Charlotte Parent February 2015

February 2015 • Free

159

Reasons to LOVE FEBRUARY

Camp GUIDE

Too Young for Social Media?

 7 Ways to Cut Costs  Our Day Camp Checklist  Bonding at Family Camp

special advertising section

summer camps

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February CONTENTS

FEATURES

26

30 33

44

Reinvent Family Vacation Free your inner child and bond together at family camp

Making Camp Affordable 7 ways to save on summer camp

Picking the Right Day Camp A checklist to vet your choices and get what you expect

‘Illusions: Nothing Is As It Seems’

New exhibit tests senses versus sensibility

IN EVERY ISSUE

4

Editor’s Note

8

FYI

20

Tech Talk

22

Growing Up

54

Excursion

60

Faces and Places

24 Daddy Derek

26

33

CALENDAR

30

43

Camp Savings

Our Picks

44

Daily Calendar

47

On Stage

48 On Exhibit

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE

morrismedianetwork.com

Time to Plan for Summer Camp

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

PUBLISHER/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eve White

EDITOR

Michele Huggins

T

his is the second year that I am figuring out the summer camp

schedule. As a full-time working parent, open summer schedules mean lots of time to fill for my kiddo when I’m at work. But summer camp should be more than child care. For younger kids like mine, day camps are the way to go, and registration has already started for lots of local programs. There are so many interesting programs out there, I view it as a great way for my child to explore interests and try new things, meet new friends and grow self-confidence, but knowing which ones are the right ones, well that’s where it gets tricky.

The feature on page 33 offers a checklist of questions to ask yourself, camp directors and friends in order to get the camp experience you expect, and that meets your and your child’s needs.

Once kids get older, overnight camp can be a great summer experience. Sometimes I wish I could go back and do a week of summer camp, swimming, exploring, trying new things, being outdoors, and completely disconnected from the day-to-day grind … sounds pretty good to me. I specifically remember a camp in the mountains nearby where my husband and I got married that had a really long slide by a lake. Numerous guests and I talked about that slide, and how we wanted to sneak over and slide down — ah hem, I mean how much fun it must be in the dead of summer to plunge into the cool lake after sliding down. If you’ve ever had that twinge of wanting to do camp fun all over, it’s possible at family camp. Family camp can be a great alternative to the traditional family vacation.

No digital devices, no travel itineraries, and lots of chances to bond as a family trying new activities. More on that on page 26.

Of course camp comes at a cost. We share tips as suggested by camps and parents that can be a guide as you budget for the summer adventures. One tip: register early!

Valentine’s Day is also this month. Check out our suggestions on page 18 for making it a special day for your kids. And save the date for upcoming spring consignment sales.

Nothing wrong with saving a dime on a gently used summer set of clothes for the kids.

Find the list of local sales on page 52.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mikala Young

ART DIRECTORS Melissa Stutts Cheri Vigna

SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Hatheway • lhatheway@charlotteparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jen Byrum • jbyrum@charlotteparent.com Dawn Field • dfield@charlotteparent.com

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Casey Wilson

DIGITAL MEDIA AND MARKETING MANAGER Susannah Carpenter

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST Abigail Price

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez

PRESIDENT Donna Kessler

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Shelonda West

PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Logan Eason

CONTACT US charlotteparent.com 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte, NC 28203 phone: 704-344-1980 • fax: 704-344-198 email: info@charlotteparent.com advertising@charlotteparent.com • editorial@charlotteparent.com

Circulation 40,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO President William S. Morris III Will S. Morris IV

Michele Huggins

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2014 Bronze Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition

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charlotteparent.com Stay-At-Home Dudes Richard Jones, co-author of “A Dude’s Guide to Babies: The New Dad’s Playbook” delivers fast and funny insights on being a stay-at-home dad to help new dads cope with being responsible for a smelly and very messy

Summer Camps

Study Time

life ... and their baby.

With a wide range of day camps in the area, there’s

Every parent wants their child to be an ace in the

no shortage of summer fun. From culinary to

classroom, but new curriculums can be a challenge

science, sports to theater, our online camp fair is

for kids and parents to understand. Don’t fret.

loaded with local day camps tailored for kids with

Find smart ideas to conquer homework and study

a variety of ambition and interest, plus overnight

challenges, plus how to open up parent-teacher

camps hosted from the mountains to the sea. Sign

conversations in our Education Guide.

ups are happening now.

…/blogs

…/education

…/camps Happy Valentine’s Day Find some sweet ideas for how to share the love

Contests

with the little ones in your

Looking to take fun to whole new level with your

life, including a candy-free

family? Enter to win three Grammy-nominated albums

Popcorn Love Monster

including The Okee Dokee Brothers: Into the Woods.

perfect for sharing with

Contest ends Feb. 22.

friends.

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› FYI Moms Managing Media Group

Have a Heart …

Pretzel February is American Heart Health Month. Charlotte-area Mellow Mushrooms are donating $2 for every heart pretzel sold during the month to Receptions for Research, Carolina Panther player Greg Olsen’s foundation that supports pediatric heart care.

The heart pretzel is pizza dough twisted into the shape of a heart that is basted with honey butter and baked, then sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with cherry and cream cheese frosting. Three hearts are $5.99; six for $8.99.

Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation includes the program The HEARTest Yard, that works in conjunction with Levine Children’s Hospital to provide families with babies affected by congenital heart disease with in-home nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy, among other benefits. Olsen’s 2-year-old son T.J. was born with a heart defect and has had three surgeries at Levine Children’s Hospital. receptionsforresearch.org.

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A group of local moms, dads and grandparents is daring to be different by promoting — and living — low-tech lifestyles. Lead by Ballantyne mom and former nurse Melanie Hempe, Moms Managing Media encourages families to make purposeful, thoughtful decisions about when, where and how to introduce children to the world of technology, including social media, video games, tablets and smartphones.

Hempe was inspired to provide researchbased tips and tools for other moms after dealing with her oldest son’s overuse of video games. She read “Hooked on Games” by Dr. Anthony Stone and was motivated to move forward with creating a space for other moms struggling with how to help kids that are addicted to gaming. She and Stone collaborated to create Moms Managing Media that educates parents on the powerful grip media can have on children’s brains and social development, and how to handle the job of home media manager — a job that mostly falls in moms laps, Hempe says.

In addition to a website filled with practical advice on how to balance technology at home, Hempe and a panel of four other local moms host monthly Moms Managing Media meetings at Covenant Day School In Matthews.

“We feel it’s important for parents to hear about the idea of balancing technology in the home and the amazing developmental benefits for children,” she says. The meetings are held the first Thursday of each month from 9:30-11 a.m. and are open to the public. February’s topic is social media. For some starter tips on how to dial back digital devices in your home and ideas for replacement activities, check out momsmanagingmedia.com.

Melanie Hempe, co-founder of Moms Managing Media, with her husband and four children.

CIAA EDUCATION DAY The annual CIAA Basketball tournament comes to Time Warner Cable Arena Feb. 23-28. In addition to the action surrounding the games, the CIAA hosts its annual Education Day Feb. 25. Middleand high-school students are invited to the Charlotte Convention Center to meet with CIAA institutions from North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, including Johnson C. Smith University and Winston-Salem State University.

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Attendees can meet with CIAA recruiters and counselors for tips on how to prepare for college and details on the collegiate experience. The program is free to middle school and high school students, and there are dedicated programs for each age group. The high school program takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the middle school program is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, email eduationday@theciaa.com.

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FYI

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community

DISCOVERY PLACE ‘WELCOME’ PROGRAM Through a new program called Welcome, Discovery Place is making its hands-on learning museums, IMAX movies and exhibits more accessible. For families on public assistance who show an EBT or WIC card, admission is only $1 per person for up to six people. The reduced admission adjustment comes after collaboration with United Way to determine agencies that serve low-income families, including Loaves and Fishes and Mecklenburg County Social Services.

Discovery Place hopes families who may have once considered the museum out of their reach will now come with their children to explore the museum’s exhibits.

The reduced-rate follows a model set by the Association of Children’s Museums Museums for All initiative that advocates access for all families to museums. The reduced admission is also offered at Discovery Place’s satellite centers, including Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville and the Charlotte Nature Museum. Full-price admission for adults costs up to $15 for adults and $12 for children at Discovery Place and $10 at the Discovery Place KIDS museums. discoveryplace.org.

More Than Rock ‘n Roll

Abuzz for the Bees The Town of Matthews recently took its

“How each city celebrates pollinators

George Ramsey and Dean

place as the fourth Bee City USA community.

is up to them, but we especially encourage

Williams, musicians who met at

Mayor Jim Taylor was thrilled with the

educational programs for children, like school

Davidson College and co-founders

decision, expressing pride that this worthwhile

gardens. When a child falls in love with

of Bold Music, are giving local

program started in North Carolina. “Matthews’

pollinators, they are friends for life,” says Phyllis

teen musicians a chance to learn

Town Commission let it be known that they

Stiles, Bee City USA founder and director.

all about what it takes to be a

understand the importance of pollinators,

For information about getting involved

and therefore want to make their town more

with pollinator education and habitat

pollinator-friendly,” Taylor says.

development in Matthews, contact Michael

recording artist, producer and sound engineer.

Through one-week camp

King, chair of the Town of Matthews Parks

sessions, intermediate to advanced

attract more pollinators, including bees that

and Recreation Advisory Board at mking@

guitarists, pianists and vocalists

are needed for healthy food production, which

matthewsnc.gov. Find more about becoming a

have the time and space to write

includes planting native, flowering plants,

Bee City USA community at beecityusa.com.

and record original songs, and

The goal of a Bee City USA is to plant and

immerse themselves in the entire

shrubs and perennials.

creative process, from manning the controls to producing final products. Each session is limited to 10 participants. The group works together to record a cover song and then writes, produces and records an original song.

“It’s very engaging,” says Ramsay. “The kids do most of the work and they walk away with an original song that they created, produced and recorded.”

The studio recording and songwriting camps are held at Charles Holloman Studios in Southend for ages 13-18. boldmusiclessons.com.

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FYI

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education

Fostering Creativity

Closing number at the 2014 Blumey Awards. Photo by Daniel Coston.

Blumenthal Performing Arts recently announced a new scholarship opportunity for Charlottearea high school students. The Gordon Hay Scholarship, a $5,000 endowed scholarship, is designed for special learning opportunities related to the recipient’s career interest in a non-performing area within the performing arts. Opportunities may include professional conferences, participation in an unpaid internship program, professional theatre and music performances, and technology needs.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit blumenthalarts.org/scholarships.

The Gordon Hay Scholarship winner will be announced at the May 17 Blumey Awards. blumenthalarts.org/scholarships.

Growing a child’s creativity is a natural process when provided with interesting and challenging opportunities, and free time for unstructured play.

Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts, educators and co-authors of more than 100 books, suggest the following activities to encourage creativity: 1. Give a child an ordinary household item such as a paper clip or bottle and ask her to imagine other ways that it can be used. A plastic bottle could be a vase, a bowling pin or a terrarium.

2. Draw a straight or curvy line on a piece of paper and have your child turn it into a familiar object. Or give him a page of circles drawn to different sizes. Ask him to create new objects by adding elements to each circle.

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Blumenthal Adds New Scholarship

New Charter Schools Get Approval to Open Three new charter schools have been given the green light by the N.C. Board of Education to open in the fall of 2015. Charlotte Lab School, Queen City STEM School and Veritas Community School are three of 11 charters approved across the state.

Students at the Charlotte Lab School will be able to learn through projects and real-life experiences using the city’s cultural resources as an expanded classroom. It plans to open with approximately 280 students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

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Queen City STEM School hopes to enroll just under 300 students in its first year, serving kindergarten through sixth grade. Free academic tutoring and personalized educational plans are planned to accommodate mixed levels of learners.

Veritas Community School, located in the old Villa Heights Elementary School between PlazaMidwood and NoDa, plans to serve 200 students in kindergarten through third grade in its first year. It’s mission is to empower the scholar and athlete in every child through daily wellness practices in a peaceful environment.

of K-12 students in North Carolina attend private schools.

Source: John Locke Foundation

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FYI

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health

Soothing the Itch of Eczema The cold, dry air of February is a trigger for many skin conditions, such as eczema. Eczema is a common medical condition that affects about one out of every 10 children. Eczema makes the skin dry, red and in some cases leads to rashes, blisters and inflamed skin. The exact cause of eczema is not known, but it most commonly occurs when allergic triggers come in contact with the skin or a person has a genetic predisposition.

Fortunately, there are some good ways to treat eczema both in the winter and all year round.

Treating eczema requires treating both skin dryness and skin inflammation. “To begin with, make sure your child establishes a good skin care routine. This should include a daily bath and moisturizer twice a day which will help protect and strengthen the skin,” says Marty Baker, director of Carolinas HealthCare System’s Charlotte Pediatric Clinic.

Your child’s pediatrician can recommend anti-inflammatory medications, like topical steroids or topical inhibitors to treat inflammation. An oral anti-inflammatory agent can be used to treat the most severe cases. “Be sure to treat patches of eczema with medications as soon as they appear, since this can prevent more severe rashes,” Baker says.

It also helps to become familiar with your child’s triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

Common triggers include soaps, pets, mold, dandruff, very hot water or perspiration.

Prevent Dental Decay Early The No. 1 dental problem among preschoolers is tooth decay. By age 5, nearly 50 percent of children have one or more cavities. Here’s how to help your child prevent dental decay.

Got Calcium?

All children need calcium but many of them do

Milk is often thought of as the best way to get

1 | TEACH GOOD DENTAL HABITS.

not come close to consuming the recommended

calcium in your diet, but if your child doesn’t like

Help your child brush her teeth

amount of the mineral that they need each day.

milk, there are plenty of other options. Other

two times a day with a child-sized

Calcium helps build strong bones, so kids can do

foods rich in calcium include:

toothbrush that has soft bristles.

everything from standing up straight to scoring

• Cheese and yogurt.

2 | USE A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT OF

that winning goal. It also helps build strong,

• Canned salmon and sardines with bones.

FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE. If your

healthy teeth for chomping on tasty food.

• Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli.

child doesn’t like the taste of the

If children aren’t getting enough calcium in

• Calcium-fortified foods, such as orange juice,

toothpaste, try another flavor or just

their diet, the body takes calcium from the bones

cereals and crackers.

use water.

to ensure normal cell function, which can lead to

weakened bones.

— Dr. Marty Baker, director of Carolinas

HealthCare System’s Charlotte Pediatric Clinic

3 | TEACH YOUR CHILD NOT TO SWALLOW TOOTHPASTE.

Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can create white or brown spots on your child’s adult teeth.

4 | CLEAN EACH TOOTH THOROUGHLY. A child cannot brush

his teeth without help until he’s about 6-8 years old. Help your child brush top and bottom, inside and out.

5 | WATCH THE SUGAR IN YOUR CHILD’S DIET. The longer and more

frequently her teeth are exposed to sugar, the greater the risk of cavities.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

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: PARENTS

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FYI

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style

Wear your heart on your sleeve

with these fashionable Valentine’s Day picks — or gifts.

BY LAUREN BELL ISAACS

1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

4.

1. Sequin Heart Elbow Patch Pullover, icaughtthesun.etsy.com, $48 2. Escorial XOXO Notecard Set, luluandgeorgia.com, $26 3. Kate Spade New York Thermal Mug, luluandgeorgia.com, $17 4. Canvas Tote, shopbando.com, $20 5. Sophia Studs in Violet, lorenhope.com, $34 6. Small Sarra Cuff in Violet, lorenhope.com, $58 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent.

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Experience our annual guides in a whole new way with our new

iPad apps!

Download free, enhanced versions of our annual guides and watch them come to life with multimedia, slideshows, videos and interactive directories. Everything you need at your fingertips! Available now for iPad.

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FYI

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life

HOMEMADE DOUGHNUTS Nothing says love like a warm doughnut on a brisk morning.

Make the sweet treat yourself with step-by-step tutorials on the basics of doughnut making and baking techniques in “Homemade Doughnuts” by Kamal Grant. Grant is owner of Atlanta’s award-winning Sublime Doughnuts. Find recipes for the traditional yeast doughnut, plus cake and biscuit doughnuts, fillings, glazes and accoutrements like candied bacon. And since the exact origin of the doughnut is disputed, there’s a chapter on doughnuts around the world, including churros, beignets and even hushpuppies. $24.99, amazon. com; also available as an ebook.

3 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALBUMS WIN GRAMMY NOMINATIONS The next time you’re wishing for an impromptu get-up-and-groove mix, check out one of these Grammy-nominated children’s albums. Tune into the Grammy ceremonies, Feb. 8.

Through the Woods | The Okee Dokee Brothers Nominated for “Best Children’s Album,” the collection of songs honors the old-time music traditions of the Appalachian Mountains. Each piece is inspiration to get the family excited about outdoor experiences. $20, okeedokee.org.

Appetite for Construction | The Pop Ups The entire album is rich with modern pop for the modern kid. Perfect for young and old alike, the set of tunes consists of a party-friendly mix that are filled with witty and empowering lyrics. $7.99, thepopups.com.

Just Say Hi! | Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could Brady Rymer is a two-time Grammy-nominated family music artist. “Just Say Hi!” is Rymer’s seventh album of original feel-good songs. Enriched with exciting instruments, from the mandolin to the drums, each track is a musical excursion for little ears. $9.99, bradyrymer.com. *Visit charlotteparent.com/contests and enter for a chance to win the albums!

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5 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’

Valentine’s Day gifts typically include a nice family dinner and a fun card that expresses appreciation. This year, make the day different with these ideas.

1 | CREATE A SPECIAL SONG Get together with your kids and make up or find a song that means a lot to everyone in the family. Sing your heart out and have a mini dance party.

2 | HEART-TASTIC BREAKFAST Fill their tummies with love by making a healthy and delicious smoothie using red fruits such as raspberries and strawberries. Serve the smoothie alongside a stack of heart-shaped pancakes.

3 | LEAVE A NOTE Express your love through a sticky note left inside of your child’s backpack or lunchbox. For younger kiddos, make an illustration that shows you and your child holding hands or playing outside.

4 | DECORATE YOUR CHILD’S ROOM Put a few balloons around your child’s room, include a heart-shaped pillow, set out a bowl of candy and leave a card by their bedside.

5 | GO ON A LOVE HUNT Create a scavenger hunt throughout the house leaving clues that help your kids find a small gift at the end of the game.

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TECH TALK click through other legal barriers such as the “you must be 21 to enter” warning on sites that feature pornography?

RISKS NOW. Research suggests younger social media users are more vulnerable to harassment, in part because they have fewer tools to cope with online aggression. In addition, kids may see content, including advertisements, that parents would rather they not see. Because they are curious and less guarded, younger children are also more likely to click on malware.

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RISKS LATER. Once Facebook users turn 18, they are subject to adult rules.

Anyone can search for and message them, and they’ll see ads for products considered suitable for adults including gambling, liquor, diet products and dating services. A child who shaves three years off her age will be exposed to all of this when she’s 15 instead of 18.

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How OLD is OLD ENOUGH for Social Networking?

BY CAROLYN JABS

N

o one under 13 allowed. That has been the rule on most social media sites since 1998, when Congress passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, also

known as COPPA. The thinking behind the law was that children under age 13 aren’t developmentally ready to handle the complexities of social networking and other online activities. They can’t anticipate the consequences of what they post. They’re more vulnerable to harassment from peers or strangers, and they shouldn’t have their data vacuumed up by marketers.

The law is supposed to give kids younger than 13 time to grow up by requiring websites that want to interact with them to follow strict rules and get permission from parents. But kids have figured out that it’s very easy to lie about their age online.

Also, many parents regard the under 13 rule as a guideline — more like the ratings associated with movies rather than the law of the land. As a result, millions of children have signed up for accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.

There are compelling reasons to hold the line on COPPA. Parents should consider all of them before letting a child sign up for social media sites designed for adults.

decide it’s OK to deviate from the truth now and then, but allowing — or encouraging — a young child to lie about age opens up questions about truth and trust long before children are ready to think clearly about them.

If you don’t want your child to regard truth as optional, it may be unwise to make exceptions too early.

LYING. Fudging your age may not seem like a big deal. Most adults eventually

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LAWS. The COPPA rule brings websites into compliance with laws to protect children from predators. Some people believe the law could be improved, but that’s not a justification for breaking it, especially since you probably want your child to comply with other protective laws. If a child has permission to disregard age rules about social networking, will he or she feel free to

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charlotteparent.com

ALTERNATIVES. They do exist. A number of engaging social networking sites have been designed specifically for children. Yousphere, Kidzvuz, Frankentown, Fanlala and Fantage are just some of the websites that offer children under 13 a safe place where they can experiment with sharing, chatting and blogging.

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The world of social media changes fast. There are rumors that Facebook is considering a “with parental permission” category for users. Until this happens, parents need to think carefully about whether early social networking supports or undermines their values. Kids often push to do things before they are ready, but childhood is not a race. There’s no prize for finishing first, and social media may be one of those places where just a little more maturity can make a very big difference.

Carolyn Jabs raised three computersavvy kids, including one with special needs. She is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict.

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GROWING UP is typically a passing phase. “Often you’ll see waves of impulsivity as kids grow up.

This might be worsened by kids trying to fit in with peers, or by what kids see in the media,” says John Sommers-Flanagan, associate professor at the University of Montana and a member of the American Counseling Association. Encourage better self-control with specific praise for progress: “I like how you ate all your vegetables at dinner, even though they’re not your favorite.” Foster self-control by establishing regular chores and setting up a consistent time to do homework. Making these “have-tos” part of everyday life helps kids power through tough tasks, even when they’d rather not.

