SummerFamilyFunGuide2018

Summer Family Fun Guide A supplement to the Daily Journal

2018 Edition

Happy Campers

Off We Go!

How to find the right day camp

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect summer trip

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Traveling With Pets Stay-Safe Tips For Kids Fun at the Pool, Library and Park

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 яБо

PAGE A2 SUMMER FUN

Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

SUMMER FUN  PAGE A3  Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Happy Campers

How to keep your child safe and smiling at day camp

By CAROLINE FOSSI CTW Features

As the school year winds down, it’s time to start making summer plans. For many families, that means scouting out day camp options for the kids.

Besides keeping little ones occupied during the long summer stretch, day camps offer young people the chance to learn new skills, sharpen talents, make friends, practice problem solving and gain independence.

“Camp is really part of lifelong learning,” said Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), a national nonprofit that works to preserve and improve the camp experience.

But with so many choices available, how can you pick the right one for your child? Here are some tips from camp experts for planning a successful day camp experience: Explore your options. If you’re new to the day camp world, investigate what’s available in your

area. In most communities, you’ll find summer offerings from a wide range of sources, including local recreation departments, schools, churches, museums, and businesses such as dance, theater or karate studios. Talk to friends, co-workers and other trusted sources to find out their favorites.

“Even though (camp) is an old tradition, there’s always something new that’s happening,” said John

Duntley, senior camping specialist with the YMCA of the USA, one of the nation’s largest camp providers.

These days, he said, there are day camps available for every interest under the sun, from traditional outdoor sessions with games and nature exploration, to camps catering to sports enthusiasts, science fans or budding artists.

Older kids might consider attending camps focused on real-world skills, college prep or career exploration. Take, for example, Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C., where campers ages 12-17 can learn everything from culinary techniques, to the art of filmmaking, to how to manage a budget. The public community college also offers camps for younger kids.

Trident Tech plans its summer courses based on input from local families and business professionals, with the goal of “engaging kids’ minds,” said Katherine Jackson, the school’s youth program manager.

See CAMPERS / Page 4

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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Campers Continued From Page 3 Do your research. Once you’ve got a general idea of your community’s camp landscape, it’s time to narrow your choices. Peruse local camp websites and catalogs with your child to see which ones fit his or her interests and age range, and your family’s schedule and budget.

“Parents need to decide what will be in the best interest of their child,” said Duntley of the YMCA. Will your kid thrive at a camp with a singular focus, such as a tennis or robotics camp, or would she be happier sampling many different activities throughout the day?

If your children will be attending multiple weeks of day camp, you’ll want to decide whether to stick with one camp provider throughout the summer, or to try out different camps around town. If you’re sticking with one location, make sure the itinerary varies from week to week so the kids don’t get bored. Even specialty camps should have some variety built into the day, experts say.

Many camps offer half- or full-day options, and some have extended morning or evening hours to meet the needs of working parents.

Once you’ve got your top camp picks, find out sign-up dates and mark your calendar for the day registration opens. Many camps start enrollment in late winter or early spring, and popular spots fill up fast.

If you’re worried about camp costs, ask about financial aid. Many camps offer need-based scholarships, a sliding scale or a payment plan, Rosenberg said.

Play it safe. Whatever camp you

choose, kids’ safety should be a top priority.

Oversight and regulation of camp operations vary significantly from state to state, according to the ACA. In some places, the state health department oversees camps, while in others, counties or cities manage licensing and permitting.

The American Camp Association vets camps through a voluntary accreditation process. Parents can check the organization’s website for a list of ACA-accredited camps that have met a strict set of standards for safety and quality.

To learn more about a particular camp’s safety practices and philosophy, check its website or make an appointment with the director before summer sessions start. Ask about hiring and training practices and the camper to counselor ratio. If campers will be swimming, research the camp’s water safety procedures. If field trips are on the agenda, find out how many adults will be on the bus, in addition to the driver.

Plan ahead and partner up. Kids who are naturally anxious or new to day camp can ease jitters by visiting the campsite and meeting staff in advance. Many camps hold open houses or orientations where caregivers and campers can ask questions and check out the location.

To further soothe fears, enlist a friend to enroll in camp with your child.

Most camp organizers will try to accommodate “buddy requests” and place pals in the same group.

Once camp starts, be sure to talk to your child about his experiences.

