Athens Parent Magazine May-June 2013

2013

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

Family Awards Survey

Building Families...

Building Businesses

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...for over 14 years!

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED!

Saving Our Sons: A 10-Step Plan Against Violence

summer

camps

&family fun • Travel Tips • Summer Events • Backyard Activities

free May/June 2013

May/June 2013 Vol. 15 No. 4

“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 CONSULTANTS Shannon H. Baker Vickie Wilson www.athensparent.com Chris Parsons, OnlineDezign.com

WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Molly Kate Berg, J.P. Bond, Heather Christopherson, Liz Conroy, Diane Lang, Jamie Lober, Jeff Merhige, Kimberly Parks, Chris Parsons, Angela Payne, Ted Zeff, Ph.D.

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 (Left to right) Flynne Collins, Harper Calhoun and Sage O’Reilly at Sandy Creek Park

www.athensparent.com

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contents

Summer Camps

20

22-29

FEATURES

14 Saving Our Sons: A10-Step

Log on to athensparent.com.

Click on the Family Awards link to access the survey site.

Plan Against Violence 20 Why the World Needs Summer Camp

Fill out our survey of 10 easy questions about your favorite places for fun, food and services.

8 Show & Tell 10 Teen Talk:Traveling With

$100 gift card will be awarded to a lucky winner to their favorite place in a random drawing!

Deadline for entries is May 31, 2013. Results will be published in our July/August 2013 Back to School Issue!

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Athens-Oconee Parent Magazine

12 DEPARTMENTS

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Teens and Their Friends 12 Health: Making Family Time Stress-free 16 Calendar 18 Parenting 101: Be A Positive Parent 5 Steps to Succeed 30 ’Til We Meet Again

> read us online!

Read Athens-Oconee Parent Magazine anywhere, any time ... online!

Log on to athensparent.com and click “read online.” Then check out the weekly updates plus links for information you need every day. www.athensparent.com

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show

&

tell

Compiled by Molly Kate Berg

get out!

family fun

in your own backyard!

■ Paint rocks with acrylic paint.

■ Catch fireflies after sunset.

■ Make your own sun tea by filling a quart jar with water and a few tea bags, then place in a sunny spot and let it soak in the heat.

■ Play “Capture the Flag” with neighborhood friends.

■ Decorate the yard with tiki torches or paper lanterns.

■ Camp with your kids right in the backyard! Make simple and delicious s’mores over a campfire with chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers.

■ Have a lemonade stand and sell drinks to neighbors, friends and passers-by! You can also sell homemade crafts like jewelry and lanyards. (Check with your local ordinances first to make sure it’s allowed in your area.)

■ Turn on the sprinkler and get into your bathing suits! Remember to conserve water and only turn it on when you plan to use it. A baby pool is a great low-cost way to keep cool and have fun.

■ Draw colorful designs on the sidewalk or make a hopscotch grid.

■ Play four square. Get a basketball and some chalk for hours of play with friends.

It’s a beautiful day outside, but the pool is packed and the house feels cramped. Where to go? Spend the afternoon at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens! Located on South Milledge Avenue, the garden offers walking trails, flower displays, a gift shop and Dondero’s Cafe (located near the Tropical Collection’s area in the Conservatory).Visitors can get cold drinks, sandwiches and baked goods before exploring the gardens outside. The gift shop features items from local artists like hand-crafted soaps, waxes and candles. Books with gardening ideas and tips are also available. In the children’s section of the gift shop are games and books made to inspire their horticultural creativity. All purchases support the Botanical Gardens.

Admission to the garden is free! Its services are open Tuesday through Sunday to visitors. Plan now for the 2013 Insectival butterfly release in September (left). For more information, visit botgarden.uga.edu.

PHOTO BY HUGH AND CAROL NOURSE

listen up!

Like Totally! released their new album this year, a CD that embodies the lighthearted, upbeat music the band is known for.The band was formed by Whitney Evick, Jenny Woodward, Jared Schwartz, Nathan Evick and Danny Gorbachov in 2006.

The current line up features six talented musicians and a revolving cast of backup dancers.

The band has always been known for its high energy performances that engage kids and adults. Since their formation, Like Totally! has performed at schools and festivals including the Athens Festival of Lights parade. Live shows include skits, magic tricks, history lessons and vignettes that are fun for kids of all ages. Like Totally! previously recorded their demo “Itty Bitty E.P.” on Barber Street in Athens.The new album “Good Mews” is now ready for purchase at Wuxtry Records and Treehouse Kid and Craft. Not in the Athens area? The CD can be found online at iTunes, Amazon and cdbaby.com/cd.

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

Athens-Oconee Parent

“Summer afternoon ... to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

Henry James

book nook Preschool to 2nd grade: I Love School! by Hans Wilhelm A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon Silly Milly by Wendy Cheyette Lewison Hi! Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold Please Write Back! by Jennifer E. Morris

Grades 2 to 5: Hank the Cow Dog by John R. Erickson Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids Series by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne The Key to Rondo by Emily Rodda

travel tips

are we there yet?

Traveling with children, especially long distances, can be trying. But with these travel tips you’ll stop counting the miles and the kids will be asking, “Are we there already?”

Always have wipes: use them for everything ... from cleaning the usual suspects of diapers to messy hands – and the unexpected mess on you or in the car.

Bring snacks: for the fussy child – or the adult – it's always better to have a snack handy to stay on track.

Have a bag of “tricks”: before traveling, whether by car or plane, head to the dollar store to grab something new and exciting so you’re ready to avert the kids’ attention when they’re asking, “Are we there yet?” When you arrive at your destination pack the tricks away so on the return home the toys will be exciting still!

Charge up: when all else fails, hand your child your smart phone. (Be sure to have a backup battery or charger!) There are a ton of smart phone apps that can keep their attention.

