21 minute read
FAITH
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Faith Communities Guiding Students Through Life
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BY ANTHONY BUI
COLLEGE is a scary place, and parents have every right to be concerned about their children. For many of them, it is the first time being on their own away from the friends and family who they grew up with. The urgency to find community is there, but finding a good one can be rather difficult. On a campus filled with so many students, it’s easy to feel alone. The people who you hang out with ultimately have a greater impact on you than you would like to admit. They affect how you react when going through one of life’s many hard trials; they affect what you like to do and how you think. The community of people that you place yourself in is who is going to surround you and hold you up on those days where you can’t do it yourself. They are the ones who will rejoice with you when you are on those mountains and mourn with you in those valleys. I didn’t understand this until I found myself at Louisiana State University with zero friends. Teens navigating their freshman year of high school may also find themselves in this position of uncertainty. I was alone on a campus that boasted about having the biggest incoming freshman class in recent history. I could have gone down different roads that first night. Road one would lead to me taking full advantage of this newfound freedom that I had from my helicopter parents. This would lead to a college experience highlighted by parties. Every By being a part of this community, always surrounded by believers, I found myself growing in my faith daily.
week would become just waiting for the weekend. I would spend the rest of my college career surrounded by acquaintances and accept that diploma with obscured memories. Road two would lead to me channeling my inner hermit crab. With no social skills, I stay away from any contact with others. I would spend the rest of my college career alone and accept that diploma with zero memories made from what was supposed to be the best years of my life. By the end of that first night though, God had chosen another road for me. Someone came running up to me, extending an invitation to an event being held by a group on campus. That person would go on to become such an important person in my life. At the event, I met my future small group leader who, to this day, helps guide me in my walk with Christ. I unknowingly met so many people who would go on to be there for me through the most difficult parts of my college career. I would go on to spend the rest of my college career surrounded by family. By being a part of this community, always surrounded by believers, I found myself growing in my faith daily. College can be some of the best years of your life, but it could also be the hardest and most challenging. I’ve gone through many of these instances, and I found that the times where I tried to rely solely on myself were the times that I struggled the most. Whenever they saw me struggling, they lifted me up. They affirmed me and helped to fix my eyes on God in the midst of a storm. That is why campus and student ministries are so important. You can have good friends, but a true biblical community is so vital. Without it, there isn’t the constant push to pursue growth and a relationship with God. There is no push to actually take responsibility for your faith. These communities help guide you while you’re on the journey of life. ■
Back to School
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR
BY EMILY DREZ PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2020-21 COVER KID RHYS J.
IT has been a long time since life has felt normal, especially when it comes to sending our children to school. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all how quickly students can be uprooted from classrooms and placed in front of screens as the world navigates safe, albeit virtual, learning for our children. One year later, vaccines are here, and our schedules are slowly starting to revert back to normal, but it looks like a “new normal” is developing. The school year is almost here, so what kinds of safety protocols can parents expect schools to be following?
Safety in Six Feet
It was not long after the pandemic began when we found ourselves having to quarantine. Our entire lives went virtual and remote, from work to school and even get-togethers with loved ones. Social distancing at six feet apart was key to helping slow the spread of the virus, but with schools reopening this fall, there are concerns about whether or not social distancing measures will still be in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published an operational strategy for K-12 schools as a guideline for schools to safely commence in-person instruction this year. They encourage all schools to implement and prioritize physical distancing. On the local level, Ascension Parish Schools Superintendent David Alexander says that “consideration of maximizing distancing” will be encouraged for the district.
