Cayman Parent Issue #2 June 2015

Top Family Destinations + The A-Z of Special Needs + Summer Survival June 2015

Second Edition

The islands’ ultimate resource for families

www.caymanparent.com

And babies make four!

Meet Jason and Erikka Gilbert and their twins Sage and Jonas

Support for breastfeeding moms Keeping it real with teens

Your Special Needs Child Teaching fiscal responsibility

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Welcome

Our second edition is born!

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hank you to everyone for the overwhelming support and encouragement that we have received for this new resource! We are so excited to bring you this edition, which is bursting with fantastic local content. From our cover story, about a young Caymanian family and their choice to move back home — despite the allure of Hollywood — to an encouraging article about teens and their relationships with their parents.

In this edition, you’ll also find the A-Z of Special Needs, and while certainly not a comprehensive view of it, the section will offer a place to start. With this ‘start’, we strive to bring about awareness and give parents direction as to the options and services which exist in Cayman.

In addition to available resources, our special needs section also includes a gripping and deeply personal account from a ‘special needs’ mum. In just two pages, she brings to life the hard truths and realities, along with the joys and achievements that each day brings. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us. I dare you not to want to give her a great big hug! You do not need to be the parent of a special needs child

to understand and appreciate “Lilah’s” story and that of her parents. We salute all of those brave parents who advocate each day for their special needs children, alongside their caring and knowledgeable service providers.

We’d also like to extend special thanks to our contributors who really outdid themselves in this edition. Your passion and insights are second to none.

Summer is upon us...HOT, sticky, rainy, mosquito season... definitely time to go into survival mode! ‘Summer Survival’ gives you what you need to get you through the long, hot Cayman summer. You’ll find crafts, activities, camps, book lists, summer travel, health, money tips and of course summer camps!!

Don’t forget to check in at Caymanparent.com regularly!

There you’ll find a great calendar of family events, directories of family services, articles not found in print, special offers just for Cayman Parents, plus other dynamic content!

We’re glad you could join us on our journey! Please visit us on www.facebook.com/caymanparent and join the conversation.

Heather Cassidy Publisher, SeaGrape Media Ltd. e: publisher@caymanparent.com w: caymanparent.com

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Inside this issue

Top picks from our Summer Edition p28

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Growing Roots Erikka and Jason Gilbert come home.

Football4All Program makes every kick count!

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Summer Travel Top Family Destinations ParentMagazineJune15-Final.pdf

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Let’s Get Crafty!

Ideas for the long, hot summer 11:58 AM

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Keeping It Real Conversations with Cayman parents

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Recipes to savour From the islands’ top chefs

CAr City

Know the facts about skin cancer!

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he Cayman Islands possess something magical that makes them attractive to families that other locations don’t. There are some obvious answers and some less obvious ones: If you’re a parent, obviously you’re going to want a safe and secure environment for your family.

Many favour the Cayman Islands because it has all the amenities that a family needs: • Exceptional schools, hospitals, clinics, and emergency services; • Beaches and natural flora and fauna; • Upscale and varied restaurants and cafés; All are head and shoulders above the competition - very much first world as opposed to second or third, which may be found on other islands. In fact, no Caribbean island can boast as family-friendly an environment for living, working, playing, all within 10 minutes of your children’s school and your office.

Cayman’s real estate market is in many ways the envy of the Caribbean, offering a wide range of products, catering to

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for males and seventh most common for females. the needs of most, if not all, tastes. Whether you’re looking to buyFrom 1973 to 2004 in young people age 15 to 39, melanoma incidence among males or rent a one-bedroom condo or a seven-bedroom mansion, the local real estate market is both sophisticated and increased by 61 percent and incidence among females more than doubled. strong. Prices are surprisingly competitive compared to other Caribbean markets such as Barbados, BVI, and the Bahamas,

Women aged 39 and under have a higher probability of developing and with financing and insurance available, buying a home is melanoma than any other cancer except breast cancer. much easier in Cayman than in many places in the region.

In addition, Cayman has become very good at

From ages 15-39, men are 55 percent more likely to die of welcoming visitors and their families, helping them settle melanoma than in the same age group into the islands as their newwomen home. There are now almost 120 nationalities living and working here and you won’t find Young men account for 40 percent of melanoma cases, a more stable and sophisticated place to live in the region but more than 60 percent of melanoma deaths. or globally. Not only is Cayman a great place to invest in property, a great place to live and work, it is also a great place to raise a family.

In Knight Frank’s 2013 lifestyle survey, Cayman ranked joint second globally in the top places to live and work. See more at www.knightfrank.com/global-lifestyle-review.

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Special Feature

Ato Z of special needs

“Special Needs is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged.

Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; severe food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and their family.” a

Terri Mauro, the author of 50 Ways to Support Your Child’s Special Education

Pick any two families of children with special needs, and they may seem to have little in common, however, every special needs family is as unique as their child. We hope this section give you a place to start and hope for the future.

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting children. ADHD can cause significant disruptions in learning and social development. ADHD can affect each child differently ranging in severity and type of behaviour.

Asperger’s Sydrome Also referred to as Mild Autism, a child with Asperger’s Syndrome often faces difficulty in social functioning and repetitive behaviours. Unlike children with more severe cases of autism, children with Asperger’s do not face significant delay or loss of speech or language abilities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently regarded as one of the most pervasive developmental disorders affecting children and adults worldwide. Autism is considered a “spectrum disorder” as symptoms can affect each individual in a number of different ways ranging from mild to severe.

Communication Disorder Speech disorders involve the inability to produce speech and sounds correctly or fluently or difficulty with the voice itself. Examples include stuttering, articulation problems, or difficulty pronouncing sounds.

Dyslexia Dyslexia occurs when the brain does not recognise and comprehend letters or phrases. Undiagnosed dyslexia is a primary cause of illiteracy. Detecting early signs can be fundamental for future success and achievement.

Mood & Bipolar Disorders Mood disorders can affect individuals from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. These vary in regards to symptoms and severity, but the most common mood disorders include Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Depression is a treatable mental illness, but one which can go significantly unnoticed and often untreated.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD affects approximately 1 – 2% of the population with young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 facing the highest risk of being diagnosed. OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions. a Courtesy of the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman www.caymanparent.com

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A to Z of Special Needs

Help! My child has

Special Needs Children develop at their own pace, and tracking your child’s development is a part of the parenting process.

It is important to continually monitor how your child develops their language, play, cognitive, and motor skills, as well as their behaviour.

Story by Faith Gealey

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here is nothing more unsettling for a parent than the thought that your child may not be developing typically, and usually the first instinct most parents have is to ignore the issue and hope that it goes away on its own. But then you see it again. You notice your child is not meeting milestones as quickly as a previous child. At a play group, you notice your child is not keeping up with their same-age peers.

Your child may engage in strange behaviours or do odd things that just do not seem right. You scour the Internet and pore over baby books looking for hope that your little one is just a late bloomer. Then the pit deep in your stomach starts to form, your heart beats a little harder, and you start to think – ‘maybe it’s something more serious’. Perhaps your child has a special need.

When your instinct tells you that things are not going the way they should, be guided by it. While a million questions may run through your mind, every parent of a special needs child goes through this process. Your best option is to design an action plan for your family to follow. By using these tips to guide you, the process from concern to diagnosis and finally to treatment, should result in a smoother transition for your family.

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Document your concerns Sometimes we forget to bring areas of concerns to our paediatrician or family doctor for a variety of reasons.

Making a list of your concerns about your child’s development will make it easier for you to discuss these concerns once they are written down and you do not have to worry about forgetting any key areas you want to discuss with your paediatrician. It may also be helpful to ask your child’s caregiver (nanny, daycare teacher, family member etc.) if they have any areas of concern based on their interactions with your child.

See your child’s paediatrician Paediatricians are not only for when your child is feeling sick. Your child’s health care providers are there to assist you with tracking your child’s development. Discuss your concerns with them so that an action plan can be developed. These are individuals who see children on a daily basis and are familiar with what the range of normal development looks like. Allow them to assist you in this process with securing the appropriate referrals or to ease any concerns you may have.

Referrals Your paediatrician may recommend your child see one or all of the following service providers on island: audiologist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, ENT physician. Please do not wait, rather proceed with making the necessary appointments for your child based on your paediatrician’s recommendations. Keep in mind that for some services, there may be a short waiting period between when the appointment is made and when your child is seen.

Report back Your paediatrician will be your child’s biggest advocate in relation to your child’s medical team. After following through with your child’s referrals, forward these results to your child’s paediatrician. Not only will they be able to decipher any of the technical aspects of the report, they can make subsequent referrals for any therapy that is required. Many insurance companies will not cover services without a physician’s referral, so having your paediatrician as an integral part of your team is vital.

Early Intervention If your child is under the age of 5, enroll them in the Early Intervention Programme. The Early Intervention Programme (EIP) involves a group of early childhood teachers and therapists who specialise in providing services to children under the age of 5. These professionals can assess your child’s overall development and provide additional supports and services if your child demonstrates a need for them. Their goal is to have your child ready for school.

They are a wonderful resource for any young child with a suspected or diagnosed special need.

If your child is over the age of five or enrolled in school, seek school based guidance.

For children already enrolled in primary or secondary school,

seeking help will be varied based on the school setting. Most public and private schools have a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), or an equivalent position.

Discuss your concerns regarding your child’s classroom teacher and the SENCO for your child’s school.

Your SENCO will coordinate a meeting with all of the stakeholders so that all concerns can be discussed and can assist you with getting the necessary referrals completed. For children who attend public (government) schools, many services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Music Therapy and Education Psychology are offered within the school system. For children who attend private schools, parents may need to seek support through the Health Services Authority or through the private sector via one of the service providers on island.

Individual Education Plan An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) (or the equivalent) is a plan that outlines what services will be provided to your child and what accommodations can be offered in their academic setting.

It also includes short-term and long-term goals that your child’s therapy team and teachers will focus on. Establishing an IEP will assist your child’s therapy team with planning and implementing goals that will enhance your child’s academic success. IEPs are often written by the school’s SENCO (or equivalent) with all stake holders included. As a result, it encourages an open dialogue between you, your child’s teacher and your child’s service providers.

Having an IEP encourages a higher level of accountability for all stakeholders involved (family, teacher and therapists). It also provides additional opportunities for stakeholders to discuss > see next page

Where to go Behavioural Health Associates Cayman 746-0066 62 Hospital Road Hospital Road Plaza E: info@bhac.ky Service provided: Psychology

Cayman Echoic Services and Translations 929-9050 or 326-5126 E: caymanechoicservices@

gmail.com Services provided: Tomatis®, listening therapy

Cayman Islands Health Services Authority 949-8600 95 Hospital Road E: info@hsa.ky Services provided: Paediatricians, Otolaryngology (ENT), Nutrition, Feeding Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology.

Cayman Music Therapy 928-5307 E: Julianne@musictherapy.

ky Service provided: Music therapy. www.musictherapy.ky

Chatterbox 926-1693 15 Pasadora Place E: chatterbox@candw.ky Services provided: Speech and Language Therapy, Playschool, Hanen Programs, Autism Consultancy, Pivotal Response Treatment, Family Support Worker/Social Worker.

Early Intervention Programme 926-1413 515 Walkers Road E: eip@cayman.edu.ky Services provided: Early Intervention Teacher, Speech and Language Therapy,

Occupational Therapy, Programme for the Visually Impaired, Teacher for the Hearing Impaired, Counselor, Educational Psychologist, Music Therapy.

HOPE Academy 768-4673 Grand Harbour Shoppes, Crewe Road E: office@hopecayman.com Services provided: Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Skills Trainings, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Counseling.

I Read For Life 947-1497 2nd Floor Barnett Bldg, 24 Huldah Avenue E: admin@ireadforlife.ky Services provided: Reading Remediation, Speech and Language Therapy.

KidsAbility 943-5437 24 Pasadora Place, Smith Road E: info@kidsability.ky Services provided: Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Feeding Therapy (SOS Approach), Handwriting Remediation, Inclusive Classroom Support, Parent/ Teacher Training Workshops.

The Wellness Centre 949-9355 Cayman Business Park E: info@wellnesscentre.ky Services provided: Psychology, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Family and Parenting Support, Early Start Denver Model. www.caymanparent.com

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progress and the establishment of new goals as skills are mastered and educational needs change. Typically IEPs are updated annually, however, these be updated more or less frequently, depending on your child’s unique academic needs.

After your child has been assessed, therapy may be recommended by individual therapists based on your child’s performance during the assessment. It is important for you to not only continue with the service but to ensure that your child regularly attends his or her therapy sessions. Prompt access to service and regular attendance to therapy will be beneficial to your child if he or she has been diagnosed with a special need.

Support The process of having your child assessed for a special need can be quite harrowing. If your child has been diagnosed with a special need, it can be overwhelming and it is natural for you to go through periods of grief, denial, sadness, anger or anxiety as you try to wrap your head around their diagnosis and the way forward.

Seeking support from other parents who have gone through similar experiences can help you come to terms with your child’s diagnosis.

Additionally, there are non-profit agencies on island, such as the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) that are available as a resource to families to provide access to training, guidance and general support as you and your family goes through this transition.

The diagnosis of a special needs child does not change who your child is to you or their role in the family. They are still the child that you are madly in love with. As you go through the process, take time to appreciate the small gains your child will make. The small changes eventually add up to larger changes over time – and these are worthy of celebration – no matter how small! CP

Is your child ‘gifted’?

Very often children who are considered to be “gifted” are excluded from the special needs conversation. However, it is important to remember that children who require additional educational support may need to do so not only because of a lack of skill, but also due to a highly developed skill.

The National Association for Gifted Children states that children who are gifted display a variety of behaviours but all share common traits such as marked alertness and the ability to learn new information or tasks very quickly. Very often children who are gifted have good memory, large vocabularies and are able to understand abstract ideas very easily. They also have long attention spans and can concentrate intensely for significant periods of time.

At times children who are ‘gifted’ are labelled as “daydreamers” as they can often be preoccupied with their own thoughts. It is not uncommon for these children to be highly sensitive, may have difficulties with managing in a classroom well and may be described as disruptive; this usually happens when the child is not challenged enough and is able to complete his or her work ahead of their peers. These children who can also be “self-taught” and may have reached various developmental and cognitive milestones prior to expectation.

If you feel that your child may demonstrate signs of giftedness, the first step you should take is to seek additional assessments to confirm it. This is usually completed by an Educational or Clinical Psychologist who will administer a variety of cognitive assessments to see if your child is performing at levels that exceed age expectations. Your child may excel across

Proudly supporting Cayman parents through a range of services delivered by a team of qualified and compassionate health professionals.

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all areas, or it may be specific to a certain subject area, such as mathematics or science or even music and art.

Once you have confirmation from your child’s psychologist, your next step should be to discuss these results with your child’s school. Both his or her classroom teacher and the school principal should be included in the meeting to discuss your child’s academic performance and status.

