Summer camp
Choose the right one for children It can be difficult to envision warm summer days when the wind is blowing and the rain is falling. However, the winter months are a great time to explore summer camp options. In fact, many camps have strict enrollment timelines that require decisions to be made prior to spring. Attending summer camp has been a tradition in the United States for more than 150 years. Statistics indicate that around 30 million American kids attend summer camp each year. There are many benefits to summer camp. Camp enables children to stay engaged during the summer when there may be limited interaction with school friends. It also gives parents both a safe and viable day care solution during the summer. Summer camp pulls together children from different neighborhoods, social classes and backgrounds, which can make it a good place to meet new people — some of whom may become lifelong friends. Camps also provide a variety of activities that can challenge children to try new things that go beyond their comfort zones. Toddlers
Some children are receptive to the idea of attending summer camp. Others need a little coaxing. But summer camp should never be forced on a child who does not want to go. In such instances, consider local daytime programs that may fill the void instead of programs that require being away from home. Once the decision for summer camp is made, there are some questions to answer. • What are your finances like? Do you have a budget for summer camp? • What size camp do you desire? • Should the camp be co-ed or single sex? • How far do you want your child to travel for summer camp? What are the options in your area? • Are there any camps that have been recommended by friends or family members? • What kinds of activities do your children enjoy? These types of questions will help you narrow down your options. Then you can visit and interview camps to find one that is the
Pr imary
Elementary
Courtesy MCT
Summer camp is a fun way that millions of children spend their summers each year. And for some kids, daytime programs closer to home are a better option.
best fit. When visiting camps, go armed with a checklist of questions. Some of these can include: • What is the philosophy of the camp? • Can you explain a typical day? • What are the types of activities and facilities offered? • What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? • What is the camp’s drug/ alcohol policy? • Does the camp have insurance and security personnel? • What percentage of staff return each year? How are staff Middle
selected and trained? • What do you do in the event of emergencies? There are many different camps available. Some offer a “little bit of everything.” Others cater to academics, sports, specific hobbies or even religious preferences. Don't wait too long to research and sign up for camps because many fill up quite early or have an extensive waiting list. That is why choosing a camp should be part of a winter to-do list. — Metro
About this guide Summer is the time when students are on break and parents wonder how they’ll keep their children active and learning. In the 2012 Camp Guide, you’ll find information about summer camp and day camps, as well as other topics of interest to keep kids healthy and active through the summer.
2012 Summer Dance Camps B a l l e t • Tap • J a z z • H i p - H o p • A d u l t C l a s s e s
Princess Ballerina Camp: 4-6 years Let’s Dance! Beginner’s Camp: 7-9 years Summer Dance Intensive: Level I, Pre-Teen; Level II, Teen
Summer Camp Fun! 6285 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040 www.MontessoriVickery.com 770.310.2998 admissions@MontessoriVickery.com
NOW Enrolling for 2012
PAGE 2 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
2830 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041 www.MontessoriAcademyGeorgia.com 770.205.6277 Admissions@montessoriacademygeorgia.com
R E G I S T E R I N G N OW ! (706) 974-9161 • 258 Beartooth Pkwy, Suite 170, Dawsonville • www.balletetc.org
Easy ways for adults to mentor less fortunate Over the last 12 months, few issues have been more widely discussed than the economy. As the market continued to falter, the unemployment rate continued to rise. As a result, many families were forced to alter their lifestyles in order to get by. One less publicized side effect of the economic downturn had to do with those people who managed to maintain their jobs throughout the year. In many such cases, those people who did hold onto their jobs were often buried with work, the result of laid off coworkers whose work still needed to be done. Such a reality had a ripple effect on many families across the country, as parents were forced to spend more time at the office and less time with their kids. For single-parent homes, that reality has proven especially disheartening. According to the National Mentoring Partnership, more than 17 million young people between the ages of 10 and 18 live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential. While that’s disconcerting, there are ways in which adults looking to help can provide some guidance and support for kids in need.
Open up your business
Many businesses, particularly those that aren’t in retail, might feel as though there is little they can do to help neighborhood kids in need. However, even high schoolers can work as interns, helping in the day-to-day operations of the office while also gaining some insight into how a business is run. Be it a small business or a large corporation, an internship program for high schoolers can make a positive impact on kids who otherwise might not have daily access to adults who care about them.
Consult local religious leaders
Oftentimes, local churches, synagogues or other houses of worship offer programs spanning a wide variety of topics for the local youth. Many times, these religious organizations are in dire need of a helping hand.
Even if it’s only volunteering to speak to kids about business, applying for college or any other advice an adult can offer, it will be appreciated and make a positive impact.
Share expertise
Adults often have hobbies they have been cultivating since their childhood or young adulthood. While they might not realize this or be too modest to admit it, that experience has given them a certain level of expertise that can be valuable to youths. For example, adults who are avid mountain bikers can start a mountain biking club for kids. Chances are, local cycling shops would help fund such a program (more cyclists will eventually be good for business), and adults will still be participating in a favorite hobby, only now they’ll be helping kids while doing it. Opportunities also abound for former athletes who competed at the high school or collegiate level. Volunteer with the local high school, Little League or other youth athletic organizations to put your past experience to good use.
