“I Don’t Want To Go To School!”
The first few weeks of school have passed and by now you expect that your child has adjusted to her new teacher and her classroom schedule. However, when she arrives home every day, she seems upset, and in the mornings, she tries to come up with an excuse to stay home. Here are a few tips on how to help your child work through issues at school.
Identify the reason behind the refusal
First, if you feel angry and frustrated about your child refusing to go to school, take a moment to let everyone calm down. Launching into an angry lecture will not help you reach your goal, which is to find out the root cause of your child’s school refusal. If this is the first day your child has missed due to feeling sick or refusing to get ready for school, it may be a good idea to give her a pass. Even kids feel overwhelmed sometimes and need a ‘mental health day,’ especially when going through big changes like adjusting to a new daily routine and a new classroom.
However, ensure that the sick day home from school is not too much fun and is rather boring. Let her know that a sick day involves rest, not playing video games or watching TV all day, and may even involve a visit to the doctor if she doesn’t feel better the next day. If your child stays home another day due to a stomach or headache, a visit to the doctor can help rule out a medical issue.
If you can get your child to open up to you about what is bothering her about school, listen carefully and do not try to minimize or dismiss her concerns. What seems like a small worry to you can seem overwhelming to your child. Try sharing a memory of your own experiences with getting used to a new routine at school. This may spark a deeper conversation and encourage her to share what is causing her anxiety about school.
Get assistance from your child’s school
Ask for a conference with her teacher to see if the teacher has noticed any issues and to work on a plan of action to address your child’s school refusal.
If your child shared with you that she feels lonely at school because she misses you or is confused about her new routine, brainstorm possible solutions with your child and share them with your child’s teacher.
If academic issues are one of the causes of your child’s school refusal, work with the teacher to develop a plan for your child to receive extra help. Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher and let her know if your child still struggles with her homework and dreads going to school. It is important to identify issues that affect learning, such as dyslexia, as early as possible.
Ask the teacher to invite the school counselor to the meeting also. Before the meeting, ask the school counselor to speak with your child, especially if you think your child is not fully opening up to you about why she does not want to go to school. Kids sometimes hide issues such as bullying from their parents because they are embarrassed. Discuss any bullying concerns at the meeting and ask for the issue to be addressed promptly by school administrators.
If your investigation leads you to suspect that your child should also be screened for a health condition, such as depression, schedule an appointment with her pediatrician.
by Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
MON: 8AM-9PM
TUES: 8AM-5:30PM WED: 8AM-5:30PM
THUR: 8AM-9PM FRI: 8AM-9PM SAT: 8AM-9PM SUN: 8AM-9PM
PLAYGROUND
Free Service to Find High-Quality CHILD CARE
By Ellyn Cochran, President and CEO of Quality Care for Children
It can be daunting to find high-quality and affordable childcare, Pre-K and summer or afterschool programs, especially when many programs are reporting long waitlists. The task can be overwhelming for first-time seekers who may not know how to get started or what questions to ask when talking with providers. Since eighty percent of brain development occurs by age three, it’s crucial to find a program that supports your child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development that is essential for school readiness and lifelong success.
RECOGNIZING HIGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE
High-quality childcare programs provide a safe, stimulating, and loving environment where children can thrive. These programs offer supportive, nurturing relationships with trusted teachers and diverse, positive learning experiences. However, recognizing what high-quality looks like in an early learning program isn’t always easy if you do not understand the indicators. Programs that are considered high-quality include low-child-to-teacher ratios, smaller group sizes, age-appropriate curriculums, and staff education and training.
Luckily, Georgia families can rely on Quality Rated, a rating system created to assess, improve, and communicate the quality of early care programs, that are licensed, state-approved and considered high-quality.
TIPS FOR FINDING HIGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE
Start Early: Begin your search as early as possible, and well before you will need care.
Know Your Needs: List your family’s specific child care needs, such as required days and hours of care, budget, transportation needs, etc.
