Chesapeake Family Life March 2021 by Chesapeake Family Life Magazine

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COPING WITH ONLINE SCHOOL, MENTAL HEALTH AND LIFE APART.

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March | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue 12

Features

Family Fun

25/ NATURE PLAY SPACES

12/ PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS

Let the kids and their imaginations run free at these nine awesome nature play spaces in Maryland.

A big look at the last year of pandemic life. • 13 An Online Village • 15 Reflection on

Special Sections

Health

• 17 A Look Forward

21 / SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

18/ SIT TIGHT. CAMP IS COMING!

If kids need anything after this arduous year at school and home, it’s a good ol’ fashioned summer at camp. Good news. It’s happening!

13 25 DEPARTMENTS New & Notable 07 / CFL Virtual Summer Camp Fair 08 / 5 Million Meals—Feeding AACPS families 09 / St. Patrick’s Day Fun at Home 10 / Top Tips for Your New Puppy

07 / EDITOR'S LETTER Finding your silver linings

27 / THINGS TO DO IN MARCH

Things to do for grown-ups, kids and families in March.

11 / Pet Photo Contest Winners

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Vol. 31 No. 4 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com EDITOR Ann Levelle ext 200 ann@jecoannapolis.com

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Joyce Heid CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jillian Amodio, Janet Jefferson, Kristen Page Kirby, Katie Riley, Ali Smith, Dylan Roche and Kelsey Casselbury ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Claire Darcy ext. 204 ClaireK@jecoannapolis.com ADVERTISING Linda Benkhadra linda@jecoannapolis.com 240-277-4215 Jen Jeffries ext. 226 jen@jecoannapolis.com

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Pam Beall ext. 226 pam@jecoannapolis.com PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495 These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools.

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editor's letter

Online this month

Silver Linings year is a major milestone for much in our lives, and the pandemic is no exception. We have made it through a year of lockdowns, sicknesses, missing friends and family, missing kids’ extracurricular activities...the list is practically endless. I wish I had a magic wand to make it all stop at this one year mark, but sadly we’re still stuck with the pandemic lifestyle for a while. To mark the occasion, in this issue we're taking a big look back at the past year and how it affected our families, including our mental health (page15), our kids’ education (page 13), summer camp (page 21), school meals (page 8), and the vaccine (page 17). While we reflect, we can also look ahead to brighter times. Spring and summer are on their way and will bring with them opportunities to get outside again, and summer camps will bring joy to both the kids and parents who have struggled over the last year and are in need of a change

of pace. And with each passing day, more and more people will be vaccinated, leading us back toward more normal days. Until that happens though, remember to look for the silver linings in your pandemic playbook. You may have had a rough year along with everyone, but perhaps you recognized something special to be grateful for, a newfound love of a hobby, or just more time with your family. We’ll be posting silver linings on our social media feeds during the month of March. Email yours to editor@chesapeakefamily.com if you’d like to share! ’Til then, spring is near! Stay strong, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Camp is Coming! Head to ChesapeakeFamily. com/Camp for: Camp Directories Virtual Camp Fair Info Updates on Camps for 2021 Packing Lists Ways to Save on Camp

Be Inspired! Check our our monthly digital Chesapeake Inspired magazine for articles on Home & Garden, Recipes, local businesses and more! ChesapeakeFamily.com/ ChesapeakeInspired

Tune in to Third Floor Views Our podcast is going strong, covering local parenting issues, education, racial equality, and familyrelated legislation. ChesapeakeFamily.com/ podcast

Ann Levelle, Editor Ann@jecoannapolis.com

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new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

EDUCATION

HEALTH

NEWS

Get Ready for Camp Fair!

e don’t have all the answers about what summer will look like. But we are sure that area camps are gearing up to give your kids relief from virtual school and long days at home. Camps are doing everything they can to ensure a safe and fun summer, and we’re here to help you find the best summer camp for your kids! To help families find the best options for summer camps this year, we’re hosting a virtual Camp Fair on Tuesday, March 16, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Camp Fair 2021 will take all the things that make our traditional Summer Camp Fair wonderful and bring it online. It will still be a central hub for all your children's

summer camp options, and even allow you to take advantage of special offers from area camps. Also, like our traditional summer camp fair, representatives from the different camps around the Annapolis region and beyond will be on hand to answer your questions and help you decide which one is the best fit for your child. There will be live chat options, special speakers, special camp deals, and resources related to summer camps. You can register for Camp Fair 2021 at ChesapeakeFamily.com/Campfair. It’s free and easy, and you can get the skinny on what’s happening with all of your favorite camps this summer.

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new & notable Piney Orchard Elementary Cafeteria Manager Freda Taylor-Chapman serving meals in May 2020.

5 Million Meals AACPS’ School Meals Team Remains Dedicated to Feeding Kids

hen Maryland State School Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon and Governor Larry Hogan announced on Thursday, March 12, 2020, that schools were going to close for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents wondered what they were going to do about child care or how to entertain school-aged children at home without resorting to an overdose of screentime. Others, however, had a more pressing question: Without going to school, how will my children eat? That question was also on the mind

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of Jodi Risse, MS, RD, LDN, Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), who knew that many students relied on school breakfast and lunch as a primary source of food. To avoid a lapse in meal service, Risse and her team sprung into action, transitioning from operating under the regulations of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), another federal program that allows schools to provide meals when schools aren’t in session. “We went home on a Thursday, saying we were going to offer lunch and snack.

We came back on Monday and started offering three meals,” said Risse during a conversation that occurred in April 2020, when the world was just one month into the pandemic. “Numerous conversations happened that weekend with superintendents, as well as staff in the schools, wondering why we can’t offer more meals. . . . The first few weeks were really hectic. You had to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.” The Food and Nutrition Services team was ahead of the game, having already developed the menu they planned to implement during summer 2020; however, it took a significant amount of coordination with food and equipment vendors to ensure that they had everything they needed “before we lost it to another district or institution,” Risse said in 2020. On the first day of emergency curbside feeding, AACPS served 3,385 meals; in week one, more than 10,000 meals. By mid-April, they had provided more than 570,000 meals to nearly 200,000 students in the county. As the months—and the pandemic— went on, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees all school meal programs, gradually issued waivers to existing regulations surrounding school meals, which allowed school nutrition professionals across the country to make it easier to get food to children. One of those waivers allowed for the meals to be provided at no charge for all of America’s children through the end of the 2020–2021 school year; another relaxed the requirement that a certain percentage of area students had to receive free or reduced-price meals in order to open an emergency feeding location, which allowed AACPS to expand distribution to nearly all of their schools in September 2020. At the same time, however, parents wondered if they should take advantage of these free meals, a concern buoyed

new & notable

—Kelsey Casselbury

Your Lucky Day

ur holidays this year all look different and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. There will be no big parades this year, even though annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Annapolis is one of our favorites and will be missed, we have a few other things for you to do to make this March 17th a full day of fun!

PHOTO BY CREEKSIDE LEARNING

Try these 4 fun family activities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year!

Make a Leprechaun Trap Break out your arts and craft supplies and build a leprechaun trap. Set it out the night before St. Patrick's Day to catch one of those cheeky leprechauns!

Throw Some Green on it Put up some decorations to set the tone for the day. Use lots of green, rainbows, and gold. We hit the Dollar Tree store ever year and grab a few decorations to get festive.

Going Green Let your fashionistas shine and make a game of the day with your wardrobe. Who can wear the most green? Race to your closets, get decked out in green, have a fashion show, and vote for the best!

P H O T O B Y W E L L P L AT E D

P H O T O B Y @ P O S I T I V E LY P E A R S O N

by the fact that some meal sites ran out of food in the early months. “It was a learning curve,” Risse noted in April 2020. However, from the beginning, she was steadfast that anyone—everyone— can pick up food from the schools, despite their income. The meals are funded by USDA, so no one is “taking away meals” from those who need them, and school meals use local products and help sustain the local economy by creating and maintaining jobs. (Risse is proud to say that she hasn’t laid off a single member of her team.) In fact, taking advantage of the meals helps to financially support AACPS’s entire school meal program because the total number of meals served is also used in a calculation that determines how much support it gets from USDA. By early February 2021, the number of total meals served since March 2020 surpassed 5 million, with between 9,300 and 11,600 students servedper day. Over the year, Risse said, they have revised menus to ensure that student favorites, such as tacos, appear regularly, and started providing whole vegetables in the meal bags, so families could add them to their other at-home meals. Jessica Pachler, an AACPS mom, created a group on Facebook called “Cooking with School Meals” that offers discussion on how to use school meal leftovers to avoid food waste. When AACPS implements hybrid learning, slated for March 1, students will be served breakfast and lunch in the classroom, rather than in the cafeteria, and be provided dinner and a snack to take home. Curbside meal pick-up will continue, though the timing may have to be adjusted slightly. When Risse reflects on spring 2020, she laughs. “Honestly, the funniest part is that when we talk about what we used to do, it’s all blurry,” she said. “But our group never lost sight of the kids. The students were their priority from day one.”