Take children’s friends along on trips
Another easy way to make a positive impact on youths is to invite your children’s friends along for camping trips, jaunts to the beach or a night at the ballpark. Many children from two-parent homes have friends from single-parent homes. Those friends might need another positive adult figure in their life, and inviting them along for any of the aforementioned trips will make your own kids happy and give their friends a fun night out on the town or off at the campsite. To learn more about becoming a mentor, visit the National Mentoring Partnership Web site at www.mentoring. org.
For the newspaper
Taking kids to the beach is one way in which adults can make a positive impact in the lives of children who might otherwise never get the chance to leave their neighborhood.
Come have some fun in the sun!
Improve Your Water Skiing Skills
• Basic Skiing • Trick • Wakeboard
• Slalom • Barefooting • Kneeboarding
Operated by the Barnes family since 1985 Experienced Adult Drivers | Special Teaching Bar for Beginners Maximum 7 Students per Boat | Safe, Quick-learning Methods Used | Private Lessons Available For more information call Sheila Barnes 770-889-2849 www.waterskicamp.net
— Metro CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 3
Breakfast can be exciting Pancake sandwiches, chicken and waffles, egg casseroles — breakfast seems to be inspiring creativity and breaking barriers morning, noon and night. The only challenge the most important meal of the day has is its designated time slot. With morning madness, some days pulling together a delicious, satisfying breakfast can be nothing short of impossible. Easy and delicious one-dish breakfast pudding, strata and casseroles can be made the night before, eliminating the breakfast “scramble.” These hearty meals provide a tasty, warm way to kick-start the day. While we normally think of puddings as dessert, they make a satisfying breakfast that can be customized based on seasonal ingredients and toppings. These puddings feature dairy products
which will help keep your hunger at bay until lunch. Follow these tips for embracing this timeless trend and heating up your mornings.
Make it a habit
Breakfast puddings help start your morning on the right foot by filling your bowl with ingredients found in your recommended daily food groups. According to the USDA, people who miss breakfast often weigh more than those who don’t. Children who eat breakfast have shown improvement in school subjects and having an improved memory. For parents, get the kids involved. Research has shown that young adults who participate in food preparation are more likely to meet dietary objectives in
fats, calcium, fruit and whole grain consumption. Some experts also believe breakfast helps get your metabolism running in the morning, helping to make better choices the rest of the day.
Stick to the basics
Did you know that breakfast contributes important vitamins and minerals your body needs? Milk, a key ingredient in most breakfast puddings, is a rich source of both calcium and vitamin D, important nutrients for all age groups. Instead of reaching for that toaster tart, go back to the basics of breakfast with comfort foods like oatmeal and breakfast puddings. These cozy dishes are perfect for a cold morning in the mountains or breakfast in bed on a spring day.
Child Development Centers Fun and fresh activities, games & field trips specially designed to help children develop skills which are the foundation of doing well in school and life! While having loads of fun, they will also be learning to problem solve, focus, make choices, socialize/work with others, and manage their emotions. We encourage creative thinking and support individual ideas. (Math/Science and Reading/Writing will naturally be part of daily activities)
Safety First and Always We offer a flexible hourly/daily program. There are no charges for absences or school/holiday closings.
Cumming
1011 Canton Hwy (770) 889-1020
Cool Camps for a Hot Summer! CSI - Crime Scene Investigation Art Explosion Space O Rama Snack Attack! Sewing/Crochet/Crafting Picture This Chinese Immersion Camp Twirl Mania Mad Crazy Science Top Chef Day Camps in Dahlonega Session I: July 9 - 13 Session II: July 16 - 20
Alpharetta
6180 Atlanta Hwy (770) 475-7196
www.buildingblocks2.com PAGE 4 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
For the newspaper
See BREAKFAST | 4
Building Blocks
Create Your Rate!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Find creative ways to make the meal more exciting.
706-864-1918
www.northgeorgia.edu/ce/summercamps
Milk raisin bread pudding with spiced apples 2 large eggs 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 cups nonfat or lowfat milk 8 slices cinnamon-raisin bread, toasted and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups) 1 tablespoon apricot jam 1 tablespoon water Spiced apples (recipe below) Whipped cream (optional) Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Scatter bread in a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole or 8-inch baking pan. Pour milk mixture over bread, pushing bread down to thoroughly saturate. Bake about 40 minutes or until puffed and browned, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Mix apricot jam and water and brush on top of hot pudding. Serve bread pudding warm or at room temperature with spiced apples and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Bread pudding may be assembled the day before and refrigerated covered. Allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes baking time. Spiced apples 1/4 cup butter 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 3 small or 2 large red-skin apples, cored, quartered and sliced 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Breakfast Don’t count on running late
Too many people skip breakfast because of the fear of missing the carpool or client meeting. Recipes like Raisin Bread Pudding with Spiced Apples (featured below) include microwavable instructions to enjoy your breakfast in a speedy fashion at home or at the office. Plus, this recipe also has baking instructions for those weekends you have some extra time to warm up the oven and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
CDA II Performance Academy Opening Fall 2012
Cumming Dance Academy, Inc.
A new division of CDA offering a complete performance package for young stars!
REGISTRATION FOR FALL CLASSES BEGINS MAY 1, 2012!