Self-Control Strategies for Kids

BY MALIA JACOBSON

W

ant to ensure your child’s success in life? Start teaching self-control skills.

While there’s no sure-fire way to raise a future Olympian or Nobel Laureate,

research shows that children with better self-control fare better in school and relationships than their more impulsive peers. Tiffany Sands, a licensed therapist in Chapel Hill, says few skills matter more to emotional, social, financial and academic success. Parents can — and should — be intentional about helping kids master selfcontrol early in life, and continue emphasizing self-control through the teen years.

Here’s how to impart the skills that boost future success, starting now.

AGES 0-5

Self-Soothe Babies and toddlers are still working on sitting, walking and talking, but don’t underestimate your little one’s ability to learn self-control skills. “Self-control is about learning to control our impulses and behavior. It’s never too early to start helping children learn to manage these things,” Sands says. Learning to delay gratification is key to mastering selfcontrol, she says. Giving your child a chance to learn self-soothing skills, within reason, can help build the understanding that some needs and wants aren’t immediately met. When your child calls for you and you’re busy, respond in a calm voice to let him know you heard, and that

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you’ll be with him in a few minutes, Sands says. Provide a toy or a visual distraction if needed, then step back and allow kids to play the waiting game for a minute or two.

(Of course, you should always respond to your baby’s intense cries or physical needs right away.)

AGES 6-12

Healthy Habits Don’t be surprised if a usually well-behaved grade-schooler starts showing signs of impulsivity, like sneaking ice cream before dinner, or taking new risks like lacing up her roller skates but skipping protective gear. Brain changes make kids more susceptible to rash actions during the tween years, but (happily) this behavior

AGES 13-18

Model Behavior When teens show signs of flagging selfcontrol, like failing to study for an exam, don’t lose hope. An occasional slip-up isn’t a red flag, Sommers-Flanagan says.

“Adults sometimes have problems with self-control, and so do teens. It’s normal.”

But repeated missteps and loads of poor choices could signal the need for selfcontrol SOS. Initiate a conversation about how the outcome — like the poor grade — could have been prevented. Ask your teen to think about what steps he needs to take to resolve the problem, such as carving out more time to study or sleep, and how you can support his efforts. Don’t forget to model self-control in your own life. Teens are keen parental observers, so when you hit the gym when you don’t feel like it, scarf down a healthy meal when you’d rather have cake, or resist an impulse purchase in order to sock away savings, talk to your teen about your choice. He may act disinterested, but he’ll pick up your message: Self-control is within reach, and something we work at for a lifetime.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

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DADDY DEREK

Nothing Says Love Like Being Involved

BY DEREK JAMES

I

t’s time to “man up!” This is a message to dads young and old that aren’t being the active, invested fathers they should be. I’m no super dad, but after years of hearing moms complain about husbands who don’t change diapers, won’t help with schoolwork or simply won’t play with their kids, I felt I had to say something.

My wife’s theory is that many guys struggle with this concept when they first become a father. I think she’s right. It often starts with a dad who refuses to change his child’s diaper. This may be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Diapers are smelly and nasty, but it’s only part of the job description for about three years. Dads also should be able to soothe, bathe and burp a little one. None of these are difficult tasks that can’t be learned, and the parenting scale shouldn’t tip all the way to one parent with the other being available when the task is simple. Both parents are happier when there’s a level of fairness and time to have some balance.

As children get older, there are plenty of opportunities for dads to be involved at school, yet how many guys do you know who simply can’t help because of work? I’m not talking about the dads who truly can’t like men in the Armed Forces, or the guy whose boss refuses to let him work less than 60 hours a week. I mean the guy who always finds a way to not be there — the dad who’d rather work than help with a field trip or a class party. If you’re that guy, it’s time to get in the game. If your schedule is an issue, there is nothing wrong with taking a vacation day to help out at your kid’s school or to attend an event.

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The key is not being afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

Back in December, I signed up to help with my youngest son Chase’s preschool party. His teacher asked me if I could organize the event and come up with some activities for the kids. I was cool with everything except coming up with a craft they could do. I was the kid who barely passed art class in school. My ceramic mugs more resembled ashtrays. Instead of running to my wife, I did some research and found a gingerbread ornament kit that each child could decorate to take home. In the end, it all worked out. Chase’s teacher even said if the whole TV news thing doesn’t work out I’d make a great preschool teacher.

Show your family how much you love them by doing whatever you need to do to get more involved. If you don’t know what to do, ask your wife. They’re really good at telling you where you could help more. Being a good dad is a juggling act, but if you really try, you can’t fail. Special props to the single dads of the world, who like single moms do it all, often without the recognition they deserve.

Man up and be a great dad. It’s the greatest Valentine’s Day gift you can give your your wife, your kids and yourself.

Derek James is a host of WCCB News Rising, and lives with his wife and two sons, ages 3 and 6. Read more from Derek in his Daddy Derek blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

2015

Readers’

FAVORITES

What’s your favorite place to...

play • party • eat shop • frolick • relax

?

Nominate your favorite local businesses in our annual Readers’ Favorites Awards.

Voting opens February 15.

charlotteparent.com/favorites

R E I N V E N T Family Vacation

Reinvent Family Vacation at at

SUMMER C MP

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Free your inner child while building bonds in the great outdoors

BY CRYSTAL O’GORMAN

T

rade travel itineraries and hotel continental breakfast this summer for camp-counselor led activities and campfire s’mores. Family camps offer a vacation alternative that releases “real-world” obligations from every family member and allows the freedom to have fun and foster family bonds without interference from social media and societal conventions. It also provides a new take on an old tradition, creating a charming and challenging experience that includes every member of the family.

Bob Ditter, a child and family therapist and author of “Summer Camp Rules!” has been consulting family camps since the 1980s. “The greatest aspect of family camp is the unique opportunities families have to play together. Given how busy, stressed and technologically distracted family members can be, family camp offers an opportunity to connect through fun and play,” Ditter says. “Experiences like rock-climbing, puppet-making and fire-building provide opportunities for family members to engage in ways that go beyond their roles at home.”

“Family camp also is an opportunity for first-time campers and camp families — who might not be used to the camp experience due to the young age of a child, cultural traditions, or time spent in other enrichment programs outside of the family — to explore and acclimate to the camp experience together, says Peg Smith, CEO of American Camping Associattion.

The Family Camp Experience Throughout the last eight years, the ACA has seen a 17 percent increase in the amount of residential camps that offer family camp programs. Having more options means parents have a better chance to find the right fit for their family.

Family camp builds on the traditional summer camp for children, allowing parents to join in on the action and relive their beloved childhood camp experiences hand-in-hand with their children. The programs vary from camp to camp.

Some are day camps or one-nighters; however, most family camps take place over a weekend.

Depending on length of stay and budget, family camps fall in a wide price range from $30 for a one-night stay to over $1,500 for a long weekend. Family camps also provide a variety of residential arrangements from private cabins to gender-specific lodging to large sleeping halls. These camps include opportunities for large extended families, mom and daughter, father and son, and single parents.

With an ample amount of family camps taking root in North Carolina, from Camp Seafarer on the coast to Camp

Highlander along the Blue Ridge Parkway, parents can choose the best fit for their family’s interest.

Each camp’s location influences unique amenities and activities offered, but most have traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, drama and team sports.

Overall, family camps offer a rustic environment where families can step away from technology and immerse themselves in physical, intellectual and relationship-building activities. Parents and children can participate in activities together, as well as encourage each other to accomplish things that they may have never thought was possible.

Play and ‘Girl’ Power Wake up with the sun to the sound of birds chirping in harmony. Fall asleep on the sleeping porch under the stars, cicadas and crickets serenading the moon. Experiencing life united with nature is a beautiful, magical experience, and Mary Elizabeth Trent, a child psychologist from Watkinsville, Ga. couldn’t agree more after her experience at Skyland Camp for Girls located in Clyde.

Last August, Trent and her 6-year-old daughter Maddy Solomon took part in a 97-year-old tradition.

They spent three days and four nights nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains at the “Big House” – a Victorian grand hotel built in the late 1800s that was renovated in 1917

by Susan Courtney Harris, a pioneering nature-lover and beloved mother of five, to accommodate young girls and their mothers.

“Being outside in this beautiful environment was such a nurturing and empowering experience,” she says, “You feel like you are transported to another world.”

Passed down by generations of women, Trent says the camp was ignited with feminine power and positive encouragement in an environment that promoted courage, grit and compassion. “We got to watch each other have new experiences … stretch our comfort zones,” she says.

Adhering to a traditional camp schedule, this mother daughter duo participated in archery, horseback riding, swimming and arts and crafts. “Both being introverts, the most challenging activity for us was performing on skit night, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences,” Trent says.

Persistence and Presence For Kevin and Lori Shannon, seeing their son rise to the challenge was enough to keep them coming back to family camp for the last five years.

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“Watching my 7-year-old son climb a 50-foot wooden climbing wall on the first attempt was the most rewarding experience,” says Kevin Shannon, Bank of America retiree and business consulting owner. “He got a third of the way up, got tired and wanted to quit, but the camp counselors encouraged him and he did it.”

The Shannon’s, who live in Mooresville, wanted to give their son, Colin, a family vacation filled with physical activities outdoors. A fellow church member at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church recommended family camp at Camp Highlander in Mills River.

Camp Highlander offers a four-day, three-night Memorial Day Weekend family camp. It includes a wide variety of activities and team sports such as kayaking, canoeing, riflery, mountain biking, basketball, lacrosse and rock climbing.

Families participate in activities together and individually.

“Colin even got to see his mom in a different light, see her strength, in ways he wouldn’t have otherwise,” Kevin Shannon says.

His wife, Lori Shannon, a former nurse turned stay-at-home mom, says being able to be completely present with her family made the experience worthwhile. “You can go in there thinking you can get something done, bringing projects from home, and then you get there and you forget about the world for three days,” she says.

She was also very comfortable at Camp Highlander, because each family stayed together in their own cabin, giving them time to rest and reflect as a family.

“This is one of the few things that we do that is just us. We will go back again this year,” Kevin Shannon says.

The Psychology of Camping The Journal of Experiential Education conducted a mixed-methods study in 2013 with 60 families across 18 camps. Eightysix percent of families said that family camp experiences strengthened family relationships.

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Lori, Kevin and Colin Shannon outside of the woodworking shop at Camp Highlander.

How could it not? Given that the opportunity plucks families from their fast-paced, often over scheduled lives and places them in a simpler environment. No distractions from Twitter and Facebook.

Just real face time to talk, goof off, play and be together.

