May 2019 by Jax4Kids

Visit us online at www.jax4kids.com

In this issue: Travel and Summer Camps

FREE!

May 2019

Explore never-ending excitement and create the perfect vacation experience with the Florida Explorer Scavenger Hunt, Pirate’s Treasure Escape Room and water play for all ages.

Overnight packages on sale at GaylordPalms.com/SummerFest AQUAFINA is a registered trademark of PepsiCo, Inc.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 2

PRESENTED BY

Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

LIVING WELL

e parents define the start of summer as the day the school year ends and we are weeks away! If you still need to register your children for summer camps, we are here to help. The Summer Camps section begins on page 17; here you’ll find lots of ideas and options. If your summer plans include travel, we have uncovered a great resource for traveling families. Kid & Coe helps you find kid-friendly accommodations at destinations across the U.S. and abroad. If you’re traveling with young children, you can find a home that is kid-friendly, has playrooms and toys and nurseries with cribs and changing tables – all of the comforts of home. Learn more about Kid & Coe on page 14. On page 15 you’ll find Toys and Games to keep your kids entertained en route to your destination. If you’re undecided on where to go, read about the Best Family Vacations in the USA on page 16.

MAY 2019

Mother’s Day Events............................................................................................4 Community Profile: MaliVai Washington Teen Center............................................5

HEALTH & SAFETY

Kale Back on Contaminated List...........................................................................6 Recipe: High Protein Strawberry-Banana Smoothie..............................................7 Safe Kids Week 2019..........................................................................................7 Get Up and Dance!..............................................................................................8 Things To Do: Health & Safety.............................................................................8

is immeasurable. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6 – 10 and Tuesday, May 7 is Teacher Appreciation Day. We’ve pulled together some gift ideas to help you show your appreciation. Find them on page 22 and check out our Pinterest page for more ideas and printables.

It’s Jumbo Shrimp season and we’re giving away tickets for you take your family to the ballpark to see a game and enjoy the family-friendly activities they have planned this season like fireworks Another great resource we want to share with on Friday and Saturday nights and family day on you is Pathways.org, a non-profit dedicated to Sundays when families can play catch on the providing tools for early childhood development. field and get players autographs. There will also If you have a child age 0 – 24 months, log on to be free face painting, balloon animals and fapathways.org, enter your child’s birth date and vorite popular kids characters roaming the park. click the “Update” button. A short list of games After the game, kids can run the bases. To enter and activities will appear along with how the to win, send your name, address and phone activity is done and how it helps your child devel- number to contests@jax4kids.com and put the op. You can also sign up once and get emails words “Jumbo Shrimp” in the subject line. On every week with the list of games and activities Friday, May 24th, we’ll draw 3 winners. Each so you don’t have to log on every week. They winner will receive tickets for 4 to the game of also have helpful videos that you can sort by age your choice during the 2019 season. Good luck! range and milestone checklists. Turn to page 12 for more information about this fabulous and free Don’t forget to visit us online at www.jax4kids. resource. com where you can find our Summer Camps Guide, places to go and things to do, where kids The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently eat free and much, much more! approved the first drug specifically to treat postpartum depression. You can learn more about Until Next Month, Zulresso on page 10. Alison Peters-Carlson The value of teachers in the lives of our children Editor

Follow us... Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer...................... linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................... beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2019. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

NATURE

“Skip the Straw” to Reduce Pollution....................................................................9 Things To Do: Nature..........................................................................................9

INFANT & TODDLER

Drug Approved for Postpartum Depression.........................................................10 Things to Do: Infant & Toddlers..........................................................................10 Be My Neighbor Day at WJCT............................................................................12 Get the Right Toddler Booster Seat.....................................................................12 Is Your Baby on Track? Check Out Pathways.org.................................................12

SPECIAL NEEDS

Discovery Cove Gets Autism Designation............................................................13 Things To Do: Special Needs.............................................................................13

TRAVEL

New Experiences at Disney................................................................................14 Family Travel Service Makes It Easy....................................................................14 Family Road Trip Toys and Games.......................................................................15 Best Family Vacations in the USA.......................................................................16 Get Your Shots Before You Go.............................................................................16 Food Allergy Sufferers Can Now Travel with Peace of Mind..................................16

SUMMER CAMPS

Preparing Our Kids (and Ourselves) for Summer Camp(s)....................................17 Area Summer Camps.................................................................................. 18-21 Camp Tips for Teens..........................................................................................18 Gauging Your Child’s Readiness and Picking the Right Camp...............................19

EDUCATION

We Love Our Teachers.......................................................................................22 Kids of All Ages Love to Be Read To....................................................................23 Things To Do: Education....................................................................................23 Fast Facts About FSDB......................................................................................24 Voluntary Pre-K Registration...............................................................................25 St. John’s County School News..........................................................................26 Clay County School News..................................................................................27

TEENS

Fun Summer Books for Tweens..........................................................................28 Things To Do: Teens..........................................................................................28

PETS

Dream Job Draws Crowd of Cat Lovers..............................................................29 Things To Do: Pets............................................................................................29

THINGS TO DO

Mom’s Night Out Events.....................................................................................31 May Events.......................................................................................................31

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS Home Depot Kids Workshop: Blooming Art May 4, 9am to 12noon Offered the first Saturday of each month between 9am and 12 noon. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. This week’s project is Blooming Art. Make Mom’s day with a handmade blooming art piece. In this hands-on workshop you and your child can discuss the art of patience as you build a blooming work of art to gift or put on display. Once it is built, your child can decorate it with paint. Area Home Depot Stores / www.homedepot.com Mother’s Day Floral Workshop May 9, 6pm to 7:30pm Sara from Local Flower Co. will walk you through creating your own Elegant Blush inspired arrangement using fresh ingredients. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while you create your arrangement. Cost is $40. Use code: bringafriend and save $5 when you register for two. This is a great event for a mom's night out. The Craft House / 904-679-3135 / 1820 SR 13, St. Johns , FL 32259 / www.thecrafthousefl.com Mother’s Day Chef’s Table May 10, 6:30pm to 9pm Treat the special mother in your life to a multicourse interactive dining experience. The chefs have selected some of their favorite dishes and will utilize only the best seasonal ingredients. Each course will be expertly paired with wine that complements the dish. Guests are encouraged to come to the “Chef’s Table,” for an up close and personal conversation with the chefs as they demonstrate how to prepare the dishes you will be served. They will entertain you as they share tips and techniques you can use at home in your own kitchens. Seating at JAX Cooking Studio is communal, offering guests the opportunity to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and make new friends. . Please note that this is a demonstrationonly cooking event. The menu features Charcuterie Board, Crab Cakes, Braised Short Ribs with Fresh Saffron Pappardelle Pasta, and Mint Peas, Pickled Peaches, Burrata and Micro Basil with White Balsamic Syrup and Sunflower Brittle, and Strawberry Basil Mascarpone Shortcake. Cost is $90. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-742–5906 / 14035 Beach Boulevard , Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com Mother's Day Cards • May 11, 11am to 2pm Join library staff and create your own Mother's Day card and let Mom know just how much you love her. All ages are welcome. Free. Jacksonville Public Library - Beaches Branch / 904-992-7101 / 13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org High Tea with Mom • May 11, 1pm to 3:30pm Treat your mom to a High Tea for Mother’s Day. Participants will make some sweet and savory finger treats under the guidance of Chef Verousce of Koek Cakes and The Perfect Pear Catering. Price is $70 for one adult/child pair. Add a second minor

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

child for $35. Register for two tickets and enter the code “Mom” in the Promo Code box on the checkout page. Add an additional adult ticket for $45. Register for two tickets and enter the code “Mom2” in the Promo Code box on the checkout page. The savory menu features Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Coronation Chicken Salad in Filo Tart Shell. The sweet menu features Scones with Quick Clotted Cream & Preserves, English Chocolate Biscuits, and Mini Fruit Tarts. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-742–5906 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com Mother's Day Brunch at Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village • May 12, 11am to 4pm Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village hosts a special Mother's Day Brunch. Brunch will be served from 11am - 4pm, reservations required. Featuring live music from Pierre Kendrick. Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village / 904-9408000 / 500 S Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.marriott.com Mother’s Day Brunch at Jax Cooking Studio May 12, 11am to 1pm Treat the mom in your life to a special brunch on Mother’s Day. Participants will make brunch favorites and have mimosas, sparkling cider, and coffee. Price is $50 per person. Add a minor child for $30 by registering for 2 and using the code: “Moms” in the Promo Code box on the checkout page. Add two minor children for $60 by registering for 3 and using the code: “Moms2” in the Promo Code box on the checkout page. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-742–5906 / 14035 Beach Boulevard , Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com Mother's Day Brunch at Sawgrass Marriott May 12, 11am to 3pm Families are invited to celebrate Mom with a Mother's Day brunch at Vernon's Restaurant at Sawgrass Marriott. Select from a variety of breakfast and lunch favorites or build your own crepe. Plus, mom receives one complimentary mimosa or sparkling wine. Price is $50 per person and $15 for children 6-12. Reservations can be made by calling 904-280-3405 or booking online. Vernon's Restaurant at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa / 904-280-3405 / 1000 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.marriott.com Mother’s Day with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp • May 12, 3:05pm The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp take on the Biloxi Shuckers. Single game tickets start at $5. Bring mom to the ballpark to help celebrate her special day. Be sure to stick around until the end of the game as all moms in attendance are invited to run the bases. In addition, families can play catch on the field, plus Jumbo Shrimp players will be signing autographs. There will also be free face painting, balloon animals, and a visit from Elmo. After the game, kids can run the bases. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 904-358-2846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxshrimp.com

Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

JOIN LEONARD and thousands of kids who know SAVING MONEY ROCKS!

It’s Fun. It’s Free. And It’s Just For Kids.

Hey kids, I’m Leonard. My friends and I are called The Sandtastics, and we hope you’ll join all the other kids who are already doing a sandtastic job of saving in The VyStar Kids Club. You’ll see that your dollars add up quickly. So you can save for a new video game, a cool outfit, college, or a new guitar!

MOMs and dads, stop by a branch AND sign your kids up today! *Important Note: Kids Club is open to children age 12 and under. To open an account, you will need a child’s birth certificate or certified copy AND social security card or state identification card.

We never forget that it’s your money.

904-777-6000 • 1-800-445-6289 OPEN YOUR KIDS CLUB ACCOUNT TODAY!

vystarcu.org

1/19/18 10:12 AM

LIVING WELL

Community Profile:

MaliVai Washington Teen Center

he MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk youth in Jacksonville’s Urban Core, broke ground on its new Teen Center, “Club 904,” last month. The ceremony included remarks from distinguished guests including City Council President Aaron Bowman, District 8 Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman, GuideWell and Florida Blue President and CEO Pat Geraghty, and foundation founder MaliVai Washington as well as testimonials from ShaTeria Davis & Mauricia Brown, current foundation students. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit the MaliVai Washington Youth Center many times, and after each visit I leave inspired by the impact this organization has in the lives of Jacksonville’s kids,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “This public-private partnership for a new Teen Center will nearly double the number of young people the foundation can serve through its programming, further enhancing MWYF’s impact in historic Durkeeville and the surrounding community.” Opening in early 2020, Club 904 will offer services including academic assistance, college preparation, job and leadership training, a variety of life skills and elective courses and social activities. The new 13,000+ square foot facility will be located in Emmett Reed Park, adjacent to the current Youth Center.

groundbreaking ceremony. Teens also visited the Brookline Teen Center outside of Boston, MA and will visit the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor, Michigan to learn ‘best practices’ in teen programming. A teen Board of Directors will be formed and, in addition to the classes and social activities offered, will provide input into the structure and policies of the Center. “MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation is a valuable asset for underserved youth in Jacksonville, providing them a safe space to grow and thrive,” said Pat Geraghty, campaign chairperson. “We are proud to support the organization in its efforts to construct a new teen center so that even more young people can benefit from its programming and resources. By working together, we are making our communities healthier and stronger for the next generation of future leaders.”

3 Convenient Locations 8411 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 1406 Kingsley Ave. Suite E, Orange Park, FL 32073 880 US Highway A1A North, Suite 6, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Visit malwashington.com/teencenter to learn more. The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation’s mission is to develop champions in classrooms, and tennis courts, and throughout communities. The mission is being fulfilled by providing a 3-hour afterschool program focusing on education, life skills, and tennis for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Foundation’s vision is that young people who participate in its programs will gain the resources they need to rise to their full potential and become contributing members of society. j

“We are honored that so many community leaders joined us to break ground on this state of the art new facility,” said Washington. “Club malwashington.com 904 will provide much-needed resources to For additional information on “Club 904” or to the community and we are excited to begin take a tour to learn more about MWYF’s construction.” programs, contact Rossi Wright, Director of Community Engagement and Fund DevelopThe entire project is “teen driven.” Teens ment at 904-359-5437 or rossi@malwashingwere involved with the architect in the initial ton.com. building design, developed a name and logo and served as hosts in this afternoon’s

HEALTH & SAFETY

Kale Back On Contaminated List K

ale has higher pesticide residues than nearly all other produce found on supermarket shelves, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2019 Dirty Dozen.

Temkin, Ph.D. “Fruits and vegetables are an important part of everyone’s diet, and when it comes to some conventionally grown produce items, such as kale, choosing organic may be a better option.”

or Dacthal, which the Environmental Protection Agency has long classified as a possible human carcinogen. The pesticide has been prohibited for use on crops in the European Union since 2009.

EWG releases the Dirty Dozen as part of its annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which analyzes Department of Agriculture test data to identify which fruits and vegetables are most and least contaminated with pesticide residues. The Shopper’s Guide also includes the Clean Fifteen, a list of the fruits and vegetables with the lowest amount of residues.

In the USDA’s most recent round of tests, more than 92 percent of conventionally grown kale samples had at least two or more pesticide residues. Some samples contained residues from as many as 18 different pesticides.

Recent EWG-commissioned tests of kale from grocery stores found that on two of eight samples, Dacthal residues were comparable to the average level reported by the USDA.

On this year’s Dirty Dozen, kale ranks third, after strawberries and spinach.

See ewg.org for the complete Dirty Dozen Even as kale’s popularity has soared over and the Clean Fifteen lists. j the past decade, it hasn’t been included in the USDA’s regular produce tests. Kale ranked eighth on the 2009 Dirty Dozen, the last year for which there was testing data.

“We were surprised kale had so many pesticides on it, but the test results were In the latest tests, almost 60 percent of unequivocal,” said EWG Toxicologist Alexis the kale samples tested positive for DCPA,

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

High-Protein StrawberryBanana Smoothie Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt provides higher protein than regular yogurt) • 1 large banana, sliced • 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries • 1 cup ice (6-7 cubes) • 1 cup low-fat or skim milk, or soy milk (can substitute almond milk, but it’s lower in protein) • 2 tsp. honey • Grated nutmeg if desired Directions Place all ingredients in a blender starting with ice cubes, then sliced fruit, honey, yogurt and finally liquid ingredients. Blend until smooth. Sprinkle with grated nutmeg if desired. Enjoy!!

HEALTH & SAFETY

Safe Kids Week 2019 E very year, a million families around the world lose a child to a preventable injury. In the U.S., 8,000 children a year are lost and 7.7 million children in our country are injured due to preventable injuries. When a child dies, and sometimes even when they are injured, it impacts a family forever. But the good news is that preventable injuries are preventable! It is a problem we can fix. That is why Safe Kids Worldwide and its over 400 local U. S. coalitions and 30 member countries do the work they do and why they are hosting Safe Kids Week 2019 from May 6-May 12 in communities all over the globe and even right here in our own city.

children in best practices for avoiding serious injuries and trips to the emergency department. We also provide tools to help families keep their kids safe, like bike helmets, reduced cost car seats and booster seats, reflectors, water watcher tags and swimming lessons,â&#x20AC;? says Dennis.

