Choosing the right summer camp It can be difficult to envision warm summer days when the wind is blowing and the snow 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. 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. 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
Metro
Children can meet new people and form lifelong friendships during summer camp. Winter is the best time to begin looking for the perfect place to send your child.
Once the decision for summer camp is made, here are some factors to consider These questions can help you narrow your options. Then you can visit and interview camps to find one that is the best fit. When visiting camps, go armed with this checklist. • 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? • What is the philosophy of the camp? • Can you explain a typical day? PAGE 2 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013
• 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 selected and trained? • What kind of health care is provided? • Can you tell me about the policy on phone calls and family visits? • What do you do in the event of emergencies?
Playground safety tips for parents Children are encouraged to play outdoors to exert physical effort and promote health. Few things are more exciting to young children than the opportunity to swing and scale playground obstacles. But what if the outdoor play equipment poses significant safety risks? Playground injuries have become a considerable concern for parents and caregivers across the country. According to the organization Safe Kids U.S.A., it is estimated nearly 220,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with playground equipment in 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available. From 2001 to 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission investigated 40 deaths that were believed to be linked to playground equipment. The average victim’s age was 6 years old. Of the fatalities, 68 percent were the result of hanging or asphyxiation. No one wants to prevent children from having fun, but it is essential to child safety playgrounds be well-maintained to ensure playtime does not end in injury. Improperly maintained equipment coupled with ineffective shockabsorbing surface material can increase a child’s risk of injury. The CPSC says the equipment associated with the most injuries include climbers (monkey bars), swings, slides and overhead ladders. Fractures remain the most
common playground injury, followed by contusions and abrasions. To keep children safe, there are certain precautions that should be taken whenever children are allowed to use playground equipment. It is up to adults, including parents and guardians, to ensure that play areas are safe and to use their judgement to restrict play if unsafe conditions are present. Here is a checklist for adults, courtesy of the National Program for Playground Safety. • Always be sure adults are there to supervise. Adult supervision is needed wherever children are playing. In school settings, where there are a number of children out at recess, there should be an ample ratio of adults to children. Adults can observe potential hazards and intercede if children are misbehaving. Playgrounds that have rope activities should be avoided, as should putting children in clothing that has string ties. • All children should play on age-appropriate equipment. Due to developmental differences as children age, it is essential children play on equipment that correlates to their age groups to keep play safe and fun. • Make sure surfaces are cushioned. Falls account for an array of playground injuries. Acceptable cushioned surfaces can help prevent more serious injuries from falls. Materials that can be used include pea gravel, sand, rubber mats, rubber tiles, and mulch.
• Make sure equipment is safe. Equipment should be inspected regularly to ensure that everything is in good working order. S-hooks on swings and other hanging items should be entirely closed, and there should be no protruding bolts. Footings and steps should be in good working order. Equipment also should be safely anchored in the ground. If any safety hazards arise, the equipment should not be used until it is fixed. In addition to the information provided by NPPS, the National Recreation and Park Association has conducted its own playground safety initiative, identifying 12 of the most common playground hazards and how to avoid them in the report, “The Dirty Dozen.” Inadequate use zones and entrapment in openings are just two of the hazards identified by the NRPA. Individuals can download an NRPA brochure by visiting www. nrpa.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/ Certification/CPSI/TheDirty-Dozen/. Schools and other organizations can purchase the brochures for use in lesson plans by visiting the NRPA store. Children also need to be on the lookout for unsafe conditions. Parents and teachers can gear lessons around playground safety. By making safety a priority, children can continue to enjoy outdoor play without being injured.
Metro
Adult supervision is one of the primary ways to reduce playground injuries.
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— Metro CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013 — PAGE 3
Spring sports season is here The spring sports season is a popular time for school-aged children. After a few months of being cooped up indoors, many kids are ready to spend time in the fresh air. Organized team sports are one way they can burn energy and learn lessons in camaraderie and problem-solving. Spring sports season presents a host of opportunities for athletic youngsters. But the secret to a successful season has little to do with wins and losses and a lot to do with making sure children have fun and take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of injury on the playing field. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, nearly 40 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports across North America each year. Although sports are an ideal way to socialize and get much-needed exercise, they also can increase participants’ risk of suffering a sports-related injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that millions of children age 15 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries every year. Some of the more common injuries include sprains and strains, growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries and heat-related illness. Certain sports go hand-in-hand with the spring season. Here is a look at some popular spring sports and how to reduce a child’s risk of suffering some of the more common injuries associated with those sports.