“Families come in all shapes and sizes, and they are the cornerstone of a healthy society,” says Christopher Thurber, clinical psychologist and professional educator who has worked at YMCA Camp Belknap for more than 30 years. “When families share healthy time together and have the opportunity to interact with other families, they become closer, stronger and happier.”

Crystal O’Gorman is a freelance writer who lives in Indian Land, S.C. with her husband Ryan and her children, Mikey, 4, and Bella, 2.

charlotteparent.com

Mary Elizabeth Trent and daughter Maddy after skit night at Skyland Camp for Girls.

Making Camp

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or many kids in the Carolinas, the best part of summer is spelled C-A-M-P! Some kids head to the mountains, others to adventure camps along the coast. Down the street or across the country, the camp experience allows kids to become more independent, learn new skills and make lifelong friends under the summer sun.

Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association, says camp fosters unique experiences. “When you are at camp, it is a promotion of your assets,” she says. “The whole community is geared toward you having success.

There is nothing more powerful than being successful.”

Of course, all these wonderful experiences and lifelong memories do come with a price tag — one some parents may think they can’t afford.

But there are ways to bring costs down and give your little ones a fantastic camp experience.

The Value of Camp

BY COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN

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Smith says the No. 1 rule of planning for summer camp is to know there is a place for everyone. “There is a camp for every child and every budget,” she says. In fact, the ACA camp community annually provides nearly $216 million in

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camp scholarships for children across the country. “If parents assume there is not a camp out there, it’s a matter of doing research.”

Gail Mashburn, administrative director for Camp Hollymont, a femaleonly camp in Asheville, says camp is a gift that lasts long after it’s time to go home. “Camp provides children with the time and place for personal growth — learning to think and act independently within a safe, nurturing community.” Mashburn says her camp offers many ways for parents to save on tuition. “We help camp families with a variety of early registration discounts, sibling discounts, camper-recruitment discounts and special drawings.”

Ways to Save Parents who send their kids to camp year after year know the value and monetary commitment well. “Camp is expensive no matter what strategy you employ, but the cost is worth it,” says Charlotte mom Wendy Foley. “My kids come home dirty and tired, but glowing and full of stories and songs.” Her two oldest children attend YMCA Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge in the Brushy Mountains of North Carolina each summer. The family belongs to the YMCA so they receive a membership discount.

Besides memberships, many camps offer early bird and sibling discounts, scholarships or internships. Other discounts could be available that aren’t published, so never be afraid to ask.

Kay Anderson, associate director and parent liaison of Skyland Camp for Girls in Clyde, which is nestled in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, says her camp offers referral discounts where the referring family receives 20 percent per referral off what the new camper would pay in tuition the first year.

“Families can receive up to full tuition in referrals,” she says. This referral can also be used for a sibling the first year; then the family receives 10 percent off with a sibling discount in subsequent years.

Families who send their kids to Camp Chatuga near Mountain Rest, S.C., can earn money toward tuition by hosting house parties. Sherry Moxley, marketing coordinator for the camp, says families can earn a $100 discount for hosting camp-interest parties for at least four families. Additionally, a discount of no less than $50 can be earned for any enrollment resulting from the parties.

Camp Hollymont begins early registration promotions as soon as the last camper leaves. “We offer a system of graduated, early registration

discounts August through December, with the deepest discounts in August,” Mashburn says. Parents can also participate in drawings and giveaways — including a Valentine’s Day giveaway — for the chance to win a $150 credit toward the camper’s account.

Some families also encourage their kids to chip in. “My kids traditionally ask for money for camp for their birthdays from grandparents, aunts and uncles,” Foley says.

Elaine Brinkley, CEO of Camp Fire Georgia that oversees Camp Toccoa in Toccoa, Georgia, encourages parents to explore payment options and then speak with the camp director if there isn’t one that matches your budget. “We are in the youth-development business because we care about kids,” Brinkley says. “Most camp directors are willing to work with you.”

While the monetary commitment can be daunting, with some planning and research, camp can be a valuable experience any family can enjoy. “Camp is a gift that lasts longer than a day, doesn’t break, and enriches the camper’s life both in the short and long term,” Mashburn says.

Courtney McLaughlin is a Charlotte native, freelance writer and mom to a wonderful 9-year-old daughter who loves camp.

1. Register early. Many camps, including day and overnight camps, offer a discount if you register in advance.

2. Ask about a sibling discount. If you are sending little brother or sister along, ask if there is a price break.

3. Scholarships. You can find scholarship information on camp websites. Be sure to note application deadlines.

7

Ways to Make Camp More

AFFORDABLE

4. Payment plans. While these may not equate to discounts, payment plans often make camp expenses easier on a family’s budget.

5. Pitch in. Some camps offer tuition breaks if parents work there.

6. Ask your children to contribute. Ask them to set aside a portion of their birthday money, holiday money or allowance for camp expenses.

7. Contact the camp director. If none of these options pan out, ask the camp director if anything else can be done. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2015

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Enjoying water activities at Y summer day camp. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Picking the

RIGHT

Day camp

BY MARTY MINCHIN

T

housands of children attend day camps in the Charlotte area each year, with registrations beginnning in February.

Day camp programs range from traditional swimming, games and crafts to more specialized camps in everything from robotics to tennis, but not all day camps live up to their glossy pictures and descriptions of children learning, playing outside and making new friends.

To make sure that a camp meets expectations, parents should ask questions and do their own research to verify that their child is going to summer day camp, not summer day care. Use this checklist to vet your choices and be sure the camp meets your expectations.

1. Reliable referrals. Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers for information and honest opinions about camps their children have attended, says JJ Woodruff, youth services director at the Harris YMCA, which hosts hundreds of campers at summer day camps.

“As an employee, I’m going to tell you what you need to know (about the camp),” Woodruff says. “Other parents are going to be a better resource.”

2. Staff training. Ask what qualities the camp

looks for in a good staff member. Some day camps employee teachers during the summer or move teachers from a day care into a camp counselor role rather than hire trained camp counselors. Others require counselor training.

The Harris YMCA hires about 200 temporary summer staff for its day camps, and all receive at least 30 hours of training that includes CPR, first aid and conflict management, Woodruff says.

3. Daily activities. Good camps have detailed

schedules that show what a child will be doing throughout the day. If a child is attending soccer camp, a schedule tells you how much time the child will spend learning new skills and playing the game. If you want your child to be outdoors, make sure that outside play comprises a significant part of the schedule. Unstructured, indoor downtime could translate into movie watching and video games.

4. Structured activities. Not all games are created equal. If you want your child to learn new skills, ask how that kind of training is integrated into camp activities. If you’re sending your child to camp to learn how to swim, make charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2015

33

sure that pool time involves swimming lessons, not just free play.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

5. Electronics policy. A single

electronic device can attract a swarm of kids and turn camp into a never-ending huddle around an iPad. If you want your child engaged at day camp, be sure that a lax electronics policy won’t undermine activities.

6. Know your goals. If you want

your child to make new friends at camp, talk to the director about how the camp helps kids get to know each other and what experiences at camp will facilitate new relationships.

If you’re looking for an educational experience for your child, ask about story or reading times, educational components of camp activities and whether they match up with grade requirements at local public schools.

7. Visit the camp.

According to the American Camp Association, choosing a good camp can be as important as choosing a good school.

When possible, the ACA recommends researching and visiting camps the summer before and signing up your child for your top choices.

Marty Minchin has two elementary-aged children and is a freelance writer based in Charlotte.

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Is Your Child Ready for Camp?

Some summer day camps take children as young as 3, but young preschoolers aren’t always ready to go. Here are some ways that parents and children can be prepared for a great camp experience.

Make sure your child can handle the time apart. Some young children have never been away from their parents, and a four-hour, half-day camp can be traumatic for parents and children.

Parents in this situation should begin preparing their child before the summer, says JJ Woodruff, director of youth services at the Harris YMCA. Sending a child to a friend’s house for a long play date is a good start, then ease in with a half-day camp, Woodruff says.

Make sure your child is potty-trained. Very few summer day camps allow children who are not pottytrained.

Read the parent packet.

Information packets contain crucial details about scheduling and what to bring.

Read it carefully.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

guide to

CAMPS

Find more camp options at CharlotteParent.com/camps Anne Springs Close Greenway

Camp Cannon

971 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill, S.C. 803-547-4575 ascgreenway.org 3-14 years | See website for rates Choose from 160 different camps. Develop outdoor skills like fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking and horseback riding. Or focus on special interests including performing arts, engineering, technology and sports. June 9–Aug. 1.

5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord 704-721-7198 campcannon.com 3-18 years | $170 and up* Camp Cannon offers half- and full-day camps that focus on arts, college prep, sci-tech and sports. Sessions run June 8-July 31 (no camp June 29-July 3) and are available for children ages 3 through 18.

Camp Cedar Cliff

Chef Camp

5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville 828-450-3331 campcedarcliff.org Grades 2-10 | $370-$1,380 Outdoor activities, including archery, climbing wall, zip line, swimming, whitewater rafting, high ropes courses, team-building, overnight camping, and more. June 13-July 1. One, two, and half-week sessions available.

Camp Invention

Locations throughout Charlotte area 800-968-4332 campinvention.org Grades 1-5 | See website for rates Led by local educators, the week-long Camp Invention experience immerses elementary school children in hands-on activities that reinvent summer fun. Discounts available! Visit campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332 for information. *rates are per session unless otherwise stated

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8144 Mount Laurel Road Clover, Virginia 855-508-9382 chefcamp.com 8-16 years | Rates vary by session Co-ed residential camp where campers master cooking in a state-of-the-art kitchen, plus enjoy traditional outdoor camp fun, too. Sister to Camp Motorsport.

Camp Mindy

5007 Providence Road 704-944-6728 charlottejcc.org/camp PK-teen | Rates vary by session A traditional day camp experience, as well as a variety of sports specialty camps. Kids can make friends, participate in activities and learn new skills. Camp becomes a magical place where campers can be who they are.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

8144 Mount Laurel Road, Clover, Virginia 855-508-9382 campmotorsport.com 8-16 years | Rates vary by session Camp Motorsport is a race car and go-kart driving camp with all the traditional outdoor camp fun, too.

Charlotte Chess Center

1800 Camden Road, Suite 108 980-265-1156 charlottechesscenter.org Grades K-12 | $175-$275/week The Charlotte Chess Center offers the highest level of chess instruction in Charlotte. Our summer camps feature the strongest coaches in the nation, as well as our top local coaches. Beginner and advanced welcome.

Charlotte Latin School Summer Programs

9502 Providence Road 704-846-7277 charlottelatin.org/camps All ages | See website for rates The goal of Charlotte Latin School Summer Programs is to promote a joy for learning as campers of all ages develop cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically through growth-promoting experiences.

Visit charlottelatin.org/camps for descriptions, fees and registration.

