Athens Parent Magazine Spring 2013

2013

summer camps

A Resource for Families in Athens, Oconee County and the Surrounding Area Building Families...

Building Businesses

PART 1

...for over 14 years!

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED!

Healthy Babies & Healthy Families Reclaiming Your Rest Boundaries & Healthy Teen Relationships All About Allergies

annual health issue free

March/April 2013

March/April 2013 Vol. 15 No. 3

“Building Families...Building Businesses” Locally Owned and Operated for Over 14 Years!

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Shannon H. Baker PUBLICATION DESIGN A.W. Blalock MANAGING EDITOR Blair Rivkin ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Shannon H. Baker DISTRIBUTION Aimee and Max Speas www.athensparent.com Chris Parsons, OnlineDezign.com

WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Kaitlin Bevis, Jude Bijou, Liz Conroy, Malia Jacobson, Jamie Lober, Sue Youngerman Athens Parent Magazine is published six times a year. Reader correspondence and editorial submission welcome.We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Athens Parent Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason.

The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine. Distribution of this product does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services herein.

Athens Parent, Inc. P. O. Box 1251, Athens, GA 30603 P.O. Box 465,Watkinsville, GA 30677 Phone 706/254-7277 Email: mail@athensparent.com

www.athensparent.com PUBLISHED BY

on the cover Photo by J.P. Bond of Bond Creative Group Triplets Copeland, Maggie and Cash Cowart See their story on page 12

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first words...

F

or this issue, I planned to write about health and what it means to me. But what kept coming to mind was Grace, probably because I have been following her on Facebook and have tears of joy when I read about the love surrounding her and her family. Normally, one might say that health is eating well, exercising, getting enough rest, etc. However, I have been shown that health is love! I want to share part of a letter Grace’s dad wrote to a 6-year-old girl whose Daisy Troop visited the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. If you would like to join in supporting Grace, follow her community page on Facebook:“Walnuts For Grace.”

- Shannon Howell Baker

contents FEATURES

Reclaim Their Rest 12 March of Dimes: Healthy Babies and Healthy Families

2013

Summer Camps PART 1 24-29

Hi Lizzie, I remember when Grace was your age and in first grade like you. At home, she shared a room with her sister and slept in the top bunk. She liked to take charge even back then!

Grace always loved school. Her teachers said she was a sponge and soaks up everything. She loves math and numbers. She also LOVES to read.When she and her sister Marina were about your age, I spent every night for a long time reading them The Hobbit. I think that made her love reading and she never stopped.

Now Grace is 17 and is getting ready to go to college next year. She plays the flute in the school band, plays piano, plays tennis and runs races. She is really involved with her friends and fun things at school. She used to be in plays with her sister.

One of the best things about her is that she is kind to everybody. And everybody loves Grace – even the teachers! She wears tie-dye shirts to school every day.

Grace is a girl who is true to herself, knows what makes her happy, and does not care what other kids think. I think if she were to tell you one thing, it would be that you should be you and do what you love.That is what will make you happy.

Grace is sick right now, but the doctors at Shepherd Center are taking great care of her and she will be better soon.We pray for her every day and night, as are people all over the world.That has been really special and is really helping Grace.

I hope that Grace and I get to meet you someday.You Grace sound like you are a great girl and a great Daisy!

Sincerely, Mr. Byrne

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10 Helping Sleepless Supermoms

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DEPARTMENTS

8 Show & Tell 14 Parenting 101:

8

>online

16 18 20 22 30

11 Ways to Deal With Parenting Anger Calendar Teen Talk: Boundaries Are Part of Healthy Relationships Health: All About Allergies Toddler Town: Keeping Toddler Germs At Bay ’Til We Meet Again

Weekly updates at www.athensparent.com!

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Athens-Oconee Parent Magazine www.athensparent.com

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show

&

tell

Compiled by Shannon H. Baker

volunteer opportunities give back!

for teens, adults and families

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amilyServe is about families working together to build a better community. At HandsOn Northeast Georgia, we believe that community members of all ages are vital to our community. For this reason, HandsOn Northeast Georgia has created a program to bring families together in community service and learning.

get organized!

spring potting area

Become a Service Centered Family: • Participate in a HandsOn NEGA sponsored FamilyServe volunteer events • Sign up for our volunteer opportunities ages 5 and up • Spend quality time with your family working in the community • Establish a long-term service plan for your family with your favorite community organization

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER EVENTS: • Weed Warriors: Memorial Park - March 16th & April 6th • Athens Twilight Volunteers Needed: April 26th & 27th • YOUthServe at the Food Bank of NEGA: Saturdays from 9am-12pm • Many more opportunities and information can be found at http://handsonnortheastgeorgia.com/

M

ost of us probably don’t have a garden shed like the one pictured but hopefully this will inspire you to create a your very own spring headquarters. Consider finding some fun fabrics, bright gardening tools and a cute pair of gloves. Scrap wood can be used to make your own signs which could also be used for vegetable gardens. Maybe your spot will be a corner of the garage, a nook on the back patio or a spot inside your home. Allowing your brain and body some time away from computers and phones while connecting with nature through dirt, plants, seeds and water will be a calming experience for you and your children.

get out!

Paint Your Own Pottery April showers bring May Flowers...so take a rainy day and make your own sunshine at Athens’ only paint-yourown pottery studio. Clayfully Created has just opened and is available for parties, drop-ins or even to-go! Prices start at around $15 and up and include paint, supplies, glazing & firing finished product.This family-friendly business was started by locals Susanne Barfield and Melissa Goranson. Help make their business a success and enjoy some quality family time and NO artistic ability is required!.

Visit www.clayfullycreated for more information.

Send your ideas & photos to P.O. Box 1251, Athens GA 30603 or e-mail mail@athensparent.com 8

Athens-Oconee Parent

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others.

Be a carrier!”

Source Unknown

book nook The Creative Journal for Teens: Making Friends With Yourself by Lucia Capacchione

C

reative Journaling uses BOTH images and words. It activates both sides of the brain: the verbal, linear, logical left brain and the visual, emotional, spiritual non-verbal right brain.You might begin using your journal by drawing how you feel and after the drawing is completed, write about what is in the picture.To help your teen get started on their own journal journey, give them a head start with this book. One teen stated:“The exercises are easy but can lead to some really interesting insights. I really love how writing and drawing are mixed, and looking back at my drawings is really interesting.”

Goodbye Eczema

I

try this!

started using this product for my five-year-old’s baths, and the patches of Eczema on the back of her legs are gone! California Baby® Therapeutic Relief Eczema Shampoo and Bodywash uses an organic blend of plant extracts which is a nice alternative to steroids.This product helps protect and restore the natural skin barrier – it may cost a little more than your average body wash but may be a lot cheaper than the medical bills associated with treating Eczema. Perfect for grown-ups and teenagers alike in soothing irritated or acne prone skin.When bathing, keep water temperature on the cool side, as eczema tends to flare up as the temperature rises.

bake it!

colossal cookies [with protein!]

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y daughter’s volleyball team is always looking for ways to provide snacks that the girls enjoy during all-day tournaments while helping them keep up the energy and endurance they need throughout the day.Tony Ferguson, one of the player’s parents, brought these cookies one day and they were such a hit, we had him send us the recipe. Enjoy!

1 1/2 cups butter, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups peanut butter 2 1/2 tsp. baking soda 2 tbs. whey protein, chocolate flavored 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 cups quick cook oatmeal Beat butter and sugars. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add peanut butter and whey protein. Mix well. Stir in soda, chips; gradually add the oatmeal. Form into balls approximately the size of a golf ball. Put on lightly greased cookie sheet – or use parchment paper for best results. Flatten cookie ball slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes (very light brown).

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Helping Sleepless Supermoms Reclaim Their Rest

By Malia Jacobson

W

hen Annie Krusznis gave birth six years ago, she expected to sacrifice some sleep in the early months of parenthood. She rejoiced the first time her son Will slept through the night, thinking her sleep woes were over. She didn’t know that she would endure three more years of insomnia while he slept peacefully in his crib.

