June 2012
[ indyschild.com ]
[ FREE]
Father’s Day >> Fun
in Indy
Healthy Competition
Why Being Competitive Isn’t Bad for Your Child
Check out our award-winning calendar for fun events around town!
Keeping Your Kids
SAFE THIS SUMMER 1 INDYSCHILD.COM
(and out of the E.R.)
2 INDYSCHILD.COM
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 3
contents 14
20
28
June 2012 43
visit us online at indyschild.com
features 20 Healthy Competition
Why Being Competitive Isn’t Bad
24 Father’s Day Fun in Indy
Ideas for Dad’s Special Day
28 Keeping Your Kids Safe this Summer And Out of the E.R.
commentary + parenting 14 Mommy Magic
Finding Time for Fitness After Kids
22 Pete Gilbert...Stay-at-Home Dad
Tighty Whities and Other Gift Ideas for Dad
27 Laurie Puhn
Are You a Love Optimist?
43 Tips on Allowance
The Right Method for Your Family
in every issue 06 Publisher’s Note 08 Community Spotlight 10 Online Buzz
48 Summer Camps
A Healthy Camper is a Happy Camper
10 Profile
Trisha Shepherd
15 Profile
PBS Kids in the Park
17 Profile
John & Mary Ruckelhaus
19 Profile
health 12 Pediatric Health
ON THE COVER Cover Models: William and Nicholas McKinzie Photographer: Hannah Hilliard Photography
resources 36 44 49 52 57 58
Special Needs Guide Education + Childcare Guide Summer Camp Guide Water Park Guide Marketplace Birthday Party Guide
The Indianapolis Zoo
23 Museum Note
Kindergarten Readiness
26 Indy on a Budget
Free Fairs, Festivals & Fun
42 Downtown Indy
Preventing Child Abuse
4 INDYSCHILD.COM
around town
Bustling with Summer Fun
special needs 32 Get Active in Adaptive Sports 34 Top Ten Special Olympics Sports 40 A Look at ADHD
calendars 38 53 56 59
Special Needs Daily Events Ongoing Events Fun + Wacky
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 5
in every issue
[ publisher’s note ]
Indy’s Child Double Your Pleasure; Double Your Fun… While Playing in the Sun
FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne | barbara@indyschild.com PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | mary@indyschild.com SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@indyschild.com
My headline refers to the familiar jingle, one that takes me back to summers when my kids were young, implying you could have more fun when chewing Doublemint gum. But I firmly believe your summer will be more special if you take advantage of some of the fantastic opportunities right here in Indy. Parents should always be teachers, and summer is a great opportunity to incorporate fun family field trips and regularly scheduled trips to the library. Take for instance the fabulous exhibit at our Children’s Museum, Curious Scientific Investigators: Flight Adventures, which incorporates a multimedia show and associated programs and displays that expose children (and adults!) to the science behind flight. Unique to this exhibit that was launched in February, is the museum’s partnership with the Muncie-based Academy of Model Aeronautics and Bill Pritchett, AMA Director of Education and his co-workers who launched sophisticated radiocontrolled planes in the museum to the delight of all visitors. To take your child’s understanding of the science of flight to the next level, take in the Capitol City Ford 2012 Indianapolis Air Show June 22-24, which is being held at the Indianapolis Regional Airport, formerly Mt. Comfort Airport. The U.S. Blue Angels will fly, and other family favorites include Hot Air Balloons rides and a display of antique cars. The Air Show benefits Riley Children’s Hospital. Your children are sure to keep active when they tackle The 5th Annual Indianapolis Kids Triathlon on Sunday, June 24 at the Arthur M. Glick JCC with swim lessons and family running and biking. You can register online at JCCindy.org. There are three age groups: Senior Division, ages 11-14; Junior Division, ages 7-10; and Small Fry, 6 years and under. The Small Fry non-competitive activities include a 25-yard swim, 2-mile bike ride and ½ mile run. Parents can run next to bikes. Sounds like fun! For families who love biking, Bicycle Garage Indy has clinics on Ready to Ride and Fixing Flat Tires! The Fixing Flats clinics are offered three times in June: June 11th, downtown; June 26th, BSI South; June 20th, BGI North. Lastly, Go Ape - Live Life Adventurously at Eagle Creek Park is sure to delight. This new adventure is a treetop adventure course, which allows you to experience Eagle Creek as a true naturalist. You can explore the forest canopy via rope ladders, 2 Tarzan swings and 5 zip lines and 39 crossings. Eagle Creek now boasts 22 miles of hiking paths, 2 nature centers, 2 retreat centers, and 1,400 acres of water that provide an area to canoe and enjoy water sports. For certain there are many more events in our Indy’s Child Calendar. I chose the above activities because they are new and involve the family and I was certain you could double your fun by trying them. Have a great summer! 6 INDYSCHILD.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heather Lipe | heather@indyschild.com EVENTS DIRECTOR / PUBLIC RELATIONS Wendy Cox | wendy@indyschild.com BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@indyschild.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Ring | karen@indyschild.com
CONTACT US Indy’s Child ADDRESS: 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46240 PHONE: 317.722.8500 | FAX: 317.722.8510 EMAIL: indyschild@indyschild.com
Copyright Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2012-2012 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.indyschild.com.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 7
around town
[ community spotlight ]
Wonderlab: Simple Machine Mania! What gives people the ability to easily lift themselves into the air or move a heavy object with just one finger? Discover the answer at Simple Machine Mania! opening on June 5 and running through September 23 at the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology in Bloomington. The interactive science exhibition explores the astonishing power of pulleys and levers. The exhibition features the Giant Telescoping Lever, the Pulley Chair and the Giant Biomechanical Hand. Other parts of the exhibition include using a catapult to lay siege to a block castle, building a model of an amusement park ride, and, for very young children, using a bucket on a pulley to lift stuffed animals into a preschool treehouse. For more information, call 812-337-1337 ext. 25 or visit wonderlab.org or WonderLab’s Facebook page. The exhibition is made possible with the generous support of Oliver Winery, Cook Medical, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Travel Indiana Magazine and Yellowpages.com.
Look ing f or ay Fat h er’s D ? dy In in s event e to d co e h t Scan oing g ’s see what own! t d n on arou 8 INDYSCHILD.COM
Community Spotlight 5th Annual Indianapolis Kids Triathlon The JCC of Indianapolis presents the 5th annual Indianapolis Kids Triathlon and family fun day on Sun, June 24, at 9 am at the Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis. Everyone’s a winner regardless of athletic ability or experience! Children ages 7-14 who are true athletes will compete in the Competitive Division and be officially timed. This premier event is USAT-sanctioned and attracts youth participants from all over Indiana.
For other children, the Kids Triathlon’s Non-Competitive Division is simply a great way to spend time outdoors while enjoying friendly competition. Our youngest racers (6 and under) can join in the fun too with parental assistance for the cycling and running legs of the race (children must be able to swim independently for 25 yards). More information is at www. JCCindy.org, or call 317-251-9467.
Benjamin Harrison House Introducing a new event for families at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site - Queen for a Croquet, Kids Croquet with Alice. This event immerses children in the story of “Alice in Wonderland” as they have their photos taken with and play croquet alongside the Queen of Hearts and Alice herself just like in the classic storybook. Participants will be given a brief croquet lesson followed by the opportunity to play croquet on the spacious lawn of the President’s mansion. Players will also have use of fine equipment, a mid-morning snack from Chick-fil-A, complimentary photo with storybook characters, and a themed favor to take home. Event Date: Saturday, June 16 Event Time: Check-In begins at 10am. Event concludes at Noon. Cost: $50 per team of two (one adult + one child) Event is Rain or Shine Participants must register in advance by calling 317-631-1888 or online at www.bhpsite.org.
World Choir Games The World Choir Games (WCG), the largest choral competition in the world, will make its North American debut in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4-14, 2012. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, the goal of the WCG is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition. Of the 400 participating choirs, 5 of them hail from Indiana: •
Broadripple Magnet High School Choir
• ICCCI Chinese School Choir • Voices of Unity • Ball State University Singers • Indianapolis Children’s Choir
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.2012worldchoirgames.com/tickets
WFYI’s PBS KIDS in the Park WFYI’s PBS KIDS in the Park, presented by Marsh, returns to Military Park on Saturday, June 9 from 10 am to 4 pm. This free family festival is filled with non-stop entertainment on three stages and opportunities to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS walkaround characters, including Sesame Street’s Elmo, Curious George and many more. Visit www.wfyi.org/KIP for more information.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 9
around town
[ profile: trisha shepherd ]
No Place Like Home Beef & Boards brings the magic of OZ to Indy Trisha Shepherd Does it get any better than this? This lifelong theatre geek’s dream is coming true – a chance to literally float onto stage in the show I have been obsessed with since I was in diapers. “The Wizard of Oz” is running at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through July 15. Although I am quite busy chasing after my own three munchkins, I couldn’t turn down the offer to play Glinda.
online buzz Exclusive Contests at
IndysChild.com
Indianapolis Indians Game Tickets
Tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Benjamin Harrison Ice Cream Social Tickets
Alice and Friends Croquet Tickets
Symphony on the Prairie Tickets
Tickets to 2012 Indianapolis Air Show
“You’ve always had the power to go back to Kansas,” the good witch dressed in piles of tulle advises Dorothy after her wild journey down the yellow brick road. But what I love most about this story is how nobody – not even a very good witch or a very bad wizard – could give Dorothy a fast-track to that toughest of lessons: sometimes your heart’s desire cannot be found over the rainbow, because it has been right there all along in your own back yard. Wow, can I relate to that one. I followed a winding brick road through three states during a 15-year career in television news. Then, last fall, I landed back with the three things that have always meant “home” to me: kids, writing and theatre. I left TV behind and began working in marketing communications with Riley Children’s Foundation, which means I am with my own kids when they need me most, I get to write magazine stories about inspiring kids, and as a bonus, I can finally say “yes” to a full-scale theatre production. Our Dorothy is played by the adorable Lisa Bark, who has appeared in theatre productions in Dubai, Italy, Barbados and Puerto Rico. But she’s one of many talented actors who keep coming back to Beef & Boards show after show. It just feels like home. I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the yellow brick road in my blog on IndysChild.com. In the meantime, my kids are getting pretty pumped up to see their mom “fly,” and to tear into the famous dinner buffet that includes, of course, Munchkin-friendly mac-n-cheese and chicken fingers. I’ll see you over the rainbow. The Wizard of Oz runs through July 15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre near 465 and Michigan Road. For more information visit www.beefandboards.com. 10 INDYSCHILD.COM
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JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 11
health
[ pediatric health ]
Preventing Child Abuse Steps you can take to keep kids safe Dr. Roberta Hibbard
For example:
Director, Child Protection Programs, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Child abuse can occur in any town, neighborhood or family. In 2009, there were nearly 25,000 substantiated cases of child abuse in Indiana. It’s your responsibility to protect your children from abuse. Here are some steps you can take to keep them safe.
What is defined as child abuse? Child abuse and neglect, and child maltreatment, mean the same thing. The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines this as “any recent act or failure on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” This includes physical, emotional or sexual abuse as well as neglect.
What if I suspect child abuse? Legally, everyone is required to report suspected child abuse. Just because you make a report due to suspicions or concerns doesn’t mean you are confirming abuse. The situation will be further evaluated. • In
an immediate emergency, call 911.
• Otherwise,
call the Indiana Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. While it is helpful to give your name, you do not have to do so.
What can I do as a parent to protect my children? First, begin the monitoring process early so your children are comfortable as they get older and are not upset or confused by questions you may ask. Check out the adults who interact with them to the best of your ability. This means knowing whom they spend time with and the people who interact with them.
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• If
your child is sleeping at a friend’s house, talk to the parents. Learn if
older siblings will have people over or if other adults will be present. Understand who will be supervising. • For
summer camps, ask about the staff screening procedures and the
adults who might come in contact with your children. • Choose
group situations whenever possible to minimize one-adult/
one-child situations. • Monitor
Internet use. Sometimes offenders try to lure children into
physical contact.
If it doesn’t feel right or appropriate, investigate further or don’t allow it—for example, sleepovers at a coach’s house. Also, set up a system with your children so that, if they get into trouble, they can call you with a code phrase such as “Are we going to the park tomorrow?” Assure them that you will come and get them with no questions asked.
What should I watch for? Watch for significant changes in behavior, new or unexpected fears, change in school performance, significant changes in friends or inappropriate adult attention and any statements that suggest inappropriate things are happening. Ask about what is going on in the child’s life and be supportive. For more information, visit www.iuhealth.org/riley.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 13
commentary & parenting YOU TOLD US ON
FACEBOOK...
[ mommy magic ]
Finding Time for Fitness After Kids Carve out the “you” time every mom deserves
As a mom, it is important for your health (both mental and physical) to take time out to take care of yourself.
Tell us how you find time to exercise without the kids in tow. There are times when I actually like to exercise with them -- they can be my pace setters with their bikes (and get their own exercise) or driving their Jeep to pace me for walking, rollerblading, etc. When I want or need to exercise alone, I rollerblade, walk or ride my bike in the evenings after husband gets home, in the a.m., or while they are at school. —Dara R. Mary Susan Buhner msbuhner@aol.com
I workout while they are at school. I sometimes even have them join me to get some fitness in them. — Ashley G.
We homeschool so my kids are always with me. During afternoon quiet time I try to get in a Pilates video from Netflix! — Heidi S.
I look for unique classes after 7pm then my husband does the bedtime routine and I get me time. — Rene E.
I just get up before them and get it done and I’m ready to face my day with my 7 kids. With a determined mind you will make it happen! — Angela M.
Join the conversation! Like our page at facebook.com/indyschildmagazine
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Before I had kids, fitness was a passion for me. Actually, it was a passion even after my first daughter was born. I ran around 15 miles a week and enjoyed biking and walking as well. All of these activities could be accomplished, of course, with my precious first child in tow. Emphasis on “could.” Some days it took an hour just to slather sunscreen on her, get her sippy cup and snacks, and strap her securely in the baby jogger. An hour of prep time for a 20-minute run. After my second daughter was born, I was surprised to find that my passion for exercise had decreased a bit. “What happened to my ability to push myself,” I wondered? I used to be different. I used to get excited about getting outside in the fresh air and burning off some steam, or at least excited about putting on my matching workout outfit (even if it was still from the maternity section). I quickly came to realize that having two kids to prep for “exercise time” was now double the work. I felt like I was packing for a weeklong camping trip when I left my house. Books for my oldest to look at, her toddler juice box, and a snack. For my youngest, a binky (a.k.a. pacifier), cheerios for a snack, bottle, diaper and wipes and her favorite toy. (A little side note: the day
you leave your house pushing your kiddos in a jogger WITHOUT a diaper and wipes, is the day someone will have the mother of all blowouts. Take it from my experience!) Finally...I was ready to roll. Triumphant in my dedication, confident in my commitment to having a good run, I started out. This is a cautionary tale. Here is what I learned: Right off the bat, I realized one important thing in my workout equation. That is, pushing a jogger with two kids as passengers is A LOT more work than pushing one! Yikes, my pace was slower, my hands were cramping from gripping the stroller so tightly! This was harder work than before! Another fitness factor? Being the official “referee” for your kiddos is a cardio sport in itself. Two kids, one stroller equals fighting. It is tight quarters under that little hood. It may protect them from the sun, but it does not protect them from each other! They fight over snacks, who is breathing the other’s air, and when we should turn around. There was a time and place when running was invigorating and even empowering for me. Now it was a nightmare. I really needed to concentrate to huff and puff, and that clearly was not going to happen. I was pulling over to pick up tossed sippy cups, tripping over a beloved blanket stuck in the wheels, or breaking up a sibling altercation, all the while threatening my kids to sit still for
another 10 minutes. I used to love doing this and now I found myself dreading it. What happened? I realized that something that was necessary and fun for me had now become a chore. What did I learn? Well, I learned that the state of motherhood was constantly changing. It is a process. My determination to shove a square peg into a round hole was not fun for anybody. My revelation? Instead of changing my expectation, I changed the way I went about it. Now a mother of three, I know that it is okay to workout without my kids in tow. Carving that time out for myself and allowing myself the permission to enjoy it is vital to my sanity and to being a good mom to my children. In the meantime, I was just exhausting myself instead of recharging myself. With summer here, fitness and exercise can be fun and really a great way to recharge by being outside. The days are longer and you deserve some time to reboot! As we moms all know, motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint! Therefore, taking time along the path of motherhood for a walk, a run, a workout class (without kiddos in tow) only makes us stronger, more prepared and better in the long run! Happy Summer!