Vaxxed and Masked
The CDC’s protection strategies also include the correct use of masks along with extensive cleaning procedures and social distancing. As of July 9, 2021, the CDC announced that vaccinated teachers and students are not required to wear masks inside school buildings. Currently, anyone ages 12 and up can receive the vaccine, so students who are younger than 12 may have to wear a mask. This could look a little different in Baton Rouge, however, as Gov. John Bel Edwards lifted the mask mandate in April 2021, leaving it up to individual institutions to make their own decisions about mask-wearing. Some schools, such as LSU, are choosing to retain their mask mandate while switching back to in-person classes. However, it looks like most school systems are still divided on the future of mask wearing. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System released a statement titled “EBRPSS Releases Additional Guidance and Clarification on COVID-19 Protocols” on June 29, 2021 in which it announced, “At this time...the district is reviewing the possibility of allowing optional masking for those individuals who have been fully vaccinated. No final decision has been made. The district will continue to monitor the immunization rates, the number of COVID-19 cases and the variants in our community.’” On July 12, 2021, the Diocese of Baton Rouge stated in its Catholic School Policy for Returning to School 2021-2022, “While on campus or at school events, all students and staff who have fully completed the vaccination protocol (shots and subsequent time requirement) do not need to make or maintain physical distancing if a copy of the CDC vaccination card or verification from a similar State or medical authority is submitted.” Two days later, the Diocese revoked this statement, and it has since announced that masks will be optional for individuals for the 2021-2022 school year. Additionally, Parkview Baptist School’s Superintendent states, “I do not anticipate wearing masks, but any staff or student who wishes will certainly be permitted to wear one… [and] vaccinations are a personal choice. We do not have a position for or against vaccines.” Regardless of whether you and your child wear a mask, it is important to always wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and sanitize any objects you frequently touch.
Keep it Clean
Hand washing was crucial in order to help keep everyone safe, and it should be understood as a general rule. Many locations set up stations to promote frequent hand washing, and hand sanitizer flew off the shelves in 2020. This year, keeping hand sanitizer nearby in your car, purse, and backpack is always good practice. The CDC also encourages schools to implement extensive cleaning procedures for all areas frequented by students and faculty. If your child’s school has elected to make masks optional, it will likely take measures similar to the ones Ascension Parish’s schools will take. In a statement from Ascension’s superintendent David Alexander, a list of guidelines mentions, “Face coverings will not be prohibited but are now optional,” nor will health screenings be required at school, though “frequent hand washing and sanitizing” and “consideration of maximizing distancing” is still encouraged. The end result is that the official policies for each school will depend largely on our community’s progress with the virus. However, practicing social distancing and freqently washing your hands are things you can do to help keep everyone healthy. ■
PODCAST
Play it Safe!
NAVIGATING SPORTS INJURIES
BY ANTHONY BUI PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2020-21 COVER KID CHRISTIAN S.
CLEATS are being laced up again, grass stains are set to return to those pristine soccer uniforms, and the Friday night lights will be shining once more as sports makes its long-awaited return. Coming off of a year of isolation, cancelled sports, and quarantining, children have been missing the social interactions that sports provide.
Children love to run and do all things that require lots of energy and engage their minds. As their parents who have been stuck in quarantine with them, we understand just how much energy they have. However, their love for competition and mimicking their favorite pro athletes is real. Now, they get the chance to do that again. We spent so long keeping them safe at home that it’s hard not to be concerned about their safety even more than before. The world is such an unpredictable place. With a pandemic and so much potential for sports injuries, it is understandable why the concern is there. However, playing it safe is possible in sports.
Why Are Sports Good?
Sports play a very important role in the lives of children. Dr. Jeremy Burnham, an orthopedic surgeon at Ochsner Health, shares, “The overall benefits of sports participation is so high; it teaches kids so many lessons and benefits their physical and mental health and fosters friendships.” Dr. Dawn Vick, a doctor of pediatric medicine at The Baton Rouge Clinic, puts an emphasis on the importance of sports for children. “They need sports and recreation for optimal growth and development, while also understanding competition and how to be good at both winning and losing. These are all important life lessons,” she says. Medical professionals often agree on the importance of sports, but they also agree that injuries are a part of it, and knowing how to take care of children while they partake in these sports is just as important.
What Injuries Are Common?