Locally, Safe Kids Northeast Florida is led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. This year, a number of events will be conducted by the local coalition in several counties and some are open events for to the public to attend. Please join us at one or more of the following fun, family-centered activities:

Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, May 6-11 Free bike helmets for children 1-19 years available by appointment at Safe Kids Northeast Florida/ The emphasis for Safe Kids Week this year is THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health. Please to encourage families to attend one of the Safe call 904-202-4302 for an appointment. Child Kids Week events available in your community must be present for fitting. during the week. Second, Safe Kids wants families to make a â&#x20AC;&#x153;High Five Checklistâ&#x20AC;?, a to Tuesday, May 7 Safe Kids Buckle Up Inspecdo list to help you target things you need to do tion Station â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call us to make sure your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to keep your children safer at home, on the car seat is the right one for them and that it is road, or at play. Of course, it is also important installed correctly. Our certified child passenâ&#x20AC;&#x153;In Northeast Florida, I can tell you our biggest and effective to keep the conversation going ger safety technicians will make sure you wherever possible, mom to mom, family to issues are infants suffocating due to unsafe know how to install your seat correctly on your sleep practices; drowning; motor vehicle-relat- family, and on social media. We want every own. Call 904-202-4302 for your appointed injuries, both as occupants and pedestrians kid to grow up to do all the great things they ment. Let us know if you need help purchaswere meant to do, and that takes parents, or bike riders; and falls of all sortsâ&#x20AC;?, says ing a car seat or booster seat. grandparents, caregivers and the kids Cynthia Dennis, RN, Coordinator of Safe Kids themselves learning and doing all that we Northeast Florida. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our prevention programs Friday, May 10 - Orange Park Medical Center are reflective of those priorities and we spend know works to prevent serious injuries that too at O2B Kids hosting a Safe Kids home safety often happen to children. our time educating parents, caregivers and interactive table from 3:30 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30pm.

Saturday, May 11 Safe Kids Northeast Florida will be a vendor at WJCTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Be My Neighbor Day from 11 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm at WJCT Studios. We will be featuring an interactive table on water safety. Sammy the Starfish will be there for pictures and there will be a game and prizes for the kids, plus helpful water safety tools for parents. This will be a fun event with lots to do, so please be there and stop by the Safe Kids table! To view a ready-made High Five Checklist, or if you prefer to customize your own, please visit Safekids.org (https://www.safekids.org/ safe-kids-week/my-high-5/make-your-own) and click on the My High 5 banner at the top. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an educational and easy way to start making safety a priority in your family. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to for Safe Kids Week May 6-12! Help us celebrate kids, prevent injuries, and save lives. For more information visit wolfsonchildrens.com. j Cynthia Dennis, BSN,RN, Coordinator Safe Kids Northeast Florida Led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Heath at Wolfson Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital

Stop hiding from the Dentist TRY SEDATION DENTISTRY

Carlson Voted Best Dental Office!

ADVANCED DENTISTRY & FACIAL ESTHETICS MAY 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Jax4Kids.com â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & Safety

Get Up And Dance!

the likelihood of developing these risk factors ith so many advances in technology, listed above. our children’s lifestyles are drastically different from what we may have grown up What can we do? with. My son has programmed his Alexa to perform many duties such as turning off his lights and shutting down his computer monitor • Get active with your family! When you exercise with your kids, you get the health when he leaves his room. We have remote benefits too. There are many ways to get controls for just about everything, and video your kids moving and have fun while doing it. games now consume the hours we use to • Play active games like tag or jump rope with spend outside running around the neighborchildren. hood when we were kids. We don’t even have • Walk with the kids to school each day and to leave the house to walk around and shop walk them back in the afternoon. for many things – online shopping and • Take the stairs, not the elevator when home-meal deliveries has made it possible to possible. basically stay put. As a result, adults and • Monkey bars or climbing helps build muscle children are spending a lot more time sitting and strength. down – also called “being sedentary” – at • Running and jumping build healthy bones. home, at work and while traveling.

When you think about our daily routine, once we get up in the morning, we sit down to have breakfast, sit down in the car on the way to school or work, sit down for classes or work all day, drive home, eat dinner sitting down, and then sit on the couch to watch a TV or surf the internet. That’s a lot of sitting down. Our children might not even have physical education or recess in some grades, or these may only be offered once or twice a week. Why is this a problem? Research shows that time spent sitting and being inactive can lead to: • Elevated BMI (overweight or obesity). • Unhealthy blood-sugar levels and type-2 diabetes. • A greater risk of heart disease. • Other risk factors of poor health.

• Be physically active for at least 2½ hours per week total – that’s 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

Add it up! Walking, dancing, riding bikes, or playing ball – it all counts. So, what do we get from all this physical activity? • • • •

Better sleep. Better mood. Better grades. Better body composition.

With regular exercise, you and your children can look forward to a healthier future. So get moving! j Aurea Thompson RDN, CSP, LDN Pediatric Nutrition Specialist Wolfson Children’s Hospital

In fact, it’s been shown that if we watch less than two hours of television a day, we can reduce

Introducing new location in Ponte Vedra Located in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center 340 Front Street Ste 770

(904) 473-0600 Or you can visit our Baymeadows location at 8355 Bayberry Road

Doctors That Care

Cool Office Environments

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8

Things to Do

(904) 733-7254

Timuquana Water Polo Club Information & Registration Night • May 2, 6:30pm to 8pm The community is invited to find out more about youth water polo at Timuquana Country Club. Meet Head Coach Walt Bartman as he discusses this sport and how to get your son or daughter involved. Other topics that will be covered include price, practices, tournaments, and the future of water polo in Jacksonville. Jacksonville's only USA Water Polo Youth program is based out of Timuquana Country Club and is seeking interested players for all age groups. Age groups are: U10, U12, U14, U16, & U18. Timuquana Country Club / 904388-2664 / 4028 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www.timuquana.net Clay County Young Life “Hula Hustle” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run • May 4, 8am Clay County Young Life “Hula Hustle” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run returns to St. Johns Country Day School. Following the family-friendly 1-mile Fun Run, there will be an awards ceremony and prizes for the best-dressed hula costume. All runners will receive a finisher’s medal and a 5K t-shirt. The proceeds from this race will benefit Clay County Young Life with their weekly gatherings for high school teens at Orange Park High School, Fleming Island High School and St. Johns Country Day School. It will also support the WyldLife program (junior high program), YoungLives program (for teen moms) and a new program coming to Clay County called Capernaum (for kids with disabilities). Your support will also provide opportunities to send kids to summer camp. The fees for the 5K range from $20 to $30, and fees for the fun run are $10. St. Johns Country Day School / 904861-5328 / 3100 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.1stplacesports.com 2019 Velobrew-FSCJ Crit Series May 5, 7am VeloBrew Racing hosts a series of three cycling races for juniors and adults. Registration opens at 7:15am. Kids ages 10 and under can race for free, but must fill out a USAC Waiver. Juniors race registration is $10. One Day USAC Licenses available for $10. Annual Licenses also available. FSCJ Cecil Truck Driving Range / 5640 New World Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32221 / legacy.usacycling.org Junior Lifeguard Program May 11, 18, 9am The St. Johns County Junior Lifeguard program is open to boys and girls 9 – 17 years old. The program is staffed by certified ocean rescue lifeguards and focuses on providing water safety education in an environment that is fun while building teamwork, physical conditioning and respect for each other and the environment. All participants are required to pass a swim assessment prior to registering for the program.

Registration will be done on a first come first served basis. Registration forms and payment of $150 per child per session is due at the time of the tryout. Due to program popularity spots cannot be held for any reason. Participants will be limited to registering for two sessions. Kids interested in participating will be required to complete a tryout, consisting of a 100 yard continuous swim, 5 minute deep water tread, 10 yard underwater swim. All tryouts will take place at the Solomon Calhoun Pool. Solomon Calhoun Pool / 904-209-4739 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.co.st-johns.fl.us Kids Beach Yoga • May 17, 4pm to 4:45pm Kids ages 5-12 can practice yoga with certified Cosmic Kids Yoga Instructor. This class will be held at the Pier Pavilion in St. Augustine Beach, as a partner program with SJC Parks and Rec. Learn to relax your mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches, exercises and activities. Arrive early, class starts promptly. In order for participants to achieve a calm, fun practice certain steps are followed and program must be allowed to proceed without disruption. Please wear loose clothing and bring your own towel or mat. Registration is required, as space is limited. St. Augustine Pier Pavilion / 904-2093730 / 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Ice Cream Sandwich 5k and Fun Run May 18, 8am to 11am The 2nd annual Ice Cream Sandwich 5k and Fun Run returns to Heritage Landing in World Golf Village. The price is $20 with optional Florida Race Day Running Series shirt for an extra $5. This will be a professionally chip timed 5k race or 1 mile walk that starts at the amenity center of Heritage Landing. All participants get a race finisher photograph, 5K finisher medal, door prize drawings, and an Ice Cream Sandwich. Heritage Landing At World Golf Village / 904940-6095 / 370 Heritage Landing Pkwy, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / runsignup.com JTC Running’s 2019 Track Series May 18, 2pm JTC hosts a summer track series. Events include long jump, 100, 1600, 200, 4x100, pole vault, and more. Entry to all meets is free of charge to all pre-registered on line participants. Free on line registration will close at 6pm the Friday preceding each meet. One time registration enters an athlete in all meets. Age groups: 0-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, and adult categories. Those not pre-registered will be charged $5 for day of meet registration. Bib pickup and day of meet registration will open one hour prior to first event. Awards: Medals will be given to the top three in each individual event. No medals for relay teams. All athletes age 12 and under will receive participation ribbons. The Bolles School / 7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / jtc.wildapricot.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Health & Safety Events.

Things to Do

NATURE

“Skip the Straw” to Reduce Pollution

lastic straws are one of the many single-use plastics that litter beaches, pollute oceans and harm wildlife. To preserve natural resources and keep Florida’s environment free of pollutants, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents and visitors to reduce their plastic use and “Skip the Straw.” If every person in Florida took the pledge to Skip the Straw for one week, it would reduce pollution from plastic straws by approximately 2.35 million. Challenge your friends now to help end single-use plastic pollution in Florida. j

10 REASONS TO

SKIP THE STRAW 1

500 million straws are used in the U.S. every day. That’s enough to fill 125 school buses.

x 125

Plastic straws are among the Top Five items collected on the beach every year.

About 90% of trash in the oceans is made from plastic.

90%

Straws and other plastic harm sea life, including fish, turtles and coral reefs.

Straws are easily carried away by the wind, ending up littering our beaches and in our oceans and waterways.

Every year, the U.S. uses enough straws to wrap around the earth 2.5 times.

Plastic trash pollutes most marine habitats, including the deep sea, coral reefs, beaches and rivers.

About 90% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have plastics in their stomach.

In most places, plastic straws cannot be recycled.

Plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, but never fully goes away.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Reduce your use of single-use plastics.

Participate in beach or river cleanups.

Pick up litter and properly dispose of it.

Ask your family and friends to Skip the Straw!

FloridaDEP.gov/SkipTheStraw

Nature Events

Freshwater Fishing 101 May 1, 8, 9am to 11am Learn the ins and outs of fishing freshwater in Florida. Ever wonder about what to put in your tackle box, nets and traps, and fishing regulations? This series of classes will cover all of this and more. Sign up for one class or attend the whole series. Bring your own gear and learn while you fish. Please note that all participants must have a Freshwater Fishing License or be a Florida Resident age 65 and up. Classes are free, but register in advance so they know how many to expect. The class on May 1st will focus on Live & Artificial Bait and the May 8th class is Traps & Nets. Shands Pier / 904-209-0655 / 9934 Shands Pier Road, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.sjcfl.us Jaws of the Sea May 6, 2pm to 3pm; May 7, 6pm to 7pm; May 15, 10am to 11am; May 17, 2pm to 3pm St. Johns County has partnered with Marineland Dolphin Adventure for an interactive guided beach walk all about sharks. Learn about shark biology, common sharks of our area, and local shark research as well as human and shark encounters. Participants will even get a chance to look for their own shark teeth to take home. This program is free, but you must register on Eventbrite to attend. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-2090335. Nease Beachfront Park / 904-209-0335 / SRA1A, Vilano Beach, FL 32084 / www.sjcfl.us Anastasia State Park at the Library May 9, 1pm to 2pm All ages are invited to the library as Park Services Specialist, Chanell Guillaume, discusses what Anastasia State Park has to offer. Located down the street from the library, Chanell will touch upon the historical, natural, and cultural resources that make this park fun and worth protecting. No reservations necessary. Free. St. Johns County Public Library - Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Wild Wonders at Dutton Island May 11, May 25, 11am A hands-on nature program held at Dutton Island Preserve pavilion in Atlantic Beach. Educator Mike Rossi bring out a variety of small creatures for his program titled "The Kapok Tree." Dance, storytelling and humor are interwoven into this presentation with live reptiles and animals. Dutton Island Preserve / 1600 Dutton Island Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / coab.us

HAWKE Dine on the Wild Side May 11, 5pm to 9pm Family fundraiser event for all ages who love animals and wildlife will benefit HAWKE wildlife rescue, rehabilitation & release. The fundraiser event will be held at The St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Wild Bird Rookery. Guests will have exclusive use of the entire park during event hours. There will be guided boardwalk tours of the park's wild bird sanctuary where the rookery season is in full swing. Visitors can see and photograph nesting activity and birds in their most spectacular, full breeding plumage. BBQ dinner will be provided by Jerry Stalvey's BBQ, and a vegetarian option is available from Gypsy Cab Co., and salads from Black Molly Grill. There will be live music from Bob Patterson & Friends. Discounted advance dinner/event tickets are available and limited tickets will be available at the door. HAWKE is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that receives no local, state or federal funding for its work to rescue NE Florida wildlife and wild birds. They have been rescuing wildlife for over 30 years and are always in need of donations, members, corporate sponsors, volunteers and items from the Wish List found on their website. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park / 904-6921777 / 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.hawkewildlife.org Parks & Rec Presents: Sea Turtle Conservation May 16, 1pm to 2pm St. Johns County is home to a variety of wildlife including several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. Sea turtle nesting season is from May 1 – October 31. Those who live and visit St. Johns County have a special opportunity and responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their vulnerable nesting and feeding habitat. Learn more about them in this special class. St. Johns County Public Library - Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Birding at the Rookery May 18, 9:30am to 11:30am See the hundreds of birds that nest here each spring including wood storks, herons, egrets, anhinga, ibis, roseate spoonbills and more. Professional scopes set up on site and binoculars provided to allow an up close view of the islands, nesting behaviors, fledglings and the hungry alligators lurking beneath. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $10 for admission and $5 for parking. Crooked River State Park / 912-882-5256 / 6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558 / explore.gastateparks.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Nature events.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

INFANT & TODDLER

Drug Approved for Postpartum Depression T he U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Zulresso (brexanolone) injection for the treatment of postpartum depression in adult women. This is the first drug approved specifically for this condition.

“Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life-threatening. Women may experience thoughts about harming themselves or harming their child. Postpartum depression can also interfere with the maternal-infant bond. This approval marks the first time a drug has been specifically approved to treat postpartum depression, providing an important new treatment option,” said Tiffany Farchione, M.D., acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Because of concerns about serious risks, including excessive sedation or sudden loss of consciousness during administration, Zulresso has been approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy and is only available to patients through a restricted distribution program at certified health care facilities where the health care provider can carefully monitor the patient.”

Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode that occurs following childbirth, although symptoms can start during pregnancy. As with other forms of depression, it is characterized by sadness and/or loss of interest in activities that one used to enjoy and a decreased ability to feel pleasure and may present with symptoms such as cognitive impairment, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, or suicidal ideation. Zulresso is administered as a continuous IV infusion over a total of 60 hours (2.5 days). Because of the risk of serious harm due to the sudden loss of consciousness, patients must be constantly monitored for excessive sedation, sudden loss of consciousness and for oxygen levels in the blood. The most common reactions reported by patients in clinical trials include sleepiness, dry mouth, loss of consciousness and flushing. The drug is produced by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. j

fda.org

“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” – George Eliot

Largest Resale Maternity Store In NE FL!