[ profile: pbs kids in the park ]
around town
Electric Company’s Shock to Headline PBS KIDS in the Park FREE Family Festival on Saturday, June 9 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Military Park Join WFYI at PBS KIDS in the Park, presented by Marsh Supermarkets, on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Military Park in White River State Park. This free, fun, family festival is sure to delight children of all ages with non-stop entertainment, including Shock from The Electric Company. Shock, played by vocal percussionist and comedian Chris Sullivan, is a contemporary Buster Keaton with a wide-open sweetness and a relentless imagination. Shock works in the Electric Diner and occasionally helps in the
decoding of words there. He does so without skipping a beat, in fact he often provides the beat. His freestanding segments on The Electric Company help drive home the curriculum of the show. In addition to the Shock, the day will be filled with non-stop entertainment on three stages, and opportunities to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS walkaround characters. There will also be numerous hands-on activities for kids of all ages to discover. There’s no need to make reservations or purchase tickets.
PBS KIDS in the Park is WFYI Public Media’s gift back to the Central Indiana community. Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy a day in Military Park with your family and WFYI on June 9. Visit wfyi.org for more information leading up to the event.
Presenting Sponsor • Marsh
Supporting Sponsors
• Herron School of Art and Design • Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine • KinderCare • TCU
Printing Sponsor • Moeller
Printing
Character Sponsor • Sease,
Gerig & Associates
Booth Sponsors • Chick-fil-A • Children’s
Dentistry of Indianapolis Prairie Interactive History Park • Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America • Indianapolis Art Center • InsureOne • International School of Indiana • SmarTravel • Conner
Additional Support • American
Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis • Kinetico Home Water Systems
Space Sponsors • Indiana • Indiana
Ballet Conservatory Education Savings Authority
The Electric Company MONDAY – THURSDAY AT 5 PM ON WFYI 1 Sure to spark a current of learning, The Electric Company is a multi-media literacy campaign charged with reducing the literacy gap between low and middle income families and advancing the idea that “reading is cool.” Weekly episodes are part of PBS KIDS GO!, the on-air and online destination designed entirely for early elementary school kids.
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mary ruckelshaus olivia rusk ]] [ profile: john and [ profile:
around around town town
A Parent’s Love: John and Mary Ruckelshaus Taking their son’s road to recovery one day at a time Melissa Fears The Ruckelshaus family has battled the odds, but it has only made them closer. Beginning with their first son Drew’s birth in 1987, they were devastated to learn he had inherited the congenital glaucoma gene that the father John had. At only 3 weeks old, Drew underwent 19 surgeries to correct his vision and prevent blindness. Their daughter, Maggie, was born 18 months later and she inherited the gene as well, needing 21 surgeries. “It was very tiring as a young parent,” John said. Just as soon as they thought they were in the clear, Drew was diagnosed with leukemia in the third grade. “Here we just survived a bout of blindness with two children, all the angst, anxiety and all the surgeries and medical bills,” said John. “Now all of a sudden, Drew is stricken with leukemia. Our world came crashing down from a medical perspective…the doctor gave us the devastating news. It was a punch to the gut. Doctor said it’d be six months of hell and he didn’t shortchange us.” Drew overcame the disease with chemotherapy. Due to the illness he was awarded the opportunity to become a ball boy for the Indiana Pacers in 1994 and it eventually led him to become an athletic trainer. He is now with the University of Idaho women’s basketball team and is working on his master’s degree. “It’s amazing how difficult things are, something really good and special always comes out the back end,” said John. In 1992 their youngest son Jay was born. With normal vision and an academically gifted child, the Ruckelshaus’ knew they were lucky.
“Jay did very well academically,” said John. “In seventh and eighth grade he was scoring off the charts. He got the presidential scholarship to attend Cathedral High School.” Only missing one question on his SAT, Jay was on top of the world. Not only did he win the Wells Scholarship at Indiana University, which provides full tuition, mandatory and course-related fees, and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University, but he was also personally admitted to Harvard, Yale and Duke. Then the accident happened. “He dove into Geist Reservoir at night and didn’t know how deep it was,” he said. He was left with a broken neck, snapped spinal cord and paralysis from the chest down. Jay spent his first 31 days at Methodist Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on a respirator. He had to communicate by blinking. “Every spinal cord injury patient is different,” John said. “Recovery is measured in years, not days or months. We know this and we live in a society where people want instant recovery. This is completely the opposite and is painstakingly slow. We have a whole new world and our lives have changed. There is still hope. It will be a combination of therapy, medicine and will power. We need all three.” Jay is currently based at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and other neuromuscular problems. Jay is making small steps in the recovery process. With some flickers of sensation in his triceps, feet, his stomach and one of his calves, it will be a long recovery, but there is hope.
difficult yes, but it’s almost “asIt’sif we’ve had training...as hard and trying as it is, there is something special that will happen to Jay. I feel it in every fiber of my body. You hold onto that hope. It’s what you have to do.
”
Having Jay get as strong as possible is important as he starts Duke University in the fall. “Duke has been great,” he said. “We will have to hire an attendant as Jay will need 24/7 care. His mind wasn’t damaged at all…he can use an iPad and a stylist pen.” Winding down the recovery phase in Atlanta, Jay has been part of the Neurological Rehab Network (NRN). He works on a treadmill sending signals back to the brain letting it know his legs are still there. “This is all very unchartered water,” said John. “He is very reliant and dependent on others right now. It has been very tough. At 19 he was very independent, now you are lifeless in some respects.” “It’s difficult yes, but it’s almost as if we’ve had training,” said John. “As hard and trying as it is, there is something special that will happen to Jay. I feel it in every fiber of my body. You hold onto that hope. It’s what you have to do.” Being your child’s biggest advocate is important, he said. The medical world is neither perfect nor exact. “It’s not a production line,” said John. “You have to be aggressive and stay on it. You also have to let them help themselves. Jay’s personality just transcends the injury.” JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 17
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[ the indianapolis zoo ]
around town
More to do at the Zoo A summer full of “wild” fun Carla Knapp Whether it’s putting a fresh spin on your favorite tunes or unveiling a brand new exhibit, the Indianapolis Zoo has some special events planned to pique everyone’s interest. Experience the wonders of the sky brought down to earth when the Zoo reveals its newest exhibit, Flights of Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds presented by Citizens Energy Group. This interactive, family-friendly experience opens in the Encounters area Memorial Day weekend. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of exotic birds in five different aviaries that match the birds’ natural habitats. Surround yourself with playful lorikeets, majestic
flamingos, peculiar southern ground hornbill, curious budgerigars and more! Guests can walk through three of the aviaries for an unforgettable nose-to-beak experience with these fabulous fowls. Then feed your own curiosity while feeding the birds at designated feeding stations. While much of the exhibit showcases showy species from around the globe, the Backyard Habitat thanks to Wild Birds Unlimited was created to show guests how they can attract an array of beautiful birds native to Indiana to their own outdoor spaces. Use the trees, shrubs and perennials we’ve planted in our exhibit to inspire you to transform your own yard.
Flights of Fancy was designed with families in mind. With the spotlight on children and discovery, the exhibit also includes a 4-D theater, Tots Treehouse play area, and Nursing Moms Nest presented by Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. Also, the Zoo will have you rockin’ the night away with its Zoolapalooza concert series happening Friday nights this summer. Now in its second year, we’ll help you start the weekend off right with live music performed by local bands. Plus, enjoy delicious food and drinks while you unwind to the sounds of your favorite songs. The Zoo will have extended hours for the five concert evenings, June 15 through July 13.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 19
HEALTHY COMPETITION eoff Cole knows a thing or two about competition. His son, Taylor, 18, plays Varsity football; his oldest daughter Lindsey, 16, is on a cheerleading squad; and his younger daughter Meghan, 13, plays both lacrosse and select softball. Between these three children, Geoff has seen what a little competition can do for kids – and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. My kids are constantly “striving to do their best,” says Geoff. “They set personal goals for themselves and follow through.” He adds that sports have helped his kids understand the importance of setting— and achieving—goals. “With my son, in seventh grade he went from being a backup player on the second team of the squad, to a starter on the Varsity football team by his Junior year. He drove himself to that position. He had a goal in mind that he set for himself.” Geoff says that, while all three of his children are competitive on the field, their competitive drive also extends to other areas of their lives.
“
Competition is beneficial for children as they learn social skills in communication and teamwork. It helps to breed confidence and competence in an area, problem-solving skills, and understanding of different roles. —Dr. Culp, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Indiana University Purdue University
Written by Sarah McCosham 20 INDYSCHILD.COM
Competitiveness has a bad rap in our society, especially with regard to kids. The term “competitive” has become synonymous with undesirable traits such as aggression, belligerence, and general “out-of-line” behaviors. However, according to Dr. Brian Culp, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Indiana University Purdue University, competitiveness is simply “an inclination to compete based on a set of circumstances presented. These circumstances are generally provided by an outside entity or created by the child.” Most experts agree that, in children, this drive to compete begins anywhere between four and seven years of age. As a parent of four kids, Geoff’s observed that children compete “constantly,” whether it is “among siblings for their parents’ attention, with their peers in the classroom, or with teammates or opponents on the field.”
Why Being Competitive Isn’t Bad for Your Child “Competition helps kids grow,” says Dr. Culp. Competitiveness can be tied in a healthy way to a drive to learn, to try new things, and to learn how to handle failure. Healthy competition helps to establish the foundation for kids to grow, he states. More specifically, says Dr. Culp, competition allows children to learn about their abilities and limitations. “Competition is beneficial for children as they learn social skills in communication and teamwork. It helps to breed confidence and competence in an area, problem-solving skills, and understanding of different roles.” Lastly, competition “can be fun and highly enjoyable, making the task something that a child will continue,” he says. Geoff has certainly seen the benefits of healthy competition with his kids. For starters, all three kids picked the sports they’re currently participating in, and continue to play based on enjoyment and “seeing improvements” in their skills. Furthermore, his kids “frequently come to (my wife and) me wanting to do things to better their games. They choose what programs they want, and we put things in place to help.”
However, there is an ugly side to competition – and it generally happens when the child’s team loses, or some sort of goal is not reached. Explains Dr. Culp, “Competitiveness can become harmful when the outcome is focused on the result and not the process. Children subjected to this can often lose the spirit of what competition is.” He adds that, in this scenario, kids can “become perfectionists who are afraid of failing. They can have feelings of self-doubt and a lack of self-esteem. They could also cultivate an inner fear that makes them cautious about taking any sort of risks, or trying something new because they are not the best at it.” However, for Dr. Culp, the flip side of experiencing loss is that, “competition helps children deal with the reality of not getting everything they want.” Furthermore, it helps them recognize their limitations. Dr. Culp adds, “We have been conditioned in society to believe that having a limitation is a negative, instead of understanding that we are all persons with diverse talents.” Winning – and losing – are part of this learning process.
Admittedly, this can be a difficult balance – something with which Geoff has definitely seen kids struggle. With Meghan’s softball, he’s seen girls breaking down on the field. “They’ve been in tears,” says Geoff, “because of the call of a play, or being taken out of the game.” Adult messages about competitiveness are very powerful. “Parents should encourage their child to compete against themselves, and stress the process of competition and reaching their own potential. It is helpful for parents and their children to not define success in terms of winning and losing and eliminate comparisons to other children,” says Dr. Culp. Finally, “Children need to know that parents are in their corner, win, lose or draw. Competition, if promoted and executed effectively, is an appropriate means of developing a well-rounded child who is ready to take on the challenges of life,” opines Dr. Culp. Geoff adds, “Let the kids choose what they like. Try to introduce them to new things. Support them. When kids have this framework,” Geoff says, “they’ll naturally strive to do their best.”
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 21
commentary & parenting
[ pete gilbert...stay-at-home dad ]
Tighty Whities and Other Gift Ideas for Dad Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Stay-at-Home Dad, Pete Gilbert Pete Gilbert Since my first column is for the June issue, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about Father’s Day, more specifically, choosing a gift for dad on his special day.
To read more of Pete’s True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad, visit www.indyschild.com
22 INDYSCHILD.COM
As a guy, buying a gift for your wife for Mother’s Day is fairly simple. Flowers, dinner out, a homemade card from the kids and you’re done. Father’s Day is different. There is no go-to gift for Father’s Day anymore. Neckties used to be a common gift for dad, but now they are about as popular as a three-pack of tighty whities (and much less useful).
How do I know this? I’m a professional dad. My qualifications? Last summer, I took a leave of absence from teaching and became a stay-athome dad. Taking care of my three children became my full-time job. Also, I’ve never dropped my baby, none of my kids has had a broken bone while I was taking care of them (except for maybe one tiny fracture) and I kind of want a minivan. Now that you know that I’m truly qualified, please return the tie to the mall and keep reading. Here are a few gift ideas that will not be tossed into the “Goodwill” box by Labor Day:
Sports Equipment. If dad likes sports, get him something he can use – maybe a golf glove, tennis racket or basketball. On second thought, he may feel old (or get injured) trying to walk 18 holes, play a round of tennis or join a pickup game of full-court hoops. Forget the sports equipment. Cook. Make dad an elaborate meal. Spend all day in the kitchen preparing his favorite foods, while he spends the day changing diapers and chasing kids around the house. That doesn’t exactly sound relaxing; let’s try something else... A New Gadget. Surprise dad with the cool, new electronic gadget
that he’s been eyeballing. There are so many iPods, tablet PCs, and handheld video games, I’m sure he would love one of them. After he opens it, he gets to make sure the software works, get batteries, and try to wrap his brain around a 300-page instruction manual. Maybe you should pass on the gadget. This isn’t as easy as I thought. How about something classic? How about something that makes a man look and feel good? You know, like a necktie. Trust me, I’m a professional.