Use GPS and common sense: especially when MarthaStewart. com suggests a traveling far, it’s best to know where you are going shoe caddy to than to guess. Kids can’t wait to arrive so avoid organize all your lengthening the trip by not getting lost. travel tricks and Bring a friend: the more the merrier if you goodies. choose the right traveling companion for your child.

Be comfortable: wear loose clothing and your favorite shoes – you're traveling, not going on an interview!

Have fun: you are with your family so enjoy the time together! Life is too precious not to!

you did it!

don’t forget to read this summer!

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for kids. For parents, that means support, patience and time in helping your child learn without the help of wheels. But what if your child can learn, without the worry that comes with a basic two-wheeler? In a recent study, the Strider® no-pedal balance bike was tested at the University of South Dakota over a four week period.They found that 3- to 5-year-old children who tested the bike had improved their fitness and balance while learning how to use the bike safely.

Without the pedals, researchers found that toddlers were able to maintain and improve stability.Additionally, the bikes were a safer tool to learning how to ride a bike.The accessible bike allows children ages 18 months to five years to ride. For more information, visit stridersports.com. www.athensparent.com

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teen talk

By Liz Conroy • Photo by J.P. Bond

It’s a whole new game.

Traveling With Teens And Their Friends C

hanges in technology and society affect parenting in so many ways that taking young guests along on family trips is not as simple as it used to be.

In my childhood, often one of my neighborhood friends was encouraged to join us. My parents told me to run down the street to ask the mom or dad for permission. The answer was usually “yes.” Everyone piled into the old station wagon, and away we went without even knowing (or needing) such terms as:“rush hour,” “road rage” or “traffic jam.”

For overnight trips, parents from both households discussed the excursion. Even then, their brief phone conversation covered where we were going and when we would return. Such basic planning seemed unlikely to ever change, but fast-forward several decades, and a lot is different!

Today’s parents face challenges our parents never experienced or even imagined.Traveling with young guests, especially teens, is a whole new game.

One major challenge involves technology. Cell phones and laptops give young people constant connections to their friends and family. During a trip, the guest may text her family about everything that’s happening.That’s fine, until a problem occurs that, to the teen, spells disaster.

For example, an adult sees a flat tire as a fixable problem, but that may appear as an emergency to a young guest. Imagine that a text from your teen men-

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Athens-Oconee Parent

tions an accident.You try to text the host parent (who is busy changing the tire) and get no response. It’s stressful all around when a young person sends negative messages to a parent while the adult-in-charge has no idea what’s being communicated.

A friend of mine experienced just such a situation when her daughter’s friend texted home with complaints but didn’t tell her host.Today, this mother makes sure both sets of parents agree on methods of communication in advance. She explains, “My deal is that if I’m responsible for the kid, and they are traveling with me, then the parent has to deal with me directly.There’s nothing worse than having a trip sabotaged by a moody teen texting a parent.”

A clearly understood agreement about communication helps teens learn that it’s important to tell their concerns directly to the adult-in-charge. Also, it’s helpful for the host parent to ask occasionally: “How’s everything going for you? Do you need anything?”

Another common concern is travel expenses. What are the guest’s responsibilities and what are the host’s? Sometimes, teens want to go to a movie or special event, but the guest may not have enough money. This creates an awkward situation if the host family did not plan on that expense and has a tight travel budget. Both families need to agree on a plan. One family used to inviting young friends on

vacations provides a simple budget for the guest’s parents before the trip. It lists how much money the guest will need for certain activities, restaurant meals and special snacks.

Speaking of snacks, a guest may be encouraged to bring some snacks to share on the road making the trip more of a team effort. Some guests even bring a board game or something to do on a rainy day, and host families appreciate such thoughtfulness. Also, considerate guests will leave valuables at home. One girl wore an expensive ring and lost it while swimming in the lake. No amount of diving and searching could recover it, and everyone felt terrible.

Other important areas of communication include what foods, if any, should be avoided, medications, allergies or sensitivities, as well as when the guest must be home. If a trip is going well, the host family may want to add another day onto the vacation if they know everyone is flexible about the return time.Also before leaving, the host family should provide the guest’s family with a basic travel itinerary, including contact information in case cell phones lose reception.

Finally, the host family must bring medical information in case an emergency involves their guest.

John Reeck, RN, Director of St. Mary’s Emergency Department suggests these items: • Copy of the child’s insurance card

• Letter that grants permission to treat. (Jonathan Roberts, Manager of St. Mary’s Patient Access Services, adds that this can be any type of written statement from the parent giving the host parents permission to act on their behalf. Many states, including Georgia, do allow the adult—with whom the child is traveling—to serve in loco parentis).

• Lists of allergies, medications and known medical conditions, if any • Religious or moral limitations to treatment • Pediatrician’s phone number • Names and contact information of anyone who should be notified in case of emergency • Name of anyone to whom no information should be given Athens Regional Medical Center staff recommends that the “Permission to Travel or Consent to Travel Letter” be notarized when traveling with a minor from another family to avoid any problems. Also, they suggest consulting these websites: http://www.myfamily travels.com/how/advice/10545 -Required-Documents-ForTravel-With-Minors.html. Also, http://www.myfamilytravels.com/ travel_permission_letters.html.

Trips with guests can be fun and exciting, but planning ahead is now more important than ever! ■ Liz Conroy is a freelance writer based in Athens who enjoys family trips any time of the year.

health

By Jamie Lober

Replace negative self-talk with

Making Family Time Stress-free

O

verall wellness involves more than just your physical health. When someone is in poor mental health, it can negatively affect the body and cause someone to develop health issues. It is normal to have some stress in your life, but the

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Athens-Oconee Parent

key is how you handle it. “In small doses, stress may be good for you when it gives you a burst of energy, but too much stress or stress that lasts for a long time can take its toll on your body,” said Erin Barton, Association Administrator at Mental Health America of Northwest Georgia. Complications from stress can occur at all ages. “In the long-term, stress can raise your risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and reproductive problems and weaken your body’s ability to fight disease as well as raise your risk of depression,” said Barton.