Dr. Burnham understands parents’ concerns very well. He shares just how important it is for parents to be observant when it comes to sports injuries. Small problems that may not seem like a big deal at first have the potential to worsen if left untreated. That is why it is important to know your child. It is also important to get a physical completed. This will help to catch problems that could be worsened by sports. There are potential life-threatening health problems that could ultimately mean the end of their playing career. These physicals help to identify these issues now, before they become a threatening one on the field. Parents should seek wisdom from their child’s pediatrician regarding physicals and sports. Dr. Vick points out many common sports injuries that she observes on a daily basis, including ankle sprains, ACL tears, shin splints, turf toe, and spondylolysis. Some of these can be handled at home with supportive care and observation, but parents should exercise discernment when it comes to major problems and seek professional help. One thing that Dr. Burnham emphasizes is the conditioning level of these children and their acclimation to the heat. It is really important to gradually reintroduce children into sports again after an extended period without it. Heat is a very serious thing, especially in Louisiana, and making sure children are properly hydrated is important. Being on the lookout for symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue is vital.
This is not a new problem by any means, but it is one that the pandemic affects. Children are coming from an extended hiatus where they didn’t have access to organized sports. Their bodies are not used to it just yet, so parents need to slowly reintroduce sports to their kids while keeping a keen eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion. Another serious injury that Dr. Burnham highlights is concussions. It is important to realize that concussions do not only occur in contact sports. The child also does not need to lose consciousness to warrant a concussion. Parents should be on the lookout for symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and drowsiness. A concussion is treatable, but it needs to be caught early.
Can We Prevent Them?
Unfortunately, a parent can never fully protect their child from injury. There isn’t a magic way to make the risk for injury zero percent, but there are things that can be done to help these percentages. Dr. Vick explains, “Some practical things parents can do to prevent injury include good hydration and a well-balanced diet, rest and good sleep habits, stretching adequately before and after exercise or practice, knowing the rules of the game, not playing when sick or injured, and encouraging cross training with a variety of sports. This is important so the same muscle groups are not overused and there’s less risk for injury.” A benefit to this is that parents know their child better than anyone else. They should follow their gut and seek medical attention at their discretion. With heat exhaustion and concussions in particular, if there is any suspicion then parents should get it checked out.
Should They Do Something Else?
Despite the risk for injury, it doesn’t mean your child shouldn’t participate. Dr. Burnham states, “It is important to realize anything we do in life has risks; we have to weigh the pros and cons and there are so many benefits to sports. The pros outweigh the cons, but you need to do it safely. You can’t make the risk of injury zero percent. As we navigate this world, we should be very deliberate in finding ways for children to be active and participate in sports.” Finding a healthy way for kids to participate while putting an emphasis on gradual acclimation is a must in order to provide children with this healthy outlet. Withholding a child would ultimately do more harm than good. ■
Connecting Virtually
Social interaction during childhood is more than just fun. It’s a vital part of childhood development. As kids grow, they learn from their peers and through playing with or talking to others. Engaging in social situations with other children teaches kids cooperation, collaboration, compromise, problem-solving, and teamwork.