At present, there are no specific educational policies in place for children who are deemed gifted, however, both the public and private schools are generally willing to provide additional supports to assist your child with excelling in their area.

Finally, encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities that will foster their giftedness. You are your child’s biggest advocate. Just as a child who is struggling with mathematics would receive additional tutoring, a child who is on the opposite end of the spectrum would also benefit from tutoring.

Use what you know about your child’s present level of functioning and their area of giftedness to encourage their overall development. You will both be glad you did! CP

Give your children the tools to thrive in school, at home, and in life.

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A to Z of Special Needs

Raising

Lilah

“She was born in September 2001, the same apocalyptic month that the world was forever changed.

As devastating footage of the fall of the Twin Towers looped on TV screens across the island, I watched my baby girl fighting for survival in the NICU and wondered how life, by some, could be held in such disregard.”

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eading the medical notes still paralyses me. She was born ‘blue’, ‘aggressively resuscitated.’ Medics recorded Apgar scores and hooked up her tiny body to machines. Preparations were made to airlift her to Miami. A photographer arrived to take passport photos. I still can’t see them.

She looked like a corpse. I had never been parted from Lilah’s big sister and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her now.

In sombre tones, doctors offered me ‘something to help me cope.’ Even in the midst of the firestorm, I recognised the absurdity of the offer. I didn’t know what to do; how to survive this new reality, but I knew I had to keep a clear head. I decided to live one minute at a time – one second

if need be. And so began my life as the parent of a ‘special needs’ child, never daring to look ahead for fear it would break me.

–

The Early Years After two weeks, Lilah* was discharged with an inconclusive prognosis. I threw myself into caring for her, seizing every opportunity to provide a rich and stimulating environment. When she slept, I scrutinised child development books.

When she awoke, we sang, read and played. I obsessed over developmental milestones, watching enviously as other babies dutifully smiled, rolled over and sat up. The truth was undeniable: Lilah was not achieving her milestones. At 15 months of age, we attended the first of many evaluations in Miami, while my husband stayed home with our eldest who, despite our best efforts, inevitably began to see her needs as secondary to her sister’s.

In the early days, I hung on every word, highlighting key phrases, researching terminology and inwardly despairing at each new ‘deficit’ uncovered. I enrolled Lilah in Early Intervention and began exhaustive home programme work as I swotted up on Speech and Language, Occupational and Physical Therapies. As well as conventional treatments, I explored

“After two weeks, Lilah was discharged with an inconclusive prognosis. I threw myself into caring for her...” alternative practices, feverishly attempting to maximise gains in her formative years, wishing on miracles, desperate, I later realised, to fix her; driven by guilt; haunted by the misguided belief that I was, somehow, to blame. After all, I was her mother – it was my job to protect her.

Transitioning Moments of transition are stressful for any child but for children with additional needs, navigating the school system can be brutal. Lilah had far exceeded expectation – she could walk, talk (albeit with articulation issues) and run. She was slower than most, but she got there in the end. Call me naïve but, despite being a career teacher, I hadn’t considered for a moment that the new intellectual challenges of school should be any different. Surely she would get there in time? In years to come I heard a friend telling a joke about ‘denial’ not being a river in Egypt. I didn’t laugh.

The Primary Years It became obvious that Lilah needed more support so I quit my job. In addition to regular overseas evaluations involving days of testing, meetings with teachers, support staff and doctors, the establishment of an Individual Education Plan to ‘service’ my daughter (“Don’t you service a car?” I asked), and hours of therapy, I began going into class with Lilah. It had to be done, but the financial repercussions added new tensions. Finally, we were informed that if we wanted our daughter to continue at school, we must provide a full-time teacher’s aide. The pressure mounted.

Where there were shortfalls in services, I endeavoured to address them, petitioning government for greater access to service providers.

Private practitioners were expensive and not always covered by insurance, yet the reports insisted Lilah needed contact time several times a week. My father always said, “The squeaky wheel gets the most oil,” and I soon learnt that getting results required agitating. I did what needed to be done, but the fight seemed endless.

We invested heavily in Lilah’s friendships. Birthday parties were huge, extravagant affairs that ensured a smattering of return invites; play-dates at our house were plentiful but not widely reciprocated. We wanted so badly for Lilah to feel accepted in spite of her increasingly obvious

differences, but with each passing year invitations became scarcer.

I came to resent the patronising enquiries about how Lilah was doing; the superficial sympathy always accompanied inexplicably by that tell-tale tilt of the head and furrowed brow. At school pick-up, Lilah’s smile was replaced by tears which we initially put down to ‘a phase’ or later, problems reading social cues. The harsh reality was that our child was being bullied – she was ripe for plucking. Knowing that, statistically, children with special needs are more vulnerable to bullying didn’t make the agony any more bearable.

Perseverance Somewhere along the line, I was diagnosed with depression and became bulimic. I realised that, in all this, I had thrown my marriage under the bus. Energy spent on the girls meant there was precious little left for anyone else. Achieving balance is hard enough without raising a child with special needs in such an unforgiving world.

Somehow I was on a crusade that I’d never planned on. I had no choice but to continue, but had nothing left to give. I felt isolated and hopeless.

There is hope I heard of a group of parents with children on the Autism spectrum who had begun to meet so I decided to go along.

Sitting, listening to their struggles, I realised for the first time that I wasn’t alone. From these modest beginnings came the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman. I found strength and solace in this community of parents, educators and professionals and to this day, I try to pay this forward.

Now 13, Lilah is a mass of auburn hair with a fiery nature and killer smile – a fighting spirit, we like to say; a spirit that sustained her in those first dark days. The medical file that started the morning of her birth now occupies the better part of an entire filing cabinet. She has a slew of unpronounceable diagnoses, but these labels neither define nor limit her. It is she who teaches me, daily, about courage. I am a better teacher, parent and human being for having walked by her side.

As I write, I am dreading an appointment with a doctor where I will need to argue the findings of a report. It is still a struggle, but I am no longer in danger of being broken by it. CP *Although the names have been changed to observe the privacy of the individuals involved, we hope this piece will inspire all parents.

www.caymanparent.com

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A to Z of Special Needs

You and your child’s The relationship you have with your child’s therapist could define your child’s success Story by Faith Gealey

A

relationship between a therapist and a child is a beautiful thing. It is usually slow to take root, but once it does, it blossoms and blooms into a sweet bond. However, the bond between a child’s therapist and a parent can be hit or miss. As a parent, it is your job to advocate for your child, and as a parent myself, I totally understand and support that. However, I can’t tell you the amount of times I have to take time from therapy to “sell” myself as a clinician or to convince a family that I am here to help them win the war, not to wage any battles against them. As a paediatric therapist who has compared notes with other therapists, there are some underlying things that we want parents of our clients to know:

You are not being judged Your child having a special need is not your fault, and it is not the result of your parenting. When you bring your child to me, I am looking at your child in a holistic manner – not evaluating your parenting skills.

Your child will not be compared to other children One of the common questions parents ask me relates to comparison. “Is my child the worst child on

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your caseload?” or “Do you have any other children that are as bad as my child?” My answer to this question is always ‘no’. Each child is unique. I’m not just saying that because it is the proper thing to say; I say that because it is a fact. Even if all of the children on my caseload had the same diagnosis, they would still be unique because learning and development is a process that varies from child to child. As a result, each child brings with them a very different set of strengths and weaknesses. It is for this reason that I do not compare your child to any other because each one of my clients is on an individual journey.

You can be honest with me Does your child already have a diagnosis? Are they getting therapy elsewhere? Are you having a rough time at home? Please, let me know. If your child has been assessed, it helps me to know that information because your child may not have to sit through another tedious assessment.

If an assessment is still warranted, an alternative assessment could be administered to ensure that as much information on your child’s development has been obtained from the assessment and most importantly to ensure that the testing results obtained and paid for are, in fact, valid. I would like to know which other therapists are working with your child so that we can collaborate together and make sure that we are working as a single team for a child. Are things a little chaotic at home? Remember

point number one? I’m not judging you! I certainly am not interested in knowing about your personal life but if your family is going through a difficult time, it is helpful for me to know in case I start to notice some changes in your child’s behaviour. Keeping secrets from your therapist in regards to your child is not the best way to go.

I genuinely care

• Occupational therapy

I think your child is cute, charming and sweet. Even on the roughest of therapy days I still want to give your child a big squeeze.

I’m proud of their victories and I want to see your child succeed. I give a part of myself to each child during therapy. Each client I’ve worked with will forever hold a piece of my heart. I will feel old as they grow up. I will miss them when they have been discharged from therapy. So don’t ever think I’m just going through the motions with your child.

I will fight for your child’s rights as if they are my own child because I seriously adore every inch of your child – quirks and all.

There are no quick fixes I wish when I graduated from college they gave me a magic wand that can make any child better. I really do. But unfortunately, my alma mater did not get that memo. There is no quick fix for any type of disorder or delay.

For some children, a few months of therapy is sufficient. For other children the habilitation process can take years. I have no way of saying in this time period your child will be able to do x, y and z. Therapy doesn’t work like that. It is a process of teaching and learning. The length of time a child needs to be in therapy is directly linked with how quickly he or she can grasp the concepts they are being in taught in therapy.

• Speech and language therapy • Feeding therapy • Handwriting remediation • Inclusive classroom support • Parent/teacher workshops info@kidsability.ky 943-5437 (KIDS) www.kidsability.ky 24 Pasadora Place

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Much of your child’s progress rests in your hands I only see your child for a limited amount of time per week. Some parents feel that the more therapy their child has access to, the better it is for the child. This, in many cases is true. However, the best thing you can do for your child is integrate the targets they are working on in therapy at home during regular family activities. The more opportunities your child has to practice, and to use those skills across different settings, > see next page

Speech&&Language LanguageTherapy Therapy Speech Psychology- -Assessments Assessmentsand andtherapy therapy Psychology Home/School Therapy Coordinator Home/School Therapy Coordinator Playschool2-5 2-5years years Playschool Social Skills/Emotional Managementgroups groups Social Skills/Emotional Management TrainingWorkshops Workshops- -Parents Parents&&Professionals Professionals Training Music & Creative Arts Program Music & Creative Arts Program

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the more likely it is that he or she will master the goal quickly and generalise those skills across different settings.

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PENSION IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST MANAGING MONEY.

IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE It’s about listening to you. Understanding what you want to do.

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Celebrate the moments Sometimes when you focus on the end goal – you forget to celebrate the smallest of victories. You want your child to walk independently. He’s not there yet, but he’s standing on his own now. Celebrate it!

Your want your child to tell you about her day. She’s not there yet, but she learned three new words this week. How awesome is that?! Take this therapy process with your child day by day, session by session.

Celebrate each and every small victory and use that as a reminder that progress is being made, change is coming and your child is one step closer to their goals.

As a speech therapist, I spend every day working with children with special needs.

While I know the challenges of working with each individual child, I don’t know the challenges of living with and raising your child. Always know that I admire you for your dedication, love and commitment and think you are AMAZING. I may not always say how impressed I am with your patience, or compliment you on the great job you are doing with your child. Please know that I hold you in the highest esteem and I think that your child is truly blessed to have a wonderful parent like you. CP Faith Gealey is mom to two-year-old Alyssa

345-745-7630

P.O. Box 609 • Grand Cayman KY1-1107 • Cayman Islands • admin@pensions.ky •

I especially enjoy having the family in the room during therapy because it helps them to know what to do to encourage generalisation of skills at home. However, sometimes you have to put your parent instincts to swoop in and save your child on hold for short period of time (just until the end of the session). Please let me work with your child, and if your child is struggling – please let them. Each and every one of us struggles when we learn something new, and this goes the same for our children.

Allow me to teach your child it is okay not to have all the answers. Allow me to teach them strategies and encourage them to use them on their own, teaching your child pride in finishing a task. Allow me to teach your child to learn.

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Hope and a Speech Language Pathologist who is a native of Bodden Town.

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A ray of hope at Lighthouse School Story by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell

P

arents of special needs children face many challenges in the Cayman Islands. One of them is schooling.

Depending on the severity of your child’s needs the Lighthouse School is an option.

A Cayman Islands government school established in 1976, Lighthouse School is the only primary and secondary institution in the Cayman Islands that caters to children with moderate to profound special education needs and diagnosis: children on the severe autism spectrum, cerebral palsy and chromosomal disorders.

Their mission is to help students with challenging needs develop their unique abilities to their fullest potential through individual and innovative programs, implemented by a caring and professional staff in a dynamic partnership with parents and community.

The school’s programs and curriculum was developed with an emphasis on skills that prepare the students for life.

Those skills include: Personal and Social, Communication, Literacy, Numeracy and ICT, Physical and Co-ordination, Life, and Work related.

Programs and Services Programs and services ranging from Individualised Education and Life Skills to Occupational Therapy and Medical Services are provided by special education classroom teachers and specialist support staff, all of whom work for the government with the exception of outsourced programs.

Each child is given an Individual Education Plan specific to their needs, which includes mainstream integration in schools and the philosophy of inclusion. Children are included in their community by participating in athletic, cultural arts programs and library activities. Inclusion benefits both special needs kids, the people they interact with, and students in mainstream school.

Students participate in community-based learning and events that enhances their life skills. Special needs events are hosted by the

school to bring awareness to the Cayman Islands and celebrate the success of their students. Businesses in the community support the school by holding special events for the students throughout the year, and integration into their business through work programs.

Who can attend?

Lighthouse School caters to residents of the Cayman Islands, and due to the limited capacity of the school, and the amount of special needs children on the island, preference is given to Caymanian candidates.

Before considering enrolling your child, contact the Department of Education (DOE) Services to ensure Lighthouse School can accommodate your child. If the school can accommodate your child, and an application is submitted to a panel with representatives from the DOE and mainstream schools. The panel reviews the application to ensure the applicant meets the school’s criteria and decides their best placement based on their needs.

Quick Tips • Have your child’s assessments completed to ensure you know all their physical and educational needs.

• Contact Lighthouse School to check space is available for your child.

• Confirm Lighthouse School can accommodate ALL of your child’s physically and educational needs.

• If you’re considering moving to the Cayman Islands, make sure the school can accommodate your child.

• Meet with the principal and teachers, and take a tour of the school, to make sure you’re comfortable with the school and the people responsible for your child on a daily basis.

For more information about the Lighthouse School, please contact the principal, Carla MacVicar at carla. macvicar@gov.ky or call 947-5454.

Lighthouse School Fundraiser

Lighthouse School had its inaugural art exhibition, "Art Without Boundaries", at The DART Auditorium Community Gallery at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands in March 2015 to bring awareness to children with special needs.

Other schools and many visitors attended to view the unique art completed by Lighthouse School students. The exhibition culminated with a fundraising art auction. The evening was a huge success, selling every piece of art, and raising almost $20,000 that will be used to refurbish the Lighthouse School’s playground and to purchase musical instruments.