Professional Instruction in:
Ballet ~ Tap ~ Jazz ~ Hip-Hop ~ Irish ~ Lyrical Contemporary ~ Pointe ~ Modern ~ Kinder-Gym ~ Acro-Cheer ~ Adult Classes ~ Musical Theatre 2 Year Creative Movement
Register now for Summer Dance Camps! Voted 2010 & 2011 Best Studio in Cumming by a local publication
NEED DANCE SUPPLIES? “Tutu’s & Taps” Dance Boutique Located in CDA! Shoes, Leotards, Tights & Accessories, Come by Today!
Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in water, sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Stir over medium heat until sugar melts and sauce is smooth. Add apples; cook, basting with sauce, until apples are barely tender. Stir in lemon juice. Serve hot with bread pudding.
New for Fall 2012-2013 Schedule: Hop-Hop classes starting for 2nd grade and up! 2-6 Year Fantasy Camp June 25-29 and July 16-20 Summer Dance Intensive: Jr & Sr Level: July 23-27 Turns & Leaps, Hop-Hop, Jazz, So You Think You Can Dance, & Much More! Summer Dance Intensive: 2nd Grade-Adult: July 16-20 Hip-Hop, jazz, So You Think You Can Dance, Stretch & Strength Conditioning Classes as well as Boot Camp Jam for high school age students and adults!
Enjoy with company
Don’t wait for the next big holiday to enjoy brunch with friends and family. Invite them over this weekend. Most breakfast recipes are made to serve more than six, which make them perfect to enjoy with your favorite guests. Make a breakfast pudding and serve with sliced fresh fruit, yogurt and a warm pot of coffee.
Enhance with favorites
Once you’ve tried this recipe as is, try making it your signature dish by substituting your favorite bread, dried fruit and toasted nuts. Most breakfast puddings, stratas and casseroles start with a base that can be easily tweaked to make endless flavor possibilities.
"The perfect dance facility for both the serious and the recreational dancer..."
Niki J. Watkins
For more information or to register for dance summer camps & fall registration, visit us online at www.cummingdanceacademy.com or call 770•781•4922
Owner/Artistic Director
419 Tribble Gap Rd. • Cumming, GA 30040 www.cummingdanceacademy.com CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 5
Make fruits fun Many parents can attest to the challenges in encouraging children to eat healthily, including incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets. Children tend to become picky eaters for a number of reasons, according to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Some children are just naturally more sensitive to taste, texture and smell of some foods. Others may learn their picky eating from parents who pick and choose among their meals. Still other children learn to be selective through bribes and punishments around mealtime. However, there needn’t been fussing and feuding over food choices — particularly produce — when parents employ a few creative ideas to entice children to dig into healthy foods. 1. Ask for your child’s help: Have your child ride along to the grocery store and take an active role into picking out healthy foods that he or she may be willing to try. Most nutrition experts find that if children take in interest in what they will be eating, and are instrumental in making some choices, they will have a higher rate of eating those meals and foods. 2. Understand your child’s eating habits: Some children will eat the crown of broccoli but leave aside the stems. There are kids that will eat anything as long as it’s dunked in ketchup. They may enjoy pears as long as they are cut up into pieces with the skin removed. Pay attention to how your child likes to eat the food and present it that way. It could mean fewer arguments at the dinner table. 3. Explore new flavor combinations: Oftentimes mixing certain flavor combinations can entice children to eat foods they may have never considered trying. Just think about the popularity of fruit juices mixed with vegetable purees. Some children have an inclination toward favorite flavors or just can benefit from a little vari-
PAGE 6 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
Here are more ideas about incorporating apples in snacks Crunch slices Core, cut and slice two apples, crush 1/2 cup of your favorite cereal, mix 1 teaspoons packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons peanut butter together. Spread the brown sugar and peanut butter onto Grapple slices and roll in cereal. Apple kabobs Core, quarter and cube a apple. Slice some cheese into similarly sized cubes. Skewer the apples and cheese alternately on toothpicks, adding a raisin or other dried fruit. If packing for school lunch, dip the apples into a little lemonade first to keep them from turning brown. Dried apples You can easily dry your own apples without any preservatives. Cut an apple into 1/4-inch thick slices. Dip them into a bowl of lemon water or lemonade. Spread out on a metal rack and set into a warm oven (180 degrees) for two or three hours. Turn off the oven and let them cool. Baked apples Place a cored apple in a buttered ramekin. Add 1 teaspoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon into the center hole. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
For the newspaper
Add a fun twist to a favorite fruit.
ety, which can sometimes prove challenging when produce is out of season. 4. Try creative presentations: Simply presenting the foods in a unique way can make them fun to eat. Try making fruit creations, such as “snowmen” out of stacked grapes, or orange and peach skewers. Children may be more inclined to drinking fruit smoothies mixed with yogurt, or giving foods fun names, such as banana bombs, which are just chunks of banana rolled in honey and granola. All it may take is creating a fruit face on a plate with different fruits resembling features. Try kiwi eyes, apple slices for a mouth, a blueberry nose, or whatever you come up with. 5. Be patient with new foods: It can take a few attempts and repeated exposure to get children to try new foods, says the Mayo Clinic. Serve new foods along with children’s favorite foods, like apple slices added to a peanut butter sandwiches.