As a family, you can figure out what makes each person feel calm and at peace. “You can relax your mind by listening to soothing music,

reading a book or doing a quiet activity, and you can also try deep breathing, yoga, meditation or massage therapy,” said Barton. Making sure each family member has space to engage in their preferred activity is important, as well as getting together as a group and getting moving. “Exercising relieves your tense muscles, improves your mood and sleep and increases your energy and strength,” said Barton. Some families enjoy going for walks in the evening, whereas others may take turns on a bike or doing something around the house.

Get social together. “Spending time with positive, loving people you care about and trust can ease stress and improve your mood,” said Barton. If you get into a routine and set aside a certain time each day that is

positive self-affirmations.

considered family time, this becomes easier.

Encouraging a good sleep schedule can make a difference too. “Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night,” said Barton. This way, you will be more energized during the day and can follow through on commitments such as to giving back to the community. “Helping others builds social networks, improves self-esteem and can give you a sense of purpose and achievement,” said Barton.

If you are dealing with a problem, talk about it as a family.“Writing down your thoughts can be a great way to work through issues,” said Barton.You may wish to share your thoughts with someone you trust or take part in spiritual activities as a family.“Studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, such as greater coping skills, less anxiety and lower risk of depression, and it also may provide a sense of hope, meaning and purpose in life,” said Barton.Try to keep track of the positive things in your life.“Write down three good things that happen to you each day for a week,” said Barton. Replace negative self-talk with positive self-affirmations that make you feel good about yourself.

As a parent, be attentive to your child’s needs including mental and emotional ones that may not be as easily identifiable.“Give children unconditional love so they know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments,” said Barton. Nurture confidence and selfesteem by praising and setting realistic goals.

Play together.“Play time is as important to a child’s development as food because it helps children be creative, develop problem-solving skills and self-control and learn how to get along with others,” said Barton. Learning new things together can also be helpful.

Be reassuring and let your child know that stress is a normal part of life.“If you feel you have too much to do, make a list and work on it one task at a time,” said Barton. Always make time to do things you enjoy.” Check out your local community center for free, fun activities or take a short walk around the block as a family,” said Barton. No matter what activities you take part in as a family, be sure that you are doing something, communicating and making family time a priority.The connection you share will last a lifetime and offer great benefits in terms of stress reduction.

Today is a prime time to begin and be consistent with family time so it becomes a habit that kids can pass on for generations to come. ■ Jamie Lober is a freelance writer who focuses on health-related topics. www.athensparent.com

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It’s tough raising an emotionally healthy, respectful and compassionate boy in a cruel culture that glorifies violence.

But by listening to your son, showing him unconditional love and support, and giving him permission to express all his feelings, you can help him transcend the distorted and damaging view of manhood. And by doing so, he will grow into a happy, confident and thoughtful man.

Saving Our Sons A 10-Step Plan Against Violence

By Ted Zeff, Ph.D. • Photo by Kimberly Parks

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Athens-Oconee Parent

I

ncreased violence by young males is spinning out of control. Since the 1999 Columbine shooting, there have been 31 school shootings in the U.S. Violence and violent images permeate our society.

Boys are constantly bombarded with the false information that real boys must always be strong, aggressive, tough, in control and repress their feelings. Boys are continually saturated with this distorted version of manhood from television and movies, video games, the Internet, peers, coaches and other adults.

In the last 15 years, the violent video games and movies children have been exposed to have become more graphic than ever.

And now, the ubiquitous Internet allows our boys to be brainwashed constantly with horrific, savage images of what a man is supposed to be like. One study showed that children in America between the ages of 5 and 18 have watched 20,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on television.And violent media does spur real-life aggression. Research has consistently shown that after watching violent movies, children interact in an aggressive manner, while after watching movies about kindness, children treat one another with gentleness and compassion.

With these 10 steps, you can help combat the culture of violence and raise a nonviolent son:

1

Don’t tolerate someone shaming your son. Never tolerate anyone shaming your son when he expresses gentle, compassionate behavior. Help your son understand the causes for society’s negativity toward gentleness in males, and talk with your son about all of the positive aspects of being a compassionate boy.

2

Encourage nonviolent games and safety. Monitor your son’s exposure to violence as much as possible, and provide nonviolent games and activities. Encourage your son to hang out with friends who enjoy less violent games. Frequently discuss the harmful effects that exposure to

violence can have on him. Create safety for your son when he engages in potentially dangerous activities, i.e. establish rules for fair fighting when play wrestling and sword fighting with friends.

3

Give him a pet.Taking care of a pet not only teaches a boy responsibility, but through cuddling a kitten, for example, he will learn about the sanctity of all life. Caring for a pet will make him less likely to mistreat an animal.

4

Have him meet new people. Have your son interact with people of different faiths, nationalities and races to learn the commonality of humanity.

5

Embrace beauty. Expose your son to the arts and increase your son’s respect for Mother Nature by visiting an orchard or nursery, spending time at a lake, river or the ocean or gardening.

6

Talk about what “being a man” means. For dads, talk often with your boy about what it really means to be a man. Reassure him that he doesn’t need the approval of aggressive boys, star athletes or the “alpha male” to feel good about himself.

Let your son know that it’s OK for him to express fear and sadness and ask for help. Discuss with your son the detrimental consequences of violent males being so frequently extolled in the media. Read books or watch movies with your son about the lives of great spiritual men, i.e.

Jesus, St. Francis, Moses or Ghandi and discuss how they have created peace on Earth through righteous behavior.