Scan the camp itinerary for conversation starters, like: “What did you make during craft time today?”

Communication with camp personnel is also key to a positive camp experience. Alert the director if your child has dietary restrictions, allergies or a medical condition. If your little one

is anxious or simply had a rough morning, let counselors know she might need some extra attention.

Don’t hesitate to give feedback to staff, whether it’s a concern or a compliment, Rosenberg said. “They want to be your partner.” © CTW Features

By MARLA R. MILLER CTW Features

Summer is the season of fun-filled days, carefree nights, beaches, boating, vacations, backyard bonfires and barbecues.

It often means long, lazy days lounging at the pool, playing in the water, and enjoying the great outdoors while camping or visiting the lake cottage. But it’s also fraught with potential hazards: too much heat or sun, pesky, disease-carrying insects, and waterrelated accidents.

Staying safe while enjoying family fun comes down to common sense, lathering on the sunscreen and insect repellent, and staying vigilant around water.

Going out in the sun for a prolonged period without any sort of sunblock is a big no-no. A sunburn is a real burn and has the same effect on the skin as being burned with scalding water, said Dr. Marc Leavey, a primary care physician for over 40 years at Lutherville Personal Physicians, a Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

A first-degree burn is reddening of the skin, and second-degree burns can result in blisters.

Consider the strength of the sun, as well as how many hours you plan to be outdoors when buying and applying sunscreen. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, stands for a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin.

Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher protect against UVB, which

is the chief culprit behind sunburn. If it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start turning red, an SPF 15 sunscreen should prevent reddening 15 times longer – about five hours, according to skincancer.org.

It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and apply sunscreen before putting on a bathing suit or clothing to ensure all areas of the body are covered. Babies have highly sensitive skin, both to the chemical ingredients in sunscreen and the sun’s rays, and should be kept covered.

Remember the tops of feet, ears, nose, lips and even the head can get burned, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after

sweating, swimming or a day of sightseeing, Leavey said.

Beach umbrellas may provide shade, but don’t rely on them as a means of sun protection because the sun’s rays can still reflect off the water and sand. The sun also can penetrate lightweight clothing. Leavey warns that eye protection is equally important because the sun can also burn the eyes, so pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses in your beach bag.

Check the UV index for the day, and don’t forget the sun is stronger in places like the Caribbean and Florida and higher elevations like Colorado and Arizona, Leavey said. Too much sun exposure leads to wrinkles and premature aging, but the biggest con-

cern over the long haul is developing skin cancer. People who had regular or severe sunburns as children should visit a dermatologist annually to check for sunspots, pre-cancerous lesions and melanoma.

“Make friends with a dermatologist to make sure you’re checked on a regular basis,” Leavey said. “If you really want a nice tan, do a spray on. That’s safe, that’s fine, and the good ones can look really good.”

There are several heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps, which can lead to delirium, organ damage and even death. The people most at risk are young children, elderly people, pets, people who work outdoors or have heart and circulatory problems.

Heatstroke can happen when the body gets overheated, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous activity during peak hours, find some shade and take regular breaks when working outside, exercising, at sports practice or even gardening and mowing the lawn.

“If it’s very humid, your body can’t cool properly and you’re more prone to become overheated,” Leavey said.

“It’s all a matter of appreciating your surroundings, paying attention to the temperature, the humidity, if there’s a wind or not. Be aware of yourself and your own limitations.”

Children, pets, and grandma and grandpa should be monitored and under no circumstances left in a hot car,

See SAFETY / Page 14

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SUMMER FUN  PAGE A5  Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Staying Safe While Enjoying Family Fun

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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Let’s Go On Vacation leave the house by 3:30 a.m., get up at 2:45 a.m.) they realize they will start the trip exhausted.”

While you are planning, plot what you will also do in case you are separated at an amusement park.

“Talk to your kids about where to go or how to find an employee if you get separated,” says McLaren.

“Also, if you are visiting Walt Disney World, for example, use a permanent marker to put your phone number on the inside of the MagicBands in case of emergencies.”

By LISA IANNUCCI CTW Features

Whether you’re planning a spring break road trip with the kids to an amusement park or a flight to an all-inclusive island resort, it’s exciting to think about a trip with the family. You are anxious to create a getaway where you’ll make memories you’ll remember for a lifetime.

