Spring Family Fun Guide 2023

WELCOME!

We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of our Family Fun Guide, tailored specifically for you. Our Spring magazine is jam-packed with exciting and informative content that we are confident will be of great interest to you.

In this edition, we have included a delicious recipe for a homemade crunchy mushroom wrap that is sure to become a family favorite. We also have a comprehensive Summer Camp Guide, packed with information on the best camps in the Omaha area and tips on how to choose the right one for your child.

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and clean environment, and that's why we have included 8 tips to rethink clean, with

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advice on how to create a safe and healthy home for your family.

In addition, we have an article on How to Help Children Build a Growth Mindset, which will provide you with the tools and resources you need to support your child's development and encourage a positive outlook on life. And for a bit of fun, we have included a word search that is sure to keep your little ones entertained.

We are proud to be a trusted source of information for families in Omaha and beyond, and we thank you for your continued support. We hope that this edition of our magazine will bring you joy and inspiration as you navigate the exciting journey of parenting.

DISCLAIMER:

©2023 Family Fun in Omaha, All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions, or changes since publication. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher.

8TIPS TO RETHINK CLEAN AT HOME AND ON THE GO

(Family Features)

For years, terms like “clean,” “sanitized” and “disinfected” have been used almost interchangeably. However, if people have learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it actually is.

From high-touch surfaces to personal hygiene, many have focused more on the cleanliness of their homes and the businesses they visit amid the pandemic. In fact, roughly 3 in 5 Americans (57%) are more concerned about the cleanliness of businesses they frequent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an online survey of 2,504 adults in the United States commissioned by ISSA and conducted by YouGov. Further, more than half (56%) have thought about how clean a business or public space is during the past two years more than ever before.

To help explain what “clean” means and shine a light on the importance of proper cleaning, the worldwide cleaning industry association launched “Rethink What Clean Means,” a first-ofits-kind campaign to educate the public and support businesses in elevating their standard of clean.

Consider these tips from the global experts on clean to help ensure you feel at ease both at home and in public spaces.

AT HOME

• When cleaning, wear gloves and do not touch your face (mouth, nose, eyes) with your hands. Gloves can help reduce the risk of infecting yourself with bacteria on the surfaces you’re cleaning and protect skin from the chemicals in cleaning supplies that could cause rashes or other irritation.

• Use cleaning products according to their directions for the most effective results. Be sure to account for the “dwell time” needed for a product to be effective after being applied. Many cleaning agents and disinfectants require time to sit on the surface to activate rather than being rinsed or wiped off immediately. Always keep cleaning products out of the reach of children.

• Consider using microfiber cloths, which can remove 99.9% of bacteria on hard surfaces due to their electrostatic properties. To help prevent cross contamination, use colorcoded cloths for different jobs

and wash microfiber cloths with other microfiber items only to maintain their cleaning power.

• Before using disinfecting products, clean soiled surfaces. For example, use a general-purpose cleaner to clean a tabletop before applying disinfectant according to the instructions on the product label.

• Frequently wipe down handles and other ofttouched surfaces like remote controls and light switches with disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth sprayed with a cleaner or disinfectant to help reduce the spread of germs.

ON THE GO

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Dry your hands with paper towels or automatic dryers to help prevent the spread of germs. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer on-hand for times when soap and water are not available.

• When traveling, use surface disinfecting wipes to disinfect high-touch surfaces, like armrests and tray tables, as they can easily pass germs between travelers.

CLEAN TRAVEL TIP:

Businesses with third-party cleaning accreditations like the GBAC STAR FACILITY ACCREDITATION uphold the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention to protect public health.

• Look for businesses and public places committed to rethinking clean by displaying the Rethink Clean insignia. Additionally, seek out facilities that hold third-party cleaning accreditations like the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, which means they uphold the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention to protect public health.

Learn more about cleaning to the highest standards at RethinkClean.org.

ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY 14, 2023

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha lauritzengardens.org

SEA what’s happening at:

UPCOMING EVENTS

• March 11 at 10 a.m.* | Family Workshop: "Shamrock" Houseplant

• March 18 at 10 a.m.* | Washed Ashore Community Clean-up Event

• April 1 through 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Easter Extravaganza

• April 15 at 10 a.m.* | Family Workshop: Upcycled Blue Jean Bag

• April 27 at 10:30 a.m. | Read and Grow: A Sea Life Shell-a-bration

• May 13 at 10 a.m.* | Family Workshop: Sea Turtle Clock

• May 25 at 10:30 a.m. | Read and Grow: The BUZZ on Bees

• May 29 through August 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.*

Summer Adventure Camp - nature-based camps for ages 5-12

*pre-registration is required

Looking for fun at a variety of Summer Camps in Omaha?