Make Some Yummy Fun My mom always made our St. Patrick's Day extra special. Especially because my maiden name is Patrick. Every March 17th we woke up to green bagels or green pancakes with green milk. She made sure we wore our green to school and when we got home we came home to Corned beef and cabbage with carrots and potatoes, all accmpanied by Irish Soda bread. We continue these traditions by accompanying our traditional Irish dinner with a delicious treat. Try making an edible rainbow and if your leprechaun trap doesn't work maybe this treat will catch one! —Jenny Patrick Cardoza M ARCH 2021

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new & notable blanket that’s left on the floor for them to retreat to. Your puppy needs down time too, so make sure your puppy isn’t disturbed by anyone when they’re on their bed.

Feed Good Quality Food

Your puppy is growing at an enormous rate. Large breed puppies will gain roughly two pounds a week. A good quality puppy food usually means a high-protein food that is more calorie dense. Puppy food should be given to puppies until around 8 or 9 months. Always read the ingredients and try and focus on ones that contain real food ingredients like lamb, rice, or chicken.

Observation & Management

8 Tips For Your New Puppy

Focusing on good habits is key to a positive puppyhood

ringing a new puppy home is an adventure. If you want to make that adventure as easy as possible, use these 8 top tips to help you and your family integrate your new fluffy family member!

Carry Treats Everywhere

Food is a training method that’s based on the most recent scientific research and theories and widely used in zoos with animals from platypuses to tigers! Use lots of praise and rewards to

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reinforce good behaviors. Just focus on the positives.

Sleep is Paramount

The single most common cause of misbehavior is a lack of sleep. An overtired puppy will appear to rebel. Puppies need between 16 and 20 hours of sleep per day.

Make Space

A physical space that is purely for your puppy is important—whether this is a crate, a den, or just a comfy bed and

Pay close attention to your pup like you would a toddler. This is key when dealing with a puppy, as you learn your pups tell for when they want to go to the bathroom, as well as making sure they don’t chew on the table leg and develop bad habits that will take longer to fix than they will prevent. You can use a variety of things to assist, such as baby gates, play pens and crates.

Monitor Kids Around Puppies

It’s advisable that you don’t leave your puppy alone with kids under the age of 5 or so (obviously it depends on your child) because young children are incredibly exciting to puppies (and vice versa), and they live for fun at this age.

Redirect Biting

Puppies bite. It’s how they explore the world and figure out what is alive and what’s not. To figure that out, they need sharp teeth. So, when puppy mouths, try redirecting to the most interesting toy in the world. Puppies need 4 hours of chewing a day, so make sure it’s not your sneakers or your skin.

Puppy Size Steps

Progress is going to be slow, so you’ll need to manage your expectations. Sometimes, a diary can really help you to focus on the good. —Ali Smith

new & notable Left to right: Luna and her bone; Daisy soaking up the sun; Hemingway snuggling under his first Christmas tree.

Pet Photo Contest 2021 Introducing the cutest pets of the year!

hat a year! With so many families bringing home new puppies and adopting dogs and cats in 2020 we were not surprised to see so many cute furry friends in our annual Pet Photo Contest! We were delighted by the pictures of your beloved pets, who were clearly shown extra love and treats while you were all home together more! Thank you for entering your pictures and to all who voted for your favorite! Congratulations to Kayleigh the corgi, who earned the most votes, and was patient enough to wear a fun hat for a bit!

Above: Meatball on the dock. Below: Winner of the most votes, Kayleigh the corgi!

Clockwise from right: Ethan the bearded dragon; handsome Capone; and Willow the great dane.

Bottom row, left to right: Bubba all dressed up; Simba showing off his new shirt; and Remi all snuggled up.

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Pandemic Reflections We look back at the last year of our kids’ education and mental health struggles, and forward to the vaccine.

t’s March 2021. Here we are, a year into this pandemic, trying to remember what being in a crowd was like. We’re still staying at home as best we can; wearing masks is the norm. We’ve all had pandemic birthdays, spent countless hours online doing activities we never thought to hold virtually before—from birthday parties, happy hours, card games, concerts, storytimes, and of course, online schooling. In the beginning, no one knew how it could ever possibly work, but soon enough kids got the hang

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of things, and by fall school was running much more smoothly. Kids weren’t necessarily happy about any of it, nor were teachers or parents, but it hasn’t always been so bad. For our look back at the last year of the pandemic, we checked in with parents, teachers, and mental health providers on the toll the last year has taken on kids and families. In the next three articles, we’ll dive into what has worked for families, what hasn’t, and how the vaccine rollout will affect your family in the next year.

An Online Village

Teachers, parents and students have faced an unprecedented year in school. How will this past year affect the future of education?

ince public schools shuttered their doors in March of 2020, kids have met the challenges of pandemic life head-on. So have their parents, and so have their teachers. Some kids have thrived, others

have not. We asked four Maryland teachers to reflect on the last twelve months of teaching and comment on the journey that their students have been on. They were candid about the challenges that their students faced and where virtual learning has fallen flat. Kenneth Benjes of Baltimore County Public Schools says of his students, “I think they’ve adapted pretty well. My students showed up on time for the most part, and attendance was similar to in person instruction.” But there is more to the picture. Ben Tuck, a public school teacher in Anne Arundel County says that there is a divide. “There are some students who have adapted very readily to digital learning. These tend to be students who have a fair amount of experience with technology, who are motivated and competitive with other students, and whose parents were involved in their education. They tend to be students from upper class or middle class families,” Tuck says. “Other students are struggling to stay free of distractions like social media, online gaming, or even watching anime. There are also students who have to take care of their siblings. There are students of mine who work jobs and listen to class on their

cell phone at their jobs.” One Montgomery County private school teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized that the students who were struggling before the pandemic are struggling even more now. “Any kid who had already had executive dysfunction reported it was really hard to focus in front of a computer screen.” The teacher stated that less work was turned in and at a lower quality.

The Test of Online Learning

Online learning has tested students in ways that they haven’t experienced before. Students generally did well with common online platforms like Zoom or Google Classroom. A public school teacher from Montgomery County (who also asked to remain anonymous) agreed, “technology is the easiest for most students to pick up.” But there has been a lot to struggle with for students. In spite of students’ success with online learning platforms, multiple teachers mentioned students having a hard time with computer skills, “kids still struggle with computer basics like saving, folder organization, and simple troubleshooting,” says Benjes. Teachers from Montgomery and Baltimore counties noted the challenges of “learning when no one is there to make sure you are working,” and “completing work outside of class.” And of course, we are living in tumultuous and stressful times. “Resilience and mental health have been big struggles for students. The big events happening outside of school have created a lot of anxiety and depression. Many of the students aren’t fully equipped to cope with the stress,” says Tuck.

Missing Friends

All of the teachers we talked to overwhelmingly stated the lack of social interaction as the number one thing students are missing out on. “I think kids have missed out most on socialization, learning how to get along, making friends, being part of a group.” says Tuck. “Some students are really feeling the pain and getting depressed,” according to a public school teacher from Montgomery County. This was the one topic on which all of the teachers we spoke to were completely united. Kids need physical interaction and not having it is taking a toll on their mental health and development.

On the Education Gap

Teachers had different perspectives on how they thought this year has taken a toll on the education gap. According

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to Benjes, “I don’t think it has; I think people just want to pay attention to it now. The gap is just as big. But I do have more students working jobs, often missing class, to help pay the bills at home. I think the lack of cash funds to supplement job loss etc. is where I am directly seeing more students ‘drop out.” According to teachers, the education gap is bandied out quite a bit by parents and government officials who want students back in the classroom without any concern for safety. “There will be students who need more help to bounce back after we have resumed a degree of normalcy,” says a public school teacher in Montgomery County, “but the thoughts should be how to identify those students and create a learning platform for them to succeed.” “I think it has exacerbated the education gap,” says Ben Tuck. “Poorer students and students of color who struggle are struggling even more. Families are coping with unemployment, eviction, food shortages, and abuse. The support system that students have of teachers, pupil personnel workers, social workers, guidance counselors, coaches, Alt Ones, and principals have trouble supporting students via distance and through screens,” he says. “It’s hard to build trust and build relationships with students if you’ve never seen their faces.” “The pandemic has made about ninety percent of my students—including the low-income students—constantly stressed and fatigued,” says a private school teacher in Montgomery County. “We have had some low-income students do very well last year. It really depends on how safe they are at home.”