Parenting an active toddler by day and struggling with insomnia at night “was almost a form of torture,” Krusznis recalls. “I began to lose sight of everything. I got frustrated easily, I couldn’t focus. I developed symptoms of depression.”

Her story is far from unique.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 67 percent of

women have frequent sleep problems. Nearly half of women report tiredness that interferes with daily life, leaving them too tired for exercise, healthy eating, friends, or sex.

When it comes to sleep, women have a natural disadvantage compared to men.They experience higher rates of insomnia and nighttime pain, but actually need more sleep— around 20 minutes more per night, according to sleep expert Jim Horne, author of Sleepfaring: A Journey Through The Science Of Sleep (Oxford University Press).

When women become moms, sleep deprivation becomes a way of life.Ten percent of moms confess that they’re still not getting a full night’s sleep, even as kids approach the preschool years.

Sleep Help for Moms ■ Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Avoid varying your sleep schedule, even on weekends.

■ Exercise 4-5 hours before bedtime; avoid exercising late at night.

■ Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable room.The ideal bedroom temperature is 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit.

■ Avoid caffeine or other stimulants after 2pm.

■ Enjoy a short afternoon power-nap, but avoid sleeping for longer than 45 minutes, or you’ll disrupt nighttime rest.

■ Check your medications: antidepressants, thyroid hormones, beta blockers, diuretics, and some decongestants can harm sleep.

■ Alcohol at bedtime can lead to poor-quality sleep, so don’t overdo it.

■ Relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback and aromatherapy have all been shown to improve sleep.

■ See a doctor is insomnia disrupts your daily life for more than a month.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

WHY MOMS NEED THEIR SLEEP With the dishes, laundry, bills, email, Facebook, and CSI all clamoring for our attention, who has time for a full night’s sleep?

Women in their prime caregiving years, ages 30 through 60, report getting only 6 hours and 41 minutes of sleep per weeknight while moms who work full-time report spending under 6 hours in bed during the week.

But a busy schedule doesn’t diminish our need for sleep, says Sridar Chalaka, M.D., director of the North Puget Sound Center for Sleep Disorders.When we repeatedly shortchange our sleep needs, our bodies pay the price.

Moms with sleep troubles experience higher rates of postpartum depression along with a host of other health and mood problems, from irritability and poor concentration to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Those who spend their days shuttling kids around town should take note; sleep deprivation and driving can be a dangerous combination. Over one-quarter of women admit to driving while drowsy.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes 100,000 auto accidents each year to drowsy driving.

SHEDDING THE SLEEP STIGMA Moms are keenly aware of the importance of sleep. After all, we enforce kids’ bedtimes and make sure everyone else gets enough shut-eye. So why do we find it so difficult to get the rest we need?

In addition to our own biology, we’re battling powerful social forces that tell us that we need to stay up later, finish one last email, or fold one more load of laundry before we turn in.

People who barely sleep— recently dubbed the “sleepless elite” by the Wall Street Journal— are seen as dedicated and driven.

Ironically, says Dr. Chalaka, women who forgo sleep to

wring more productivity from their day are actually preventing themselves from working at their peak. “We acclimate to sleep deprivation, so we may never realize that we’d be much more creative, calmer, more productive and less stressed if we’d only get more rest,” he says.

RECLAIMING REST The good news: the key to improving our physical and mental health, our parenting, and our lives is simple, easy, enjoyable, and free.

We just need more sleep.

Moms who look after their kids’ sleep needs should take care to look after their own, says Robert Aronson, M.D. medical director of Cardinal Sleep Disorder Centers of America. He recommends a predictable winddown ritual at bedtime, avoiding strong light in the evening, and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Moms who experience sleep troubles that disrupt their daily lives for more than a month should seek professional help, says William Kohler, M.D., medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute.Those like Krusznis who struggle with insomnia for months or years may be experiencing psycho-physiological insomnia.This “learned” insomnia takes hold when night waking becomes a habit, and can persist for years without treatment, he says.

SWEETER DREAMS Today, Krusznis sleeps through the night, and calls her insomnia ordeal a strange twist of fate. “I got frustrated with my son for not sleeping. And then I couldn’t take my own advice,” she says.

If insomnia ever returns, she’ll get help sooner, she says. “I’ll never go through that again.” ■ Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep expert and freelance writer. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears,Tricks, or Tirades.

Healthy Babies & Healthy Families

2013 ATHENS AREA MARCH FOR BABIES AMBASSADOR FAMILY

By Sue Youngerman

T

odd and Dana Cowart know about the ups and downs of premature birth. Their experience of having healthy 5year-old triplets born at only 29 weeks has inspired them to share their story to help others by becoming the 2013 Athens Area March for Babies Ambassador Family. According to Dana, “We realize that the hard work and relentless research of the March of Dimes is why our journey with premature triplets has a happy ending.” The life-saving measures given to Dana while she was pregnant and to the triplets as soon as they were born would not have been possible without the research provided by the March of Dimes.

This year marks the 75th anniversary

of the March of Dimes and its ongoing work to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. From it’s founding by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938 to fight and treat the crippling effects of polio, monies raised by volunteers helped fund the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines which are still given today.

Thirteen Nobel Prizes® have been awarded to March of Dimes researchers for providing some of the most important medical breakthroughs and treatments impacting the lives of millions of babies born each year.

This critical mission to save and enrich the lives of babies has been made possible by the tireless efforts of countless volunteers, and the money raised by indi-

vidual and corporate donors. Each year, the March of Dimes hosts its largest fundraiser, the March for Babies run/walk campaign.This special anniversary year partners and teams across Clarke, Oconee, Madison and Olgethorpe counties will host fundraisers to benefit the Athens Area March for Babies campaign.

One key fundraising event for the Athens Area March for Babies is the “Rock the Garden” hosted by the community volunteers of the Athens MOD Advisory Board, chaired by Mike Pilcher of Athens Regional Medical Center.

Research and equipment funded by the March of Dimes through the March for Babies campaign have made a vast impact on our community, and helped saved the lives of Todd and Dana

Parents Todd and Dana Cowart with Copeland, Maggie and Cash. Photos courtesy of the Cowart family.

Family photo courtesy of Dylan Blue Photography

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Cowart's beloved triplets. Dana's pregnancy had been fairly uneventful. Dana's family took very good care of her, and she had followed the doctor's instructions to the letter. Shopping on a hot October afternoon with her mother, Dana started feeling very ill and called her doctor. On his advice they went straight to the hospital where physicians were able to stop her labor using magnesium as well as a round of steroids.

Dana described it as “feeling like the worst flu ever, but I was so relieved that I could still hopefully carry the triplets to our target of 34 to 36 weeks.” The treatment did hold back her labor for a few more critically important days, but severe nausea and a high fever made her doctors realize that the triplets had to make their debut at only 29 weeks.

Dana knew that she and her babies were in the hands of the finest caretakers available. She and Todd were surprised to see an entire team of NICU nurses for each baby, along with three state of the art Giraffe Omnibed Incubators provided by funding from the March of Dimes.

“Copeland was the first to be born, and she was extremely quiet,Todd and I tried to prepare for the worst, but the tears were streaming down both of our faces. Maggie followed quickly behind and was screaming like a banshee, followed by a crying, but quieter, Cash.” Each baby was whisked into the capable arms of a team of highly trained Neonatal specialists, and each was given the lifesaving medication Surfactant, which promotes healthy lung growth.

“It was a long and sometimes terrifying

roller coaster ride after that, but the nurses and doctors of the Athens Regional Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit always made us feel that they cared about our babies just as much as if they were their own.” Five years later, these healthy, happy and very active triplets are a testament to the lifesaving work of the March of Dimes and the dedicated people of Athens Regional Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ARMC NICU).