Baseball/softball
The start of the spring season coincides with the commencement of the professional baseball season. Therefore, many schools and towns have baseball and softball leagues that also begin once the weather warms up. Baseball and softball are popular sports. However, each sport involves sliding, running,
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fast-moving balls, and long hours out in the elements. Each of these activities can cause injury, and some of the more common injuries associated with baseball and softball include soft tissue strains, fractures after being hit by a ball, sunburn and heat fatigue. Children who are playing baseball or softball should always wear the recommended safety equipment. This includes a batting helmet, shin guards, athletic supporters, sunscreen, mouth guards, and eye protection. Proper stretching and warm-ups can make muscles and tendons limber before play.
Soccer
Soccer has long been a popular sport around the world, and interest in the sport has grown considerably in the United States. Soccer is ideal for developing hand-eye coordination. The constant running involved also makes it one of the best spring sports for kids in terms of overall exercise. Due to the constant movement involved with soccer, players should regularly rehydrate. Shin guards can prevent injuries and bruising to the legs, while wearing sunscreen will protect kids from sun exposure.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a game that marries elements of basketball, football and hockey. Players throw and catch a small, hard, rubber ball with a netted stick, called a crosse. Lacrosse is a contact sport; therefore, protective gear is essential to prevent injury. Players must wear helmets, typically with a safety grill over the face for boys. A mouthpiece, gloves and padding can be worn to further prevent injuries.
See SPORTS | 5
Metro
Parents can help prevent sports-related injuries by insisting kids stay hydrated and always wear proper safety equipment when exercising.
Encourage children to floss Learning to brush their own teeth is a lesson all children must master. Although parents ultimately may have children who become proficient at brushing their own teeth, getting them to floss is generally more difficult. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 41 percent of children aged 2 to 11 had tooth decay in their first teeth. Dental caries are common among children, likely because they have not become proficient at taking care of their teeth. Soft, sticky foods are commonplace in young kids’ diets, and these can promote decay. Even well-intentioned gummy vitamins can be sources of dental decay. Oftentimes, these foods become lodged between the teeth or on the surface of molars. If left in contact with the teeth for too long, food particles become a
‘To prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of dental caries, parents should educate children about proper flossing techniques.’ source of carbohydrates for oral bacteria, and cavities may appear as a result. To remove food particles from between the teeth, children must floss, advises the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists. It is recommended that parents help their children to floss as soon as two teeth are touching and continue to do so until the child is around the age of 8, when a child should have enough dexterity to do it on his or her own. Flossing is essential to making sure children do not experience cavities at an early age, and it can establish practices that promote oral health throughout life. Despite
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Sports Track and field
Some athletes excel in track and field. Although less combative than other sports discussed and with little or no risk of contact-related injury, there are still some dangers inherent to track and field. Strains and sprains from falls or rolling ankles are common. Safety precautions for track and field competitors revolve heavily around the
being so important, many parents fail to encourage flossing or are at a loss as to how to make it enjoyable and effective. Although regular dental floss is one of the first tools for flossing, the dexterity required to wind the floss around little fingers and then thoroughly clean the teeth may discourage children. Parents can look into the wide array of flossing helpers available at the store. In fact, many ageappropriate flossers are available that feature fun designs and smaller profiles to fit into kids’ mouths more easily. Flossers may be attached to a handle to make back teeth more
athlete’s conditioning. Allow for ample warm-up periods and make sure athletes always wear supportive footwear. Players should always consume a good deal of water or other fluids to remain hydrated, and take sufficient breaks when the weather is warm. Spring sports are popular for children of all ages. When the weather warms, the desire to get out on the field and engage in play increases. Adults can safeguard their children by ensuring the rules of the game are met and that the proper safety equipment is always used. — Metro
accessible and promote more effective flossing. Kids who shy away from flossing may be more likely to use a children’s water flosser. In lieu of string floss, a water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to dislodge food from between teeth. Although a water flosser may be more messy, children may enjoy the opportunity to “play” with water and the cleaning sensation provided. To prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of dental caries, parents should educate children about proper flossing techniques. — Brandpoint
Brandpoint
Children should learn that flossing is just as important as brushing.