What video games should kids play? Kids love video games. They’re exciting, fun and engrossing. While games can promote learning and growth, too much video gaming — or playing inappropriate games —can lead to negative consequences. What should parents know to make good game choices for their children? Ola Gardner, a faculty member in game art and design at The Art Institute of Atlanta, offers these tips when selecting games for kids: • Become familiar with the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. These ratings are designed to help potential players understand the game’s content and offer guidance on which games are appropriate for different ages. • E x p l o r e w w w. fa m i l y -
friendlyvideogames.com. This site provides a report card on games, with detailed descriptions of game content, technical p er f o r manc e a n d k i d friendliness. • Understand the types of games on the market: edutainmen t ( ed u catio n a l ga m es focusing on teaching the player), role playing games (that offer deep story and character development), action games (that train and enhance handeye coordination), simulation games (building vehicles such as planes or cars) and strategy games. • Use online reviews, ask other parents, ask the staff at your local store — and play games with your kids. It’s also important for parents to understand the different
game platforms. “Generally Nintendo (Wii and the portable 3DS system as well) is a very kid-friendly platform to purchase for younger children. The Sony PlayStation3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 have kid-friendly games to play as well, though parents need to exercise caution as some of the games released are for adults only,” said Nick Viola, a game art and design faculty member at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. “The Wii and the Xbox 360 Kinect encourage families to play together and get the players off the sofa.” Whatever the game and whatever the platform, video games for kids — like those for any age — need to be engaging. “The interactivity of these games seems to be the crucial
Sports Cheerleading Gymnastics & Tumbling Driver’s Ed Science First Aid Babysitting & More!
For the newspaper
Parents should help guide children when choosing video games.
factor that engages kids of all ages. Exciting visuals and action are also key,” said David March, a media arts and animation faculty member at The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta. And what children’s video games do these experts like
best? “My favorite kids’ games are the Ratchet and Clank series and the Super Mario franchise,” Gardner said. Super Mario Brothers is a favorite of Viola’s as well. “Its bright bold colors, simplistic playing mechanics and iconic sound effects will always draw my attention,” he said. For March, favorites include “the side-scrollers like Prince of Persia — things with lots of lush graphics. And I’m a total sucker for almost any game involving flying an aircraft.” Bottom line? Video games are here to stay. And when appropriately used, they can provide an opportunity for families to play together as well as for kids to learn and grow. — ARA Content
Join the fun this summer at one of over 50 camps Pinecrest Academy has waiting for your child. Browse the catalogue available on our website at: www.pinecrestacademy.org/summercamps.
Register online a t: at: www .PINECREST ACADEMY .or g/summercamps www.PINECREST .PINECRESTA CADEMY.or .org/summer
770.888.4477 955 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041
CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 7
An apple a day keeps the dentist away More than two-thirds of children will have at least one cavity before their 19th birthday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems in children, it is also the most preventable, experts say. “With proper education and regular dentist appointments, children can go their whole life without dental health problems,” said LaVerne Johnson, dental assistant instructor at Everest College — Fort Worth South in Texas. Johnson, along with other dental assistant instructors, understands the importance of maintaining good dental health. Johnson has a few tips on what children and parents can do to protect and strengthen their smiles for years to come. • Brush and floss daily — the right way. It’s not new advice, but brushing and flossing remain the two most
important ingredients for a healthy smile. However, to truly be effective, they must be done correctly. Parents should model and teach their children the correct techniques to keep their teeth healthy and clean. Brushing should require only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and incorporate circular brush strokes to reach all surfaces. Often, because of their limited dexterity, children will brush too hard, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and receding gum lines. • Proper flossing requires wrapping the floss around the fingers and then gliding the thread between teeth in a C-shaped motion. This prevents plaque buildup between teeth and under the gum line. Make sure your child uses a new section of floss each time he or she goes between two new teeth to avoid spreading bacteria throughout the mouth. See DENTIST | 9
For the newspaper
Regular visits to the dentist can help keep dental health problems to a minimum.
Metro Atlanta’s premier swim club – offering swim lessons for everyone from infants to adults, and boasting one of the country’s most competitive swim teams. FIRST TIME CUSTO MERS! Receive a Pair of Goggles when you register for our Spring Sessio n Only! Limited Time Offer!
FREE
OFFER ONLY APPL IES AT CUMMING AND JOHNS CREE K LOCATIONS
Cumming (Midway) 770.888.0010 5059 Post Road, Cumming, GA PAGE 8 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
Johns Creek 770.622.1735 4050 Johns Creek Pkwy., Suwanee, GA
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Dentist • Limit sugary snacks and drinks. The bacteria that form plaque feed on sugar and use it as a glue to stick to teeth. Be aware of the snacks you provide your children. Foods like raisins, peanut butter, taffies, toffees, soft candies and pastries stick to teeth and provide a long-term feast for bacteria. When your children do eat sweets, have them eat them after a meal. When eaten alone, sweets are more likely to stick to teeth and bond until the next brushing. Crunchy foods like apples, carrots and other raw vegetables, as well as foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and broccoli are not only healthier, but also naturally clean teeth while kids eat them. Limiting consumption of sugary foods
and drinks will not only help promote healthier children, but will also reduce cavities. This advice is not just for older children. Many parents don’t realize infants are also susceptible to cavities and often get “baby bottle cavities.” Allowing a child to sip through the night on a baby bottle filled with fruit juice or milk can cause cavities. • Protect their teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste helps your child’s teeth to be less soluble to the acids created by bacteria. However, using too much creates a condition known as mottled enamel, which appears as brown spots on teeth. The key to avoiding mottled enamel is using the right amount of fluoride. For infants, a small smear of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient, and for children younger than 7, use no more than a peasized amount. It is also important to know if your
‘Taking care of a child’s teeth is very important for his or her future health.’ LaVerne Johnson
Dental assistant instructor
child is consuming fluoridated water. Check with your local water utility to find out if your water has fluoride in it as well as the amount it contains. Along with fluoride, dental sealants are an excellent way to prevent tooth decay in children. The dental sealant procedure takes only minutes, is painless, is less than half the cost of a filling and is virtually 100 percent effective at stopping decay.