[ museum note ]
around town
Kindergarten Readiness Top readiness skills kindergarten teachers look for Cathy Southerland Preschool Program Manager at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Your child is five or soon will be five. You are excited for your child to begin “real” school, and you may be wondering “Is my child ready for kindergarten?” Children are not innately “ready” or “not ready” for school. They develop at vastly different rates, and the school and teacher should be well aware of and accommodating to these differences. Effective kindergarten programs meet children where they are and take extra care to help make meaningful connections with each child’s home, culture, and community. So . . . TAKE A BIG BREATH! There’s no need to race out and buy the latest book or program. However, there are some skills that kindergarten teachers ideally expect their new students to have. What follows are the top readiness skills kindergarten teachers look for:
• Enthusiasm toward learning – Is your child curious? Does she ask
questions? Does she love to listen to stories? Does she want to learn and examine the world around her? • Solid oral-language skills – Does your child listen to others without
interrupting? Does she know how to wait his or her turn? Does she follow two step directions and communicate basic needs? • The ability to play well with others – Does she know how to problem-solve
when conflict occurs? Is she occasionally willing to compromise? • Strong fine-motor skills – Does she hold the pencil the right way? Can she
cut on a straight line? • Basic letter and numeral recognition – Talk to your child about letters and
numbers. Every outing provides a spontaneous opportunity to learn. Relax and enjoy your child as she learns about letters and numerals. Read, play, and go places. And talk the whole time you’re doing it!
about Preschool at Want to learn more ? Scan here! The Children’s Museum
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 23
around town
[ father’s day fun in indy ]
Area Father’s Day Fun Father’s Day 2012 Car Show
Forest Park - Noblesville, IN http://www.civv.freeservers.com/ father’s_day_show.htm
Dad’s Day Train
Noblesville $5 for ages 2 & up http://www.itm.org/events/dads_day_ train.htm
Dinner at Sullivan’s Steakhouse Indianapolis $34 per person (11am-4pm) http://sullivanssteakhouse.com
Father’s Day Cookout at the Indianpolis Yacht Club McCordsville 12-2pm http://indianapolisyachtclub. org/?p=734
“Who’s Your Hero” Father’s Day Awards Celebration
Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel Grand Ballroom 3-6pm http://whosyourhero.eventbrite.com/
2012 Indiana Dad’s Expo
June 16 from 9am-1pm Martin University http://www.indianadadsexpo.com/
24 INDYSCHILD.COM
Father’s Day Fun in Indy Ideas for spending time with Dad on his special day Andi Wilson Not many people know the name, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. After reading this article, many may thank her. At age 27, Dodd sat in church listening to a sermon that celebrated mothers. Dodd felt her widowed father of six (as well as other fathers), deserved the same celebration as mothers. Dodd bravely questioned her pastor about it after the sermon. Although her request took some time, Father’s Day was eventually made a national event by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924, 15 years after Dodd first fostered the idea. Nowadays, Father’s Day is a popular holiday that is celebrated all over the world. Indianapolis and its surrounding cities make sure they stay on top of the events surrounding this special day so others can also celebrate their fathers. If your father is a connoisseur of classic cars, he is sure to enjoy the Father’s Day 2012 Car Show. Just travel west of 37 to Forest Park in Noblesville for the car show where they will display a collection of beautiful cars built before 1988. In addition to listening to the oldies and watching the awards show, many guests will receive door prizes.
Younger family members can enjoy the playground, swimming pool, antique train museum and miniature golf. Entry forms for the show can be found on their website. Proceeds from the car show go to the Elysian Foundation. Those who prefer a little relaxation while catching a ride to the festivities can ride the Dad’s Day Train that provides connections to free parking spaces in downtown Noblesville. Visit the Indiana Transportation Museum website for more information. Father’s Day just is not a special day for dad without adding appetizing cuisine. Sullivan’s Steakhouse, located on the north side of Indianapolis, has you covered. Their Father’s Day Special runs between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm for only $34 (per person). The offer includes a three-course, brunch-style menu with choice of soup or salad, an entrée and a side dish. The Indianapolis Yacht Club in McCordsville is also giving Dad the day and grilling for him. The club is providing meals for members and guests by grilling out between the hours of 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Our fathers are not only protectors, comforters and advisors… they are
also our heroes. Attend the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel Grand Ballroom on Sunday, June 17 for the “Who’s Your Hero” Father’s Day Scholarship and Awards Celebration. The mission of the scholarship is to recognize and honor the men who exemplify a commitment to their family, public service and social responsibility. Tickets are available online at the “Who’s Your Hero” Scholarship website. The 2012 Indiana Dad’s Expo, which is a celebration of males who take care of children, is being held on June 16, 2012 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Located at Martin University, the event is intended to help men learn how to be more effective fathers and learn valuable fathering tips while networking with other dads. Workshops are available including fun-filled play areas with arts and crafts. Childcare is provided, as well as a bounce house and other activities for the kids. Visit the Indiana Dad’s Expo website to register. Dodd may not have had all these events in mind. Still, if she were here today, chances are she would enjoy sharing her day with her father at anyone of these events as a way of showing him how much he was appreciated.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 25
around town
[ indy on a budget ] Looking for fabulous (and affordable) family fun in the Indy area? The Circle City has your cure for the summertime blues with fairs, festivals, cultural offerings and so much more all at a price you will love. Come celebrate summer at one of these special events!
Nickleplate Ar ts Weekend Visit Hamilton County to watch painters gather for the annual Plein Air Paint Out event! Locations vary throughout the county but include Downtown Noblesville, Fishers and Tipton and include a variety of exhibits and fun for the whole family. When : June 1-3 Where : Locations vary, see website for
more details. Phone : (317) 848-3181 Website : www.nickelplatearts.org/ Admission : Free
FREE
(or nearly f ree)
Fairs, Festivals & FAMILY FUN Keeping summer fun affordable
Written By Julie Young
Westfield Farmer’s Market Do you love Radio Disney? Then you won’t want to miss the First Friday Radio Disney Concert at the Westfield Farmer’s Market! Not only can you shop from local growers and purchase a vast array of great food for your family, but the kids will love to rock out to their favorite tunes! When : June 1, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Where : Westfield City Hall Lawn, 130
Penn Street, Westfield Phone : (317) 965-3334 Website : www.dwna.org/site/events/
farmers-market/ Admission : Free
Ar t in the Park Free drop-in visitor art making is available at the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion in 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. 26 INDYSCHILD.COM
June’s theme: New View. Bring a camera and let the park serve as your muse as you and your crew shoot pictures from unusual perspectives. Upload your pictures in the pavilion for others to see. When : Every Sunday noon-4:00 p.m. Where : Indianapolis Museum of Art
campus, 4000 N. Michigan Road. Phone : (317) 923-1331 Website : www.imamuseum.org Admission : Free
Circle City SoundCarmel Gazebo Concer t Series Introduce your family to four-part harmonies along with the memorable sounds of yesterday and today with the Circle City Sound Barbershop Chorus and Quartets. Songs from Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood, and Broadway...songs of love, faith and country are all part of a set list everyone can enjoy! When : June 6, 7:30 p.m. Where : Fountain Square, Carmel Phone : (317) 844-SING Website : www.circlecitysound.org Admission : Free
Fishers Summer Concer t Series Join Fishers Parks & Recreation for seven evenings of fun and fellowship! Bring a picnic and lawn chairs or blanket to enjoy family-friendly music for all ages. When : Tuesdays, June 5-July 17, 7:00 -9:00p.m. Where : Fishers Town Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. Phone : weather line (317) 595-3491 Website : www.fishers.in.us/parks/
summerconcerts Admission : Free
Let’s Meet PBS kids in the Park Meet the Cat in the Hat, Mr. McFeely from Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Clifford, Curious George and everyone’s favorite red monster Elmo at the annual PBS Kids in the Park event presented by Marsh. Live entertainment, food, and informative booths
make this a fun event for the young and the young at heart!
Activities and hours vary but full schedule is available online!
When : June 9, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where : Military Park, 601 W. New York
When : June 22-30
Street
Phone : (317) 353-2444
Phone : (317) 715-2009 Website : www.wfyi.org Admission : Free
57 Annual Talbot Street Ar t Fair This family-friendly art showcase continues to be one of the finest fairs in the country with 270 artists from all over the US. Located in the historic HerronMorton neighborhood this is a free event with plenty to see and do! th
When : June 9-10th; Sat. 10a.m.- 6p.m. and Sun. 10a.m.- 5p.m. Where : 16th and Talbot Streets Phone : (317) 745-6479 Website : www.talbotstreet.org Admission : Free
Cathedral Women’s Strawberry Festival Strawberry lovers will take over Monument Circle for the 47th Annual Christ Church Strawberry Festival. Dive into “the works” which includes strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping on a shortcake biscuit for $6. (Variations are also available for less!) Cash only. When : June 14, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Where : 1 Monument Circle Phone : (317) 636-4577 Website : www.cccindy.org Admission : Free
82 nd Annual Marion County 4-H Fair New midway, new rides, new games, more discounts and unlimited bracelet options are only a few of the changes for this year’s Marion County 4-H Fair. One thing hasn’t changed, though and that’s the good time which will be had by all who take in the array of animals, rides, games, fair food and 4-H exhibits.
Where : 7300 E. Troy Avenue Website : www.marioncountyfair.org Admission : $5; children 5 and under and
all military with ID, Free. Parking : Free
Indian Market and Festival Celebrating its 20th year, The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival brings Native artists from across the country to Indianapolis to sell their art. The market and festival includes performances from some of today’s premiere Native American performers including storytellers, dancers and singers. Try unique foods including the crowd favorite, Indian tacos. There are activities for the little ones in the Dogbane Family Activity Area. When : June 23-24 Where : Eiteljorg, 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis Phone : 317-636-WEST Website : www.eiteljorg.org/ Admission : 17 and under Free; $10 adults
24 th Annual Fishers Freedom Festival With over 50,000 attendees from all over the U.S., this free family event hosts art & craft sites, business booths, fireworks, 5K Run/Walk, live music, national UFO Major Disc Dog tournament, children & teen tents, two parades, a street dance, food vendors, free games booths, and so much more. When : June 23-24 Where : Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, One Park Dr., Fishers Phone : 317-595-3195 Location : One Park Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 Website : www.fishersfreedomfestival.org Admission : Free
[ laurie puhn column ]
commentary & parenting
Are You a Love Optimist? From the author of “Fight Less, Love More” Laurie Puhn
laurie@lauriepuhn.com
Research shows that couples who blissfully stay together for a lifetime have an uncanny ability to downplay the negative and highlight the positive in their mate and their relationship. Do you do that? When you are with your friends, do you talk up your mate’s overall helpfulness or do you prefer to tell a juicy story about the one incredibly thoughtless thing he or she did? It’s all in the eyes of the beholder. Take this joke, for instance: A woman’s husband has been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she stayed by his bedside every single day. When he came too, he motioned for her to come near her. As she sat by him, he said, “You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you gave me support. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. You know what?” “What dear?” she asked gently. “I think you bring me bad luck.” When you started your relationship, you talked like an optimist, expressing joy and happiness about building a future together. As the years progressed, you and your mate probably shifted into a pessimistic auto-mode, in which you talk more about what is wrong and less about what is right. All the good things you’ve come to expect from your mate, you’ve come to neglect and ignore. How can you renew the optimistic feeling you once enjoyed? For one thing, find a single positive in your relationship every day and say it out loud. Even if things aren’t perfect at home, you can still find one upbeat moment to focus on. For instance, if you and your partner bicker a lot, but were more civil on a certain day, point that out: “Hey did you notice that we didn’t argue at all today? I am proud of us.” Just because your mate did something to tick you off early in the day don’t ignore something positive done later in the day. Next, choose your friends wisely because pessimism and optimism are contagious. Rather than hanging out with a couple who teases or puts down their mate in public, find one who builds their mate up. Finally, practicing optimism means finding and sharing a variety of activities with people who inspire you. Do you enjoy exercise, yoga, sports or cooking? Find friends who like to do those things. Do you like to write, paint or knit? Then introduce your child to those activities. If becoming a love optimist seems like work to you, just consider the time and energy you will waste as a pessimist who instills anxiety, anger, and fear into your relationship. Practice these uplifting strategies and in days you will discover that you like yourself, your mate, and your life much more. JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 27
Keeping Your Kids Safe This Summer And out of the E.R.!
Written by Gretchen Keene
It seems summer and fun have always gone hand-in-hand. Free from school for a couple of months, kids can’t wait to get out there and do all kinds of stuff. So how can parents keep their children safe while still letting them have a blast? The experts weigh in! 28 INDYSCHILD.COM
“Summer is a time to relax and enjoy,” says Nancy Burris, RN at Step By Step Pediatrics, LLC in Indy. “But if parents ‘relax’ too much, it can cause stress levels to rise and your wallet to empty by making a trip to the E.R. for a preventable occurrence.”
Conner Prairie Launches Sun Safety Program
Jacqueline Wilson, mom at PrimeParentsClub.com, agrees. “We, as parents, need to be more aware of taking precautions during summer activities than winter ones because kids tend to be more, well, active. There are more opportunities for them to be out and about.”
Conner Prairie is partnering with Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital and Outrun the Sun, Inc. to launch a new sun safety program throughout the park. The program will include free sunscreen for guests, new shady spots in the historic outdoor areas and a new shade structure over River Crossing Play Area at 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana that includes a climbable steamboat, water tables and water cannons.
Sunscreen is the first line of defense against unnecessary burns. “Seems like parents are good at the [infant and toddler] age with this and/or keeping them in the shade,” says Burris. “To help prevent rash-type reactions, wash off the sunscreen as soon as you come indoors.” “We teach our preschooler daughter, Ella, to always wear sunscreen in the summer,” says Wilson, “because even though we can’t see it, the rays of the sun can hurt our skin. We also wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun.” Some folks, it seems, haven’t gotten the sunscreen memo, according to Burris. “Every year after race weekend, we generally see kids with a sunburn,” she says. “Parents forget to apply on a cloudy day or reapply as often as they need to because they just aren’t in the habit yet.” Bottom line: Get in the habit—fast! Where there is sun, there is also often water, and water safety is hugely important. “Keep an eye on your kids at all times and don’t assume someone else is watching them [when in the pool or ocean],” insists Burris. “If you are hosting a party, or even think your attention might be diverted [for any reason], hire a sitter or designate another adult to watch the little ones!” “We teach Ella she’s not allowed to go near pools without us because she could drown. “Since she’s just learning to swim, if she’s in the pool, or the water at the beach, she always has towear a lifejacket over her swimsuit,” says Wilson. “Swimmies and floaties are not replacements for lifejackets in the pool,” says Burris, even with children up to age 10 and even higher. “[As kids get older] they become more daring and may try new ‘tricks’ in the water and may not be able to recover if something goes wrong. Your kids still need to be supervised and watched.” According to Burris (and almost anyone who has children) bikes are also a source of summertime injury. “First of all,” she says, “ do not let your child on his or her bike without a helmet. And be sure to check the manufacturer’s directions to ensure it is put on correctly. Unfortunately, kids crash their bikes. Of course, if they are in acute pain, an E.R. visit is next on your to-do list. But hopefully, since they are wearing a helmet, they can walk away with just a cast.” (Or sling. Let’s be optimistic!)