Utilize Resources: Call 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) or use the LiveChat feature at QCCga.org for individualized, confidential, and free assistance in finding child care. 877-ALL-GA-KIDS is made possible by The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) through the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Additionally, you can perform your own search at QualityRated.org.
Make Inquiries, Visit and Evaluate: Narrow down your list by calling potential providers to confirm details such as availability, hours, fees, scholarships or discounts, and registration procedures, then schedule a visit before enrolling your child.
For more info and additional free parenting resources, visit qualitycareforchildren. org/find-childcare.
HOO’s HUNGRY
BLISS BARS Blueberry
All you need is 4 simple ingredients to make these blueberry bliss bars! They are an easy nutritious breakfast or after-school snack.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until the mixture is smooth.
2. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, leaving enough room for some paper to stick out the sides.
3. Dump the mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly. The mixture is very thick and you may need to wet a spatula to help spread it evenly.
4. Once the mixture is in the pan, gently press down using the extra sides of parchment paper.
5. Stick the pan in the fridge to firm up. This should only take about 15-20 minutes.
6. Once the mixture is firm, lift the whole thing out by the edges of parchment paper.
7. Cut into squares with a knife or pizza cutter.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups creamed coconut (you can also use coconut butter)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen, thawed might work too)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp ground vanilla beans
control freak don’t be a
By Mark Gregston, Parenting Today’s Teens
There is a progression in parenting that can be immensely valuable as you lead your child to independence. The stages overlap, but clarifying parents’ changing roles can be helpful.
Stage One: Pleasing Your Child
From a child’s birth through the preschool years, the parents’ primary role is to please their child. They do that by offering relief from pain, unhappiness, and sickness. If he is fussy, parents try to figure out what is bothering him and do whatever they can to soothe him. In this first stage, you have total control.
Stage Two: Protecting Your Child
Parents keep young children from dangerous and inappropriate activities and influences in this stage. When a boy’s thrill of adventure exceeds their understanding of safety, parents protect them from getting hurt. Parents also do not want their children to suffer rejection or be exposed to anything violent, sexual, or immoral. In this second stage, parents maintain control.
Stage Three: Providing for Your Child
The third stage of parenting is providing for your child. This stage usually begins in the middle school years. We begin to give them experiences, possessions, and opportunities far greater than given in the elementary years. We allow them to spread their wings a bit, and we begin to expose them to the outside world and trust them to start making some decisions. They may learn to wake up to an alarm, take care of a pet, perform certain chores around the
house, and learn to cook simple meals. At this stage, we also trust others to mentor and educate our kids. In this third stage, we start to share some control.
Stage Four: Preparing Your Child
The fourth stage of parenting usually begins during the high school years, when a child prepares to move out of the nest and into a new life outside of the home. This is when you begin to hand over control. It is also the stage when we feel like we are losing control. The truth of the matter is that we are. We should give control of our children’s lives to them in appropriate ways, so they can function independently by the time they leave home. Or they can wrest it from us with inappropriate behavior. In this stage, we want to give our children control.
Good Intentions Are Not Enough
Some well-meaning parents get stuck at a certain stage of parenting because they do not understand that decisions and habits developed during one stage, must shift when moving to the next. If parents still try to please at all costs, strive to protect in every circumstance, and struggle to provide all their children’s needs, they create a chaotic atmosphere. Their children will act out because they feel insecure and unprepared to enter the world, or they act frustrated because they are stuck in an environment they have outgrown.
Transferring Control
You may want to maintain control because your family lacks boundaries and a belief system to help kids make healthy decisions. If you realize you are too controlling, or even if you don’t, have a deep talk with your teen about how you can empower them in specific ways.
If you wait to transfer some independence until your child displays maturity and responsibility, you thwart their maturation. You give a little control because that is what your child needs, not because they deserve it. If you gave your child what they really deserved, they would probably never be able to leave home!