• Proper procedures can save teeth. Children involved in sports need proper mouth protection to prevent mouth injuries, knocked-out teeth and possible concussions. Ask your dentist about customized mouth guards. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth while playing sports, gently rinse the tooth off and place it in a cup of warm milk. If warm milk is not available, salt water or plain water will also work. Call your dentist and bring your child and the soaking tooth in immediately for re-implantation and stabilization. • Make dentist visits fun. If children have a good attitude about their dental hygiene, they will be more likely to take proper care of their teeth. Appointments should be made right at the appearance of the first tooth, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Early visits make for a
more pleasant experience for the child and help prevent future health problems. In fact, studies done by the AAPD show improper oral hygiene may increase a child’s risk of eventually developing heart disease or suffering a stroke as an adult. Be positive about the dentist and explain to your children that the dentist is a friendly doctor who is helping to take care of their smiles. “The most important thing for parents to remember is that taking care of a child’s teeth is very important for his or her future health,” Johnson said. “Although your children will lose their baby teeth, that doesn’t mean they are not important. Healthy baby teeth influence jaw placement and future alignment of permanent teeth, which is one of the reasons parents can end up spending hundreds of dollars on future dental work and orthodontics.”
Your kids can have a BLAST going on exciting fieldtrips with NO academic backsliding!
We offer a full summer-long camp with three two-week programs for our drop-in campers. • Science & Discovery • Sports Camp
(Basketball, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Softball)
• Around the World in 10 Days!
www.creekstoneacademycumming.com
5415 Settingdown Rd., Cumming, GA 30041
678-455-9292
CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 9
Pool safety tips for parents When shopping for a home, parents often marvel at properties that feature a pool in the backyard. Once they see a pool, parents envision their kids having fun in the sun with friends and family. While days spent poolside with the family are fun, they can also be dangerous, especially for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, and fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. It’s no wonder then why parents place such a strong emphasis on pool safety. The following are some preventative measures parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of an accident in the pool.
Ensure children know how to swim
Teaching kids to swim might sound obvious, but many kids jump into pools before having any formal swimming training. But a child who has received formal swimming lessons has a significantly smaller risk of injury or drowning than one who has not received formal lessons. A 2009 study published i n t h e A r c h iv e s o f Pediatrics and Medicine found that participation in formal swimming lessons
can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children ages 1 to 14 years. Local community centers as well as the YMCA and even the Red Cross likely offer swimming lessons for children, so parents should take advantage of these highly effective programs.
while they man the grill or mow the lawn. Even if kids wearing flotation devices have had swimming lessons, the likelihood kids will panic and forget those lessons if the devices deflate is significant enough that parents should pay constant attention.
Do not consume Pay constant alcohol Adults should never attention when kids consume alcohol while are in the pool children are swimming Kids should never be left unattended when in a pool. But accidents happen even when parents are nearby. However, how quickly adults or others respond to a child in danger can have a significant impact on the outcome of an emergency situation. A study in the medical journal Pediatrics determined that the more quickly someone is able to intervene, such as administering CPR, the better the chance of improving the outcome. So parents should respond as quickly as possible whenever they suspect something has gone wrong in the pool.
Don’t rely on air-filled, foam toys
Parents should not rely on air-filled flotation devices such as “water wings” as a safety measure. S u c h d ev i c e s c a n deflate, putting kids at risk, especially if parents are under the assumption that the devices are enough to keep kids safe
PAGE 10 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
in the pool. Alcohol can negatively affect judgement, balance and coordination, making it more difficult to respond to a pool emergency should one occur. In addition, the effects of alcohol are heightened by exposure to the sun and heat, so consuming alcohol on hot summer days while kids are swimming in the pool could be an unnecessary risk.
appear, and it might be too late before parents notice their youngster has jumped into the pool unsupervised. Put all toys away once a swimming session ends, so kids don’t feel the urge to go play by the pool unsupervised. A backyard pool is both fun and potentially dangerous. A few safety measures can drastically reduce the risk of drowning or injury, but parents should remain alert and attentive whenever kids are swimming or playing around the pool. — Metro
Parents should take safety measures to prevent kids from injury or drowning when swimming in a backyard pool.
Est. 1989
Put all toys away after swimming
A pool and its surrounding deck should not have toys lying around, as this only entices children to go into the pool area when Mom and Dad might not be home or watching them. A study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home and had been out of sight for less than five minutes. Kids can quickly dis-
For the newspaper
Registering for Fall 2012 Now! 2, 3 & 4 Year Olds Mothers’ Morning Out
Small Classes • Experienced Staff • A Confidence Building Program “Helping Children Develop Their Whole Personalities.”