Wilson admits she needs to get better about the helmet issue. “Ella’s not allowed to ride her bike on the street yet, so often we let her ride in the driveway or on the deck without a helmet. She has one and [knows that] it keeps her head from being injured. We just need to do a better job on follow-up with this one.” Some general advice from Burris is to employ plain old common sense. Being aware of what your kids are doing is half the battle. “Poisons are a big problem,” she explains. “Keep alcoholic drinks up and away from curious children. Mommy’s ‘sippy cup’ needs to be out of reach. Check the yard for potential poisonous plants or berries. Garage poisons also need to be stored high and away from kids. They will drink weed killer even though they won’t eat their broccoli!”
Guests can also discover how people used protective clothing in the 1800s to stay safe in the sun by trying on various historic items such as bonnets, hats, pants and dresses and engaging in discussions with costumed interpreters. Free sunscreen, shady spots and sun safety information will be available through October. For more information, visit connerprairie.org.
Fireworks are a particular hazard Wilson won’t let her young daughter anywhere near. “Her touching them is not an option. When we are at a home where they are shooting off fireworks, we teach Ella to stay away from them and not run up on them. When using sparklers, she has to stay in one place and not run around. We teach her that even when the pretty stuff is gone from the fireworks, they can still burn.” While general advice is good (wear sunscreen; use bug spray; stay hydrated; wear a bike helmet) Burris reiterates, it’s really all about paying attention. “Prevention and awareness is the best defense,” she says. “Teach your children about the dangers they may encounter and [hopefully] they’ll understand why you worry. Maybe not, but you can try!” JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 29
30 INDYSCHILD.COM
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 31
Get Active in Adaptive Sports >>
You never know what a child can achieve until they try.
Written by Carrie Bishop ou never know what a child can achieve until they try. That’s what Laura Knauff, Carmel mom of two, has to say about adaptive sports. One of Knauff’s sons, Sam, has autism. Sam, 13, has taken adaptive swim lessons at the Monon Community Center for about four years. He had tried a few other learn-to-swim spots, but none panned out. Then Sam and his mom met Brooke Taflinger, the inclusion supervisor at the Monon Community Center. Taflinger, a former collegiate swimmer, is an advocate for people with special needs and has developed a strong adaptive sports program at the Monon Community Center. She was more than equipped to work with Sam. When Sam first began swim sessions with Taflinger he would scream and yell for the duration of the lesson. Taflinger recalls him splashing and yelling “No! Stop! Get me out of here!” None of this derailed Taflinger’s patience though. She told Knauff that she was willing to stick it out if they were willing. Knauff certainly was. “We started working on behaviors within the pool and the swim skills themselves. Now a couple years later Sam does not scream,” she said. His negative behavior crops up only rarely and Taflinger is pleased with his progress. “We swim 16 laps in the pool, he knows all of the strokes, and he is starting to swim independently,” Taflinger said.
32 INDYSCHILD.COM
“Where we started and where we are now is miraculous,” Knauff said, explaining that learning to swim has been a slow process involving patience and repetition. When Knauff began her swim lesson quest, her main goal was for Sam to become a safe swimmer, understanding that many kids with autism don’t have swim skills and are at high risk of drowning. She now believes him to be a safe swimmer, so worries a little less. Sam’s ability to swim is an important feat for the entire Knauff family as it is their tradition to vacation every year at the beach. It’s a long-standing family vacation that Sam and his family can now more fully enjoy. When asked how Sam feels about swimming, Knauff said, “He’s been doing it so long it’s part of what he does. On Mondays he goes to swim. He doesn’t love his lesson, but he enjoys playing in the pool. The lessons he sees as work. He has to do laps with Brooke. He sees it more like something he has to do. I do think he is very proud of himself.” Swimming, of course, is not the only adaptive sport in town. There’s horseback riding, soccer, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, golf, and so many more. It’s worth a child’s time to give one or two sports a go. If not simply for the physical and mental benefits exercise brings to a body, then for the universal lessons kids gain from involvement in a sport like learning how to take turns, the value of teamwork, and the joy of rooting for others. These insights are as important on the court, in the pool or on the field as they are in everyday life.
To learn more about adaptive athletics look to organizations like Special Olympics, the YMCA, Carmel Dad’s Club, Power Kids gymnastics, Children’s TherAplay Foundation, and of course the Monon Community Center. Taflinger herself is a great person to connect with because she does her best to make the community center’s adaptive programming work for families. She offers one-one-one therapy and sports skills lessons as well as small group opportunities. Getting involved is as easy as calling her and either signing up for an existing program or figuring out what may work well for your child. “We are always trying to be innovative and try to think outside the box and provide things the community is in need of and interested in,” she said. Adaptive tae kwon do and cheer and dance camps are new this summer to Taflinger’s adaptive-sports lineup, as is adaptive slow rider lessons at the center’s outdoor water park. Now imagine that! “I think it’s important to have these programs available. Having a child with special needs is isolating and terrifying. It’s important to get out in the community and realize there are parents going through this and to make great friends,” said Knauff. Knauff believes it’s also good for the child to try new things and great for parents and the community to see him or her being successful.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 33
special needs
[ top ten sports ]
Ten Top Special Olympics Indiana Sports for Kids Making sports accessible to kids of all abilities Carrie Bishop
6. Volleyball
7. Golf Sports can build both muscle and confidence and are a healthy idea for kids of 8. Flag football all abilities. A great place for kids with special needs to gain sports skills is with the 9. Equestrian sports Special Olympics. It’s free to participate 10. Cross country running and there are tons of sports from which to choose. A glance at the ten most popular Special Olympics’ mission is to provide Special Olympics Indiana sports for kids year-round sports training and reveals the variety of activities available: competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization 1. Bowling provides sports skills development for kids 2. Track and field 2 to 7 years old and competition for people ages 8 and up. Jeff Mohler, vice 3. Basketball president of programs for Special Olympics Indiana, says anyone watching a 4. Softball Special Olympics sport will notice that it 5. Alpine skiing is very much like the typical game. “We
34 INDYSCHILD.COM
believe in training our athletes as much as we can to not only learn the skills needed to play a sport, but also the rules and etiquette needed to play,” he said. Special Olympics defines winning as simply achieving and gears coaches to help athletes find what an achievement for them might be. For some, winning is going around the entire track without stopping once, while others are out to set a personal best. Still some athletes define winning as just being part of the game and meeting new friends. It’s a wide spectrum of athletes and the organization is proud to serve them all. Mohler invites prospective families to come out to area events to experience Special Olympics for themselves. “Experience it, see it, get a feel for what Special Olympics is all about,” he said.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 35
special needs resources
[ childcare ]
Applied Behavior Center for Autism
GUIDE
Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) BACA-Z
To provide the highest quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their
The Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of
families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. We do this by providing proven researched
highly-trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior
based ABA methodologies delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals. Our programs focus on
Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, academic and life skills to children with autism and other related
increasing language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reducing problematic behavior. 450 S. State Road 135,
disabilities. 5801 South 650 East, Whitestown, IN 46075, Contact: Devon Sundberg, Phone: 317-288-5232,
Greenwood, IN 46142, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-889-KIDS, Email: jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org,
Email: dsundberg@thebaca.com, www.thebaca.com
www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-849-5437, ext 112, Email: jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and
Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis Brain Balance Achievement Centers work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Julie Peterson, Phone: 317-843-9200, Email: jpeterson@brainbalancecenters. com, www.BrainBalanceIndy.com
Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists
consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based
Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists is an Occupational, Speech, Physical and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills,
therapy provider servicing Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists offers
academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 6865 Parkdale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46254, Contact: Jane Grimes,
both in-clinic and in-home therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special
Phone: 317-849-5437, ext 112, Email: jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism Transition to L.I.F.E House Recognizing the importance of developing real-world life skills in children and teens with autism, the Applied
needs. Locations in Kokomo, Lafayette, Marion and Fort Wayne, Contact: Kim Strunk, Phone:, 855-324-0885, Email: kstrunk@hopebridge.com, www.hopebridge.com
Indiana Autism Scholarship Foundation
Behavior Center for Autism has launched a new program called Transition to Learning in Functional Environments
The Indiana Autism Scholarship Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarship funding to individuals in
(L.I.F.E.). The initiative aims to promote independence, quality of life and happiness through an intensive full-day
efforts to help offset costs for employment or college assistance for those affected with autism. 7987
program that takes place in an actual home, complete with kitchen, gym, pool and garden. The Transition to L.I.F.E.
Oakbay Dr., Noblesvillle, IN 46062, Contact: Jane Grimes, 317-403-6705, jane.grimes@iasfoundation.org,
program is open to children ages 10-18, and uses the scientific principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It will
www.iasfoundation.org
emphasize community involvement through volunteer opportunities tailored to the clients’ interests and healthy living through nutritional meal preparation and daily exercise regimens. 7901 E. 88th St., Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jane Grimes, Enrollment Director, 317-849-5437, ext. 112, jane@appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Autism Society of Indiana
Little Star Center Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly place where children with autism receive intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a “family first” philosophy and offers a supportive community of parents and professionals. Indiana’s
We strive to improve the lives of everyone affected by autism in Indiana. We provide information and support,
original ABA center – providing services since 2002, 12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032,
referral to resources, policy and educational advocacy, training, awareness, family programs, Spanish-speaking
Contact: Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director, Phone: 317-249-2242, Email: maryr@littlestarcenter.org,
support group, summer camp programs, and oversight on the Indiana Comprehensive Plan of Lifetime Supports for
www.littlestarcenter.org
Individuals with Autism 13295 Illinois Street, Suite 110, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Dana Renay, Phone: 800-6098449, Email: info@inautism.org, www.inautism.org.
Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) BACA 1 The Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly-trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, academic and life skills to children with autism and other related disabilities. 11902 Lakeside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Devon Sundberg, Phone: 317-288-5232, Email: dsundberg@thebaca.com,
www.thebaca.com
Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) BACA Prep BACA Prep is a facility that utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach essential living skills to young adults with autism ages 8-20. BACA Prep helps strengthen each individual’s life by addressing the areas of employment, leisure and living skills, hygiene, self-help and sexuality while decreasing and replacing maladaptive behavior. BACA Prep is under the direction of Dr. Carl Sundberg, Dr. John Esch, Dr. Pat McGreevy and Dr. Peter Gerhardt.9929 E. 126th St., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Devon Sundberg, Phone: 317-288-5232, Email: dsundberg@thebaca.com, www.thebaca.com 36 INDYSCHILD.COM
The Arc of Indiana The Arc of Indiana, established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, works every day to empower families with information and resources, empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, and inspire positive change in public policy and public attitudes. Contact us. We’re here to help! 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-3829100, Email: thearc@arcind.org
The Arc of Indiana Master Trust The Arc of Indiana Master Trust helps families who have a child with a disability provide for their child’s financial future through a Special Needs Trust; and helps people with disabilities create their own trust. Regardless of your age, or your child’s age or disability, planning for the future is important. Contact us. We’re here to help! 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Contact: Melissa Justice, Trust Director, Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100, Email: mjustice@arcind.org, www.thearctrust.org
Your Listing Here!!! Contact Jennica at Jennica@indyschild.com
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 37
june special needs resources
[ childcare ]
CALENDAR
Water Walking
Self Expression
Date: Friday, June 01, 2012
Date: Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Times: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Times: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Price: $25
Price: $45
Phone: 573-5245
Phone: 573-5245
Location: Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Location : Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
June 1-29
June 6 - 27
Ages 13+
Ages 13+
Walking For Dreams Family and Pet Walk
Game Night
Date: Sunday, June 03, 2012
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Times: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Price: $20
Phone: 317-872-4166
Phone: 573-5245
Location: Downtown Canal at Buggs Temple . 337 West 11th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Location : Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
www.walking fordreams.org
June 7-28
Date: Thursday, June 07, 2012
Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation Snack Pack
Date: Friday, June 08, 2012 Times: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation. 3380 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122 Fridays, June 8 - July 26
Helping picky eaters have good experiences with food
Central Indiana Epilepsy Walk Date: Saturday, June 23, 2012 Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: $25 Location: Monon Community Center. 1235 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Email sjwilliams@ indianaepilepsyfoundation.org
Ages 6-12
Lawn Games Times: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation Gymnastics
Price: $25
Date: Thursday, June 07, 2012
Phone: 573-5245
Times: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317-718-0089
Date: Monday, June 04, 2012
Ages 6-14
Location : Hoosier Gymnastics. 5036 County Road 600 e, Plainfield, IN 46168
June 4 – 25
Thursdays, June 7 - July 26
Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation Handwriting Helpers
Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation Adaptive Art
Date: Monday, June 04, 2012
Date: Thursday, June 07, 2012
Times: 8:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Times: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation . 3380 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122
Location : Cornerstone Pediatric Rehabilitation. 3380 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122
June 4 - August 3
Thursdays, June 7 - July 26
Days and time vary
Summer Luau Young Athletes
Date: Friday, June 08, 2012
Date: Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Times: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Price: $10
Price: Free
Phone: 573-5245
Phone: 573-5245
Location : Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Location: Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Ages 13+
Hear Indiana’s Youth Leadership Camp Date: Sunday, June 24, 2012 Times: 8:00 AM Price: Sliding fee based on income; Scholarships are available; please visit www.hearindiana.org/camp Location: Bradford Woods. 5040 State Road 67 North, Martinsville, IN 46151 June 24-29, 2012
This camp is the only residential camp offered in Indiana for children and youth ages 8 - 18 years old with hearing impairments who utilize a hearing aid or cochlear implant and use spoken language to communicate.
Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of every month
272-0552 , Text.t: 317710-7045 or melindaj
South location
Location: Avon-Washington Twp. Library. 498 North State Road 267, Avon, IN 46123
Indian Creek Christian Church- 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46259 1st Friday of every month
North location
Brain Balance Parent Lecture
Trinity Wesleyan Church (Kids Kastle)11552 Fishers Landing Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 3rd Friday of every month
Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Times: 6:00 PM
West location
Phone: 317-843-9200
Speedway United Methodist- 5065 West 16th Street, Speedway, IN 46224 4th Friday of every month
Location: Brain Balance. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN
Date: Friday, June 22, 2012
Autism Family Resource Center Grandparents’ Support Group
Times: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Price: FREE
Times: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Phone: 317-466-2001 x2420
Price: Free
Location: The Monon Center, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: Diane Quillico at 317882-1914 or Linda Knoderer at 765-438-4792
www.carmelclayparks.com
Location: Easter Seals Crossroads. 4740 Kingsway Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46205
Teen Night Out
Open Houses / Lectures/Support Groups
Financial and Estate Planning for Families with Dependents with Special Needs Date: Saturday, June 02, 2012 Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Price: Free Location: Monon Community Center. 1195 Central Park Dr. East, Carmel, IN 46032
Brain Balance Open House Date: Thursday, June 07, 2012 Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Parents’ Night Out
Price: FREE
Easter Seals Parents’ Night Out
Phone: 317-843-9200
Date: Friday, June 01, 2012 Times: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Price: Free Phone: Anna Marie at 317-466-2006 Location: 4740 Kingsway Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46205 Website: www.nobleofindiana.org
Location: Brain Balance. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN
BACA-Z Open House Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012 Times: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 317-769-4335 Location: Behavior Analysis Center for Autism/Eagle Church. 5801 South 650 East, Whitestown, IN 46075 www.thebaca.com
Come tour the BACA Zionsville location and meet BACA staff. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Sheila, but walk-ins are welcome.
