” Heather Smith Davis says. “The girls can use any kind they want as long as they use it. And showers are on our chore list. Feed dogs, water dogs, sweep kitchen and hallway, take shower. They don’t get allowance if they don’t take a shower.

And we have a gazillion soaps in there. Use whatever kind you want as long as it’s used.”

Orthodontist Britt Reagin, DMD, MS, said getting kids to take ownership is crucial to good hygiene, especially when they have braces. “We educate the child with an instructional video on how to take care of their teeth and what will happen if they don’t,” says Reagin, who completed his residency at UAB and now practices in South Carolina. Then he has them sign a contract, making them responsible for their teeth. “Most kids have never signed a contract, so it is a big deal to them.

We also have in-office contests for kids who maintain regular hygiene visits with their dentist, and we grade hygiene at each visit. Much like homework, ultimately, it is home life and parents that determine good hygiene.”

Of course, parents still need to check that the kids taking care of business. Are they walking out the door with stained jeans or unbrushed hair? Are there more than two pairs of underwear in the laundry basket? Is the toothpaste tube still full? We can use our powers of observation to find out, no nagging required.

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WHILE WE MIGHT THINK THIS BATTLE OVER BODY WILL NEVER END, HOPE ABOUNDS. MANY PARENTS REPORT THAT ONE DAY THEIR KIDS STARTED SHOWERING DAILY OR BRUSHING THEIR TEETH WITHOUT BEING TOLD TO, OR, MIRACLE OF MIRACLES, DOING THEIR OWN LAUNDRY!

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL While we might think this battle over body will never end, hope abounds. Many parents report that one day their kids started showering daily or brushing their teeth without being told to, or, miracle of miracles, doing their own laundry!

Eventually, they get the importance of good hygiene, as these moms can attest.

“My daughter is 12, and this summer she started showering without prompting and downright being made to,” Heather Hurlock says. “She now showers daily on her own. It has helped tremendously with the maintenance of her hair, and she even likes her hair being ‘cute’ again.”

Apryl Chapman Thomas says, “I battled with my daughter last year, but since she started sixth grade, she’s changed.

She wants to blow dry and fix her hair. She loves lotions and spray from Bath and Body Works. I think her changes are not only because of her age and being in middle school, but also because she sees her friends doing the same, too.”

“It all comes down to education and understanding the possible consequences,” Sheehy-Knight says. “If you’re not cleaning your face regularly, you’ll get pimples. If you don’t brush your teeth, you’ll get cavities. Once they start keeping up with good hygiene, it will become one less thing they have to worry about when it comes to finding their fit socially.”

And parents can change the out-the-door conversation.

“Great job on that last report card!”

“Nice outfit!”

“I love you!”

Tiffani Hill is an award-winning journalist who writes about parenting, pop culture, and girlpower. As mom to a tween, she finds creative ways to guide her daughter through the highs and lows of growing up. Contact her at tiffanihill@icloud.com or learn more at http://tiffanihill.com.

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death by children When my daughter turned 15, I realized I had to face the music and teach her how to pilot a large, potentially explosive, self-propelled vehicle. This is a daunting task for the most levelheaded father and the most perfectly standard teen daughter. But I’m an [allegedly] bat-caca nutjob and my daughter’s ADHD has been a factor in everything she’s done (or forgotten to do, or done twice) since she was seven years old. On top of that, she’s a teenager. On top of THAT she’s a girl, and like all girls, is afflicted with steel wall penetrating “boy-dar.” Still, I’m no coward. I didn’t shirk my responsibilities They were harrowing. I lost friends. I went to a dark place, and I returned. I survived . . .

DRIVING MISS CRAZY

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington

I have stared into the gaping, drooly maw of death. I have teetered on the brink of imminent demise. Now every day is a gift.

I take time to smell the cappuccino. I live in the moment, not worrying about tomorrow because yesterday, I tried to teach my ADD daughter how to drive.

I prepared myself for this ordeal like any pragmatic father of a girl who can’t pay attention to an entire commercial: I hugged my wife and told her where to send a search team, and I made an ice-cold dirty martini.

I didn’t want her to drive. This is a girl who can get distracted while tying her shoes. Letting her pilot a 5,000-pound hurtling tank of flammable gas through our neighborhood strikes me as unpragmatic.

It makes me wish we were Amish.

So, for the sake of other parents in this predicament, some pieces of advice:

USE A CLOSED COURSE. We used a forest preserve lot. No one goes there except forest preserve cops and the escaped convicts they’re looking for.

PRO: No oncoming cars.

“oh my god that deer is soooooo gorgeous”

PRO: Short; easy to scream.

PRO: If you get a flat, you can lift the car with one hand.

BE FRANK SINATRA. The sheer bravado

CON: Deer. They’re pretty, so brace yourself for sudden screeching halts followed closely by a barrage of “oh my god that deer is soooooo gorgeous” moments.

THE MIDNIGHT RUN. Like this kid sleeps. Might as well take advantage of the deserted, well-lit streets and clock some time while everyone else is watching the Late Show.

IN THE LINES! COLOR IN THE LINES! OH MY GOD WE’RE GOING TO DIE!

CON: The adrenaline making your heart spaz-out like a highly caffeinated Chihuahua as your daughter drifts into the other lane to see the couple in the next car will keep you awake till 3 a.m.

USE A CATCH PHRASE. Once she sees that one kid with the long hair and the nose pierced slouching on a bus bench as you hurtle past, a lengthy explanation about lane obedience will most likely be punctuated by death. Better to have a short, punchy catch phrase. Ours was “color in the lines,” which works best when delivered in all caps, thusly: COLOR

CON: Whiplash. and élan in a good Sinatra song soothes nerves and bolsters confidence. Might work on the kid, too.

PRO: Goes well with the martini.

CON: Goes well with the martini.

These are just a few ideas, of course. I’d give more but my nerves are shot, and I’m still in the middle of calling close relatives and letting them know I’m alive.

Christopher “Bull” Garlington is a syndicated humor writer and a Birmingham native.

54 | birminghamparent | february 2014

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