12 FUN ONLINE CLUBS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
PODCAST
Yet, not all kids have access to sufficient in-person socialization opportunities. Even those who do can benefit from options outside their surroundings. Fortunately, technological advances have made it possible to develop new forums for kids to socialize with others who share similar interests, thus removing limits to exclusively local opportunities. Kids stuck at home due to a pandemic, those who homeschool, or even those who just want more opportunities to connect with peers can all benefit from online clubs or activities. Check out this selection of virtual opportunities. 1. Activity Hero is a hosting site where various groups and instructors can list activities for kids of all ages. There’s a section with classes, after-school programs, and holiday camps where students work with a teacher choosing various options to match their interests. Options include Legos, science, cooking, art, music, and coding. activityhero.com
2. FunClubs offers 45-minute classes led by an instructor for children in grades K-8. FunClubs provides small group experiences where students are broken down into groups of six-eight. This allows kids more time to interact with the teacher and each other in a comfortable setting. Classes include drama, film-making, coding, and cooking. funclubs.com 3. Outschool is a small-group learning platform for kids ages 3-18. It offers over 100,000 classes, so it caters to practically any interest your child might have. Kids learn from experts while interacting with classmates who share interests in a small setting. outschool.com 4. Open Tent Academy caters more directly to homeschool students but offers some “after school” classes. These classes focus more on learning material than just socializing, yet emphasize discussion and interacting with peers within the class. opententacademy.com 5. Playcrafter Kids Club is for younger students ages three-seven to engage in
a six-week program with two hour-long classes per week. Children work with four teachers trained in the arts and participate in drama, music, yoga, and dance using stories. Kids are split up into small groups, and during parts of the lesson, they can unmute and interact with their classmates. playcrafterkids.com 6. Connected Camps has online programs and summer camps for children who want to learn about digital entertainment such as coding, Minecraft, eSports, digital arts, and game design. Connected Camps has small group classes that offer children opportunities to interact with others and collaborate on projects or games in a fun environment. It also hosts a free moderated Kid Club Minecraft server for kids ages 8-13. It offers counselors to mentor kids, a code of conduct, and is based on a specific learning approach. connectedcamps.com 7. iD Tech hosts virtual technology classes and camps for kids ages 7-19 who want to learn or develop their technology skills. It offers week-long sessions of no more than five students, combining instruction time with opportunities for classmates to collaborate and socialize. idtech.com/virtual 8. Clubba, for kids ages 6-12, offers online club series with classes taught by college student club counselors. Classes are small, up to five students, so students can really interact and learn new skills. Club counselors support peer interaction and developing friendships with ice breakers and other interactive activities. getclubba.com 9. American Camp Association provides a search for virtual camp listings by preferred categories. It has a section for live group interaction classes as well as costs and interest categories. You can also search for virtual camps by organizational affiliation such as 4-H Clubs, The Boys & Girls Clubs, and Boy and Girl Scouts, and by religious affiliation, and government-based programs. members.acacamps.org 10. Child & Adolescent Anxiety Practice After School Clubs offers virtual after-school clubs so children have opportunities to socialize with peers with similar interests in a structured environment. This is particularly beneficial to kids struggling with social isolation and related anxiety. Clubs are led by Dr. Avny, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent anxiety. Each club session is six weeks long with one, 45-minute class per week and broken down into 10-13-year-old and 14-17-yearold groups. Each club focuses on a hobby or interest such as cooking, arts and crafts, video games and sports, emphasizing social interaction and collaboration. caapanxiety.com 11. Destination Science offers holiday camps, summer camps, and after-school classes for children ages 5-11. Participants receive science kits with the materials needed to participate in science activities during the live session with an instructor and other children their age. destinationscience.org 12. Lavner Education offers technology camps with a STEM focus for kids in Grades 1-9. It has camp sessions with over 40 classes offered over the winter, spring, and summer holidays. Classes admit between four-eight students per instructor and provide opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning, collaboration with classmates, social interaction, and opportunities to progress through skill levels. lavnercampsandprograms.com ■
After School Activities LISTING
BY BRPM PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2020-21 COVER KID ERIN J.
Flip into fun after school with these exciting extracurricular activities. Whether your child wants to further her education, pick up a sport, or try learning a new instrument, our area is home to a variety of activities for all her interests. Included in this listing you will find registration information, weekly or monthly fees, and what each activity entails. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had this school year.
BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
TARGET AGE GROUP REGISTRATION FEE COST FAMILY DISCOUNT DESCRIPTION
Baton Rouge Music Studios 9327 Burbank Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70820 (225) 769-6225 brmusicstudios.com 5-18 N/A $37.50/ WEEK YES
Baton Rouge Soccer Club Multiple locations (225) 924-2157 brsoccer.org 4-17 N/A $110-135 N/A
BREC Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program 6402 River Road Baton Rouge, LA 70820 (225) 769-7805 brec.org 6 AND UP $120-144 N/A N/A
BREC Kids at Play Multiple locations (225) 272-9200 brec.org 5 AND UP N/A N/A N/A
Code Ninjas 8657 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 427-0701 codeninjas.com/ la-baton-rouge
David Vincent’s Martial Arts 9828 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 766-5181 dvmafit.com 7-14 N/A
4 AND UP 95+ UP TO $229/ MONTH NO
$155+/ MONTH YES They offer private music and voice lessons and Young Band Nation™.