All the Popular Maternity Brands at Prices You’ll Love!

10% off

Use offer code: JAX4BELLY Save an additional 5% when you sign up for our mailing list!

Belly Bean MATERNITY & BEYOND

463646 SR 200 Unit 1 Yulee, FL 32097

(904) 849-1667 • bellybeanshop.com Tuesday thru Saturday • 10am - 6pm

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10

Save up to

80% off regular retail prices!

Things to Do

Experience a free music program for young children to learn and share with their parents or caregivers. Each child, with their parents, will experience singing, creative movement, simple instruments, finger plays and more with Littles Playgroup the help of a rich collection of traditional songs Mondays and Wednesdays, May 6, 8, 13, 15, and rhymes. The program is for children ages 20, 22, 29, 10:30am to 11:15am 18 months to four-years old. Register online Storytime is on a planning break for May, in advance. but infants and toddlers are welcome for Held at 10am for ages 18 months - 3 years, a social gathering for caregivers, featuring and at 11am for ages 3-5 years. developmental toys and manipulatives. Free. Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church / 904-353St. Johns County Public Library - Southeast 1636 / 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. 32207 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org Be My Neighbor Day at WJCT Little Learners at MOSH May 11, 11am to 3pm May 8, 9:30am to 11:30am Families are invited for Be My Neighbor Bring your little ones to MOSH on the second Day. Join Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, and Wednesday of every month for exclusive their friends to celebrate WJCT’s annual 'Be programming designed for learning and My Neighbor Day'. In honor of Mr. Roger’s development and watch them grow. These Neighborhood and the new generation of programs encompass various learning styles Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, WJCT is bringing and activities for preschool aged children together friends and community partners in that help to enhance their skills and dexterity. a fun-filled Saturday festival sharing with All activities are designed to encourage families how to be a caring neighbor. This caregivers to engage their little ones in event is free, but please RSVP by May 9th conversations and to work with them through before 5pm. WJCT Studios / 904-358-6304 / each station. Please note that Little Learners 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 encourages child/caregiver interaction and / www.wjct.org requires one registered adult per two children. Due to the popularity of these events, we Baby University • May 23, 6pm to 8pm highly recommend you register in advance to This course will focus on supporting, guarantee your place. Once online availability educating, and providing resources to parents is gone, no further tickets will be sold at the who have children ages 0-5, to ensure that the door. (Caregivers must register themselves children are developmentally ready to succeed and their children for each month’s program). in the core areas of: Social and Emotional, Admission is $6/person for ages 3 and up. Language and Communication, Early Learning This month’s program is My Friend, Moon. and Literacy, Physical, Maternal Health & WellMuseum of Science and History / 904-396Being and Positive Parenting Partnerships. 6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL Held in the Center for the Prevention of Health 32207 / themosh.org Disparities Building at Edward Waters College. Edward Waters College / 904-390-2960 / Belly Bean Maternity Breastfeeding Class 1401 Grunthal Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / May 11, 9am dcps.duvalschools.org International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Amy Johnston delivers an eviHelp Me Grow, Play and Learn- Baby dence-based breastfeeding class curriculum. Storytime This 2.5 hour class covers everything families May 24, 31, 10:30am to 11am need to know to get breastfeeding off to the This story time focuses on providing best start. Topics will include what to expect opportunities for parents with babies to in the first hours after birth, how to read your interact and learn together. This program will newborn’s behavior, newborn and family sleep, include rhymes, songs, movement activities, latch and positioning techniques and in-class and books to promote language development practice, and more. Please bring a stuffed and positive interactions between parent and animal to class for practice. Seats must be child. reserved in advance. The $40 class tuition 10:30am – A short lap-sit story time for covers a seat for the breastfeeding parent and children from birth to walking with adult a partner, caregiver or doula, 2.5 instructional caregivers. hours, a folder with class handouts, and a 10:45am – A sensory experience for babies, helpful e-document containing links to the toddlers, and their caregivers to promote evidence-based best practice information, sensory and social play. instructional videos and research articles Jacksonville Public Library - Highlands presented in class. Regional Branch / 904-757-7702 / 1826 Dunn Belly Bean Maternity / 904-849-1667 / Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / 463646 SR-200 Unit #1, Yulee, FL 32097 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org http://www.communitylactation.com

Infant & Toddler

Sing & Play Discovery Day May 11, 10am to 11am

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events.

caring for children all day, every day. Open 365 Days a Year, Evening Hours Too Most Insurance & Medicaid Accepted Newly Updated Oﬃces with X-Ray and Lab Services MAIN STREET

TOWN CENTER

904.354.6868

904.642.6100

1714 Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32206

4972 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 301 Jacksonville, FL 32246

www.PediatricAssociates.com

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

INFANT & TODDLER

Be My Neighbor Day at WJCT Is Your Baby on Track? Check

“W good.”

hen you do something nice for your neighbor, you start something

Join Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, and their friends to celebrate Be My Neighbor Day and start something good in your neighborhood.

In honor of the iconic TV show “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” and the new TV series spin-off “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” WJCT television station is holding a fun-filled Saturday festival sharing with families how to be a caring neighbor.

Participants will be able to: • Decorate placemats to share with residents in assisted living facilities. • Make your pledge to do something good for a neighbor. • Meet a community helper and learn how you can help too. • Make a bookmark for yourself and for someone special. • Enjoy food trucks from across the First Coast. • Find a cool place in your neighborhood to explore this summer. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the WJCT studios, 100 Festival Park Ave. Due to space restrictions strollers will not be allowed inside the studios. This event is free, but it is suggested that you register at eventbrite.com/e/be-my-neighborday-2019-tickets-53148084351 before 5 p.m. on May 9. j

Out Pathways.org

athways.org is a not-for-profit organization providing free child development information to parents and health professionals. The milestones provided are supported by American Academy of Pediatrics findings and the games and activities suggested are validated by pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Milestones are checkpoints sorted by age and topic of development that your baby should reach by a certain age. Pathways offers a list to make sure your child is on the right track. Through educational videos you can learn about such topics as Tummy Time, Sensory Integration, Early Communication, and more. These videos are available in several languages. The games and activities are designed to encourage your baby’s growth and development and gain the skills they need to reach milestones. Visit their baby games calendar

for developmentally friendly games to play with baby from birth through their second birthday, then sign up for weekly emails to receive these games and other tips.

They also offer informational charts to help keep track of your baby’s progress and checklists to shape the conversation with your child’s healthcare provider. j pathways.org

Get the Right Toddler Booster Seat

onsumer Reports’ toddler-booster/ combination car seat ratings, updated with the latest test findings, reveal the seats that provide the best balance of crash protection, ease-of-use, fit-to-vehicle, and booster belt fit.

experts say that it’s not just a matter of your child’s weight or height.

These car seats are initially used with a five-point harness system to restrain the child; then after he outgrows the harness, he transitions to using the seat in booster mode with vehicle’s seat belts to restrain him without having to purchase a separate booster seat.

Boosters are meant to elevate children so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits them properly, with the shoulder belt resting midway across their collarbone and chest, and the lap belt sits across the upper thighs and hip bones. This ensures that the forces applied by the seat belt in the event of a crash will be to the strong, bony parts of a child’s body, and that the child stays properly secured by the seat belt.

“For booster seats, the child needs to be able to sit upright with the belt properly positioned the entire ride—no squirming, or moving around,” says Ben Hoffman, M.D., chair for the Toddler-booster car seats are typically used for American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention and the kids who have outgrown the height or weight author of the AAP policy on child passenger limits of their rear-facing seat until they are safety. big enough to use the vehicle belts alone.

Consumer Reports experts recommend delaying the move to a toddler-booster combination car seat as long as possible, since there is a loss of relative protection from rear-facing to forward-facing and from five-point harness to booster. Especially when it comes to booster seats,

See Consumer Reports.org for their car seat rating guide. j consumerreports.com

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

Episcopal Children’s Services Free Child Care Resource & Referral (904) 726-1500 • (800) 238-3463 www.ecs4kids.org Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing: • A customized list of local child care options from our trained specialists. • Information about quality child care and early learning programs • Financial assistance strategies and opportunities • Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Early Learning Coalition North Florida

Helping Children. Helping Families.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Discovery Cove Gets Autism Designation

iscovery Cove, SeaWorld’s day resort park, where guests swim with dolphins and snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays and other unique animal interactions, is now a Certified Autism Center as distinguished by International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, making it the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the U.S to be certified.

spectrum. Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam. The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification. j discoverycove.com

The IBCCES certification follows sister parks Sesame Place, the first theme park in the world to reach this accreditation, and Aquatica Orlando, the first water park in the world to be accredited.

Special Needs Events Jumpstreet Special Needs Event May 4, 9am to 11am Jumpstreet hosts a special event for children with special needs and their siblings. The semi-private event will be held the first Saturday of the month. From 9am to 10am, the event is private; from 10am to 11am, the event is open to the public. Cost is $8 for children 5 and up; $4 for children 4 and under. Parents/guardians are free. Jumpstreet / 904-853-5721 / 1214 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.gotjump.com

Invo Behavior and Therapy Services Grand Opening and Family Playdate May 4, 9am to 12noon Invo Behavior and Therapy Services hosts a grand opening and super hero family playdate. Tour the brand new facility, let the kids play, enjoy crafts and face painting, and more. There will also be a meet and greet with Spiderman and Wonder Woman. Invo Behavior and Therapy Services / 800-356-4049 / 6859 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.autismhomesupport.com Sensory Sensitive Sundays May 5 Two area Chuck E. Cheese's locations offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays. On the first Sunday of every month, these locations will open two hours early, specifically for children with autism and other special needs. There will be reduced lighting and noise, food and games offered, and trained and caring staff. Chuck E. Cheese's / www.chuckecheese.com 6065 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32244 and 10320 Shops Lane 32258, Jacksonville, FL 32258

The staff at Discovery Cove will be continually trained to assist guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, to help ensure a positive experience during their visit. Guests will also be provided with specific information about each of the Discovery Cove experiences, along with in park accommodations to help them plan their day and make informed choices best suited to their individual needs.

All Abilities Night at iFLY Jacksonville May 6, 5pm to 8pm All Abilities Night at iFLY is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options, and in response, created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. As a Certified Autism Center, Discovery Cove is required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism

Things to Do

support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible. For more details and to reserve your spot, contact iFLY at 904-712-3388 or sales@ iflyjacksonville.com. Everyone in the special needs community is welcome to participate. Event package includes a pre-flight training session, and all the necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles). Each flyer will be assisted by specially trained Flight Instructors during the event with extra attention and accommodations based on participant needs. Each flyer receives 2 flights (1 minute each) for $39.95 and a free video. iFLY / 904-712-3388 / 10579 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.iflyworld.com We Rock Facilitated Play Group Mondays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 4pm to 5:30pm Families are invited to learn how to play with their child - and teach them how to play with others. This facilitated play group will be for all children to learn how to play and communicate with each other in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Each class will have a theme with special gross motor games, art, music, and more. Parents will lead their child through activities presented by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and meet new children & families in the area. Meets weekly on Monday, 4pm to 5:30pm. Cost is $65/ month. We Rock the Spectrum / 904-330-0362 / 9357 Philips Highway Suite 3, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.werockthespectrumjacksonville.com Sensory Towne Glow Party May 18, 10am to 12noon Sensory Towne hosts a monthly Glow in the Dark Party. They turn the lights out, and use black lights. There will be lots of glow in the dark crafts, sensory bins, t-shirt decorating and more. For ages 6 months and up. Cost is $15 a child. Reservations can be made online. Sensory Towne / 904-551-6443 / 8380 Baymeadows Road Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.sensorytowne.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.

“Who takes a child by the hand takes a mother by the heart.”

www.biofeedbackassociates.com bioneurowork@gmail.com

– Danish Proverb MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

TRAVEL

New Experiences at Disney Family Travel Service

isney’s Hollywood Studios marks its 30th anniversary on May 1st and Disney has been transforming the park with the opening of several new experiences.

Last summer, Disney unveiled the new Toy Story Land, designed to recreate Andy’s toy-filled backyard from the Disney·Pixar “Toy Story” films. The eleven acre addition features Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster named for everyone’s favorite floppy-eared dachshund, the iconic American toy from the 1940s. Guests get to ride inside Slinky Dog’s coils as the lovable pooch twists and turns around the track across the “Land”. The newest adventure, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, opened March 31st. This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen.

When you cruise inside, you will come face to face with Lightning, who appears live on stage. The theater features a 17-foot-tall wraparound screen that stretches more than 200 feet end to end. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will run continuously throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs. And when the race is over, in the courtyard outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, you can meet Cruz and snap a photo with the champion racer, or dance with DJ, the ultimate party on wheels. In addition, several times daily Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew will arrive on the scene for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party

Time!” that invites guests to gather around DJ for Cars-inspired dances and games. The next addition to Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge starts August 29th where you can live your own Star Wars adventures.

Over at EPCOT, the Flower and Garden Festival is blooming until June 3. Over 70,000 blooms surround the lakes of Future World and dozens of topiaries of favorite Disney characters are scattered thoroughout the park. Families can participate in the Pollen-Nation Exploration family scavenger hunt, visit the Goodness Garden Butterfly House, where nearly 1,000 native butterflies fly among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants and play in the Play Full Garden playground and Bo Peep’s Training Grounds playground. The nighttime spectacular “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will end its 20 year run on September 30th. On October 1st, “Epcot Forever,” a new nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort, will debut. The new show will feature fireworks, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites will continue into 2020 when a new nighttime spectacular will debut. Other new additions coming to EPCOT in the future include a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction, which will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world, an innovative, interactive city with games and hands-on activities, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, a Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and an updated O Canada! 360-degree show. Through June 27th, Florida residents can purchase a four-day Discover Disney Ticket for less than $49 per day plus tax (valid for admission to one theme park per day). Here are the ticket details for home-staters: • 3-day Discover Disney Ticket (one theme park per day) – $175 (plus tax) • 4-day Discover Disney Ticket (one theme park per day) – $195 (plus tax) Tickets must be used by June 30th and there are no blackout dates. For more information or to purchase the Discover Disney Ticket, Florida residents can visit Disneyworld.com/discoverdisney. j

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14

Makes It Easy M aking family travel as easy as A, B, C is the motto of Kid & Coe, a travel service similar to airbnb but specializing in families with children.

“We know how to travel with children. With plenty of children between us and more stamps in our passports than we can count, the team at Kid & Coe has first-hand experience of the highs and lows of family travel. With hand-picked accommodations around the world, plus insight from local parents about how to get the best out of their destination, we’re minimizing the pain points and revolutionizing how families travel.” Founder Zoie Kingsbery Coe created Kid & Coe in 2013 out of personal necessity. For years she had been traveling the world with her musician husband, children in tow, and saw that hotel accommodations that suited a touring couple no longer fit the needs of her growing family. Zoie began seeking out kid-friendly property rentals that made her family feel at home wherever they were in the world. As increasing numbers of parents asked Zoie to share her travel expertise and property secrets, Kid & Coe was born. Their services: • FINDING YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Browse the family friendly properties by destination, amenity or specific travel dates. The clear, consistent property listings with ample photographs help you evaluate the right home for your family. • SIMPLIFIED ONLINE BOOKING: Their site allows direct communication with your host and the Kid & Coe team. If you need more information, or don’t see the dates you wish to book, click the “Contact Host” button on any property listing. They aim to confirm the booking request within 48 hours • ENJOY LOCAL INSIGHT: Upon booking, ‘My Travel Plans’ provides travel details in one place. This includes: booking details and property guidelines; the “Play List,” top things to see and do that month; “The City Scout,” an online guidebook to your destination, compiled with local parents input.