The reality is that traveling with the family can bring about many challenges from packing everything you’ll need to keeping kids entertained on the road and handling everyone’s expectations of fun.

Here are some tips to help make your trip a smooth and happy one.

1. Let kids help to plan

“Give them choices of activities to do during the trip,” says Carrie McLaren, founder of Carrie on Travel. “Offer up options like zip lining or museums, rafting or guided tours – they may surprise you with their decisions.”

3. Keep ‘em entertained 2. Plan carefully

Think carefully when making all your flight arrangements. “Many clients are excited to tell me they found a great 6 a.m. flight, so they will land by 9 a.m. and have a full day to start exploring,” says Sandy Nussbaum, EZDis by Instant Impressions Travel Services. “When I walk them through the logistics (6 a.m flight, arrive at airport by 4 a.m.,

Whether you are driving or flying, you don’t want to hear “Are we there yet?” all the way to your destination. To prevent this grating question from being asked, it’s best to have some entertainment on hand. “Books on tape (or better yet, on Audible) can make the miles fly by,” says Sandra Foyt, storyteller and travel photographer and founder of www.GetawayMavens.com. “In our early road trips

See VACATION / Page 14

SUMMER FUN  PAGE A7  Tuesday, June 5, 2018

CAMPING PLANNER JUNE 2018

A Special Supplement to

6 Things to Know About Pitching a Tent Family-Friendly Vacations Campfire Fun For Kids Respecting Wildlife The Various Types of RVs

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6

Things to know about pitching a tent Campfire Fun for

Camping provides the perfect opportunity to get in touch with nature and disconnect from the daily grind. Camping is a timeless tradition forged by cooking over portable stoves, foregoing indoor plumbing and sleeping under the stars.

A 2015 survey from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) said camping attracts people looking for an opportunity to explore the many wonders of the environment. The great outdoors affords people an opportunity to recharge in the peace and quiet of natural surroundings.

Results from the 2017 North American Camping Report found an increasing number of people say they plan to camp more, and camping is helping to add more balance to a personÕs life. Currently, 75 million households in the United States include active campers. Households in western Canada are likely to go camping, and data from Statistics Canada points out that camping rates increase with income.

Although there are many ways to camp, tents are often key components of camping trips. Learning to pitch a tent correctly is an important part of successful camping.

HereÕs how to become a tent-pitching pro.

1. Purchase a freestanding tent. While there are many variations to tent designs and ultralight backpackers may prefer a tarp or another non-freestanding device, tents that are able to stand on their own are easier to set up.

Many tent designs have two poles and fabric that creates a dome shape and are relatively easy and straightforward to set up in just a few minutes.

2. Practice at home. Before arriving at the campsite,

learn to recognize the parts and instructions for your particular tent. Make sure all equipment is present and in working order.

3. Buy a footprint. Many tent floors are sturdy, but campers can always use a little extra protection against the ground. Footprints are essentially a tarp that fits underneath the floor of the tent as an extra layer of protection, advises REI. They should be slightly smaller than the area of the tent.

4. Scope out the tent location.

Avoid sites littered with sticks, stones, roots, or branches. Stay away from low-lying areas that may get soggy in rain storms.

Look for natural windbreaks, and place the tent so the side that has the strongest pole structure is facing the wind.

5. Make it a team effort. Enlist a helper or two to set up the tent.

Ensure all zippers are closed when erecting the tent. Try to push poles through openings instead of pulling on them. Allow for some wiggle room when extending the poles. Guylines should follow the seams of the tent where possible, and lines should be pegged down back to front. Guylines help keep tents sturdy and also keep a rainfly away from the tent body to minimize leakage, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club.

6. Use daylight to your advantage. Set up the tent while it is light outside, and outfit it with anything that will be needed in the middle of the night, such as a lantern and other gear.

Camping is easier when people can erect a tent swiftly and accurately.

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After a long day spent camping or hiking, sitting around a campfire is a great way to unwind. The light from the fire will illuminate the campground enough to set the tone for a relaxed setting in which your and fellow campers can relax.

Before heading to your campsite, check your local camping supply store for special fire crystals that can change the color of your campfire. This will add a new sense of ambiance and entertainment for both adults and children. With your multi-colored fire and group of family and friends, try a few of the following fun activities.

Play Guitar With a little practice and an acoustic guitar, you can be the star of campfire entertainment. Take the time to learn a few chord progressions to impress your friends.