Autism Family Resource Center Parents’ Support Group Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Times: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
The Indianapolis Epilepsy Support Group Date: Saturday, June 09, 2012 Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
June 5-July 31
East location
Price: Free
6-6:45 p.m.
Easter Seals Crossroads- 4740 Kingsway
Phone: Melinda Powers - 317-
38 INDYSCHILD.COM
Price: FREE
Price: Free Phone: Amy Miller at 317466-1000 ext.2488 Location: Easter Seals Crossroads. 4740 Kingsway Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46205
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 39
A Look at
ADHD
gain you remind your son to put on his shoes and get in the car. Your daughter takes twice as long as her friends to complete assignments. Is it ADHD? Granted, the statistics are high. Nationally, the American Psychiatric Association notes that between three and seven percent of school-aged children have ADHD. In Indiana, a 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health reveals parents report 13.2 percent of youth ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with it.
Defining ADHD So, what exactly is ADHD? Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a brain-based disorder that may be highly genetic in its etiology according to Dr. Ernie Smith, board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. Some of the common symptoms are a high activity level, problems staying focused and concentrating, impulsivity, being easily distracted, not attending to details, and difficulty starting and finishing tasks and organizing and getting things done. According to Dr. Leslie Hulvershorn, a child adolescent psychiatrist at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, kids with ADHD can be predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, or more commonly can exhibit a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. “If a child has ADHD they have to have significant impairments in the home and school environments. Someone can have a little bit of inattention and hyperactivity, but it may not be clinically significant, so they should not be diagnosed or treated. If someone has the full-blown disorder they would need treatment and would have a difficult time functioning without it,” Hulvershorn said.
Treating ADHD Medicine plays a major role in ADHD treatment, but it’s not the only treatment since the disorder occurs along a spectrum. Treatment depends on the severity of the child’s symptoms and the context in which the child has difficulties, such as in the classroom.
Written by Carrie Bishop
40 INDYSCHILD.COM
Smith considers ADHD treatment to be threefold. First, families must have a general understanding of the condition. ADHD is not a learned behavior, which he said makes behavioral interventions less affective than with kids who are simply misbehaving. Secondly there must be a good support system at school and at home. Third is medication.
One area mom of three, each child with a diagnosis of ADHD, said, “I thought anyone who would give kids drugs is ridiculous.” The mom, who asked to remain anonymous, tried everything from altering her oldest son’s diet to serving coffee. Ultimately after a scare when he got lost at Disney World she tried medication. It worked, continues to work, and is taken by all three of her children. Through her own research and working with a trusted physician, she made peace with her decision. “I was reading all about how kids make inappropriate decisions and if they go untreated, they end up in prison or self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. That made sense because my son is well behaved, but when he would do something dumb we were screaming ‘Why are you doing this?’ and he would cry like he was heart broken and would say ‘I don’t know. I don’t know,’” she explained. Still, some parents cringe at the thought of medication. There are side effects to consider such as decreased appetite or change in affect. There’s also the black market for ADHD medications and kids who misuse their own prescription. On the flip side, stimulants have been around for decades and are well studied. In fact, Smith said
stimulants work in up to 80 percent of kids with ADHD. Non-stimulants are less effective, with about 50 percent of kids responding to them. Generally ADHD medications change the neurochemistry of the brain. The theory is that the medication creates a more typical or natural neurochemistry. Kids with ADHD have a neurochemical makeup different than that of typical kids. If you are conc erned your child may have ADHD, talk to your primary c are provider, a child and adolesc ent psychiat rist, or a pediat ric neurologist. While medication plays a significant role in the treatment of ADHD, other interventions are being studied. For instance, Hulvershorn mentioned that a good deal of research is currently underway on computer-based treatments that allow kids to play computer games that zero in on ADHD deficits. One area clinical psychologist, Dr. Charles Shinaver, says he has found success in the use of computer-generated activities in treating ADHD. “I
have assessed and treated ADHD for 15 years and my oldest son has it. I’ve tried several approaches because I found the traditional approach unsatisfying,” he said. In 2009 Shinaver looked into Cogmed Working Memory Training and found it compelling. He is now one of a handful of experts offering Cogmed to patients in the state. He describes Cogmed as a combination of software program and coaching. The program consists of 25 computerized training sessions that occur over the course of five weeks and can be done at home. There are also once-a-week sessions with the coach. Too good to be true? Maybe not. Peer-reviewed studies of the program are favorable.
Where to Start If you are concerned your child may have ADHD, talk to your primary care provider, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, or a pediatric neurologist. Be prepared to provide the doctor with a history of your child’s behavior from teachers who observe him or her in the classroom. Also, ADHD can coexist with other behavioral or emotional difficulties like anxiety or depression, so it’s important to screen for those as well.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 41
around town
[ downtown indianapolis ]
Downtown Indianapolis is Bustling with Summer Fun Ideas for keeping the kids fit while having fun this summer Brittany Smith Get kids off the couch and outside this summer with Downtown’s fun and active options in the heart of the City.
To market, to market! Teach kids to love their veggies with a visit to one of Downtown’s farmers markets. Farmers markets offer a fun lesson on local and sustainable farming practices and the value of food. You’ll find everything from maple syrup and asparagus to fresh herbs and greens in Downtown’s vibrant market scene. On Wednesdays at lunchtime, Market Street in front of Indianapolis City Market is transformed into a harvest festival for the Original Farmers Market from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, join the Stadium Village Farmers Market across the street from Shapiro’s from 4 – 7 p.m. for fresh produce and crafts. Pack a picnic and enjoy over 350 acres of green and public open spaces including waterways, gardens, trails and parks to be found Downtown.
The Cycology of Downtown Get outside and enjoy one of Downtown’s favorite spots – The Canal Walk. With the help of Wheel Fun Rentals you’ll be rolling around the Canal on one of their many surrey and bicycle options that make it easy to enjoy the 3-mile stretch by pedal. The City of Indianapolis boasts more than 64 miles
42 INDYSCHILD.COM
of biking lanes! In addition, The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick and a flat geography with relatively slow traffic speeds, make Downtown Indianapolis the ideal setting for an urban biking adventure with the kiddos.
Summer youth classes Downtown’s YMCA @ the Athenaeum offers several options for parents looking to keep their kids active during the summer months. On the first Friday of every month from 5 – 9 p.m., kids are welcome to enjoy an evening of crafts, games, physical activities and fun! Have a toddler at home? For thirty minutes once a week, toddlers can try their hand at tumbling in the Tumbling Tots class. Participants will learn creative movements while building self-confidence, coordination, discipline and positive self-esteem. Make outdoor activities educational with a tour of a Downtown historic neighborhood like Lockerbie Square and Indiana Avenue. The compact layout of Downtown makes it easy to set out on foot! ActiveIndy offers walking tours that explore a variety of areas and themes. Tours include the White River State Park & Canal tour, the War Memorial Trail tour and Lockerbie & Mass Ave tour. Tours cover 1.5 to 2.5 miles in 60 - 90 minutes.
[ finances ]
commentary and parenting
Tips for Giving Allowance Finding the method that is right for your family
Kerrie McLoughlin The word “allowance” might conjure up images of trust-fund kids and seems to hint at getting paid to do nothing. Poll a few of your friends about whether or not kids should get an allowance, and you’ll hear all sorts of answers. I’ve found there are several different camps on this issue, including those who believe kids should: 1. do chores because they get a place to sleep and food to eat 2. be paid by the chore to learn the value of working for money 3. receive a set amount of money every week to do chores as needed or 4. be paid an allowance to learn how to manage money. Michele Shimp is of Camp #1 but visits Camp #2 and said, “As for allowance, no, we don’t pay it. We decided that there are things the kids just have to do as members of the family: dishes, trash, laundry, feeding pets, cleaning room, mowing the lawn in
the summer, the basics. However, they do have opportunities for money chores. These are chores out of the norm like cleaning the fridge, vacuuming the van, mowing a part of the lawn that is not your responsibility, cleaning a closet, etc.” Weighing in for Camp #2 we have my husband. He pays a quarter per chore (called Chore Points) for things like emptying the dishwasher and gives maybe three Chore Points for something like cleaning the bathroom. Daniél Waters Minton has a different way of paying: “Max has always been able to earn money if he wants it. He gets 10 cents per minute, or 1 dollar for 10 minutes, or $6/hour. I break it down because sometimes he’s only got 25 minutes in him. He can earn it by doing chores outside of his normal expected stuff, or by babysitting his little brother.” Joanna Nesbit of Camp #3 said, “We give our kids allowance. We don’t pay for chores, but we give a predictable set amount each week, and then we require the kids to pay for things like clothes (my 15-year-old),
meals with friends, movies, toys, anything they want that is considered extra.” And finally, Deanna Butler of Camp #4 said, “I give my kids a joke of an allowance in lieu of buying them things like packs of gum at checkout lines, etc. They each get $10 a month (even the near teen) and from that $2 goes into savings. Everything else they earn via their own entrepreneurial spirit.” David McCurrach of KidsMoney.org said, “Remember, the purpose of an allowance is to give your children the opportunity to learn how to manage money through their own successes and failures and the input of their parents.” No matter which Allowance or Chore Camp you come from, here are some tips from counselor Andrea Ramsay Speers, MA: 1. Don’t link allowance to chores. Expect kids to pitch in with chores because they are a part of the family, not because they’re getting paid.
2. Teach them how to save by turning over a few regular expenses to them, and build it into how much their allowance is. For example, instead of you giving them money each week for their church offering, or for a snack at the arena, give them enough money in their allowance to cover those costs, and let them know that they are expected to remember their money and budget in order to have enough for what they need. 3. Teach them not to “buy on credit” (“Mom, can you give me an advance on my allowance?”) and instead to save their money and only buy what they can pay cash for. 4. Don’t base an allowance amount on age, base it on need and maturity level. Decide with your kids individually what each of them can handle based on experience, and go from there. 5. Don’t forget that your kids are watching! Make sure that you’re modeling responsible finances by not overspending, buying things you can’t afford, or putting too much emphasis on material goods. JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 43
education +childcare resources
[ childcare ]
Schools & Education
Carmel
Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc.
Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 13 years head-teaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, 317-580-0699, info@ carmelmontessori.com, www.carmelmontessori.com
Clay Montessori
A Montessori school offering morning, afternoon, and full-day programs. Available for ages 3-6 years old. Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori) 463 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850
Maria Montessori Spanish Immersion Academy
Maria Montessori Spanish Emmersion Academy offers a 2 day halfdays or 3 day half days price at $250 to $295 per month for Toddlers to Kindergarten program. The program is located inside of Holy Trinity Greek Chruch from 9 to noon. This program is a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language (Spanish all day). Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten. 3500 106th intersecting Shelborne, Carmel, 46032, Phone: 317-852-3900, Email: mariamontessori-intl.org,
www.mariamontessori-intl.org
The Montessori Learning Center
The Montessori Learning Center offers a Montessori elementary program for grades 1-5. We focus on developing the whole child through interaction with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically meets the needs of each child and is aligned with Indiana State Standards. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Elizabeth Williams, 317-846-8182, elizabeth@themontessorilearningcenter.com,
www.themontessorilearningcenter.com
Shaarey Tefilla Preschool
At Shaarey Tefilla Preschool, children from two to five years old learn new skills, develop confidence and make new friends in a safe and loving environment. Fun-filled and diverse activities keep your children happy. Our program, with low child/teacher ratios is designed to meet the needs of each developmental level. 3085 W 116 Street, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Rebecca Holloway, Phone: 733-2169, Email: billnbecca@gmail.com, Type of School: Early Childhood, Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Cost/
44 INDYSCHILD.COM
Tuition/Financial Aid: 5 day Annual Tuition $4440, 3 days Annual Tuition $2775, 2 days Annual Tuition $1850 Additional children (10% discount, Hours/Dates: August 13th 2012- June 31 2013 5 days a week 9:00am –3:00pm. Early drop off (7:00 – 9:00am) After care (3:00pm – 5:00pm), Ages/Grades: Two to five year olds, Religious Affiliation: The program is open to children of all religious and ethnic backgrounds while maintaining an emphasis rich in Jewish values. Before/After School Care: Early drop off (7:00 – 9:00am) After care (3:00pm – 5:00pm) no additional charge. www.shaareytefilla.org
WestClay Children’s Montessori
WestClay Children’s Montessori preschool & kindergarten offers a small, structured, nurturing learning environment for children ages 3-6 to explore, learn and grow at their own pace. Guided by a certified Montessori directress and assistant, each child receives hands-on, one-on-one or small group instruction, in life skills, grace & courtesy, sensorial activities, reading, math, music, French, cultural studies. Now enrolling for SUMMER CAMP 2012 & FALL 2012. 3085 West 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Sharon Emanuel Ip, 317-697-8460, admin@westclaymontessori.com, Type of School: Montessori, Hours/Dates: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm; M-F, Ages/Grades: 3 - 6 years, Before/After School Care: Yes
www.westclaymontessori.com
GEIST
Sunrise Early Childhood Center
The Sunrise Early Childhood Center offers preschool classes for 2 - 5 year olds, as well as an exceptional Kindergarten program. Classes meet from 9am - 1pm, with a variety of optional afternoon activities available. The Sunrise ECC offers reasonable rates, exceptional staff, and a caring Christian environment with low student to teacher ratios. 7551 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236, Contact: Marcia Ramage, (317) 823-0123, Email: marciar@castletonumc.org, www.
sunriseecc.org
FISHERS
Fall Creek Montessori Academy
Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse environment where children grow and develop their unique talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally. Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels. Programs are available two to five days per week. 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037, Contact: Diana Brugh, (317) 436-8606, diana@fallcreekmontessori.com,
www.fallcreekmontessori.com
Fishers Montessori
A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society. 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850
INDIANAPOLIS - NORTH
A Children’s Habitat Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten
Type of School: Montessori. For over 40 years, A Children’s Habitat Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten has been providing a place where children thrive and discover their love of learning. We offer a traditional Montessori preschool experience for families seeking a half day preschool and kindergarten program. Habitat is a not-for-profit school based on the principles of Maria Montessori. We have earned and maintain Full Membership in the American Montessori Society (AMS).Open House Dates: February 26, 2012. 801 W. 73 STREET, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Sarah Henning, Phone: (317)726-5584, Email: info@childrens-habitat.org, Ages/Grades: 18 months - 6 years www.childrens-habitat.org
Arthur M. Glick JCC
Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-through-play teaching method to engage children in activities that promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, 317-251-9467, emills@JCCindy.org, www.JCCindy.org
Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259-6849, jwaldman@bez613.org, Type of School: Early Childhood, Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: No financial aid., Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2’s+, 3’s+, 4’s/PreK and Full Day Kindergarten (5 full-day program 8:50 am to 3:00 pm). Also, always available as needed: Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00 pm/5:30 pm on Fridays., Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care always available.
www.bez613.org
Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool
The Children’s Day In traditional preschool and nursery school program provides a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values in a play based setting. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced teachers and caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Children June attend up to 3 days a week. 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, 317-253-0472, cwhaley@ meridianstreet.org, www.meridianstreet.org
Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church
Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for
GUIDE
children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our experienced staff embraces excellence in education by nurturing the whole child- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@secondchurch.org,
www.childrenscircle.org
Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing
Our Mothers Day Out (12-35 mos) and Preschool (3 yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven through each study unit. Need longer hours? Try our child care ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK. 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake or Kelly Belt, 317-575-6508, Fax: 317-575-6509, jdrake@golove.org or kbelt@golove.org
Heritage Christian School
Established in 1965, accredited through ACSI and NCA. HCS is the choice in college preparatory discipleship Christian education for 1,400 students each year grades Prep K – 12. Advanced, Honors and AP classes. Full Fine Arts and 2A IHSAA Athletics. HCS is training up the next generation of Christian leaders through challenging, Biblically taught curriculum including internships and service to others. Bus transportation available. Schedule a tour today! 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250, Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management, 317-849-3441, Admissions@ heritagechristian.net, www.heritagechristian.net
Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School
Share your love of learning with your children. Founded in 1960 by involved parents like you, Meridian Hills Cooperative provides a positive, nurturing environment wherein children explore and learn by doing. Spacious classrooms. Beautiful, wooded playground. Caring, experienced staff. Adult/child ratios 1:4 - 1:6. Find us on Facebook. Address: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: See �Admissions/Tours� Info Online, Phone: 317-255-0831,
www.meridianhillscoop.org
Montessori Centres
Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop critical-thinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 3-3rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced. Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer labs.563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Lynn Boone, Director, Phone: 317-257-2224, Fax: 317-254-3034, Email: montessoricentres@ sbcglobal.net
The Orchard School
The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship.
Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5705, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: khein@orchard.org, www.orchard.org
Park Tudor School
Park Tudor School’s exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities prepare students to become confident and resourceful lifelong learners. The school community creates an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment for highly motivated young people. Two-year Global Scholars program for juniors and seniors; 19 AP classes; full-day kindergarten; Spanish beginning at age 3. 7200 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: David Amstutz, 317-415-2777, info@parktudor.org, www.parktudor.org
St. Richard’s School
Independent Episcopal day school offering a diverse community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions. Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness. Pre-Kindergarten (3) through Grade 8. 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Contact: Melinda W. Fisher, 317-926-0425 x134, Fax: 317-921-3367, mfisher@ strichardsschool.org, www.strichardsschool.org
Sycamore School
At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered. 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions. 317-202-2500, Fax: 317-202-2501,. skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org,
sycamoreschool.org
INDIANAPOLIS - NORTHEAST Compassionate Angels Child Care Ministry
We are a family ran business. We have over 30 years of experience. We accept children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and provide before and after school care. We are a Christian based ministry, using the bible and God’s word to teach morals and values. We teach through play and creativity so the children learn, and have fun doing it. We have a very strong educational program that prepares your little one for first grade. From infancy through Kindergarten we have proper age appropriate curriculum and teaching. We are dedicated to the love, education and safety of your child or children. 2626 Ruth Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: Jody Teipen-Holbrook, Phone: 317-205-9264, Fax: 317-205-9263, Email:compassi onateangelsministry@gmail.com, www.compassionate-
angels.com
CUMNS KIDS
CUMNS KIDS is NAEYC accredited and provides education and care for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. We are in our 44th year of providing quality early childhood care as a weekday ministry of Castleton United Methodist Church. 7101 N. Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46250, Contact: Robin Radtke, (317) 841-7491, Email: cumnskids@castletonumc.org, www.
cumnskids.com
Polly Panda Preschool and Bridgford Kindergarten
Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of
self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. 2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: pollypandaindy@ sbcglobal.net, www.pollypanda.com
St. Mary’s Child Center
We are Reggio inspired preschool with 2 locations (Downtown and Ft. Harrison). We are Level 4 on the Path’s to Quality scale and accredited by NAEYC. We focus on inquiry based, authentic learning in small groups within beautiful environments. We accept tuition and CCDF vouchers along with offering scholarships. 901 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Sharon Stuhldreher, 317-635-1491, Hours: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, sstuhldreher@stmaryschildcenter.org,
www.stmaryschildcenter.org
INDIANAPOLIS - NORTHWEST International School of Indiana
At the International School of Indiana, we share your wish to prepare your children for the future we cannot imagine, and to give them the foundation and attitude to thrive in a changing world. An education that combines internationally respected academic standards with a truly international outlook. 4330 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock, 923-1951 Ext. 369, admissions@isind.org,, www.
isind.org
Maria Montessori International Academy
Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and to be treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the
minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language. The lead teachers possess bachelors degrees and certification in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! 7507 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Phone: 317-291-5557, Email: mariamontessoriintl. org, www.mariamontessori-intl.org
St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs
St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate and experience based program. Two well-trained, degreed teachers are in each classroom. Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide a warm and loving Christian environment in which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request. Visitors welcome. 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir., 317-844-3399, mainb@stlukesumc.com, www.stlukesumc.com
Traders Point Christian Academy
Fully accredited by ACSI and AdvancEd, Traders Point is a nondenominational Christian college prep school serving 600 students age 18 months to 12th grade. Offering Fine Arts, Spanish, Technology, Honors, AP and dual-credit options within a Biblical viewpoint. Interscholastic athletics in grade 2 - HS varsity. Preparing students for high school and college, for a world without borders, and for a life of significance. Located at I-65 North/SR 334, Zionsville exit. Visit us - for more information contact Mrs. Toni Kanzler, tkanzler@ tpcs.org, at 317-769-2450., www.tpcs.org
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 45
INDIANAPOLIS - SOUTH Busy Bee Childcare Ministry
We offer quality care to ages 6wks and up in a Christian environment. Providing Diapers, Wipes, meals, Formula and all preschool curriculum using Abeka lessons daily. 4002 Southport Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237, Maggie Sumner, 317-605-4145, msumner317@comcast.net
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC
Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area, ICPC Line: 317-767-7596
NOBLESVILLE
Legacy Christian School
Come find out why Indianapolis Monthly Magazine named Legacy a Top Private School! We offer excellent academics from a Biblical worldview, combined with art, music, computer, foreign language and athletics. Legacy is the only accredited source of Christian Education in Hamilton County! At Legacy Christian School we are raising up future godly leaders... come join the excitement! Call for a tour today! 470 Lakeview Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060, Contact: Karen Hawkins, Phone: 317-776-4186, E-mail Address: KHawkins@LCSmail.org, www.
LegacyChristianOnline.org
46 INDYSCHILD.COM
Polly Panda Preschool
Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. 17645 Oakmont Dr., Noblesville, IN 46062, Contact: Heather Hilbert, Phone: 317-773-0387, Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net, www.pollypanda.com
Primrose School of Noblesville
Primrose School of Noblesville distinguishes itself by creating a safe and nurturing environment where children will take their first steps toward a lifetime of achievement. You will find certified, professional staff and many programs such as spanish, technology, music and physical fitness that will consistently challenge your child. 15707 North Point Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060, Contact: Jackie Bell, 317-773-4900, Fax: 317-773-4433, jbell@primrosenoblesville.com
WESTFIELD
Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.
Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years, and we are adding a new Toddler room for the 2012-2012 year. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, 317-867-0158, montessoriwestfield@gmail.com, www.
montessorischoolofwestfield.com
ZIONSVILLE
Maria Montessori International Academy Maria Montessori International Academy offers the only infant and toddler program in addition to elementary (1st to 6th grade) in the Greater Carmel/ Zionsville area. The Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in chess, math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language Spanish and Manderin). The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 12 years located in Zionsville, IN. 4370 Weston Pointe Dr., Zionsville/Carmel, IN 46077, Phone: 317-769-2220, Email: mariamontessori-intl.org,
Zionsville Community Schools Universal Preschool
Universal Preschool at Boone Meadow provides a hands-on learning experience, focused on the whole child, in an inclusive and supportive environment that ensures maximum child growth, for life-long learning. We will provide a quality program through: Organizing the environment so it is conducive to success, providing specific directions and instructions, acknowledging and encouraging each child’s efforts, creating challenges and supporting
children in extending their capabilities. The Indiana Foundations for Young Children will be a resource/ framework for UP. 5555 S. 650 E., Zionsville, IN 46075, Contact: Donna Hudson, Phone: 317-873-2226, Email: dhudson@zcs.k12.in.us, Type of School: Early Childhood, Hours/Dates: Preschool 9:15am - 3:45pm; Before and After Care 6:45am - 6:00pm, Ages/ Grades: 3/4 and 4/5 year old classrooms.Before/After School Care: Yes http://cms.zcs.k12.in.
us/?q=node/123
Childcare Cheryl’s Daycare
Licensed foster mom, therapeutic massage and cranial therapist, CPR certified, adopted mom of 3 grown special needs children. Would like to watch 1 or 2 children part time or full time. 3285 Eden Way Circle, Carmel, IN 46033, Contact: Cheryl Landis, 317-853-6103, chubchub59@yahoo.com
Wee Folk Childcare
Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20 years. (CPR, 1st aid certified, and state licensed). Two meals and one snack provided daily along with baby food and regular formula. We provide quality learning through play in a non-smoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. Meridian Kessler Neighborhood, 317-926-3640
Your Listing Here! Contact Jennica at Jennica@IndysChild.com
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 47
commentary & parenting
[ summer camps ]
A Healthy Camper is a Happy Camper Top Ten Tips to Ensure Your Child Has a Healthy Summer at Camp So your child is going to camp! Follow these top ten tips to ensure your child has a happy and healthy summer. 1. When children show signs of illness, keep them home. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at camp. Ask your camp director about the timeframe that a child must be symptomfree before coming to camp. 2. Teach your child to sneeze and cough in his/her sleeve, and to wash his/her hands often at camp. Hand washing with soap and water should be performed for at least twenty seconds to remove germs. 3. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement for activities such as sports and hiking. This will help avoid slips, trips, and falls, which could cause injuries.
48 INDYSCHILD.COM
4. Send enough clothes so your child can wear layers. Mornings can be chilly and by afternoon it may be hot. This enables your child to peel his/her layers off as the weather warms. 5. Fatigue plays a part in injuries. If children are going to day camp, ensure they get enough rest at night. If children are going to resident camp, explain that camp is not like a sleepover — they shouldn’t try to stay up all night!
8. Deciding whether or not to send your child to camp on a psychotropic medication break is a personal choice, but you should discuss your medication decisions with the camp director and your family physician. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Health Appraisal Guidelines for Day Camps and Resident Camps, “Elective interruption in medications (drug holidays) should be avoided in campers on long-term psychotropic therapy” (AAP, 2005).
6. Don’t forget to send sunscreen with about 45 SPF, and instruct your child how to use sunscreen.
9. Make sure you fill out medical history and authorization for medical care forms for your child. Speak with your camp director to make sure he or she has all the necessary information.
7. Send a reusable water bottle. Your child can refill it frequently during camp and stay hydrated.
10. The American Camp Association’s® parent-dedicated Web site, www.CampParents. org, provides a wide range of educational
resources to help parents make good health-related decisions for children.
About ACA The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,600 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
summer camp resources
[ childcare ]
DAY PROGRAMS
Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood: “Under the Big Top” Address : 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact : Joanie Waldman Phone : 317-259-6854 Fax : 317-259-6849 Email : jwaldman@bez613.org
http://www.bez613.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Traditional Specific Categories: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Hours : Flexible hours. Half Days/Full Days. Also available: early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00 pm/5:30 pm on Fridays. Dates : Session 1: June 4 – June 29 Session 2: July 2 – July 27 Ages/Grades : 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2 yrs.+, 3 yrs.+, 4 and 5 years + Cost : Call for full brochure. Activities Included: Weekly creative themes, arts and crafts, water fun at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Aquatic Complex for 3’s, 4’s and 5’s. Water play for 12 months +, 18 months + and 2+. Music/Creative Movement, Entertainment, Field Trip Fridays for 4’s and 5’s.
Camp 2012-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Our Summer Program recognizes that children learn through play. Play fosters total development and should be interwoven in everything children do. During camp, children will experiment and explore by using all five senses. Our campers will thrive on creativity, exploration, discovery, spontaneity and lots of love.
Christian Youth Theatre Address : 802 Mulberry Street, Noblesville, IN
46060 Contact : Mandy Polster Phone : 3174075452 Email : mandy.polster@gmail.com
www.cytindy.org Gender of Campers: Co-ed Type of Camp: Day Basic Category: Arts Specific Categories: Musical Theater Special Needs Camps Offered : n/a
Hours : 9:00am-3:00pm Dates : weekly through June-July Ages/Grades : 4-18 Cost : $145 -$160 Activities Included : acting/singing/dancing
CYT Musical Theater Summer Camp is one of the most affordable quality musical theatre camps in Indiana. In the morning, they rotate with their team to a variety of theater classes including dance, drama & voice taught by qualified instructors. After lunch, summer campers play exciting outdoor games before they come together with all the teams for showcase rehearsal. All campers perform in the musical theater showcase at the end of the week, featuring a variety of songs, dances and drama.
Camp JCC
pavilion. In addition to traditional camp activities, our visiting Israeli counselors add a cultural component to Camp JCC that no other camp offers. Extended care for children grades K- 5 is available for specialty camps as well as our regular day camps. Our Camp JCC Registration Day is Sunday, February 29, Noon-2 pm. We’re offering 15% discounts on most camps and discounted deposits on all camps THIS DAY ONLY! Plus, those interested in JCC membership will enjoy a $0 enrollment fee ($300) savings and 2 free personal training sessions when they join during camp registration.
Camp Primrose--Anson (Zionsville) Address : 6484 Central Blvd. Whitestown, Zionsville,
IN 46075 Contact : Leslie (director)
GUIDE Type of Camp : Day Specific Categories : School Program (Before/After) Special Needs Camps Offered : Yes (During
everyday camps) Hours : 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Dates : 6-4-12 through 8-9-12 Ages/Grades : 6 weeks through 12 years old Cost : $236.00 Activities Included : At Camp Primrose you will explore the great outdoors and participate in summer Olympics, science experiments, film-making, water play, time travel, games, music, dance, inventions and robotics.
While at Camp Primrose your child will participate in many field trips including pottery places, water parks, a music and dance center, and museums. Your child will learn the art of film-making and participate in many hands on experiments. We have full and part-time options available so call today to reserve your space.
Address : 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone : 317-769-4990
Phone : 317-251-9467
Email : LBrezette@PrimroseAnson.com
Fax : 317-251-9493
www.PrimroseAnson.com
Email : aatlas@JCCindy.org
Gender of Campers : Co-ed
www.JCCindy.org
Type of Camp : Day
Address: 780 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032
Gender of Campers : Co-ed
Basic Category: Traditional
Contact: Scott Smith
Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Arts, Sports, Traditional, Baseball,
Hours : 6:30am-6:00pm
Phone: 317-848-8771
Fencing, Golf, Lacross, Soccer and Tennis Specific Categories : Specialty camps include: Glee Club Camp, Arts Camp, Construction Camp, Sports Camps, Equestrian Camp, Eric Gordon Basketball Camp, Pre-School Camp Financial Aid Offered: Scholarship assistance Hours : 9:00am-4:00pm Dates : June 4 - July 27 Ages/Grades : preschool - 8th grade Cost : Varies by camp. Camps available by the week. Activities Included: Swimming in the JCC water park, games, arts & crafts, sports, singing, nature and science discovery, cook-outs, overnights (for appropriate ages) and more!