Notable attendees were: Hon. Tara Rivers; Winston Connolly, MLA; Roy McTaggart, MLA; and Christen Suckoo, Chief Education Officer. www.caymanparent.com

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A to Z of Special Needs

Making every kick count!

Football4All brings the love of the game to all children and allows them to engage outside of the therapy room Darryl Paddyfoot stands proudly with his medal at Football4All. Photo supplied.

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Story Faith Gealey

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n a sunny Saturday morning at the Academy Football Club in George Town, you will find in a corner of a football field, a group of 12 children partnered with older peer buddies learning the game of football. While coaches provide strategies and supervision, parents are scattered across the area – some on the field helping with exercises and others on the sidelines cheering their children on. At first glance, it seems like a typical children’s football team, however, upon a closer inspection, one realises that there is something quite unique about this particular football club.

Football4All is a sports programme initiated by The Wellness Centre and supported by The Academy Sports Club. It provides an opportunity for children with special needs between ages four and 14 to engage with each other outside of the therapy room.

Shannon Seymour, director of The Wellness Centre, founded Football4All with a very special vision for this club. Very active within the Academy Football Club, and during one of the Junior Football games, the idea for Football4All was conceived.

“I saw these young kids playing football and having

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a blast. It saddened me because at that time my clients didn’t have access to engaging in that type of activity.” During a team-building meeting at The Wellness Centre, the idea was put forth to the staff.

The entire Wellness Centre team came on board to assist with the development and planning of this programme. “We had very specific objectives for this programme. We wanted our clients to have fun. We also wanted to target functional life skills such as responding to concepts like “stop” and “go” which are very important commands for any child to understand for safety reasons. Additionally, we target imitation of gestures and words, socialisation with peers, compliance, responding to questions, and responding to instructions.”

The Academy Sports Club graciously donated the use of the field, the equipment and peer coaches.

One of the guiding principles of the Academy Sports Club is for players to give back, and this was a wonderful opportunity for their Under 15 and Under 17 players to do on Saturday mornings. These players completed a short workshop on Autism Spectrum Disorder and learned simple strategies on how to work with Football4All players. The parents of the peer coaches shared that their children have become more

compassionate and empathic due to their volunteer experiences with Football4All. Mr. Patrick O’Brien and Mrs. Lynn WalshO’Brien’s son, Calum, has been involved with Football4All since its inception. “Calum has improved greatly with patience, turn-taking and following the rules, and communicating with others in a group setting.” The O’Brien family strongly supports the Football4All programme and shared that “the strides Calum and the other children have made are quite evident.”

Very often children with special needs are excluded from participating in extracurricular activities within the community. Ms. Vanessa Ebanks shared her son Darrell’s (pictured left) experience, “Before Football4All my son resisted trying anything new. Since joining Football4All I have noticed he is more open to new places and people”. Families like the O’Briens and The Ebanks are “very thankful for the Football4All programme and really appreciate all of the time and effort put forth by those involved.”

Football4All was initially established as a community programme specifically for clients with from The Wellness Centre with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Therapists from

The Wellness Centre donated their time each Saturday morning to assist the parents and peer coaches with supervision and to provide hands on support when needed.

The programme has grown and now includes children from the community with a variety of special needs.

Being a part of an extracurricular activity

The power to change lives!

is a childhood rite of passage; the beauty of Football4All is that it provides children with special needs with an opportunity to engage in community based activities. As the programme grows, it continues to be a challenge for The Wellness Centre to keep up with the demand without additional supports from the community. The benefits of this programme and seeing the progress of the children in Football4All, makes it all

‘Our Specialty is Special Needs’ Together, we team up with our horses and improve balance, coordination, communication, confidence, and self-esteem... all in a refreshing setting focused on safety, learning, and fun!

worthwhile for the staff volunteers. Mrs. Seymour is hopeful that stakeholders in the community will assist with keeping this programme going so that more children have the opportunity to participate. CP For more information please contact Shannon Seymour at sseymour@ wellnesscentre.ky or at 949-9355.

Call 916-8571 E. shanna@cowboytownstables.com W. www.cowboytownstables.com

The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is a charitable, non-profit organisation. SNFC is Cayman’s own support group providing information and education about Children with Special Needs.

What is special needs?

Having Special Needs can be defined as an individual with particular requirments resulting from physical, learning, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.

What do we do?

The SNFC advocates for individuals and families to promote ongoing education of the public about the needs of the special needs community. With growth, we will endeavour to work with professionals, providers and policy makers to ensure that needed services and options are available throughout the lifespan of people diagnosed with any kind of special needs.

The Foundation believes that all children with special needs should have a voice, be given the same opportunities as all children and be able to develop their maximum potential.

How can you help?

Getting involved with the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is easy.

Become a member, volunteer or donate to this local non-profit organisation by contacting us via: E-mail info@specialneedsfoundation.ky Phone - 345-321-2957 Mail - PO Box 12141, Grand Cayman KY1-1010 /SNFCCayman Design donated by

Visit our website for community events, support and other information www.specialneedsfoundation.ky www.caymanparent.com

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T

oday, despite years of struggle and reinvention, there is a growing awareness that The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman has finally come of age and established itself squarely as the unequivocal voice of the islands’ special needs community.

With each victory – large or small — the powers that be are coming to understand

that this is a sector of society that refuses to be marginalised any longer.

Committed to utilising all resources available to develop and provide appropriate and comprehensive support services for children with a range of special needs across the Cayman Islands, The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is an organisation on a mission. A non-profit collective of parents, educators, service providers and professionals, it seeks to help all its young people reach their maximum potential to become valuable and valued members of society.

What originally began as a monthly support group for parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, soon evolved into The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman, a membershipbased organisation formed to tackle the increasingly urgent need to address the lack of diagnostic, treatment and support services available to the nation’s youth special needs community.

Advocating for individuals and families through ongoing public education programmes and positive partnerships with professionals, providers and policy-makers, the foundation aims to give a voice to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, offering opportunities through increased awareness and expert guidance.

Other active roles include the petitioning of government to make changes to the Health Reform Law to ensure full coverage of all children for essential therapies, as well as undertaking comprehensive research studies to establish baseline data to inform good practice and accessibility for future generations.

Funded by generous corporate sponsors, private donors and membership dues, the foundation offers a range of services including members’ financial aid for selected Summer Camps, morale and emotional support, practical assistance, a calendar of social events where parents and children can meet and mingle and monthly newsletters detailing training opportunities, special interest courses, and educational presentations in collaboration with a wide range of special needs providers.

Driven by a host of dedicated volunteers and spearheaded by a Board of Directors, comprised primarily of parents and respected professionals from fields ranging from Speech and Language Therapy to Music Therapy, the SNFC promotes early identification, diagnosis and intervention in order to improve the long-term prognosis of all children with special needs resident on island.

With three hard-working committees – the Fundraising Committee, Membership Resource Committee and the Committee for Advocacy and Research – members have ample opportunity to get as involved as they wish with the running of the organisation.

To find out more about exciting work and future projects, please visit www.specialneedsfoundation.ky or contact the SNFC’s Executive Leader, Susie Bodden, at susie@specialneedsfoundation.ky or by phone on 321 2957.

when they are...

So often, children are punished for being human.

Children are not allowed to have grumpy moods, bad days, disrespectful tones, or bad attitudes, yet we adults have them all the time!

None of us are perfect, and we must stop holding our children to a higher standard of perfection than we can attain ourselves.

Address these needs and you will see negative Childrenbehaviours are people, too!decrease.

For more information about this tool or on how to enhance

your parenting tool kit, contact the Family Resource Centre

THE FAMILY at 949-0006 or RESOURCE frc.gov.ky. CENTRE Email frc@gov.ky or Call 949-0006 Become familiar with all the free services FRC provides! familyresourcecentre The Department of Counselling Services C AY M A N I S L A N D S G O V E R N M E N T

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Support

Breast is best for your baby “My world changed when my daughter Ava was born. Becoming a mother was amazing, terrifying and profound!

Breastfeeding was a way to give her my very best. I breastfed for an amazing 13 months, and the Breastfeeders Support Group volunteer played a critical role in making it successful. “

A

s long as there have been babies, mothers have nurtured them at their breasts. That so many of us are here today is testament to how well breastfeeding has worked through the millennia. The benefits have been widely touted and authorities on child care have made strong statements in favour of breastfeeding. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers worldwide breastfeed their infants exclusively (i.e. no other foods or liquids) for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. After that infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more.

Armed with all this knowledge, most local families make the decision to breastfeed. This turns out to be an easy journey for many new mothers and their newborn babies.

However, despite their best intentions, a

Jacynth Tibbetts and her daughter Ava number of mothers experience challenges with breastfeeding at some point, which may discourage them from continuing to breastfeed.

An important, but often overlooked, element of successful breastfeeding is a strong network of support.

KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS:

Fact: Heart disease is the #1 killer of women over 35.

q Family History

An immediate family member has had a heart attack/stroke before the age of 60.

q Smoking

You smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke daily.

q Elevated blood pressure

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Your blood pressure or blood sugar has been elevated on more than one occasion in the past or you had high blood pressure or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

q Waist Circumference

Fact: It is 80% preventable Call: 943-5800

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q Physical Inactivity

You do not exercise for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily.

q Unhealthy Diet

You eat a diet high in fat, salt, sugar and processed foods.

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Education • Prevention • Intervention • Support & Management

E: HHC@hearthealthcayman.com W: hearthealthcayman.com West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road

Your waist (approximately 1 inch above your belly button) measures > 35” (women) or > 40” (men) - recommended is = or < than height in inches divided by 2.

If you checked two or more of the above, we invite you to make an appointment for a complete risk assessment.

The Cayman Islands Breastfeeders Support Group is made up of volunteers who work to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in the community. Volunteers include nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, and mothers who have breastfed successfully. They make themselves available to all mothers on the island who need help with breastfeeding.

Mothers are encouraged to call a support group member at any time, as soon as they feel they need help, in order to prevent a minor issue from developing into a major challenge.

Breastfeeding mom, Jacynth Tibbetts had this to say: Breastfeeding felt like an art to be mastered, but I was comforted to know that the kind, patient person who helped me with my challenges from Ava’s birth, through returning to work and weaning, was able to offer continuous encouragement and assistance; helping me celebrate the beautiful journey Ava and I traveled together as mother and daughter.

Most of the services of the support group are free of charge (pump rentals incur a nominal fee). Volunteers provide breastfeeding education, phone counselling, visits to the hospital maternity unit or individuals’ homes to assist with breastfeeding. Many mothers also seek advice when they return to work and wish to continue to breastfeed. This is essential to ensure they have an adequate milk supply in order to continue exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is six months.

Although some businesses on the island provide breastfeeding rooms and pumps for their employees to express milk, many do not.

The support group partners with the Family Resource Centre (FRC) to provide dedicated areas where working mothers may go to use electric pumps donated by the support group to express milk. Mothers may take their own pumps to the Centre or they may purchase a personal pumping kit to use with the electric pumps available at the Centre. In addition, FRC provides assistance to teenage mothers participating in the Young Parents Programme who wish to breastfeed. The support group is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the next generation through successful breastfeeding.

To access contact details for Support Group volunteers families may visit or call the maternity unit at the hospital on 345-244-2841 or 345-244-2842.

Will m need b y child races?

Orthod ontics c in you ng chi an play a h ldrens’ uge ro health. le app In ation o fact, the Am earance and f e that an Orthodontic rican Associs recom orthod on mends by the time th tist examine chidren ey are Bite, cr seven y owding ea can be a identifi nd alignmen rs old. ed at an t issue orthod s e ontic conditi arly age. Som easier ons ar e to corr e simp ect if th early. A ly ey n might n d knowing t are corrected ha e not, sim ed corrective t your child dental ply offe wo rs peac e of mi rk, or nd.

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Cover story

Growin

Having a fam Jason Gilbert, b

Twins Jonas and Sage are lovingly watched by parents Erikka and Jason Gilbert

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“We thought we had a game plan but that went right out of the window.”

ng Roots

– Jason Gilbert

mily pulls busy couple, Erikka and back to their Caymanian roots.

Story by Lindsey Turnbull | Photos by Melissa Wolfe

E

rikka and Jason Gilbert are a young, successful Caymanian couple who have been living in the United States for almost a decade pursuing their careers. But the birth of their twins, Jonas and Sage, 18 months ago while they were living in Miami meant a serious reprioritisation for the couple. Coming back to live in their native Cayman last summer, Erikka, 33, and Jason, 32, feel they made the right move for their family unit as a whole.

‘The One’

Having grown up in the Cayman Islands, Erikka and Jason were acquainted with each other from school, such was the close knit community of the islands back in the early Nineties, but it wasn’t until after college that the two became an item.

“I knew she was the one since I was a teenager,” Jason confirms with a twinkle in his eye. “Erikka wore shell toe Adidas shoes, which I remember thinking was really cool for a girl!”

Both attended Florida International University, Erikka studying hospitality management and Jason finance and thereafter gaining his Master’s. After working in the financial services industry for a year Jason knew he really needed to pursue his real passion as a career - making music. A keen lover of music from an early age, Jason plays the guitar,

bass, drums and piano and says the creativity involved with making and producing music is his real love professionally. His career took off into the stratosphere once he gained a manager, producing the score for a slew of successful movies such as Fast and Furious 6, Real Steel, Project X, and culminating in the winning of a Grammy® Award for producing a record on Eminem’s ‘Recovery’ album.. As producer, JG, Jason Gilbert’s career required the couple to be based in Los Angeles to be right in the heart of the industry.

Children arrive Marrying in 2011 in grand style in Grand Cayman, the couple eventually moved to Los Angeles shortly after where the decision was made to think about starting a family.

“We both come from big families and we really wanted kids of our own,” Erikka confirms. “However we were a little surprised when I fell pregnant straight away!”

Even more of a surprise was the fact that Erikka was carrying twins.

“Actually I was in shock when I had the scan which confirmed twins,” she states. “We had discussed having a child and how we could > see next page

www.caymanparent.com

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Jason with wife Erikka with the twins.

The early days with Jonas and Sage.

Erikka in the 1980s.

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manage a baby between us, travelling with them wherever we needed to be; two babies at the same time was a completely different story!”

Jason confirms: “We thought we had a game plan but that went right out of the window.”

Eighteen months ago Erikka gave birth in Miami to their adorable babies and their lives changed overnight.

“I was pretty much housebound for the first three months breastfeeding,” Erikka recalls. “Our families were absolutely invaluable at that time. My mom came to stay with us for the first two months. My cousin and godmother to the twins, Renee Thompson, was also a tremendous help and

used up every vacation day in that first year flying up to help out.”

Coming home But the strain of being a plane ride away from family and friends was eventually too much for Erikka and Jason to bear and they made the decision last year to move back home, where the help would be full on, whenever they needed it.