• ENSURING PEACE OF MIND: To ensure a world-class experience, their customer service team is just a phone call or email away to assist your family with whatever might come up during a Kid & Coe stay.

Kid & Coe prides itself with being a network of families with shared beliefs and understandings. “The strength of our community is the foundation that our business stands on and ultimately what makes it successful.” That said, all guests have to agree to the same rules. They are: • Treat your host’s home the way you would want yours treated. This is the guiding principle that we ask our community to uphold. Kid & Coe was designed for families, by families, and they expect you to be a responsible and respectful guest. They also understand that accidents can happen, which is why guests are asked to agree to a security deposit before their visit. • Please remove shoes when inside the house. Please ensure children eat and drink while sitting down at the table. It’s better for them and helps prevent spills! • Please ensure works of art are done at tables and that crayons don’t find their way onto walls or furniture. Also please be respectful of surfaces and clean up after sticky fingers. Another tot’s toys can be pretty alluring, but if you find a stowaway in your children’s luggage, please send it back or contact the owner to reimburse them. • Please only use the home as intended for you and your family. No late night raves, no work conventions, no impromptu neighborhood play spaces. And when you leave the property, please take the trash out. Diapers + Time = Bad News Bears. The Kid & Coe community rules apply to all homes in the Kid & Coe network. If guests do not adhere to them, their security deposit or some part of it may be retained by the host family. See kid&coe.com for more information and to book your next family-friendly vacation. j

TRAVEL

The 8 Best Family Road Trip Toys and Games of 2019

hen you’re heading out for a family road trip, it’s easy to bring along an iPad or other electronic device and headphones so the kids can play some games and watch videos. But most parents also want some travel-friendly, creative games and toys to give kids a break from the electronics. And it’s also smart to have back-up entertainment for when the device is on the fritz or the battery runs out. The best options for portable toys are ones that keep kids entertained, without being too noisy, messy or bulky. An added bonus is when the game appeals to kids of different ages and can be fun for the entire family. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you may have to pack several different items to make everyone happy. But you’re sure to find some fun and stimulating options on this list of best family road trip toys and games.

historical sites, and tell funny stories about vacations, all while writing and learning (without realizing!) about sentence structure and parts of speech. Mad Libs is perfect for families with a wide range of ages. And these fun-filled pads are so inexpensive that you may even want to stock up and also pack Summer Fun and Vacation Fun themed ones. $4.99 from Amazon or Walmart

they start to get bored. The games feature Best for Ages 4 to 7 magnetic pieces that stick to the boards, so you don’t have to worry them sliding off or getting lost. You can easily stash the tin cases in your purse or backpack and all the pieces fit inside, making clean-up a cinch. These games are recommended for kids ages five and up. $26.99 from Amazon

Wikki Stix

The whole family can compete as they all try to spot objects listed on these Scavenger Hunt for Kids cards. In addition to cards with objects such as “red car” or “license plate with the letter Z”, some special “Hear It”, “Feel It” and “Smell It” cards encourage kids to use all their senses to explore their surroundings. Family members can team up, so even the driver can play along. The 54 cards are durable and high-quality, so they’ll hold up for countless games and hours of fun. $7.43 on Amazon

Wikki Stix are bendable sticks made of yarn and wax that inspire imagination as kids shape them into flat or 3-D creations. They’re perfect for road trip art because they’re mess-free and Travel Bingo don’t require parental help. Kids of all Suitable for kids ages love ages three and up, bingo, so Wikki Stix doesn’t these Travel contain any toxins, Bingo boards latex, gluten or are perfect if allergens. Younger you’re looking kids can use them to learn basic shapes, for a fun, letters, and numbers, while older kids can get affordable and travel-friendly game for your creative making more intricate designs. The entire brood. The miles fly by when kids are package comes with 48 Wikki Stix in six studying the scenery as they try to win a round. When they spot various items such as a different colors. They’re endlessly reusable, truck, stop sign or mailbox, they simply slide compact and portable. When kids are done the window over a space to mark it. The first creating, you can simply put the Wikki Stix person to get five spaces in a row wins. If a back in the resealable package and stick them child wants to play alone, he can create in the seat pocket or toss them in your purse challenges for himself, such as attempting to or bag. $6.59 from Amazon or Walmart fill up the entire board. The set comes with two durable auto bingo and two interstate Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Games bingo cards that can be reused over and over (Matching, Bingo, Hangman, Chess or Checkagain. There’s a great mix of city and rural ers. Price range $6 - $8 items, so this game is perfect for wherever your family is headed. $7.99 from Amazon Mad Libs

A favorite of kids and adults, Mad Libs is classic road trip fun, providing families with hours of laughs and entertainment during long car rides. With this road trip version of the popular word game, kids can help create car songs, describe

Go old school with these classic kids’ games in magnetic, travel-size boards. Siblings can play checkers, hangman, and tic-tac-toe together in the backseat, and then the whole family can continue the fun once you get to your destination. With three different games to choose from, kids can switch it up when

Known for their creative and wellmade toys, Melissa & Doug provides a clever way for kids to play the classic memory matching game on the go. This sturdy Travel Memory Game features 24 wooden tiles attached to the board with bungee cords, so they can be flipped up, but still stay on. Kids can choose from fourteen different fun themes, slide one of the laminated cards into the board and then start flipping up the tiles to look for matches. They can play alone or challenge someone else. The built-in numbered scoreboard lets them keep track of their matches. There are no loose pieces and everything conveniently stores in the board, so this game is perfect for travel. $12.73 from Amazon or Walmart

Scavenger Hunt

Best for Ages 8 to 12

Best for Ages 3 to 5

Most kids love getting creative with markers, but parents worry about them staining their skin, clothes, and any fabric they’re coloring near. That’s where these no-mess Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Coloring Pads come in. The markers work only on the special Color Wonder paper, so you don’t have to fret about kids marking up the upholstery when they’re coloring in the backseat. The durable storage case doubles as a lap desk, so it’s easy for your little ones to color in the car and then tote the markers and paper into a roadside restaurant when you stop for a meal. There’s a huge variety of coloring book themes to choose from, so kids won’t get bored. $14.94 from Amazon $14.99 from Target

Your tweens will be motivated to put down their electronics to try and solve these fun and intriguing puzzles. The set comes with a classic 3 x 3 x 3 cube, a 2 x 2 x 2-speed cube, as well as a pyramid puzzle. They’re very smooth and easy to manipulate, even for small hands. With three puzzles with different degrees of difficulty to choose from, kids can keep rotating and not get frustrated or bored. $15.99 from Amazon To download free travel games, visit tripsavvy. com and search “Free Printable Travel Games for Kids”. j travelsavvy.com

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

TRAVEL

Best Family Vacations in the USA

amily vacations can supply lifelong memories, but to ensure that every member of the family is satisfied, it’s important to travel to the perfect locale. U.S. News and World Report magazine, with the help of reader votes and expert opinion, has gathered a list of travel destinations that offer reasonable rates and activities the whole family can enjoy and, lucky for us, several of those destinations are driving distance from us. #1 Walt Disney World – Orlando Known for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and performances, the Walt Disney World resort is engineered specifically for families, and its formula is very successful. But if you aren’t up for putting on mouse ears, this Florida city hosts a slew of other theme parks that are sure to excite wee ones.

booking a hotel in a nearby suburb, such as Arlington or Alexandria in Virginia, and relying on public transportation

Get Your Shots Before You Go

hen traveling out of the country you need to be aware of the ways to protect your child and family from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Make sure you are up to date on all recommended vaccinations before traveling abroad. International travel can be a fun and enriching #6 Yosemite experience, but it can also pose health risks. What makes Yosemite an excellent family The type of risks you might face during travel destination? Its numerous outdoor offerings, from hiking and camping to mountain climbing depend on a number of things including: • Where you are traveling. and rafting. And, unlike other national parks, • Your activities while traveling. Yosemite boasts relatively easy accessibility • The state of your health. (San Francisco is only a few hours away by • Your vaccination history. car), making it easy to plan daytrips

#7 Disleyland – Anaheim Similar to its Disney sister city, Orlando, Anaheim has enough mouse-themed attractions to keep parents and kids busy and smiling, along with Knott’s Berry Farm and Adventure City. Plus, Anaheim has the added benefit of its California location, which sits in #2 Yellowstone close proximity to the beaches and sights of Kids will get a kick out of watching Old Faithful Los Angeles and San Diego erupt, and there’s nothing quite like an afternoon hike to bring the clan together. #8 Maui Hotels inside the park can be expensive, so This Hawaiian island has plenty of sights for make this a BYOB (bring your own bed) kids of all ages. Travel to Haleakala National vacation and take advantage of the park’s Park to see the world’s largest dormant well-equipped campsites volcano or splash around the calm waters of Wailea Beach. If you’re faced with a rainy day, #3 Grand Canyon take a trip to the Maui Ocean Center to learn This national park is a universally admired more about Hawaii’s underwater ecosystems family destination. You’ll find lots to do here, including hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding #9 Gatlinburg the Grand Canyon Railway. Despite its This mountain town in eastern Tennessee was popularity, the Grand Canyon also manages to practically made for families. When you’re not be budget-friendly. Keep in mind: If you’re exploring Great Smoky Mountains National planning a summer visit, you’ll have to Park (for free), take a ride up the Ober contend with massive crowds Gatlinburg Aerial Tram to reach the amusement park of the same name or head to #4 Destin Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to see their Along with its pearly white sands, Destin offers resident mermaids a variety of kid-pleasing entertainment. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is a hit for #10 San Diego its long slides and lazy river, while the Travel to San Diego for 70 miles of sandy fun. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is popular for When the waves start to bore the kids, the its variety of animals, including tropical birds creatures at the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld and bottlenose dolphins are sure to hold their interest. And if you need some relief from the sun, head to the attrac#5 Washington D.C. tions housed within Balboa Park – home of the The key to D.C.’s family appeal is the National popular San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Mall, which is surrounded by free, kid-friendly museums and renowned monuments. Beyond See travel.usnews.com for more info and the mall, a stop at the National Zoo is also a more destinations. j must. To cut down on vacation costs, consider

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

Many vaccine-preventable diseases that have become rare in the United States, such as measles and pertussis, are still common in other parts of the world. Certain activities, such as attending crowded events, can increase the spread of infectious disease. No matter where you plan to go, you should get recommended vaccines to lower your chances for getting and spreading disease. Talk with a health care professional about needed vaccines when you begin to plan international travel. If your primary health care professional does not stock travel vaccines, you may need to visit a travel clinic to get the vaccines you need. In Jacksonville, you can

visit Travel Clinic Jacksonville at one of their two locations: 3627 University Blvd S., Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 or 1361 13th Ave S, Suite 24, Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32250. Call 722-TRIP (8747) to make an appointment. You can find current travel alerts on their website at travelclinicjacksonville.com. See your health care professional at least a month before any international travel. You may need this much time to complete a vaccine series, and your body needs time to build up immunity. Find out vaccine recommendations and requirements for your destination. In addition to getting any recommended travel vaccines, make sure you and your family are up to date on all routine vaccines, such as MMR vaccine. On its website the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a comprehensive list about what vaccines are needed for each country. Also, to stay informed about recent outbreaks and how they can affect your family’s travel plans, make sure you visit CDC’s Travel Notices section before your travel. j cdc.gov

Food Allery Sufferers Can Now Travel with Peace of Mind

raveling to a foreign country with a food allergy? Don’t take a chance. Go to allergytranslation.com to get an allergy translation card to communicate your food allergies at restaurants in foreign countries. Allergy Translation’s certified translators will create a customized card that displays multiple allergens or a specialized card that gives more detail about one severe allergy. Choose from a selection of over 200 foods. Sufferers can go to allergytranslation.com to make your own card. Create in minutes a customized card to show a list of multiple allergies, or choose a specialized card that provides additional safety info for one specific allergy. Credit-card sized printouts allow you to print as many copies as you would like so you can give them to kitchen staff and chefs.

Allergy Translation Inc. was founded by Kyle Dine after experiencing the need for the product while traveling throughout Europe. Being allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish and mustard, he knows the importance of conveying food allergies effectively. AllergyTranslation.com was created in 2006 and founded with the principle of providing helpful tools that assist allergic travelers. Their mission is to provide useful solutions for people with food allergies and other dietary needs, with the purpose of creating more awareness and advocacy for food allergies and other dietary ailments, as well as providing useful and accurate translations of dietary information. They are continually expanding the number of languages providing translations. j

allergytranslation.com

SUMMER CAMPS

Preparing Our Kids (and Ourselves) for Summer Camp(s)

h, summer is around the corner and, you know what that means…either we need to get on inventing some new ways to keep our kids occupied and get their energy out for weeks on end, or find a summer camp(s) that provides wholesome, fun activities that -- who knows? -- may even be utilizable in the future.

integrate the kids/yourself to the idea of overnight camp by starting with day camp. This will make leaving home for camp much less intimidating.

buddy being with them from the get-go.

Another way to prepare the family for camp is to discuss what’s to come in terms of accommodations, food, attire and activities. Another important way to prepare your child/ Pack their gear together (including maybe teen for camp is to talk to them about it in some paper/notecards, envelopes and stamps advance. Let them be part of choosing a camp old-school snail mail style), and discuss a For many families, sending the kids to summer that excites them and that they think they will schedule for the various methods you may camp isn’t as simple as swiping a credit card enjoy and find enriching. Listen and validate communicate with one another while they’re and driving/flying them off to “Camp Thank their feelings of anxiety, letting them know away. Encourage your kiddo to let you know You for a Real Vacation at last for Mom and homesickness and being sad while missing both the positive and negative stuff about Dad too.” Many kids have never been away home is common/normal. Reflect and offer camp, and assure them that they can tolerate from home for days, let alone, weeks without them your insights from childhood experiences and express unpleasant feelings such as their parents/caregivers, and while super away from home, discussing how you may sadness or anger, as well as pleasant ones exciting, it isn’t always the most seamless have also missed your family at times while such as joy or excitement. And when you transition for them (or us). The best treatment attending summer camp or otherwise away, respond while they’re away, you may mention for anxiety (including separation or social but it was totally worth it because of all the briefly about how you miss them, but overall anxiety) is exposure, so you want to build up cool adventures you had and friends you met keep it light and upbeat, and don’t forget to your kiddos’ (and your own) confidence that that taught you so much and created lifelong mention you’re proud of them, love them and the entire family can handle a long sleepaway memories you’ll always cherish. Speaking of are excited to hear all about their camp camp in advance by first having them stay the friends, consider making it easier on your kid experience. night with a friend or for several days at their (and yourself) by tag-teaming camping with grandparents’ or uncle/aunt’s home without other families and registering your kids When you drop off your child, meet and you. After all, practice makes perfect. Perhaps together, so they have the safety net of their introduce them to at least their main points of

contact (i.e. counselors, teachers, coaches, staff…) who are all eager to make their time at camp amazingly fun and rewarding. As with school drop-offs, make the good byes as short, sweet and natural as possible, as you are confident they (and you) can handle this time away from each other. Long, emotional goodbyes can only add to a difficult transition, separation anxiety with reluctance to be away from one another. Legendary coach John Wooden said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” If you follow the steps above and work this plan, your kids (and in turn you) are sure to have a much more epic, unforgettable summer camp experience. You might just have to beg them to leave camp to come home. j Raj Loungani, MD, MPH Board-Certified Child/Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist Founder/President of Enhance Psych, Inc. EnhancePsych.com 904-473-4963