7

Defend him. Make sure you always defend your boy if others shame him when he expresses his feelings.Teach your son how to respond to aggressive children by role-playing with him. Model setting limits with others so that your son will learn how to set boundaries with violent peers. Let your son know that

it’s OK to set personal boundaries with others rather than going along with peer pressure.

8

Increase his compassionate nature.To increase your son’s compassionate nature, it would be good to do activities with your son that help people, animals and the environment, such as planting trees or cleaning up trash in your community. Volunteer to help out in a hospital, nursing home or animal shelter. If you have carpentry skills, you and your son could help a neighbor, friend or relative fix up their house or your own house.

9

Try to make his school more boy-friendly. Since boys learn differently from girls, encourage your son’s teacher to incorporate more movement during instruction and take physical breaks between subjects, incorporating active learning games and more outdoor learning. Creating goals and using games will create motivation. Assemble a team of at least three parents of boys to meet with your son’s teacher and/or principal (or your PTA) to discuss how to make your son’s class more boy-friendly.

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Create a class constitution. Encourage your son’s teacher to create a class constitution with the help of the students, detailing how they should treat one another, and ask the teacher and students to sign it. Suggest that your son’s teacher give rewards to students for kindness and good sportsmanship. Ask your son’s teachers to read and discuss exciting tales that promote noble and brave qualities of heroes who help others.You and your son’s teacher should let him know that everyone has different abilities and interests and that those differences need to be respected. ■

Ted Zeff, Ph.D. is the author of Raise an Emotionally Healthy Boy: Save Your Son from the Violent Boy Culture. For more information, please visit www.drtedzeff.com. www.athensparent.com 15

calendar May 2013 10 ■■

Family Fishing Enjoy fun family fishing in the Claypit Pond. Bait, cane fishing poles and tips provided. $7-$10 per family, 6-7:30 p.m., Sandy Creek Nature Center, Pre-registration required. 613-3615. Also on 6/7 & 6/21.

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GMOA Family Day: Funky Face Jugs At this Family Day, find inspiration in the exhibition “Face Jugs: Art and Ritual in 19thCentury South Carolina,” then head to the Mary and Michael Erlanger Studio Classroom to make and decorate your own face jug using air-dry clay. 10 a.m.-noon, georgiamuseum.org.

Movie in the Park Ninth annual Movie in the Park at Oconee Veterans Park. Lots of fun activities for the entire family will be starting at 6 p.m. followed by the outdoor movie at 8:45 p.m. oconeecounty.com/ocprd.

Ram Jam Come enjoy bands competing to win $250 cash, eight hours of professional recording time at Chase Park Transduction and a spot at AthFest! Music appropriate for all ages.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music on the athletic field. Concessions and event T-shirts will be available. Rain or shine.

Entrance Fees: Adults: $5 All Students: free, 4-9 p.m., Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School, mdchs.org, 433-0223.

Game Night at 15 Board Oconee County Library ■■ Play some old favorites and learn a new game or two along the way! We will be breaking out games like Apples to Apples, Life, Scrabble,Taboo, Payday and lots more! Eat delicious treats, too! FREE! 6-8 p.m., ages 11-18, 769-3950.

Compiled by Chris Parsons

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Family Fun Day at the Oconee County Library Kick off the Summer Reading Program at the Oconee County Library! We’ll have a petting zoo, bouncy castle, carnival games, prizes and more. Pick up your reading log so you can earn prizes for reading all summer long, too! 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 769-3950 or clarke.public.lib.ga.us/Oconee.

National Learn to Swim Day Take the plunge and learn how to swim on National Learn to Swim Day National Kids to Parks Day Celebrate this nationwide day of outdoor play. Children are encouraged to explore their neighborhood parks and discover the history, nature and adventure right around the corner. www.kidstoparks.org.

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GMOA Gallery Games Kids ages 7 to 11 are invited to attend this special interactive gallery tour and learn about works in the museum through activities designed just for kids.

4:15-5 p.m., georgiamuseum.org. Also 6/20.

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Journey Through the Stars for Families In this “Solar System Block Party,” participants will explore our astronomical neighborhood. A portion of the program will take place outside of the planetarium. 2-3 p.m., Sandy Creek Nature Center, 613-3615, pre-registration required. $7-$10 per family, similar programs on 6/22 and 7/6. &

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SRP Kick-off: DIY Carnival Start the summer off right! Find out what our Summer Reading Program is all about while winning door prizes, playing games, hanging out with friends and making your own carnival snacks! We will have different stations where you can get a sneakpeek of all of our fun activities we have going on this summer. FREE! 3-5 p.m., ages 11-18, Oconee County Library, 769-3950.

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Memorial Day in Memorial Park Bring the family to Memorial Park for an afternoon of fun activities to celebrate Memorial Day. Music, crafts, children’s games and activities are planned. Noon-3 p.m., 613-3580.

AOJWC 10th Annual Running With The Dawgs 5K Ever admired the painted bulldogs around

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Some events, dates and times are subject to change.

Please call individual event organizers to confirm schedules.

All area codes are 706 unless otherwise noted.

Athens? Here’s the chance to win one of your own! All runners in the 10th Annual Running With the Dawgs 5K will be entered to win a tabletop dog.The Classic Center, 8 a.m., $15-20, $45 for families. www.aojwc.org or www.active.com.

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Puppet Show Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” presents “The Giant, the Beanstalk and Jack” Puppet Show, Oconee County Library, 3 p.m., 769-3950.

June 2013 1 ■■

Snake Day Enjoy an afternoon exploring the misunderstood and secret world of snakes.

Touch a snake and enjoy hands-on activities and presentations. Noon-4 p.m., $3-$5, Sandy Creek Nature Center, 613-3615.