It’s a decision that they haven’t regretted at all.

“We’ve lived in Los Angeles, Miami and New York but Cayman is the place in which

It used to be just about the two of us but now we come second to their needs,” Jason says. “In fact, we call them Jay Z and Beyoncé and we are just their road managers! we want our kids to grow up, just as we both did,” Jason says.

While Erikka and Jason grew up in Cayman, Erikka says hers was the more traditional ‘outdoors’ living of Caymanian youngsters in the Eighties and Nineties.

“I have five siblings, three of whom are brothers. They are all really ‘men’s men as is my father, Renard Moxam, who was a professional sportsman, so I grew up fishing, playing at the beach and climbing trees,” she says.

Jason, the youngest of five children, says he spent his time growing up mainly in his home learning to play music. He says he is really enjoying getting to know the outdoors a bit better with his children.

Both twins love the outdoors and their lovely home that Jason and Erikka have created for their family is idyllically located at East End overlooking the ocean.

“The first thing the kids say to me when they get up is ‘shoes Mama!’” Erikka says.

“They just love playing outside.

Their lives have changed 180 degrees since having their babies, the couple says.

“It used to be just about the two of us but now we come second to their needs,” Jason says. “In fact, we call them Jay Z and Beyoncé and we are just their road managers!”

Jonas displays the testosterone-filled tendencies of his families and is boisterous and “rough” while Sage is a real girly girl and enjoys her books. Both are in raptures when daddy starts playing music, which thrills both Jason and Erikka.

Jason has taken time off in recent months to help his young family settle into their new lives in Cayman, while Erikka, who took a year off to be with her children, has now embarked again on her full time marketing career, working at DMS. Jason is about to start travelling again and his work will see him travel frequently between Los Angeles and home in Cayman.

“We can only make this work because of the fantastic support we have at home,” he confirms.

Erikka says the twins have a lovely nanny who came recommended via her family.

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The Gilberts, enjoying a night on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards®.

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Photo Copyright Life Magazine.

The couple made sure she was well trained in the Montessori principles of rearing young children and the youngsters will start preschool soon.

“Even so, our moms are very close to us and always around to help out, as are our aunties and other family members,” Erikka states.

It’s clear that the couple work incredibly closely as a team, working in tandem to care for their children. Moving back home gives both Erikka and Jason a stronger base from which to raise Jonas and Sage, and gives their children the best possible start in life, just as they had themselves. CP Lindsey Turnbull is a freelance writer and editor in the Cayman Islands, who is also a mum of two teenage daughters.

She runs her freelance writing business www.mayflowerfeatures.com

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31

Relationships

Keeping N

ow that Mother’s Day has been celebrated and Father’s Day is just around the corner, it’s a good time for parents to reflect on how to cultivate a good relationship with their children.

In this article, parents and their teens reveal how they manage to keep the communications open and the relationship strong.

Emma, Catharine, Graeme & Rachel

Respect John and Javana’s 15-year-old daughter is Paris and she is currently studying for her GCSEs in Cayman.

Javana says from a young age they have always talked about everything.

“I have worked hard to be approachable and open, letting her know that no question is too big or too small. There are no topics off limit,” she says. “I have always encouraged Paris to voice her opinion which has helped me to become a good listener. As a family, we always have breakfast together and we share most meals together.

This also helps to keep the lines of communication open with Paris, as she has both parents present. She also enjoys the guidance given by big sisters Sarah and Sophy.”

, Paris a n a Jav hn & Jo

Simone & Nath an 32

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g it real Javana says they have been fortunate as, so far, Paris has never shown any ‘moody teen’ tendencies. “The transition has been calm and gradual,” she confirms. “I am very proud of Paris and all her accomplishments to date; but, sad that she is growing too quickly.”

If there are arguments, they tend to be about Paris managing her time more efficiently and her time spent on social media via her iPhone and computer.

“Paris is a good student, works hard and is self-motivated, but can be distracted by social media. Hence, we compromise, no use of iPhone during homework and if the computer is not needed, then it is not in use either. The weekend is little more flexible and she can to indulge with social media and catch up with friends,” Javana says.

Javana says they are really proud of their daughter: “We are most proud of Paris’s inner strength, her determination and humility.

She is very grounded, a good student, wellliked by everyone, very caring and kind.

Beautiful on the inside and out.”

For her part, Paris says she really admires her mum’s work ethic.

“She works so hard and when she sets a goal for herself she makes sure she achieves it no matter what. Also, my mum tries to see the good in everything by staying positive. My dad is always laid back and calm (providing rugby isn’t on TV). After a long day at school when he picks me up our car journey home can be quite entertaining which helps me to de-stress.”

Passionate about fashion, Paris hopes to pursue a fashion degree and further her interest in modelling, having already participated in New York Fashion Week.

Family time Catharine and Graeme have two daughters, Emma, 20, who is at a UK university and Rachel, 17, who is studying for her AS levels in Cayman.

Catharine confirms that they have always done a lot together as a family, “Even simple things like regular time chatting and watching the sun go down at Smith Cove,” she says. “We almost always sit down together around a table for our evening meal on a daily basis which is

Families share the qualities that make their connection with their kids last.

when most of the day’s news is shared and school/work-related issues are talked about until they are resolved, if that is what feels needed.”

Catharine adds that they have not had television in their home since Hurricane Ivan, although they do have DVDs and enjoy films at weekends or holidays, so this has naturally resulted in more family communication.

“We only have limited Internet access in our home and both our daughters only received their own personal laptop at the beginning of their Year 12 ‘A’ level courses.

The other constant in the weekly routine for both our daughters has been the disciplined requirement for music practice which meant that with homework and outside time with other extra-curricular activities they have had busy lives!” she says.

Rachel says she admires her parents’ ability to take most things in their stride with a smile on their face.

“Even though there are often serious discussions about serious things and tempers do get frayed, at the end of the day they manage to crack a joke about it and finish with a smile. I also admire how open and approachable they are. If either my sister or I ever had a problem, they were a confidential ear if we needed it,” she says.

Rachel hopes to study sciences at university in the UK. “After that I would like to explore new places to live and work in order to broaden my experiences, which is what my parents have always encouraged Emma and me to do. I will always be expected to communicate with my parents and make sure they know what is happening and how I am, therefore I hope that I will be able to maintain a close relationship.”

Patience Simone has two sons, Nathan, 17, who is studying for his AS levels in the UK and Matt, 13, who is at high school in Cayman.

Like Javana, Simone says, as Nathan is making the transition to adulthood, she takes the time to really listen to him.

“Suddenly I realised that my son is giving me remarkably good advice and voicing well supported opinion,” she confirms. “I think if

parents are prepared to listen actively, the teenagers will talk. It’s as if you have had a long interview for the role of parent of the teen and during that time the child must develop a confidence that you will do the right thing with the information he shares.”

Simone says it’s tempting to move into the technology age fully but she has resisted that.

They argue most about procrastination, she says.

“I am slowly realising that a sense of urgency is something you develop and it is not innate. Nathan loves music and reading and he would find all the time in the word to read, play, compose or listen to music, but it seems that there is never is enough time for following up on outstanding actions or chores.”

Her secret conflict resolver is white hot chocolate and time.

“Always a good way to break the ice. It’s no point trying to get to a resolution when he has worked himself up, so I wait patiently (which isn’t easy for me), then try a different approach to resolve the issue,” she states.

Nathan, she says, is very respectful and polite. He is a loyal friend and would rather get into trouble himself than breach a confidence entrusted to him.

“No matter how they argue or disagree on things his first instinct is always to protect and defend those closest to him,” she confirms.

For his part, Nathan admires his mum’s “indomitable inner strength and conviction that drives her and makes her the wonderful woman she is today.”

Sharing a love for music with his mum, Nathan says “I enjoy sharing, listening and playing music together as it connects us on a deeper level and this is the essence of what we share.”

Nathan sees himself as a psychologist, but says “most importantly in whatever I do, I wish to be able to help others. I wish to be an author and a composer as well.”

Communication Tad and Iris have three children, Erin, 28 and Ben, 22, who both work in the States, and Adam, 17, who is studying for his AS levels in Cayman. > see next page www.caymanparent.com

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Iris, Tad & Adam Tad says although they talk and discuss issues, it’s hard to know if Adam is telling them everything he’s thinking or that concerns him, such as pressures from peers, teachers and other social contacts.

“We don’t know what he tells himself, but I do think kids put a lot of pressure on themselves to meet a whole series of expectations,” he says. “We are close-knit, and, after the departure of his big sister and big

brother, he’s the only child in the house. We are only three people. It’s hard to hide.”

Tad adds: “His mother always has 1,000 questions and is not shy about asking them.

I am less inquisitive than she – if only because I tend to think of it as ‘prying’.”

Tad says that Adam is doing well at school and finding himself doing A Levels, and then managing his relationship with his girlfriend has matured him.

“Probably the issue he needs most to face for a successful transition is efficient time management. He still loves his video games and spends entirely too much time on YouTube. He’s still only 17 and, frankly, Iris and I are not terribly worried that he will manage perfectly.”

Mum Iris says she has tried to instil the value of honesty into all her children.

“I’ve told them we expect them to be honest, even if, at the end of the day, it gets them into trouble!” she says.

Calling Adam “gentle and sensitive”, Tad says Adam is also “clever and funny”.

“He is able to see the humour in a stressful situation. He is respectful. He’s a smart kid and largely makes the right choices,” he says.

Adam appreciates the fact that he can share his love of music with his parents.

“My dad and I hang out listening to music and my mum and I play steel pan together on Monday evenings,” he says.

And while he enjoys the fact that his

parents are both musical, he says he also admires his dad’s great sense of humour. “He’s managed to push through some tough times recently but always maintains his sense of humour. My mum is just a really nice person. She’ll help out anyone and always says yes, even if she doesn’t want to do something!”

Adam sees a career for himself in paleontology as he’s loved dinosaurs since he was a child, combined in some way with his love of music.

Adapt Franz and Nuvia are parents to 18-year-old Franz Jnr who is attending the Vanguard High School in Lake Wales, Florida and Alyssa, 23, who is in her final year at the University of South Florida studying business and hospitality.

Franz Snr says that over the years he and his wife have had to change and adapt their methods of communication with their son.

“In his younger days we were able to have great talks while having supper or family dinner or Sundays. As he progressed through school, we found that asking “how was your day” didn’t get the answers we were seeking – so we provided other opportunities for open communication, whether it was playing cards or picking and eating crabs, which is

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Franz Sr. & Franz Jr.

favourite activity of his.

Today, we have had to rely on social media and keeping in touch with his teachers and friends to keep the lines of communication open. But most importantly is to provide the atmosphere where he feels comfortable coming to us with any topic,” he confirms.

Franz Sr., calls Franz Jr’s transformation from child to adult “amazing”, stating that he will never forget the first time he realised that he was no longer looking down when he spoke to him.

“Looking up at your son, who used to sleep on your chest in what seems like

a very short time ago is surreal. We have watched his personality change from a little boy who always smiles to a more serious young man whose smile can still light up the room,” he confirms.

Arguments are not frequent in their household.

“We really don’t argue. Franz Jr., is a well behaved young man who stays away from conflict. He will stand his ground on matters he believes in, but does so in a polite manner,” Franz Snr says. “We are most proud of his honest and respectful character. He is really a gentle giant and shows great care and concern for others.”

Franz Jr., says he admires his mum and dad’s “positive attitude towards everyday life”.

“I have never seen my dad be negative towards challenges and my parents have always encouraged me be the best I can be,” he explains. “They both encourage me to work hard to be respectful and not to settle for second best. I also admire my parents discipline and work ethic, I have never seen them skip a day at work unless they were on vacation or very sick.”

Following in his parents’ footsteps, Franz Jr., says he sees in his future “college and returning home to do my part to make Cayman a better place for all of us to live”. CP

Rules Summertime

No screen or device time

until:

a You have played outside, built, crafted or done something industrial for 60 minutes; a You have read for 20 minutes; a You have checked your room

to be sure it’s clean: bed is made, floor and closet is tidy;

a You have finished one other chore approved by Mom or Dad; a You have written a handwritten note of gratitude to a friend or family member.

From yourmodernfamily.com

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Visit us online at www.waterauthority.ky to learn more about how you can prepare for hurricane season. www.caymanparent.com

35

Summer Survival -The Media

Teens & the Media

The media sends mixed messages about who, what and how our teens should be Story by Miriam Foster

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Social media is a lifeline to many teens.

It is key that parents understand how it works.â&#x20AC;?

W

ith summer break around the corner, many parents of teens inadvertently rely

on a non-human being to provide supervision: the media. Whether it is television, the internet, social media, mobile phones or MP3 players they all become more accessible during the summer. The average teenager consumes over seven hours of media per day and the number seems to rise yearly. Though there are very positive uses for media, unfortunately it also has negative messages that we must empower children to filter from a young age.

The media still perpetuates traditional gender roles which research indicates that the continuous effort to align with

36

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gender norms produces great anxiety, insecurity, stress and low self-esteem in children. It also promotes youth as lazy, sassy, sex-crazed and/or rebellious. It minimises the parent-child relationship and places emphasis solely on the peer group influence.

Parents need to realise that teens still need parenting. They need adult supervision, but it looks different at this age. It is important to realise that teens are not little adults. An extremely significant part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, has not fully developed yet. This causes teens to engage in more risky behaviour. Teens may have an inflated sense of immortality. Additionally, the brain at this stage is seeking social interaction and the dawn of social media > see next page

has created an unprecedented flow of social access inside and outside the home.

That is why toddlers and teens are quite similar stages, there is an urge to engage in the world independently but they are disadvantaged by the physical and mental skills available.

Teaching vs. Controlling Many parents address media issues by strictly limiting it and trying to control it.

However, the greatest results are achieved when one comes from a place of teaching versus controlling. The media can be very positive when used properly and within adequate limits. The issue is that it takes active parenting. This takes work, but the benefits are completely worth it.

1 2

Set time aside to calmly discuss with your teen media usage. Discuss when, where, and create no technology times to allow for other activities and adequate sleep.

Instead of “turning off that junk” when your teen is watching a show, sit down and discuss the show with your teen”. Engage in dialogue about pros and

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cons of watching that specific show. Agree on what the parameters will be for watching this show.

Encourage teens to learn about his or her brain and understand how the media messages impact the lens the world is viewed through.

Engage in discussions about the difference in the reality the media creates and the real world.

Talk to your teen before the media does. If there is a topic that is important to discuss with your teen…

3 4 5

It is not easy being a parent in this technological world, but parents need to take time to learn about technology, as it is here to stay. It is a parent’s job to educate a teen about appropriate online behaviour, the way the internet works and the agenda the media is constantly pushing. It is imperative to have technology-free times to allow the brain a break and reduce cortisol levels which increase stress. Although to parents keeping up with social media is not essential to living, many teens truly believe that social media is a lifeline. Teaching children to be in the present is also an essential life

Little Darlings

skill and although it may seem like a hard task, the easiest is way to teach is to model appropriate use of technology.