If learning guitar doesn’t come easily to you, check in with your local instrument store about taking lessons. Instructors can teach you the basics of guitar and show you how to piece chords together to play beautiful campfire songs.

Ghost Stories Children will get great enjoyment from

kids

telling spooky stories over a campfire. Be sure to pack a soft-light flashlight for the narrator to shine in their face when it is their turn.

A good rule of thumb is not to make the stories too scary. Younger children might get scared enough to keep them awake all night.

S’mores S’mores are a traditional campfire food containing graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. First, you’ll want to roast a marshmallow to your desired doneness.

Sandwich the marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers. The heat from the hot marshmallow should soften up the chocolate, making this the perfect campfire desert.

Dancing Around a Fire While keeping a safe distance from actual flames, encourage children to dance around the perimeter of the campfire. They will enjoy watching the jumping shadows created from their dance moves.

Sing Campfire Songs Create a playlist of songs your children are familiar with. Lead them in song and welcome the chorus of little voices singing popular campfire songs, creating lifelong memories.

Respecting local

JUNE 2018

Wildlife

When spending time in the wilderness, you are entering the local wildlife’s home. It is important to be courteous to their habitats and learn to hunt responsibly.

Hunting Etiquette Harvesting our own meat has been in practice since the beginning of time. Americans can gain a great sense of pride and accomplishment from hunting.

However, it is imperative to respect the animals who are providing you with food Taking the life of an animal comes with the responsibility of using the entire body for food or other products. You may be surprised at some of the useful items an animal contains that commonly go to waste.

• Bones: Bones are one of the most common waste items yielded by hunted animals. You can use an animal’s bones to make soup stock and can even grind them down to be used for a rich fertilizer.

• Offal: This category includes an animal’s organ meat and entrails. Animal organs are typically packed with nutrients.

The intestines make great casings for homemade sausages.

• Feathers: When hunting feathered animals, save the feathers to create homemade-down pillows.

Respecting Their Home When traveling in the wilderness, people are visitors to animals’ homes. It is important to treat nature like you would a guest’s house.

Never leave behind a mess. Dispose of any trash you produce responsibly, and never leave food on the ground.

Try not to startle animals for picture opportunities or other reasons. They are likely expending their energy looking for food.

Spending extra time avoiding humans takes away from the amount of food they can secure for themselves and their young.

Wild Animal Safety Spending time outdoors can create unexpected confrontations with dangerous predators.

Learn how to keep you and your family safe with these tips from the United States National Park Service: Snakes: When walking through an area with snakes, wear thick gloves and 10-inchtall boots. Never reach into brush piles or rock crevices into which you cannot see.

Bears: Bears should be treated with extreme caution.

Your first instinct might be to run if you meet one, but the bears can consider this a sign of aggression. Experts recommend carrying a commercial grade bear repellent, which is a strong pepper spray, in case of emergencies.

Young animals: Never attempt to rescue a young animal who appears to have been abandoned.

They may have parents watching over

them from a distance, and those parents could see you as a threat and become aggressive.

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SUMMER FUN  PAGE A9  Tuesday, June 5, 2018

CAMPING PLANNER

PAGE 2-3

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PAGE 4

CAMPING PLANNER

The Various Types of

RVs

Vacations are a great way to recharge and get some time away from the daily grind. While many working men and women take one or two vacations per year, recreational vehicle owners can travel more often without breaking the bank.

Recreational vehicles, or RVs, are often referred to as campers or motor homes. Equipped with many amenities, ranging from kitchens to multiple sleeping areas to entertainment spaces, RVs offer many of the comforts of home.

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association says RV ownership is currently at an all-time high. According to Dr. Richard Curtin, RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, 8.9 million households now own an RV. ThatÕs up from 7.9 million in 2005.

Drivers considering buying an RV may have many questions about these increasingly popular vehicles. RVs come in two main types: motorized and towable. Understanding the differences between the two and the various subcategories of RV can help drivers make the most informed decisions when purchasing their RVs. Motorized Motorized RVs are broken down by class, including class A, B and C. The distinction between the classes of RV is based on size.

• Class A: This class of motor home is very large and offers all of the comforts youÕd expect from home. Many people who purchase a class A RV plan to travel all year long.

Slide-outs can expand the living area when parked, and full bathrooms, complete kitchens and more are the norm.