“On a day-to-day basis, I see first hand what the March of Dimes has done and the impact that they have had on the patients we serve,” says Dena Ollis, ARMC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Director. “Through their research we have been able to make improvements in the prematurity rate overall and have been able to implement steroid and surfactant use for premature babies. We see better outcomes and an increased quality of life for these babies.” Also thanks to the March of Dimes funding, the ARMC NICU utilizes specialized medical mobile intensive care units called Angel II transports. These transport vehicles can stabilize and treat these medically fragile infants on the way to the hospital which greatly enhances healthy outcomes. Dena Ollis knows that “we would not have the resources to help these babies without the advocacy, research and funding of the March of Dimes.”

According to Athens Neurological Associates Pediatric Neurologist Dr. E. Brannon Morris III, “Premature birth remains a significant risk factor for devel-

oping cerebral palsy, a chronic neurological condition that, when severe, necessitates lifelong medical intervention. March of Dimes has been a national leader in fostering good health habits during pregnancy that have no doubt contributed to the lower preterm birth rates we have seen recently.” Dr. Morris and his practice believe in the work of the March of Dimes so strongly that they are one of the premier sponsors of the upcoming “Rock the Garden” fundraising event.

Held at the lush State Botanical Garden of Georgia, “Rock the Garden” is a night of dinner and music provided by renowned artist Randall Bramblett, and special guest William Tonks. The event will take place Thursday, March 28 at 6:00pm, and will feature dinner provided by some of Athens finest restaurants as well as a silent auction featuring golf packages, resort stays, cases of wine, airline tickets and other fine items. Randall Bramblett states that “we are delighted to be playing in such an intimate and beautiful setting for an organization whose work literally touches every baby born in this country.”

Tickets for “Rock the Garden” can be purchased at Modathens.org, and are $40 per person, or $75 per couple ticket price includes a catered dinner provided by a great selection of Athens' restaurants and beverages provided through a generous donation by Leon Farmer & Co. To become part of the solution and form a team for healthy babies or to learn more about this year's Athens Area March for Babies please visit www.march forbabies.org or contact Kristine Groft at kgroft@marchofdimes.com Run preregistration for the Athens Area March for Babies 5k Run/Walk can be made at active.com.Walkers are free.

The 5k run/walk qualifies for the Run & See Georgia Grand Prix.The event will be held at UGA’s Stegeman Coliseum on April 20th with a 9am start time. ■ Sue Youngerman is a public relations specialist with Bond Creative, a mom of two children and is excited to help the March of Dimes continue their research to promote healthy moms and babies.

Our Cover Kids

www.athensparent.com

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parenting 101

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By Jude Bijou

Set up a healthy emotional space

Healthy Ways to Deal With

Parenting Anger

Y

ou’re all alone dealing with a houseful of kids who, when they’re not playing nicely together, may be crying, whining, fighting or running

around creating havoc and chaos.You can feel the anger, frustration and resentment rising in you—you’re ready to blow a gasket! It’s normal to feel resentment and feel as if you’re going crazy.You just want to sit down and cry, or run outside and scream.

Guess what? That’s not a bad option, but there’s a way to do it that won’t freak out your kids.The truth is, holding down your anger only intensifies it, and it will end up coming out in a way you’ll regret.There’s a healthy way to release anger that won’t damage your kids OR leave you feeling like a terrible person.

Here are some strategies that help parents deal with frustration and anger around kids.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

1

Let go of self-judgment: It’s natural to feel intense anger, frustration and helplessness as a parent. Accept that you’re going to be exhausted and sometimes lose it.

Remind yourself that you’re doing your best.

2

Look for anger’s body cues: Step out of your head and into your body. Become aware of how the emotion is making itself known, for example, ears getting hot, surging in chest, rage moving up spine, sweating and feeling like you’re about explode.

3

Take a page from your kids’ book: Kids are good role models for expressing emotions.They scream, cry, stomp around and otherwise go ballistic, then after a few minutes are smiling and happy again.You can do this, too, but in a safe place where you won’t frighten the kids.

4

Find two minutes to let it all out: Excuse yourself to the bedroom, if your kids are old enough, and pound the mattress with your fist, or scream and growl into a pillow. Do it hard, with abandon. If you need to cry, allow the tears to flow. If the kids are too little to be left alone, push against a wall as hard as you

can, letting your arms and legs tremble with the effort. Make angry, scowling noises at the wall. While pushing or stomping, make sounds or stick to, “I just feel so angry. I need to get this energy out.”

5

Interrupt destructive thinking patterns: When you find yourself thinking about how your kids or the situation “should” be, learn to re-route those thoughts. Accept reality and focus on an indisputable truth. For example, “Suzie is the way she is, not the way I want her to be,” or “This feeling is temporary.” Repeat your statement in your mind over and over, and throughout the day.

6

Communicate with “I” statements and specifics: Instead of, “You kids are driving me crazy,” say, “I would like for you to pick up your toys before we have a snack. It makes me happy when our playroom is neat, and we can find all the pieces to our games.”

7

Deal with the present: Don’t make global generalizations such as, “You’re a bad boy.” Don’t drag in words like “always” and “never.” Stay specific and talk about the issue at hand. “I didn’t like it when you hit

for the entire family.

your sister. Look at how hard she’s crying.

Use your words if something bothers you.”

8

Focus on the positive:When your kids infuriate you, don’t focus on the small stuff that bothers you. Remember to tell your children what you love, admire, value and notice about them when you’re NOT feeling angry.

9

Be a good example for your family: Model healthy coping strategies for your family by creating a safe place for releasing anger. At an emotionally neutral time, explain to kids that expressing emotions is healthy, and you’ve created a safe place where anyone can go and get their anger out. Set aside a corner of the basement with a punching bag and a mattress, and show them how to pound pillows and invite them to do the same.

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Take care of yourself: Good emotional health in a family starts with you. Find what nourishes you and do it, even it if it’s just for a few seconds here and there. Sip a mug of hot tea or walk outside to feel the sunshine. Or even let the kids spend the afternoon on a play date so you can have quiet time. Be good to yourself.

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Find someone for support: Perhaps it’s a best friend who also has kids, or it’s your spouse. Ask for help and call in the support team when you feel like you’re going to lose it with the kids.

The results? You set up a healthy emotional space for the entire family.You’ll take care of your own need to feel centered and to have a sense of wellbeing. Releasing the emotional energy and focusing on acceptance dissipates anger and restores balance.You’ll feel more calm, clear and loving—and you’ll teach your kids to do the same for themselves. You’ll calmly accept what is or say/do what you need to in order to keep love, joy and peace flowing in your household. ■

Jude Bijou, MA, MFT, is a respected psychotherapist, professional educator and workshop leader. Her theory of Attitude Reconstruction evolved over the course of more than 30 years working with clients as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and it is the subject of her award-winning book, Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life. Learn more at http://www.attitudereconstruction.com. www.athensparent.com 15

calendar March 2013 1-9 ■■

To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird adapted Christopher Sergel Seney Stovall at 201 N. Milledge Avenue (behind the Varsity); school shows February 27-March 8 at 10am, Public Shows March 1-9 at 7pm;Advance tickets at www.athensmusic.net, 706-3409181, booking@roseofathens.org, or www.roseofathens.org. $16/adults, $12/students 13 and older, and $8/12 and under.

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Kindermarket Consignment & Home Furnishings Sale YMCA Hawthorne Ave., Athens 1pm Thurs., March 7,Volunteer preview sale 3pm Thurs., March 7, Seller preview sale 5pm Thurs., March 7, Expectant Mothers 6pm-9pm Thurs., March 7, Public sale ($4 Admission) 9am-6pm Fri., March 8, Public sale, free admission 8am-noon Sat., March 9 (most items 1/2 price) Madness 11-15 Spring Break Mini Camp ■■March Participate in recreational activities, arts & crafts, cooking, games, music and more.