YWCO Kids Tri the Y Youth Triathlon The course is ideal for first time participants or seasoned triathletes and features an indoor pool swim, closed bike course and flat run course.Three age groups will participate in a time trial start. Distances: Ages 6-8: 50yd/2mi/600yd; ages 9-10: 100yd/3mi/1mi; and ages 11-12: 200yd/4 mi/1.3mi. 7 a.m. Limited to 125 athletes, $40, www.active.com.

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DIY Series: Smashbooks Create the newest rage— Smashbooks! We will show you how to start one of these fun scrapbook-like journals and let you take creative control. All supplies provided, though feel free to bring your own. Snacks provided, of course!

FREE! Oconee County Library, 6-8 p.m., ages 11-18, 769-3950.

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First Friday First Friday on Main in downtown Watkinsville provides a family-friendly atmosphere with shopping, dining and kid’s entertainment.The “Kid’s Zone,” across the street from the courthouse, has themed activities in addition to a moonwalk (weather permitting) and free popcorn. 6-8 p.m.

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Family Program: Animal Appetites Interested in learning what the animals at Sandy Creek eat? Join us for a morning of learning about the animals’ needs and participate in feeding the critters. For families (children 6 years and older), 10 a.m.-noon,

ONLINE CALENDAR

AT WWW.ATHENSPARENT.COM

UPDATED WEEKLY, our online calendar has links to school and community calendars, as well as monthly events in the area.

pre-registration required. $7-$10 per family, Sandy Creek Nature Center, 613-3615.

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GMOA Family Day: All That Jazz Jazz music has influenced many artists. At this Family Day, visit GMOA’s permanent collection galleries to see and hear how artists like Jay Robinson and Radcliffe Bailey have been inspired by jazz, then head to the Mary and Michael Erlanger classroom to create your music-inspired masterpiece. 10 a.m.-noon, georgiamuseum.org.

July 2013 4 ■■

KidsFest at AthFest June 22-23 The KidsFest part of AthFest will be Saturday, June 22 from noon to 5:00, and Sunday June 23, from 12:30 to 5:00, at the intersection of Washington and Lumpkin streets, with performances, activities and exhibits by and for Athens’ youngest community members.

On the KidsFest stage attendees will enjoy performances from some of Athens’ newest and freshest talent, including the Alps Elementary Step Team, Barrow Elementary School Drum Corp, Dance Fx, ZUMBATOMIC, Camp Amped, East Athens Dance Center, Keith Karnok,T. Rumble and The Kidz, and more, as well as a performance by Like Totally! on the main stage, kicking off the festival’s musical performances on Saturday at noon.

In addition, there will be activities and exhibits for children facilitated by Good Dirt clay studio, Home Depot,AKF Athens Martial Arts,Art Renewal, and the Department of Health. In addition to the free exhibits, there will be inflatables and bungee jumping activities.

A new addition to the exhibits this year is the Kids Artist Market, where middle and high school aged artists will have a space to display and sell their artwork.Young artists will apply to be a part of this special exhibit through the AthFest website.

For a full schedule of performances, and for more information about AthFest and KidsFest, go to athfest.com.

4th Celebration in Bishop Park Celebrate Independence Day with the Star Spangled Classic in Bishop Park. Enjoy a children’s parade, family games, food, music and, of course, a fabulous fireworks display at nightfall. Little patriots, ages 10 and younger, are invited to decorate their bicycles, tricycles and other non-motorized modes of transportation in the spirit of the holiday and “parade” through Bishop Park on the walking paths. 6-10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Bishop Park, 613-3589.

Oconee July 4th Spectacular Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department and Ellis Pain Center present the Oconee July 4th Spectacular at Oconee Veterans Park.The event begins with fun activities followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

For fireworks viewing locations, visit www.oconeecounty.com/ocprd.

www.athensparent.com 17

parenting 101 Be a

By Diane Lang

Positive Parent

Steps

5

to Succeed

B

eing a parent is the hardest job in the world. I have heard that from every parent, including my own. Parenting is a learned trait; be patient with yourself and set realistic expectations about parenting. It’s OK to make mistakes.Your kids also learn a lot of their personality traits from you. One of the best ways to be a positive parent is by being a great role model.

Make sure to live your best life so your children can follow suit.

Here are five other tips to help you be a positive parent and encourage a strong sense of self in your child:

1

Play is an important part of a child’s life. As adults, we need to appreciate the importance of play. Play helps foster creativity, problem solving and socialization. It also helps children develop their gross and fine motor skills.

When talking to a child, make sure to have eye contact and touch. Maintain open lines of communication with your child.

This will help keep the communication going when they hit adolescence.

Developmental milestones are generalizations. Each child develops differently and at his or her own pace. Don’t set yourself and your child up for failure by having unrealistic expectations about developing. Use the milestones as guidelines; they are not set in stone. Encourage a child, but never push or criticize them.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Here are some ways to encourage your child: FINE MOTOR SKILLS: • Have your child play with toys that will help develop their fine motor skills such as spinning tops, marbles, dominoes, puzzles, stringing beads or any activities that involve using crayons, scissors, clay, painting or tracing.

LANGUAGE AND READING: • Engage your child in extended conversations.

• Have your child tell you stories, describe events or make up songs.

• Ask your children lots of questions and let them be creative in answering them.

• Have your child write a story and draw pictures for it.

• Have your child read out loud and read stories to your child out loud. Ask them questions about the characters in the story.

• Set up a writing center with a variety of colored pens, papers, pencils, crayons, markers, etc.

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Learn to give positive commands instead of negatives.

Here are some examples of positive commands which also include an action so it gives your child direction.

Negative: “You always leave your shoes in the hall, and I trip over them.”

Positive: “Please put your shoes in the closet.”

Talk. Listen. Play.

Negative: “Stop slamming the door!”

Positive: “Please close the door instead of slamming. I appreciate it.”

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Active and empathic listening is important to your child.We teach kids through our actions. If you want your child to listen, then you must be the role model and listen well.