When Will Students Catch Up?

When we asked teachers how long it will take for students to catch up on what they have missed this year, answers varied from a tangible ‘one to three years’ to more philosophical answers that take into account systemic racism and American insatiability for forward progress at all costs.

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“I don’t accept the viewpoint that anyone has ‘fallen behind,’ ”says Benjes. “We can’t act like we need to catch everyone up during a global pandemic. This idea that students have to reach a specific point to have value is rooted in white supremacy.” According to the Montgomery County private school teacher, a catch up would take, “the rest of our lives! I don’t think that our culture is going to accept a catch-up period. Colleges were already complaining about remedial classes ten years ago." These teachers have pointed out how the pandemic has shown a spotlight on the flaws of our current education system, particularly for lower income students, students with learning differences, and students of color. Of course, we know that school is more than just students, It is a community composed of teachers, administrators, counselors and building staff, who are all working hard to keep their students learning, happy and safe. “This village is working hard to make sure that students are learning as much as possible,” notes one of the teachers we spoke to, “and that their school experience is as full as it can be .” — Janet Jefferson

t has been a year since our lives were turned upside down by a global pandemic. We have experienced abundant changes these past 12 months, some easier to contend with than others. Some changes have been good—more family time, slower pace of life, or extra time to discover a new hobby. But the vast majority of change has been less than desirable. In addition to the physical health struggles and deaths families have faced, there has been a drastic spike in the mental health needs that people have experienced due to isolation, work-life balance (or lack thereof), the difficulties of virtual schooling, limited access to extracurricular activities, and overall heightened senses of fear, worry, and anxiety. Last March many were prepared for a few months of quarantine. A year later we are still left wondering, when will this end? As we reflect on the events of this past year, it would be a disservice to dismiss the lessons learned about the need for socialization and the impact lack of social interaction has had on the mental health of all age groups and demographics.

Lasting Effects

Many parents have been left wondering about the lasting impacts this pandemic will have on their children and the trajectory of their future. Local mother Sarah Hughes and her husband feel as though they have been holding their breath for the past year. Sarah is a hospice nurse and her husband is an EMT. As front line workers, they have risked exposure to themselves and their children, but have also witnessed the tragedy of illness and loss of life. Amidst the heartache and demands of their jobs, Hughes and her husband try to fill their home with as much joy as possible. “There are definitely times where we feel trapped knowing that working in highrisk environments we could potentially contract the virus and spread it to our family. Needless to say we are very much looking forward to the end of the pandemic.” Tori Kovarik, another local mom, was thrilled to see the progress her preschooler was making last year. “She would wake up every day so excited to go to school and see her friends.” But when COVID hit, Kovarik says her child was devastated and couldn’t understand why she could no longer

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go to school or see her friends. Kovarik started noticing some behavior regressions, sadness, and an attitude shift in her child. Like many, she felt a sense of helplessness with how to help her child navigate these changes. One thing that has been beneficial for Kovarik throughout this year has been her weekly therapy sessions. Now she looks forward to her Saturday telehealth sessions, working through the struggles her family has been facing with her therapist. “Sometimes it feels like I live for these sessions,” she says.

Risks at Home and Work

Hannah Butta and Kristin Roberts Norris are both nurses and moms pulling double duty this pandemic. Norris turned from provider to patient when she contracted COVID-19. While she was concerned for her health and well being, she was even more concerned about the turmoil it was causing her children. “They were scared,” she says. “They kept asking me, ‘Mommy are you going to be ok?’ I kept telling them that I was doing my job going to the hospital to get better, and they needed to do their job by focusing on school.” Norris is now home recovering, and is grateful for the assistance of her children’s school and teachers who rallied around them while she was in the hospital. Butta says when the pandemic first hit she was extremely concerned for the safety of her family given the nature of her work. For six weeks she sent her husband and her children to live with her in-laws in an effort to shield them from exposure. It was a difficult choice to make, but Butta was willing to sacrifice her time with her family to ensure that they stayed safe and protected. Her family is back together now and has found ways of adjusting to their individual needs. While her fifth grader was doing well with virtual learning it was clear that her second grader was struggling and needed additional support that could only be provided in an in-person setting. This too was no easy decision, but with small class sizes and proper precautions, Hannah feels it was the best choice to send her younger child back to in-person learning.

Getting Help

Mental health professionals are urging parents and children to seek outside help in dealing with the continued strains of pandemic life. Carrie Cleveland, LCSW-C, a provider at Waypoint Wellness, says as a mom she’s made certain exceptions that she wouldn’t usually allow such as a dramatic increase in screen time. “I have allowed more screen time because that is how kids connect right now,” she says. While she too is hopeful that things will soon be getting better, she expresses concerns for the pandemic’s long-term effects, especially on teens. “Teenagers developmentally are supposed to cling to their peers and they have been forced to stay home. It is such a developmental shift that I think may have long lasting effects.”

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Art therapist Elizabeth Hlavek encourages parents to help their kids maintain as much normalcy as possible. She also recommends continuing validating their emotions, letting them know that this is a challenging time. Praising children for their adaptability and talking with them about their struggles helps them to feel heard and know that they are not alone. Dr. Sara Pula, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, seconds the idea that routines and consistency are integral aspects of a child’s mental health and emotional growth. During times of increased transitions and changes anxiety and depression can worsen. She cautions that we need to remain aware of the fact that even as schools begin to reopen and children find themselves back in the classrooms, change and transition will still be present as we strive to adjust yet again. Pula suggests that all of us understand the importance of building in mental health days at our own discretion as we continue to adapt to further disruptions and transitions. “We need to be as flexible and supportive as possible to help our children regain a sense of security and trust in their world.” While parents are rightfully concerned about the wellbeing of their children, it is not only the children that are facing difficulties. Molly Harbour Hutto, owner of Annapolis Family Acupuncture, treats a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. “A lot of my patients came early in 2020 with heightened anxiety,” Hutto says. For many, anxiety remained, though for others it transformed into depression. “Parents of young kids seem to be particularly affected by the pandemic, as they do not easily get breaks between work and managing virtual school,” she says. It feels as though we have been stuck in a repetitive cycle this year hoping for some shift or change that will help guide us back to pre-pandemic life. While a true return to normalcy may still be a ways off, there is hope. As we reflect on the past year, let us find comfort in knowing that we have come this far together and together we will continue to see it through. –Jillian Amodio

The Vaccine and You

What You Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

ith a vaccine finally available to protect people against COVID-19, it would seem as if the long, dark, depressing pandemic is finally drawing to an end. But before anyone lets their guard down too much, it’s important to understand what a vaccine actually means—and what it doesn’t. The biggest challenge right now? The limited supply of vaccines. According to Tonii Gedin, deputy health officer with Anne Arundel County Department of Health, “There are far more people in need of the vaccine than we have the vaccine, which is the case pretty much everywhere.” Anne Arundel County has more than 500,000 residents, but Gedin says the county receives only about 5,000 weekly doses. This is why the vaccine is being distributed in phases, with priority given to those who have the greatest need, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How quickly the county progresses through the phases will depend on vaccine availability, vaccine allotment, and interest level. Right now, the vaccine is only recommended for adults and children ages 16 and up, but that may change soon. Pfizer and Moderna, the manufacturers of the two vaccines approved for use, started enrolling children ages 12–15 back in October 2020 to determine safety and any possible side effects. But children aren’t just miniature adults—their bodies function differently, and a vaccine therefore might affect them differently, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. After Pfizer and Moderna determine their vaccines are safe for adolescents, they will move on to studying ages 5 to 11. The hope is that there is enough data by spring 2020 to apply for authorization from the Food and Drug Administration and have a vaccine available to children before the start of the 2021–2022 school year. Once everyone is vaccinated, however, health experts emphasize that safety measures like masks and social distancing may have to continue. This will allow doctors

and scientists a chance to fully understand the level of protection the vaccine provides and how long immunity lasts. Some families may have concerns about the safety of the vaccine, but the CDC emphasizes that anything introduced to consumers has undergone rigorous studies. Furthermore, for those with allergies, the vaccine is free of preservatives, eggs, and latex. Last but not least—have patience. “We understand how important this is to people, and we are working our hardest to make sure we are moving this vaccine out as soon as we can,” says Gedin. “Unfortunately, with the current amount of vaccine availability in the country, we ask [that] people be patient. We’ll keep plugging away to make sure every resident gets access to the vaccine, but it takes time.” Those who have questions about the vaccine can check out the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and select “Vaccines” under the left column. —Dylan Roche

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SIT TIGHT. CAMP IS COMING.