724 Pilgrim Mill Rd. Cumming, GA
678.372.0778
www.ecohspreschool.org
Give back to the environment When the subject of giving something back to a community comes up, many people forget about the environment. But giving back to the great outdoors is a great way to improve your community while enjoying some fresh air and soaking up some sun. For those who want to give back to their community while helping the environment, there are a number of ways to do just that.
Park cleanup
State and local parks rely on volunteers to perform a number of tasks that are ideal for nature enthusiasts who want to give back to the environment while enjoying the great outdoors. Among the tasks parks often need help with are trail and campground maintenance which helps keep parks free of litter and debris.
Some parks even enlist the help of volunteers to lead park visitors on guided tours. Visit the Web site of a nearby park or contact your local parks department to find volunteer opportunities in your area.
Beach, lake cleanup
Just like parks, beaches need cleanup, and communities often rely on volunteers to keep beaches clean, particularly in the offseason. Volunteers who love to soak up sun throughout the summer can help maintain and improve their local beaches during the offseason.
Advocacy
Environmental advocacy is another way eco-conscious men, women and children can give back to the environment. Nonprofit groups are always in need of volunteers who are will-
ing to help educate others about issues facing the environment. These groups are both local and national, and advocacy groups help inform people on issues ranging from global warming to something as simple as learning how to camp properly without leaving a negative impact on the campground. For those who don’t have much time but want to help educate their communities about national and local environmental issues, advocacy groups accept and often need donations.
File photo
Volunteering for a beach cleanup program is one way to give back to the environment.
outdoors. Teach kids how to fish or camp, and encourage them to join local Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops. Such activities are both fun and educational, and kids will
Encourage young people
One of the best ways to give back to the environment is to encourage young people to appreciate and respect the great
CAMP KERUSSO DETAILS Dates:
Week Week Week Week
1: 2: 3: 4:
June 4-8 June 25-29 July 16-20 July 23-27
COST: $119 per week AGES: 1st - 5th graders HOURS: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
develop their own relationships with the planet, no doubt instilling a sense of environmental responsibility at a young age. — Metro
Register online TODAY: www.campkerusso.org
REGISTER BY JUNE 1 FOR ONLY $109! “I just wanted to take a moment and tell you all how impressed we were with Camp Kerusso last summer... something special happened at Camp Kerusso with the love that your staff showed those kids. We will definitely be back next summer!!! Thanks for all you do for our community!” -KELLY, CAMP MOM
DETAILS: Camp Kerusso is a sports day camp in Forsyth County (GA 400, Exit 16/ Pilgrim Mill Road) all about having fun and new experiences. Activities include golf, swimming, soccer, kickball, capture the flag, and awesome games. Campers also choose a specialty track for two hours each day. WILDERNESS TRACK: Activities include fishing, canoeing, archery, outdoor education, and orienteering.
HORSEMANSHIP TRACK: Additional $30
Activities include an introduction to care and maintenance, ground handling, basic horsemanship, and the proper seat on the horse. This track meets off-site for two hours each morning. Transportation is provided. The additional $30 fee covers the cost of the horses and transportation.
CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 11
Stay eco-friendly when camping Few vacation ideas are as familyfriendly as camping. When vacationing, families may be concerned about financing their trip. In camping, however, individuals often find an affordable vacation alternative both parents and kids can enjoy. That affordability is why camping continues to be overwhelmingly popular. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, about 1 in 5 Americans went camping in 2008. While that’s good news for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s not always great news for the environment. When camping, campers need to remember to be clean and environmentally conscious. Even a campsite with maintenance staff needs to be treated like a remote spot in the woods with no one to clean it up. When camping, consider the following ecofriendly tips to ensure your vacation is as good for the environment as it is for the family.
Purchase reusable cookware
Though you might not be in the comforts of your own kitchen, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some reusable cookware with you to the campsite. Instead of paper plates, plastic utensils and foam cups, purchase some inexpensive reusable dishes, utensils and coffee mugs. Many camping stores sell supplies that will be exactly what you’re looking for. Reusable items will greatly reduce the trash you produce and save you money over time.
Don’t forget to recycle
Particularly when in a remote camping area. If you recycle at home you should bring that eco-conscious practice with you to the campsite. The campsite you visit may or may not have recycling bins, so bring some extra
PAGE 12 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
Even a campsite with maintenance staff needs to be treated like a remote spot in the woods with no one to clean it up.
Camping is an affordable and fun vacation for families. But they should keep the environment in mind when visiting campsites.
trash bags with you to separate your recyclable from garbage while in the woods.
Cook around the fire
True campers will insist that meals are cooked over a fire they started themselves. However, families without a camping history often choose to bring along stoves that use propane or electricity to operate. Fuel-powered options are not as environmentally friendly as cooking over a fire. Wood is typically easy to gather around a campsite, and cooking over a fire lends a more genuine feel to any camping trip. Just be sure to properly extinguish any fire afterward.
Sleep in tents
Most families already bring along tents, but those that don’t often sleep in campers or RVs. While these might be more luxurious accommodations, they’re also less environmentally friendly. RVs use more fuel than a car or smaller SUV and likely more electricity since many campers or RVs boast many of the same amenities of home. Kids will also likely prefer sleeping in tents than inside, as it’s more fun and closer to a genuine camping experience than sleeping in a camper or RV.