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Frequent seasonal allergy questions answered Spring is in the air — and that means pollen, mold spores and other airborne allergens are going to bring on sneezing and wheezing for an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans. The spring season can be especially bothersome with so much conflicting information on how to find relief. To help you better understand spring allergies and combat symptoms this sneezing season, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, has answered some of the most frequently asked questions. 1. Why does it seem like more and more people have spring allergies? This is likely due to increased awareness and more people taking the steps to being properly tested and diagnosed. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pollen counts are gradually increasing every year, which can cause heightened symptoms.
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2. Do spring allergy symptoms only last during the spring months? The length of the season can help determine the severity of symptoms. For many areas of the country, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollenate early. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall. Allergists recommend starting medications to alleviate symptoms two weeks before they begin. If you have a history of prior seasonal problems, start medication at the first sign of any symptoms. 3. Will eating local honey cure allergies? A common myth is that eating a spoonful of local honey a day can build See ALLERGIES | 8
Brandpoint
Spring allergies can begin in February and last until the early summer.
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Kids and pets will develop a stronger bond if they learn to respect each other’s space.
Pairing kids with pets Take care to protect youngsters, animals In many families, kids and pets get along famously. Many youngsters are natural born animal enthusiasts while pets tend to respond to kids’ gentle and loving nature. But the bond between kids and pets is one that develops over time, and parents welcoming a new pet into their home should know that this transition is not always easy. Teaching kids to treat pets with love and respect and watching pets to ensure kids are safe in their company can help calm parents’ nerves. The following tips, courtesy of the ASPCA, can ensure both kids and pets stay safe while building a strong bond
and a healthy relationship. • Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets. Pets, especially puppies, can easily become overexcited. This can be mistaken for aggressiveness, especially by kids who might be scared. Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets, including dog bite prevention. If kids fear their dog might bite them, then teach them to roll into a ball, protect their hands and face and call for help. Running and screaming might upset the dog, who then might go on the defensive. • Teach kids to recognize signs of aggression. Sometimes dogs will use body language to let people know they do not wish to be approached. Adults and kids alike should familiarize themselves with these mannerisms as a safety See PETS | 10
Summer Dance Intensive Camps: 2nd & 3rd Grade, “Fancy Nancy” July 8-12 Private 4th & 5th Grade, “Neverland” Lessons July 8-12 Available! 6th-8th Grade, “Heroes Vs. Villains” July 15-19 9th-12th Grades, “Through the Decades” July 15-19
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To find more information on summer camps and pricing, please visit our website at www.cummingdanceacademy.com! CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013 — PAGE 7
Money skills last a lifetime Preparing children for handling money should start at a young age.
One of the most exciting parts of parenthood is watching your children learn as they grow. Of course, life’s lessons can be tough just as often as they can be pleasant. And as you want to protect kids from falling off their bike or scraping a knee, you also want to set them up for a successful financial future, as free from worries as possible. One of the best things you can do to prepare your kids for a lifetime of handling money is to get them started early. But it isn’t only about timing — following through with lessons and providing plenty of explanation is essential. Keep these tips in mind to give your kids a leg up in learning about finances.
Start saving
The earlier you can get your kids into the habit of saving, the more they’ll have to
Metro
See MONEY | 9
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ing the season. Those that believe they may have symptoms of nasal allergy or asthma can find a free screening program in their area by visiting www.acaai.org/nasp.
allergy immunity. The idea is that bees pick up pollen spores from flowers, transfer them to their honey and help you better tolerate pollen. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by windborne pollen, not pollen spread by insects. There is no scientific evidence that honey will provide any benefit or reduce allergy symptoms. Your best bet? Talk to your allergist about ways to avoid allergy triggers, the best medications to treat symptoms and whether immunotherapy (allergy shots) could be beneficial.
5. Can you suddenly develop seasonal allergies in adulthood? Yes. Although allergies are common in children, they can occur at any time and any age. Sometimes allergies go away, but they also can come back years later. If you suspect you have an allergy, you should keep track of your symptoms with MyNasalAllergyJournal.org and see an allergist to find relief. “By understanding what allergens trigger your symptoms and how to avoid them, you can find relief from spring allergies this season,” says Dr. Richard Weber, an allergist and ACAAI president. “An allergist can help you find the source of your suffering and stop it, not just treat the symptoms.” Allergies and asthma are serious diseases during every season of the year and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous. To learn more about these conditions, visit an allergist in your area.