Active listening includes: summarizing what you heard, no interruptions, taking a few seconds to think about what you’re going to say and asking questions. Empathic listening is just as important. To be an empathic listener you must imagine putting yourself in the other person’s shoes.

This gives you the opportunity to imagine how the other person is feeling.This will stop a lot of misunderstandings and disagreements. If you become both an active and empathic listener, you will have better relationships with your kids and everyone else in your life. ■

Diane Lang is a nationally recognized speaker, author, educator, therapist and media expert. She is the author of two books: Baby Steps:The Path from Motherhood to Career and Creating Balance and Finding Happiness. Visit www.dlcounseling.com for more information.

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Children find a world of possibilities unavailable to them

Why the World Needs

Summer Camp

By Jeff Merhige • Photo by Kimberly Parks

I

t is not easy for parents to make the decision to send their child away into the waiting arms of strangers who promise to take care of them—people who promise to show them the wonders of nature, fun, new skills and friendships. As a parent of two children, even I struggle with the idea, and I have been around summer camps my entire life.

The world needs the next generation to be more tolerant of each other’s views, ideology and beliefs. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to be exposed to the best of human character. Carefully selected role models are dedicated to showing your child how to have fun, learn from others and make friends in person rather than online. Camp allows kids to meet people from all over the world, and from every race, culture and socioeconomic level. I still remember one of my counselors, Danny, from England, explaining to me, “The world is full of excuses. It doesn’t matter where you came from or what has happened to you. At the end of the day, you choose how you treat others.”

There is something magical about a summer camp experience. Each and every camp in the world is different. Not merely because of geography or location, but because of the traditions and people who have touched the camp. Every camp has hidden treasures of history and traditions that give it character and identity. Even with agency camps like the YMCA where there is a common mission, every camp is unique in its style, program, games, geography, traditions and experience.

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Mary Scott and Maggie pack for their summer camp experience.

Every staff member, alumni camper and volunteer has memories associated with their time at their camp—memories that stay with them for their lifetime. Most people remember with fondness the counselors, cabins, camp food, camp outs and special happenings of their time.

Camp is an independent experience that shapes one’s character and life. It’s a controlled, safe environment where children and youth are able to make their own decisions about simple things (what activity they want to do, how many s’mores they want to make

or what clothes they are going to wear), and about important things (who they will hang out with, who will be their friends).

Camp is a place where kids interact with people face-to-face and, at the same time, learn about themselves and others around a campfire, under the stars or sitting around a dining hall table. Camp allows the idea of boarding the train to Hogwarts to go from fantasy to reality—children find a world filled with possibilities unavailable to them in everyday life.

Camps give kids a chance to practice

in everyday life. being the best they can be. They experience a place designed to create happy memories and encourage self-expression. They have the opportunity to climb towers, ride horses, shoot an arrow and even experience the success of winning the big game! It stays with them forever. Kids will learn from a full range of emotions and human experiences including homesickness, friendship, disagreements, teamwork, frustrations, jubilant success and more.

As parents, our hopes and jobs are to ready our kids to be productive, independent and capable people, and to prepare them to thrive without us. Camp offers a way for kids to start developing those skills in the best possible environment. It makes me a bit sad every time my son runs off to join his cabin group without even a look back… and at the same time, I burst with pride watching him growing into a happy, independent, tolerant, open, confident and capable person. I know that we will have plenty to talk about when he gets home from camp. I also know that he will remember the trust and gift of his time at camp, and it will add to him for the rest of his life.

There is so much competition for our children’s time in the summer: sports practices, summer school, well-deserved vacations. But let’s not forget the value of a camp experience. Camp is a gift that we can give our children that they will benefit from and remember forever. If ever there was a time when the world needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of living in a community, having tolerance, and being open, that time is now. ■ Jeff Merhige is the executive director of YMCA Camp Kern, a branch of the Greater Dayton YMCA. He has been professionally involved with camping for over 20 years. He and his wife, Amy, met at camp, and they have two children, Sydney and Luke.

www.athensparent.com

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view of Here is an over bulous some of the fa area has r camps that ou ntact co se ea to offer. Pl inforas ps m ca al individu . ge mation can chan found at Updates can be t.com. en ar sp www.athen ... and Happy Planning !

Happy Camping

2013SummerCamps

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 (Monday-Wednesday) from 9:3011:00 am, $65 (includes snack and all craft materials) Come join us as we explore the classic fairytale of Cinderella through dance, pantomime, dress-up, 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 9:3022

Athens-Oconee Parent

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 (Monday-Wednesday) 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, dress-up, story time, and fun fairy crafts!

• ARIEL’S DANCE & ACTING CAMP For ages 4-6, July 8th - 10th (Monday-Wednesday) from 9:3011:00 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.depassstudioof dance.com

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services • ART CAMPS 706-613-3623 Ages: 4-6 and 7-11, Register 9:00 a.m. - noon at Lyndon House Arts Center.

• ATHENS CREATIVE THEATRE CAMPS 706-613-3628 Ages: 8-12, Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Memorial Park or at 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) Register 8:30 a.m. – noon 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) Register 8:30am-noon 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) Register 8:30 a.m. – noon 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) Register 9:00 a.m. -noon 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) Register 9:00 a.m.-noon.

• 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) Register 9:00 a.m. – noon 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) Register 8:30 a.m. – noon 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) Register 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), Register 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

more camps on page 24

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Summer Camps Ages: 6-12 (camper must be 6 by June 1, 2013), Register 9:00 a.m.