Create, discover, explore, perform, play, and make memories this summer with many Omaha Area Summer Camps!

Summer camps are a great way to keep your kids active, having fun, and learning while school is out of session.

From Art Camps to Specialty Camps and themes for every age and interest, you are sure to find one for your kids.

Be sure to visit the online guide, too, where you can search by Type of Camp, Age of Campers, and Week of Camp!

Browse through this updated guide to find the perfect Summer Camp for your kids!

100 Bancroft Street Omaha

Exciting adventures await campers 5-12 years old! Lauritzen Gardens is a giant outdoor learning lab, where hands-on experiences in nature and outdoor activities are supplemented with crafts, games, snacks, and in-class lessons. Choose from six full-day camps with fun themes that connect children to nature, build life skills, and foster an appreciation for the environment.

Featured Listing Featured Listing

Two convenient locations: 20th & Farnam and 120th & Center

Spend a Summer in the spotlight at The Rose! Camps for ages 3-18 in drama, dance, musical theater, voice, acting and theater skills! Grow as a performer, learn new skills, expand your creativity and have the time of your life! Enroll TODAY at www.rosetheater.org!

LAURITZEN GARDENS SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP

THE ROSE THEATER SUMMER CAMPS

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS CAMP

Multiple Locations

Amazing athletes is a multi sport program for kiddos ages 2-8 years old. Each camp is action packed with 8 different sports, games and fun activities.

Come join us at Barreras Family Farm this summer for hands-on learning and outdoor fun! Campers, ages 3-15, can explore the farm with our 1/2 day or weeklong camp themes. Help take

care of the farm animals, or experience our adventure camps including survival, predators, pioneering, and mommy & me. And our Farming with STE+AM camp takes farming to the next level!

AND CLASSES

Multiple Locations

PARENTS! Are you looking for an activity for your child that is positive, safe, and encourages development? Sign up at Bloom for summer dance

camps or weekly classes!

• Ages 3 - Adults

• Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Musical Theater + more!

• Three Locations: Northwest Omaha (Blondo), Southwest Omaha (Oakview) & Elkhorn

Join us at Bloom this summer!

14449 F. St. Omaha

BARRERAS FAMILY FARM

BLOOM DANCE STUDIO SUMMER DANCE CAMPS

BLUEJAY SUMMER CAMP

Creighton University - 2500 California Plz, Omaha

Campers from grades 1-5 are invited to register for one or more sessions for days filled with indoor and outdoor games and sports, swimming excursions, museum and zoo visits, nature walks,

arts and crafts, and much more!

Campers will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from Creighton students, faculty, and staff from various departments and fields of study.

MAC

Camp at the MAC is a sports camp for kids! Our goal is to teach kids the fundamentals of multiple sports in a fun and safe environment! Kids will be grouped by age and run through age-appropriate drills, activities, and games for each sport. Days will consist of lessons, games, snack/lunch, and other fun activities!

CAMP LEGACY

6860 N. 166th Ave, Omaha

Situated on 11 acres in Bennington, NE, Camp

Legacy offers week-long day camps for children K-6th grade (Upper Camp).

Activities include: swimming, arts & crafts, team building, cooking, sports, and MUCH MORE!

Maple Athletic Complex - 4718 N 120th Street, Omaha

CAMP AT THE

CREIGHTON PREP SUMMER CAMPS

Creighton University - 2500 California Plz, Omaha

Whether you want to help your child develop an existing skill or explore something entirely new, Creighton Prep Summer Camps offer the perfect opportunity. Designed for boys and girls from

kindergarten through ninth grade, camps meet daily. With morning and afternoon sessions, you can select multiple camps to attend. Visit www. CreightonPrep.org/camps to learn more!

801 S 10th Street, Omaha

What's a great way to inspire young minds and give them a summer of fun? Summer camps at

The Durham Museum, of course! Choose from a wide range of camp themes including science, construction, wizards and more! Half-day and full-day programs are available for 1st-5th graders. (Please note these are the grade levels your child will be entering in the 2023-2024 school year.)

DURHAM MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP

SAY HELLO TO SUMMER!

2023 YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP

New experiences, skill-building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships are all an integral part of YMCA Summer Day Camp.