The summer can be a great time to learn new skills or focus on skills often neglected during the school year. The media can be a great teacher with over 700,000 educational videos on YouTube, but we must first educate children to be empowered consumers. Filter the messages that are not in line with the family’s value system and retain the messages that bring positivity and enlightenment.

Humans are adapting to this new technological world and time needs to be taken to create systems that allow children to be protected while still allowing some freedom to foster independent thought. CP Miriam Foster is Program Coordinator at the Family Resource Centre (FRC), which is an amalgamation of the services provided by the Women’s Resource Centre, National Parenting Programme and Young Parents Programme.

For more information, please visit http://www.frc.gov.ky, contact 345-949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.

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37

Summer Survival - Health

Ask the Doctor Doctors get countless queries each day from parents about their child’s health.

Here are the TOP 3 most common questions, from paediatrician Dr. Christine Chen.

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1

Exactly what temperature is considered a fever?

First of all, a fever is considered to be a rise in our internal body temperature to levels that are considered to be above normal.

From your Googling you may get a wide range of answers ranging from 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius) to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

So you wonder - why is there no straightforward answer?

That’s because the definition of a fever includes some reference as to which part of the body the temperature was taken.

The following represent the temperatures typically used to define fever: • 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius) or higher if measured under arm • 99.5 (37.5 degrees Celsius) or higher if measured orally • 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher if measured rectally, by ear, or by temporal artery

hat is W the best method

to check my child’s temperature?

2

Opinions will differ about the best site and method of temperature measurement and each has its own pros and cons. Temperature readings may be affected by how the temperature is measured, the device used, how cooperative your child is, as well as environmental factors.

When deciding which method to use, parents need to consider whether the accuracy of the results will have clinical implications for their child, for example, any fever in a child younger than 3 months of age may require hospital admission and a thorough investigation into the source of the infection whereas fever in older well looking children may require initial observation.

Temperatures measured rectally are

considered to be the most accurate and are used as the reference standard for measurement of core body temperature.

Rectal readings can be affected by the depth of measurement of the thermometer tip and the presence of stool but are least likely to be affected by external factors such as over bundling and recent ingestion of hot or cold beverages.

Many parents are uncomfortable with this method of temperature assessment and older children are more likely to resent it. However in young children especially in newborns in whom a low grade fever may signify a serious illness a rectal temp should be checked.

Ear thermometers are quick but are not reliable in young children as they have smaller ear canals especially before 6 months of age. When used in older children it needs to be placed correctly in your child’s ear canal to be accurate. It is very important to straighten the ear canal and insert the probe tip comfortably and completely in the ear canal to ensure accuracy. For children 6 to 12 months pull the ear straight back. For children over 12 months pull the ear up and back. Too much earwax can cause the reading to be incorrect.

Temporal artery thermometers are quick and non invasive and hence attractive to use but are the most expensive option. Readings are close to core body temperature but its accuracy is affected by sweating, blood flow, and the environmental temperature and there are conflicting reports on its accuracy to date.

Oral temperatures rely on the child being old enough to cooperate with holding the thermometer under the tongue with the lips closed around it, long enough to get an accurate reading.

This is often a challenge for most children younger than 4 to 5 years old and those who are very stuffy and need their mouth to breathe. Its accuracy will also be affected by the recent ingestion of hot or cold beverages or food. As rectal temps are less likely to be tolerated by older children, oral temperatures are preferred.

Axillary temperatures are the least accurate in measuring core body temperature and are most impacted by environmental factors such as swaddling,

a recent bath, and recent exercise. Care must be taken to to place the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the child’s armpit and to restrain the arm against the child’s side long enough to record the highest reading.

Forehead strips may give you an idea of whether your child has a fever by measuring skin temperature, not body temperature hence they are not accurate and they do not give an exact measurement either and so are not recommended.

Electronic pacifiers are also not recommended as they are not accurate and take a longer time to generate a reading (up to 4 minutes) and parents have to remember to add 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit to recorded readings.

Using one’s hand to determine your child’s temperature is not a reliable way to measure a temperature and determine the presence of a fever.

ow can I help H prevent my child from getting sick so often?

It can be normal for young children to have up to 6-8 upper

respiratory tract infections and 2-3 gastrointestinal infections each year. If they attend daycare or school they can experience even more episodes as their risks of exposure are increased in such group settings.

As your child gets older, his immune system will strengthen and he will build up immunity to many common infections and so he will get sick less often.

Steps you can take to minimise the chances that your child will get sick include: • Ensure that your child is properly immunised. This will help protect against more serious infections.

• Ensure that your child gets adequate rest and eats a well balanced diet which will provide a variety of vitamins and nutrients to help keep his immune system as strong as possible to help him fight off infection.

• Ensure that the daycare or school you choose is clean, has a well enforced policy of hygienic education and measures to decrease the spread of germs, including frequent disinfection, not allowing sick children to attend, and not allowing sick caregivers to care for your child.

• To decrease his risk of exposure to

3

sick kids you could choose a smaller sized daycare or consider hiring/sharing a private nanny.

• Teach your child hygienic measures and to avoid playing with sick kids.

• Isolate sick family members as much as possible and observe hygienic measures even in the home setting. CP Dr. Christine Chen is a paediatrician at TrinCay Medical Centre & Urgent Care located in Camana Bay. She is actively involved with The Children’s Health Task Force/Cayman Heart Fund and is the founder of Get Active and The Get Active Challenge programs which serve to raise awareness and tackle the problem of childhood obesity in Cayman.

Feel free to contact Dr Chen at 345-943-4633 or through Facebook/Get Active Cayman.

 A premier international school for children aged 2-18 years old  Approximately 550 students representing over 30 nationalities  Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA)  American/International Curriculum for Pre K through Grade 12  International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12 Director of CIS: Dr. Jeremy Moore Tel: (345) 945-4664 Fax: (345) 945-4650 Website: www.caymaninternationalschool.org Email: cis@cayintschool.ky

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39

Summer Survival - Travel

Planning to travel this sum Here are Travel Pros’ top pl

t s e D y l i m a F E

njoy Europe with the whole family this summer.

With the Euro having dropped below the Caymanian Dollar it is the best time to plan a budget friendly vacation for the whole family to Europe! In Copenhagen Denmark make sure to take the little ones to see the famed Little Mermaid statue. Explore fairytale castles, then up the pace on the thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens. First opened in 1883, the amusement park is now a virtual symbol of Denmark. The capital’s safe streets are also fun for a family bicycle trip. In Athens Greece everyone will go away with astounding sights and experiences emblazoned in their memories; buildings the kids have only seen in cartoon form, from the Parthenon to the Acropolis looming up high. Plus towering statues, idyllic islands and stunning antiquities. Try Rome Italy with sights guaranteed to impress even the most jaded teen, the Italian capital makes for a captivating getaway. From the ghoulish bone-decorated Santa Maria della Concezione to the delicious slew of ice cream stops around the city, Rome is sure to have something unforgettable for everyone.

Top attractions in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg, Austria include its imposing fortress, Hohen Salzburg, a thrilling castle experience complete with cannons and dungeons.

Follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps on a Sound of Music tour, visit the zoo or explore Mirabelle Gardens’ labyrinth maze and dwarf gardens. With so many places to choose from enjoy the history of Europe now!

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Upstate New York

T

he Great Northern Catskills in Upstate New York offer something rare in today’s fast-paced, glued-to-aSmartphone world: a chance to unplug with the whole family in a summer camp setting where everyone’s needs – from meals to snacks and activities to entertainment – are taken care of by a dedicated team of hospitality pros recognised for their attention to detail. We’re talking of course about Greene County’s all-inclusive family resorts.

There’s no need to look outside of the U.S., or even outside of New York State to find a great value on a family vacation package that includes everything your family wants and needs to have the perfect escape you’ve been dreaming of.

Grab everyone (grandparents and toddlers, mom, dad and teens) and get away from it all without travelling far. Just two hours from New York City and Northern New Jersey, and three hours west of Boston, find over a dozen family resorts in Greene County, each offering its own signature ambiance – from authentic German architecture and cuisine, to familystyle Italian and charming Irish cottage touches. Learn how to play tennis or go boating on a nearby lake, relax with a drink while playing bocce ball or shuffleboard as the kids race each other on go-karts, perfect their mini-golf skills, paint a new masterpiece during craft time or play “Marco, Polo,” in the resort’s pool. In the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County, they specialise in creating experiences guaranteed to make memories that last for generations.

Content courtesy of travel Pros

Europe

s n o i tinat

mmer? places to discover

Family Cruise

Orlando, Florida

F

or a vacation that has your heart pumping, your taste buds buzzing and the family bonding, choose Orlando. With the many theme parks, zoos and water parks there is sure to be something for the whole family. Enjoy the nostalgia of The Magic Kingdom bringing everyone back to their childhood surrounded by characters from your favorite Disney movies. Epcot brings a little piece of the world closer to home! Try traditional food in one of the 11 countries in the World Showcase or blast into the future in Future World. Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Step into the action with attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows, and delight in exciting entertainment that puts you centre stage. Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings you up close and personal with animals from around the globe.

Head on over to Universal Studios and jump into the magical World of Harry Potter. Enjoy a butter beer at The Three Brooms Sticks pub or be fitted for your wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop. You could even stock up on your jokes at Zonko’s Joke Shop or take a thrilling ride on Escape from Gringotts. Want to cool off? Head on over to Wet n’ Wild for a water park overflowing with incredible thrill rides for the whole family! With something for all ages Orlando is the Ultimate Family vacation destination.

P

lanning a trip for your extended family? Welcome to multigenerational cruising, a vacation that promises endless options for family members.

Cruises have activities for everyone from toddler to grandparents. With the increased popularity of family cruises, the cruise lines are offering increased familyfriendly amenities and activities. Cruising with kids has never been easier, and there are lots of different options – from cruise lines to itineraries. Many families choose a Caribbean Cruise, because they are usually shorter in duration and have many family-friendly activities at the ports-of-call. There are definitely some things to consider when choosing a cruise and ways to prepare so that you have the most successful trip possible. Be sure to fully research the kids’ clubs aboard the ship.

Depending on the ages and interests of your kids, those clubs can make a huge difference in your cruise experience.

C

ruises are like all-inclusive resorts. Your cabin and all of your meals are included in the price, as are most of the activities your family will enjoy. But how prices are determined depend on many factors, including how far ahead you book, which cruise line you choose, your level of stateroom, the ship’s itinerary, and the port of departure. Booking early is particularly important for larger families, because the most spacious staterooms, family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and suites sell out first. During other vacations in which families travel together, it can be tough to balance personalities, age-appropriate activities and, frankly, stamina. Not so on a cruise, there is something for everyone.

www.caymanparent.com

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Spotlight

“The Y” Difference The YMCA makes a difference at home and around the world

T

www.ymcacayman.ky

his summer, dozens of camps will be offered across the Cayman Islands, all promising fun, fun and more fun for our pre-schoolers, adolescents, tweens and teens alike while providing an essential service for working moms, dads and guardians.

345-926-9622

Camps Offices: Governor’s Square 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave. PO Box 10190 #51 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1002

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The YMCA of the Cayman Islands, also referred to as “the Y,” will also be conducting camps throughout the entire summer on the island. But as you learn more about the philosophy of the Y programme, you begin to understand the broader focus. That is, the Y sees camp as so much more than just a day care option for parents or mere play dates and field trips. The aim of the Y camp is to provide youth with the type of positive developmental experience that will yield lifelong benefits.

“As with all YMCA programmes, we use

day camp as a tool to develop the potential of our youth, especially in the area of character development. For kids to discover more about what makes them unique, as well as how strong values lead to a more enriched and fulfilling life, day camp is a vital part of the mission of the Y,” explains Greg Smith, CEO of the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. “We achieve great results because the programme is designed to be fun with diverse options, which captures the attention of the kids. But at the centre of it all, we are successful because we select and train camp leaders who embrace our core values and philosophy, with a heart and passion for developing youth.”

The YMCA Camp experience is grounded in a set of seven objectives that characterise all Y programmes: • Grow personally • Learn and reinforce positive values • Improve personal and family relationships

• Appreciate diversity • Become better leaders and supporters • Develop specific skills and assets • Have fun and enjoy the experience Led by YMCA-trained camp counsellors, campers are encouraged to focus behaviours in keeping with five core values that are routinely reinforced throughout the camp experience: • Caring – to demonstrate a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being • Honesty – to tell the truth, demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are in keeping with their stated positions and beliefs • Respect – to treat others as they would have others treat them, to value the worth of every person, including themselves • Responsibility – to take accountability for themselves, their belongings, promises and actions; to strive to do what is right, recognising all people are part of an inter-connected world • Faith – To value an individual’s personal beliefs with trust that we are created for a divine and great purpose.

“Our programme objectives and core values are at the heart of everything we do at camp,” Greg explains. “From games and sports to field trips and swimming, there are tremendous opportunities to teach campers through our routine, personal interactions. The entire recognition system is designed to reward campers demonstrating the core values.

Different coloured beads and various other awards are provided as campers live out the values in everyday activities.” Smith adds, “Our approach makes it real, and camp leaders make it fun… the result is character development that is ‘Real Fun’!”

Let your kids experience the Y Camp Difference this summer! Log on to www.ymcacayman.ky today for more information.

Counsellors-In-Training (C.I.T.) Finding relevant, fun, age-appropriate activities that will interest and engage teenagers during the summer is a challenge for many parents. They’re too old for most camps and they may not qualify for the limited amount of summer jobs available.

Enter the Cayman YMCA Counsellors-In-Training programme, a place for teens to make new friends, develop their confidence and leadership skills and avoid less constructive uses of time!

Open to teens ages 13 to 17, Counsellors-In-Training gain real-life, hands-on experiences, participate in creative leadership trainings, help plan and facilitate fun camp activities, create unforgettable memories, receive nationally recognised volunteer hours and provide a safe and fun programme for kids in their community.

C.I.T.’s volunteer approximately 5 to 8 hours each day at camp, which are not just held over the summertime, but during most school holiday breaks at the Field of Dreams.

“Our C.I.T.’s are integral to the success of our Y day camps, and we believe that they benefit from the experience just as much as we do from having them with us,” says Greg Smith, CEO of YMCA Cayman Islands. “The YMCA is a globally-recognised organisation and being able to list Y volunteer experience on a college application or a resume can boost an applicant’s credibility and their chances of being successful. Some schools here in Cayman require a certain amount of volunteer or community service hours and working with the YMCA can fulfil those requirements.”Teens who are interested in being a Summer 2015 C.I.T. can log on to www.ymcacayman.ky for more information.