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

SUMMER CAMPS Aquatics Camp June 17 – August 2, 2019 Owned and operated by the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, the property is located at the St Johns River Base at Echockotee sitting on Doctors Inlet in Orange Park. Aquatics Camp serves boys and girls ages 6-14. A camper’s day is filled with activities that bring them from the shores of Doctors Lake to the heights of the climbing wall, and from the woods of the archery range to catching some air off the back of one of the wakeboard boats. Pick up options from Beach Blvd/295 (Strike Zone Fishing) & The Avenues (Christ Church). Extended care is available. Discounts for multiple weeks and siblings. Sign up by May 20, 2019 and save even more! 904-269-2091 / 2513 Doctors Lake Dr, Orange Park, 32073 / www.aquaticscamp.org Bolts & Bytes Maker Academy June 3 – August 9, 2019 Join Bolts & Bytes Maker Academy this summer for fun, week-long morning and afternoon classes. We offer a variety of week-long summer camp classes in STEM, STEAM, Making, Robotics, Coding, 3D Printing, DIY Building and more! Register before Mar. 31st for the 2019 Summer Camp season and get a 20% DISCOUNT on ALL your Summer Camp registrations! 904-334-5664 / 939 11th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / www.boltsandbytes.club Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camps Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where they learn, they build, they play… with LEGO® bricks. Programs are built around their proprietary model plans, designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes such as space, construction, and amusement parks. Their specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz approach to educational play. At Bricks 4 Kidz, they believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity. They work with school-aged kids 5 and up. Camps as low as $149 a week! Many popular themes based off of Minecraft, Transformers, Star Wars and more! 904-312-7621 / https://www.bricks4kidz.com/ florida-jacksonville-westside Campapalooza • June 10 - August 9, 2019 9am - 3pm Extended day available from 7am - 6pm Games, special events, and activities each week. Different theme every week. Early Registration: $109/week if you are registered by May 4th. $129/ week after May 4th. $50 registration fee. Extended day $25/week. Sibling discounts available. Camp is held at Blessed Trinity Catholic School. 904-233-5605 / 10472 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.michaelleesdojo.com Camp Cummer June 10 – July 26, 2019

Monday – Friday, 9am – 3:30pm For Grades 1 – 6. The mission of the Cummer Museum is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. Children will learn, grow, and explore new ways of expressing themselves at Camp Cummer. Cost: $200 for Members and $230 for Non-Members per week. Extended care is available for Elementary School Camp only. HEAL Foundation scholarships are available for children with autism. 904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, 32204 / www.cummermuseum.org

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM

San Pablo 619-8797 3232 San Pablo Road Lic#C04DU0350

Camp Discovery June, July & August, 2019 6:30am – 6:30pm Every summer, winter, and spring break, The Discovery Tree Academy becomes Camp Discovery. Learning shouldn’t end when school’s out! At Camp Discovery our school-aged explorers spend the summer visiting exciting places from all over the Jacksonville area. Expeditions include Jacksonville Zoo, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Adventure Landing, The Black Raven Pirate Ship and much more. Cost: $185 per week. Includes field trips, lunch, & snacks. thediscoverytreeacademy.com Oakleaf / 904-779-1770 / 7629 Old Middleburg Road, Jacksonville, 32222 / Lic# C04DU0391 San Pablo / 904-619-8797 / 3232 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, 32224 / Lic# C04DU0350

SUMMER CAMP

thediscoverytreeacademy.com

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

INCLUDES FIELD TRIPS, LUNCH, & SNACKS

Oakleaf 779-1770 7629 Old Middleburg Road Lic# C04DU0391

Summer Camp

June 3 - August 9 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Intensive training on all four Olympic Events Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor Exercise with weekly themes and showcase Friday. Tumbling, arts & crafts, dance, movies, and group games too! Come one week or all summer $165 rst week • $10 oﬀ each additional week (max discount 3 weeks) Drop ins and extended hours available

Mention this ad for $10 oﬀ camp Building Champions Inside-Out!

Camp Encore June 10 – 14, June 17 – 21, June 24 – 28, 2019 9am – 3:30pm Camp Encore, presented by Cathedral Arts Project, offers 6- to 11-year-olds the opportunity to discover their passion and grow their creativity. Campers of all experience levels will enjoy one-of-a-kind instruction in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts, led by qualified teaching artists. Cost: $214 per session. Lunch Plan - $35 per session. Extended Day - $50 per session. Camp will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral located at 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. 904-281-5599 / www.capkids.org/encore Children’s Art Classes Summer Workshops June 10 – June 28, 2019 – 1406 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, 32073 June 10 – July 12, 2019 – 8411 Baymeadows Way, Suite 2, Jacksonville, 32256 June 10 – July 12, 2019 – 880 US Highway A1A North Suite Six, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 Ages 3 and up. Students may participate in a variety of weekly art workshops. Each workshop will meet each day, Monday through Friday, for each selected week. Students may participate in as many as four different workshops at Baymeadows location or 3 at Orange Park location each week, for a fourweek period over the summer. Visit the website for class descriptions and times. 904-612-7557 / www.childrensartclasses.com

$185 PER WEEK

904.783.8043

gymnasticsunlimitedd.com

MAKE THIS SUMMER A MASTERPIECE REGISTER TODAY FOR SUMMER CAMP AT THE CUMMER MUSEUM Let your child’s creativity shine this summer! Campers enjoy instruction in various artistic methods, guided tours of the galleries, time in the historic riverfront gardens, and boundless opportunities to learn through creative play.

2019 SUMMER CAMP DETAILS: • For children entering grades 1 through 6 • June 10 through July 26 (no camp July 1 through 5) • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Extended care (morning and afternoon) available for an additional fee • Six individually-themed weeks offered

• $200 per camper per week for Members; $230 per camper per week for Non-Members

Summer Camp for Middle School available July 29 through August 2 (students entering grades 6 through 9; extended care not offered)

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL AT CUMMERMUSEUM.ORG/CAMP, OR CALL 904.355.0630.

SUMMER CAMPS Collage Day School’s Camp Collage June 3 – August 2, 2019, 9am – 3pm Extended care available. Ages 2 - 10. This 9 week summer camp, aims to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity for the natural world, creativity, collaboration with others, and confidence to engage in new experiences. Campers are broken up into Preschool and Elementary tracks. Elementary Track will go offsite for Field Trips on Fridays. Preschool track will attend onsite campus field trips. Cost: Full Day $250/week. ½ Day (9am-12pm) $150/week . 904-900-1439 / 171 Canal Boulevard Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 / www.collagedayschool.org TimberNook at Collage Day School Elementary Track – June 10 – 14 & July 8 – 12, 2019 – 9:30am – 1:30pm Preschool Track – June 24 – 28 & July 22 – 26, 2019 – 9:30am – 11:45am Extended care available. Ages 2-10. TimberNook Camp offers two-week camps for ages 2-3 years and ages 4-10 years. Children will be encouraged to explore nature, while challenging their minds and bodies in beautiful natural settings. Cost: Elementary $225/week. Preschool $125/week . 904-900-1439 / 171 Canal Boulevard Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 / www.collagedayschool.org Challenge Island June 3 – July 26, 2019 These STEAMtastic Challenge Island Camps are the perfect destination for your child during summer vacation and other school breaks! Built around pop culture themes kids love, the Challenge Island camps feel like action-packed vacations in their own right. 904-447-9547 / 460 Davis Park Rd, Ponte Vedra, 32081 / challenge-island.com/firstcoast Cornerstone Christian - Camp Discovery June 10 - July 19, 2019 OR June 10 - August 2, 2019 • 8am - 5pm (Extended Care Available) Kindergarten thru 8th Grade. Campers are placed in groups according to their age. Lunch and afternoon snack are provided to campers each day. Camp Activities Include: Basketball, Swimming, Splash Park Water Play, STEM Robotics, Academic Review Time, 2 to 3 Themed Field Trips each week, and much more. Cost: $80/per week + $30 registration fee per camper. 904-730-5500 / 9039 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32216 / www.csjax.org Creative Minds Summer Camp June 3 - August 9, 2019, 6:00am - 6:30pm Ages 5-www12 years old. Only $155/week! No Registration Fee. Includes Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks. Join the fun at Creative Minds Academy Super Summer Camp. Weekly rate includes all field trips, bounce house, arts and crafts, and more! Indoor Game Room with XBOX, Foosball, Pinball, etc. Field trips to Bravoz, Movies, Adventure Landing, Skating, Bowling, Swimming, & More. Chef prepares all nutritious meals and snacks daily in our

kitchen/dining room. 100% DCF Compliant. www.creativemindsacademyfl.com Creative Minds Academy Deerwood / 904-379-8126 / 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd South, Suite 704, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Durbin/904-880-8588 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Rd, Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32258 Diamond D Ranch Summer Camps June 3 – 28, 2019, Day Camp: 8:30am – 5pm Ages 8-17. Opportunity to learn about horses and horsemanship. Camp is for both the beginner and those who already have some knowledge of horses. Day Camp Cost: $495 + tax per week. Lunch and snacks are provided. Non-refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price. Overnight Camp: Begins Monday morning at 8:30am until Friday at 5pm. Overnight campers are provided with breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper and dessert. Your child will sleep in an air-conditioned bunkhouse, complete with restrooms and shower facilities. Overnight Camp Cost: $795 + tax per week. Non-refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price. 904-289-9331 / 5903-1 Solomon Rd, Jacksonville, 32234 / www.diamonddranchinc.com Episcopal School of Jacksonville Summer Camps Come play and learn with Episcopal this summer! Our summer camps are all about fun and self-improvement. Ages K-12. Sports, arts, academic and activities. Cost, dates and times vary by camp. 904-396-5751 / 4455 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.esj.org/summer FALA Spanish Camp - STEM, Cooking, Soccer, Art and More June 3rd – Aug 2nd (From 1 to 7 Weeks) Camp Hours: 9am to 1pm Extended Day: 8am to 9am – 1pm to 5pm Your child will travel the world without leaving home! Immerse your child this summer in Spanish Camp for a week of fun, learning, and adventure. Children will discover one different country each week. Imagine your child discovering the lifestyles, customs, cuisine, fun facts, artists and inventors of major Spanish speaking countries. All levels of Spanish are welcome! Classes are taught by native Spanish speaking instructors and give your child the opportunity to authentically learn a second language. Convenient Locations: Southside, Beaches, Mandarin, Riverside/Ortega, and St. Johns County. 904-407-3060 / www.falalanguage.com

DISCOVER YOUR PASSION. GROW YOUR CREATIVITY.

SUMMER

06.03.19 — 08.02.19

(Mini-Session week of July 4th)

9 a.m. — 3 p.m. Extended care available

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

June 10 - August 9, 2019

SUMMER CAMPS Good Lad Soccer Camps June 3 – August 2, 2019, 9am – 3pm Good Lad Soccer Camps are perfect for kids of all ages (8-15) and skill levels who are looking to improve their game and have fun this summer. Run by former Premier League goalkeeper, Gavin Carlin, camps focus on skill building, fitness, confidence and most importantly the love of the game. Camp is held at Jax Ice & Sportsplex. This indoor facility is the perfect location for the fast paced and fun camps Good Lad Soccer is known for. Players will need to bring their soccer gear, water jug, bag lunch and snack. Cost: $295/week. Half-day 9-12pm or 12-3pm, $150/week. 10% Discount for siblings. 10% discount for multiple week sign up. 904-240-2572 / 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.goodladsoccer.com Gymnastics Unlimited Summer Camps June 3 – August 9, 2019 9am – 3pm Extended hours available upon request. Ages 5-18. Boys and girls. Come one week or all summer. Gymnastics on all four Olympic Events (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor), Warm up games & stretching, tumbling, dance, arts & crafts, movies, group games, and more. There is a Show-off day EVERY Friday with Awards. Half days and daily drop ins welcomed! Cost: First week $165. $10 discount for each additional week (maximum discount of three weeks). Sibling discounts available. 904-783-8043 / 5532 Lenox Ave, Jacksonville, 32205 / www.gymnasticsunlimitedfl.com i9 Summer Indoor Instructional Programs at the Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex July 6 – August 10, 2019 (Saturdays only) Choose between Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, or Basketball. Indoor Soccer: Ages 3-10 as of 09/01/2019 Indoor Flag Football: Ages 4-13 as of 09/01/2019 Indoor Basketball: Ages 5-10 as of 09/01/2019 904-992-4263 / 3605 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.i9sports.com i9 Summer Multi-Sport Camp at UNF August 5 – August 9, 2019, 9:30am – 4pm Coed Ages 5-14 as of 05/31/19. Recreational multisport camp at the end of summer featuring Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Dodgeball, Kickball. Drop-off between 7:30am – 9:30am and pick-up between 4:00pm – 6:00pm. 904-992-4263 / 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 / www.i9sports.com Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Kids Camp June 3 – August 9, 2019 9am – 5pm Ages 5-11. Kidz Summer Camps at JJVA are a high energy youth sports experience providing unforgettable memories and friendships to last a lifetime! The focus is on team building, leadership skills,

sports, fitness and fun. JJVA Camp Counselors make sure that every child has a rewarding, safe, and fun camp experience. Full Day Week $159, Half Day Week $99, and Daily $35. 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.jjva.com Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Volleyball Summer Camp June 3 – August 9, 2019 9am – 4pm The JJVA coaching staff will focus on fundamental skills through game based drills and daily scrimmages. The Volleyball Summer Camp is open to boys and girls grades 4-12. It is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship. Camp Costs: 5 days $265, 3 days $165, 2 days $110. 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.jjva.com Jacksonville Science Festival’s Art Exploration Camp • June 17 – July 26, 2019 Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Summer art for ages 5-15. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, field trips, project-based learning, literacy/math, experiments, gardening, hands-on activities and more. Lunch and snack provided. Cost: $125 per student/per week. $20/per week if you qualify - field trip and lunch included. $10 Non-refundable registration and reservation fee. 904-493-3535/ 3675 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, 32224 / www.jacksonvillesciencefestival.com Jax Cooking Studio Cooking Camps Two Camps Available Each Week: 9am – 12pm and 2 – 5pm Appropriate for kids ages 6-16. JAX Cooking Studio Summer Camps are sure to be a highlight of your child’s summer! They teach kids basic culinary skills while they work in teams to cook the day’s recipes. Each week, they feature a different camp theme, so your child can choose the topic of most interest. At the end of each day, campers eat the recipes they prepared. On Friday of each week, the kids show off their newfound skills by cooking their favorite recipe from the week or making their own recipe or creation. 904-742-5906 / 14035 Beach Blvd, Suite 6, Jacksonville, 32250 / jaxcookingstudio.com Jax Surf Camp June 3 – August 9, 2019 9am – 3pm Jax Surf Camp is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge, and comfort in the water. Ages 6-16 and will break into groups depending on age and skill. Intermediate level surfers are welcome as well as beginners. After completing our five-day surf camp, your child will have learned these fundamental skills: water safety, paddling, the surf zone, and of course stand up on a board! Full day: $350/week Half Day: $210/week. 904-372-4653 / 7th St & Beach Ave, Atlantic Beach, 32233 / www.jaxsurfandpaddle.com

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

ed 9 Them ! !! Weeks

• • • •

Dodgeball Nerf-apoolza Lego Week Wild West

Open Househ! May 4t

• • • • •

Limited Spots! Registe r Now!