Registration required. Ages 6-12, 9am-1pm, $16-$20, Lay Park, 706-613-3596 Good Dirt Spring Break Clay Camp Each day is a different class. Register for any of the days. Kids will make clay creations, have a picnic lunch and play games. 9am-3pm, Good Dirt Clay Studio, 510 North Thomas Street, Downtown Athens, $55/day. Call Good Dirt Clay Studio to register, 706-355-3161.

Break Art Break 12-14 Come explore our art studios ■■Spring and use your creativity to design, build, paint, sculpt or draw your own artwork after meeting a guest artist. Ages: 6-12.

Session I: Tuesday, 3/12; Session II: Thursday, 3/14. 9am-3pm, $42-$63 (plus $15 materials fee), Lyndon House Arts Center, 706-613-3623.

13-15 ■■

Spring Break Mini-Camp at SCNC Each day we will explore nature, make crafts and have a snack. Ages: 4-12, 9:30am12:30pm, $24-$36, Sandy Creek Nature Center, 706-613-3615

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Compiled by Chris Parsons

Some events, dates and times are subject to change.

Please call individual event organizers to confirm schedules.

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Touch a Truck FREE hands-on event for children to see, touch and explore their favorite big trucks, heavy equipment and large vehicles.

Dump trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, and the like will be a part of the event. Each vehicle will be staffed with a trained operator. Lots of fun family activities will be offered. Come out to Heritage Park on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.ocprd.com

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St. Patrick’s Day Snake Celebration St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.

Therefore we’ll discuss all things snake this afternoon! Come learn facts about snake species, bust a few myths, and encounter some live snakes, too. Don’t forget to wear green! 2-4pm, free, Bear Hollow Zoo, 706613-3616

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Movie Night: Mothman Prophecies We will be watching The Mothman Prophecies to celebrate Extraterrestrial Day! “A reporter is drawn to a small West Virginia town to investigate a series of strange events, including psychic visions and the appearance of bizarre entities.” (Rated PG-13), Ages: 11-18 ONLY, 6-8pm, Oconee County Library

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Georgia Museum of Art Gallery Games Kids ages 7 to 11 are invited to join us for this special interactive gallery tour. Learn about works in the museum through activities designed just for kids. 4:15-5:00pm, 90 Carlton Street, Athens

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Bargainza: Junior League’s Annual Thrift Sale Preview Night-Friday, March 22nd from 6:30pm-8:30pm, tickets $5 Sale Day-Saturday, March 23rd from 8:30am-12pm, tickets $3 Event will be held at Athens Arena, 280 Commerce Blvd, Athens, 706-549-8688, www.juniorleagueofathens.org

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Family Day of Georgia Museum of Art: Portraits Bold and Bright After visiting the exhibition “William H. Johnson: An American Modern,” join us in the Mary and Michael Erlanger classroom to create oil pastel portraits inspired by the artist’s bold and bright style. 10am-noon, Georgia Museum of Art

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Minute to Win It Game Night Test your skills with our Minute to Win It Challenge! We will be playing against the clock as we see who has the balance, patience and coordination to win! Prizes and snacks! Ages: 11-18 ONLY, 6:00-8:00pm, Oconee County Library

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Oconee Co. Parks & Recreation Spring Break Day Camps (also April 1-5) All day camps are offered to Oconee County students on select days when school is not in session. Camp is open from 7:30am-6pm. Snacks are provided but students must bring a sack lunch.The day is filled with activities and games to keep the participants engaged. Contact Jessica Tiller for information on registering. $30/day per participant, 706-769-3966, www.ocprd.com

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Easter Egg Hunt 16th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Oconee Veterans Park. Fun family event with activities and games for the kids.Take your child’s picture with the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs. Activities start at 11 a.m. and Hunt at 1 p.m. Concessions will be available. Please bring one can food item per child. Email: wengland@oconee.ga.us

April 2013 1-5 ■■

Oconee Co. Parks & Recreation Spring Break Day Camps All day camps are offered to Oconee County students on select days when school is not in session. Camp is open from 7:30am-6pm. Snacks are provided but students must bring a sack lunch.The day is filled with activities and games to keep the participants engaged. $30/day, per participant, 706-769-3966, www.ocprd.com

5 ■■

Family Program “Froggie Spring Fling” Join us for an evening of amphibian hunting.

We’ll learn about the amphibians we can find here, and then search the nature center property for newts, salamanders and frogs.

For Families (children 4 years and older), 79pm, $7-$10, Sandy Creek Nature Center, 706-613-3615

12-14 ■■

“Live Art” Performances Join Athens Creative Theatre for this fastpaced, highly entertaining and unique musical revue featuring Broadway songs old and new, funny and sweet! Friday & Saturday 7pm; Sunday 2pm. $15/adults; $12/students/seniors/children, Quinn Hall at Memorial Park, 706-613-3628

Academy 13 Athens Festival Day ■■ Join us for a fun-filled and exciting Festival Day on the Athens Academy campus. Kids of all ages will enjoy the dunking booth, climbing wall, bounce house, face painting, and much more.Tickets and wristbands are

available for purchase the day of the event.

Everyone is invited! 10am-1pm, Athens Academy Spartan Center Pet CPR & First Aid Course The Athens Area Humane Society is happy to have Christine Carter, certified Pet Tech Instructor, offer Pet First Aid and CPR courses! You only need to attend one of the course dates to compete your certification. www.AthensHumaneSociety.org, space is limited, $50 and a large portion of that is donated to AAHS, 10am-2pm, Athens Area Humane Society, 1781 Mars Hill Rd., Watkinsville

14 ■■

Child Abuse Prevention Walk A family friendly walk or run of varying distances for awareness of child abuse and the importance of prevention.

This event is sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Athens and April is child abuse prevention month. Sandy Creek Nature Center, 2pm. http://www.pcaathens.org/

26-27 ■■

Athens Terrapin Twilight Criterium Fun weekend event including bike racing, skating, music and special events just for kids.Twilight Kids Zone offers face painting, music, fitness displays and activities, rides, moon walks from 10am-4pm on 4/27 plus Big Wheel Race at 11am; Kids Criterium 9 and under at 11:30am, 10 and older at noon on 4/27 in Downtown Athens

27 ■■

Washington Farms Strawberry Festival 3rd Annual Strawberry Festival packed full of farm fresh, family fun! The strawberry fields will be open for picking, farm animals for petting, handmade arts & crafts and a Strawberry Cook Off! Festival admission is $8/person for ages 2 and up. U-Pick strawberries are additional. 9am-6pm,Washington Farms, 5671 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville, www.WashingtonFarms.net, 706-769-0627

20 ■■

Pitch, Hit & Run Contest - FREE The Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Major League Baseball and Pepsi Cola, will be hosting this competition on Saturday, April 20 at the Bogart Sports Complex from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.The competition is open to all boys and girls ages 7-14 (Age as of July 17, 2012).Winners from each group (7/8, 9/10, 11/12, & 13/14) will have the opportunity to progress to a sectional, regional, and national competition. No preregistration is necessary. A waiver must be signed on site for participation. For more information, please call 706-769-3965.

ONLINE CALENDAR

AT WWW.ATHENSPARENT.COM ■ UPDATED WEEKLY, our online calendar has links to school and community calendars and movie listings, as well as monthly events like storytimes, mother’s group meetings and kids’ craft clinics.

www.athensparent.com 17

teen talk

T

he teenage girl’s boyfriend was a year older, handsome, and strong-willed. She wanted to please him and gave up her viewpoints to let him be in charge. If she did express an opinion, he might say (even in front of other people): “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She was embarrassed whenever he did that, but still wanted him to like her. It took years for her to realize that something was wrong and to finally leave the relationship.

Today, Athens resident Nancy Hunter, M.A., CSW, LLP (retired), looks back on those teenage years with the knowledge of an experienced psychologist. She realizes she didn’t know how to set boundaries with other people, especially with her older boyfriend. “Setting boundaries means knowing who you are and what’s important to you and letting others know, too. It means not giving up your own opinions just to please others.”