Because of their size, class A RVs tend to be the most expensive and may be more vehicle than many people can afford. Their large size (many look like a bus on the road) can make them difficult to navigate for novices.

• Class B: Class B RVs are often referred to as Òvan conversions.Ó Class B are the smallest, fully enclosed campers available in the motorized category. Living space is limited in these RVs, but economy and versatility make them quite popular. Usually these campers can sleep between two and four people.

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• Class C: Class C RVs are a compromise between types A and B. Class C are mid-sized with a driverÕs compartment similar to a van and a larger box in the back for the living area. Some come with a sleeping bunk above the cab.

Depending on the floor plan, class C campers can sleep up to 10 people.

Towable Towable RVs are another option and can be more affordable because they can be pulled behind your existing vehicle.

• Travel trailers: Travel trailers look similar to traditional motorized RVs but without the driving cab. They can be hitched to the back of a vehicle. Travel trailers are popular because of their versatility. Travel trailers can be ideal for those with limited budgets but the desire to have a selfcontained unit.

• Pop-up: Folding camping trailers, or pop-up trailers, are inexpensive and lightweight. They provide many of the conveniences found in a basic travel trailer but in a smaller size.

• Fifth-wheel: If you own a pickup truck, a fifth-wheel trailer may be good for you. These hitch to the top of the pickup bed and have similar features to a traditional travel trailer.

RVs make great investments for men and women who love the open road. They also are a great way to take the entire family on an affordable and memorable vacation.

Old-fashioned family vacations are a treasured part of many family traditions. Such excursions may be the only time families get to spend any extended time together.

Families have plenty of vacation prospects at their disposal. If this is the year your brood bucks tradition and tries a new vacation destination, explore these familyfriendly possibilities.

• Find a location with hands-on activities. Children may grow bored of simply taking in the sights. Vacations that enable them to “do” instead of just “see” may be more enjoyable. Historic locales may do demonstrations or reenactments of how life was in eras past. Remember to include children in the family activities and give things a try, such as helping paddle a canoe or light a fire on a camping trip.

• Choose places of cultural impact. Family vacations do not need to be limited to riding roller coasters.

Children can learn a lot and take away lasting memories from vacations that open children’s eyes to something new. Visiting a large city, such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or Atlanta, can be a vacation in education.

• Go off the grid. A memorable family vacation does not have to be spent in a the heart of it all. Booking a campsite location and then spending a few days in the great outdoors allows families to get back to nature while enjoying an inexpensive vacation. Families can camp in lodges or basic cabins, or rough it outside in a tent. Some families enjoy the benefits of renting an RV and visiting various campsites on their vacations. Let the activities unfold as you explore different trails and backroads along the way.

Family-vacation season is around the corner. No matter where travelers end up, the ultimate goal should be to have fun, experience something new and spend quality time together with loved ones.

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SUMMER FUN  PAGE A11  Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Everyday Fun, Every Day Craving fun on a budget? Utilize the local library, parks and pool to keep your kids entertained this summer

By LISA IANNUCCI CTW Features

When school’s out, the days seem somehow longer – especially for parents looking to keep their kids occupied.

Keeping your kids entertained for hours doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money on fancy vacations. Instead think local first. There are many local resources right in your own neighborhood that can keep the kids entertained and not put a dent in your budget.

“The local library is one of my absolute favorite places to take advantage of,” says Jennifer Garry, founder of Cuddles and Chaos. “Aside from being a great place to escape to when the weather isn't so great, they have a ton of free programming for kids.

My daughters have done everything from book clubs and pajama story times to science workshops and knitting classes.”

Garry explains that libraries also offer free

and discounted passes to local museums and other attractions, which can make family day trips to the city so much more affordable.

Karen Bannan, owner and founder of NaturalAsPossibleMom.com, signed up for her library's email notifications. “It's great because now I get notifications of new programs right in my inbox and I can click through to sign up for anything I am interested. We also make sure to join the summer reading program and compete to see how many books we can read over the summer.”