Dates : June 4 - August 10
Fax: 317-848-8773
Ages/Grades : Infant - 10yr olds
Email: scott@primrosecarmel.com
Cost : $220/wk - $320/wk depending on age
Website : http://www.PrimroseCarmel.com
Requirements of Campers : T,TH or M,W,F or
Gender of Campers: Co-ed
M,T,W,Th,F attendance Activities Included : Summer themes include: 1)Dig, Stir, Chomp 2)Expedition Summer 3)Destination Science
Type of Camp: Day
All JCC camps are located on the wooded grounds behind the JCC. Campers make use of every inch of the JCC, including our water park, indoor pools, bball gyms, sports fields, auditorium and stage, and outdoor
Children ages infant through 10 yrs old, that are not currently enrolled at Primrose, are invited to attend Camp Primrose this summer from June 4 - Aug. 10 (extra days available for certain ages).
Camp Primrose--Bridgewater Address : 14711 N Gray Rd, Westfield, IN 46062 Contact : Valerie Hall Phone : 317-848-0123 Fax : 317-848-0124 Email : vhall@primrosebridgewater.com
Camp Primrose--Carmel Expedition Summer. The adventure awaits!
Basic Category: Traditional Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Dates: June 29, 2012 - Aug 17, 2012 Ages/Grades: 4 - 12 years of age Activities Included: Weekly Themes with activities including: The Great Outdoors, Sports and Summer Olympics, Inventions & Robotics, Music & Dance, Museums, Space, and Travel Expedition Summer will include weekly themed activities for children ages 4 - 12.
Call today to schedule a tour of the school and hear about our exciting plans for the summer!
Camp Primrose -- Gray Eagle
www.primrosebridgewater.com
Address : 12290 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037
Gender of Campers : Co-ed
Phone : 317-577-9480 JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 49
Email : Erin@PrimroseGrayEagle.com
www.PrimroseGrayEagle.com Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours : 6:30 am - 6:00 pm Dates : Late June to mid-August Ages/Grades : KG - Age 12 (call for other programs) Requirements of Campers : Fun spirited & kind hearted! Activities Included : Science Week, Space Week,
Game Show Week, etc.. Children love dumping water on their teachers at the water show, going on field trips, having picnics and playing sports with friends.
Camp Primrose gets rave reviews from kids that attend because we use children’s input every year to make our camp more fun. Our camp includes fun activies, outdoor time when the weather is great, indoor time when air conditioning is a must, field trips, in house shows and activities galore. Parents, we provide breakfast, snacks and warm lunches, so don’t worry about what to pack for lunch. Camp fees cover enrollment from 6:30 am to 6 pm or anywhere in between, so our camps are excellent for working parents. We also offer the flexibility of enrolling for the entire summer or just a few weeks. If you are looking for camp that meets your needs and where your child comes home excited about their day, give us a call!
Camp Primrose--West Clay Address : 13096 Moultrie St, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact : Kendra Dunagan Phone : 317-873-0123 Fax : 317-873-0223 Email : kdunagan@primrosewestclay.com
experiments. We have full and part-time options available so call today to reserve your space.
Indianapolis Children’s Choir Choral Festival Address : 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact : Laura Neidig Phone : 317-940-9640 Email : lneidig@butler.edu
www.icchoir.org
Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Arts Specific Categories : Music
Address : 1775 E. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN
46240 Contact : Don Turchan
- 4pm Dates : June 11 - June 16, 2012 Ages/Grades : 3 - 8 Cost : $85 1/2 day; $185 full day Requirements of Campers : Music teacher recommendation (singers just need to be able to match pitch)
Phone : (317) 582-1850
Activities Included : singing, movement, basic
music reading (Full day also includes drumming and dance)
Choral Festival introduces a child to choral music! For 5 days they will learn, and experience, the joy of singing in a group setting. Phenomenal teachers will prepare them for a public concert in Clowes Memorial Hall!
Monart Summer Art Camps Address : Zionsville, Noblesville & Carmel Contact : Barb Hegeman, owner Phone : 317-774-3729(DRAW) Email : monart@indy.rr.com Website : www.indydraws.com
www.primrosewestclay.com Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Special Needs Camps Offered : Yes (During
Basic Category: Arts
While at Camp Primrose your child will participate in many field trips including pottery places, water parks, a music and dance center, and museums. Your child will learn the art of film-making and participate in many hands on
Shortee’s Golf Camp
Hours : 9am - noon; 1pm - 4pm; and Full Day 9am
Gender of Campers : Co-ed
everyday camps) Hours : 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Dates : 5-29-12 through 8-9-12 Ages/Grades : 6 weeks through 12 years old Cost : $242.00 Activities Included : At Camp Primrose you will explore the great outdoors and participate in summer Olympics, science experiments, film-making, water play, time travel, games, music, dance, inventions and robotics.
media, all centered on a specific theme, from weekly camps of Cartoons, Animals, and Fantasy to one day Angry Bird and Princess camps. Every year we offer brand new projects so returning campers are always drawing something new! 3 Locations: 60 N 9th St., Noblesville, 1366 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 80 W. Pine St., Zionsville
Type of Camp : Day
Fax : (317) 582-0145 Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Sports Financial Aid Offered : No Hours : Weekday mornings - See website for start
times. Dates : Week long camps beginning week of June 4th through week of July 30th. See website for details. Ages/Grades : Little Linkers 4-6, Junior Camp 7-14 Cost : Little Linkers $80, Junior Camp $135 Activities Included : Daily on course play combined with instruction on driving range, putting green and chipping green.
Shortee’s 5 day Junior Golf Camps will offer a safe and fun way for kids to learn and practice the game of golf. Our instructional staff will help formulate a golf swing to meet the needs of each student. We will focus on the FUNdementals of golf including games and contests.
Shaarey Tefilla Summer Camp Address : 3085 West 116th Street, Carmel, IN
Making memories –photography and Ages/Grades : Two to five years old Cost : $120 per week Requirements of Campers : Must be two years old by June 1st Activities Included : Music, theater, Science & nature, Exploration themes and more!
Todd Academy Summer Camp Program Address : 855 N. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Contact : Sharon Todd, Executive Director Phone : 317-636-3100 Fax : 317-636-3103 Email : director@toddacademy.com Website : http://www.toddacademy.com Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Traditional Specific Categories : Gaming and Fun Financial Aid Offered : Yes.On a case by case basis, limited. Hours : 9-3:30 Dates : Weekly June 11-July 27 Ages/Grades : 8-18 Cost : $125 per week Activities Included : Gaming, strategy, fun and other fun activities
Skills and strategy development in both D & D and Magic Card games and RPG. McGyver Nerf Camps will include survival skills and fun!
Traders Point Creamery Farm Camp Address : 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 Contact : Amy Rhodes Phone : 317-733-1700 Email : tours@tpforganics.com Website : http://www.traderspointcreamery.com Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Animals, Traditional
Specific Categories : Art
46032
Special Needs Camps Offered : No
Contact : Rebecca Holloway
Financial Aid Offered : No
Phone : 317-733-2169
Hours : Morning and afternoon camps depending on
Fax : 317-733-4254
- 9th
Email : office@shaareytefilla.org
Ages/Grades : 2nd - 5th grade & 6th - 8th grade
Website : www.cstpreschool.org
Cost : $260 with a 5% sibling discount enrolled in same session Activities Included : Milk a Cow Work with Animals Hike through pastures Splash in Eagle Creek Make Crafts Learning about Organic Food, Gardening & Composting
location Dates : June and July Ages/Grades : All ages 5 and up Cost : 4 Day Weekly camps - $140, One Day camps - $35 Activities Included : Learn how to draw and paint working in a variety of media including markers, oil and chalk pastels, colored pencils and watercolors.
Learn how to create amazing art at Monart Summer Art Camps! Our campers have a great time as they learn different drawing and painting techniques and work in a variety of
Gender of Campers : Co-ed Type of Camp : Day Basic Category: Traditional Hours : Camp core hours from 9am -3pm Before care 7am-9am Aftercare 3pm-5pm Before and aftercare included in weekly fee. Dates : Week 1: June 4th-8th Animal Habitats Week 2: June 11th-15th Making tracks Week3: June 18th-22nd Water Fun Week 4: June 25th-29th Maps and our neighborhoods Week 5: July 9th -13th Lights camera action Week 6: July 16th-20th
Hours : 9:00am-3:30pm Dates : June 18th - 21st July 9th - 12th August 6th
Play & work in harmony with nature! Children will experience enriching and educational activities in the truly unique setting of our organic dairy farm! Three camp sessions are available: June, July & August JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 50
Summer Junior Golf Camp 1775 East 96th Street - (317) 582-1850 Shortee’s week long golf camps offer a safe and fun way for kids to learn and practice the game of golf. Instruction will focus on long game, short game, and putting. Each student will learn proper golf etiquette, safety, rules and course maintenance. The first 60 minutes will focus on the FUNdamentals of golf including games and contests. The remainder of time will be spent playing the par three course. The size of each week long camp is limited.
Ages 7 –14
Little Linkers Golf Camp Ages 4 - 6 For additional information and camp enrollment forms go to www.shorteesgolf.net or call us at 582-1850
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 51
water fun area pools, splash parks + water parks NAME
ADDRESS Monon Community Center
FLOWRIDER
1195 Central Park Drive
®
West Carmel, IN 46032
3850 DePauw Boulevard
CARIBBEAN COVE
Indianapolis, IN 46268
SAHM FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER
6801 E. 91st St. Indianapolis, IN 46250
WEBSITE www.carmelclayparks.com/ monon-community-center/ facilities/waterpark/flowrider
www.caribbeancovewaterpark.com
www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/ Amenities/Pages/Sahm%20 Aquatic%20Center.aspx
www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/
Broad ripple park
INDY PARKS SPRAY GROUNDS
1610 Broad Ripple Ave.
Amenities/Pages/Broad%20
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Ripple%20Park%20Pool.aspx
Various Locations
BILLERICAY PARK SPLASH PAD
SPLASH ISLAND
SPLASHIN’ SAFARI at HOLIDAY WORLD
org/site/spray_grounds
12690 Promise Road
www.fishers.in.us/department/
Fishers, IN 46038
division.php?fDD=9-60
651 Vestal Road
http://townofplainfield.
Plainfield, IN 46168
com/si/index.php
452 East Christmas Blvd Santa Claus, IN 47579
SPONSORED BY:
52 INDYSCHILD.COM
http://aquatics.indyparks.
www.holidayworld.com
COST
GUIDE
DESCRIPTION
Included in waterpark admission
The FlowRider® at the Monon Community Center Waterpark, is the first simulated surfing ride in the state of Indiana. Lessons are not required in order to ride the FlowRider®. Guests have the option to ride the wave body board style or, if you are adventurous enough, standing style (FlowBoarding®). We will also be offering a Teen OpenFlow time on Friday mornings. This will be an open jam session style and price is just $5 per teen. Come surf the waves this summer in Carmel!
Varies
Too hot outside? Visit Caribbean Cove’s indoor waterpark facility. Enjoy a 50,000 sq. ft. tropical explosion where you’ll find everything you need for a SPLASHtacular family getaway.
Youth: $4 weekday/ $5 weekend Adult: $5 weekday / $6 weekend Under 2: Free
Sahm Family Aquatic Center has the largest body slide in Indiana (must be 48: or taller) as well as a zero-depth entry children’s play area with slides, lap pools, concessions and shade structures with deck chairs.
Youth: $2 Adult: $3 Under 2: Free
Enjoy an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool, 2 1/2 to 4 foot swimming area, water spray feature and shade structures at Broad Ripple Park!
FREE!
Spray Grounds are water playgrounds providing a fun, free and accessible way to cool off on a hot summer day. Each of Indy Park’s Spray Grounds operate from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily. Play features vary by site.
FREE!
Play in the splash pad, play on one of two playgrounds, or have a picnic at shaded tables during your visit to Billericay Park! The splash pad is open Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day 10 a.m.- 8p.m. daily.
$4.75 - $8.75
Located on 3.1 acres, the tropical-themed Splash Island includes three waterslides, an interactive play area for all ages including kiddie slides, water jets, ropes and guns, a gentle winding river, lily pad crossing, two pulsating vortexes, and plenty of deck space and grassy areas for sun bathing and family fun.
Included in admission to Holiday World
Named #1 water park by Tripadvisor! Enjoy free unlimited soft drinks, free parking, free use of inner tubes and life jackets, free sunscreen, and free Wi-Fi hotspots at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari located in Santa Claus, Indiana. Home of the world’s longest water coaster!
calendar
fri 01
Family Campout
Times: 4:30 PM - 11:00 AM Price: $10 per person Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: West Park. 2700 w 116th St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com Stress free camping - it does exist We provide
the fun, food, and night-time entertainment. What are you waiting for? Wipe that old dirt off your tent and meet us at West Park
sat 02 13th annual Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival
Times: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Price: See website for details Phone: 1-800-832-WINE Location: Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN www.vintageindiana.com Wine connoisseurs can sample up to 300
award-winning wines from over 20 Indiana wineries as they enjoy delicious food from Indiana’s finest restaurants, a variety of arts and crafts vendors, an interactive Kids’ Zone area, and wine and food pairing demonstrations on the pavilion stage.
11th annual Fishing Derby
Times: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-327-7110 Location: Eagle Creek Park - Coffer Dam. 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254 www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/ List/Eagle+Creek+Park.htm Children ages 4-14 are invited to enjoy the
outdoors and beauty of one of the nation’s largest municipal parks as they catch-and-release fish on the weekend the Indiana State Department of Natural Resources designates a free-fishing day.
Free Face Painting Party
Times: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-984-1300 Location: Kid Again Children’s Resale. 160 S. Peru St., Cicero, IN 46034 www.facebook.com/kidagainstore In conjunction with the Nickel Plate Arts weekend
stop by Kid Again for a free face painting party. All ages are welcome and while you are in town be sure to check out the other events.
sun 03 Holliday Park Backyard Bugs and Butterfly Gardening
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Price: $5/individual Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org Get down and dirty sweeping nets through the
prairie as we come face-to-face with the coolest insects in Holliday Park. We’ll focus on butterflies and caterpillars and you’ll even get some plants to take home to encourage butterflies to visit your yard! All ages, pre-registration required.
mon 04 Own the Night: Lyrics Match
Times: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-839-6602 Location: Plainfield Library. 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 www.plainfieldlibrary.net/ Teens in grades 6 through 12 stop by area T to
match night-themed song lyrics with the artist. Free; no registration required. Call (317) 8396602, ext. 2123. Runs through Sat., June 9. Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
tues 05 Summer Showtime: Dolphin Tale
Times: 10:30 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4410 Location: Glendale Library. 6101 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220 www.imcpl.org Children and families are invited for a
showing of the film, “Dolphin Tale” (PG).
weds 06 Sesame Street Party Times: 7:00 PM Price: FREE
June 2012
Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton Co. East Library. Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us/ Are you a Sesame Street fanatic? Then join
us for a special Sesame Street party, complete with stories, crafts, and cookie snacks. Feel free to dress up as your favorite character! All ages are welcome. Registration is required.