Weekly themed activities allow campers to create arts & crafts, explore science & technology, swim, appreciate nature, and better understand our many cultures.

Campers will build their self-confidence, appreciate teamwork and sportsmanship, all while gaining independence as they nurture their spirits, challenge their minds, and strengthen their bodies. Kids will explore diverse interests and have a lot of fun along the way!

Camps fill up fast...don’t wait!

REGISTER NOW!

2023 First Place

FONTENELLE FOREST SUMMER CAMPS

Multiple Locations

Experience a wild summer outdoors at Fontenelle Forest, just minutes from downtown Omaha. Campers ages 3 to 15 will explore the outdoors

through positive and fun nature-based activities designed to teach your child to love nature. With a variety of camp themes and activities, there is something for everyone! Register early to save your child's spot!

KINDERMUSIK - MUSIC AND MOVEMENT CAMPS!

Sing into summer as we explore instruments galore and so much more! Each class includes activities to support your child's musical, socialemotional, large-motor, fine-motor, cognitive, and literacy skills. Agespecific classes are available for kids ages 6 months - 10 years. Ukulele Camp, too! Travelling? It's ok with our flexible make-up policy during our summer session!

MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY - ROCK 'N' PALOOZA & HAPPY FEET

Multiple Locations

Rock 'n' Palooza runs Mon - Fri in June & July at Countryside Village and Benson Theatre. Happy Feet runs Saturdays in June & July at Countryside Village.

Explore the music of great rock bands! Explore acting through improvisation and scene work! Get messy and create outside the box through drawing and painting! These camps explore it all!

11802 Pacific St, Omaha

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS SUMMER EXPLORATION

Multiple Locations

Metropolitan Community College offers College for Kids and College for Teens courses that bring fun and learning to children ages 3-18. Kids and teens can take classes that focus on art, culinary, engineering, science, robotics, STEM and more. Courses are offered at multiple locations within Omaha and our four county service area.

NEBRASKA DANCE

Multiple Locations

Nebraska Dance offers Summer Camps for age 3 through 5th grade. Our 3-day camps are offered M/W/F, with options at our West location in June and Central location in July. Camps include

dancing, crafts, snacks and tons of fun! Boutique Ballet will be performing "Dorothy Meets the Wizard". This 5 day session meets M-F with a special show for families on Friday evening.

OMAHA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & DANCE SUMMER CAMPS

14505 California St, Omaha

FULL DAY camps filled with fun to keep your children busy during summer break!

We will teach your child SEVERAL different styles of dance and will provide a camp t-shirt, morning and afternoon snack, and crafts. They will learn a dance routine or Musical Theater number and on the last day of camp, each group will have a performance for friends and family to come watch!

QUEST FORWARD ACADEMY SUMMER

EXPLORATIONS CAMPS

2810

N 118th Street, Omaha

Fun, one-week courses at "The Forward-Thinking High School" designed to spark curiosity and build skills for current and/or upcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. We have seven exciting, four-day courses to choose from: Outdoor Education, Geology & Archaeology, Entrepreneurship, Crime Scene Forensics & Psychology, Film Making, Graphic Design/Marketing, and Robotics.

QUEST FORWARD ACADEMY SUMMER EXPLORATIONS CAMPS

2810 N 118th Street, Omaha

Come sign up for Summer Exploration. Quest Forward Academy is hosting its summer camp where student will be able to engage with up to seven camps.

SING OMAHA competitions. This affords us the opportunity to meet each student at their current level of development to help them improve their abilities through focused instruction and performance in a low-pressure environment.

Multiple Locations

Our summer show choir camps are preparatory/ growth experiences for students. Unlike curricular show choirs in schools, we are not preparing for

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS SUMMER CAMP

17114 S 63rd St, Papillion

Kangaroos, Parrots & Lizards oh my! Meet real animal ambassadors while learning about wildlife conservation, zookeeping, animal careers & animal care! Miles of hiking trails,

swimming pool with lifeguards, nature center & more!

14917 E Park Hwy, Louisville

Staying at an overnight summer camp is one of the most fun and positive growth activities a child or teen can participate in. We invite your child to join us at YMCA Camp Kitaki for

both exciting and relaxing activities such as archery, campfires, zip lining, canoeing, and crafts...all while building life skills, character, friendships, and a lifetime of memories!

Multiple Locations

YMCA Day Camps offer kids aged 5-12 years* a fun, safe & engaging environment where they will find friends & a sense of belonging & accomplishment. With a focus on closing

the summer achievement gap, parents can rest easy knowing your child is learning every day, all while having a great time. Camps fill up quickly, so don't wait!