You can also park it – at your local park that is. When her kids were smaller, Jen Colucci typed up a list of the local parks to be sure to do a rotation of visits. “We try to go early in the day, before it gets too hot,” says Colucci, co-founder of The Mommy Dash. “We pack plenty of ice water and snacks and sunscreen and let the kids run

See RESOURCES / Page 15

Tuesday, June 5, 2018



PAGE A12 SUMMER FUN

Party In The Back

Design expert, Monica Pedersen, provides 3 tips to plan the perfect outdoor party

If it cools down in the evenings, as it often does where Pedersen lives in suburban Chicago, drape inexpensive throws over chairs and porch rails. That way, “you won’t be rummaging around for extra jackets and sweaters for unprepared guests,” Pedersen says, adding that throws are one-size-fits-all and less likely than an old fleece hoodie to offend anyone’s sense of fashion.

By DAWN KLINGENSMITH CTW Features

At summer barbeques and backyard parties, more often than not the guest of honor is Mother Nature, dressed in her warm-weather finery. But Mother Nature can be uncooperative, so any party with her on the guest list should also include the serenely adaptable Monica Pedersen, if only in spirit, because she brings a Girl Scout’s preparedness along with a gift for scene-setting.

“My favorite thing to do outdoors is push it a bit as far as designing,” says Pedersen, a designer on more than 90 episodes of HGTV’s “Designed to Sell.” “Instead of the super-casual barbecue with paper plates or melamine, I like to bring out the fancier stuff from inside. It definitely adds some magic.”

Pedersen is no perfectionist, though, casually admitting that she once ruined a main course and served her guests frozen lasagna instead. The responsibility of a host is not to create a perfect event, Pedersen says. On the contrary, a good party thrower anticipates that things could go wrong, especially outdoors.

2. Add some glam

1. Be prepared

Outdoor entertaining can be uncomplicated, but don’t expect it to be effortless. Details matter. Provide creature comforts like insect repellent, freestanding floor fans, misters, shade and seating areas.

“Don’t think twice about moving indoor furniture outdoors. It’s a great way to add surprise and comfort to any outdoor party,” Pedersen says.

While gentle breezes are always welcome, they serve as a reminder that paper napkins aren’t a suitable substitute for cloth ones, though the event may be casual. “They blow around and create litter,” Pedersen says.

A former fashion model, Pedersen is fond of fabrics and can identify classic patterns by name, so instead of buying napkins and tablecloths, she prefers to have them sewn.

Dripless, smokeless candles with hurricane shades are the safest bet for outdoors. Clip-on tablecloth weights will prevent the fabric from blowing up like Marilyn Monroe’s skirt. A layer of felt

See BACKYARD / Page 15

By DAWN KLINGENSMITH CTW Features

Vacations are what summers are made for, but with unpredictable gas prices, time constraints and the endangered status of discount airfares, it’s no wonder the “staycation” has become an increasingly popular option. Instead of flying or driving to far-off destinations, many families are opting to spend their vacations in or near their hometowns.

“Sticking close to home makes good sense this year,” says parenting expert and social psychologist Susan Newman, adding that increasing energy costs and hassles associated with air travel aren’t the only compelling reasons to do so. “There’s no need to pack and worry about what favorite toy or stuffed animal you might leave behind.

Often, the big, splashy trips we’re convinced our children will favor aren’t as memorable as doing something simple like picking berries locally and making muffins when you get home.”

Staycations make it easy to lapse into couch-potato mode, so it’s advisable to treat them like regular vacations, which involves planning and structuring each day in advance.

“First, set a budget,” says consumer finance adviser Ethan Ewing, advisory board member and former president of Bills.com, San Mateo, Calif. “Then, decide how far you’re willing to venture from home, and plan from there.”

Your state’s tourism bureau Web site is a good starting point, as well as a jumping-off point from which you can navigate to other sites for additional information and ideas. City tourism departments often issue “passports” for access to local attractions at discounted rates, and you can find additional deals online.

“Before you go to your chosen attraction, do an Internet search for your activity and the word ‘coupon,’” Ewing says. “Many places offer twofor-one, free-lunch, kids-free or percentage-off coupons online. Print them out and bring them along to save.”

Hopping on the staycation bandwagon, hotels have offer one- or twonight packages geared to locals or day-trippers. Checking into a hotel

allows you to enjoy little indulgences, such as spa treatments, poolside lounging and room service.

Pitching a tent in the backyard and sleeping outside provides a sense of “getting away from it all” without the inconveniences of camping or the expense of a hotel.

To get the most out of your staycation, complete household chores beforehand, just as you would if you were leaving town. On the first day, provide each child with a disposable camera for creating “postcards” and scrapbooks later on.