After switching gears in 2020, camps are taking lessons learned and gearing up for a safe and happy summer 2021. By Kristen Page Kirby

lanning for summer camps is like doing a jigsaw puzzle—fitting the weeks together, coordinating pickup and dropoff times, and (of course) paying for it all. As the summer of 2020 approached, parents found themselves trying to put together a puzzle that didn’t have enough pieces and had no guiding picture on the box,

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as emails announcing COVID-related cancelations rolled in, one after another. Parents and children alike had to adapt to a summer that was anything but normal. So did the people who were clicking “send” on those emails. “Starting in March the staff got together and said ‘do we really believe that what we’re doing as a camp is worth doing?’ ” says Grant Larsen,

Summer Camp Director at Camp Wabanna in Edgewater. “And, if so, then we’re going to work to make sure that can happen. So we started doing any research we could on COVID, how it spreads, what are cleaning protocols—just doing as much research as we could. Then in April the American Camp Association released an 80-page document on how camps

should operate, and we did all that we could to adopt every one of their best practices. Then we had to just sit and wait for the state to tell us we’re okay to open.”

Switching Gears

“By March 13 I want to say we had 200 kids registered,” says Kerry Weber, Business Director at Weber’s Bulldog Basketball Camp. “And then around May, I had the realization that camp wasn’t going to happen, and we immediately refunded everyone. Which was unfortunate from a business standpoint, because we pay a lot for advertising. We order materials for the camp throughout the year—every year we replace whistles and T-shirts and trophies. There are a lot of dollars that get spent before the whistle blows in July.” Katy Owings, Recreation Division Chief for the City of Annapolis, says

their full summer camp schedule was ready when the pandemic hit, and they ended up canceling all of the planned summer camps for 2020. “All during that shutdown period, no one really knew what was going on, and there were new rules and regulations every day,” Owings says. “We had been formulating ideas throughout April and May, and in June, when they said camps could open, we put together a modified camp schedule in probably two to three weeks.” Most camps that did open last summer followed similar safety procedures as recommended by experts, including the ACA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health officials—keeping campers in small cohorts, requiring masks, maintaining stringent cleaning procedures, and skipping activities that required shared equipment or couldn’t be done in a physically distant manner.

“We mapped our property out and basically turned it into five different sections of camp, and utilized those five sections for each cohort that we would have,” Larsen says. “So when cohort A was at our ropes course, only cohort A used the ropes course all day long.” Camp Wabanna, which operated both its overnight and day camps last summer, took the separation of equipment so seriously each cohort had their own set of pool noodles; they also adapted pickup and dropoff procedures, and moved meals outside whenever they could. The number of bunks in the overnight cabins were reduced, and campers slept head-tofoot (with the top bunkmate facing one way and the lower bunkmate the other) to maximize distance between them. Some camps remained closed (or partially opened) but offered some virtual programming. That wasn’t an option for Weber’s Bulldog Basketball

CAMP CONRAD WEISER How The World Should Be! Resident Camp for Boys and Girls 7-16 Fees Starting at $550 a week. Archery, BBs, Canoeing, Crafts, Climbing Tower, Music, Mountain Boards, Mountain Biking, Outdoor Camping, Radio Station, Swimming, Tennis, Zip Line Traditional Camps Riding Camps Theme Camps Adventure Camps International Travel

Pandemic-Ready Programming

610-670-2267 SMYMCA.ORG

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Camp. “We couldn’t. It would have been a very quick pivot, so we just said ‘let’s just let this settle,’ ” says Weber. “Coming into 2021, though, we know so much more and we have so many more options. If we’re not able to have games, we can restructure the camp to make it drill-centered, which is a huge part of the program anyway. We’ve talked about every kid having their own ball. We’ve made it our mission to figure out once we know what we can do come July, we’re going to do it to the utmost.”

Sometimes adapting to the new situation meant looking into the past. “We were going back to what I guess you’d call the old-school camp mentality, from 20 or 30 years ago,” said Dana Disborough Strotman, Marketing Coordinator for Annapolis Recreation and Parks. “Just get the kids outside, be outdoors and enjoy the basics of camp 101.” “It was a blessing in disguise a little bit,” agrees Owings. “All these kids wanted was to just be outside and being with one another. We’d just go

Experience the Extraordinary...

Environmental Science, Nature, Animals and Adventure Camps with Eco Adventures!

www.ecoadventures.org | 410-987-1300 ecoadventuresmd@gmail.com

Check our online directory for the latest info. We're updating it daily with the info that camps are providing us.

ONLINE

ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

Schedule an in-person tour or a virtual tour today! MSDE #161229

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1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD 21012 Call Sue Richburg • 410.647.7700 ext 2040

down to the water and collect little fish, and they would just explore and learn about nature. They loved it.” “I think as adults we put too much pressure on ourselves to try to make it exactly like it was, not realizing that the campers just want to be together and playing—and if that looks different, they’re okay with it,” says Weber. “If you can get them dribbling next to each other, they’re going to laugh. We know that it’s just going to improve their mood.”

The Pure Joy of Camp

The camps also saw how much of a difference they could make in the lives of their socially starved, Zoomstuffed campers. “I think there was more joy in camp last year than I’ve seen in the last six years I’ve been here,” says Larsen. “They even took on the mantle of making sure things are clean, helping each other, reminding each other to wear their masks. Anything that was required of them to be here and be with others, they just did. They just wanted to be together.”

Coming Back in 2021

“You have to ask, after a year of zero revenue, ‘Is this thing even still alive?’ ” says Weber. “The first year my husband did this camp in 1996 he had 30 kids, and he said ‘If we have to start back over from scratch, we will. I’ve still got basketballs and I’ve still got hoops.’ ” This year parents can expect to see camps opening with many of the same restrictions that were in place last summer, or at least versions of them. With things still in flux, though, nothing is quite settled—except the fact that booking that slot might be a little later this year. “The state is still in the planning process, and believe you me, as soon as we get those green lights, it’s all going to come pouring in. Don’t freak out that you’re registering in April and May versus January and February,” Owings says. “Sit tight. Camp is coming.”

CAMP I DIRECTORY

t’s time to start looking for that perfect summer camp! From arts and crafts to academics, dance and drama to sports and fitness, we’ve listed summer programs that focus on just about any specialized interest your child might have. Plus we’ve got plenty of camps with various themes or that provide general interest programs. Those with descriptions are advertisers. Find more camps at ChesapeakeFamily.com/ campdirectory.

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directory | camp ACADEMIC

410-271-3343 artworksstudio.info

Club SciKidz MD

GYMNASTICS

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks

Docksiders Gymnastics

Annapolis, 410-222-7300 aacounty.org/recparks Before & after care Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks is the destination for camps and programs for ages 3 through 12th grade! There are many day camp opportunities including: summer fun centers, art, science and engineering, theatre performance, sports, aquatics, nature exploration, Teens on the Go, and Adaptive Day for all abilities. See our ad on page 31

Locations in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery County 267-250-0172 clubscikidzmd.com

Maryland Hall

Gettysburg College Academic Camps

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

Annapolis, 410-995-8130 Severna Park, 410-709-8130 thrivegym.com

Annapolis, 410-263-8289 balletmaryland.org

HORSEBACK RIDING

Annapolis, 410-263-5544 marylandhall.org

DANCE

Gettysburg, Pa., 717-337-6924 gettysburg.edu/summercamps

Davy Dance Academy

Mathnasium – The Math Learning Center

Annapolis, 240-476-6145 davydanceacademy.com

Annapolis, 410-266-6200 mathnasium.com

The Polymath Place Summer of 2021: Creative, Fun, STEAM Deale, 410-867-0100 thepolymathplace.com

Pongos Learning Lab Crofton, 301-789-1815 pongoslearninglab.com

Design in Motion Dance Camp Gambrills, 410-923-9925 designinmotiondance.com/ summer.htm

Severna Park, 443-597-7173 smartfitkidsacademy.com

Summer at Summit Edgewater, 410-798-0005 thesummitschool.org 6 years–8th grade, After care Summer at Summit offers academic enrichment programs to help students prevent summer slide and prepare for back-to-school success, while having fun and making new friends! See our ad on page 29

UMBC Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) Baltimore, 410-455-2831 sea.umbc.edu

ARTS, CRAFTS & PHOTOGRAPHY ArtFarm Annapolis Annapolis, 410-570-1581 artfarmannapolis.com

Annapolis, Arnold, South County,

Baywood Farms Summer Camps Harwood, 410-867-7923 baywoodfarms.com/camps

En-Tice-Ment Stables Equestrian Camps Harwood, 410-798-4980 enticementstables.com