Overly controlled children are raised with the best of intentions. They usually have loving parents who are trying to protect them from making mistakes, trying to keep them from being exposed to harmful influences outside the home, or trying to keep them from failure. Dr. Henry Cloud states, “Over-controlled children are subject to dependency, enmeshment conflicts, and difficulty setting and keeping firm boundaries. They also have problems taking risks and being creative.”
STYLE OUTSIDE THE LINES
Back-to-school
HOO’s HEALTHY
The use of vaping and e-cigarettes comes with many health risks, including addiction and damage to the lungs and other organs. Unfortunately, the dangers do not just involve health risks for the user. The liquid nicotine in vapes and e-cigarettes can lead to nicotine poisoning in young children, which can be deadly.
Young kids may be attracted to the interesting-looking, colorful packaging of vapes and e-cigarettes and the appealing flavors of liquid nicotine. Vaping devices may also look like everyday objects such as pens and toys and may draw the attention of a toddler. Child safety locks on liquid nicotine products may slow down a curious toddler, but given enough time, a toddler may figure out how to get
Liquid nicotine can cause poisoning when it is absorbed through the skin after children touch it or through ingestion when they drink it. Young children are more at risk for nicotine poisoning due to their small size and lower body weight. Ingesting even a small amount of liquid nicotine can have serious health consequences.
Highlight On
American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls ages 5 to 18. Its mission is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.
AHG was founded in 1995 by Patti Garibay and a group of parents in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was established as a faith-based alternative to other scouting organizations. AHG emphasizes values such as respect, responsibility, reverence, and integrity. The organization encourages girls to live by the AHG Oath and Creed, which focuses on honoring God, cherishing family, serving the community, and experiencing fun together. The organization now serves thousands of girls across the United States and internationally.
The Chattahoochee Valley Area AHG troop meets at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, at 4700 Armour Road in Columbus, the first three Tuesdays of the month and one weekend for badge work, volunteering, or some type of adventure. AHG troops are run solely by registered parent volunteers. These volunteers must complete a few training modules and pass a background check. Only registered members may be in the building during meeting hours.
The AHG program is divided into five levels based on age: Pathfinder (ages 5-6), Tenderheart (ages 6-9), Explorer (ages 9-12), Pioneer (ages 12-14) and Patriot (ages 14-18).
AHG offers a wide range of activities designed to develop girls' skills, faith, leadership, and service. Activities include badge programs, service projects, camping and outdoor adventures and faith-based learning.
Even though the local AHG troop meets at a Lutheran church, the members of the troop are not required to be Lutherans or to be members of the church. The registration fee is $20, with a national registration fee of $40 per member. The cost of the uniform is around $20-$40 and the badges that are earned in meetings are typically included free of charge.
Visit the AHG website at americanheritagegirls.org to contact the local troop for more info. The AHG troop located at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Columbus will also have a table at the LIGHT homeschool kickoff in August for late registration.
RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/
HOO’s CRAFTY
Wizardly WORRY STONES
Being anxious about school, or anything, is tough for both the kids and their families. There are strategies and tools kids can use that work well, such as worry stones. Make these worry stones with your kids and teach them how to use them to name their worry and calm themselves down.
DIRECTIONS
Mix 2 parts flour and salt in a bowl. Add 1 part warm water and stir it to create a doughy paste. If it is too dry, add a little more water until a dough is formed. Tint the dough with the food coloring and mix in the glitter. Now, turn the simple salt dough into a worry-busting tool by having the kids form the dough into small cubes and indenting the sides a little bit with their thumbs. Let sit overnight or until completely hardened.