“The best souvenirs from any vacation are its lingering memories,” says Newman, a New Jersey-based author of 15 books on relationships and parenting. “Some of what you do on your staycation, your children will do with their offspring years from now.” © CTW Features

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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Safety Continued From Page 5 said Becky Turpin, director of home and community safety for the National Safety Council.

It’s a growing issue and seems to happen during a change of routine, when parents are distracted or relatives who may not have children or new babysitters transport children during the summer or on vacation.

Turpin suggests people leave their cellphone in the backseat, which also prevents them from looking at it behind the wheel, or keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and move it to the front when the car seat is occupied as a reminder.

Cars should be locked at all times so kids don’t climb in and accidentally lock themselves in. Many people also travel with their pets on vacation, and they can overheat and die in a hot car just as easily as a person.

Turpin said some state parks offer kennels for pet owners to leave their furry friends while they hike or sightsee.

“Children should never be left in a car,” she said. “Cracked windows do not reduce the heat enough to prevent serious injury to pets or children.”

Another thing parents often forget is to model good behavior for their teens and older children, especially if they are supervising younger siblings, by wearing a helmet when bicycling or staying off cellphones in the car and at the pool, Turpin said.

“For water safety, for our young kids, supervision is No. 1,” she said. “That doesn’t mean adults are nearby. It means someone is actively engaged in watching the water.”

It also means being very clear about who is on kid watch and very serious about what it means: no reading, no cellphone use, no drinking.

All activities with wheels – skateboards, scooters and bicycles – should require the use of a helmet regardless of the child’s age, Turpin said. And any head injury, whether that’s on the sports field or a fall in the back-

Beating Bugs Besides being a nuisance, bug bites can cause itching, burning, red bumps, rashes, lethargy, flu-like symptoms and pose the risk of Lyme disease or Zika. If you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, make sure to carry along the DEET and mosquito repellent or wear long pants and sleeves.

Even coastal areas can have bloodsucking bugs like sand flies and no-seeums, so it’s smart to check out any warn-

yard, should be taken seriously. Anything that might bounce the head around can cause a concussion.

“Concussions are a hard one because they can’t be seen,” she said. “It’s really important we take them seriously. We might not see blood. There might not be a loss of consciousness, but they’re very serious.”

When it comes to water safety, common sense rules apply – like no running by a pool or wet deck, no jumping or diving in water when you don’t know the depth, and no operating a watercraft or even swimming under the influence. Anyone who is going to be around water should learn to swim, follow local laws, and wear a life preserver on board a boat or watercraft or while swimming in unknown waters.

“Downing can happen very quickly and it’s very quiet,” Turpin said. “There’s an added level of risk when we’re in open bodies of water from rip tides, currents in rivers and lakes, unexpected drop offs. Children and adults alike can be caught off guard.

“It’s important to talk to teenagers about water safety, about alcohol use, not swimming alone, what can happen because of alcohol use. Setting limits for your teenagers on where they swim, when and who they swim with.”

Pay attention to weather and beach advisories regarding waves and undercurrents.

Respect the water and the rules, whether you’re at a public beach or in a neighbor’s pool.

“People commonly suspend their judgment when they go into these kinds of things,” Leavey said. “It’s just my neighbor’s pool, and they do a belly flop in the shallow end. Here in Maryland, we have lots of people who have swimming pool accidents.

They run on the side of the pool and slip and fall, break something, have a laceration.” © Content That Works

ings from the Department of Natural Resources in the state, beach or park you plan to visit or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for international destinations.

Most bug bites can be treated with overthe-counter medication, antihistamines such as Benadryl or a topical, anti-itch cream. If they start to look more ominous, with pain, swelling or seeping puss, Leavey recommends a trip to the doctor to have it checked out.

Vacation Continued From Page 6 across the USA, we used a Storybook Travels guide to select children’s books and accompanying landmarks.”

McLaren is also a big believer in bringing activity kits for children instead of electronics on your travels. “Just coming prepared with a mini-coloring book, a few crayons and stickers is a great way to occupy kids when they get restless or bored,” she says. “For road trips, bring along an atlas or a guidebook for older kids. Let them be in charge of giving directions on how to get to each destination within your trip. They'll love being a part of the journey and having a responsibility - even if you already know where you are going, just don't tell them.”