As an adult, Hunter knows the warning signs of those who do not respect other people’s boundaries.Working with the Atlanta police taught her to notice those clues right away, especially in dangerous situations. “Pushy people take you by surprise,” she says. “If someone is talking you around in circles and trying to get you to do something quickly—be alert! Take a deep breath and step back. Don’t feel pushed into responding to someone else’s demands.”

Setting boundaries also includes using technology care18

Athens-Oconee Parent

By Liz Conroy

Nobody has all the answers, but

Boundaries Are Part of Healthy Relationships fully. Often, people who are good at manipulating others want an instant response. “Teens can get into difficult situations by responding too quickly online or by cell phone,” Hunter says.

“Remember that you are responsible for yourself. But others may try to make you feel like you are responsible for their happiness and make you feel guilty if you don’t give into their demands.”

Hunter recalls how her boyfriend would say: “If you really loved me, you would do this for me.” In fact, such statements are clear warning signals.

“If someone really loves you, he’ll listen to what you have to say and not try to make you give into him,” she says.

Also, Hunter learned later that her good friends disliked her boyfriend, but wouldn’t speak up about him. Her parents didn’t like him either and said so.

“That should have been a clue, but I was young and getting out of the nest and wasn’t listening.”

Hunter realizes now that she needed to talk with an older, trustworthy individual—someone who could have helped her understand that she was in an abusive relationship.That kind of honest discussion is what she recommends to others: “Describe your intuitive feelings.

Often our intuition warns us when something isn’t right.

Unfortunately, in our society, women are often taught to deny those instincts.”

In her informative book, “Dating and Sex: Defining and Setting Boundaries,” Judith Peacock describes unhealthy dating relationships and notes: “One

in every three high school students is or has been in an abusive relationship. Extreme jealousy is the leading cause of dating violence.” She emphasizes the importance of ending such relationships immediately.

She writes,“A relationship with a mean, possessive or controlling person is unhealthy.These people often get angry when they don’t get their way.They may put down their partner in front of other people or in private.They may want to know their partner’s every move.”

Leslie Dooley, a guidance counselor at North Oconee High School, agrees that such relationships are unhealthy, confusing and should end. She says, “But teens are trying to fit in and experience intense peer pressure

to do so.They don’t know who they are yet, and most don’t have much experience with relationships. It makes it hard for them to set boundaries with others.”

She also knows that some teens may not fully understand what’s wrong. Dooley recalls teen girls describing how their boyfriends would distance them from other friends—a major warning flag! She urges teens in any relationship to ask this critical question: Is there a power differential?

“An unhealthy relationship is characterized by one partner holding the other partner to a different standard,” Dooley explains. “For example, the boy can go out with his friends whenever he wants, but not the girl. But the girl may have low

Prevention through education

TEAR S

Teens Experiencing Abusive Relationships

ociety often overlooks the fact that teens do experience abusive relationships.Therefore,TEAR’s mission is to focus on teen dating violence, aiming to decrease the number of violent dating relationships by educating teens before the problem occurs. Awareness is the key.

TEAR spreads awareness to educate the community about what a violent relationship is, how to look out for an abusive relationship, how to escape an unhealthy relationship and more.TEAR is inspired to help victims gain enough courage to leave dangerous relationships when they are ready, and educates friends and family members to play a supporting role for the victim during this time.The most important aspect of leaving an abusive relationship is the victim’s support system, so TEAR helps to educate society as a whole so that everyone can take a role in preventing abuse. - www.teensagainstabuse.org

it helps to have a supportive sounding board. self esteem and feel lucky to have someone interested in her. She may put up with a lot just to hold onto that boyfriend.” In other instances, the girl may be controlling her boyfriend’s every move.

Dooley teaches teens that setting personal boundaries means establishing yourself to others: “This is who I am.These are the things that are okay for me, and these are the things that are not okay for me.” Then people know how to interact with you and will respect you, she adds.

Unfortunately, possessive or controlling people may be angry with anyone who sets a boundary that they don’t like. “You don’t have to be rude,” she advises. “But do remain firm so you don’t get manipulated into doing what the other person wants.”

Negative reactions are difficult for young people to handle though, and many don’t know how to respond. Dooley suggests stepping back and asking: “Why is this person so upset? Why is my decision, which affects me, causing such intense anger in someone else?

Shouldn’t this person be respecting my viewpoint? Why is this person attempting to make me feel guilty?”

Dooley also recommends that teens talk to

a trustworthy adult when they find themselves in difficult relationships. Often, teens feel that if they go to see a counselor then something must be wrong with them: “Sometimes, just by talking with someone else, we begin to understand the problem better. Nobody has all the answers, but it helps to have a supportive sounding board.” ■ Liz Conroy is a freelance writer based in Athens and values healthy relationships.

www.athensparent.com

19

health

By Jamie Lober

All About

Allergies

A

thens is a great place to live–unless you have allergies.The National Institute of Health defines allergies as an immune response or reaction to substances that are not usually harmful. For people with allergies, the immune response is overly sensitive and chemicals like histamines are released. “In Georgia, allergies seem to be year-round in kids and adults because we always have something blooming,” said Dr. Alice Edwards, family physician at Athens Internal Medicine Associates, part of St. Mary’s Medical Group. Some families can relate to the hallmark symptoms of coughing and sneezing while others cannot. It is just a matter of how your body reacts to allergens in the air. “Some people are sensitive to pollens, mold, dust or pets and some people are not,” said Edwards.

There is also a genetic component to allergies, so if both parents have allergies the child is more likely to develop the condition, too.

If your child is struggling, do him a favor and take him to see

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Athens-Oconee Parent

the pediatrician instead of playing doctor at home. “You should talk to your doctor before doing preventative medications to make sure that your doctor is aware of the allergies and to make sure that there is not anything else going on because there are things that can mimic allergies,” said Edwards.While the regular coughing and runny nose are not dangerous, they can cause sinus infections, which are awful and lead to antibiotics.

“Know that generally kids under the age of 2 do not have allergies,” said Edwards.

If you think your toddler has allergies, try to rule out mischievous behavior first. “They will shove a bead or something up their nose or they have a little infection, nasal polyp or anatomical abnormalities that can cause problems,” said Edwards.

Sometimes a cold may imitate allergies. “Generally if you are running a fever greater than 100.5, it is some sort of infection,” said Edwards.You can expect the doctor to do a thorough exam to get to the bottom of things. “We will do a head,

Be ready to fight back.

eyes, ears, nose and throat examination, listen to the heart and lungs and there are some signs that can point to allergies or infection,” said Edwards.

While some medications like Zyrtec® or Benadryl® are rumored to provide relief, they just cover over the symptoms.

“To get better from allergies, you have to not be exposed to what you are allergic to,” said Edwards.The newest thing to note is that you are not supposed to give cough and cold medicine in children under the age of 4 because it has not been shown to work.There are antihistamines available over-thecounter and by prescription and corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications that may be indicated by your doctor. Some people use decongestants to help deal with a stuffy nose but you should not use it for more than several days or it will cause a rebound effect and make the congestion worse. If you have high blood pressure or cardiac issues, decongestants are contraindicated.

Dust allergies are the easiest to beat.“You can get rid of carpet and put in hardwood floors and clean out the air conditioning and heating system and use hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers,” said Edwards. Staying away from feather pillows can also be helpful as well as washing bedding in warm water weekly.“You may want to have a home inspector look at your house every five years to make sure there is not mold or mildew building up in the crawlspace and you should clear out the air ducts every four to five years as well,” said Edwards. Try to keep indoor humidity below fifty percent and just keep the environment clean, which means not exposing your child to tobacco smoke before or after birth.

Allergy shots are reserved for severe cases, such as kids who have allergies and get sinus infections every month or have significant flares of asthma and miss

school. “They are usually two to three times a week for several years, so it is a big commitment and costly but effective,” said Edwards.The idea is that each dose is slightly larger than the last and over time you build up immunity, though it does not work for everyone.