USAGE
Dayna Abraham explains to kids in her book "The SuperKids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day" that, worry is a very normal thing, but it sure doesn’t feel that way when your heart starts to race and your palms get all sweaty.” She created 'Wizardly Worry Stones' help. She tells kids to gently rub the sides of the stones with their thumbs and forefinger to calm themselves down. She encourages kids to put them in their pockets to use when they are going to face a situation that may make them worry–like starting a new school year. She also suggests naming their worries and talking about them with their grown-ups. She encourages teaching kids to advocate for themselves and “train” their grown-ups to realize their needs.
SUPPLIES
Dining Deals for Kids
With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!
MONDAY
Barberitos
Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm
Sapo’s
5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée
The Office
4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.
Tuesday
Chicken Salad Chick
Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Ruby Tuesday
5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée
wednesDAY
Your Pie
Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal
Red Robin
Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under
thursDAY
Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos
Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only
friday
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
sunday
The Simple Greek
Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined
multiple days
219 On The Lake
5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)
Bruster’s Ice Cream
Kids under 40” get free baby cone
McAlister’s
Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order
The Food Mill
Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)
All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.
By
Prepare now for future financial needs
Your family’s busy schedule may leave you little time to think about goals that seem as far away as retirement or your child’s college expenses. However, taking the time to plan and save early for future expenses can pay off in the long run.
Include saving for retirement in your budget
First, decide as a family what your goals are and create a family budget that will help your family meet those goals. When creating the budget, list your monthly expenses and income and decide how much you can contribute towards savings. If you do not currently have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as being laid off from work, start using the savings portion of your budget to build one. Keep the emergency fund in a place where it can be easily accessed, such as a high-interest savings account. Keep putting monthly savings into the emergency fund until you have enough to cover three to six months of your household’s expenses. Liquidating this account in an emergency could keep you from owing a large amount of interest on credit card debt or withdrawing retirement funds early.
Once you have an emergency fund established, you are ready to consider how much you have in your monthly budget to contribute toward retirement. Remember to put saving for your retirement first. Your child can apply for scholarships or borrow money for college tuition, but it could be difficult to catch up on retirement savings if you wait until after you have saved up enough to fully pay for your child’s college tuition.
Even if you do not have a large amount to contribute each month to a retirement plan early in your career, try to contribute any amount you can. Many employers offer to match your contribution to retirement plans such as a traditional 401K up to a certain percentage. Over time, even small amounts contributed each month to a retirement savings plan can compound and become a significant amount of money.
Select retirement savings plans
Explore all the retirement savings tools offered by your employer. Along with traditional 401Ks, many employers offer a Health Savings Account (HSA). The money contributed to the account does not go away at the end of the year, making an HSA a good choice when you have a high-deductible health insurance plan. The funds contributed to the plan are not taxed when you spend them on qualified healthcare expenses. The account balance earns interest, tax-free. If you do not use the money for healthcare expenses, you can withdraw it when you turn 65 to use for non-healthcare expenses without extra penalty, though there will be some taxes on the money you withdraw.
A financial advisor can help you decide which savings tools for retirement are right for you and your family’s goals, especially if your employer does not offer retirement savings plans. Traditional IRAs, which are funded with pre-tax dollars, and Roth IRAs, which are funded with post-tax dollars, are examples of savings tools.
Protect your family’s finances by purchasing insurance.
Consider purchasing both disability and life insurance to protect your family’s future. Disability insurance can help cover your family’s expenses for a reasonable period of time if you or your spouse becomes severely injured or too ill to work. Life insurance provides a payout for your beneficiaries if you pass away. The payout can be used to cover expenses such as paying off a mortgage or medical bills or can even be put into savings. Use your family’s monthly expenses to help calculate how much insurance coverage you need.