Charlotte Nature Museum

1658 Sterling Road 704-372-6261 charlottenaturemuseum.org Grades Pre-K-rising 5 | See website for rates Kids will discover amazing critters and natural treasures in a fun, safe learning environment. Each camp offers a unique immersive experience as junior curators explore the outdoors, conduct experiments, meet live animals and more!

Community School of the Arts

345 N. College St. 704-377-4187 csarts.org 3 years and older | $100 and up/week CSA invites children to join us for more than 20 weeks of outstanding and diverse summer arts programs. We welcome students from age 3–18 to our creative music, art, preschool and pottery camps.

CAMPS

Camp Motorsport

Camp Rockmont for Boys

375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 828-686-3885 rockmont.com 6-16 years | $2,975 A Christian summer camp for boys ages 6-16. Rockmont’s mission of developing healthy young men is accomplished through age-appropriate activities and challenges to help campers grow and discover God’s love. Sessions available June-August.

Charlotte Christian School

7301 Sardis Road 704-366-5657 charlottechristian.com 5-18 years | $150-$350/week Charlotte Christian School offers a wide variety of enrichment and sports camps to sharpen skills and spark creativity. Baseball, lacrosse, football, basketball, karate, CSI, technology, STEM, drama, crafts, LEGO Mania, film production and more.

Charlotte Music School

10210 Berkeley Place Drive, Suite 150 336-847-3444 charlottemusicschool.com All ages | Starting at $75/week Musical theatre, Piano Camp, Mini-Maestros, Drums from Around the World, Rock Band Camp, Paint with Music and more! Visit charlottemusicschool.com or call 704-2957676. Summer music means summer fun at Charlotte Music School!

Charlotte Preparatory School

212 Boyce Road 704-366-5994 charlotteprep.org Grades K-8| $150-$190/week From robotics to music, cooking to martial arts, science fun to sports, your child will find a camp that sparks his or her interests.

Camps are run by our staff and highly requested vendors.

Cool Camp

4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail 704-882-1830 xicenter.com 5-12 years | $225-$275/week A week-long summer day camp filled with on-ice and off-ice activities. Includes breakfast, lunch and snack. Also includes daily skating lesson, movie or nap time. This camp is packed with crafts, games and fun.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2015

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CAMPS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Discovery Place

Discovery Place KIDS

301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261 discoveryplace.org Grades Pre-K-rising 9| See website for rates School may be out, but education, adventure and fun are always in at Discovery Place. There’s a new theme each week to get kids fired up about science, technology, engineering and art.

105 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-372-6261 huntersville. discoveryplacekids.org 18 months-rising grade 3 | See website for rates From art to animals, earth to the stars, your child’s mind and muscles will grow as we have fun experimenting with new ideas, learning new skills and making new friends.

Engineering for Kids®

Foreign Language League

Locations through Charlotte, Union and Cabarrus counties 704-750-5335 engineeringforkids.com/charlotte Grades PK-8 | $189-$345/week Engineering for Kids offers LEGO®, Robotics, Minecraft Madness, Game Design and Engineering STEM Fun Summer Camp. Theme-based camps each week, such as Rescue Robots, Robo-Battle, Robo-Surgeons, Mission to Mars, Minecraft Madness, Engineering of Pirates, Medieval Times, Momentum Madness. Camps offered June-August.

IvyBrook Academy

Locations in south Charlotte and Fort Mill 704-845-2310 ivybrookacademy.com 2-7 years | Call for rates Fun themed summer camps are specifically created for the inquisitive nature of young children. Themes change weekly to ensure a variety of camp options to meet the interests of every child while making learning memorable.

Miller Street Dance Academy

Mint Museum Summer Camps

Uptown | 500 S. Tryon St. Randolph Road | 2730 Randolph Road 704-337-2000 6-18 years | $60-$150* mintmuseum.org Hosting summer art camps at uptown and Randolph Road locations, June 15-July 21.

Find details at mintmuseum.org/happenings.

*rates are per session unless otherwise stated

FEBRUARY 2015 |

JA Summer Biz Camp

201 S. Tryon St., Suite LL100 704-536-9668 jacarolinas.org 10-14 years | $225-$270/week Junior Achievement offers a fun and exciting summer day camp in our uptown Charlotte JA BizTown facility. JA BizTown resembles an actual city, and students manage the businesses and town.

Mint Hill Arts

11532 Providence Road, Suite O 704-889-8637 millerstreetdanceacademy.com 4-8 years, | $100 before March 31; $125 after Our camp themes include princess, rockstar, safari and hula. Camps offer dancing, tumbling, cheering and more. Must be 4 years old by start date of camp. Camps are in session June through August at Providence and Baxter locations. Find exact dates on website.

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704-500-0143 foreignlanguageleague.com 5 years and older | Call or visit website for rates Summer camps are half-day from 9 a.m.-noon, and are held throughout the Charlotte area.

Games, crafts, songs and much more are waiting for you at one of our language camps.

charlotteparent.com

11205 Lawyers Road, Suite A, Mint Hill 980-226-5532 minthillarts.org 6 years and older | $175* Awesome summer arts camp at Mint Hill Arts. Explore a variety of art forms and puppetry in special camps, designed for small classes, providing more individualized instruction. June 22-Aug. 7. Classes are three hours each, five times a week.

Morrison Family YMCA Summer Day Camp

9405 Bryant Farms Road 704-716-4650 ymcacharlotte.org/morrison 2 years-grade 12 | Rates vary by camp Campers will enjoy a summer exploring in our summer camps that are anything but traditional! An awesome summer awaits with offerings, such as outdoor adventure, sports, fitness, arts, theatre, dance, gymnastics and themed options.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Music Camps

7845 Colony Road, #C3 704-840-4754 musicquarterscharlotte.com 10-17 years | $275/week; $25, registration fee Ace Your Audition Singing Camp: June 15-19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Minimum required 8, maximum 12. Band Camp: July 27-31, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Minimum required 8, maximum 12. Band camp will perform in concert.

Project Scientist

Providence Day School Summer Programs

222 S. Church St. 704-615-6249 projectscientist.org Grades K-9 | $375/week Explore STEM with a community of like-minded girls through innovative and fun activities. Our research-based methods of instruction increase girls’ confidence and interest in STEM. Summer sessions run June 22- Aug. 7.

Providence Equestrian Center

424 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road, Waxhaw 704-843-5215 providenceequestrian.com 5.5-14 years | See website for rates Join Providence Equestrian for a fun, safe, educational week of horseback riding and horse-related activities.

We provide individual instruction in small groups, so campers get personal attention and quickly gain confidence in their riding skills.

Socrates Academy

3909 Weddington Road, Matthews 704-321-1711 socratesacademy.us Rising grades K-9 | Call for rates Join us for our 2015 Summer Camp Programs. Academic, athletic, arts and Greek culture. Dates TBD. Offering music, drama, soccer, tennis, basketball, science, golf and more. For more information, call 704-321-1711, ext. 137.

South Charlotte Baptist Academy

12416 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville 704-544-7323 scbacademy.org 3-10 years | $90-$140/week Travel through “HIS”tory with fun and games. Weekly themes.

June 8-Aug. 7.

CAMPS

Mountain Island Charter School

13440 Lucia Riverbend Highway, Mount Holly 704-827-9950 micharter.org 5-14 years | See website for rates MICS offers a variety of summer camp options, including a full-day Raptor Day Camp for campers (ages 5-14) and half-day specialty camps.

5800 Sardis Road 704-887-7006 providenceday.org/ summerprograms 3 years and older | $40-$660 Whether catching bugs or balls, singing or dancing, making cakes and learning to bake, everyone can try something new at PDS this summer! Programs are open to the public for ages 3-adult.

Rock University

5700 Concord Pkwy., Concord 704-596-2228 rockucharlotte.com 8 years and older | $395/two weeks Three- to 10-day long Rock Star Experience camps! Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn to arrange music, perform on stage with a live band, run sound and light boards. Midbeginner to expert. Register now for $50 off enrollment.

Southeastern Gymnastics

13601 Providence Road, Weddington 704-847-0785 southeasterngymnastics.com Visit website for ageappropriate camps and rates. Join us for the best summer ever.

Campers receive instruction by our full-time coaches on vault, beam, floor, tumble road, tumble track and trampoline. Play games, do art projects and have fun in the foam pit.

The Speech Garden

3016 Providence Road 704-609-8255 speechgarden.org/summer-camp Ages 24 months-5 years | Varies by week Half-day summer camp for children with expressive, receptive, social and/or articulation disorders, where learning is meaningful and fun.

Heavy focus on learning through movement, music, literacy, hands-on science experiments and other fun social activities.

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CAMPS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Steele Creek YMCA Summer Day Camp

2135-A Ayrsley Town Blvd.

704-716-4900 ymcacharlotte.org/steelecreek 2 years-grade 11 | Rates vary by camp Campers will enjoy a summer exploring in our summer camps that are anything but traditional. An awesome summer awaits them with offerings, such as outdoor adventure, sports, fitness, arts, theatre, dance, gymnastics and themed options.

Summer Dance and Aerial Programs

STEM Summer Experience

1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6731 stemsummerexperience.com Rising grades 3-12 | Rates vary by camp Do you have an elementary, middle or high school student who is interested in science, technology, engineering or math? Spice up their summer with full- and half-day camps at the STEM Summer Experience.

Terrific Scientific

9315-E Monroe Road 704-844-0449 carolinacalouche.org 6-18 years | Visit website for rates Caroline Calouche and Co.’s Summer Dance and Circus Arts Programs features classes in contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, partner acro, aerial sling, aerial silks, trapeze and much more! All levels welcome.

UNC Charlotte Camps on Campus

Bethany Church, United Faith Christian Academy, British International School 704-774-3016 terrificscientificnc.org 4-15 years | $245/week Join the adventure! Twenty-seven different science, computer, LEGO/E-robotics and space camps. Also Art Adventures at same locations as Terrific Scientific summer camp — great option for siblings with different interests. Three exciting themes!

Visions Dance Academy

9201 University City Blvd.

704-687-8900 summercamps.uncc.edu Grades 1-12 | $150-$230/week Week-long academic enrichment camps in June, July and August. Cool School (grades 1-4) offers hands-on learning; 49ers Minors (grades 5-18) challenges campers minds; and Niner Academy (grades 9-12) prepares students in their interest areas.

3122 Fincher Farm Road, Suite 200, Matthews 704-246-7730 visionsdancenc.com 3 years and older |$150/week Visions Dance Academy was founded in 1998. As a family-owned business, we share the passion to educate and uplift our students through the art of dance, while also providing a family-friendly atmosphere.

Wildcat Summer Camp

YMCA Camp Cherokee

750 E. Ninth St. 704-358-8101 tescharlotte.org/summer Grades K-8 | $150-$250* Are you ready for Wildcat Summer?

We sure hope so! At Trinity Episcopal School, we are offering six weeks of fantastic camps. June 22-26, June 29-July 2, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31.