The BRSC Recreational Program is a volunteer-based program that focuses on fun, not wins and losses. Players can choose to register as a pool player or form a team with friends.
Riders with physical, mental, and social disabilitites participate in a six-week session of riding lessons tailored to their needs.
Participants engage in recreational games designed to enhance physcial movment skills and coordination. This program includes kickball, dodgeball, and other recreational games, along with nutritonal snacks and homework time.
Code Ninjas CREATE lets kids build games and develop coding skills on the path to black belt. Create lets kids ages 7-14 learn to code year-round at their own pace. Drop-in at your convenience during weeknight and weekend hours.
Studying martial arts is ideal for young children. Martial arts provides an outlet for their energy and teaches respect, discipline, and core values, values that will go with them beyond the dojo.
BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE TARGET AGE GROUP REGISTRATION FEE COST FAMILY DISCOUNT DESCRIPTION
Girl Scouts Louisiana East 545 Colonial Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 927-8946 gsle.org
Piano Pathways 9270 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 767-0030 thepianopathway.com 3-18 $50-60 $60-168/ WEEK YES
ALL AGES $25 N/A N/A
6 AND UP $70 $145/ MONTH NO
Southern Oaks Athletic Club 15253 Shenandoah Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (225) 7567485 soacitup.com ALL AGES N/A $55/ MONTH YES
Studyville 10156 Perkins Rowe Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 408-4553 studyville.com 12-17 N/A
Tadpole Academy of Baton Rouge, LLC 184665 Old Perkins Road Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 678-9772 tadpoleacademy.com 6 MONTHS-12 YEARS $200-240 $200/ MONTH YES
BY SES-
SION NO
Tumbles - Kids Fitness Gym + STEAM 9828 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225) 663-6361 southbatonrouge. tumbles.net 4 MONTHS-12 YEARS N/A $90/ MONTH YES De Frances Academy of Dance provides an assortment of classes for all ages and experience levels. Classes conclude with recitals.
With Girl Scouts, she will discover her interests, connect with friends, and take action to make the world a better place. Sign her up for a world of adventure.
Piano Pathways offers a variety of piano lessons for children of all ages, skill levels, and interests, including private lessons and small group classes.
They offer amenities of fitness, tennis, aquatics, food and beverage, and mixers year round. They have over 50 GroupX fitness classes weekly, plus tennis lessons and classes for all ages and year-round aquatics lessons and swim team.
Studyville provides tutoring, test prep, and homework support, and members can drop in anytime and stay as long as they need.
Includes survival swim lessons for toddlers and preschoolers, Red Cross strokes courses and beginner courses for children ages three and up, and private lessons for adults.
Gets kids moving and thinking through a gym-indoor playground STEAM classroom. Utilizes physical/mental activities to develop motor skills, coordination, balance, agility, and sports preparation. A fun, non-competitive environment allowing children to grow in their own way. Also offering gym/STEAM camps during school holidays.
BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE TARGET AGE GROUP REGISTRATION FEE COST
FAMILY DISCOUNT DESCRIPTION
Valor Gymnastics 8321 Bluebonnet Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225) 766-7070 valorgymnastics.com 18 MONTHS-13 YEARS $75
YMCA of the Capital Area Multiple locations (225) 923-0653 ymcabr.org GRADES K-5 $25-35
$75/ MONTH YES
$55-65/
WEEK N/A From Mommy & Me to advanced classes, their objective for your child is to safely learn proper gymnastics skills and increase strength, flexibility, coordination and fitness levels. They offer classes from beginner to advanced levels leading up to competitive team.
After-school care programs include academic enrichment and homework help, structured activities that provide kids with physical activity outside, handson engaging activities, healthy snacks, and arts and crafts.