4. Create plane exhaustion

If you’re flying to your vacation spot, it’s hard to keep children comfortable for hours on a plane. “Traveling with young children on a plane can be exhausting – for the parents,” says Sandra Foyt, storyteller and travel photographer and founder of www.Getaway Mavens.com. “Help kids get ready for sitting on a plane by arriving at the airport with plenty of time so they can run around, bonus points for traveling through an airport with a playground on site. As for the flight, consider wrapping up small, inexpensive gifts and doling them out as needed. The surprise factor alone can be enough to earn a smile.”

5. Be flexible

Even the most well-laid plans can go awry when a child is cranky, parents are stressed, or some family members are bored with the activities.

“Everyone is out of their element and maybe overstimulated,” says Nussbaum. “Expect a meltdown from each person at some point in the trip, even Mom and Dad.” Before you hit the road, set reasonable expectations, be prepared to make some changes and don’t expect vacation perfection. Nussbaum explained that she used to plan one amazing highlight but when a simple thing like chasing a butterfly was all her daughter talked about, she was disappointed in the trip. “I now remind myself before each trip that the great souvenir I could ever buy is the memories I make with my family,” she says. © CTW Features

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Backyard Continued From Page 15 underneath the tablecloth prevents it from sliding around, protects the tabletop and is easier on the elbows.

For evening events, don’t expect the stars and strands of twinkly white lights to provide sufficient lighting.

“People think about renting chairs, tables and plates but not lighting,” says Pedersen, adding that vendors will even install the rental fixtures.

Paper lanterns will do the trick, but why not dangle a spectacular fixture from a tree branch for a more dramatic effect? That’s just what Pedersen did for an evening graduation party, borrowing two antique chandeliers from a shop owner to brighten the occasion.

3. Run With a Theme

Outdoor parties are ideal for themes. “When you’re doing a theme indoors, you’re kind of fighting the interior design style. Outdoors is more of a blank slate, although you might need to invest in some props to drive the

theme home,” Pedersen says.

Sometimes all that’s needed is a little niche or enclosure, such as a tented area where a signature cocktail is served, and the theme comes to life in a big way. “In an area that’s contained, it’s easier to create the look you’re going for, just one little area that’s really tricked out and theme-y,” Pedersen says.

While all of Pedersen’s ideas make for a nice gathering, she has two common-sense tips that usurp all the others. Most importantly, when entertaining outdoors, always have a backup plan. For a casual gathering with friends and family, that just means making sure there’s enough room inside to accommodate all your guests should inclement weather drive them indoors.

Lastly, “You can never have too much ice,” Pedersen says. “Always have more on hand than you think you’ll need.” © CTW Features

Resources Continued From Page 11 and jump and climb, while we chat and hang in the shade. Some of the parks even have misters and sprinklers to cool you off once that noon suns starts to beat down.”

Check to see if you are close to any National Parks as well. There are more than 400 available to everyone, every day. Some ask for a nominal fee, while others are feefree. The National Parks also offer a junior ranger program for the children.

When it gets too hot and the kids need to cool off, Garry loves to pack them up and heads to the local pool. “I always pack a lunch, drinks and tons of snacks to save money and the kids always find someone to play with,” she says. “I also pack a few toys, such as a play tea set for water tea parties, mermaid Barbies and the card game Spot It for when they need a break from the water.”

You might find some great activities

right in your child’s own school district.

Many school districts offer low-cost and sometimes free continuing education summer programs. “Our kids have done theater camp, cheerleading camp, art camp- even a tie-dye camp,” says Colucci. “These classes run a couple hours a day for about a week and provide a great break from the outdoors.”

Your local tourism board and chamber of commerce are good resources for all things local, so ask them for tips and suggestions as well. © CTW Features

TWO LOCATIONS OF F B A O N R N M E I • Roller • Go Carts Skating • Mini-golf T N • Bumper Cars • Arcade G • Bounce E Games Houses • Bowling R T • Bowling • Bounce O • Mini-golf R Houses • Arcade E N Games Indoor Bumper Boats 90’ Bounce House Skating Rink

Farmington Family Fun Center

(573) 756-6161

765 Weber Rd, Farmington

Bonne Terre Family Fun Center

573-358-5007

111 Old Orchard Rd, Bonne Terre

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 яБо

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