Kings Mountain State Park, Blacksburg, S.C. 803-329-9622 ymcacampcherokee.org 6-14 years | $450 and up/week Established in 1945, YMCA Camp Cherokee provides a safe, caring environment that opens doors for campers to discover their God-given potential and form friendships that will continue to strengthen them for a lifetime.

YMCA Day Camp at the Upper Palmetto YMCA

151 S. Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-324-9622 upymca.org Grades K-8 | $125 and up/week With sites in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Clover and Lake Wylie, we provide care for children in grades K-8. Our program features field trips, songs, games, summer reading and devotions. 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. *rates are per session unless otherwise stated

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You’ll find more camp options on our website at CharlotteParent.com/camps

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February OUR PICKS COMPILED BY MIKALA YOUNG

Horton Hears a Who Feb. 11 Join Horton, the elephant on a quest to find fascinating particles in a microscopic world. Hear the classic Dr. Seuss tale and then discover different, tiny objects using a magnifying glass.

Event begins at 10:30 a.m. $12-$15, does not include museum admission.

Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. discoveryplace.org.

Belle and Sebastian Feb. 21 Explore the heartwarming adventure story of a boy, Belle, and his best friend — his dog Sebastian. Set in the Swiss Alps during WWII Nazi reign, the movie is a tale of community, courage, history, and the loyalty of a pet and child. Part of the annual Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. Tickets are $10.

7:15 p.m. Regal Ballantyne Village Stadium, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way.

Planet Hopping Feb. 7 Blast off with Belle et Bete puppet company and Lunch Money Music to explore mysteries of the solar system and the importance of friendship and family. Through an adventurous mix of intergalactic rock-and-roll, the puppet musical is the story of a young pilot and her sidekick robot as they travel through space learning stellar lessons along the way. $7.50-$10. Community Performance Center, 249 E. Main St., Rock Hill. yorkcountyarts.org.

Chinese New Year Feb. 19 Get a taste for another culture at the Chinese New Year celebration at Mooresville Public Library. Hear traditional Chinese music, learn basic words in the native tongue, try your skill at using chopsticks, and make a special banner to take home. The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. Free. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

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daily The Hurwitz Singularity

by Jonty Hurwitz, part of “Illusions” exhibit.

1 SUNDAY Soap Making. Learn about the process and create your own soap to enjoy at home.

Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $3.

2:30-3:30pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel; The Illusionists; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends; Rumpelstiltskin.

See page 47.

2 MONDAY

THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM AT ‘ILLUSIONS’ EXHIBIT

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

Messing with your mind is what the newest exhibit at Discovery Place intends to do. The only thing for certain about the exhibit “Illusion: Nothing Is As It Seems” is its name. Expect to hear a lot of “how’d they do that?” while exploring the 20-installation exhibit of optical, perceptual and audio illusions. Open Feb. 7 through May 10, it is a mix of magic, neuroscience, biology, physics and technology created to deceive the senses, and show that perception is not always reality.

There really aren’t bugs crawling up your arm, but the optical illusions at Delicate Boundaries might have you jumping around shaking your sleeves.

Bottle Magic will have you wondering how that deck of cards got inside the glass bottle. You can even get a haircut, or at least it will feel like you did at this mind-bending exhibit.

Curated by psychologist, author and magician Richard Wiseman; researched by deception artist Paul Gleeson, who is also the world’s youngest professional escapologist; and created by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, pioneers of the Global Science Gallery Network, each piece in the show is designed to play tricks on the mind, and subliminally stimulate a greater appreciation of how we view the world.

As an added bonus to the exhibit, Discovery Place has created a museumwide scavenger hunt. Use your newfound knowledge of perception to find and identify macro images scattered throughout the museum. Find all of them to enter to win a Discovery Place prize package. On Saturday, March 21, celebrate the birthday of the great illusionist Harry Houdini at Happy Houdini Day. Young guests can participate in the Teeny Houdini showcase for young, amateur magicians.

The exhibit is recommended for ages 8 and older. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors, includes museum admission. discoveryplace.org.

Groundhog Day Groundhog Day. Will Queen Charlotte, the resident groundhog, see her shadow?

Don’t miss crafts, puppet shows and storytelling. $8, includes museum admission. Noon-3pm. Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road. 704-3726261. charlottenaturemuseum.org.

Happy Groundhog Day. Learn how to interpret weather maps, tell the difference between different types of clouds, and identify weather patterns. Registration required. $3. 10am-noon. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

Monday Storytime. Set out on an adventure with “Sebastian and the Balloon” by Philip C. Stead. FREE. 11am. Barnes and Noble – Birkdale, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville.

704-895-8855. barnesandnoble.com.

Nature’s Wonders: Woodcocks in the Prairie. Learn about this rare bird and watch them put on a performance as the sun sets. Ages 3 and older. Registration required. FREE. 5:30-7:30pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com.

3 TUESDAY Family Storytime: Pajama Storytime.

Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development. FREE. 7pm. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmilbrary.org.

Mini Model Build. Learn how to build a LEGO Space Shuttlemodel and take it home. Ages 6-14. FREE. 5pm. The LEGO Store, Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills

Blvd. Ste. 206, Concord. 704-979-5708. stores.lego.com.

Scavenger Hunt. Using different navigational tools, go on a hunt for natureinspired treasure. Ages 6-8. $3. 1-3pm.

Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

4 WEDNESDAY All About Me. Make an outline of your body, meet a doctor and use a stethoscope.

FREE. 11am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-6642927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Baby Storytime. Engage your little one with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-4165000. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Wednesdays. Enjoy environmental education with themes, including such Web of Life, Fire Building and S’mores, and Feed the Need. Ages 4-6.

Registration required. $3. 1:30-2:30pm.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Preschool Storytime. Engage preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am.

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Tales for Tots. Have fun listening to stories and singing songs to enhance early literacy skills. Ages 2-3. FREE. 10am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville.

704-664-292. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30am-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.

5 THURSDAY Creative Journaling: Girls Lets Journal.

Learn about writing and self-expression through journaling with words, photos, collages, and other art forms. Ages 8-12.

FREE. 4pm. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org. = Valentine’s Day Event

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› Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movements that build gross motor skills. FREE. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Explorer Series. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Parent participation required. Ages 2-6.

Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704- 588-5224. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 47.

6 FRIDAY Can Do! Science: Sink or Float. Join in hands-on science experiments to find out what sinks and what floats. Ages 3-5.

FREE. 11am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-6642927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Dakota and Friends. Interact with puppet dinosaurs Dakota and enjoy the antics of the Triceratops Rex. FREE. 11:30am.

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

Preschool Explorer Series. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Parent participation required. Ages 2-6.

Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704- 588-5224. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 47.

7 SATURDAY Bilingual Storytime and Music. An interactive performance with music, plays and stories. Ages 6 and under. $5. 11am.

Mint Museum , 2730 Randolph Road.

704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

Fairy House Festival. Build fairy houses and participate in storytelling, children’s crafts, activities and games. Wear a fairy, gnome or other appropriate costume.

FREE. 10am-4pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

704-432-6460. parkandrec.com.

Family First Open Studio: Assemblage.

Create your own work of art out of found objects. Tell a story, or explore the abstract depths of your imagination. $7-$9, includes museum admission. 11am-1pm.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700. ganttcenter.org.

Home Depot Kids Workshop. Build a heart box to take home, receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin (while supplies last). Ages 5-12. Registration required. FREE. 9am-noon. Home Depot Locations. workshops.homedepot.com/ workshops/kids-workshops.

Living History: The Voice of Poor Whites/The Trial of Lunsford Lane. Listen to a program that delves into socio-economic conditions, pre Civil War race and class dynamics, and abolition in North Carolina. $12-$15.

1:30, 2:30 and 4:30pm. Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-3350325. historicrosedale.org.

Paws to Read. Children boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Ages 3-11.

FREE. 10:30am. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

Survival: Fire Building. Learn the essentials of winter fire building through demonstrations and discussion, then build your own fire. Ages 8 and older.

FREE. 2-3pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Walk on the Wildside. Venture deep into the preserve to see what’s roaming around during winter. Hot cocoa served after hike. Ages 6 and older. FREE. 10-11:30am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Innovative Works; Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel; Planet Hopping. See page 47.

8 SUNDAY Build Your Own Kite. Using provided materials, build a kite to take home.

Ages 8 and older. $3. Noon-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

OWL Book Club. Hear “Around Our Way” in a lyrical read aloud by author Tameka Fryer Brown. Listen to music, play games and make a colorful craft. $5. 3-4pm.

Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-327-6400. chmuseums.org.

On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. See page 47.

9 MONDAY Budding Adventures. Discover the awakening of the spring plants and animals through crafts, games, stories and puppets. Ages 3-5. FREE. 10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Creature Feature. Get to know the featured creature of the day. FREE. 10-11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Preschool Storytime. Engage preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am.

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Sankofa Circle. Experience storytelling, theater, movement, and art that bring books to life. Ages 3-5. $7-$9, children under 5 are free. 11am. The Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-5473700. ganttcenter.org.

Sensory Storytime. Stories, songs, and activities, specifically designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, and other developmental disabilities. FREE. 10:30am. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

10 TUESDAY Free Tuesday at The Schiele. Spend a late afternoon exploring exhibits and the nature trail. Sponsored by Duke Energy.

FREE. 4-8pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.

Read a Book, Learn to Cook. Explore how healthy cooking and eating come together. Ages 5-11. FREE. 5pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

Read with Baron the Dog. Come to the library and read a book to Baron, the lovable longhaired German Shepherd,

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a certified therapy dog. FREE. 3:30pm.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Story Explorers: Book Nuts. Explore books and stories in creative ways through interactive activities including math, science and games. Ages 5-11.

Registration required. FREE. 4pm.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704- 416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window amd courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

11 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage babies with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under.

FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

Family Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn how people, things and money have value. FREE. 10:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Day: Discover Latta.

Learn about Valentine’s Day in the 1800s through hands-on activities and living history. $6. 10am-2pm. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8752312. lattaplantation.org.

Homeschool Wednesdays. Environmental education programming with themes, including Web of Life, Fire Building and S’mores and Feed the Need. Ages 4-6.

Registration required. $3. 1:30-2:30pm.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Preschool Storytime. Engage your preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

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› NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

2015 Fit Family

CHALLENGE

SPOTLIGHT

FAMILIES WHIP YOUR FAMILY INTO SHAPE Join us in an 8-week challenge! Blog, upload photos, share videos and chronicle your healthy family journey online and in our monthly magazine.

If selected, you will have access to a panel of experts, including a fitness and exercise trainer, dietitian and life coach, and hundreds of dollars

2014 SPOTLIGHT FAMILIES

in prizes and services.

(P.S. Everything is on us!)

Nominate your family through Feb. 15 at

CharlotteParent.com/FitFamilyChallenge

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Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window and courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30am-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.