KARATE & MARTIAL ARTS

Adventure Camps at Terrapin Adventures

East Coast Martial Arts

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Summer Camp Annapolis, 410-295-0104 x 31 amaritime.org/education/camps

Echoes of Nature Brooklyn Park, 301-860-1306 echoesofnature.org

Eco Adventures Millersville, 410-987-1300 ecoadventures.org Our award winning specialty camps are themed and designed to gets kids excited about our natural world. It’s all about handson experiences from animal interactions, games, wild crafts, and outdoor field trips, to expert guests in the field. Go WILD this summer at Eco Adventures! See our ad on page 20

River’s Edge Forest Play

Artworks Studio

Thrive Gymnastics

ENVIRONMENTAL/ OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Savage, 301-725-1313 terrapinadventures.com/ adventure-camps

Smart Fit Kids Academy

Millersville, 410-987-8780 docksidersgymnastics.com

West River, 410-703-6157 riversedgeforestplay.com

Annapolis, 410-268-1508 Edgewater, 410-798-9696 eastcoastmartialarts.com

Kim’s Karate and Learning Center Glen Burnie, 410-766-7600 kimskarateglenburnie.com

Mission Martial Arts Arnold, 410-432-2970 missiontkd.com

South River Martial Arts Edgewater, West River, 410-956-7700, srmausa.com

MULTIPLE THEMES/ GENERAL CAMP PROGRAMS AACS Summer Programs Annapolis, Severn, 410-519-5300 x3150 aacsonline.org/summer-programs

Annapolis Recreation and Parks Summer Camps Annapolis, 410-263-7958 annapolis.gov/354/CampInformation

Archbishop Spalding High School Severn, 410-969-9105 archbishopspalding.org

Bayside Summer Adventure Camp Sandy Point State Park, 410-266-6132, creativecri.org

Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center Crownsville (license# 130684) 410-923-3192 Glen Burnie (license#160256) 410-768-4526 bright-beginning.com, 2–5 years Each themed week offers indoor and outdoor activities. Utilizing the large playground, community and special visitors, these activities help young children discover science and explore nature and introduce preschoolers to new activities and skills. We offer full and part time care. See our ad on page 24

Bryn Mawr School Summer Camps Baltimore, 410-323-8800 brynmawrschool.org/summer

Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Severn 410-263-2542, bgcaa.org

Camp Inclusion Glenelg, 443-398-8537 campinclusion.org

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

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directory | camp Camp Wabanna Edgewater, 410-798-0455 campwabanna.org 4 years-13 years Before & after care A non-denominational Christian camp that operates an 8 week summer Day Camp for boys and girls ages 4-13. In addition to daily Bible studies, chapel services and devotional time, Wabanna offers an action-packed schedule filled with a wide variety of team building activities, group games, low and high element challenge courses including a 50’ giant swing & zipline, archery, banana boating and tubing, sailing, and kayaking. See our ad on page 2

Edinboro Early School Summer Program Severna Park, 410-544-2476 edinboroearlyschool.org

Grannie Annie’s Summer Program Pasadena, 410-255-0478 granniecare.com Cozy Care, Quality Education. We have been providing child care for Pasadena’s families for over 17 years. MSDE approved curriculum for 3s and Pre-K. Before and After care, Pre-K through 5th, servicing Riviera Beach, Sunset and Solley.

Also offers full-day, all-summer camp. License #122871. See our ad on page 24

IDEAS Summer Camp Annapolis, 844-516-2267 ideassummercamps.com

Summer at KEY Key School Annapolis, 443-321-2575 keyschool.org/summer 3.5 years–12th grade Summer at KEY has many safe, fun, and enriching in-person camp programs planned for summer 2021. While things may look a little different than normal, we are committed to creating a memorable summer experience for our campers. From Traditional Camps to specialty camps, there is something for everyone. Camp options available for children ages 3.5 years old to those entering 12th grade. June 21 to August 13. Costs vary by program. Visit our website for more information or contact summer@keyschool.org See our ad on page 23

Summer at Saint Andrew’s Day School Edgewater, 410-216-2660 summer.standrewsum.org 3 years-8th grade

Summer at Saint Andrew's looks forward to welcoming campers on-site this summer for fun, games, crafts, and more each week. General day camp programs are available for our younger campers, with STEAM, CIT, and academic camps for older campers. See our ad on page 19

games, science explorations, and more. Register here: stmargaretsdayschool.net See our ad on page 4

Severn School Summer at Severn

Summer Fun in-the-Field at St. Martin’s

Severna Park, 410-647-7700 x2344 severnschool.com 3.5 years–5th grade Before & after care Severn Day Camp provides a safe and stimulating environment for students as young as age 3.5 through those entering fifth grade. Our weeklong sessions are made up of fun and educational activities centered on a different weekly theme. See our ad on page 20

Severna Park, 410-647-7055 stmartinsmd.org

St. Margaret’s Day School Summer Camp Annapolis, 410-757-2333 stmargaretsdayschool.org 2 years–10 years Before & after care Join us from June to August at our fun-filled day camp! Every two weeks we will have a new exciting camp theme with crafts, projects,

St. Paul’s Lutheran Summer Camp Glen Burnie, 410-766-0591 stpaulsgb.org

West River Center West River, 410-867-0991 westrivercenter.org

Woods Child Development Center Severna Park, 410-647-9168 woodscdc.org

The Y in Central Maryland Arnold, Pasadena, Camp Whippoorwill ymarylandcamp.org

MUSIC Music Together Chesapeake Annapolis, Severna Park 301-262-9538 musictogetherchesapeake.com

r e m m u

Camps for Children 3.5 years - Grade 12

June 21 – August 13 Register www.keyschool.org/summer KEY SCHOOL • 534 HILLSMERE DR. • ANNAPOLIS, MD • 21403 • 443.321.2575

2021

Chesapeake Family Life - Summer at Key March 2021 Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps M ARCH 2021

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directory | camp

Celebrating over 20 years of music making in and around Anne Arundel County. Nurture your child’s musical growth in one of our fun Music Together Family Classes for infantskindergarten. In person and virtual class options. See our ad on page 24

Naptown Sings and Plays! Annapolis, 410-279-3208 naptownsings.com

Priddy Music Academy Summer Band Camps Millersville, 443-988-3970 priddymusicacademy.com

Providing care for infants through school-age since 2003 Call to Schedule Your Visit!

School of Rock Summer Camps Arnold, Gambrills, 410-366-7625 annapolis.schoolofrock.com

OVERNIGHT Camp Horizons Harrisonburg, Va., 540-896-7600 camphorizonsva.com

Camps Kahdalea & Chosatonga Brevard, Nc., 828-884-6834 twofuncamps.com

Now Enrolling! 2 Carvel Court Pasadena • 410-255-0478

NOW ENROLLING

Camp Pecometh Centreville, 410-556-6900 pecometh.org

Camp Puh’tok Monkton, 410-329-6590 camppuhtok.com

Camp Tall Timbers

Ages 2 - PreK • Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum • Small, Caring Environment • Spanish, Yoga, Sports & Fitness Programs Included • Fully Implemented CDC Guidelines for COVID

Two Convenient Locations! 867 Buttonwood Trail Crownsville, MD

543 Old Stage Road Glen Burnie, MD

410-923-3192

410-768-4526

License# 130684

License# 160256

Bright-Beginning.com

High View, Wv., 301-874-0111 camptalltimbers.com

Camp Wabanna Edgewater, 410-798-0455 campwabanna.org 4 years-16 years A non-denominational Christian camp that operates a 7 week summer Residential Camp for boys and girls ages 7-16

and an 8 week summer Day Camp for boys and girls ages 4-13. In addition to daily Bible studies, chapel services and devotional time, Wabanna offers an actionpacked schedule filled with a wide variety of team building activities, group games, low and high element challenge courses, archery, boating and tubing, sailing, and kayaking. See our ad on page 2

Falcon Camp Carrollton, Oh., 216-991-2489 falconcamp.com

Independent Lake Camp Thompson, Pa., 800-399-2267 independentlake.com

Indian Lake Christian Camp Harford, 443-693-2588 indianlakecamp.org

South Mountain YMCA at Camp Conrad Weiser Reinholds, Pa., 610-670-2267 smymca.org/summer-camps/ camp-conrad-weiser-overnightcamp/, 5 years-8th grade We believe that today’s campers are tomorrow’s leaders. Our progressive, camper-centered programs are designed to challenge every child in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Our campers make friends, learn new skills, build self-confidence, and gain a sense of independence in our camp community. See our ad on page 19

Maryland Yacht Club Pasadena, 410-627-3093 mdyc.org/juniorsailing

West River Sailing Club Galesville, 410-867-WRSC (9772) westriversc.com

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Accomplish Nanjemoy, 301-870-3226 melwood.org/camp