In Cayman and Around the World The YMCA of the Cayman Islands became the 119th country to join The World Alliance of YMCAs in 2014. Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors, Pastor Randy Von Kanel, stated, “It’s quite an honour to be recognised on a global scale. We live in such an amazing place, yet we have immense potential to improve on the standard of life in the community. The YMCA has the programmes and services that make it the perfect conduit for channeling the greatness in the people of our Islands.”

This potential and the programmes and services the Y is known for offering around the world have taken root in Cayman and the organisation is excited about what has happened so far and what is to come. The Y’s Founders Campaign has raised over $600k to help establish programmes in earnest.

Y Cayman CEO Greg Smith sums it up, “We have plenty of work to do, but we’re not doing it alone. We have fantastic support from caring, generous and influential partners in the community that are dedicated to insuring the Cayman Islands is the most wonderful place in the world to live.”

The mission of the YMCA of the Cayman Islands is: “To help people reach their God-given potential by putting Christian principles into practice in ways that build healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all.” www.caymanparent.com

43

Summer Survival

It’s the end of June and the long hot days of summer are stretching before you until school starts again at the beginning of September.

But don’t despair! There are plenty of cool crafts and fun activities you can do with your kids this summer to keep them amused, no matter what the age of your youngster. And they don’t have to cost the earth, just requiring a bit of imagination and some cheap crafty supplies.

Play around with play dough

Let’s get crafty!

Story and Photos by Lindsey Turnbull

It’s doubtful there is a child on the planet who doesn’t like playing with play dough.

When the weather is too hot for outdoor play, why not have your child help you make their very own? In that way they can choose what colour they’d like and it becomes much more fun. Homemade play dough is essentially a mix of equal parts water, and flour (say three cups) a few tablespoons of vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, a couple of table spoons of Cream of Tartar and food colouring. You will need to cook it all (minus the food colouring) over a gentle heat, continually mixing, until it turns into a dough. Divide into separate balls and knead in food colouring while it’s still warm. Store in Ziplock bags. It should keep for about six months.

A Day in My Life Children of all ages love using a camera.

A brilliant way to get your children to think creatively is to buy them a cheap disposable camera (Cost U Less has some cheap ones) and have them photograph people, pets and places that are dear to them. Then you can get the photos developed and help them make a beautiful collage that highlights a day > see next page

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www.caymanparent.com

Enjoy a

full day of fun and

adventure

in their life. For older children and teenagers who may have their own digital camera or IPhone, have them focus on taking good quality photos of their family, friends and pets and then get the photos developed (Cathy Church at Sunset House has self-service machines for developing photos) and have them make their own collage that they can hang on their bedroom wall.

Keeping record Writing an entry a day in a diary of your summer is a really good way for kids to develop their writing and reporting skills.

Diaries can be embellished with all sorts of crafty ideas, such as drawings and sketches, small shells from a walk on the beach, sticks and twigs from a walk in the bush, flowers from the garden that have been pressed flat, glitter, sequins, ribbons and more.

Oceans of potions Kids will love tickling a baby turtle, handfeeding colourful birds, and splashing down the Turtle Twister waterslide.

Our Turtle Lagoon is great for kids learning how to snorkel and is full of fish and some turtles too! Cayman Islands residents enjoy special low rates. It’s just CI$10 for adults, CI$4 for kids 5 to 12, and kids 4 and under get in for FREE! Or, you could purchase a Resident Annual pass for just CI$50 for adults or CI$35 for kids, and enjoy unlimited visits for an entire year!

Annual Pass holders also get 10% off at Schooner’s restaurant and Splash gift shop.

Come visit us today!

Opening hours: Mon – Sat 8:00am – 4:30pm Check website for Sunday hours 786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman | info@turtle.ky www.turtle.ky | 1 345.949.3894

46

www.caymanparent.com

When the weather is really hot it’s best to stay in the cool of the A/C. A great way to stimulate the imagination of young minds while indoors is to allow them to create a ‘potion’ which will then be baked and eaten! Supply your youngster with edible items, such as flour, eggs, butter, sugar, food colouring, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and fruit pieces and allow them to concoct their own cake batter which you can then bake and then they can decorate.

It’s always interesting to see what the result will be and of course, parental supervision is recommended when the child is young, though it’s still fun to allow them a relatively free reign on the ingredients!

Demario creating his A Day in My Life collage at his after school club sponsored

by PwC. eventually emerging as a beautiful cabbage white butterfly!

Beach combing A simple walk on the beach, particularly on the more deserted beaches at Barker’s in West Bay, out at East End or round the corner from Rum Point in North Side, can elicit all sorts of wonderful treasures along the way.

Driftwood, shells, rocks and even the elusive sand dollar (if you are very lucky) make wonderful blank canvases on which kids can paint and get creative. Driftwood can be used to make all sorts of wonderful creations. We once made an entire Cayman cottage out of driftwood and some wooden lollipop sticks!

Catch a bug!

Teen crafts

As a youngster, one of my daughter’s most favourite summer camps was a week with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands where the children get back to nature in a real way. She came home one day having made a brilliant craft, decorating a glass jar with various cut out paper designs in which she could try and catch her very own bug!

Half the fun went into decorating the jar and the other half went into trying to catch a little creature to inhabit the new home she had created. She ended up finding a caterpillar which grew a chrysalis around itself,

YouTube is an incredibly useful invention, bringing forth a multitude of ideas for crafting for teenagers. Who would have thought that some rolled up pages torn from a magazine would make a lovely wall hanging, or some bits of old towel and some fancy material scraps could turn into a useful make up bag?

Best of all, the ubiquitous duct tape can be used for all measure of useful items, including wallets, purses, shopping bags and more!

With a little imagination and a few basic materials you can be sure to have a brilliant summer with your children. CP

Summer Survival

summerSlide Avoiding the Compiled by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell

S

ummer is here. The perfect time of year for sun, fun, quality family moments, and more hours on the computer and hand-held gamers than thought humanly possible. The chances of your kids losing some, if not all, of what they learned during the school year is highest during the summer. Here are 10 activities to keep their minds sharp and ready for the new school year, and have fun doing it.

1

Keep a journal or scrapbook:

Two great options to keep kids writing. Add photographs, drawings, magazine cutouts, and memorabilia from trips, camps and other summer activities, and you’ve got a dynamite learning experience, and a keepsake for kids to cherish and share at school.

2

Send posts cards and letters

Whether you’re traveling aboard or staying at home, have the kids send postcards. It’s a fun way for them to share their summer with family and friends, or even send it to themselves and understand the mail system.

Who doesn’t like getting mail?

3

Get them reading

Local bookstores and libraries tend to have book readings or other fun activities for kids over the summer, along with local charity shops which sell books.

Kids can stock up on books and learn about the value of giving.

4

Play games

Scrabble, Hangman, cards games, bingo or dominoes are fantastic games to keep their minds on writing and math. The best part? They won’t even realise it. They’ll be having too much fun.

5

Explore the community

Visiting local museums, parks, farms and animal sanctuaries teaches kids about their environment, community and the people and places in their own backyard.

6

Camps

When looking for camps, why not look for new camps to take your kids out of their comfort zone and learn something new. How about camps with varied learning experiences and expose your kids to new and exciting worlds like art, music, sailing, and swimming? Make it a summer they won’t forget.

7

Cooking

Kids love to bake. Use cooking to teach them the importance of reading and following instructions, and all about temperatures, measurements and nutrition.

Then there’s the joy of eating what they made.

8

Apps

There are several apps for kids with fun learning experiences. Try apps like Primary Games Ltd. who bundle together math and reading games giving kids a range of different math and reading skills so they won’t get bored — not even the picky kid who loves action games.

9

Life Experiences

If you’re travelling or staying on island, seize opportunities to get your kids to apply their existing skills – using money, telling time, reading schedules, or learning a different language.

10

On The Road

Turn an ordinary car ride to the grocery store into an opportunity for your kids to sharpen their skills. Have fun with old classics like “I Spy” and other memory games and mental math challenges, or see who can make the best words from the letters on car licence plates.

Look for ideas outside the humdrum summer norm and create an awesome experience your kids will brag about to their friends and teachers when the new school year starts. CP Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell is an author, freelance writer, and founder of CayWriters Ltd., a company dedicated to promoting and nurturing writers in the Cayman Islands from childhood to adulthood. For more information about Elke or CayWriters, visit http://elkefeuer.com or email caywriters@yahoo.com www.caymanparent.com

47

TONS OF FUN WHILE LEARNING THIS SUMMER! e Purpl h s fi r Sta

Aqua sh Starfis 7-9

-6 ges 3

A

Age

e Orang h s Starfi10-12 Ages

Our camp promises to be a variety of innovative and exciting activities combining hands-on projects with outdoor exploration including garden and fountain play, nature walks and field trips to various location.

Camp Dates:

Week 1: June 29th – July3rd: ALL THINGS LEGO Week 2: July 7th – July 10th: YOUNG CHEFS

Week 3: July 13th – 17th: CAYMAN CULTURE

Week 4: July 20th – 24th: DANCE AND MOVEMENT Week 5: July 27th – 31st: CREATIVE MINDS

Week 6: August 3rd – 7th: ATHLETES IN TRAINING

Week 7: August 10th – 14th: PAMPERED PRINCESSES AND ADVENTUROUS PIRATES Week 8: August 17th – 21st: OCEAN AROUND US

Camp Rates:

Full Day Rate (8am-3pm): $80 Half Day Week (8am-12pm): $175 Full Day Week (8am-3pm): $325 After Camp Care (3pm-5:30pm): Hourly Rates

Hey Parents!

Use our DROP & PLAY Service all summer long!

Need a few hours to yourself, grabbing lunch with friends, enjoying some adult time in Camana Bay or anywhere… drop the kids off and we will entertain them!

Ages 3-12. See website for more details

Visit website for full details . Located at Camana Bay, next to Gelato & Co.

T: 345.640.7827 | E. info@starfish.ky | www.starfishvillage.com

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49 id..

Colonel d hard way. e To teach young children about the importance of saving, it’s a good idea for children to have a goal in mind when it comes to something they really want, so perhaps set up a jar or a piggy bank and use this to fill with coins that can be earned when your child behaves particularly well.

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Summer Survival - Books

The Opposite of Spoiled with Ron Lieber Review by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell

R

on Lieber, the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times, delivers a tabooshattering manifesto that will help every parent embrace the connection between money and values to help them raise young adults who are grounded, unmaterialistic, and financially wise beyond their years.

We may not realize it, but children are hyperaware of money. They have questions about its nuances that parents often don’t know how to answer well. But for Lieber, a personal finance columnist and father, good parenting means talking about money

with our kids. When parents avoid these conversations, they lose a tremendous opportunity—not just to model important financial behaviors, but also to imprint lessons about what their family cares about most.

Written in a warm, accessible voice, grounded in real-world stories from families with a range of incomes, The Opposite of Spoiled is a practical guidebook for parents that is rooted in timeless values and covers all the basics: the best ways to handle the tooth fairy, allowance, chores, charity, savings, birthdays, holidays, cell phones, splurging, clothing, cars, part-time jobs, and college tuition. But he also identifies a set of traits and

virtues—like modesty, patience, generosity, and perspective—that parents hope their young adults will carry with them out into the world.

The Opposite of Spoiled guides parents in conveying the value and significance of money. Parents will appreciate the sound advice and broad perspective offered on this important subject. CP

Best Bets for Your Children Pre-School Little Owl’s Night

by Divya Srinivasan

Little Owl’s Day

by Divya Srinivasan

On the Night You were Born

by Nancy Tillman

Why I love My Daddy

by Daniel Howarth

Ten Little Lady Bugs

by Melanie Gerth

50

www.caymanparent.com

Teens

Middle School

(Divergent Series)

When You Reach Me

The Start of Me and You

by Rebecca Stead

by Emery Lord

Public School Superhero

I Was Here

by James Patterson

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods

by Rick Riordan

The Crossover

by Gayle Forman

I’ll Give You the Sun

by Jandy Nelson

Rebel Belle

by Rachel Hawkins

by Kwame Alexander

Shiloh

by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

All The Bright Places

by Jennifer Niven

Summer Survival

SUMMER CAMPS Educational/ Arts/Culture Camps Ambassadors of the Environment The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Ages: 4–15 years Synopsis: Snorkeling, digital photography, movie making, team building tasks, kayaking, science experiments, art projects, cultural activities and field trips.

Dates: 15 June–21 August Hours: 9am–1pm and 1pm–4:30pm.

Cost: CI$395 per week for half day, 9am–1pm (lunch included) | CI$350 for half day 1pm–4.30pm | CI$695 per week for full days (9am–4.30pm) or combined with tennis camp (lunch included). Special sibling and early registration prices available.

Tel: (345) 815-6120 Email: caymanambassadors@ ritzcarlton.com

Budding Chef Summer Classes at Bon Vivant Ages: 4–12 years Synopsis: Kids will make healthy and inspired foods and get to take home a kitchen tool from Bon Vivant. 8-12 year old Budding Chefs will be hands on and assist with advanced parts of food preparation.

Daily themes include Heavenly Pastries, The Creative Cake Workshop, Sushi Mania, Mexican Fiesta, Pasta Party, Say Cheese, Summer Treats. Each class includes a snack and a take home creation.

Nuts will be used in class so if your child has any allergies, please advise Bon Vivant when making your booking.

Dates: Throughout Summer 2015 – TBC Hours: 12pm–1pm Cost: CI$30-CI$40 per child per session Tel: (345) 623-2665 Email: info@bonvivant.ky

Culinary Camp: Baking 101

register by 3pm Friday, 5th June 2015. Late registration is CI$75.

Youth Services Unit, Cayman Islands Government

Tel: (345) 949-6797 Email: miller.oneil@gmail.com

John Gray High School Cooking Classrooms Ages: 11–17 years Synopsis: “Baking 101” is aimed for beginners who are interested in learning about the fundamentals and introductory baking practices.

Dates: 7–10 July Hours: 9am–2pm Cost: CI$40 Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: james.myles@gov.ky

Culinary Camp: “Chopped!”

Youth Services Unit, Cayman Islands Government John Gray High School Cooking Classrooms Ages: 11–17 years Synopsis: The “Chopped!” camp is geared to Intermediate Culinary Students and will feature cooking demonstrations and challenges, showcasing the preparation of authentic Caymanian dishes by Caymanian cooks with additional surprises.

Dates: 7–10 July Hours: 9am–2pm Cost: CI$40 Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: james.myles@gov.ky

Fabulous Fashionistas Launch Pad Enrichment Center Ages: 4-12 years Synopsis: Campers will spend half of their day being creative Fashionistas – whether it’s creating a beaded jewelry set, decorating a hat or creating perfumes from flowers, the girlie-girls out there will be sure to enjoy this chance to create their own Fabulousness!