Know that all allergies are not environmental.“Food allergies are fairly common, with the traditional ones being lactose intolerance, peanuts, strawberries and gluten.

“If you eat something with nuts in it and break out in a rash, or if you have diarrhea or stomach pain on a regular basis or do not seem to gain weight as well as other kids, those would be suggestions that you have a food allergy,” said Edwards. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, breast milk is the least likely to trigger an allergic reaction and it strengthens an infant’s immune system, so moms should attempt to breastfeed exclusively for the first four to six months.After, single ingredient foods should be introduced one at a time to give the child a chance to identify foods that he gets along with as well as those that might cause a reaction.

Be sure to seek guidance if your family is struggling with allergies and do not take unnecessary actions. If your child is wheezing, do not get rid of your beloved cat when it might be dust mites that are the problem.

You can work with an allergist to create a treatment plan to manage or even eliminate the burdensome symptoms altogether. The good news is that most allergies improve as kids get older.The key is to equip yourself with knowledge, get your doctor’s consent for your action plan and be ready to fight back.

“We are definitely going to be hit with allergies this year,” said Edwards. ■ Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (http://www.getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics. www.athensparent.com

21

toddler

town

By Kaitlin Bevis

Some things require good old-

Keeping

Toddler Germs At Bay

L

et’s face it: Toddlers are gross.

They stick their hands in their mouths and wipe their little slobbery wet hands all over every surface of the home they can reach.

They can reach a lot when they put their minds to it. Snot drips down their itty bitty noses, uninhibited by tissues, and yes, they are still learning to wash their hands. Cold and flu season is made just a bit more disgusting by these little angels.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

But cleaning up after them presents its own concerns. Cleaning solutions have chemicals and can be deadly if ingested. Not to mention that they’re bad for the environment. But what else can you use? We’ve all been there.You look up and realize that toy your toddler is chewing on has just been liberally doused in some brand of high-chemical disinfecting cleaner in a valiant effort to stop germs in their tracks.You find yourself horrified, wondering what catastrophic carcino-

genic chemical you have just allowed to be introduced to your child’s body.

That was me before I discovered the power of steam. I’ve been using the Shark® Steam Mop on my floors for quite some time now, and I have been amazed at the results.

My floor is clean and disinfected, and I don’t have to buy an expensive bottle of floor cleaner every other month while worrying about what my daughter is getting on her little bare feet as she toddles after me begging for a turn to mop.

After using the steam mop with so much success, I wondered if there was something similar I could use for my countertops and all her grimy toys. A quick check online and 30 dollars later, I found an electric steam cleaner that has attachments, allowing me to clean mirrors, windows and a dozen other things I haven’t yet tried.All I do is hold the nozzle close to my counters, press the button and high-pressured, super-hot steam is released, sanitizing and cleaning the counter in an instant. I follow up by wiping with a clean washcloth. It’s the perfect way to clean without leaving behind chemical residue. Sticky residue and questionable crusty matter breaks apart under the powerful spray. It works well on everything… including rubber duckies.

Despite all the wonders of steam, there are still some things that require good old-fashioned soap and water. Like your toddler’s

fashioned soap and water.

hands.To combat the spread of germs, encourage your child to wash their hands thoroughly and often. Make it fun. Crayola makes a variety of colorful soaps.You can purchase pre-foaming soaps, liquid soap or bar soaps in a plethora of fun characters and shapes. Most soap containers can be refilled.Whatever soap you use, make sure your child can access it easily and can use it without trouble.

Make sure your toddler can reach the sink and turn on the water so they can wash their hands independently. Teach them the difference between the hot and cold knobs.

Invest in a stepstool, and remember, check your hot water temperature to prevent scalding. Teach them to sing a song while they scrub their hands to make sure they spend at least 20 seconds scrubbing with soap. “The ABCs” is long enough, or have them sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Teach them to rinse well, and make sure they have a fun towel in reach. Investing in hand sanitizer for those dubious times between handwashing is never a bad idea either.

For any other objects that require soap and water, allow your child the opportunity to help you clean. My daughter scrubs, dries and puts away her own special dishes.

Colorful plastic cups, plates and utensils keep me from worrying about broken glass, and it makes her meal times fun. A scrub brush filled with soap with a big, easy to press button to dispense it, a towel and yet another stepstool gives my child a little independence in the kitchen.

Hand-washing and cleaning is enough to stop most bugs in their tracks, but toddlers are resourceful creatures. Eventually—and despite your very best efforts—they will get sick. Keep tissues, or if you prefer, boogie wipes on hand, and remember to keep your little one hydrated. Do not administer any medicine without the blessing of a pediatrician. Saline spray can help keep your toddler’s nasal passages clear and pain free. A simple tea made of hot water (not too hot!) a tablespoon of sugar, honey and lemon juice will soothe your little one’s throat while keeping them hydrated. Naps, stories, cartoons and some cuddle time will get your toddler back on his or her feet and spreading germs again in no time. ■ Kaitlin Bevis is a happily married mom who spends every moment of her free time writing. Her young adult fiction novel, Persephone, was released in July.

She has published several other short stories, and blogs for truuconfessions.com. Find out more at www.kaitlinbevis.com. www.athensparent.com

23

2013

Summer Camps PART 1

Here is an overview of some of the fabulous camps that our area has to offer. Please contact individual camps as information can change.

Updates can be found at www.athensparent.com.

Happy Planning ... and Happy Camping!

For complete descriptions of camps listed, visit www.athensparent.com.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Active Climbing 706-354-0038 Active Climbing offers weekly sessions beginning June 10 through August 9. Hours & Pricing: 9 am to 2 pm, $175 per week/$45 per day. Children will pack a lunch and we will provide a healthy snack. Kids gets to climb and play all day! Contact Jackie@activeclimbing.com for information on signing up today! www.activeclimbing.com

Alice DePass Studio of Dance 706-769-1177 • MY CHANCE TO DANCE CAMP For ages 2.5-3.5, June 3rd - 5th (Monday-Wednesday) from 9:3011:00 am, $65 (includes snack and all craft materials). Calling all tiny dancers! Join us for this special introduction to ballet, which includes dance instruction, movement games, dress-up, crafts, and lots of fun!

• CINDERELLA’S DANCE & ACTING CAMP For ages 3.5-6, June 10th- 12th (MondayWednesday) from 9:30-11:00 am, $65 (includes snack and all craft materials) Come join us as we explore the classic fairytale of Cinderella through dance, pantomime, dressup, crafts, and storytelling!

• RAPUNZEL’S DANCE & ACTING CAMP 2 Dates to Choose From! Session I (for ages 3-5): June 17th-19th (Monday-Wednesday) from 9:30-11:00am. Session II (for ages 3.5-6): July 15th-17th (Monday-Wednesday) from 9:30-11:00 am, $65/session (includes snack and all craft materials). Rapunzel invites all of her princess friends to come join us for ballet, pantomime, dress-up, story time, princess crafts, and lots of fun!

• TINKERBELL’S BALLET CAMP 2 Dates to Choose From!, For ages 3-5, Session I: June 24th - 26th (MondayWednesday) from 9:30-11:00 am, Session II: July 22nd-24th (Monday-Wednesday) from

9:30-11:00 am, $65/session (includes snack and all craft materials).Tinkerbell invites all of her fairy friends to join her for ballet class, dressup, story time, and fun fairy crafts!

• ARIEL’S DANCE & ACTING CAMP For ages 4-6, July 8th - 10th (MondayWednesday) from 9:30-11:00 am, $65 (includes snack and all craft materials). Calling all little mermaids! Join us for ballet class, pantomime, dress-up, story time, and fun "under the sea" crafts!