Allergies
4. Is there such a thing as spring asthma? Allergies and asthma are often worse during different times of the year due to environmental allergens. An estimated 75 to 85 percent of asthma patients have allergies. These allergic responses in the lung can lead to symptoms of asthma. If you have spring allergies, this can be why you have more asthma symptoms durPAGE 8 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013
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Money enjoy down the road. The concept doesn’t need to be overly complex — and it shouldn’t be, when you’re dealing with very young children. Piggy banks are a perfect tool for starting saving habits; a simple glass jar works, too, and gives kids an exciting visual to associate with their savings. As your children grow, so should their ideas about saving money. Opening a real savings account in your child’s name is not only an exciting event for her, it builds an early understanding of banking. Some schools and banks even have partnerships that allow students to make deposits at school. If your school doesn’t offer such a program, make trips to
the bank with your kids and show them how to monitor their accounts.
a percentage every time your child makes a savings deposit.
Have conversations about money
Don’t be afraid of mistakes
Making your children comfortable with discussing finances is a gift that, while not flashy, will serve them well throughout their lives. Start conversations about needs versus wants, budgeting and life’s necessary expenditures. Encourage price comparison skills by going grocery shopping together and looking at different brands. Set an example by telling kids how you save up to buy an item that you want and ways that you cut costs — and what you can get from the savings. If there’s something your child wants, provide guidance and ideas for how to save up the amount needed to make the purchase.
Cumming Camps: June 17-20, 2013 AM Session (9am-12pm):
Metro
Effectively use an allowance
An allowance is a tricky thing — it can be a good teaching tool, but you don’t want your kids to view it as a handout. Whether or not you choose to associate chores with an allowance is up to you, but you should have discussions
with your children about when allowances will be paid, and how they can be spent or saved. Encourage savings by providing two bank envelopes — one for savings and one for spending. If your budget allows for it, consider a “match” program in which you contribute
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Some of the most powerful lessons lie in making mistakes, so don’t be afraid to let your children make some less-than-perfect decisions. Whether they overspend their budgets or waste money on something frivolous and later regret it, it’s important for them to learn the consequences of financial mismanagement early in life. Teaching kids about money can be daunting, but doing so lays the groundwork for a stable financial future. Whenever possible, make lessons about money fun, yet practical; emphasize that money doesn’t have to be scary, and that good things come from using it wisely.
— Metro
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Drowning not only water hazard Spending time on the water can be quite enjoyable. That is why thousands of people own boats and visit coastal areas throughout the year to fish, sail and swim. Marine transportation also provides a fast and efficient method of commuting. As fun as a day or night on the water can be, maritime accidents do occur, despite the best efforts and intentions of recreational or commercial boaters and water enthusiasts. Many accidents can be avoided when boaters remain aware of the potential hazards that exist on the water. Bodies of water can seem peaceful and welcome respites on a hot day. But water-related accidents, particularly unintentional drownings, account for about 3,500 fatalities in a given year in the United States. Furthermore, about one in five people who die from drowning are children ages 14 and younger.
Many good times can be had when enjoying the recreational benefits of water. Keeping safety in mind will help prevent accidents and injuries.
Metro
See WATER | 11
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Pets precaution. If these signals are ignored, then the dog might bite to protect itself. Signs of defensive aggression include: • Ears back, pupils dilated • Tail down and tensed • Posture mildly crouched, weight over rear legs • Muzzle tense, wrinkled and snarling, and teeth exposed When a dog is exhibiting any of these signs, adults and kids should not approach the dog and let it cool down. • Keep kids’ toys away from pets and vice versa. Kids’ toys are not always petsafe and pets’ toys are not always safe for kids. Separate the two and explain to kids that they should not use their toys when playing with pets. • Teach kids to respect a pet’s “safe spot.” Pets may need a “safe spot” to which they can retreat and be sure no one will follow them. These spots are safe havens for pets, especially those adopted from shelters who might need more time PAGE 10 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013
to adjust to a new environment than a puppy or kitten. Teach kids to respect these “safe spots,” which might be a crate or a sleeping area, leaving pets alone when they retreat to such areas. Pets react defensively when others try to access their safe spots. • Teach kids and pets rules for each game. When playing reward games, such as those when a pet gets a treat or toy if it behaves correctly, teach pets to sit in order to get their reward, and teach kids that the pet must be sitting in order to earn its reward. This can keep kids from being jumped on or accidentally bitten when a pet gets overexcited by the sight of a toy or treat. It also teaches pets that they can’t get what they want simply by being physical. If the pet won’t sit, then adults and kids should walk away without giving the pet its treat or toy. Parents who bring a new pet into their home often find the pet quickly becomes an irreplaceable member of the household. But parents should still take certain precautions to protect kids and pets alike. — Metro
CampKerusso.org.