12 THURSDAY Heart Shaped Wreath. Make a decorative heart-shaped wreath to take home. Grades 3-5. FREE. 4:30pm.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movements that build gross motor skills. FREE. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime: Discovery With Books. Listen to stories and extend learning through a variety of early literacy activities. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road.

704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Schiele Science Cafe: Charles Darwin, The Life of the Party. Have a slice of cake and play games such as “pin the beak on the finch” in celebration of Darwin’s 206th birthday. $5. 6pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window and courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Tales for Tots. Hear stories and sing songs to enhance early literacy skills. Ages 2-3.

FREE. 10am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-292. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

You’re a Poet and Didn’t Know it. Share poetry in different ways from reading to writing. Ages 12-18. FREE. 3pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 47.

13 FRIDAY Naturally Yours. Create a unique valentine to “rock” their world by using materials found in the nature preserve.

Ages 4 and older. Registration required.

FREE. 1-2pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Now Showing: “Frozen.” A special showing of the popular Disney movie, about the powerful Snow Queen Elsa.

This movie is rated PG. Light refreshments provided. FREE. 10am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window and courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Valentine’s Day Luv-A-Palooza.

Sing, play and listen to stories. Make a valentine to keep and one to give to someone you love. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/portal/library.

On Stage: Innovative Works; Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. See page 47.

14 SATURDAY Valentine’s Day Cocoa Connections. Taste some of the many different types of chocolate on the market and learn where it comes from and how it’s made. Registration required.

FREE. 1-2pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

704-875-1391. parkandrec.org.

Come Draw with Me: Family Day. See illustrators and nature artists at work.

Visitors are welcome to bring a sketchpad and pencils. $3-$5. Noon-2pm. Museum of York County, 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, = Valentine’s Day Event

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› Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org.

Family Day. Kids can make self-portraits, handmade Valentine’s Day cards and still-life sketches. $8, free for children.

Noon-4:30pm. The Bechtler Museum, 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200. bechtler.org/ Programs/Family-day.

Great Backyard Bird Count. Talk with a naturalist to learn the tools needed to count birds in your own backyard. Ages 5 and older. FREE. 10am-noon. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road.

704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Guiding Parents to Services ASD Workshop. A program within Smart Start of Mecklenburg County for families of young children with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. FREE. 10:30am. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4631. imaginon.org.

Happy Hearts Day. Enjoy making special Valentine’s Day crafts to share. $5. 10am-3pm. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-327-6400. chmuseums.org.

Horton Hears a Who. Hear the classic Dr. Seuss tale before exploring the wonderful world of very small objects through handson activities. Grades PK-2. $12, does not include museum admission. 10:30am-noon.

Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-3726261. discoveryplace.org.

Lowes Build and Grow. Using tools and a craft kit, children can make a sweetheart picture holder. Registration required. FREE. 10-11am. Lowes Home Improvement locations. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

Paws to Read. Children boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Ages 3-11.

FREE. 10:30am. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime: Listen and Move.

Participate in stories, songs and activities that build both gross and fine motor skills.

Ages 5-11. FREE. 11am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Read a Book, Learn to Cook. Explore how healthy cooking and eating come together.

12-18. Registration required. FREE. 3pm.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St. 704-416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

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Go on a wild adventure with the Chuggington trainees on Feb. 16 at the Knight Theater.

ON STAGE Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends. (Through Feb. 1).

Experience animal performances and daring high-wire acts with contemporary surprises.

Tickets start at $20. 11am and 3pm. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 704-6889000. ringling.com.

Rumpelstiltskin. (Through Feb. 1). A bragging father, a poor king, a lot of straw, and a funny little man makes this a classic and cautionary fairy tale with lots of fun. $10. See website for list of times. Davidson Day School Theatre, 750 Jetton St., Davidson. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.

(Through Feb. 8). Watch as a beloved steam shovel, Mary Anne proves that she is still useful by digging up a basement in the new City Hall. Ages 4+. $14. Saturday and Sunday performances. See website for times. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St. 704-9732828. ctcharlotte.org.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. (Through Feb. 15). Lilly and her friends Chester, Wilson and her beloved teacher, Mr. Slinger, find endless adventures fueled by her delightfully oversized imagination. Sponsored by Charlotte Parent. Ages 5 and up. $12. Friday-Sunday performances. See website for times. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St. 704-9732828. ctcharlotte.org.

Innovative Works. (Through Feb. 21).

Experience dancers’ athleticism and passion through this choreographed performance.

Tickets start at $25. Thursday-Saturday performances. See website for times. Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. charlotteballet.org.

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible. (Feb. 1). Mind-blowing showcases packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Tickets start at $20. See website for a list of times. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St.704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

Planet Hopping. (Feb. 7). Take a voyage on a rocket ship from the earth to the stars in this intergalactic puppet musical that explores the mysteries of the planets and the importance of friendship and family. Child $7.50; Adult $10. 2pm. Community Performance Center, 249 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. yorkcountyarts.org.

Lollipops Presents: Beethoven Lives Upstairs. (Feb. 14). Hear more than 25 excerpts of Beethoven’s famed music, including the “Moonlight Sonata,” “Fur Elise,” and more symphonies. Pre-performance children activities, including the Musical Petting Zoo, begins at 10am. $19.50-$25.50. 11am. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. charlottesymphony.org.

Chuggington LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure. (Feb. 16). Experience the traintastic adventures of the Chuggington trainees, Wilson, Brewster and Koko. Tickets start at $9.50. 2 and 5pm. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

(Feb. 20-22). Watch the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors, that are controlled and manipulated by fairies. Presented by Northwest School of the Arts Theatre Arts Guild. $7-$10.

Fri., 7-9pm; Sat., 2:30 and 7pm; Sun., 2:30pm.

Charles LaBorde Theatre, 1415 Beatties Ford Road. 704-618-0231. nwsatag.com.

The Snow Queen. (Feb. 20-March 1).

The wicked Snow Queen casts her icy spell on the world, turning young Kay’s heart to ice and taking him away to her Ice Palace at the very top of the world. $10-$12. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2pm; Sun., 2pm. Fullwood Theatre, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews. 704-845-8343. matthewsplayhouse.com.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (Feb. 24-March 1). A family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Tickets start at $20. Tues.Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2 and 7pm; Sun., 1:30 and 7:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. Jackie and Me. (Feb. 27-March 15). In this one-man show, 10-year-old Joey Stoshack has a special talent for time travel. When he gets an assignment to write a report on a role model, he uses his powers to travel back to 1947 and meet the legendary Jackie Robinson.

Ages 7+. Tickets start at $12. Friday-Sunday performances. See website for list of times.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-6000. ctcharlotte.org.

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Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center to explore a variety of artwork including this piece by Willie Cole called “The Gatekeeper”

ON EXHIBIT Selma to Montgomery: The March for the Right to Vote. (Through Feb. 22).

A traveling exhibit from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that depicts 48 black-andwhite images taken from seasoned photographer Spider Martin’s camera. $5-$8. Mon.Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., Noon-5pm. The Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org.

Illusion: Nothing Is as it Seems. (Feb. 7-May 10). A perception-shattering exhibit that playfully combines interactive demonstrations and techniques used by magicians and explored by psychologists to showcase how different perception can be from the reality of what our eyes see. $12-$15, includes museum admission. Mon-Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm. 704-372-6261. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. discoveryplace.org.

Venturing Out Of The Heart of Darkness. (Through Aug. 31). A mixed-media art exhibit that examines the long-standing impact of colonialism on prevailing societal attitudes that define black culture in America. $7-$9; Children under 5 admitted free.

Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. 704-5473700. ganttcenter.org.

The Solar System: A Journey of Exploration. (Through Sept. 30). Explore the sun and its family of planets, moons, comets and asteroids that define our place in space. Features dynamic interpretive kiosks, hands-on components, objects on loan from NASA and the Smithsonian Institution, and an interactive Mars colony. $6-$10, includes museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.

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› Salamanders of Mecklenburg County.

Learn about these critters and go on a hike in search of them. Ages 8 and older.

FREE. 2pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Stars and Constellations. See the stars, planets and other celestial objects projected onto our inflatable planetarium.

Create your own constellation to take home. Grades 3-5. $12,does not include museum admission. 10:30am-noon.

Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-3726261. discoveryplace.org.

Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window and courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Valentine’s Day Arts and Crafts.

Make Valentine’s Day crafts to take home and give as presents. Ages 5-11.

Registration required. $5. 6-7:30pm. Ray’s Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St. 704432-4729. rayssplashplanet.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works; Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Lollipops Presents: Beethoven Lives Upstairs. See page 47.

15 SUNDAY Citizen Science Wildlife. Learn about the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Watch project and how to help scientists around the world. $6-$10, includes museum admission. 2pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

Sweetheart Tours. See the courting window and courting candle, vintage Valentine’s Day cards and learn how the holiday began. $7, children 5 and under are free. Call for tour times. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.

See page 47.

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16 MONDAY

President’s Day Preschool Storytime. Engage your preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Rock-n-Roll Geo-Craft. Become a rock hunter by cracking geodes and mining cookies. Ages 8-11. $3. 10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Chuggington LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure.

See page 47.

17 TUESDAY Rookie Science. Discover the world of science through books, hands-on educational activities and experiments.

Ages 5-11. FREE. 5pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road.

704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

18 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage babies with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under.

FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Wednesdays. Environmental education programming with themes including Web of Life, Fire Building and S’mores and Feed the Need. Ages 4-6.

Registration required. $3. 1:30-2:30pm.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Homeschool Wednesdays. Discover which minerals are in your toothpaste, soda, cell phone, the bike you ride and the book you read through hands-on activities.

Ages 6-11. $3-$5. 1-3pm. Museum of York County, 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org.

Preschool Storytime. Engage your preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development. 3-5. FREE. 11am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

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Sounds of the Night Hike. Listen to the sounds of the night as McDowell’s nocturnal wildlife awakens. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. FREE. 6-7:30pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5.

Wednesday 10:30am-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.

19 THURSDAY Celebrate Chinese New Year. Create a banner, listen to Chinese music, learn basic Chinese words, learn to use chopsticks and much more. Grades 2-6.

FREE. 4:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 704-6642927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movements that build gross motor skills. FREE. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Explorer Series. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Parent participation required. Ages 2-6.

Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704- 588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Preschool Storytime: Discovery with Books. Listen to stories and extend learning through a variety of early literacy activities. Ages 3-5. FREE. Thursday 11am.

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 47.

20 FRIDAY Bugs, Slugs, and Other Ughs. Meet resident bugs and slugs, make a buggy craft, and bug-out on a nature hike.

Registration required. FREE. 1-2pm.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.

704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Winter Stained Glass. Make a stained glass snowflake and mittens picture to take home. Ages 2-5. FREE. 11am.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 S.

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Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

On Stage: Innovative Works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Snow Queen. See page 47.