– noon at Bishop Park • SKATE CAMP 706-613-3589 Ages: 6-12 (camper must be 6 by June 1, 2013) Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Bishop Park • SPORTSTIME CAMP 706-613-3589 Ages: 4-5 (camper must be 4 by June 1, 2013) Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Bishop Park • TRIATHLON CAMP 706- 613-3589 Ages: 8-12 (camper must be 8 by July 1, 2013) Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Bishop Park • SANDY CREEK TEEN CAMP 706-613-3615 Ages: 13-15 Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

• TEENS IN ACTION 706-613-3620 Ages: 13-15 Register 9:00 a.m. – noon at Lyndon House Arts Center. www.athensclarke county.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 First United Methodist Church • VBS DAY CAMP We will offer VBS Camp each day immediately following AFUMC's Vacation Bible School, 24

Athens-Oconee Parent

June 17-21, from 12-5pm. Kids in grades K5 through 4th grade will spend the afternoons enjoying a variety of activities, including games, movies, bowling, the zoo, and arts and crafts.VBS Day Camp will be held in the gym and students should bring their lunch with them.

• CLASSIC CITY VOLLEYBALL CAMP June 3-6, June 10-13, June 24-27, July 8-11, July 22-25. Learn and practice the fundamentals of volleyball- passing, hitting, serving, receiving- and get ready for middle school and high school play.

Camp is open to players of all levels-- instructors will individualize their teaching to meet your specific needs.This camp is run through the Classic City Volleyball Club and hosted by Athens FUMC. • CLASSIC CITY SPRING VOLLEYBALL CLINICS Volleyball Clinics are designed to instruct players in any area of volleyball in a one-on-two setting. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up for one or more clinics in order to get targeted instruction that will take their game to the next level.This camp is run through the Classic City Volleyball Club and hosted by Athens FUMC in April and May. • CLASSIC CITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAMP Team Camp is designed for middle school teams to both receive team training and coaching as well as opportunities to play other teams. Middle school team coaches can sign up their teams for a week of exciting instruction and games.This camp is run through the Classic City Volleyball Club and hosted by Athens FUMC July 22-26.

• JR. JAM BASKETBALL CAMP Jr. Jam is our camp for kids ages 5-10 that teaches basic fundamentals of basketball and team concept and provides lots of opportunities to play.This is our eighth year offering Jr. Jam Camp and coaches and kids alike look

forward to a fantastic week of basketball and fun! July 15-19, July 22-26. http://athensfirstumc.org/ recreationcamps2013/

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 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, MondayThursday, 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.athenslittleplay house.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 supportive, 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

Colossal Coaster World Vacation Bible School 706-548-2246 Colossal Coaster World Vacation Bible School at Beech Haven Baptist Church. 6/3-6/7, 9am12:30pm. FREE! Get your Fast Pass to VBS, register today!

Children that have completed Kindergarten - sixth grade are welcome to this week of fun.

Register online at www.beech haven.org.

Good Dirt 706-355-3161 Registration is now open for 2013 Summer Camps. Camps begin the week of May 20th and run for 12 consecutive weeks.

Good Dirt serves three age groups each week: 4-6 year olds (9am to noon, $110 plus material fee), 7-10 year olds (9am to 1 pm, $140 plus material fee), and 11+(9am- 1 pm, $140 plus material fee). Kids will create a variety of clay projects throughout the week of camp and their pieces will be fired in Good Dirt’s kilns to create lasting keepsakes of

their experience. Camps do fill up, so book in advance online at www.gooddirt.net.

Girl’s House 706-410-5785 Girl’s House is a fun and fulfilling Christian camp that leads girls to a closer relationship with God while learning life skills. Half Day 8am-1pm. Cost $75/ week. Full Day 8am-4pm. 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! $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 6-12 begin with a visit to

more camps on page 26

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Summer Camps Diagon Alley for their wizardry supplies, attend classes in Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Spells, Potions, and Transfiguration and learn to play Quidditch. June 3-7, 10am-3pm. $125-175. Registration begins April 1. http://www.uuathens ga.org/explore/ summer_camps.html

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

Jackson Eco Farm 706-202-5901 Farm Camp is designed for children ages 5-12. Camp focuses on the love of nature and earth-friendly 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 7/8-12, 8:30am-3:00pm. Cost $225 per week. Siblings 20% discount. www.jacksonecofarm.org 26

Athens-Oconee Parent

Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department 706-367-5116 5-12 yr. olds or Pre-K-8th Grade. Day Camp begins Monday, 5/20, 2013.

Hours: 6am - 6pm.

Application fee: City $30 / County $50.

Weekly fee: $100 per child per week/$5 discount for multiple children.

Application fee and 1st week due at signing.

Daily fee: $25 per child / Field Trip Daily fee $35 per child. www.jeffersonrec.com/ childcare_summercamp.php

Kids 'R' Kids Super Summer Camp 706-546-9400 Rising K - 12 years. May 21st through August 6th. 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 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 8:305:30. Camps will run the weeks of June 10-14 and 17-21 and July 8-12 and 15-19. www.newmoon learning.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 County Youth Football League Camp OCYFL will host a camp at Oconee County High School with Coach Olson. Full Pads. $75. www.ocyflpackers.com to register or come to Rocket Field on May 19th at 2pm.

Call Wes Simpson for more information at 706-215-0062.

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 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

Oconee Gymnastics Center & OGC Athens Gymnastics Campers of all skill levels are welcome to participate! Grouped according to age so each rotation can be geared to their unique needs as a gymnast! Tumbling, bars, beam, strength/flexibility, dance, trampoline, pit and daily arts & crafts and a snack are part of the fun.

OCONEE GYMNASTICS CENTER (Oconee) • Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm (ages 3-10yrs). $100/week.

6/3, 6/17, 6/24, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22 • Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm (ages 10yrs and up). $140/week.

6/24, 7/22 Geared toward pre-team and team girls. Led by collegiate gymnasts and team coaches.

OGC ATHENS GYMNASTICS (Eastside Athens) Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm (ages 5-12yrs) $100/week • 6/17, 7/8, 7/22 Gymnastics • 6/10, 7/15 Cheernastics*

more camps on page 28 www.athensparent.com

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Summer Camps *Cheernastics is a unique camp designed especially for the camper interested in both Cheerleading and Tumbling!