— Metro
For the newspaper
Nip seasonal allergies in bud When everything comes up roses, so do spring allergies. Forty million Americans suffer from outdoor and indoor allergies in the United States, making it one of the country’s most common, yet overlooked health conditions. In fact, allergies are the fifth-leading chronic disease in the U.S. for all ages. Allergic symptoms occur when a person’s body overreacts to “allergens,” often referred to as triggers. While people can experience allergy triggers any time throughout the year, the pollen released from trees, grass and weeds in the spring is a b i g t r i g g e r f o r m a ny s u ff e r e r s . A l l e rg y s y m p t o m s m a y i n c l u d e sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat. More than 2 million school days and 4 million missed or lost workdays are racked up each year due to seasonal allergies. However, with proper management and education, allergy symptoms can be relieved, allowing adults and children alike to continue their favorite activities inside and outside. “As an allergist, I’m often addressing my patients’ concerns about treating their allergy symptoms with a medicine that can relieve their symptoms quickly and doesn’t make them tired or groggy,” said Dr. Eli Meltzer, Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and Research Center. Dr. Meltzer has some additional tips to reduce allergen exposure and/ or relieve allergy symptoms this spring: • Garden with greater ease: When doing yard work, keep hands away from your face to avoid contact with your eyes and nose. When finished pruning, planting and potting, don’t bring gardening tools indoors, and immediately change into clean clothing. Showering following a gardening session can also help reduce
We look forward to spending the summer with YOU!
Are YOU ready for another year of fun, adventure, and learning? Come join us for Camp Fun Tastic! For the newspaper
Forty million Americans suffer from outdoor and indoor allergies in the United States. Follow a few guidelines to help lessen the symptoms.
symptoms. • Sleep more soundly: Place removable allergen-resistant coverings on mattresses, pillows and box springs, and wash your bedding in hot water every seven to 14 days. • Keep indoor air clean: Keep the w i n d ow s i n y o u r h o m e a n d c a r closed, and don’t forget to change filters in air conditioning units and vents frequently this time of year. • Monitor the pollen count: Seasonal allergy symptoms can flare up when pollen counts are particularly high. Before heading out, check the local news or Internet for current pollen counts. If high pollen counts are forecasted, take an allergy medication before symptoms set in, and keep outdoor activity to a minimum when possible.
f $100 Ofd Your Thir
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• Curriculum-based lesson plans with new themes each week • Weekly Field Trips • Hip Hop Dance and Soccer Coaching available • Annual Talent Show • Camp Fun Tastic T-shirt & Tote Bag Provided
Water Play Activities • Game Area Computer Lab • Ice Cream & Pizza Parties • Arts & Crafts • And more!
Willow Brook Academy 678.455.0555 • 8150 Majors Rd. • Cumming, GA
www.willowbrookacademy.com
— ARA Content CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 13
Popular health myths debunked Well-meaning parents or grandparents often tell children not to do something with the warning that a serious health implication could result. Kids often take their elders at their word. But some of these warnings bear more truth than others. Here’s the scoop on some of the more common misconceptions.
relatively resilient and can take a lot of wear and tear. Crossing your eyes may tax these muscles, but you won’t do any permanent harm. Rest assured that crossing the eyes will not leave them stuck that way.
While chewing gum cannot be digested and is meant to be chewed and not swallowed, accidentally swallowing a piece here and there won’t cause major issues. That’s because th e gum will simply pass through the digestive system whole and come out with stool. If a large amount of gum is swallowed in a short period of time, then there could be issues, including constipation and intestinal blockage in children.
wet, it won’t make you more susceptible to catching a cold. Researchers at the Common Cold Research Unit in England once tested a group of volunteers who were given the cold virus. One half of the group stayed in a warm room, while the others took a bath and stood wet in a hallway for a half hour. The wet group didn’t catch more colds than the dry.
“Don’t swim right after eating” is just one of the many myths that have been around for years.
Myth: Going outside with wet hair will Myth: Swallowed you sick chewing gum stays make Although you will feel in the stomach for colder stepping outside with a part of your body seven years
Myth: If you keep your eyes crossed too long, they will get stuck that way
The muscles in the eye are just like any muscles elsewhere in the body. Although they may tire and get sore, they are
Myth: You lose 75 percent of your body heat through your head
This calculation is more for an infant whose head makes up a greater percentage of his or her body. In an adult, the figure is closer to 10 percent. Heat can escape from any exposed area of the body. Therefore, it
PAGE 14 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012
For the newspaper
is helpful to bundle up all areas of the body when spending time outdoors in the cold weather.
Myth: Don’t swim right after eating
The basis of this mantra is that when digesting food, the digestive system pulls blood away from the muscles and the idea is that you could cramp up and drown. While you may have less energy to swim vigorously, chances are you won’t be so weak as to drown. Although many health myths prevail, knowing the truth can help parents educate their children better about which behaviors are safe and which are risky.