*Must have completed kindergarten.

BE SURE TO VISIT THE ONLINE GUIDE, TOO, WHERE YOU CAN SEARCH BY TYPE OF CAMP, AGE OF CAMPERS, AND WEEK OF CAMP!

YMCA CAMP KITAKI

YMCA DAY CAMP

CRUNCHY MUSHROOM WRAP TO SAVE YOUR GROCERY BUDGET

(Family Features)

If the prices of your favorite ingredients have you dreading the next trip to the grocery store, finding ways to stretch your budget can help you feel better at the checkout counter.

One such way: turning to versatile ingredients that help make every dollar count by using them in a variety of your family’s favorite meals. Flavorful options like mushrooms enhance recipes by extending portions when you use a process called “The Blend.” Blending finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat allows you to extend the volume of dishes like burgers, tacos, pasta, wraps and more.

Simply chop your desired mushroom variety to match the consistency of ground meat, blend the chopped mushrooms and meat together then cook your blend to complete the recipe. This Blended Crunchy Mushroom Wrap is a perfect example of an easy yet delicious way to take your grocery budget further.

Visit MushroomCouncil.com for more blended recipe ideas.

BLENDED CRUNCHY MUSHROOM WRAPS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES SERVINGS: 6

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, finely chopped

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

6 burrito-size flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)

1/3 cup nacho cheese sauce

6 tostada shells

sour cream

6 mini soft taco-size flour tortillas (about 4 1/2 inches each)

shredded lettuce

diced tomatoes

shredded Mexican cheese blend

nonstick cooking spray

In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Cook onions 1-2 minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms and ground beef. Cook about 5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning. Cook 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Lay one large flour tortilla on flat surface. Spread 2 tablespoons mushroom-meat mixture on center of tortilla.

Drizzle dollop of nacho cheese over mushroom-meat mixture. Top meat with one tostada shell then spread thin layer of sour cream over tostada shell.

Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded Mexican cheese then one small tortilla. Make sure not to overstuff so wrap doesn’t break apart while cooking. Fold edges of large tortilla toward center until completely covered.

In hot skillet, generously spray with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place wrap seam side down on skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Flip and cook other side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining mushroommeat mixture, tortillas and toppings. Cut wraps half and serve.

Image Source: Popcorn Board

Recipe & image courtesy of the Mushroom Council

BEST PLACES FOR HIKING WITH KIDS

The Fall offers perfect weather to explore the outdoors and go on a hiking or walking trail in the Omaha Area!

***Please Note: Some of the hiking paths and trails or nearby buildings may not be open at this time, or the times open may be adjusted. It is recommended to verify details before visiting. Please make sure you are following recommended social distancing practices while you are out.

FONTENELLE FOREST

Location: 1111 Bellevue Boulevard N.

Bellevue

Admission Cost. Memberships available.

Trails, boardwalk, children’s play areas, special programming and classes throughout the year.

HERON HAVEN

Location: 11809 Old Maple Rd., Omaha

Cost: Free. Donations welcome.

Heron Haven is a spring-fed wetland sanctuary with trails and special programming throughout year, including family-friendly 2nd Saturday events.

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER

Location: 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA

Cost: Park Permit Required.

Picturesque area full of hiking trails, an observation tower, Visitors Center, and fun special events.

OPPD ARBORETUM

Location: 108th & Blondo

Cost: Free

The OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area where you can walk along paved pathways. Perfect for the younger children or with strollers.

PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK

Location: 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE

Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

SCHRAMM PARK

Location: 15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE

Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center (admission charged) and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs.

FIND MORE IDEAS FOR HIKING NEAR OMAHA HERE:

FAMILYFUNINOMAHA.COM/HIKING-WALKING-TRAILS-OMAHA-AREA/

10. Where a bird lays its eggs.

12. A brief period of rain.

13. First month of Spring.

15. A day for playing tricks.

16. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.

15

DOWN

1. Fourth month of the year.

2. A small accumulation of water.

3. Not cold or hot.

5. Drops of water that fall from clouds.

7. The day kids hunt for eggs.

9. A Spring flower.

11. The season after winter.

14. Mother's Day is celebrated this month

HOW TO HELP CHILDREN BUILD A GROWTH MINDSET

Anew year is a perfect time to consider the habits

you want to keep and the ones you’d like to develop. One resolution to consider is helping your children develop a growth mindset this year.