August
2 Movie Night Under the Stars. 8pm. Movie TBA. Children must be with an adult. Columbus Library; facebook.com
2 Tools for School Giveaway. 6pm. While supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Columbus Library; facebook.com
3 Sportsplex Kids Triathlon. Ages 6-15. Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatic Center; sportsplextriforkids.com
3 CSU Youth Dance Conservatory Fall Open House. 10am-Noon. YDC Studios in The Rankin Garden & Atrium; 706-5078070
4
Sensory Sensitive Sunday. 9-11am. Chuck-E-Cheese; 706-5681813
6 Mud Kitchen. 9:3010:30am. $10. Ages 3-6. 3rd Ave Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932
6 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. Ages 0-5. $5-$7. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
6 Harry Potter Night. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
8 School begins; Muscogee Co School District; muscogee.k12.ga.us/
8 Budding Naturalist. 10-11am. $7. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-3278400
10 2nd Saturday at Pioneer Park. 9am-12:30pm. 6500 Stage Rd, Loachapoka, lee countyhistoricalsociety.org
10 Princess for a Day. 9am-Noon. $25 + $15. Columbus Trade Center; 706327-4522
10-11 Columbus Back-toSchool Craft & Vendor Market. Sat 11am8pm, Sun Noon-6pm. Peachtree Mall; eventbright.com
13 Adventure in Outer Space. Teens. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782
14 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding support meeting (part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
15 River Explorer: IRL Co-op Open House. Location TBA. $10/child. 3rd Avenue Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932
15 Painting with Nature: Herb Dying. 5-8pm. All ages. RSVP. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
16 Food Truck Friday. 5-11:30pm. Downtown Opelika; aotourism.com
16 Autism Hope Center’s Parents Night Out. 6:30-8:30pm. Ages 3+. RSVP. Cascade Hills Church; 706-604-6333
16 Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert. 7:30pm. $41-$51. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
17Back to School Nature BASH. 10Noon. $5. 3rd Ave Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932
17 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782
17 The Columbus Ballet Nutcracker Community Auditions. TBA; thecolumbusballet.org
20 Wild World Primary Open House. 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 4-6. 3rd Avenue Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932
20 Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782
21 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
24 Pollinator Palooza. 9am-2pm. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-3278400
Events
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
25 Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show. 11am-4pm. $6-$20. Coca-Cola Space Science Ctr; 706-649-1477
28 Seedling Storytime. 10-11am. $7. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706327-8400
28 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
29 Painting with Nature: Flower Pounding. 5-8pm. All ages. RSVP. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
30 Family Open-fire Cooking Night. 5:30-7:30pm. $15/person. 3rd Ave Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932
31 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert. 7:30pm. $41$51. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
31-2 Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow. Callaway Gardens; 800-CALLAWAY
Weekly Events
MONDAY
Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
TUESDAY
Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782
WEDNESDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 10am; Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-36 mo. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Chess at the Library. Ages 9-16. 5pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
Wednesday Garden Play. 2:45-4:15pm. $20. Ages 5-11. 3rd Avenue Community Garden, 1622 3rd Ave; 706-223-0932 (Not 8/7)
THURSDAY
Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; (706) 653-7880
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
Sight Words Support. 3-5pm. 30-minute 1-on-1 practice session. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
FRIDAY
Salamander Meander. 10-11am. $3 + $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706663-4858
Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
SATURDAY
Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; www.uptowncolumbusga.com
Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am-4pm. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680
Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.
AFTER-SCHOOL
outside GET THEM
By Ashley Byard, BSE, Chattahoochee
“All
kids can benefit from more wonder in their life.” -
Jill Winger
Children are born with an abundance of curiosity and wonder. They are experiencing everything for the very first time, so even the smallest details that we, as adults, have long tuned out, light up their senses - the feeling of mud, the sound of a Carolina Wren, or the scent of tea olives on the breeze. All of these simple things spark their imaginations in big ways!
But how do we continue to cultivate that curiosity as they grow up? How can we continue to provide opportunities that ignite their senses? What if the answer is just beyond the front door?
A recent study from Sanford Health News says that, on average, American children spend less than 10 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play compared to seven hours in front of a screen. It’s undeniable that we live in the most technologically advanced time we have ever known, and the technology is rapidly changing all the time.