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Water: It pays to be safe Those who do not experience fatal accidents may receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some of the other dangers that can occur in and around the water.
Dehydration
Being in and around the water doesn’t necessarily mean the body is getting enough fluid to remain healthy. When the temperature is high, dehydration can set in within an hour, often through loss of moisture from sweat, urine and even breathing. A person who is cool from swimming may not realize his body needs water until dehydration already has set in. Drinking plenty of fresh water will help keep the body cool and comfortable.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses more heat than it produces and the core temperature drops. Hypothermia may even occur in warm water, or if you are sitting around in damp clothing as the temperature outside falls. Try to remain as dry as possible, even preventing clothing from being dampened by sweat, to prevent hypothermia. Cover up and wear layers of clothes to ward off hypothermia.
Marine life
Tropical marine life is not always friendly, and there may be some apex predators in the surrounding waters. It is adviseable to research what fish and other marine creatures inhabit the waters where you plan to spend some time. Although many animals will keep their distance, there is the potential for run-ins with seemingly innocuous creatures that can cause injury. Always keep a respectable distance from underwater animals when snorkeling, swimming and exploring.
Toys
A surprisingly common cause of water-related accidents, especially in swimming pools, is using toys and flotation devices that are not suitable for the conditions. These items can flip over and trap people upside down under the water. Furthermore, pool floats and rafts should not be used in place of personal flotation devices, or PFDs, which are designed and certified for use in lifesaving situations.
Water quality
The water itself could be a source of danger. Harmful bacteria and other microorganisms can reside in poorly maintained water or water with limited movement. Heed all posted warnings about swimming conditions, and do not consume fish from waters where there is concern about chemical spills or other contamination. Staff infections and skin irritations can occur when swimming in water with unseen pathogens, even if the water looks clean.
Chemicals
The chemicals needed to maintain safety and water quality in a backyard pool can be dangerous. Many chemicals can be toxic in high concentrations and volatile when stored in close proximity to others. Homeowners may be playing novice chemist when mixing chemicals for the pool, inadvertently putting themselves and swimmers at risk. Always follow the precautions on pool chemical packaging to ensure the water is safe.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages impair decisionmaking abilities and reaction time. It’s never good to mix alcohol with swimming and boating. A person operating a boat or watercraft should not be allowed to do so when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. — Metro CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013 — PAGE 11
Newer child safety seat guidelines Parents of young children may need to brush up on their knowledge of child safety seats and seat belt restraints. Many are still operating in adherence to older guidelines that go back more than a decade. As a result, parents should reeducate themselves in order to ensure child safety. In guidelines published in April of 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics made some modifications to the period of time a child should be kept in a rearfacing seat. Prior to 2011, parents were told it was safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing up to the limits of the car seat or when children reached 12 months in age and 20 pounds. But new guidelines advise that children should be kept rear-facing until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. “A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body,” says Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP, the lead author of the new policy. Rear-facing seat recommendations weren’t the only ones to be modified in 2011. New advice on booster seats for older children were also presented. The AAP and the National Highway
Metro
Keep youngsters safe by following up-to-date child safety seat procedures.