Camp Attaway Columbia, 410-730-2633 campattaway.org

SPORTS & GENERAL FITNESS All-Sport Kids Academy Gambrills, 410-923-2100 allsportkidsacademy.com

Benfield Sportscenter Millersville, 410-987-5100 benfieldsc.com

Mast Tennis Academy Phoenix, 443-739-3655 masttennisacademy.com

Navy Athletics Camps Annapolis, navysports.com

NinjaBE Ninja Warrior Columbia, 443-600-9550 x6 ninjabe.com

Weber’s Bulldog Basketball Camp Annapolis, 410-360-4451 webersbulldogbasketball.com

SAILING

THEATER & PERFORMANCE ARTS

Eastport Yacht Club Learn to Sail

Building Better People Productions

Annapolis, 410-267-9549 eastportyc.org

Annapolis, 443-906-0099 bbpproductions.com

KidShip Sailing School

Musical Theatre Summer Camp

Annapolis, 410-267-7205 kidshipsailing.com

Annapolis, Baltimore 410-837-0971, 6-15 years musicalartiststheatre.com

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

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family fun

NATURE PLAY SPACES Let the kids play in nature to expand their imaginations and get dirty at these local nature play spaces. By Katie Riley

On a morning at the nature play space at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, a group of preschoolers build a life-sized bird’s nest out of sticks and pinecones, while some friends gather nearby to make mud pies. “It is play time the way Mother Nature intended,” says Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, early education director and founder of the Nature Preschool at Irvine Nature Center. Kids can explore hollowed out logs, climb on uprooted trees and jump from old tree stumps. There are no slides or monkey bars, but the kids don’t seem to mind. “On a traditional playground, there is one way to play. But in a natural play space, kids make their own purpose for being there,” Wiedel-Lubinski says. “The elements are much less predictable and kids must bring their imagination to it.” Nature play spaces—outdoor playgrounds that use only natural elements such as trees, sand and rocks—are growing in Maryland. Since 2008, 30 nature play spaces have been established and are growing in popularity around the state, according to the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature. “What’s old is new again,” says Sandi Olek, chairman of the organization, which is dedicated to promoting nature play spaces in the state. “We wanted to reach out to families and encourage interaction with nature. These spaces promote climbing and getting your hands dirty. They challenge kids in different ways than a traditional playground.” The benefits of nature play spaces are many. A recent study by the University of Tennessee found that kids who played in a natural

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family fun play space versus a traditional playground engaged in more physical activity, played for longer periods of time, and appeared to use their imaginations more. “The world has become such a manufactured environment that children miss out on experiencing a natural habitat,” she says. “In a nature play space, we restore some of that habitat. Having that sense of connection and belonging with nature is absolutely essential to a child’s development.” Check out these nine spots where Mother Nature rules the playground and kids can dig, climb rocks and jump stumps.

Paw Paw Playground at Adkins Arboretum

The First Light Village Playspace has a Native American theme that features two wigwams, a snake balance beam and a turtleshaped tree stump ring. It is tucked into the Upland Forest along the Upland Walk trail. Families can also hike the 5 miles of trails or explore the 400 acres of fields and woodlands filled with plant life native to the Mid-Atlantic. Adkins also features Emily’s Play Garden, which has climbing logs, a mud play kitchen, and a nature labryinth. Ridgely. $5 for adults, $2 for students 6–18 and free for 5 and younger. Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun., noon–4 p.m. adkinsarboretum.org

the fairy garden. Bridges and paths connect the area to a larger meadow and wooded area, while adjacent Brookside Gardens has three ponds with waterfalls, paved garden paths and abundant wildlife. Wheaton. Free. Tues.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 1–5 p.m. montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ brookside-nature-center/

Constitution Gardens

Constitution Gardens is the first municipal public park in the whole Capital area that is focused on nature play. Located in the heart of Gaithersburg, the ADA-accessible space has digging areas, a sliding hill and a stump scramble. Kids will love “Log Town,” a preschool space with log animals, log cabins, a sand pit and push pump log flume. The “lost library” area incorporates a lending library, a log circle and a giant log storyteller’s chair. Gaithersburg. Free. Daily, dawn until dusk. gaithersburgmd.gov/ recreation/parks-fields/constitution-gardens-park

Rocks State Park

The nature play space at Jug Bay has a wetlands theme and includes stump jumps, balance logs and a digging area. Kids can build nests with sticks, play instruments from the musical mailbox or sit in a canoe, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Jug Bay’s ponds, marshes and 16 miles of hiking trails. Lothian. $6 per vehicle; free for active military, veterans and their families with ID. Wed. and Fri–Sun., 9 a.m–5 p.m. jugbay.org

The nature exploration area of Rocks State park is right near the park’s famed “King and Queen” seats, a rock outcrop believed to be a ceremonial gathering place for Susquehannock Indians. The play space includes a miniature rock-climbing area called the “Prince and Princess Seat” for climbing and jumping on a kid-sized scale. Kids can explore hollowed out logs, a digging area, stump jump and a life-sized birds nest. For more activity, hike along the trail and enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills and surrounding farmland. Jarrettsville. Weekdays, $2 per in-state vehicle; weekends, $3 for state residents. March–October, 9 a.m.– sunset; November–February, 10 a.m.–sunset. dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands/pages/central/rocks.aspx

Patapsco State Park

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

The Hollofield area of Patapsco Valley State Park has a natural play space with a stump jump, willow tunnel and a natural staircase made of logs. Kids can climb on the many boulders that dot the space or hike along the bark trail that leads to more trails and a wooded area. Ellicott City. $2 for in-state vehicles on weekdays; $3 for state residents on weekends.dnr.maryland.gov/ publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx

Irvine Nature Center

The outdoor classroom at Irvine Nature Center has multiple zones, such as the stage and music area with wooden instruments, a storytelling circle and a building station with blocks for young engineers. Kids can play in a canoe in the dry creek bed, crawl through hollowed-out logs, balance on log beams or explore two uprooted trees perfect for climbing. A mud pie station complete with rainwater barrels and water pumps promise good old-fashioned fun. Owings Mills. One-time guest passes ($5) available to the Outdoor Classroom or $75 membership annually. Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. explorenature.org

Brookside Gardens

The Brookside Gardens Nature Exploration area includes a digging area, life-sized bird's nest, log-rolling game, musical feature, stump jump and a bird blind. Kids can climb through a hollowed-out log, sit in the kid-sized log furniture or explore

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Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in Calvert County, has a brand new nature play space that opened in September, 2020. It has a giant bird’s nest to climb on, a faux tree tunnel, tree stumps and logs, and embankment slides. The play space is located near the Visitor’s Center. You can also hike miles of trails, visit the Woodland Indian Village, picnic and kayak at the park. St. Leonard. Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. jefpat.maryland.gov/Pages/ default.aspx

Robinson Nature Center

Robinson Nature Center opened in Columbia in 2015. Its grounds are open to the public and feature an unstructured play area for kids, complete with a tunnel through a hillside, metal pipe xylophone, rain wheel, climbing logs, art tables, mushroom drummers, carved wooden structures and a gathering deck. Robinson Nature Center also features an indoor planetarium, animal wall with tanks of critters to check out, a Discovery Room, saltwater touch tank (no touching during COVID though), and a ton of fun activities for the kids, including take-home kits and outdoor nature activities. Columbia. $2. Grounds open Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nature Center open Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. Noon–5 p.m. howardcountymd.gov/Robinson For a complete list of nature play spaces in Maryland, visit the Department of Natural Resources page at dnr2.maryland.gov/cin/ Pages/NPS/index.aspx.

go out

TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

calendar | march

Ongoing

ANNAPOLIS OYSTER FEST March 1–21 The Annapolis Oyster Fest is featuring the Maryland Oyster, a Maryland Seafood delicacy that goes perfectly with a craft beer. We will feature our area’s local restaurants that will serve oyster and Eastern Shore Brewing beer specials for both dine-in and carry-out. downtownannapolispartnership.org

SPY ACADEMY & THE LOST TREASURE OF ATLANTIS Through May 23. Calling all spy cadets: this madcap team of expert spies needs you to help save the day and find the lost treasure of Atlantis! Full of surprises, fun, and memorable characters, each performance of Spy Academy takes a small number of families through a series of puzzles, codes, and challenges on a quest to recover the stolen Heart of the Dragon. Part online escape room, part interactive game, this creative and immersive theatrical experience is a live virtual event perfect for ages 5–10. $25 per household. imaginationstage.org