Kids need to be able to navigate all the gizmos and gadgets because it’s simply a part of their lives. But unfortunately, studies show children spend
a disproportionate amount of their time on screens, rather than engaging in unstructured play outside. Though technology can provide an incredibly realistic experience, it cannot replace what nature provides.
Being outside provides people of all ages so many mental and physical health benefits.
Young children especially need the opportunity to slow down, rather than race forward to the next milestone or activity. Their bodies and minds need time to build forts and shelters, learn how to use tools safely and appropriately, play in puddles, touch plants, see and touch insects, walk on logs, balance on boulders and so much more! Doing things like this has shown to improve everything from agility to mood. Time outside doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Given the time and space to do so, children can create whole worlds with found objects and a few friends.
We are now enrolling for Columbus’ only outdoor, nature-based Kindergarten, Wild World Primary. Visit ChattAdventure.com to learn more and attend our open house on August 20 mentioned below.
What are you waiting for? Set down the screens and let’s get outside!
Here are some great outdoor opportunities that Chattahoochee Adventure Company is offering in the month of August. All event locations are at our 3rd Ave Community Garden, located near 1622 3rd Avenue in Columbus, except for “River Explorer.” Visit us at ChattAdventure to register online for all events or learn more about our outdoor educational programs.
August 6 • 9:30-10:30am
Mud Kitchen
Texture-based play in our Garden Mud Kitchen. Let your child get messy and learn through their senses.
August 14, 21, 28
2:45-4:15pm
Wednesdays
Garden Play
After school emotional regulation as we transition back into the routine of school. Give your child an opportunity to run, play, explore, and connect in nature. Unstructured, outdoor time is a perfect way to reset before family time, dinner and bed. Teacher-moderated and child-led, this offering gives all ages a chance to safely experience re-wilding.
August 15 • 9:30-11am
River Explorer
IRL Co-op Open House
$10/child • Ages 5-15 • Location TBA
Check out our homeschool co-op, meet our families and see what we do! We’re taking it to the river for education, adventure and stewardship. Please bring swimsuit, personal floatation device (PFD), and change of clothes.
August 17 • 10am-Noon
Our City, Our Classroom Back to School
Nature-BASH
$5 per person donation to support our garden project • All ages
Wild World
Primary
Open House
Free • Ages 4-6
Meet our teacher, see our space, and ask questions. We will have stations set up for exploration and lots of open play.
August 30 • 5:30-7:30 pm
Family Open-fire Cooking Night
$15/person 3+ • All ages
DIY cooking, water play, mud kitchen, nature exploration, crafts and more. August 20 • 5:30-6:30 pm
Communal-style cooking over the open fire. Help prep, cook and enjoy a meal with new friends. Space is limited.
Adventure Co. Outdoor Learning Co-Op
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Highlight On HOO’s PICKS
As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year approaches, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley (BGCCV) are gearing up to make a difference in the lives of our community’s youth. With a mission to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible, caring, productive citizens, BGCCV offers an after-school haven that combines learning, fun, and growth for over 2,500 kids annually across eight locations.
Rodney Close, CEO of the BGCCV, says, “This is my second time living in Columbus, and my wife and I truly enjoy being part of this community. With 29 years of experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs, I believe in our mission to inspire and develop the potential in every child, especially those who need it most, providing comprehensive support to the family while keeping our fees affordable.”
A SAFE PLACE FOR GROWTH
Imagine a place where your child is not only safe but also engaged in activities that foster creativity, build character, and enhance academic skills. This is what happens inside the blue doors at BGCCV. With transportation provided from 19 elementary, 8 middle, and 5 high schools across Columbus, the journey to success starts the moment kids step onto the club premises.
Each day at The Club begins with the Power Hour. The focus is on homework completion and tutoring, ensuring that kids have the support they need for academic success. This hour is not just about hitting the books; it is about instilling a love for learning and the confidence to tackle new challenges.