Traffic Safety Administration say children should ride in a belt-positioning booster — which is the highback booster seat that provides a guide for the vehicle’s seat belt — until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches and between 8 to 12 years old. Vehicle seat belts are designed to fit an average adult. In order to get the best protection, children usually need a booster seat until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 100 pounds. Smaller children may
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need to remain in a booster a little longer than anticipated. Children should not ride in the front seat of a car until they are age 13 or older. Parents of preteens who were under the impression that booster seat days were coming to an end will need to keep the safety seats in the car a few years longer. But safety seats should not be placed in an area of the car where an air bag can be deployed. Parents and other adult drivers may want to heed some other safety precautions before a child is
upgraded to a new seat. • A seat belt should never be placed under a
child’s arm. • Children should always be buckled up in a
booster seat with both the shoulder and lap belt. • The seat belt should fall across the shoulders and the lap belt should rest on the upper thighs when a child is in the seat of a car. If the seat belt rubs against the neck, the child is not yet tall enough to give up a booster seat. • Mirrors placed in the rear seat of the car can help parents see their children in rear-facing toddler seats. • Children who cannot be trusted to keep a seat belt latched should not be moved from a five-point harness to a regular seat belt. • Parents unsure if their children are buckled up correctly can have the seat checked at a police station or first aid building. Keeping children safe means heeding warnings and guidelines regarding safety restraints. It is not adviseable to upgrade a child into the next seat until he or she has met all the measurement requirements set in place.
Car seat expiration In addition to using the right car seat for a child’s age, weight and height, drivers should also check the expiration dates of their seats. While a car seat will not grow moldy after a few years, it does “expire,” meaning it is no longer deemed safe for use. That’s because these seats are not built to last forever. Hairline cracks may form in the plastic, and the harness belts may become stretched or more elastic after years of use. Manufacturers do not test safety seats after a certain period of time, so they cannot state how they will perform in an accident after many years. Most seats will feature a label on the bottom that indicates when the seat is likely to become unsafe — typically between five and six years after manufacture. It can be tempting to borrow a used car seat from a friend or family member to save money. But if the seat is older, parents could be putting children at risk. — Metro
Clever alternatives to traditional dyed Easter eggs Easter is a time when Christian families gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Religious customs abound on Easter, but a number of secular traditions have emerged as well. Perhaps the most popular secular tradition associated with Easter is the coloring of Easter eggs. Easter egg-dyeing kits emerge in early spring. Consumers have a variety of alternatives to these kits at their disposal. There are some people who desire more environmentally friendly Easter eggs, so here are some creative and greener ideas for coloring eggs this year. • Wooden eggs. Visit a craft store and purchase wooden eggs that can be painted and decorated however you desire. The wooden eggs will be durable and can be stored away for use each and every year. Because they are made of wood, a naturally recyclable material, they are easy on the environment.
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• Consider natural dyes. Use different food items to create all-natural dyes for the eggs. Tea, fruit and vegetable juices — even packaged drink mixes — can be used to tint Easter eggs in various colors. Because you’re controlling the materials you use, you can ensure they are safe. • Experiment with papier mache. This ancient paper crafting technique uses recycled paper and a paste to create a hardened mold. Turn excess scraps of paper into delightful eggs put on display for the holiday. • Purchase corn starch eggs. Corn starch is used in everything from packing materials to children’s craft products. Corn starch can be molded into solid forms or foam-type consistencies. Egg kits are sold with this green material. When Easter is over, the corn starch eggs can be put out for composting. Foam-type eggs may be dissolved with water.
• Make edible eggs. Traditional Easter eggs can be wasteful if the eggs are boiled and used entirely for display. Rather, make eggs that will be enjoyed and are not at risk of spoiling too soon after being on display. Gelatin-dessert eggs is one way to use the eggs after Easter, and creative people can try crafting eggs out of meringue as well. • Dough eggs. Have the children get out their favorite modeling dough and craft multi-colored eggs as a fun, rainy-day project. Those who want the eggs to last can purchase actual clay from the craft store or whip up their own medium at home. After drying, the eggs should be ready to paint. • Drained eggs. Those interested in using the yolks and albumen from the eggs for cooking can poke small holes into the eggs and drain them. Then the remaining eggshells can be decorated and put on display. — Metro
• Different educational and entertaining theme each week. There is something for everyone! • Curriculum based lesson plans. • Water play activities in our on-site water park. • Your choice of complementary hip-hop dance or soccer coaching. • WBA tote bag and Camp “Fun Tastic!” tee shirt to wear on field trips. • Campers will show off their special talents at our annual “Willow Brook’s Got Talent” show! • Game area with wii, pool, ping pong, air hockey and more.
Metro
There are many alternatives to dyed eggs, including options that are eco-friendly.