Campers will be given the opportunity to learn and improve on skills such as floor tumbling, cheer jumps, motions, dance, and of course cheer! This exciting week will end with a performance to show off the many new skills learned throughout the week! http://www.oconee gymnastics.com/#! summer-camps/cff8

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. www.ocprd.com

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Oconee Youth School of Performance 2013 Summer Musical Theater Camp - Alice in Wonderland.

Camp Dates: June10-14 OR July 8-12. Ages: rising pre-k-8th grade.

Visit our website for more information www.oconee youth.com or email us at oconeeyouth@gmail.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. $125-175,

includes healthy lunch. http://www.uuathensga.org/ explore/summer_camps. 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

ReThink Ink 706-395-6939 SpeakUP! 6/26-6/28. Helping teens move from text messaging to straight talk. Students, ages 15-18, speaking publicly and articulating ideas with confidence in front of one or a crowd. Fun & fast-paced experience led by speaking pros providing leadership tools for college, work & life. Space is limited. $295 or $250 for 2 registering together. contact@WeRethink.com

Studio Dance Academy 706-354-6454 • SEVEN WEEKS OF SUMMER Classes Run June 10 - July 25, 2013. 6,500 sq. feet of dance & family space conveniently located behind the Trader Joe’s shopping center! Please call for your student’s class placement level. Beginner/Intermediate Packages ages 3-12yrs (Level

Pre-Ballet through Level 2).

Intermediate/Advanced Packages ages 11-18 depending on experience.

• BALLET, POINTE, DANCE! Remix Classes = Different technique each week! Sample everything S.D.A. offers! Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Modern, HipHop, Choreography Class, & Leaps and Turns!

REGISTER BEFORE JUNE 1ST AND RECEIVE 15% OFF OF YOUR PACKAGE! Special discounts for families with more than one child!

Thestudiodanceacademy. com/reddanceccb@yahoo. com/

• 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

Summer Art & SelfEsteem Camp

Uptown Art Uncorked

888-307-2780 A fun way to make friends and use talents to create and express.This group is for ages 710 years old and will be led by a licensed clinical social worker to help with self-esteem, social issues, shyness and attention.

Space is limited; an intake session with a parent must be completed first. June 4 - July 30, 2013.Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm.

1 Huntington Rd. Suite 105. htyates@gmail.com or www.taylorgroveyates.com

706-208-7337 5 days a week 6/3 - 8/2.

10am to 12pm: Paint a 16x20 canvas painting. 12pm to 1pm: Lunch (cheese pizza or chicken fingers provided, or bring your own). 1pm to 3pm: Craft project of the day. Ages 5 and up are welcome. $55 per day.

Note: if anyone wants to do only 1/2 day they can register by phone and pay 1/2 price. www.uptownart.com

Titan Wrestling Camp July 15-19, ages 3rd grade and up. Requires USA Wrestling Membership. Email or call Shane Smith at 706-614-0930 or compconstruction@ yahoo.com.

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

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

For complete descriptions of camps listed, visit athensparent.com

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ACC Leisure Services 26

Global Escapes 15

Alice DePass Studio of Dance 27

Good Dirt 27

Athena Medical Clinic 21

KP Photography 18

Athens Academy 27

Linder & Linder Family Dentistry 19

Athens Dentistry for Children 21

Lizzy Stemke Volleyball Camps 28

Athens Family Vision/Dr. Springer 15

Oconee Co.Youth Football League 25

Athens Neurological Associates 11

Oconee Gymnastics Center 28

Athens Regional Med. Ctr. 2, 17, 32

Pampered Chef 21

Bond Creative Group 19

Performance, Pediatrics & Sports Med. 5

Clarke County School District 13

Prince Avenue Christian School 26

CCSD Healthy Brain Campaign 31

Pump It Up 23

Classic City Orthodontics 6

Reign Streiter/Keller Williams 3

Clayfully Creative 28

Sleep Medicine Associates 13

Core Blend 21

St. Mary’s Health Care System 4

Creative Counseling Service 19

Steve Holeman’s Soccer Camp 27

Dental Staff School 12

Studio Dance Academy 24

DRee & Co. 18

Titan Wrestling Camp 28

Dwayne Allen Photographic Design 5

Winshape Camps 24

Georgia Aquatic Center 29

www.athensparent.com

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’til we meet again >

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

Email your photos to mail@athensparent.com.

The NGB Cardinals (part of the North Georgia Baseball Association based in Bogart) went undefeated to win the USSSA 8th Annual Clash of Champions Tournament in the 13AAA Division.This is the first tournament of the season for the Cardinals and, as champions, qualifies them to play in a USSSA Global World Series Tournament. (Back row, left to right): Coach Travis Hayes, Manager/Coach Shane Coates, Andrew Hayes, Dustin Demersseman, Hunter Payne, Kole Faulkner, Quentin Nekvinda, Grant Roland, Cody Lewis, Coach Stan Payne, Asst. Mgr./Coach Mike Hoffman. (Front row, left to right): Ben Gillespie,Thomas Hoffman, Ryan Coates,Will Kahlstorf.

Mason, Presley, Kennedy and Brandt on the tiny cabin swing at Graceland during a recent trip to Memphis.

Lily and Marianne getting ready to enjoy the spring weather.

Anna Mae and her dad, Steve Holeman, on their way to the Westminster Christian School’s Daddy/Daughter dance.

(Above) Treehouse Kid and Craft’s weekly Craft Club work on projects with children and their parents. (Right) Juliet and her mom work on a wind sock project at Treehouse Kid & Craft in Athens.

Bennet plays guitar.

Emily will have the best first Mother’s Day with son Caiden!

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Athens-Oconee Parent

Caleb really enjoyed turning one!