After Power Hour, the doors to a world of possibilities open. Kids can dive into sports, explore hobbies, or participate in structured programs like art, literacy, and leadership clubs. Special initiatives such as Money Matters and Youth of the Year, led by local companies and their employees, provide unique opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
PREPARING TEENS FOR THE FUTURE
For teenage members, BGCCV is a launchpad for future success. The club is dedicated to ensuring every teen graduates from high school and is ready for post-secondary
education or a 21st-century career. This is achieved through college prep classes, college tours, application support, and partnerships with institutions like Muscogee School District, Columbus State University, and Columbus Tech. Workforce readiness programs further equip teens with essential soft skills, career exploration opportunities, and even certification programs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley are more than just an after-school program. For more than 85 years, they have been, and continue to be, a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child. As the new school year approaches, members of the community are encouraged to find out more information on ways to help support the great work of this organization.
Enroll your child in the after-school program:
Enrollment is $65 per youth, with an additional $50 for transportation. All Teens can join for FREE. A parent orientation is required to ensure everyone is on the same page. For more information on locations and enrollment, visit BGCCV’s website: www.bgc-colsga.org.
RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/
Become a Volunteer:
Volunteering with BGCCV can be a transformative experience for the youth you serve and for you also. Whether you’re tutoring, mentoring, coaching, or simply lending a helping hand, your contribution makes a real impact. There are two initiatives undergoing significant and exciting changes that are in need of volunteers and sponsors - the women’s engagement initiative launching in September and the 44th Annual Polo Cup on September 22nd. Contact Audra Cozart at acozart@bgc-colsga.org to find out how you can get involved.
As the school year draws close and you pack your kids' backpacks and prepare for another academic adventure, remember that BGCCV is here to help kids shine. Whether through enrolling your child, volunteering your time, or sponsoring an event, your involvement ensures that BGCCV continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for local youth.
HOO’s
learning The Power of EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE
ABy Sabrina Lambeth, Children’s Services Coordinator • Chattahoochee
s the new school year approaches, it’s time to consider how you can set your children up for success. One of the most effective tools at your disposal is surprisingly simple: READING!
Here’s why making reading a regular part of your family routine can make a significant difference:
1. Academic Improvement: Strong reading skills help children better understand and engage with all subjects, from math word problems to science concepts.
2. Curiosity and Learning: As reading becomes easier, children naturally explore new ideas and topics, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
3. Critical Thinking: Regular reading encourages children to think deeply, form opinions, and understand complex ideas - skills that are invaluable in school and life.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Through stories, children experience different perspectives and situations, helping them develop empathy and social skills crucial for building relationships.
5. Stress Reduction: In the face of new school year pressures, reading can provide a calming escape, helping children manage stress and anxiety.
Your Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is an excellent resource for nurturing these reading habits. We offer a wide range of materials suitable for all reading levels and interests. From audiobooks and eBooks to book bundles and launchpads, we’re here to support your child’s reading journey. Don’t forget to take advantage of our free library cards. They’re your ticket to accessing all these resources and more.
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, consider incorporating regular Library visits into your routine. By fostering a love for reading now, you’re investing in your child’s future success.
We’re here to help you and your family make the most of reading. Visit us soon and let’s work together to make this school year the best one yet. Learn more at www.cvlga.org
Valley Libraries
FREE EVENT FOR ALL AGES
Saturday, September 7 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Piedmont Midtown Conference Center 710 Center Street, Columbus, GA
Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Teddy Bear Clinic where you will learn about medical treatments and healthy habits in a fun and friendly way. We will have interactive activities on first aid and safety, ambulance and fire truck tours, and more!
Check ups for Teddy Bears include: Teddy x-rays, casting clinic, vaccinations, and more!
RSVP on Facebook
Teddy Bear Clinic event page hosted by Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation
SPONSORED BY
The Shelby and Wanda Amos Foundation