To round out each week, Campers will also enjoy other group activities including Creative Art, Movement, Culture, the Beach Explorers Club and Fantastic Fridays where an afternoon on-site party wraps up camp each week.

Dates: 13 July– 21 August Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm Cost: CI$175/week for Full-Day. $125/week for Half-Day. $150/week for 4+ weeks Full-Day. Transportation: Bus transportation available from Camana Bay and Elgin Avenue for $25/week.

Tel: (345) 945.1866 Email: launchpadcayman@gmail. com

Intensive Read & Write Programme Cayman Learning Centre Ages: 5+ years

‘EVEREST: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power’ Vacation Bible School St. Ignatius Catholic Church Parish

Synopsis: Intensive Read and Spell Choose from 1 or 3 hours every day, 9- 4pm. If your child struggles to read, this is the programme for you - We can help!

Dates: July and August 2015

Ages: 4–12 years, teens and young adults are invited to join as helpers

Cost: CI$700, $1400 or $2100 per month

Synopsis: Join St. Ignatius for Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, tasty treats and making lots of new friends.

Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: info@caymanlearning.com

Dates: 13–17 July 2015 Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm Cost: CI$60 donation per child if

Kid’s Summer Art Camp Young@Art and Kara’s Glass Garden at Camana Bay Ages: 5–12 years Synopsis: Young@Art along with Kara’s Glass Garden will team up for a spectacular art and creativity boosting summer camp. All children have fun and success with their ‘see-touch-do’ method, regardless of their age or stage of creativity.

Each day has a different theme such as (but not limited to) ‘Wet n’ Wild Mondays’, ‘Edible-Art Thursdays’ & ‘Kids Happy Hour Fridays’. Lunch will be an additional $8 which will be catered by Treats Restaurant.

Alternately you may send your own lunch with your child.

Dates: 7–14 August Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am12:30pm (1/2 Day) or 8:30am2:30pm (Full Day) Cost: Daily Rates: 1/2 day = $45 per day. Full Day = $55 per day.

Weekly Rates: Full Day = $200 & 1/2 day = $160 (first week only due to public holiday); CI$200 (1/2 day) and CI$245 (Full Day) per week for remaining weeks. Get a 10% sibling discount if you sign up for 1 week or more.

Tel: Monica (345) 928.0284 or Kara (345) 925.6840 Email: youngatartcayman@yahoo. com or karasglassgarden@yahoo. com

Limitless Lego Launch Pad Enrichment Center Ages: 4-12 years old Synopsis: Campers will spend half of their day in the Lego Lab creating individual projects daily and help in planning and building a challenging group project which will vary weekly. To round out each week, Campers will also enjoy other group activities including Creative Art, Movement, Culture, the Beach Explorers Club and Fantastic Fridays where an afternoon on-site party wraps up camp each week.

Dates: 13 July–21 August Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm Cost: CI$175/week for Full-Day.

www.caymanparent.com

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$125/week for Half-Day. $150/ week for 4+ weeks Full-Day. Tel: (345) 945.1866 Email: launchpadcayman@ gmail.com

Music Camp at Musicians

summer

TENNIS camp AGES 3-12 8:30AM - 12:30PM PAUL HOWARD COMMUNITY COURTS WEST BAY ROAD

Age Range: 5–16 years Synopsis: Intensive performing arts camps, band camps and world music camps all including music, dance and drama.

1–3 July “Performing Arts Camp” Cost CI$180 7–10 July “Musicians Ltd Third Annual Band Camp” Cost CI$220 13–17 July “Around the World in Music and Culture” Cost CI$275 Dates: 1–17 July 2015 Hours: 8:30am–2:30pm Cost: CI$180–CI$275 Tel: (345) 525.6787

DAILY SCHEDULE Tennis from 8.30am – 10.30am, followed by various activities including yoga, soccer, volleyball, frisbee, beach fun and lunch at Tiki Beach.

2015 DATES 15 June – 19 June 22 June – 26 June 29 June – 3 July 6 July – 10 July 13 July – 17 July 20 July – 24 July 10 August – 14 August 17 August – 21 August 4 HOUR FULL MORNING CI$375.00 2 HOUR HALF MORNING CI$250.00

t:(345) 547.6257

e:contact@caymantennisacademy.com 52

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Email: janine@musicians.ky

S.E.A. (S.cience E.nvironment A.nimals Programme) Chatterbox Age Range: 6+ years (children must be comfortable in the water) Synopsis: Campers will learn about their environment through snorkeling, arts, crafts, surveys and treasure hunts.

Bring mask, fins and snorkel.

Dates: 13–17 July 2015 Hours: 1pm–4pm Cost: CI$350 per week Tel: (345) 926.1693 Email: chatterbox@candw.ky

Shutterbugs Summer Camp Picture This Studios Ages: 8–16 Synopsis: Shutterbugs will embark on a photographic tour around the amazing grounds at Camana Bay. The Bugs will learn how to take care of their camera and explore the secrets of taking great photos. Kids must have their own camera, charged battery and memory card.

Dates: Ages 8-11 years: on Mondays 17, 24, 31 July and 7, 14 August | Ages 11-16 years: Fridays 20, 27 July and 3, 10, 17

August Hours: 9am–12pm Cost: CI$35 Tel: (345) 943.3686 Email: admin@picturethis.ky

Summer Camp at Starfish Village Ages: 3–6 years Purple Starfish; 7-9 Aqua Starfish; 10-12 Orange Starfish Synopsis: Starfish Village Camp will encompass different exciting weekly themes to keep our campers entertained and to have fun whilst learning.

Week 1, 29 June-3 July: All Things LEGO Week 2, 7-10 July: Young Chefs Week 3, 13-17 July: Cayman Culture Week 4, 20-24 July: Dance and Movement Weeks 5, 27-31 July: Creative Minds Week 6, 3-7 August: Athletes in Training Week 7, 10-14 August: Pampered Princesses and Adventurous Pirates Week 8, 17-21 August: Ocean Around Us Hours: 8am–3pm Cost: CI$175 (half day) 8am12pm | CI$325 (full day) 8am3pm

National Trust Summer Camp 2015 National Trust for the Cayman Islands Ages: 6–12 years Synopsis: Daily field Trips, Heritage Hunts, Nature Trails, Coastal Explorations, along with exciting eco-projects and crafts, Dates: 27 July–7 August (2 week camp) Hours: 8:45am-3pm Cost: CI$225 per week (Members) CI$250 per week (non-members) Tel: (345) 749.1121 Email: education@ nationaltrust.org.ky

Summer Camp drop-in sessions National Gallery of the Cayman Islands Ages: 6–14 years Synopsis: Summer Camp dropin sessions throughout July and August for kids. The National Gallery also offers a one day summer art camp in Cayman Brac. For more information about NGCI summer programming: Tel: (345) 945 8111 Email: emaileducation@ nationalgallery.org.ky

Tel: (345) 640.7827 Email: info@starfish.ky

Website: www.nationalgallery. org.ky

Summer Arts Camp

Summer Learning Camps

Cayman National Cultural Foundation Ages: 7-16 years (will accept 6 year olds with an older sibling in the camp) Synopsis: Campers are involved in a variety of artistic and cultural activities including drama, storytelling, folk music, dance, thatch plaiting and traditional craft projects.

Daily snacks will be provided and a field trip highlighting Caymanian cultural heritage is also scheduled. Kids present a work show at the end of the camp.

Dates: 13–24 August Hours: 9am–3pm, early drop off from 8am Cost: CI$150 Tel: (345) 949.5477 Email: cayfest@candw.ky

Montessori Home Tutoring Ages: 3-8 years Synopsis: Small groups of children work with a fully qualified Montessori teacher to brush up on core academic skills in a fun and interesting way. Camps are home based for small groups of similar aged children and are aligned with the National Curriculum of England and Wales. The aim is to make learning as much fun as possible! There are also etiquette workshops available where kids practice their table manners and eat Buckingham Palace style. Regular one on one or small group tutoring is also available over the summer if you would like to keep your child’s skills up or learn a little about etiquette!

Dates: July & August Hours: 9am-12pm

Cost: CI$250 per week Tel: (345) 917.6375 Email: info@ montessorihometutoring.com

Teen Summit ‘15 Youth Services Unit University College of the Cayman Islands, Cascade Room Ages: 13–17 years Synopsis: This summer Teen Summit ’15 will focus squarely on Cayman’s unique heritage.

Students will learn the difference between Heritage & Culture and will tour the districts of Grand Cayman in search of significant items that depicts Cayman HERITAGE. With items being shared instantly via INSTAGRAM. Dates: 13–17 July Hours: 9am-2pm Cost: CI$50 per person (40 person capacity) Tel: (345) 943.1127 Email: victor.crumbley@gov.ky

Vacation Bible School & Kid’s Camp Cayman Islands Baptist Church Ages: 5–10 years Synopsis: Games, crafts, music, lessons and more!

Dates: 13–17 July *Registration Open from 31 May–30 June.

Hours: 8am–12.15pm (Vacation Bible School) | 8am-5.30pm (Vacation Bible School + Kids’ Camp) Cost: Vacation Bible School (mornings) is FREE (optional $10 extra for a t-shirt). Kids’ Camp is CI$65 (afternoons) for a week (t-shirt, lunch and snacks included).

Have a blast at our

SUMMERSCAPE PROGRAMME Ages 2-12

WEEKLY THEMES INCLUDE:

ARTS AND CRAFTS • BAKING • SPORTS BEACH EXPLORATION AND MORE!

June 29th - July 24th

Full Day option 9am to 3pm Half Day options 9am-12pm (2-6 year olds) Rates starting at CI$150 for half days CI$250 for full days

Tel: (345) 947-0684 | Email: mbts@mbts.ky

Tel: (345) 946-2422 Email: carla@cibaptist.ky

Young at Arts Summer Intensive Cayman National Cultural Foundation in Association with Butterfield Age Range: 12-17 years Synopsis: This intensive programme is to engage youth in creative activity through theatre practices and develop their talent and discipline to set the groundwork for further exploration in the arts at a tertiary education level. The programme will culminate in a musical production. Call the Cultural Foundation for more details or visit http://www. artscayman.org Auditions: 9 & 16 May 2015 from 9am-Noon.

(You must call to Register) Dates: Classes are 2 July- 7 August 2015 (Monday to Saturday except Public Holidays); Musical Production held from 7-9 August Hours: 8.30am-3pm (Monday-Friday) 9am-1pm (Saturdays) Cost: CI$450 (for 6 weeks) Tel: (345) 949.5477 Email: cayfest@candw.ky www.caymanparent.com

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Summer Camp at Montessori School of Cayman Ages: 2.5-5 years

that is individualised to your child’s needs.

Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$40 per session

Synopsis: Themes: Week 1: Space Week 2: Peppa Pig and Friends Week 3: Monsters Inc. Week 4: Frozen

Tel: (345) 943-7323 Email: info@ caymanlearning.com

Dates: 6-31 July

Tiny Tots Academy Summer Camp

Hours: 8am-12:30pm (half day) 8am-3pm (full day)

also accepting applications for 13-17 year-old, teen leaders to serve as “Counsellors-In-Training.”

Cayman Surf and Adventure Tours Ltd.

Dates: 7 July – 21 August

Synopsis: Surfing, snorkeling, outdoor games, adventures and an overall active fun time. Lunch will be provided.

Cost: CI$135 per week (CI$10 sibling discount) / C.I.T. Programme is free Hours: 8:30am–4:30pm (pre and post camp available from 7:45am– 5:15pm)

Ages: K–6

Tel: (345) 926 9622

Synopsis: Fun with science, arts & crafts, field trips, cooking, baking, sport fitness, nature walks, water activities, fun games, puppets & storytelling and island exploration.

Email: Ysummercamp@ ymcacayman.ky Website: www.ymcacayman.ky

Summer Morning Camp Math or Read and Spell Camp at Cayman Learning Centre

Dates: 6 July– 28 August

Ages: 5 years and up

Tel: (345) 623.8687

SPORTS/ ADVENTURE CAMPS

Cost: $240 (half day) $265 (full day) Tel: (345) 949.0202 Email: montessorischoolofcayman@ gmail.com

Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$325 week Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: info@caymanlearning.com

SummerScape at Montessori By The Sea Ages: *2-12 years *One of the few camps that accepts 2 year olds.

Must be potty trained.

Synopsis: Our mission for our SummerScape Program is to enrich the emotional, physical, creative and social life of each camper in a fun and welcoming environment consistent with Montessori principles. Children can join us for one week or all summer long, providing families with the flexibility to design their own summer schedules. Dynamic, caring staff are at the heart of our SummerScape Programs! Our experienced, well-trained staff have diverse backgrounds working with children.

Dates: 29 June–24 July Hours: Morning Adventures: 9am-12pm | All Day Adventures: 9am-3pm Cost: CI$175–300 Tel: (345) 947.0684 Email: kourtni@mbts.ky

Summer Tutoring Math, Reading Fluency, or Comprehension Cayman Learning Centre Ages: 5 years and up Synopsis: 50 minute Tutorials choose an hour from 8–3pm. The focus is on literacy or numeracy. We can assess and create a programme

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Cost: 8am–6pm: $175.00(weekly) | 8am–12:30: $135.00(weekly) | 8am– 6pm (3 days) - $145.00(weekly) Email: tinytots@candw.ky

Working Memory for Better Focus and Attention Cayman Learning Centre Ages: 5+ years Synopsis: 1 hour everyday for five weeks. Helps develop focus and attention to learn more efficiently.

Dates: July and August 2015 Cost: CI$650 for the five week programme includes the post assessment fee Tel: (345) 943.7323 Email: info@ caymanlearning.com

YMCA “Summer of Dreams” Day Camp YMCA of the Cayman Islands Field of Dreams Ages: 5-12 years for Day Camp/1317 for C.I.T.’s “Counselors in Training” Synopsis: Let the adventure begin!

The YMCA offers a safe, valuesdriven, educational and FUN programme held at the Field of Dreams. Activities are organised into themed-weeks and include swimming, group games, sports, arts and crafts, fitness challenges, team-building, songs, skits, field trips and more. Like everything they do, the Y focuses on developing youth through their Character Development Programme, which integrates the values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and faith into all they do. At the Y, it’s all about learning, growing, making friends and having FUN! They are

Camana Bay Multi-Sport Camp Ages: 6-14 years Synopsis: Young athletes of all levels get active and improve their skills while having fun. Campers will be exposed to a variety of sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Football, Cricket and more) Dates: Week 1: July 7–10 | Week 2: 13–17 | Week 3: 20–24.

Hours: 8am–12pm (Drop Off from 7.30am) Cost: Week 1: CI$125. Week 2 & 3: CI$150.00

Ages: 8–16 years

Location: Drop off: Snug Harbour Park. Pick up: South Sound Surf Spot.