FREE ADMISSION TO THE MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER FOR MARYLAND PRE—K–12 STUDENTS Through Winter, all Maryland students will be admitted free of charge on any day they are open. Must show proof of residency such as school ID or report card. Students can visit with friends or family, they do not have to be part of a school group. To receive free admission pick a date and sign up on the Maryland Science Center website. Mdsci.org

FIELD WORK FRIDAYS

Maryland Day Weekend MARCH 19–21. This year’s Maryland Day celebration features new experiences,

both in-person and virtual. The Celebration is a three-day weekend full of great family activities surrounding this year’s “Better Together” theme. There will be events throughout Annapolis at some 20 area locations. all Maryland Day Events in Anne Arundel County are free or $1 admission. You can tour downtown Annapolis virtually with Rise Up!, an African American tour by Janice Hayes-Williams; attend a virtual Gourd to Gavel event by Watermark Tours, which explores local African American life from 1700 to the present; or participate in a virtual workshop led by historian Elinor Thompson about Brewer Hill Cemetery. Historic home and garden tours will also be a popular option this year at London Town and Gardens, Charles Carroll House, Hammond-Harwood House, and the Paca House and Gardens. A self-guided hiking tour of the history of Bacon Ridge is perfect for those looking for some fresh air. marylandday.org

Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon. Every Friday rain or shine, volunteers can join staff naturalists to tackle a stewardship project in need of support. Projects include invasive plant removals, trash cleanups, gardening, citizen science monitoring, and more. No prior training or experience is necessary. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. jugbay.org

HALF–PRICE FRIDAY NIGHTS Enjoy access to the National Aquarium’s award– winning exhibits for half the price of general admission during Half–Price Friday Nights. The program runs year–round, allowing you to spend Friday evening after 5 p.m. with the sharks, fish, puffins and other amazing creatures that call the Aquarium home. Tickets are available online or Friday evenings on–site. National Aquarium, Baltimore. aqua.org

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calendar | march

Listen Up Live Interviews Fridays at 2pm

CHESAPEAKE ARTS CENTER GIRLS

WATER SAFETY FOR PARENTS AND

WHO CODE CLUB

CAREGIVERS FREE ONLINE CLASS

Thursdays. Girls Who Code Club is a free extracurricular program for 6th–12th grade girls that teaches students about computer science in a fun and safe environment! Led by instructor Farin Wilson, this new club meets in the CAC Computer Lab on Thursdays, 1/21–6/10/21, 4–5 p.m. chesapeakearts.org

March 1–14. This class focuses on developing an awareness of the risks of drowning and how to minimize those risks, especially for young children. Class is approximately 30 minutes. You will have a 2 week window to complete the class. bayareacprllc.com

TRY IT! CLASSES AT CAC

Getting Trapped in a Rainbow

These classes are designed to expose students to all facets of the arts without any commitment! Students ages 7–12 can try dance, ceramics, visual art and more, one week at a time. Classes are 4–5 p.m. Schedule is as follows: Mondays Steam Lab, Tuesdays Visual Arts, Wednesdays Dance, Thursdays Ceramics, and Steam Lab. Each workshop is $10. Students must preregister and follow all Covid-19 safety protocols. Please email tyler@chesapeakearts. org to register. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Our Arundel: AntiRacism Book Study

March 23–June 13. Let your freak flag fly with everyone’s favorite Ogre! In a far away kingdom an unlikely hero finds himself on a life—changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short—tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a hero…and his name is Shrek! $50–$65. Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia. tobysdinnertheatre.com

YOGA FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

Creating Outdoor Play Spaces chesapeakefamily.com/ podcast

ADULTS WITH AUTISM Enjoy weekly free Yoga from 3:30–4:30 p.m. every Saturday. Classes are led by instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. Participants and parents/guardians to pre-register with HCAS. This is a one-time registration. Once registered, you will be added to the list to receive, by email, the videoconference login and password for any future yoga classes. columbiayoga.com

1 Monday

FREDERICK RESTAURANT WEEK March 1–7.Visit downtown Frederick for some unique and fine dining options. Participating restaurants will offer diners multi-course meals at appetizing prices. Visit an old favorite or try something new, Frederick is full of delicious dining options! Reservations recommended. visitfrederick.org/restaurant-week

3 Wednesday WORLD WILDLIFE DAY

A virtual workshop celebrating World Wildlife Day! Discover & Play in an interactive workshop learning about wildlife from across the world, along with the ones that live at the Chesapeake Children’s Museum. $15. Ages 6–10 years. 3–4 p.m. Preregistration required. theccm. networkforgood.com

BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF THE ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Hosted by the Anne Arundel County Public Library, ages 6 and up can virtually join Music Director José-Luis Novo and members of the ASO via Zoom to learn how they have made the pivot to virtual performances during the pandemic. The show must go on! 2–2:45 p.m. Attendees will be able to ask questions through zoom chat in this virtual program. aacpl. librarycalendar.com

4 Thursday LADIES NIGHT

Get creative and get your pottery on! Ages 16 and up. Bring the beverages of your choice and receive 25% off your pottery project, no glass fusing at this time. 5–10 p.m. Reservations recommended. The Clay Bakers, Annapolis. theclaybakers.com

OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL March 4–11. Watch more than 80 independent films from 15 states and 11 countries, all from the comfort of your own home. Tickets range from $10 to $149. ocmdfilmfestival.com

5 Friday

FAMILY FRIDAY PLANETARIUM SHOW: WE ARE ALIENS Treat your family to a unique astronomy show with hands-on astronomy activities and a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation in the new, upgraded planetarium. $8, ages 5 and up. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. howardcountymd.gov/Robinson

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calendar | march RAMEN BOWLS WITH TASTE BUDS KITCHEN Ages 18 and up are welcome to this BYOB event where you will learn how to roast, chop, season and simmer our way to the perfect Ramen Bowl, complete with gently roasted chicken, fresh veggies, lots of noodles and a soft boiled egg! Complemented by traditional steamed buns and tangy pickled veggies. 6–8 p.m. Pricing starts at $120 for two participants. Taste Buds Kitchen, Chester. book.tastebudskitchen.com

House. It is a stage for all kinds of arts and creations of women, empowering the artists, their works and achievements. The mission is to bring better representation and recognition for women artists, from different ages, nationalities, and fields of creation. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of every month from noon–5 p.m. Must pre-register for timed entry. National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. wanderwomenproject.com

9 Tuesday

PARENTING WORKSHOP: WHY DO

VIRTUAL ZOOMOBILE LIVE:

CHILDREN MISBEHAVE?

ABC MYSTERY Join The Maryland Zoo for a live, Virtual ZOOmobile Program. During this 30-minute presentation which begins at 11 a.m., zoo educators will lead an interactive activity designed for preschool-age children. Children will then have a chance to meet three of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors. howardcounty. librarycalendar.com/events

6 Saturday SLIME LAB!

A wonderful, messy, slimy workshop for kids. Students will learn alternative techniques for making slime using household products to creatively design a handheld manipulative. Experiment with the assorted ingredients to observe their chemical reactions. Fun science you can stretch! Ages 6 and up. 10:30 a.m.– noon. $30. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org

PAWS TO READ Children practice their emerging literacy skills by reading to Pipsqueak the dog and his handler Michelle. Open to ages 6 to 10. 10 a.m.–noon. Call the Odenton Library at 410-222-6277 to register for a 15 minute appointment. aacpl. librarycalendar.com/events/paws-read-65

7 Sunday

Join Dr. Debbie Wood for this informative zoom workshop about why children misbehave. 1:30–3 p.m. Preregistration required. theccm.org

10 Wednesday

SCHOOL’S OUT CANVAS WORKSHOP Drop off your little Picassos for a morning of art! Children will learn step-by-step instruction on how to paint whimsical clovers just in time for St. Patty’s Day, and enjoy a morning snack! 10 a.m.–noon. Due to limited studio space, seating is limited to 8, while social distancing. Masks are required. The Clay Bakers, Annapolis. theclaybakers.com

March Events Wed. 3rd: World Wildlife Day Fri. 5th: Read Across America Fri. 19th & 26th: Afro-Latino authors Parenting topics: March 9th: Why Do Children Misbehave March 23rd: The 3 Reasons for Rules Maryland Day Weekend: Sat. 20th, noon: Nat. American nature walk Sun. 21st, 1 pm: Underground Rail Road walk 22nd – 26th: Puerto Rican Independence

WINTER MEMBERSHIP: $30 through March 31 for →Links to Members Only online programs →Discounts on programs with a fee →Take Home Kits of activities from CCM theccm.org | 410.990.1993 25 Silopanna Road | Annapolis,MD 21403 info@theccm.org