• OUT OF THE BOX! For Boys and Girls, Rising 2nd – 5th graders, July 15th – 18th (Monday-Thursday) from 9:00 am -12 noon, $130 (includes all snacks and supplies). If you love to build with Legos and blocks, then you want a camp that’s out of the box! Make music, dance and create, too. In red, black, green, white, yellow, and blue! So, if you’re a kid who thinks out of the box, Join us at a camp that really rocks! www.depassstudioofdance.com

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services • ART CAMPS 706-613-3623 Ages: 4-6 and 7-11, Registration: Begins Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. - noon for ACC residents; Non-residents may register beginning Wednesday, April 24 at Lyndon House Arts Center • ATHENS CREATIVE THEATRE CAMPS 706-613-3628, Ages: 8-12, Registration begins Saturday, April 27 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Memorial Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, May 1, phone or drop by the Morton Theatre offices during work hours.

• EAST ATHENS SUMMER DAY CAMP 706-613-3593 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at East Athens Community Center. Registration for

non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17 at East Athens Community Center • LAY PARK SUMMER DAY CAMP 706-613-3596 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Lay Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17 at Lay Park.

• MEMORIAL PARK DAY CAMP 706-613-3580 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Memorial Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Memorial Park.

• PARKVIEW SUMMER DAY CAMP: URBAN ADVENTURES 706-613-3603 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday April 13 from 9:00 a.m. -noon for ACC residents; registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17. Registration takes place at the Rocksprings Community Center at 291 Henderson Ext.

• ROCKSPRINGS SUMMER DAY CAMP: CRAZY 8’S 706-613-3603 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday April 13 from 9:00 a.m.-noon for ACC residents; registration for Non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

• SANDY CREEK DAY CAMP 706-613-3615 Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 13 from 9:00 a.m. – noon at Sandy Creek Nature Center, registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17 at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

• ZOO CAMP AT BEAR HOLLOW 706-613-3616 Ages: 6-9, 10-12 (camper must have been 6

by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. – Noon for ACC residents at Memorial Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Memorial Park • CAMP-A-LOOZA GYMNASTICS DAY CAMPS 706-613-3589

Ages: 6-12 (camper must have been 6 by Sept. 1, 2012, and not older than 12 on May 27, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for ACC residents at Bishop Park and continues Monday and Tuesday, March 25-26, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for ACC residents. Registration for everyone begins Wednesday, March 27 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bishop Park. Parent's Meeting: Monday, May 20, 5:30 p.m. at Bishop Park • KIDVENTURES GYMNASTICS MINI-CAMPS 706-613-3589 Ages: 3-5 (Must be 3 by April 1, 2013), Registration: Begins Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for ACC residents at Bishop Park and continues Monday and Tuesday, March 25-26, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for ACC residents. Registration for everyone begins Wednesday, March 27 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Bishop Park. Parent's Meeting: Monday, May 20, 4:30 p.m. at Bishop Park • SPORTS CAMP 706-613-3589 Ages: 6-12 (camper must be 6 by June 1, 2013), Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at

more camps on page 26

www.athensparent.com

25

2013

Summer Camps Bishop Park.

Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Bishop Park • SKATE CAMP 706-613-3589 Ages: 6-12 (camper must be 6 by June 1, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Bishop Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Bishop Park

26

Athens-Oconee Parent

• SPORTSTIME CAMP 706-613-3589 Ages: 4-5 (camper must be 4 by June 1, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Bishop Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Bishop Park • TRIATHLON CAMP 706- 613-3589 Ages: 8-12 (camper must be 8 by July 1, 2013) Registration: Begins Saturday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Bishop Park. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 10 at Bishop Park • SANDY CREEK TEEN CAMP 706-613-3615 Ages: 13-15 Registration: Begins Saturday, April 13 from 9:00 a.m. – noon at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, April 17 at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

• TEENS IN ACTION 706-613-3620 Ages: 13-15 Registration: Begins Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. – noon for ACC residents at Lyndon House Arts Center; Registration for non-residents begins Wednesday, May 1 at Lyndon House Arts Center. www.athensclarkecounty.com/camps

Athens Academy Summer Camps & Summer Programs 706-549-9225 Athens Academy offers athletic, academic and technology programs for rising 1st thru 12th grades as well as a Summer Day Camp for ages 4 years to rising 5th graders. Our camps are available to all students in our community.

Camps run weekly beginning in June. Email: mwellborn@athensacademy.org or gwalton@ athensacademy.org Ages: 4 years - 12th grades www.athensacademy.org

Athens Little Playhouse For ages 4 and up. Improvisation scenes, theatre games, creative problem solving and more.This week long theatre study will conclude with a performance for families and friends. Sessions available May 27-31, June 1721, June 24-28, July 8-12, Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm; Friday, 8:30-noon; Friday noon time performance for family and friends. $150 for one session ($135 for each additional child); Single day rate - $60 www.athenslittleplayhouse.net

Camp Dixie 678-701-3052 Camp Dixie, a unique summer camp for boys and girls 6 to 15, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia.We limit enrollment to just 70 campers, making a sup-

portive, family-like environment. For 98 years we have been giving children unforgettable summers full of swimming, canoeing, crafts, drama, archery, outdoor skills, sports, riflery and loads of fun! www.campdixie.org

Chick Music 706-546-8742 Summer Music Camps! Ages 5 & up. 3 Day Camps $75. 5 Day Camps $150. Beginning Guitar, Beginning Percussion, Improvisation and Rock Jam Camps. Contact Christy@chickmusic.net for more info. www.chickmusic.net

Clayfully Created 706-395-5002 Clay Camp is each Wednesday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm during the months of June & July.

Camp cost of $50 per day and includes all clay supplies, paint, firing finished product & pizza lunch. Register on the website. www.clayfullycreated.com

Good Dirt 706-355-3161 • PRESCHOOL CAMPS for ages 4-6, 9 am 12 noon, $125, May 20th - Aug. 9th.

• YOUTH CAMPS for ages 7-10, 9 am - 1 pm, $155, May 20th - Aug. 9th • TEEN CAMPS for ages 11-18, 9 am - 1 pm, $165-190, May 20th - Aug. 9th.

Camps offer a variety of options each week. Some examples are Handbuilding, Wheel Throwing, Asian Pottery, Glass Fusing, and Tiles. View the variety of camps and register online. www.gooddirt.net

Girls's House 706-410-5785 Girl's House is a fun and fulfilling Christian camp that lead girls to a closer relationship with God while learning life skills. Half Day 8am-1pm. Cost $75/ week. Full Day 8am4pm. Cost $100/week.

• CAMP 1: 5/20-5/31 Grade 3-5, full day.

• CAMP 2: 6/3-6/14, Grade 3-5.

• CAMP 3: 6/17-6/28, Grade 6-8, full day.

• CAMP 4: 7/1-7/12, Grade 6-8.

• CAMP 5: 7/15-7/26, Grade 9-12.

Register Now! Before March 20th $40, After $60 www.GirlsHouse.org

Hogwarts School at the Pyramid 706-546-7914 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens hosts a week of magic and adventure inspired by the Harry Potter series! Campers ages 612 begin with a visit to Diagon Alley for their wizardry supplies, attend classes in Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Spells, Potions, and Transiguration and learn to play Quidditch. June 3-7, 10am-3pm. $125-175.

Registration begins April 1. Look for our website in the May Issue.

Institute for Wild Intelligence Email sarah@wildintelligence.org Location: Orange Twin Conservation Land, 5 miles from downtown Athens • WILD PLAY! DAY CAMP Kids become at home in nature through games, storytelling, wandering adventures and ancient survival skills.

Ages: 6-12 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Dates: 4 Sessions: 5/28-5/31 & 6/3-6/7; 6/17-6/21 & 6/24-6/28 (10 total days) Fees: $175 for 1 week, $300 for 2 weeks in a row ($150 per week) • INSTITUTE FOR WILD INTELLIGENCE: TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP (OVERNIGHT) Self-Sufficiency. Belonging.Teens become more self-aware and confident through ancient survival skills and outdoor adventure.