Stars and Stripes Talent Showcase Talent Show Olympics Boot Camp

Early Registration: $109/week After May 4th: $129/week One-Time Registration Fee: $50 Extended Day: $25 Sibling Discounts Available

Camp located at Blessed Trinity Catholic School on Beach Blvd

SUMMER CAMPS Karate America 10 locations in Jacksonville Summer camps in June, July, and August. Convenient times and weekly camps all summer long. Constructive fun and traditional martial arts benefits. Safe structured environment with knowledgeable supervision. Super fun summer camp teaches kids powerful life skills like focus, discipline and respect while learning cool martial arts moves. Diverse activities with physical games, movies, and fun! Kids will accelerate their training, enhance their skills, and have LOTS OF FUN! Space is Limited. Call the location near you today to enroll early and save! www.karateamerica.info KidsPark Summer Camp June – August 2019 Weekdays starting at 7:30am. Open evenings and weekends too! KidsPark is an hourly drop in childcare center that also offers fun and enriching summer camp themes. Camp Buddy for kids ages 2-5 and Camp Blue Crew for kids ages 6-12. Each week will have different themes that are sure to be a hit with each age group. Camps focus on imaginative play, arts and crafts, music and movement, circle and story time, group games, as well as outdoor play. They have a flexible “pay as you go” rate. No need to pay if you are on vacation or your child is sick. Cost: $8.50 an hour or $51 daily rate per child up to 8 hours. Additional sibling discount available. Families must be registered at KidsPark (Registration is $40, show this ad for half off, a $20 value). Call for details. # C04DU0978 904-683-4554 / 9726 Touchton Road #111, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.KidsPark.com O2B Kids Summer Camp June 10 – August 9, 2019, 9am – 6pm. Extended day available from 6:30am – 8pm For children entering First through Eighth Grade. This camp is for kids who want to investigate the mysteries of science, plant a garden, make a movie, paint a picture, sing a song, learn a dance, do a flip, write an article, build a float, take a trip, play basketball, laugh, learn or play with their friends! Cost: $139/week (members) $159/week (non-members). $49/day (members) or $59(nonmembers) 904-264-4202 / 1821 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island, 32003 / www.o2bkids.com Seaside Charter - Summer by the Sea Summer Camp • June 10 – July 26, 2019 9am – 3pm (Extended care 7am – 6pm) One of a kind experiences for any child who loves to play, ponder, create and construct! At Summer by the Sea, they pair the wise philosophy of Waldorf Education with all the whimsical seasonal attributes that summer has to offer. Cost: $180/week ($160 for siblings attending the same week). 904-853-6287 / 2630 SR A1A, Atlantic Beach, 32233 / www.seasidecharter.org Shepherd of the Woods School These summer learning programs combine social, emotional, and academic learning. In a fun,

values-based environment, students enjoy learning through a variety of activities. Students work in small, teacher-led groups, with hands-on activities, in collaborative groups, and with technology! Students enjoy both outdoor and indoor games and activities. Choose the program that meets your child’s needs. Summer School - Mandarin Campus. 4-week or 3-week sessions; Tues, Wed, & Thurs, 9am-3pm; Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and more. Entering Kindergarten-6th grade (7th-9th graders considered on a limited basis). 6595 Columbia Park Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32258 Preschool Summer Camp - Southside Campus. 7 weekly sessions; 5-days, 3-days, or 2-days a week, 9am-noon, Fun and academic enrichment, 2 ½ - 5 year olds (must be fully potty-trained and able to self-care). 7860 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-814-5234 / www.sotwschool.com/summer Sports Edge Baseball Camp June 3 – 7, June 10 – 14, 9am – 3pm July 8 – 12, July 22 – 26, 9am – 3pm For boys and girls ages 5-12. Camp will start each day with performance training agility drills and will end with specific skill work. The skill sets we will focus on are throwing, catching, fielding ground balls and fly balls, pitching, hitting and base running. Cost: 5 days $265, 3 days $165, 2 days $110. 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.thesportsedge.com Theatre Jacksonville – Make Believe! SESSION A: June 3 – June 28, 2019, 9am – 2pm SESSION B: July 9 – August 2, 2019, 9am – 2pm Ages 7-14. During each of the 4-week sessions campers will cycle daily through classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and improvisation. After an initial week of preparation and training, they hold camp-wide auditions for an original show, written by their professional instructing team and directors, which becomes the curriculum for all classes for the remainder of camp. Cost: $550 per camper, per session of which a non-refundable $150 deposit per camper, per session is required at registration. Discounts available when enrolling in multiple sessions or with siblings. Use promotional code SAVE20 and save $20 on your first registration, if paid in full before May 15, 2019. 904-396-4425 X16 / 2032 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.theatrejax.com TNT Gymnastics Summer Camp May 28 – August 9, 2019, 9am – 3pm Extended day hours: 8am – 9am & 3pm – 6pm Ages 3-12. Every child will participate in gymnastics rotations focusing on new skill and position development. Campers will get to interact on all apparatus in the facility from vault, bars, beam, rings, trampoline, pit, & more! When it’s time to slow down and catch a breath, they will have snack, crafts, & lunch each day. Cost: $155/Week. Multiple weeks discounts available. 904-998-8681 / 2683 St Johns Bluff Road S. Unit #107, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.tntgymfit.com

For ages 7-14

SESSION A: June 3-28 SESSION B: July 8-Aug. 2

$20.00 value

Offer expires 6/1/19. No cash value.

(904) 396-4425 www.theatrejax.com MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

WE LOVE OUR

TEACHERS

Here are a few suggestions to help celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10! HANDWRITTEN NOTES FROM STUDENTS Set up a teacher appreciation station and give students the prompt “I love my teacher because…” By all means, go farmhouse chic and tie individual notes with twine.

SUPERHERO MASKS

Because really, isn’t this what all teachers look like once they finally land couchside to Netflix and grade?

THE ICONIC RED PEN

Speaking of Netflix and grade, every teacher could use a really rad red gel pen to help with all that grading.

#TEACHERLIFE COLORING SHEETS

Teachers love their gel pens, so you just might want to add a few #teacherlife coloring printables. While this whole set is free, we’re especially loving the “Don’t make me use my teacher voice” one.

PACKET OF SEEDS OR FLOWER BULBS The only trouble you’ll have is deciding which bloom/grow pun to pair it with. Now if only you could help them grow pencils…

SUPERHERO LOLLIPOPS

(WARNING: once you see this super cute idea, you can’t unsee it and will have to proceed with said idea immediately.) Seriously, these superhero lollipops are an adorable, inexpensive way to give a nod to the all sorts of awesome stuff your teachers do on a regular basis. Plus, they’re just so darn cute (sorry, we warned you).

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

DIY #TEACHERLIFE MAGNET

Totally nail what goes on in a teacher’s head 24/7 with these fun magnets you can make yourself. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding which meme to use.

RED APPLE NAIL POLISH

Now this is the kind of apple your teachers will dig. And the best part is, your 3rd grader can totally help).

SCRATCH TICKET

Pair a scratch ticket with a “We won the lottery with you” printable. Besides, you know they’ll come back to work even if they win because teaching is life. (It’s a good idea to check with your district first to find out whether there are any restrictions on gifts that teachers can receive.)

STUDENT-SIGNED MUG

Give teachers a daily dose of happy with this custom, student-signed mug. Have students use oil-based paint Sharpies to sign their names. Then add the year and boom—best teacher gift ever.

DRY-ERASE MARKER WITH POM-POM

By the time May rolls around, those dryerase markers are feelin’ it. Show teachers you know what’s up by gifting them their very own markers that are topped with a pom-pom—convenient for easy erasing.

ANIMAL CRACKERS

Pair school-safe animal crackers with a “It would be a zoo without you” tag (well, it’s true, isn’t it?). ptotoday.com

EDUCATION

Kids of All Ages Love to Be Read To “M rs. Bethea, I’ve talked to the other students in class, and we’d like you to start reading to us again…like you did last year,” said one of my 11th grade dual enrollment English students last week. I’m sure the shock showed on my face! She remembered how I started her sophomore English class every day the year before. I began each class reading aloud to my students. I connected the books I read to students with whatever genre we were studying at the time. For example, when we studied non-fiction, I read aloud a non-fiction book on a topic we were studying. Last year, it was the Great Depression.

enjoy from the kids’ section at your local library. Then, set a time-morning or evening-when you will read aloud to your kids. They may want to snuggle next to you, or they may want to play with blocks or Legos while you read. Our daughter likes to draw while I read to her. Older Kids As evidenced by the story of my 11th grade student above, older kids enjoy being read to. Many middle and high school students enjoy hearing books on serious issues in history or politics.

I’ve read Newbery Award winning books as well as brand new books to my students. I started reading to the class the next day. I Often, I let them vote for the book they want to chose the non-fiction book “David and Goliath” hear read-aloud. by Malcolm Gladwell. The students are enjoying Gladwell’s well-researched stories of If your middle or high school students are real-life underdogs. reluctant readers, you could always start with audio books from your local library. Often, Younger Kids these books feature trained actors who vary their voice to deliver characters’ lines. Much research touts the benefits of reading aloud to very young children. Even if they Another option is to check the popular titles can’t read yet, they enjoy the sound of words in your library’s Young Adult section. Lately, being read to them. Some studies show large for example, there have been many fairy tale vocabulary growth in children who are read to adaptations published. “Cinder,” by Marisfrom babyhood. sa Meyer, is a future-oriented retelling of Cinderella. It’s the first in the Lunar Chronicles In our home, we have read to our daughter series. I plan to read the series once school since she was a baby. She still remembers gets out for my summer reading. every word of “Silly Sally,” a picture book I read to her when she was a toddler. If you’re interested in more resources on reading aloud to your kids, please contact me at Recently, I read half of Avi’s “Crispin: The nancyleebethea@gmail.com. I’d love to share Cross of Lead” to her. She took the book and ideas and titles with you. j finished it on her own. Then, she asked to read Nancy Lee Bethea the next two books in the trilogy. You can do the same thing in your home. Choose some books you think your kids will

“Maternal love: A miraculous substance which God multiplies as He divides it.” – Victor Hugo

Save 10% on Sylvan summer intensive reading and math personalized tutoring programs. Check out our robotics, engineering and coding enrichment camps. Work on improving basic skills with a summer reading or math camp. Prepare for the fall ACT/SAT exams with Sylvan Test Prep.

Orange Park

Expires 5-31-19. Cannot be combined with other offers. Some restrictions apply. Jax4Kids0519

North Jacksonville

904-269-3561

904-757-7414

Things to Do

St. Johns County Public Library - Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org

Home Educators FIRST Robotics Workshop May 7, 11am Join Renaissance Jax and Edison Kids for a workshop to learn more about the FIRST Program and how it is the perfect S.T.E.M. addition to every home education portfolio. They will be showcasing the FIRST LEGO League Junior (ages 5 - 9 years old), FIRST LEGO League (ages 9 - 14 years old) & FIRST Tech Challenge (ages 12 - 18 years old). This is a free event, but registration is required so they know how many to plan for. FIRST is an international non-profit designed to get students K - 12th grade excited about S.T.E.M. This is a competitive sport for the mind which will develop skills in students that they will take with them into their future careers. Renaissance Jax Inc. / 904-474-9704/ 2671 Gilmore Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.renaissancejax.org

Kidpreneur Fest • May 18, 10am to 4pm Kidpreneur Fest is a kid’s entrepreneurship expo. Kids 18 & under (high school & lower) will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses, sell their products or showcase their ideas & concepts. The competition will be divided into three (3) age groups: Little Ones (ages 6-9); Tweens (ages 10-13); Teens (ages 14-18 or 19 yr olds in high school). There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age category. While there is no cost to attend Kidpreneur Fest, there is a cost to vend and pitch at the expo. The cost is $50. In addition to your mini moguls pitching and selling their products at Kidpreneur Fest, there will also be; information on entrepreneurship, games, activities, and food. Hemming Park / 904-515-5098 / 135 W. Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / kidpreneurfest.com

Education Events

Coding 101 For Kids May 8, 15, 22, 2:30pm to 3:30pm Join library staff for weekly classes to learn the basics of coding, for grades 2 and up. Supplies are limited, so registration is required. Sign up online for one or all of these classes. May May 8, Week 1: Minecraft Hour of Code May 15, Week 2: Code with Anna and Elsa May 22, Week 3: Animate An Adventure Game

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Education Day May 20 , 11:05am The Jumbo Shrimp are proud to host area schools for this special 11:05am start time as they take on the. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 904-3582846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxshrimp.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Education events.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

EDUCATION

Fast Facts About FSDB T he Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) is a tuition-free state public school available at no cost for eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. Primarily funded by state legislative appropriations, FSDB is part of the state’s public education system. Transportation for day and boarding students is provided free of charge.

work toward standard Florida diplomas. Career and technical education (CTE) courses are offered on campus and through partnerships with post-secondary schools and businesses. • FSDB teachers and staff members work with students based on Individualized Education Program (IEP) yearly goals and target areas. • FSDB has small class sizes and advanced technologies that allow teachers to provide individualized and group instruction for increased student success. • FSDB provides specialized professional services in the areas of intensive reading and language (ASL and English), speech and audiology, orientation and mobility, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), physical and occupational therapy, health care and related services, and more. • FSDB students participate in various extracurricular, recreational, and performing arts activities, including academic and athletic competitions in Florida and across the country. • FSDB students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success.

What sets FSDB apart from other schools is our dedicated staff members, who work tirelessly to nurture the academic and career achievements of students. They provide the foundation by which students can continue to gain greater knowledge and skills after they leave FSDB.

Did you know that... • FSDB is nationally recognized for its comprehensive educational services, designed for the unique communication and accessibility needs of students. • FSDB serves 975+ students each year through statewide parent-infant/family programs as well as a Montessori-based Pre-K early learning center and K-12 elementary, middle, and high schools on its campus. • FSDB is located in historic St. Augustine, within a safe and secure campus of over 80 acres. • FSDB has highly qualified teachers who hold multiple certifications in academic content areas and in the education of students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. • FSDB has academic programs based on the Florida Standards, including virtual classes for high school and college credit, and students

Parents and legal guardians residing in Florida have the right to learn more about FSDB eligibility requirements for their child. Learn more by visiting the FSDB website: https://www.fsdbk12.org. To visit the FSDB campus or obtain more information, contact the FSDB Parent Services Department, toll-free: 800-344-3732 or videophone: 904-201-4527. j

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 24

Summer Camps – Now Accepting Applications! FSDB is offering Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Academy Camps for eligible Florida students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/ visually impaired (Note: Not available to currently enrolled FSDB students), and the DeafTEC STEM Summer Camp during June 2019. All camps are no cost, with transportation and dormitory opportunities. The application deadline is May 24, 2019. Apply early, as space is limited.

VOLUNTARY PRE-K REGISTRATION How to Enroll Your Child for VPK at a Duval County Public School www.duvalschools.org/vpk

What Do You Need to Register for a Certiﬁcate?

• A working email address • Proof of address (must match the address of vertiﬁcate of eligibility)

• Proof of child’s age (e.g., birth certiﬁcate, passport, military ID)

No Computer? No Problem!

Call the Early learning coalition at 904-208-2040or stop by to register and use the computers and scanners available at their sites.

What Happens Next?

Once the application is completed, you will receive the certificate of eligibility within 5 business days. Take the certificate along with proof of age, address, and immunization to the school you’ve identified to register.

• Your child’s social security number

Open Weekdays 8am - 12pm • Child Must Be Born Between 9/2/14 And 9/1/15

For more information regarding site selection, please visit our website www.duvalschools.org/vpk or call 904-390-2877 for additional help.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 25

St. Johns County

School District News

Boyer is a Winner! Best Soloists Staci Boyer, Freedom Crossing Academy’s Secretary / Bookkeeper, has been named the district’s 2019 School Related Employee of the Year.

Creekside High’s Quint Johnson and Henry Van Boskirk received two of three “Best Soloist of the Festival” awards for piano and tenor and the Jacksonville University Jazz Festival in March. Creekside’s three jazz bands were rated superior by the judges of the event.

Save Our Precious Drinking Water Creekside High Academy of Environmental Sciences student Caitlyn Oravetz won first place in the state for her “Drop Saver” poster. Contest entrants create a poster depicting a water conservation idea, in slogan form, drawing form, or both, focusing on the importance of water conservation.

of the nation’s wastewater. Its 51,000 total members represent the full spectrum of the water community: public water and wastewater systems, environmental advocates, scientists, academicians, and others who hold a genuine interest in water, our most important resource.