12 Friday

CHOCOLATE LOVERS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP CAMP Campers will make chocolate recipes from A to Z in this tasty camp where we’ll put your culinary creativity to the test. There will be a mix of savory and sweet recipes—think Chocolate BBQ Sauce and Chocolate Bark—so everyone leaves happy as can be! All recipes are vegetarian. This camp is drop-off. Ages 4–8. 1 p.m. $45. Preregistration required. Taste Buds Kitchen, Chester. tastebudskitchen.com

LEGO ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAY AT CHUCK E CHEESE Hosted by Pathfinders for Autism, events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. 8–9 a.m. Chuck E. Cheese, Glen Burnie. pathfindersforautism.org

FREE ADMISSION IN THE NATIONAL OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS This museum is dedicated to art by women and is located just three blocks from the White

Calling all LEGO fans! Each week watch a brief video to receive new challenges, then create and engineer designs with LEGO blocks. Register with an email address to receive a link to join the online class. Designed for ages 9 and up. 4 p.m. Hosted by Howard County Public Library. howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/events

13 Saturday

BREAKFAST WITH THE CHIMPS AT THE MARYLAND ZOO Buy tickets early as this event sells out! This

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calendar | march MARCH 20 National Cherry Blossom Festival

VIP experience lets guests get up close and personal with their favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. The series includes a one-of-a-kind al fresco dining experience next to Zoo animals, special keeper chats, unlimited photo opportunities, and great takeaway gifts to remember the early morning experience. $60–$70 per person, under age 2 free. Includes Zoo admission. 8:30–10 a.m. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. marylandzoo.org

ST. PATRICK FLOWER WORKSHOP Includes arrangement and design instruction by Willow Oak Farm’s resident designer Linda, using flowers native to Ireland and inspired by a St. Paddy’s day theme. 11 a.m. Floral, instruction, and a rustic green container included in the $65 fee. Willow Oak Farm, Severn. willowoakherbs.com

14 Sunday

PI DAY CELEBRATION! Celebrate the most mathematically delicious day of the year at the Maryland Science Center! Pi(e) Day is a celebration of the mathematical constant Pi. Plus, take a free slice of pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies for the road! Can’t make it to the Science Center for Pi(e) Day this year? Join the celebration online! Noon–4 p.m. Event included with paid admission. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org

16 Tuesday

CHESAPEAKE FAMILY LIFE CAMP FAIR Join us online for our annual Camp Fair! This year you can chat personally with

representatives from camps in their virtual booths, listen to speakers, and get special deals on camp registrations! More information on page 7 and at ChesapeakeFamily.com/campfair

18 Thursday

URBAN BIRDS AND BOURBON STIRRED: CREATIVE COMMUNITIES MAKING BALTIMORE BIRDY Virtual program hosted by the Irvine Nature Center. Discover the clever stories that reveal how Baltimore is becoming more “birdy!” From patio gardens and Audubon’s Habitat Canoe to pocket parks and public spaces, communities are growing our city for the birds. While people have long been the source of environmental problems, they are also full of creative solutions. Susie Creamer, director of Patterson Park Audubon Center, will discuss the surprising diversity of avian species and ground-level answers to keeping the birds in “Bird Town.” $20. Preregistration required. explorenature.org

19 Friday

MARYLAND DAY WEEKEND March 19–21. This year’s Maryland Day Celebration features new experiences, both in-person and virtual. The Celebration is a three-day weekend full of great family activities surrounding this year’s “Better Together” theme. marylandday.org. See more on page 27.

PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II March 19–21. In honor of Maryland Day, Maryland’s renowned tall ship, Pride of

Baltimore ll will be docked at City Dock Susan Campbell Park in Annapolis for the weekend! Learn about the history of Baltimore Clippers and Pride ll, and hear what it’s like to sail a tall ship today. pride2.org

20 Saturday

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL March 20–April 11. This year the festival will be presented in an innovative format that honors the tradition of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Check website for the full schedule. Various venues, Washington, D.C. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

NATIVE FLOWERS FOR EARLY SPRING GARDENING Nature needs native plants. Columbine, spicebush, and the sweetest strawberries you’ve ever tasted! These are just a few of the native flowers we will explore. Participants will meet 10+ featured flowers and learn about each plant’s “personality” and their role in the ecosystem. This online workshop is designed for adults, ages 16 and up. 10 a.m.–noon with Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. jefpat. maryland.gov

ANNAPOLIS RESTAURANT WEEK March 20–28, participating Annapolis restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for you to enjoy. You can indulge in a two-course breakfast, two-course lunch or three-course dinner. Some restaurants even have bonus specials! Reservations are recommended

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M ARCH 2021

calendar | march as this is a popular week to dine out. downtownannapolispartnership.org

Zoo animals, special keeper chats, unlimited photo opportunities, and great takeaway gifts to remember the early morning experience. $60–$70 per person, under age 2 free. Includes Zoo admission. 8:30–10 a.m. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. marylandzoo.org

21 Sunday

NATURE WALK OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Join the staff of the Chesapeake Children’s Museum to learn how nature aided in escapes from slavery in Maryland’s history. 1 p.m. $1 per person. Preregistration requested. Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

ARTFEST ArtFest is a celebration of the arts at Maryland hall. Enjoy outdoor activities with inspiring Teaching Artists, an ArtReach Film Festival celebrating the diverse stories of our community created by our talented youth and art exhibitions. 1–4 p.m. Free. Maryland Hall, Annapolis. marylandhall.org

24 Wednesday

CREATE YOUR OWN PUPPETS Teaching and performing artist Penny Russell will show older kids and adults how to create simple puppets and teach you how to use them over Zoom or FaceTime to delight your faraway younger relatives. Register for this virtual program to reserve a spot in this one-hour class and pick up a DIY puppet kit at Glen Burnie Library. Hosted by the Anne Arundel County Public Library. aacpl.librarycalendar.com

25 Thursday

PARENT & ME, MORNING SPRING SESSION Hosted by the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum. Enjoy time in nature and explore plants and animals in springtime: flowers, birds, frogs, planting seeds, and more. Lots of hands-on activities and fun! Dress for the weather as class is held outside. 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3–5 with parent. $30 per child. Registration required. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Catonsville. facebook.com/events/116840453670183

27 Saturday

BREAKFAST WITH THE PENGUINS AT THE MARYLAND ZOO Buy tickets early as this event sells out! This VIP experience lets guests get up close and personal with their favorite animals and the keepers who care for them. The series includes al fresco dining experience next to

VIRTUAL PET SHOW AND TELL Do you have a pet that has special talents? Showcase your pet at our first virtual Pet Show & Tell. This event is open to all ages—kids, teens and adults. 10:30–11:30 a.m. pre-register for link. Hosted by the Edgewater Library. aacpl.librarycalendar.com

28 Sunday

SPRING HAS SPRUNG TRAIL ADVENTURE AND EGG HUNT Enjoy spring-themed activities, games or fun, nature interpretation stations. End your adventure with an egg hunt in our Nature Place. All participants must register in advance for a time slot, times will be between 9 a.m and 2:30 p.m. $7–$10. Ages 4 and up. No online registration, call 410-313-0400 to reserve your spots. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. howardcountymd.gov/Robinson

Looking for a summer camp? Our NEW Camp Directories are ready for you to discover the best camp for your kids. X X X X X X The new COMPARE option will allow you to see your favorite camps side by side. Search for your camp by ages, type, length and so much more! X X X X X X chesapeakefamily.com/ campdirectory

29 Monday EGG HUNT WEEK

March 29–April 2. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, families will have the opportunity to book a private Easter Egg Hunt at the Hammond-Harwood House! This experience will include a hunt for wooden Easter eggs in the garden of the mansion. Families will have the opportunity to paint and keep the wooden eggs using pictures of collection items with animal designs for inspiration. Preregistration required for a timed entry. $10 per child includes the cost of supplies. Hammond Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org

31 Wednesday ANIMAL SHOW

Summer Camps Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks will announce its 2021 Summer Camps and Child Care Programs in early April. Check back then for program updates and registration links at:

aacounty.org/RecParks

ALL ABOUT RAPTORS Learn about their behavior, habitat, what they eat and how they hunt. This program will take place at the Watkins Nature Center’s outdoor amphitheater. Dress appropriately for the weather. 10–11 a.m. $3–$4. Ages 2 and up. pre-register by March 29 by calling 301-6992255. Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro. mncppc.org

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Presorted Std. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 4475

121 Cathedral Street, Suite 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Find us: chesapeakefamily.com

Com e and di scov er! L A U T R VI Free Event

March 16th 6:30 to 8:30 Registration Required

FO R MO RE I NFORMATI ON

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Chesapeake Family Life March 2021

Articles inside

8 Tips For Your New Puppy

Your Lucky Day

5 Million Meals

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