• Party all the time! Ice cream social, pizza parties and end of the summer picnic. • Daily reading and journal time. Each child will finish the summer with a scrapbook of special memories. • Campers will try out their “green thumbs” in our herb and vegetable garden. • Special visitors will keep us busy both on and off campus. • Computer Lab available for theme related games and summer learning. • Other activities include: arts and crafts, music, cooking, literature, science, sports, games and dramatic play.
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CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013 — PAGE 13
Tips for helping teens learn to drive Few parents look forward to the day when they must teach their teenager to drive a car. Handing over the keys to a teenager and then riding shotgun as he or she learns the basics is hardly a recipe for a stress-free afternoon, but it’s a part of life many parents must endure sooner or later, and it’s a rite of passage for their children. While it’s likely your son or daughter will not be a great driver from the get-go, there are ways parents can make the process of teaching their teen to drive less stressful and more likely to be a success. • Use an empty parking lot as a classroom Empty parking lots are great places to teach teens to drive. In an empty parking lot, teens can practice skills like turning or braking without the risk of running into another driver. This gives kids the feel of a vehicle and an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s controls, including those for turn
signals and headlights. Find an empty parking lot that is large, such as one outside a closed grocery store or a nearby school when school is not in session. • Find a less-traveled road to practice more subtle driving skills Once your teen has become familiar with the vehicle, a good next step is to find a back road or a road without heavy traffic where he or she can learn more subtle driving skills that might be difficult to learn in a parking lot. Coming to a stop, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, accelerating and decelerating on roadways and learning to share the road with pedestrians and/or cyclists are all valuable lessons that can be learned on a back road without heavy traffic. • Some lessons are best learned on a highway Some skills, including changing lanes and merging into traffic, are best learned on the freeway or highway.
PAGE 14 — CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013
Metro
Parents can employ various methods to help their teen become more comfortable behind the wheel.
Teens will eventually take to the highway once they get their driver’s license, so it’s best to teach them how to handle using on and off ramps and learning to yield when entering a highway so they’re comfortable with such driving and don’t have to teach themselves. • Teach kids to anticipate other drivers Anticipating other drivers is a lesson even some veteran adult drivers must learn, much less teen drivers with little or no experience driving. When teaching teenagers to drive, emphasize how difficult it can be to anticipate other drivers’
maneuvers and how defensive driving techniques are designed to help drivers predict what other drivers will do in order to protect themselves from drivers who might be unpredictable. Teach teens to keep an eye out for drivers routinely switching lanes without signaling and tell them to be mindful of other drivers when they pull up to a stop sign. Teens who will become good drivers will eventually find such techniques are second nature, but initially parents should instruct them in the ways to anticipate the behavior of other drivers so the teens can stay safe on the road.
‘While it’s likely your son or daughter will not be a great driver from the get-go, there are ways parents can make the process of teaching their teen to drive less stressful.’ • Practice driving at different times of the day Taking teens out to drive at different times of the day can teach them that road conditions, even when the weather is nice, vary depending on the amount of light. Driving at dusk and dawn, for instance, can be difficult because glare from the sun can decrease
visibility and headlights might not provide much help. Like learning to drive on the highway, learning to drive at various times of the day is a valuable lesson that kids should learn with their parents in tow and not on their own after they have received their driver’s license. — Metro
At CreekStone Academy, we believe camp should be an exciting, learning experience. So, we offer more, much more, to stimulate the minds and exercise the bodies of active, inquisitive kids.
CAMP CREEKSTONE iS dESigNEd TO: • Challenge your child’s mind and imagination • • • • • •
Entertain Promote continued learning Explore different cultures Encourage physical activity Build character and sportsmanship Have fun, fun, FUN!
AT• CAMP CREEKSTONE wE OffER: Exciting and educational field trips • • • • • • • • •
Science experiments Creative arts projects Cooking and baking projects Soccer, basketball, softball, croquet Dance, gymnastics, cheerleading Spanish lessons Picnic, hiking, exploring An individualized summer academic program Our own backyard water park
Come and join in on the “Amazing Adventure”—the perfect blend of activities that encourages growth and laughter! For our younger set we offer “Cricket Camp,” a program for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.*
www.CreekStoneACAdemyCumming.Com • fACebook.Com/CreekStoneACAdemyCumming • 678-455-9292* CAMP GUIDE — MARCH 2013 — PAGE 15
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