21 SATURDAY Animal Meet-n-Greet. Meet live animals and go on a short hike. FREE. 2-3pm.

Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

“Belle and Sebastian.” A heartwarming film about a boy and his dog set who live in the French Alps during WWII France.

Part of the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. $10. 7:15pm. Regal Ballantyne Village Stadium 5, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way. charlottejewishfilm.com.

Build It, Make It, Take It: Herons Fountain. Build a hydraulic machine that was invented in the first century.

Ages 10 and older. Registration required. $15 kit fee, plus $12-$15 museum admission. 10:30am-noon. Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Presents: “Oliver Button is a Sissy.” Enjoy a performance from One Voice Chorus, Charlotte’s LGBTQ and Straight-Allied chorus. FREE. 11:30am-12:15pm. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

Kidgits Book Blast Event. Read-aloud sessions, giveaways, and story-inspired activities. FREE. 2-4pm. SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 704-295-0975. simon.com.

Paws to Read. Children can boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Ages 3-11.

FREE. 10:30am. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Storytime: Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs and activities that build both gross and fine motor skills. Ages 5-11. FREE. 11am.

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Snow Queen.

See page 47.

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Sensory Storytime. Stories, songs, and activities designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, and other developmental disabilities. FREE. 10:30am. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Wednesdays. Enjoy environmental education programming with themes, including Web of Life, Fire Building and S’mores and Feed the Need.

Ages 4-6. Registration required. $3. 1:302:30pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Wee Wednesdays. Babies and toddlers, and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Infant-3 years. $5. 10:30am-11am.

Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.

Young Explorers: Tiny Turtles. Stories, crafts and activities related to turtles.

Ages 2-3. $3. 10:15-11am. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. See page 47.

24 TUESDAY

26 THURSDAY

Puppet Show. Explore traditional stories, books and songs through a puppet show.

Ages 3-5. FREE. 11:30am. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

Read With Baron the Dog. Read a book to Baron, the lovable longhaired German shepherd, a certified therapy dog. FREE. 3:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

On Stage: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. See page 47.

Trusted Parents Meeting. Parents with children who have special needs can interact with other parents and caregivers through support, services, awareness and advocacy. FREE. 5pm. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

On Stage: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. See page 47.

Paws to Read. Boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Ages 3-11. FREE. 2pm. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

Pioneer Toys. Make your own corn husk people. Ages 8 and older. $2. 2-3pm.

Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: The Snow Queen. See page 47.

23 MONDAY

25 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage babies with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under.

FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

CIAA Education Day. Meet Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference School counselors from Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. FREE. High school session: 9:30am-1pm; middle school session: 10:30am-1pm. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. theciaa.com.

27 FRIDAY Can Do! Science: Magnets. Learn about magnets through hands-on science.

Ages 3-5. FREE. 11am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

On Stage: Jackie and Me; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; The Snow Queen.

See page 47.

28 SATURDAY Black History Month Celebration.

Performances and children’s activities that celebrate black history in the community.

FREE. 3-5pm. Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.

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Build Your Own Birdhouse. Build and decorate a birdhouse. Ages 4 and older.

Registration required. $10. 1-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

Oliver Button is a Sissy. Volunteers from One Voice Chorus, Charlotte’s LGBTQ and Straight-Allied Chorus bring this book to life. Ages 5-11. FREE. 10am. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 704416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Family Fort Building. Learn tips and tricks to find the best-fallen sticks, logs, and leaves to build a masterpiece fort. FREE. 1-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8751391. parkandrec.com.

Family Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn how people, things and money have value. Ages 3-5. FREE. 10:30am. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-4164600. cmlibrary.org.

Fossil Fair. Explore a trove of natural treasures from the Earth, including fossils, rocks, minerals, and learn about the ancient stories that these items tell. $9-$13, includes museum admission and fair fee. 9am-4pm. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666908. schielemuseum.org.

Musical Petting Zoo. Make your own music with woodwinds, brass, percussion and stringed instruments. FREE. 11am.

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. cmlibrary.org.

Snow Party. Create beaded snowflakes, view snow crystals under a microscope, paint with ice cubes, and make a snowflake catcher. Hot chocolate included. Ages 2 and older. FREE. 9:30-11:30am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Jackie and Me; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. See page 47.

CALENDAR POLICY

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and lowcost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 5th of the month prior to the next month’s publication.

Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

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SAVE THE DATE: CONSIGNMENT SALES From maternity wear to junior and infant clothing, consignment sales are known to be another useful resource when it comes to finding bargain deals for the family. Find most up-to-date listings on CharlotteParent.com/calendar.

Cloud 9 Consign. (Feb. 20-21). Fri., 6-8:30pm; Sat., 8am-1pm. Southbrook Church, 5607 Monroe-Weddington Road, Weddington. 704-814-7372. cloud9consign.blogspot.com.

CCP Children’s Consignment Sale.

(Feb. 27-28). Fri., 6-9pm; Sat., 8am-noon.

First ARP Church, Fellowship Hall, 317 S. Chester St., Gastonia. 704-864-5675. covenantcommunitypreschool.com.

Myers Park Presbyterian Church Children’s Consignment Sale. (Feb. 28). 8am-2pm. Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place. 704-927-1245. myersparkpres.org.

UCUMC Spring Children’s Consignment Sale. (Feb. 28-March 7). See website for times. University City United Methodist Church, 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd. 704-369-8000. ucumc.org.

Tarheel Kids Consignment Sale.

(March 5-7). Thurs., 6-9pm; Fri.-Sun., 9am-4pm. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 US Hwy 49 N., Concord. 704-644-3972. tarheelkidsconsignment.com.

Tots to Teens Consignment Sale. (March 6-7). Fri., 5:30-9pm; Sat., 8am-3pm. St. Nektarios Greek

charlotteparent.com

Orthodox Church Spiritual Living Center, 5108 Kuykendall Road. 704-641-5960. tots2teensconsignsale.com.

Harris Y Kids Konsignment Sale.

(March 7). 8am-4pm. Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road.704-716-6800. ymcacharlotte.org/harris.

TTB KidZ Children’s Consignment Sale. (March 13-15). Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 9am-4pm; Sun., 9am-3pm.

Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville Road.704-507-7615. ttbkidz.com.

Second Blessings Spring Consignment Sale. (March 7).

7am-12:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 807 South Point Road, Belmont.

704-825-2106. fumcbelmont.org.

Weddington Kids Consignment Sale. (March 13-14). Fri., 5-8pm(public pre-sale); Sat. 8am-3pm.

Family Life Center of Weddington United Methodist Church, 13901 Providence Road, Weddington. weddingtonkidsconsignment.com.

The Posh Closet Fine Children’s Consignment Sale. (March 7).

10am-8pm. South Charlotte Banquet Center, 9009 Bryant Farms Road. 704-2993097. theposhclosetsale.com.

For Every Season Spring Consignment Sale. (March 14-21).

See website for times. The Pointe, 2266 Deerfield Drive, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-3275473. foreveryseason.net.

Back on the Rack Spring Consignment Sale. (March 13-14).

Visit website for times. Providence Road Church of Christ, 4900 Providence Road. botrconsignment.com.

PWS Children’s Consignment Sale. (March 16-17). Call for times. First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-864-2651. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

Brookside Elementary School Kids Consignment Sale. (March 13-14).

Fri, 6-9pm; Sat., 8am-noon. Brookside Elementary, 1925 Auten Road, Gastonia.

704-866-6283. brooksideconsignment. wix.com/heres-hope#!.

Sardis Weekday School Consignment Sale. (March 28).

8am-2:30pm. Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road. sardisweekdayschool. org/childrens-consignment-sale.

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EXCURSION

Harvey B. Gantt Center

FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE

BY LISA HASSELL

A

family outing to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at the Levine Center for

the Arts is a perfect way for your family to celebrate Black History Month. Named for Charlotte’s first African-American mayor, the museum upholds a mission to present, preserve and celebrate excellence in the art, history and culture of African-Americans and those of African descent. The 46,500-square-foot Gantt Center is located in an area of uptown Charlotte once occupied by the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, a thriving center of the

Photos courtesy of the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Lisa Hassell

black community that was razed in the 1960s.

Family Learning Experiences

If you go, enter from the street level and purchase tickets inside the gift shop, which sells a collection of artwork, magnets, home décor and T-shirts. The museum offers three galleries: one on the second level and two on the third level. Each is well lit, quiet and calming. Benches and chairs encourage visitors to take time to study a piece. Photography of the artwork is not allowed, but you can take a picture in the lobby of the Afro-American Cultural Center replica built entirely of Lego blocks!

The Gantt Center hosts its Family First series the first Saturday of each month for families with children ages 5-10. Activities may include a children’s book reading, an art project that ties to an exhibit, dancing, drumming or singing.

Beginning in March, the museum will host a Junior Studio workshop for children ages 8-12 to encourage creativity and an interest in contemporary art. Parents and children get the opportunity to discuss works on display and explore processes and techniques in making art. Contact the museum for dates and times.

A Kindergartener’s Perspective My 5-year-old son and I spent a winter afternoon at the museum and had a wonderful time. I knew this experience would be different than the hands-on, play-based museums my little one is accustomed to, so I prepped him by telling him we were visiting an art museum. I told him we would be special reporters looking at everything with our eyes and trying to imagine what the artist was thinking when he or she made a piece. His job was to look at every piece in a room and report back to me about which was his favorite and why.

I spoke freely to my son about each painting, photograph or sculpture, discussing how beautiful a painter made a subject’s eyes or how different colors made me feel. We talked about what we thought was happening in each picture and looked at the individual brush strokes on a canvas. I also showed him how to identify when a work was created and what the artist had named it. He declared his favorite to be “Waiting,” a black-and-white sketch of a forlorn-looking girl standing behind a barbed-wire fence. I was surprised, but enjoyed his explanation as to why he liked that piece. We truly spent quality time together as we shared our thoughts about some great works of art.

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Plan Your Visit Beginning in February, galleries at the museum will be filled with a new exhibit titled “Venturing Out of the Heart of Darkness,” which includes works by national and international artists.

The exhibit examines how colonialism has impacted prevailing attitudes that define black culture in America today. The community opening is Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and includes the Family First open studio drop-in workshop: Assemblage. Exhibit artists Renee Stout, Willie Cole and Sean Johnson will be there to inspire participants as they create a work of art out of found objects.

Museum admission is $5 during this special event.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets range in price from $6-$9, and children under age 6 are admitted for free. Find more information, including a calendar of events, at ganttcenter.org.

Lisa Hassell is a local elementary school teacher and mom to a busy and curious kindergartener. She resides in Union County.

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

› FACES & PLACES

Lilly was running around while her brother, Tristan, was sitting in his stroller.

She started playing peek-a-boo and he was very interested in the idea of it.

She found it to be hilarious! Photo and memory by Larisa Black of Rock Hill.

Share your real-life moment at CharlotteParent.com/contests.

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