Oravetz is the first student from St. Johns County Contest sponsor and academy business partner to win this state-wide contest. is the St. Johns County Utility Department. Its water treatment program is responsible for the treatment and delivery of drinking water. The division maintains nine water treatment facilities throughout the county with a total capacity of 27.96 million gallons per day. The water division is also responsible for maintaining supply wells, water storage tanks, booster stations, and elevated storage tanks for water distribution. It is also responsible for the reading, billing and Ponte Vedra High senior Anna Auchter has been options locally for keeping it fresh from a culinary collection of approximately 35,000 service named the recipient of the Ponte Vedra Focus’s perspective. Some of these delicious destinations connections, as well as administering and S1,000 scholarship for blog writing. Sponsored are tucked away in obscure locations, often coordinating utility status management reporting, by Ponte Vedra Club Realty, the annual award going underappreciated. But obscure they shall reviewing engineering drawings, construction recognizes an area high school senior who no longer be! If you are pining for the healthy management and performing inspections and writes “the most compelling community-oriented and freshest fruits and vegetables direct from a surveys for new construction blog post.” Auchter wrote about visiting the farmer’s hands to your table, simply follow your Jacksonville area’s farmer’s markets. GPS to these incredible centers of commerce. The contest is sponsored nationally by the Visiting these markets will have you walking American Water Works Association to highlight “What do you think away with a measurable sense of well-being and Drinking Water Week, May 5-11. For more than of when you hear an arm full of nature’s bounty.” 40 years the association and its members have the term southern said aside the first full week in May as a unique cuisine? Does a stick See pontevedrafocus.com/blog to read the opportunity for both water professionals and of butter or bacon complete article. the communities they serve to join together in fat come to mind? recognizing the vital role water plays in our daily Wait, hold the bone! Auchter, a member of the National Honor lives. Caitlyn Oravetz. Southern cuisine Society, is in the International Business and in our neck of the Marketing Academy at Ponte Vedra and will be Founded in 1881, the association is the largest woods means green, attending Florida State in the fall with planned organization of water supply professionals in leafy and all natural. majors in English and International Affairs. Her the world. Its membership includes over 4,300 The northernmost first year will be with FSU’s International Study utilities that supply roughly 80 percent of the big city in our country’s southernmost state is Abroad Program in London. Her community Follow us on Twitter Connect on Facebook nation’s drinking water and treat almost half an epicenter for fresh produce. While this may involvement includes tutoring other students, @StJohnsCountySD @St Johns County not be a secret to local fresh fruit and vegetable church, and causes advancing the rights of those School District connoisseurs, all food consumers may appreciate underserved. And in her spare time, she is a learning more about the abundance of freshness studio athlete and a private pilot. Tuesday, May 14 4:30 p.m. St. Johns Virtual School FCTC, Bldg. C in our neck of the woods – and where to find it!” For details on the scholarship, which will be Wednesday, May 15 7 p.m. St. Johns Technical HS St. Augustine High School Auditorium “While going to your local grocer may be a offered again next year, see Wednesday, May 22 7 p.m. Pedro Menendez High St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SAA) convenient place to shop ingredients, several pontevedrafocus.com/scholarship. year-round farmer’s markets may be the best Wednesday, May 22 7 p.m. Bartram Trail High University of North Florida (UNF)

Farmer’s Market Blog Wins Scholarship

Graduation Schedule

Calendar Friday May 24

Last Day for Students

Monday May 27

Memorial Day - Teacher Holiday

Tuesday May 28

Last Day for Teachers

Thursday, May 23

7 p.m.

St. Augustine High

SAA

Friday, May 24

7 p.m.

Allen D. Nease High

UNF

2 p.m.

Ponte Vedra High

UNF

7 p.m.

Creekside High

UNF

4 p.m.

First Coast Technical College

FCTC, Bldg. C

Saturday, May 25 Tuesday, May 28

Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 26

Clay County School News

Athletes of the Month

Budding Scientists Win Awards

Clay students attended the State Science & Engineering Fair in Lakeland to compete against over 800 projects from across the state of Florida. This elite competition consists of the best of the best projects from each county or region. The students scientifically presented the merits of their project to judges, including their hypothesis, procedures, data, analysis, and conclusion.

Abby Hawkins, a senior at Clay High and Riley Hayes a senior at Oakleaf High are the district’s Athletes of the Month for February and Haley Julius, a senior at Keystone Heights High, and Jeremiah Jackson, a junior at Fleming Island High, are the Athletes of the Month for March Clay County All-Star Athletes of the Month are Abby Hawkins exemplary students and athletes who represent their schools and the district in a positive light. Each month, coaches will nominate one male and one female from each school. Out of these nominations, the district will select one male and one female each month. The selections are recognized throughout their schools and the district. These nominations represent the following criteria: • Outstanding athletic accomplishment(s). • Great sportsmanship (during games and practices). • Strong work ethic and leadership. • Perform at a high level in the classroom (3.0 GPA or higher). Nominees for February Included: • James Rhodes and Destiny Basden, Orange Park High • Gavin Kois-Leblanc and Emily Stewart, Middleburg High • Alec Holt, Clay High • Matthew Rodriguez and Brittany Michael, Ridgeview High • Briar Jackson and Mei Chang, Fleming Island High • Daelynn Eatmon, Keystone Heights High • Lexi Perez, Oakleaf High

Riley Hayes

Green Cove’s Brady White also received a recognition award, while Gavin Baker of Fleming Island High and Sydney Hayes of Orange Park Junior High received honorable mention in their respective categories.

Green Cove Junior High’s Keegan Emanuel won the Baird Junior Environmental Sciences Award for research in the area of preserving healthy animal populations. Emanuel also placed third in the animal sciences category for his project on the endangered Anastasia Island beach mice. Megan Thompson of Ridgeview High won the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Award for her project in chemistry as well as a second special award. Brady White (Green Cove) and Serenity Derousie (Ridgeview) also received special awards. Sebastian Kouchakjy of Orange Park High placed fourth in the category of Biomedical & Health Sciences.

Keegan Emanuel www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Fleming Island Brings Home the Gold

Haley Julius

Nominees for March included: Mei Chiang, Fldeming Island Jessica Hurlock and Cole LeClair, Middleburg Kimber Griffin and Garrett Chun, Clay Baylee Goddard and Jalen Rivers, Oakleaf Brittany Sutton and Evan Wickeri, Ridgeview Dan Dodd – Keystone Hieghts Kalli Winder and Sebastian Kouchakjy, Orange Park

Connect with us! Jeremiah Jackson

Scholarships For the Fair Fleming Island’s Lillian Wonpat (right) shows off the $1,000 scholarship check she won as the 2019 Miss Clay County Fair Queen. Teen Miss Mattie Hancock won a $500 scholarship. Other winners included Junior Miss Sadie Pouncey and Pre-Teen Miss Hailey Alilio.

Fleming Island High’s Color Guard won the 2019 Winter Guard International World Championship at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, last month. They beat out more than 140 other high schools from around the nation to win the gold. With an overall score of 97.720, they danced in “dazzling” one-piece costumes of copper, gold and brown to the sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” in their program entitled “They Will Come and They Will Go.” WGI Sport of the Arts is the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions. As a non-profit youth organization, WGI also serves as the governing body for the indoor color guard, percussion, and winds activities. It is called the Sport of the Arts because it brings music to life through performance in a competitive format. Even with over 40 years of history, the sport continues to evolve and grow. There were more than 33,000 participants at the regional level, and more than 16,000 participants at the Sport of the Arts World Championships. Color Guard is a combination of the use of flags,

sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement. Winter color guards can be found in high schools, middle schools, universities, and other independent organizations, some of which are related to drum corps. Founded in 1977, WGI Sport of the Arts has grown to include nearly 1,000 color guards competing with WGI. Winter Guard now exists in Africa, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Holland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand and the United States There are two levels of classification: Independent and Scholastic. Independent groups are self-organized and funded, sometimes they are an extension of a college program. Scholastic ensembles are programs that compete on behalf of their school. For both Independent and Scholastic classes, WGI offers competitive divisions of A Class, Open Class and World Class. This will allow ensembles to compete and be compared with other groups at a similar skill level. Ensembles in A Class use a beginners’ skill set, Open Class has an intermediate skill set and World Class an advanced skill set. The Independent World Class has no age limit.

Calendar Monday, May 27........................................................ Memorial Day Holiday Wednesday, June 5.................................................... Last Day of School Thursday, June 6 & Friday, June 7............................. Last Day, Teachers

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 27

TEENS Fun Summer Books for Tweens The Season of Styx Malone Author: Kekla Magoon Ten-year-old Caleb Franklin and his older brother Bobby Gene are bored with their ordinary, small-town lives. So it’s no surprise when they quickly fall under the influence of Styx Malone, an older, smooth-talking boy. Styx has big plans for the boys this summer, but as their adventures become increasingly more daring, the boys start to wonder if there’s more to Styx than meets the eye. Calling All Minds Author: Temple Grandin Autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor, Temple Grandin, shares wisdom and inspiration to help young inventors as they tinker, build, and invent. Read about the science and history of inventions, stories from Grandin’s childhood, and ways (many ways) to innovate with an open, inquisitive mind. Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans Author: Russell Ginns Just before he disappears, Samantha’s uncle gifts her a rusty red umbrella. On it, she discovers a hidden map that leads her and her brother to a secret travel portal to Paris where they’re pursued by ninja-like, sword-wielding men. But Paris is just the first stop of many — the siblings must hurry to solve the secret puzzles in this action-packed world adventure. Betty Before X Author: Ilyasah Shabazz, with Renée Watson In Detroit in the 1940s, 11-year-old Betty feels like she doesn’t belong. She connects to the messages at church, especially the speeches from civil rights activists like Paul Robeson and Thurgood Marshall. There, and at the Housewives League, Betty grows into her identity and life’s purpose. Based on the childhood of civil rights icon, Dr. Betty Shabazz.

Cap’n Buck. Written by the Newbery Award winning author of “Bud, Not Buddy.” Payback on Popular Lane Author: Margaret Mincks When 12-year-old Peter’s intern, Rachel, starts a competing business next door, these two entrepreneurial rivals fight to get each other’s customers. Filled with business tips, humor, and a lemonade war unlike any other, Peter and Rachel will learn that friendship is more important than profits. The Science of Breakable Things Author: Tae Keller Natalie’s sure that if her team can win the egg drop science competition, she can use the prize money to go see the rare Cobalt Blue Orchids with her mom. Then her mom won’t be depressed anymore. A moving coming-of-age story, Natalie uses the scientific method for both the science contest and her mother’s situation, leading her to reconsider what can be fixed and how to fix it. The Lifters Author: Dave Eggers When Granite and Catalina discover a magical doorway to a labyrinth of tunnels underneath their town, they learn that it’s up to them to save the world from the mysterious forces below the earth The Key to Everything Author Pat Schmatz When Tash returns from summer camp, she discovers that her neighbor, babysitter, and friend, Cap’n Jackie, is in a care home after breaking her hip. As Tash visits Cap’n Jackie, who no longer seems like herself, Tash wonders what she can do to bring Jackie home.

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution: A Handbook for Time Travelers The Journey of Little Author: Jonathan W. Charlie Stokes Author: Christopher Paul If you’re time traveling to Curtis the American Revolution (or To repay his late anywhere), you obviously sharecropper father’s debt, must bring a handy dandy travel guide. Charlie agrees to hunt This helpful guidebook, written with plenty fugitives for Cap’n Buck. But of humor and fascinating historical facts, when he realizes who the gives practical tips for finding the best fugitives are, Charlie must make a difficult hotel rooms, avoiding prison, and meeting choice, even if it means crossing the cruel famous patriots.

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 28

NOW PLAYING For Showtimes and Tickets:

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM

World Golf Village | I-95 Exit 323 | St. Augustine

Things to Do Teens Events

Main Library Comic Con 2019 May 4, 10am to 3pm May the fourth be with you. The Main Library is hosting a Comic Con on May 4th. The event will feature a costume contest, activities, Stranger Things themed escape room, fandom trivia contest with prizes, and more. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904-630-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org City Wide Prom • May 4, 7pm to 11pm The Murray Hill Theatre is preparing for its Annual City Wide Prom. The Citywide Prom is an alternative to the traditional prom and is open only to high school students in grades 9 through12 only, including those who are home schooled or attend public or private schools. This annual event offers a positive environment for students who may not enjoy the atmosphere of their own high school’s prom. The prom festivities include food, live DJ, dancing & more. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 day of event. Murray Hill Theatre / 904-388-7807 / 932 Edgewood Ave. S, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / www. murrayhilltheatre.com Teen Cooking: Seasonal Strawberries May 7, 6pm to 7:15pm Teens ages 12 and up will learn the basics of cleanliness, food prep, and food safety at this

monthly program sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is required for this free program. Register online or call 904-827-6900 to reserve your spot. A parent or guardian must be present at the time of the program to sign a waiver. In this month's class, learn about making food that features seasonal strawberries. All supplies provided. St. Johns County Public Library - Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org South Mandarin Comic Con 2019 May 11, 11am to 3pm The South Mandarin Branch hosts a Comic Con. There will be workshops, crafts, costume parade, local artists and authors, Ghostbusters, food truck, and a comic book cover contest. Jacksonville Public Library - South Mandarin Branch / 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Be More Chill Auditions May 12-13, 7pm Be More Chill is about to open on Broadway and The Island Theater will be performing it August 9-18. Auditions are for ages 13 and up only, as the show contains adult content. The audition will include cold readings of the script, improv games, and singing. The Island Theater / 904-254-1455 / 1860 Town Hall Circle Suite 54, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.theislandtheater.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Things to Do

PETS

Dream Job Draws Crowd of Cat Lovers I t sounded like a job made in heaven! If you are the sort of person who would rather hang out with cats than people, it was your kind of job. The article read: PAID JOB OFFER WITH CATS! (this is genuine and NOT a joke – friends, please feel free to verify!). A very special position and living circumstance on offer on a little Greek island called Syros (a small paradise no less!) for a mature and genuinely passionate cat lover who knows how to handle many cats and would love their company!! I am looking for someone who can take over the daily running of my Greek cat sanctuary in my absence. You will have 55 cats in your care and need to be able to overview them all + feed and medicate (big added bonus if you’re trained vet. nurse!). As part of the job you’ll have a fully paid (incl. water & electricity) semidetached modern tiny house with its own garden (direct view to the Aegean Sea!) plus a salary. The daily hours is that of a part time job (approx. 4 hours) and the salary reflects the fact that you get the house for free (with everything paid). All expenses for the cats will of course be paid incl. all veterinary care. You will be expected to take the cat to the vet in case of illness and therefore will need to be able to drive a manual car. We are located in a secluded nature preserved area which is very tranquil and quiet in winter time but busy during the summer. You’ll no doubt thrive best if you are the type of person who appreciates nature and likes tranquility – and rest comfortably in your own company. That said, you’ll never feel lonely in the company of the cats and you’ll be

expected to live with a small handful of cats in your house. From experience the job is most suitable for someone 45+ years of age, who’s responsible, reliable, honest, practically inclined – and really, with a heart of gold! Apart from feeding the cats the cats will also need heaps of love and attention. You will at times be expected to trap or handle a feral or non-sociable cat, so knowing something about a cats psychology too is important + understanding their behavior should come natural to you. The job is long term but a minimum of 6 months is required with a 1 month intro at the beginning (you will be volunteering for the first 2-4 weeks but with free accommodation).

Syros is a Greek island that is located just off the coast. It has a population of roughly 20,000 and is a very unique place to live. God’s Little People Cat Rescue provides assistance to all of the cats in this area that are in need of help. Dozens of stray cats reside on this island and are looked after by an artist named Joan. There are also additional perks that need to be mentioned as well as looking after the cats. You get to live on this gorgeous island in a lovely house with a beautiful garden. The views are to die for as well. Obviously the ideal candidate has to be someone who loves and appreciates cats. The job pays the equivalent of $560 US per month. In the first week, over 3,000 candidates applied and now, sadly for us that have only just discovered this amazing job, they are not taking any more applications – we can but dream! j welovecatsandkittens.com

Pet Events

Wag That Tail May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10am to 9pm Wednesdays at Congaree and Penn are for the canines. Doggies, enjoy a free Frosty Paw when your human purchases a glass of cider, beer or wine. Have a sniff around the farm, take your humans on a walk (a 350 acre one, if you think they need a hike), have a nap on the patio, and persuade your people to toss you one or four of those Milkbones you noticed. Please keep dogs on their leashes. Congaree and Penn / 904-5271945 / 11830 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219 / www.congareeandpenn.com

Kitten Shower • May 11, 1pm to 3pm Join the Jacksonville Humane Society for a Kitten Shower in preparation for the tiny felines of 2019. The event includes snacks, games, and a live bottle-feeding demonstration. Please bring the kittens a gift from the registry. The Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-7258766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxhumane.org

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Canines and Crustaceans • May 14, 7:05pm The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp take on the Biloxi Shuckers. Single game tickets start at $5. Canines get in free as long as their human companion buys a ticket. Dog Free seating is located in sections 110 and 111. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 904358-2846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Stuffed Animal Project With Swamp Haven Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxshrimp.com Rescue • May 11, 12noon to 12:30pm Kids of all ages will learn about the BYOB Dachshund at Kanine Social importance of pet adoption and take home May 23 at 6:30pm a stuffed friend to care for. This program Bring your Dachshund out to Kanine Social is being offered in partnership with local for a romp around with fellow wiener dogs animal rescue group Swamp Haven Rescue. from Jacksonville. Enjoy Florida's only indoor Registration is required for this free program. dog park & bar, while your dog plays. If this All stuffed animals provided by Swamp is your first visit to Kanine Social, please Haven Rescue. create an account on the website using St. Johns County Public Library - Southeast the ticket link. Upload proof of up to date Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, rabies, distemper and bi-annual bordetella. St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org Dogs over 6 months of age must be spayed/ neutered. Kanine Social / 904-712-6363 / Mutts & Mimosas • May 11, 10am to 1pm 580 College Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / The 4th Annual Mutts & Mimosas will be held kaninesocial.gingrapp.com on the patio of the Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel. Enjoy a brunch buffet, mimosas, Hurricane Kits for Cats live music, and a silent auction all while May 25, 11am to 1pm benefiting Friends of Jacksonville Animals. As another hurricane season approaches, Furry friends welcome. Tickets are $25being prepared is important. For those with $35 and are available online in advance. A cats, you have even more to worry about. A portion of ticket proceeds to benefit Friends Cat Lover's Dream is going to go through of Jacksonville Animals. Ticket prices will their cats' hurricane kit item by item so increase at the door. Friends of Jacksonville you know exactly what to get, where to Animals will gladly accept the following get it, and how much of it to pack. They donations on behalf of the shelter on the day will also be vacuum sealing food portions of the event: canned dog food, canned cat (free of charge), and will go over basic first food, spray cheese, Velveeta cheese blocks, aid for cats in the event of an injury and a Pup-Peroni soft dog treats, Milk Bones dog veterinarian cannot be reached. treats, and large Kongs, medium and large A Cat Lover’s Dream / 2600 US1 South Suite snap dog collars, and puzzle feeders. 3, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel / 904-564www.eventbrite.com 4772 / 10605 Deerwood Park Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page friendsofjaxanimals.com at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

“A mother understands what a child does not say.” – Jewish Proverb MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 29

Women's Self Defense Impact Class May 1, 7:30pm to 9:30pm This 2-hour course was designed to impact the way you react to an attacker. During the first part of this course, participants will cover crimes against women and strategies to reduce your risks. During the second half, you will get you on your feet and change the way you think of dealing with an attacker via fundamental defensive tactics and techniques that every woman deserves to know. Cost is $55 per student. The Women's Defense Company / 904655-7772 / 13241 Bartram Park Boulevard, Unit 405, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / womensdefensecompany.com Adult Coloring Club May 7, 1pm to 4pm Many adults are finding that coloring clubs for adults are a great way to reduce stress and meet new people. Create new art you can feel proud of while you de-stress and relax. Supplies will be provided, you just need to pick out your design and start coloring. Free. St. Johns County Public Library, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Women, Words & Wisdom 2019 May 7, 5:30pm to 8pm The Women’s Center of Jacksonville hosts the 9th Annual Speaker Event: Women, Words & Wisdom. The event will begin with a reception, followed by a performance from the Jacksonville Children's Chorus, who will perform a set of songs featuring all female composers. The keynote speaker this year will be State Attorney Melissa Nelson. Through her presentation, State Attorney Nelson will inspire women – and men – to go confidently in the direction of their goals with a special call to help others along the way. The evening also includes recognition of 10 emerging leaders, “Unsung Sheroes and Heroes,” who are making a positive difference in the lives of women in the community. Honorees demonstrate professional influence through a combination of career growth, innovation, initiative, and accomplishments. General admission is $50. The Schultz Center / 904-348-5757 / 4019 Boulevard Center Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / give.womenscenterofjax.org

Ladies Night Out at Doing Dishes Pottery Studio • May 31, 6pm to 9pm Ladies Night is a fun night to paint what you want/how you want and socialize with your friends. Ladies Night is for adults 18 and up. Just make a reservation, pay the $8 non-refundable deposit and bring your own beverage. Snacks and prizes will be provided. Doing Dishes / www.doingdishes.com Jacksonville Studio / 904-730-3729 / 5619 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Saint Johns Studio / 904-824-7774 / 2220 CR-210 W Suite 309, St. Johns, FL 32259 Read With Friends: Book Club for Adults May 16, 7pm to 8pm Adults are invited for tea, coffee, and books. Participants will be discussing the book: The Witch of Lime Street by David Jaher. Free to attend. Great for a mom's night out. Jacksonville Public Library - Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Branch / 904-778-7305 / 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Design a Sign on the Westside May 21, 7pm to 10pm Yaymaker hosts a design-a-sign event at South Kitchen and Spirits. Participants will make wood wall art that showcases their personal style. Choose from hundreds of stencils, and a variety of paint colors to create your masterpiece. All attendees must purchase a ticket. Event is for ages 21+ only. Tickets are $55 per person. South Kitchen & Spirits / 904-475-2362 / 3638 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / www.yaymaker.com Get Financially Fit at Your Library: What’s Your Money Personality May 23, 6pm to 7pm The Money Habitudes card game will help you determine your dominant money style. If your style is helping you achieve your goal, then you are on the right track. If not, United Way of Northeast Florida offers strategies to help you achieve more balance in your financial life. Free to attend for adults. Jacksonville Public Library - Pablo Creek Regional / 904-992-7101 / 13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org

“Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity – a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.” – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 30

05.25.19 — 09.02.19 Discover a world 75 million years in the making!

THINGS TO DO Santa Maria in St. Augustine • Thru May 5 The Nao Santa María is one of the most famous ships of humanity. On October 12, 1492, captained by Christopher Columbus, protagonist of one of the most important milestones in history: the Discovery of America, the Meeting between the Worlds that is related to the evolution of universal history. The visit is a self-guided tour through the 4 decks of the Santa María, where you can find informative panels with the history of the ship, ornamental elements of the time and talk with the crew to feel how to live the Spanish sailors 500 years ago. Tickets are $10 for ages 11 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 10. A family pack of tickets is available for $25 for 2 adults and three children 5 to 10. Tickets are valid any day at any time. No need to print it. Show your voucher on your mobile device. St. Augustine Municipal Marina / 904-770-0293 / 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.naosantamaria.org Lantern Light Festival Thursday thru Sunday evenings from 6pm – 11pm, Thru May 5 Skilled lantern-makers from Zigong, China will transform the Morocco Shrine Auditorium into a nighttime spectacular of light and color. There will be hundreds of lanterns including a 400-foot long Dragon, a 30-foot tall Panda, a Castle to walk through, lantern tunnels and a variety of themes. Other activities include Chinese acrobats and a Wishing Tree. Children can Mine for Emeralds, play Mini Golf, and enjoy Dragon rides and a variety of inflatable mazes and obstacle courses. There will be an Asian Food Court. Ticket prices range from $16 - $25 per person. Family 4-pack on Thursday nights $60. Activity package, Military, Senior and Group Pricing available. Morocco Shrine Auditorium / 3800 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / lanternlightfestival.com MOSH Backyard Adventures • Thru May 12 Backyard Adventures lets visitors step into a garden of wonders to experience the fascinating science that’s literally in our own backyard. Guests to this dynamic exhibition can discover the outdoors from the perspective of a bee, take a walk through a digital garden to see plants growing in super time and investigate the creatures that only come out at night. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of staying healthy and active by showing visitors how much fun awaits them outdoors, with exhibits such as the giant skipping rope and backyard-themed mini golf. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Little Women at The Island Theater May 3-4 and 10-11, 7:30pm to 10pm; May 5 and 12, 2pm to 5pm The Island Theater presents Little Women. Tickets are $15 and $10 for students. The Island Theater / 904-254-1455 / 1860 Town Hall Circle Suite 54, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.theislandtheater.com Foundation Academy Carnival May 4, 11am to 1pm The Foundation Academy School hosts a free carnival for the whole family. Learn about the Jacksonville Science Festival 6 week summer camp

and how, if you qualify, you can attend for $20/ week. Take a hay ride and see the farms, meet the school chickens, and more. There will also be a bounce house, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy and hotdogs (vegetarian available). Free. Foundation Academy School / 904-493-7300 / 3675 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.foundationacademy.com 56th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival May 3, 6pm to 10pm; May 4, 9am to 6pm; May 5, 11am to 5pm The 56th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival returns to the historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach. Activities include Pirate Parade, Kids Fun Zone, Food, Live Musical Entertainment, Blessing of the Fleet, Invasion of the Pirates, Face Painting, fireworks, YMCA Shrimp Run and more. Free admission. Downtown Fernandina Beach / 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.shrimpfestival.com Reel Fun Night May 3, 10, 17, 8:30pm to 10pm The Town of Orange Park hosts Reel Fun Nights. Kids activities start at 6pm and the movie will begin at sundown (about 8pm). Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on. There will be popcorn and other foods available for purchase. All movies are family-friendly. May 3 – Ralph Breaks the Internet May 10 – Moana May 17 – Mary Poppins Returns Town Hall Park / 904-264-2635 / 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com May the 4th Be With You At Jacksonville Ice May 4, 12noon to 2pm Celebrate Star Wars Day at Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex May 4th from 12noon to 2pm. Dress as your favorite character and learn to be a galactic warrior, while enjoying ice skating with the whole family. Admission includes free Light Sabers for the first 125 Padawans (Ages 14 & Under); character meet & greet; Light Saber Training (Ages 14 & Under); costume contest; activity page; and ice skating until 4pm. Pre-sale tickets are $15 and are available online. Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex / 904-399-3223 / 3605 Phillips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / jacksonvilleice.com Pete the Cat • May 4, 2pm The Thrasher-Horne Center presents Pete the Cat, live on stage. Tickets are $19. Family 4-packs are available; Buy 3, Get 1 Free. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org International FireFighter’s Day “Sound Off” May 4, 9am to 5pm The International FireFighter’s Day “Sound Off” is a free community event. The event includes day-long competitions, vintage fire trucks, firefighter exhibits, rides and activities for kids, food, live music, and more. All proceeds will benefit Hoods For Heroes, a Clay County-based national non-profit that raises funds to provide hoods for firefighters. The hoods are specially designed to block the cancer-causing

chemicals that firefighters encounter every day. The “Sound-Off” is a 30-second blast of firetruck alarms and sirens to honor all fallen firefighters. In addition to the Sound-Off, the event will include Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) competitions, which pits these highly-trained rescue personnel in a friendly competition of firefighter techniques. The public will be able to view the competition, as well as participate in the “Firefighter Experience,” a chance to suit up in firefighter gear and go through a short challenge course that simulates the experience of real firefighters. Moosehaven Retirement Community / 904-5418257 / 1701 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.hoodsforheroes.org Camp In at the Museum Presents Bug Out May 4, 5:30pm to May 5, 7:30am Join MOSH and explore the critters you can find in the current traveling exhibition, Backyard Adventures. Learn what it takes for a bee or spider to survive in a world of humans…and other bugs. Activities include Spider Web Relay Challenge, -Build your own 3D Butterfly or Bee, Museum Wide Scavenger Hunt, Extreme Science Show, Explore the Starry Night in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, and a special Feature Movie. All museum camp-ins include aate night snack and drink, museum time, and breakfast. Costs are - $35 per person (adult required) and - $28 MOSH Members. Museum of Science & History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Jacksonville Symphony: JYSO Festival of Strings May 6, 7pm The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras perform their festival of strings, conducted by Principal JSYO Conductor Deanna Tham. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org

the bases with the kids. Families can play catch on the field plus Jumbo Shrimp players will be signing autographs. Free face painting, balloon animals, and a visit from Elmo. May 14, 7:05pm - Dog Day. Canines get in free as long as their human companion buys a ticket. Dog Free seating is located in sections 110 and 111. May 17, 7:05pm - Family Fireworks. Red Shirt Friday-Players and staff wear red each Friday to support the military, and fans who wear red save $1 on a ticket at the box office or can donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. May 18, 6:35pm - Saturday Fireworks. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will be going home with a great beach bag May 19, 3:05pm - Princess Day. Princesses will be roaming around the park for pictures and autographs. Families can play catch on the field plus Jumbo Shrimp players will be signing autographs. Free face painting, balloon animals, and a visit from Elmo. After the game, kids can run the bases. May 30, 7:05pm - Military Appreciation Day May 31, 7:05pm - Family Fireworks. Red Shirt Friday-fans who wear red save $1 on a ticket at the box office or can donate the $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund June 1, 6:35pm - Saturday Fireworks. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 904-358-2846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxshrimp.com Orange Park Mall Touch-A-Truck May 18, 9am to 1pm Different emergency vehicles will be displayed in the Sears parking lot for families to “touch” and experience. Several disaster and emergency agencies will set up their informational tents to educate the public on disaster preparedness and how they help us during these times. The first two hours will be noise free for sensitive ears. Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073 / orangeparkmall.com Expedition Dinosaur at MOSH May 25 thru September 2 Expedition Dinosaur is a traveling exhibition that celebrates and explores the fascinating world of dinosaurs and the hunt for their fossils in the early 20th Century. Expedition Dinosaur will feature large scale Animatronic Dinosaurs as well as many special exhibits. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Jacksonville Symphony: Star Trek Live May 11, 7:30pm Director J.J. Abrams re-exhilarated the iconic Star Trek franchise with one of the most exciting and irresistible blockbusters in recent movie-going history: Star Trek (2009). Now orchestras and audiences can reach warp speed together as they experience composer Michael Giacchino’s thrilling score performed live to picture. Tickets start at $28.75 and are available online. Daily’s Place / 904-354-5547 / 1 TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Biloxi Shuckers May 11 – May 15 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Montgomery Biscuits May 16 – 20 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Mobile BayBears May 28 – June 1 Single game tickets start at $5, with multi-game and group packages available. Family-friendly themed nights include: May 11, 6:35pm - Saturday Fireworks May 12, 3:05pm - Mother’s Day. Bring mom to the ballpark to help celebrate her special day. At the end of the game, all moms are invited to run

Jacksonville Symphony: The Wizard of Oz May 31, 7pm The MGM classic film returns to the big screen at Jacoby Symphony Hall with its Oscar-winning score played live by the Jacksonville Symphony. Tickets range from $19 to $84 and are available online. Times Union Center, Jacoby Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jaxsymphony.org EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!

MAY 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 31