Ages: 12-15 Dates and Fee: 7/5-7/7 - $175 www.wildintelligence.org

more camps on page 28

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2013

Summer Camps

Kids 'R' Kids Super Summer Camp 706-546-9400 Rising K - 12 years. May 21st through August 6th. Registration begins April 1st. It's always an exciting summer at Kids 'R' Kids! Weekly themes and fun field trips, onsite water area too. Kids join friends, make new friends, make memories and have fun! Accredited, regulated program with experienced and professional KRK staff. www.krk23ga.com

New Moon Summer Adventure Camp Jackson Eco Farm 706-202-5901 Farm Camp is designed for children ages 5-12. Camp focuses on the love of nature and earthfriendly farming practices. Tuesday/Thursday sessions will be held 6/4 and 6/6 and 6/11 and 6/13, 8:30-12:30. Cost $95.00/week. Full week sessions will be held 6/17-21 and 7/812, 8:30-3:00. Cost 225.00/week. Siblings 20% discount. www.jacksonecofarm.org

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Athens-Oconee Parent

706-310-0013 Come explore the great outdoors as we travel to many different state parks and nature areas. Activities include hiking, swimming, boating, ropes course and much more. $150/wk includes all activity and travel expenses, ages 6-12, hours 8:30-5:30. Camps will run the weeks of June 10-14 and 17-21 and July 8-12 and 15-19. www.newmoonlearning.vpweb.com

Nike Tennis Camp at the University of Georgia 1-800-645-3226 The Nike Tennis Camp at UGA offers Overnight (ages 12-17), Extended Day (9:00am-8:30pm), and Day (9:00am-4:00pm)

camp options. Jeff Wallace 2013 Sessions (GIRLS ONLY): 6/2-6, 6/9-13, 7/7-11. Manuel Diaz 2013 Sessions (BOYS ONLY): 6/16-20, 6/23-27, 7/14-18, 7/21-25 (+Tournament Training) www.USSportsCamps.com/tennis

Oconee Parks and Recreation Department OPRD offers summer day camp, teen extreme camp and multiple summer sports camps to choose from. Please visit the website for more information. Registration begins April 15, 2013. www.ocprd.com

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) Summer Art Camp 706-769-4565 Designed for children with a keen interest in art and a desire to learn more. Session consists of one week in clay and one week in the painting & drawing. Camp is held each day from 9 AM to 12 PM Monday through Friday at the School Street Facilities in Watkinsville.

• SESSION I: 6/3 thru 6/14,Week One: Clay, Week Two: Painting & Drawing • SESSION II: 6/17 thru 6/28,Week One: Clay, Week Two: Painting & Drawing • SESSION III: 7/8 thru 7/19,Week One: Clay, Week Two: Painting & Drawing

Campers Exhibit: July 19 - July 27 Reception: July 19 - 12 PM - 2 PM Full 2 Week Session: $230 (includes t-shirt & light snack) www.ocaf.com

Peace Camp 706-546-7914 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens hosts this opportunity for children ages 6-12 to become Peacemakers through cooperative games and projects, outdoor exploration, labyrinth walking, mandalas, meditation, yoga, Dances of Universal Peace, journaling, and conflict resolution strategies. Storytelling, music, art, and water play further the FUN! June 24-28, 10am-3pm. $125175, includes healthy lunch.

Registration begins April 1. http://uuathensga.org/ explore/peace_camp.html

Pump It Up 706-613-5675 Pump It Up will again offer their activity camp multiple weeks throughout the summer from 11:00 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.They will provide lunch and have different themed activities led by local teachers. Of course, there will be lots of time for jumping too.The price is $150 for the week and sibling discounts are available.

Reservations preferred. www.pumpitupparty.com

Prince Avenue Christian School 678-753-3000 SUMMER AT PRINCE Sports and Fine Arts Camps for Kids at Prince Avenue Christian School. Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Softball, Twirling,Volleyball, Art, Pottery, Musical Theatre, Improvisation, and Beginning Guitar. Cost and dates vary by camp. www.princeave.org

UGA Soccer Camps 706-425-3143 • GEORGIA DAY CAMP Dates: June 4th-8th, Boys and Girls, ages 7-13, $225 per player • LIL’ KICKERS CAMP Dates: June 4th-7th. Boys and Girls, ages 4-6. $100 per player For more information, please call or email dblank@sports.uga.edu www.georgiasoccer camp.com

UGA Lizzy Stemke Volleyball Camps 706-542-4788 • JUNIOR BULLDOG CAMP, June 10-11, $200 • ONE DAY SERVE & PASS CLINIC, June 15, $90 • ONE DAY ATTACKER CLINIC, June 16, $90 • SETTER ACADEMY, July 7-8, $300 resident/$220 Commuter • ALL SKILLS CAMP, July 9-11, $350 resident/$270 Commuter • TEAM CAMP, July 12-14, $350 “Red” Package - includes lodging and meals; $200 “Black” Package - team arranges own accommodations and meals; $100 “Bulldog” Package - July 14th only, instruction overview and tournament play www.lizzystemkevolleyball camps.com

WinShape Camps for Communities Dates: June 17-21 Times: 7:45am-5pm (Mon-Thur), 7:45am-12:45pm (Fri) WinShape Camps for Communities is a day camp that provides a professionally trained staff to execute a fun and meaningful camp for completed K–6th graders.Whether your kids like soccer or science, there is something for everyone.The camp combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study, and worship into one unforgettable week. Camp held at Prince Avenue Baptist Campus.

Fee: $189 www.winshapecamps.org

Deadline for 2013 Summer Camps Part 2 is April 1, 2013. Submit at www.athensparent.com.

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ACC Leisure Services 26

Kids R Kids 24

Alice DePass Studio of Dance 27

Learning Express 6

Athena Medical Clinic 23

Linder & Linder Family Dentistry 19

Athens Academy 24

Lizzy Stemke Volleyball Camps 24

Athens Dentistry for Children 15

March of Dimes 31

Athens Family Vision/Dr. Springer 20

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation 25

Athens Regional Med. Ctr. 2, 17, 32

Oconee Parks & Recreation 28

Bond Creative Group 19

Pampered Chef 19

Clarke County School District 23

Performance, Pediatrics & Sports Med. 5

Clayfully Creative 23

Prince Avenue Christian School 29

Core Blend 5

Pump It Up 11

Dental Staff School 6

Reign Streiter/Upchurch Realty 3

DRee & Co. 21

Sleep Medicine Associates 15

Dwayne Allen Photographic Design 21

St. Mary’s Health Care System 4

Georgia Aquatic Center 20

Steve Holeman’s Soccer Camp 27

Good Dirt 27

Winshape Camps 26

www.athensparent.com

29

’til we meet again >

Kids love to see their picture, and you’ll love the keepsake!

Email your photos to mail@athensparent.com.

Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the 3on3 Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament winners.

Thank you to all who participated in this great fundraiser!

Annika and her dad before the Oconee Elementary School Daddy-Daughter dance.

Kinsley and her Poppy at North Oconee High School for the Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance.

5th - 6th Grade Boys Team – Brooks Blizzard, Rahul Daus, Luke Dickens, Carter Huckaby and Dan Taylor (tournament organizer)

Getting ready to head to the DaddyDaughter Valentine Dance held at North Oconee High School.

7th - 8th Grade Boys Team – Jack Chambers, Jacob Hudson, Matthew Quint, Cal Whyte and Dan Taylor

The Hilsman Middle School MATHCOUNTS team was named regional champions!

9th - 12th Grade Boys Team – Cameron Adkins, Branden Lutes, Clay Huckaby, Joseph Reisigl and Dan Taylor

Girl Scout Troop 12059, made up of Brownie Scouts (1st-3rd graders), recently visited the Family Birth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital as part of a project comparing and contrasting healthcare for moms and babies in the U.S. and Peru.The girls learned about the importance of prenatal care, how hospitals contribute to safe and healthy births, and the role of good nutrition for mom and baby.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

7th - 8th Grade Girls Team – Keller Barks, Emma Weynand, Camryn Williams