Dates: Weekly June 15 – August 21 Hours: 9am-1pm Cost: Weekly CI$400. Single Day $90 Tel: (345) 927.8690 or (345) 5259777 Email: micabeach@gmail.com or jjcrossan@hotmail.com

Double Dutch Summer Camp - Reach Caribbean UCCI Auditorium Ages: 5-15 years Synopsis: Campers will learn double dutch jumping, along with hip hop dance and arts and crafts.

Dates: July 13–17 Hours: 8.30am–4.30pm Cost: CI$100 Tel: (345) 928.1038 (leave message) Email: reach8@yahoo. com

Dutch Football Camp Futbolista World Synopsis: Learn from Willem II Tilburg coaches Dates: August 3–7

Tel: (345) 640.2878 Email: cbsc@ camanabay.com Website: www. camanabay.com

See www.futbolistaworld.com

Camana Bay Basketball Camp

Ages: 4-12 years (age 3 considered enquire directly)

Fitness Connection’s Summer Camp

Ages: 7-17 years

Weekly themes:

Synopsis: Aspiring hoop stars will receive NBA instruction and improve on their skills through stations, drills, skills contests and live games. Campers are also given a unique opportunity to meet and train with a special guest from the NBA.

Week 1– Fiesta! Schools Out for Summer -7-10 July; Week 2 Around the World - 13-17; Week 3 – Pirates Week Part 1 – 20-24 July; Week 4 – Discover Cayman -27-31 July; Week 5 - Ocean Odyssey - 4-7 August; Week 6 - Eco Adventure week 10-14 August; Week 7 –Kitchen Party / Food fight!- 17-21 August; Week 8- Pirates Week Part 2 - 24-28 August; Week 9 – Summer Olympics Aug 25 – 29.

Dates: July 27–31 Hours: 8:30am–12pm ages 7-12 | 12:30pm 12-17 years Cost: CI$150 Tel: (345) 640.2878 Email: cbsc@camanabay.com Website: www.camanabay.com

Adventure Camp

Dates: 7 July–28 August 2015 (8 weeks) Hours: 8am–5pm Cost: CI$375 per five day week (includes all activities), book 3-4 weeks get 5% discount or 5-8 weeks

get 10% discount!

8.45am-3pm

Tel: (345) 949.8485 Email: fitness@fitness.ky

Cost: Half day CI$150 per week/ CI$100 for 3 days or CI$40 per day for a drop-in, Full Days CI$270 per week/$200 for 3 days or CI$75 for a drop-in.

Football Summer Camp The Academy Sports Camp Synopsis: Learn to play The Academy way!

Details: To be confirmed for 2015 Email: academysportsclub@ hotmail.com Web: www.academysportsclub.ky

Gymnastics Camp at Motions Unlimited Studio Ages: *3-10 years (Half Day) | 5-10 years (Full Day) *must be potty trained Synopsis: Different themes weekly.

Obstacle courses, basic gymnastics skills and arts & crafts.

Weekly Themes: August 3-7: Under the Sea Week | August 10-14: Pirates Week | August 17-21: Around the World Week | August 24-28: Superhero Week Dates: August 3–28 Hours: Half Day (ages 3-10) 8.45am11.45am; Full Day (ages 5-10)

Tel: (345) 749.8365 Email: info@motionsunlimited. com

Horse Riding Camp at Cayman Riding School Ages: 5+ years (all levels) Synopsis: Daily riding lessons and stable management, run by the only British Horse Society Instructors on the island.

Dates: 1-3 July; 6-10 July; 24-28 July Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm Cost: CI$50 per day Tel: (345) 926.7669 Email: caymancarriages@candw.ky

Horse Riding Camp at The Equestrian Centre Ages: 5+ years Synopsis: Experience the fun of learning to ride! Learn to handle and care for a pony and get involved in the fun arts and crafts and exciting

outdoor games on a farm. Small groups will have personalised attention from internationally qualified riding instructors, ride high quality ponies and enjoy an air conditioned classroom facility with an indoor bathroom. This riding facility is recognised by the UK Pony Club Centre and is family owned and run with over 23 years experience instructing and conducting Pony Camps.

Dates: 29 June–28 August Hours: 8am–12pm Cost: CI$65 per day or CI$300 per week. A light mid-morning snack is included.

Tel: (345) 516.1751 Email: equestriancentercayman@ gmail.com

Summer Horse Camp at Cowboy Town Stables Ages: 5+ (all levels) Synopsis: This summer have fun learning to ride, take care of, and be safe around horses. Create cowboy crafts, play games, and maybe even paint a horse! *This camp is specifically designed to be authentically inclusive and is for children of all abilities and includes children with special needs.

Spaces are Limited!

Dates: 27-31 July and 17-21 August 2015 Hours: 8.30am–11.30am Cost: CI$55 per day or CI$250 per week (Deposit needed to reserve your space).

Tel: (345) 916.8571 Email: shanna@ cowboytownstables.com

Karate Camp Purple Dragon Mirco Centre Ages: 4–12 years Synopsis: Focus on having fun while building coordination, balance, attentiveness and cultivating discipline. Training sessions are mixed with other activities such as field trips, arts & crafts, educational lectures, island explorations and more!

Dates: 27 July–28 August Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm Cost: CI$300 per week (Discounts for multiple weeks) Daily and half day rates available.

Tel: (345) 946.1241 Email: purple@ candw.ky

ARTS & CRAFTS SPORTS • FIELD TRIPS TEAM BUILDING SONGS • GROUP GAMES SWIMMING & INSTRUCTION NATURE & OUTDOOR SKILLS

‘THE SUMMER OF DREAMS’ DAY CAMP KIDS 5 – 12 YEARS | AT THE FIELD OF DREAMS Weekly July 7th – Aug 21st | 8:30am - 4:30pm | $135 per week

The Y is a safe, great place for your child to grow and have FUN at the same time! We focus on developing youth through our Character Development Programme which integrates the values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and faith into all we do.

CONTACT: Ysummercamp@ymcacayman.ky or call 926.9622 Website: www.ymcacayman.ky

Parents of teens!

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FOR YOUR 14-17 YEAR OLD? We have a great C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) Programme too! Develops leadership, builds character and is a great way for your teen to spend their summer days!

Visit www.ymcacayman.ky for an application and more information.

www.caymanparent.com

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Marine Ecology Camp at Central Caribbean Marine Institute

boarding, a catamaran sail to Stingray City and an exciting trip to the Kittiwake to snorkel.

Camana Bay, Kaibo and Rum Point as well as the Friday Pizza day at Grand Harbour.

Ages: 14–18 years

Dates: Ages 7–9: 6–10 July; 20–24 July; 3–7 August; 17–21 August 2015. Ages 10–14: 13–17 July; 27–31 July; 10–14 August

Dates: CIS Camp 15–26 June | Camp 1: 29 June–10 July | Camp 2: 13 July–21 July | Camp 3: 3–14 August | Camp 4: 17–28 August Hours: 9am–4pm Monday–Friday Cost for two weeks: CI$550 for members | CI$650 for nonmembers

Synopsis: Students will have fun exploring the island’s marine environment and terrestrial habitats.

Each day has a full schedule with field trips to the reef, lectures from resident scientists, and fun educational activities to increase a student’s knowledge of the fish, coral and other life that inhabits a coral reef.

Dates: 16–23 August

Hours: 8.30am–12.30pm (Friday 8.30am-2pm for graduation party, lunch will be provided on this day) Cost: CI$250 per week. Includes Red Sail sun hat, all equipment and materials and juice/ water. Campers are encouraged to bring their own snacks.

Cost: $2,300USD for international participants. Please note Cayman Island residents are eligible for scholarships for up to 70% of camp costs. Please email for more details before you register.

Tel: (345) 623.5965 Email: info@ redsailcayman.com

Tel: (345) 948.1094 Email: ccmiapplications@reefresearch.org

Ages: 5-18 years

Red Sail Aqua Rangers Summer Camp – Red Sail Sports Ages: 7–14 years Synopsis: Stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, fish ID lessons, snorkeling, knee-boarding, wake-

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Sailing Camp at Cayman Islands Sailing Club Synopsis: Camp includes a range of activities on and off the water. In addition to sailing instruction they will be offering model boat building, motor boat rides, windsurfing, paddleboarding, cruises to Rum Point and Stingray City on their 22foot sailboats and other organised sports and land based games.

There will also be sail away days to

Tel: (345) 947-7913 or (345) 926.7914 Email: sailingcentre@sailing.ky

Summer at the Barn at Cowboy Town Stables Ages: 12 years+ Synopsis: Enjoy a fun summer at the barn. You will learn to take care of, handle, and be safe around horses. You will learn about horse anatomy, behaviour, and nutrition. *This is not a riding camp; if you wish to ride, ask about our riding options.

Dates: 29 June - 28 August 2015 Hours: 8.30am-5pm Cost: CI$75 per day or CI$250 per week (Discount for 4 weeks or more. Deposit needed to reserve your space.)

Tel: (345) 916.8571 Email: shanna@ cowboytownstables.com

Tennis Camp at Cayman Tennis Academy Ages: 3-12 years Synopsis: Tennis lessons from 8.30am to 10.30am; followed by various activities including yoga, soccer, volleyball, frisbee, beach fun and lunch at Tiki Beach!

Dates: 15-19 June | 22-26 June | 29 June-3 July | 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 10-14 August | 17-21 August.

Hours: 8:30am–12:30pm. Drop off from 8:15am Cost: CI$375 Four hours (full morning) | CI$250 Two hours (half morning) Tel: (345) 547-6257 Email: caymantennisacademy@ gmail.com

Tennis Camp at CI Tennis Club Ages: 5-16 years Synopsis: Learning strokes, match play and other basic skills of tennis.

Dates: 6-10 July | 13-17 July | 20-24 July | 27-31 July Hours: 8:30am–11am Cost: CI$160 per week (members), CI$190 (non-members)

Eye care

Tel: (345) 949-9464 Email: citennis@candw.ky

for every age and stage

Tennis Camp The Courts by Bollettieri The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Ages: 4-15 years Synopsis: Two hours of tennis instruction followed by waterpark, swimming, soccer, fitness classes, pizza and pasta making, kid’s yoga etc.

Every day dinner from 5pm-6pm at the RitzCarlton Dates: 15th of June – 21st of August 2015 Monday – Friday 2pm-6pm Cost: CI$ 345 per week. Can be combined with Ambassadors of the Environment to become a full day camp experience. Please ask for pricing. Other activities include playing in the Waterpark, swimming in the pool, baking and cooking in the Blue kitchen, exploring nature with Ambassadors of the Environment and fitness/yoga classes in the Spa. Dinner at Andiamo or Bar Jack. Sibling and early booking discounts available.

Hours: 2pm-6pm Tel: (345) 323 0049 Email: uli.hoppe@ritzcarlton.com

Eye Exams | Lenses | Frames | Sunglasses Contact Lenses | Optical Lab | Same Day Service

Schedule an eye exam today! Tel: 943-1515 Shops 14 & 15 Seven Mile Shops Email: info@cariboptical.com • www.cariboptical.com Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30am – 5:00pm

WHERE IN THE WORLD DO YOU WANT TO GO? Family travel just got more affordable...

Let us help to find the perfect family trip!

www.travelproscayman.com | (345) 949.8182 Email: info@travelproscayman.com #3 Commerce House, Dr. Roy’s Drive | Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm & Sat: 9am-12pm

www.caymanparent.com

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Recipes Cheesy Jerk Chicken Pasta

Savour these creations and keep your family well fed.

CONTEST WINNER

Dine & Dish Recipe of the Month

Courtesy of Nadia Powery Ingredients 4 boneless chicken breasts/boneless thighs 1⁄2 cup butter 1 cup half-and-half 1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable broth 1⁄2 cup white cheese of your choice (Mozzarella or Monterey jack) 1 teaspoon Complete Seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon of Jerk Seasoning (Grace) 1 cup of spinach 3 seasoning peppers salt and pepper, to taste 1 box penne pasta

Directions • Melt butter in skillet over medium/low heat and add garlic.

• When garlic becomes fragrant add seasoning peppers and cut in small strips.

• Cook until chicken is cooked to preferred tenderness. Remove chicken from pan, leaving the butter/seasoning

pepper mix.

• In a separate deep pan, fill pan 1/4 full of water.

• In a separate deep pan, cook penne pasta according to the package directions. Se aside.

• In a cup stir together half-and-half, Chicken Broth and Cheese. Add butter and seasoning pepper mix that was prepared earlier.

• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer for 3 minutes, constantly stirring.

• Stir in the jerk chicken seasoning and spinach for 3-5 minutes to heat through and allow flavours to blend.

• Add chicken to heat through.

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon Ingredients 1 cup mixed fresh mushrooms 2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil 2 cups grilled or rotisserie chicken or turkey cut into bite size pieces 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon onion powder freshly ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced ½ cup chicken stock 1 package whole grain spaghetti OR a mix of whole grain and plain spaghetti ¼ cup of half and half 1 cup of frozen chopped greens (collards, spinach, any combination) or 1 cup of callaloo, chopped ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese 1 sprig of fresh basil chopped *This is a great recipe to add veggies to and no one will know the better…so feel free to add tomatoes, carrots, etc. You can also make a version that uses white wine to add extra flavor. You would add ¼ cup of white wine at the same time as the stock.

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Directions • Heat a saucepan big enough to hold all the ingredients, and pour in a splash of olive oil and cook garlic for a few minutes on medium heat.

• Add the chicken/turkey, mushrooms, onion powder, and greens and stock.

Simmer gently until the mushrooms cook through and the sauce has reduced a little.

• Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions and drain well.

• Add the half and half to the pan of chicken, then bring to the boil and turn the heat off.

• Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the drained spaghetti to the creamy chicken sauce and toss well. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan and all of the basil and stir well.

• Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish or non-stick pan, sprinkle with half the remaining cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown, bubbling and crisp – cool and serve!

Pasta Salad

Courtesy of Chef Tanya Foster, Foster’s Food Fair – IGA Ingredients 1 lb. Fusilli Pasta ½ lb. Pepperoni (cubed) 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (cubed) 4 oz. Black Olives (sliced) 1 pint Grape Tomatoes 1 small Red Bell Pepper 1 small Yellow Bell Pepper 1 small Orange Bell Pepper 1 Bunch Green Onions Fresh Parsley ¾ cup Olive Oil ½ cup Red Wine Vinegar 1 tsp White Sugar Salt & Pepper

Directions • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for about 6 minutes or until al dente.

• While the pasta is cooking start to prep the pepperoni and mozzarella by cutting into cubes. Place in a large glass mixing bowl. Add sliced black olives.

• Slice the grape tomatoes in half and add to the bowl. Small dice the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers and add to the bowl. Cut the green onions and finely chop the fresh parsley and add to the bowl.

• Drain the pasta and run under cold water to stop the cook process and cool rapidly. Add the pasta to the bowl.

In a separate small bowl mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning to taste.

• Pour vinaigrette over the pasta and mix well until well coated.

• Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving or over night.