— Metro
Campside treat gets revamped S’mores is one of the most popular desserts enjoyed around the campfire and at cookouts. Now you can enjoy the flavor of this delectable dessert without the fuss of toasting marshmallows over an open flame. S’mores history dates back to the early 20th century. While the actual recipe origin is unknown — considering most camping recipes were passed down from generation to generation — the first printed recipe for s’mores appeared in 1927 in the Girl Scout Handbook. S’mores were popular campside treats because of the portability of ingredients. It was easy to pack a bag of marshmallows, a box of graham crackers and a few bars of chocolate. The combination of sticky marshmallow, smooth, rich chocolate and crunchy graham crackers provides a perfect melding of flavors. However, s’mores weren’t the first
4888 Browns Bridge Rd. Cumming GA 30041 (770) 205-6860 www.cornerstonesch.com Daily Activities
Swimming, Archery, Sports, Zip Line, Indoor Sports in new gym , Arts & Crafts, Hiking, Nature Walks (30 acres), Indoor/Outdoor Sports and more.
For the newspaper
pairing of these ingredients. Mallomar cookies and Moonpies also featured these ideal components. To make a delicious dessert that builds upon the s’mores flavors and theme at your next summertime event, try this recipe for frozen s’mores cake. — Metro
Frozen s’mores cake 1 quart vanilla ice cream 1 quart chocolate ice cream 10 or 12 graham cracker squares 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 tablespoon sugar
Cornerstone Schools Summer Camp 2012
1 jar of hot fudge 1 bag mini-marshmallows 2 tablespoons water Vegetable shortening
Crush graham crackers in a zipper-lock bag or pulse in a food processor until made into crumbs. Add sugar and melted butter to the crumbs, mix and press into the bottom of a spring-form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the crust browns a bit. Soften ice cream by letting it sit out of the freezer for a few minutes. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the chocolate ice cream over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread desired amount of fudge topping over the chocolate ice cream. Then spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the fudge layer. Coat a microwave-safe bowl with a thin layer of shortening. Add most of the marshmallows, reserving a few for garnish, and the water to the bowl. Microwave for about a minute to a minute and a half until the marshmallows are melted. Top the vanilla ice cream with the melted marshmallows. Place the cake in the freezer overnight to harden. When ready to serve, place the garnish marshmallows on top and drizzle with a little melted hot fudge. You can use a kitchen torch or a barbecue lighter to add a little browning to the garnish marshmallows to make them look like they were toasted over a fire.
Group 1 - (7 & under) Field Trips) Session 1 - May 29 to June 8 Wed. - 5/30- Park (Coal Mtn.) Thurs. - 5/31- Skating Wed. - 6/6- Catch Air Thurs. - 6/7- Scavenger Hunt/Ice Cream Party
Group 2 - (8 & Up Field Trips) Session 1 - May 29 to June 8 Tues. - 5/29- Park (Coal Mtn.) Thurs. - 5/31- Skating Tues. - 6/5- Laser Tag/Go Carts Thurs. - 6/7- Scavenger Hunt/Ice Cream Party
Session 2 - June 11 to June 22 Wed. - 6/13- Ink Thurs. - 6/14- Skating Wed. - 6/20- Forsyth City Races Thurs. - 6/21- Movie
Session 2 - June 11 to June 22 Tues. - 6/12- Tubing Thurs. - 6/14- Skating Wed. - 6/20- Forsyth City Races Thurs. - 6/21- Movie
Session 3 - June 25 July 6 Wed. - 6/27- The Trout Place Thurs. - 6/28- Skating Tues. - 7/3- Movie Thurs. - 7/5- Park
Session 3 - June 25 July 6 Tues. - 6/26- Big Splash Water Park Thurs. - 6/28- Skating Tues. - 7/3- Movie Thurs. - 7/5- Park
Session 4 - July 09 to July 20 Wed. - 7/11- Sawnee Mt. Preserve (Insects) Thurs. - 7/12- Skating Wed. - 7/18- Monkey Joe’s Thurs. - 7/19- Scavenger Hunt Session 5 - July 23 to August 3 Wed. - 7/25- Ranch Alegro –Pony Rides ($10.00) Thurs. - 7/26- Skating Wed. - 8/1- Elachee Nature Ctr. Thurs. - 8/2- Park Session 6 - August 6 to 8 Wed. - 8/8- Pool Races/Party
Session 4 - July 9 to July 20 Tues. - 7/10- Lanier Aquatic Thurs. - 7/12- Skating Tues. - 7/17- Rock Climbing ($12.00) Thurs. - 7/19- Scavenger Hunt Session 5 - July 23 to August 3 Tues. - 7/24- Tubing Thurs. - 7/26- Skating Tues. - 7/31- Horseback Riding ($10.00) Thurs. - 8/2- Park Session 6 - August 6 to 8 Wed. - 8/8- Pool Races/Party
Fees: $280.00 Per Two Week Session $150.00 Per One Week Session $1300.00 -11 Weeks ( Must be paid in full prior to camp.) Registration Fee (non-refundable)-$75.00 Camper will receive two T-shirts to be worn on all field trips, and a swim bag. Swim Team, Swimming Lessons & Specialty Camps Available Lunch-Campers must bring their lunch daily.
Camp Hours-Mon. to Fri. -9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Extended Day 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012 — PAGE 15
Summer Camp at Carrington Academy! Fantastic Field Trips Every Week!
Educationally Based Accredited Programs Up to $2,250 in Summer Camp Scholarships Available Per Family! Register Today!
Windermere Campus: 770.888.8011 Midway Campus: 770.777.2811 McFarland Campus: 770.777.6771 Visit us online at: www.carringtonacademy.com PAGE 16 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2012