Indiana, this is an event not to be missed. The Zoo is closed all day just to prepare.
sat 09 WFYI PBS kids in the Park
thurs 07 Target Free Family Night
Times: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum . 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org Celebrate family and freedom during this
commemoration of Juneteenth Come learn more about this historical day of significance with games, art activities, and performances. Sponsored generously by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children’s Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m.
fri 08 Disney’s “Aladdin” the musical
Friday, June 08 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Times: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Price: $11 student/senior & $13 adult Phone: 317-407-5452 Location: Creekside Middle School Auditorium. 3525 West 126th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 www.cytindy.org In this musical comedy, Aladdin is back
as the “street rat” of Agrabah who winds up the unlikely owner of his very own Genie who grants him 3 wishes!
Zoobilation
Times: 7:00 PM Price: see website for pricing Location: Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indianapoliszoo.com/SitePages/ SpecialEvents/zoobilation.aspx Zoobilation is the social event of the summer.
With multiple entertainers on stages throughout the Zoo and the tasty samples of food treats and beverages from the best restaurants in Central
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: (317) 715-2009 Location: Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN www.wfyi.org Meet the Cat in the Hat, Mr. McFeely from
Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Clifford, Curious George and everyone’s favorite red monster Elmo at the annual PBS Kids in the Park event presented by Marsh. Live entertainment, food, and informative booths make this a fun event for the young and the young at heart!
1836 Prairietown Grand Re-Opening Weekend
Saturday, June 09 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org/ Special activities will include a land auction,
where guests can bid on and “purchase” their own piece of Prairietown. A party will also be held throughout the town that includes music, dancing, games and more. Puppet shows, participatory plays, take-home crafts and even a few surprises are in store for visitors during the grand re-opening weekend celebration!
sun 10 Holliday Park Up a Tree Without a Ladder Price: $5/individual Phone: 317-327-7180
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 53
Location: Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org Get a squirrel’s-eye view as you learn to ascend
strawberries, ice cream and whipped topping on a shortcake biscuit for $6. (Variations are also available for less!) Cash only.
a tree with rope and harness. We’ll learn about the tree you’re climbing and practice some useful knots. Then each participant will try their hand going up the rope. Register for either the 1:00-2:00, 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 session. Ages 10+, pre-registraion required.
fri 15
mon 11 Kids Koncert: Sensible Shoes
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: West Park. 2700 W. 116th St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com Does your child move the beat of their own
drum? Do they enjoy using pots and wooden spoons as instruments? Join us as we sing and dance to classic sing-a-longs, as well as new tunes performed by Indiana artists.
tues 12 Father’s Day Gift
Times: 3:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-738-2833 Location: JCPL Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin, IN 46131 www.jcplin.org Looking for a present to give to your father? Surprise
Dad with a gift you made. During the program, a photo will be taken of yourself to finish the craft.
weds 13 Welcome to Cartoonapolis!
Times: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us For children entering grades 4-6. Do you love to
draw? Do you love caricatures and want to know how to create them? Then come to the Storytime Room where an expert from Cartoonapolis will show you techniques that might just make you the next big caricature artist! No registration is required.
thurs 14 Cathedral Women’s Strawberry Festival
Phone: (317) 636-4577 Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.cccindy.org Strawberry lovers will take over Monument Circle
for the 47th Annual Christ Church Strawberry Festival. Dive into “the works” which includes 54 INDYSCHILD.COM
sun17
Happy Father’s Day
animal face-to-face and spend time learning about them. They can ask questions about the animal and try their hands at sketching it.
Friday Family Fun: Dark as Night!
Times: 2:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-535-6206 Location: JCPL Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland, IN 46184 www.jcplin.org/ Today we’re venturing out into the dark, dark night
with stories filled with blackouts, night lights, and outdoor sounds. Enjoy a movie and be creative with a craft that just might glow in the dark!
sat 16 Radio Disney 98.3FM Free Day of Family Fun Times: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-927-7500 Location: Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.in.gov/statefair Come to Radio Disney’s annual day of family
fun at the Indiana State Fairgrounds with the Central Indiana Chevy Dealers’ Family Fun Day Experience, presented by ARS/Rescue Rooter. Radio Disney 98.3FM will provide local area kids and families with a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment and exhibitors.
Queen for a Croquet - Kids’ Croquet with Alice Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: $50 per team of two (one adult + one child) Phone: 317-631-1888 Location: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.bhpsite.org Families with children can choose to participate
in our Alice in Wonderland themed morning event on the lawn of the Presidential Site which begins with a croquet lesson and ends with a rousing match of golf croquet. Guests will have the opportunity to play alongside the Queen of Hearts and Alice herself in this fun family event.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Times: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-920-2659 Location: IMA, 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.imamuseum.org Bring a blanket and grab your spot on the 100
Acres meadow where the Indie band Cloud Cult will perform a free concert. Take advantage of family art activities and much more! Rain or Shine.
Location: Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.imcpl.org Children of all ages are invited to meet an
fri 22 Capitol City Ford 2012 Indianapolis Air Show
mon 18 Kids Koncert: Stacia Demos and Brian Deer Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: River Heritage Park . 11813 River Road, Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com Does your child move to the beat of their own
drum? Do they enjoy using pots and wooden spoons as instruments? Join us as we sing and dance to classic sing-a-longs, as well as new tunes performed by Indiana artists.
tues 19 Mad Science: Preschool Gears
Times: 10:30 AM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4100 Location: Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.imcpl.org Young children ages 4 - 7 are invited for a close-
up look at the science behind the movies. They’ll step into the role of a Foley Artist to make their own sound effects and engineer a Gear train.
weds 20 Indiana Pacers Fan Van Reading Tour
Times: 3:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4310 Location: Brightwood Library. 2435 N. Sherman Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46218 www.imcpl.org/about/locations/westindianapolis.html Join Pacers Sports and Entertainment on their
Summer Reading Tour! Guest readers from the Pacers All-Star Reading Team and the Indiana Pacemates will read to kids in the Library.
thurs 21 City Critter Chats: Animalia Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4100
Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 23, 2012. Price: See website for ticket prices Phone: (317) 335-7252 Location: Indianapolis Regional Airport. 3867 Aviation Way, Greenfield, IN 46140 www.indyairshow.com Extreme family fun includes dozens of air
performers featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, aerobatic teams, hot air balloon rides and balloon glow, and vintage warbirds. There will be exhibits on the ground as well as a Kids’ Zone. See website for show schedule and ticket prices.
sat 23 Indian Market and Festival
Saturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24, 2012. Price: 17 and under Free; $10 adults Phone: 317-636-WEST Location: Eitlejorg, 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org/ Celebrating its 20th year, The Eiteljorg
Museum Indian Market and Festival brings Native artists from across the country to Indianapolis to sell their art. The market and festival includes performances from some of today’s premiere Native American performers including storytellers, dancers and singers. Try unique foods including the crowd favorite, Indian tacos. There are activities for the little ones in the Dogbane Family Activity Area.
24th Annual Fishers Freedom Festival
Saturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24, 2012. Price: FREE Phone: 317-595-3195 Location: Roy G. Holland Memorial Park. One Park Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishersfreedomfestival.org With over 50,000 attendees from all over the
U.S., this free family event hosts art & craft sites, business booths, fireworks, 5K Run/ Walk, live music, national UFO Major Disc Dog tournament, children & teen tents, two parades, a street dance, food vendors, free games booths, and so much more. by the public, this event grew to a two-day event.
sun 24
Kids Triathlon
Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: West Park. 2700 w 116th St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmelclayparks.com
Does your child move to the beat of their own drum? Do they enjoy using pots and wooden spoons as instruments? Join us as we sing and dance to classic sing-a-longs, as well as new tunes performed by Indiana artists.
tues 26 Times: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Price: Through May 31: $30 general public / $24 JCC members Phone: 317-251-9467 Location: JCC. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.JCCindy.org USAT-sanctioned event for all experience levels.
Small Fry Division: 6 years old and younger with parental assistance. USAT license not required and participants will not be timed. Child must be able to swim independently for 25 yards. Junior Division: Ages 7-10. Senior Division: Ages 11-14.
mon 25 Kids Koncert: Ruditoonz
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: Free
Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens Times: 7:00 PM Price: see website for ticket prices Phone: 317-269-3545 Location: Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 www.indyindians.com Visit any central Indiana McAlister’s Deli location and pick up your 2-for-1 Tuesdays coupon. Bring that coupon to the Victory Field Box Office and you’ll receive two tickets for the price of one.
weds 27 See a Juggler! Be a Juggler!
Times: 5:00-6:00 p.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m. Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032
www.carmel.lib.in.us For families with children of all ages. Family
sat 30
entertainer Jason Kollum presents an interactive participation program where you become the juggler. No registration is required.
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
thurs 28
Hold It! Family Activity Price: FREE Phone: 317-920-2659 Location: IMA. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Holliday Park Summer Concert Series
www.imamuseum.org
Times: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.hollidaypark.org Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and head to Holliday Park
Hold it! is a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Discover carts filled with objects everyone can hold and see up close. Currently, there are three cart experiences. Stop by the Welcome Desk on Floor 2 to find out where the Hold It! Family Activity is located on the day of your visit.
for a free evening of family fun with KRS Trio (classic rock covers)! Sponsored by the Friends of Holliday Park.
Yarnbomb the Indiana State Museum
fri 29 Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens
Times: 7:00 PM Price: see website for ticket prices Phone: 317-269-3545 Location: Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 www.indyindians.com The most popular night of the week, enjoy a spectacular
post-game fireworks show following each Friday.
Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/ism
See how creative knitters and crocheters can get as they yarnbomb iconic museum features. This creative art will “hit” the museum just in time for summer. Hurry, it won’t be around for long so don’t miss a chance to enjoy the museum in a fun and creative way.
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 55
ongoing events
June 2012 resources
[ childcare ]
2012 Summer Reading Program: Gear Up! Monday, June 04 through Saturday, July 28, 2012. Price: FREE Phone: 275-4099 /www.imcpl.org/
Children of all ages and their families are invited to gear up on great books at the Library and have fun reading throughout the summer. Register at any Indianapolis Public Library location or the Beech Grove Public Library.
The Wizard of Oz
Select days through July 15, 2012. Price: see website for ticket prices Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef and Boards. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.beefandboards.com
The Wizard of Oz has been entertaining families for generations. As the 2012 Family Show, tickets for kids ages 3-15 receive a $10 discount. So bring your munchkins to see the classic you enjoyed as a child! It’s live theatre that’s fun for the whole family.
Simple Machine Mania! Daily (except Mon) June 05 through September 23, 2012.
Price: Museum admission Phone: 812-337-1337 Location: Wonderlab. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN 47404 www.wonderlab.org
Explore the astonishing power of pulleys and levers. The handson exhibition features the Giant Telescoping Lever, the Pulley Chair, the Giant Biomechanical Hand and much more!
Fishers Summer Concert Series
Tuesdays, June 5 through July 17 Times: 7:00 -9:00p.m. 56 INDYSCHILD.COM
Price: FREE Location: Fishers Town Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. Phone: weather line (317) 595-3491 www.fishers.in.us/parks/summerconcerts
Join Fishers Parks & Recreation for seven evenings of fun and fellowship! Bring a picnic and lawn chairs or blanket to enjoy family-friendly music for all ages.
Zoolapalooza
Friday nights June 15 through July 13, 2012. Times: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indianapoliszoo.com/SitePages/ SpecialEvents/Zoolapalooza.aspx The Zoo will have you rockin’
the night away with live music performed by local bands. Plus, enjoy delicious food and drinks at our full buffet and bar while you unwind to the sounds of your favorite songs. The Zoo will have extended hours for the five concert evenings.
Marsh® Symphony on the Prairie
Select nights June 16 through September 08, 2012. Times: 8:00 PM Price: see website for ticket prices Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org/ Sit back, relax and enjoy the
beautiful sounds of Symphony on the Prairie! If you’d like to make a day of it, come early and explore Conner Prairie before the symphony begins. See website for a complete list of concerts.
82nd Annual Marion County Fair Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 30, 2012. Price: $5 adults; children 5 and under are free; $25 for season pass Phone: 317-353-2444 Location: Marion County Fairgrounds . 7300 East Troy
June 7 through Aug. 9, enjoy
Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46239
Phone: 317-232-1882
this popular outdoor summer
www.marioncountyfair.org Ninety-thousand anticipated fairgoers are welcome to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor attractions including demolition derbies, motorcycle races, truck and tractor pulls, concerts, talent shows, contests, local artisans and much more for the entire family!
Location: Indiana Historical Society. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
concert series. You may reserve
free admission to the History
a table on the Terrace or bring
Center on Thursdays from 4
your own chair or blanket and
to 8 p.m. (except July 5) and
www.indianahistory.org
sit on the grassy hill across the
on July 4 from 10 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a fun summer evening
Canal. Also enjoy FREE Museum
along the downtown canal at
Nights on the Canal - From
Hot Wheels For Real! Through January 27, 2013.
Price: Included with museum admission Phone: (317) 334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org/ Family fun revs up in Hot Wheels For Real at The Children’s Museum! This allnew experience will feature rarely seen collectible Hot Wheels cars and amazing lifesize versions of iconic favorites.
Project Butterfly: A Family Series of Grief and Loss Support Mondays June 04 through June 25, 2012. Times: 7:15 - 9:15 PM Price: FREE Phone: (317) 338-4040 Location: St.Vincent Hospice. 8450 Payne Road, Indianapolis
The workshop series will focus on the many changes a family encounters after a loss. We will utilize music, art, and nature as a means of exploring the grief process and to develop coping skills as a family unit. Registration is required For further information or to register contact The St.Vincent Bereavement Program at (317) 338-4040.
Concerts on the Canal
Occurring Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, June 07, 2012 Through Thursday, August 09, 2012. Times: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: see website for pricing
Indy’s Child Marketplace SHOPPING
Services
MATTINGLY
Upholstery Office: 317.577.8066 Cell: 317.440.9340
• • • • • •
Over 30 Years Experience Hundreds of Clients Has worked with Top Designers of the Indianapolis Area Has done work for Dream Homes of Indianapolis Has done work for Multiple Celebrities Work has been featured in Indianapolis Monthly
Specializes in custom children’s headboards mattinglyupholstery@yahoo.com
ENRICHMENT
PARTY PLANNING
View Photos at www.facebook.com/mattinglyupholstery
ENRICHMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
SERVICES
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 57
Services
ENRICHMENT
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birthday party
58 INDYSCHILD.COM
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June 2012
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fri
sat
doughnut day
on this day
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
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in 1896, the radio was patented
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
international picnic day
juneteenth
rry parfa 25 it d
26
s al
p al n atio n
ea
nut
butter coo 12 ki ay
ay
n atio n
9
national yo-yo day
national chocolate ice cream day
upsy-daisy day
donald duck day
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15
weed your garden day
FLAG DAY
fly a kite day
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first day of summer!
take your dog to work day
backyard campout day
so
da d
ay
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on this day happy birthday national in 1819, the bicycle to you day handshake day was patented.
Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com
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camera day
ud
ge d
ay
16
f
17
international fairy day
8
al
corn on the cob day
ed
race unity day
wbe
7
in 1783, the first hot air balloon flight took place.
11
tra
6
on this day
10
24
n atio n
It’s Sun Safety Week! Tip: Insect repellent reduces sunscreen effectiveness by 1/3! For more tips, visit KidsHealthLine.com
5
am
egg day
4
ic e cr e
3
30
leap second time adjustment day
JUNE 2012 [ indy’s child ] 59