“We know one of the greatest boosts to parents’ confidence over the past year came from knowing their children’s whole selves are being nurtured, and

we want to see that trend continue,” said Carter Peters from KinderCare Learning Center’s education team. “A growth mindset helps children try new things despite fear of failure. It’s the kind of thinking that allows inventors and creative thinkers to get excited about trying something new and ensures they have the cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills to work through hurdles.”

Adults can often easily spot when children are engaged in creative thinking and prideful of their work, but that confidence may be lost as failures turn into insecurities. By nurturing a growth mindset and showing children they can learn and develop new skills in any area, it better sets them up for longterm success.

Consider these three tips to help children build a growth mindset:

PRAISE EFFORT:

It’s easy to fall into the habit of praising successes. However, praising effort encourages children to try new things without the fear of failing. It also teaches children personal growth and achievement are possible, even if their overall effort wasn’t a success.

“Young children often get excited to try something new,” Peters said. “By praising effort and showing children they’ll still be loved and valued despite the outcome, you can reframe how they approach challenges and teach them that difficult doesn’t mean impossible.”

ENCOURAGE THE PROCESS:

People often withhold praise until there’s a result, which leads children to hurriedly scribble a picture to hold up for a “good job” instead of taking time to focus on their efforts. When children know adults will encourage them during the process, instead of only upon the achievement, they’re more likely to try new things or master a new skill.

For example, try providing encouragement such as, “I can see you’re focused on drawing that tree. It looks so lifelike because you’re putting so much thought into what you’re doing.” Once their project is finished, continue the encouragement by hanging up their artwork or school projects in a prominent place.

MODEL A GROWTH MINDSET:

You can model a growth mindset for children by narrating your actions when you are facing a challenge: “I am having a difficult time putting this shelf together, but it’s OK. I’ll take a break then read the instructions again.”

Remove negative words from your vocabulary, such as “I can’t” or “I’m stupid.” Even when you are joking, children may not be able to tell the difference. You can also ask your children to join you in problem-solving. Take time to hear their ideas and try them even if you think they won’t work. This not only supports the development of their growth mindset, but the quality time and encouragement reinforces their sense of self-worth and builds confidence.

For more tips to help children develop a growth mindset, visit kindercare.com.

WOODBROOK ELEMENTARY PTO

If you are a Woodbrook Elementary parent, community member or friend and you would like to become a sponsorfor our school, we would love to have your support. Funds raised through sponsorships will benefit various programs provided by the Woodbrook Elementary PTO.

BRONZE LEVEL SILVER LEVEL

GOLD

PLATINUM

LEVEL $400 $1,000 $2,000 $3,500

BENEFITS

PTO Website & Social Media Exposure

Ad Space in Yearbook

Logo on Fall Fundraiser and Spring

Carnival T-Shirts

PTO Newsletter Acknowledgement

Appearance in Thank You Sign at School

BENEFITS

PTO Website & Social Media Exposure

Medium Ad Space in Yearbook

Logo on Fall Fundraiser and Spring Carnival T-Shirts

Activity Sponsor at Fall and Spring School Wide Events

PTO Newsletter Acknowledgement

Appearance in Thank You Sign at School

(1) Feature in PTO Newsletter

LEVEL

BENEFITS

PTO Website & Social Media Exposure

Large Ad Space in Yearbook

Logo on Fall Fundraiser and Spring Carnival T-Shirts

Activity Sponsor at Fall and Spring School Wide Events

PTO Newsletter Acknowledgement

Appearance in Thank You Sign at School

(1) Feature in PTO Newsletter

(4) Complimentary Passes to Fall, Winter and Spring School Wide Events

BENEFITS

PTO Website & Social Media Exposure

Large Ad Space in Yearbook

Logo on Fall Fundraiser and Spring

Carnival T-Shirts

PTO Newsletter Acknowledgement

Appearance in Thank You Sign at School

(1) Feature in PTO Newsletter

(4) Complimentary Passes to Fall, Winter and Spring School Wide Events

(1) VIP Tent at Fall and Spring School Wide Event

Community-Wide Exclusive Event Sponsor

Name ___________________________ Phone # ______________________ Email ________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

Sponsorship Donation Level : Platinum ___________ Gold ____________ Silver __________ Bronze _________

If you would like to provide a donation to support the efforts of the Woodbrook Elementary PTO, please fill out the below form with your information. Complete form along with a check made payable to Woodbrook Elementary PTO. Online Instructions please visit the Woodbrook PTO website.

FIND MANY MORE IDEAS OF THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING HERE: