GAMEKIDS Summer 2017 by Media Bridge

GAMEKIDS Magazine Silen t Tr agedy

Disc Gol f

Act ress Cat herine Amel ia Dancing Mal ia Ebueng

Kaylyn n Dr ak e

Surf er Girl s - Journey and Marina Kok u a Fou n dat ion

2017 Summer Fun Issue

GAM EKIDS Disc Golf Pilipaa and Kanu were able to learn about the up and coming game of Disc Golf from Uncle Phil (Kauai Santa Claus) one day. Disc Golf is a flying disc game (some know it as Frisbee) but its more than just throwing a disc. "You have to follow a course - just like in the game of golf," says Kanu Gonzales. "And there are different kinds of discs to throw. They are not all the same." The boys one afternoon got to disc golf with some of the best players on the island of Kauai. Disc golf players range in all ages. And they were able to play in the new County of Kauai disc golf course in Koloa Poipu. Many golf courses also offer their ranges to disc golf on certain days. Prices are much cheaper and the sport continues to grow on all the islands.

Disc Types Put t er Mid-range Driver St abil it y Pl ast ics

Instead of holes in the ground there are baskets to throw your disc into. The object of the game is go through the entire course with the least amount of discs going into each basket. There is a lot of walking (and a lot of talking) with your fellow players so its very relaxing and fun. Usually on a good day we can play two or three games (rounds). "If you are on the island of Kauai you can join the gang at Puakea Golf Coure," says Pilipaa Torio.

Got Disc Golf ? Disc Golf St or e (h t t ps:/ / gam ek idsdiscgolf .sh opbu ilder .co/ )

Un cle Ph il Wor w a

CROCODILE WRESTLING The game encourages imagination. It seems to be more fun with the middle and older teens. Have an adult team of judges (at least two who vote). Basically each contestant has a minute to wrestle with a blown up toy alligator. Whomever can be most creative in how they wrestle for the one minute gathers points or applauses. Note: you can order the water toy alligator through the GAMEKIDS store.

Wat er Bal l oon Hot Pot at o Grab some water balloons. The more the better. Gather everyone into a large circle. You will need some water filled balloons. Have someone play music (similar to the game musical chairs). As the music plays the group one by one passes the water balloon clock-wise around the circle. When the music stops ? whomever is holding the water balloon must now pop it over their head. Lots of fun to watch.

WATER FUN FREEZE TAG Get everyone a water gun and on go two teams set out to shoot one another. However, if anyone gets wet ? they must

freeze in position (and not shoot the water gun anymore). The winner is when the last opposite team players face each other and whoever is not wet wins!

BEACH BALL BUBBLE This can be played in the shallow end of a swimming pool. The object of the game is to keep the beach ball in the air as long as possible. However, if anyone gets wet ? they must freeze in position (and not shoot the water gun anymore). The winner is when the last opposite team players face each other and whoever is not wet wins! BACK t o BACK RELAY Gather teams of two people each with a bucket of balloons. Each couple then stands back to back. They must place the water balloon between their backs. On GO they must carry the balloon to another designated spot ? if the balloon pops or falls (and/ or breaks) then they must return to the starting line and begin again.

TANK You will need a blindfold for every two people. One person is the ?tank? and is blindfolded. The other person is the ?driver.? The

driver does not need a blindfold ? and can either carry the water balloon(s) or wet sponge. On GO the driver must instruct his/ her tank on throwing the wet balloon or sponge at another tank. The driver gives verbal commands. If a tank gets wet from another tank, then the driver and tank must sit out the game until it starts anew.

WHAT TIME IS IT Mr. WHALE? This game is similar to ?What time is it Mr. Wolf?? except the caller will have a water hose with a water nozzle (so it can easily spray water on or off). Everyone lines up about 50 feet away. Someone asks, ?What time is it Mr. Whale?? The caller than says a time, like: 5 o'clock . . they then take 5 steps, 8 o'clock = 8 steps, 12 o'clock = 12 steps, etc. The players must remain wherever they are until the next response. But if the caller says ?SPOUT time? then he or she can turn around and spray water on whomever for a maximum of 5 -10 seconds. Whomever touches Mr. Whale first wins. Note: Make a rule for younger children players that it is best to spray below the waist and not on a child's face.

CRAB SOCCER This is a fun way to play soccer and hilarious to watch. Each player must sit down and they can only now move with their hands and feet ? face up. They can only move the soccer ball with their body and feet. No hands can be used.

SNATCH COORDINATION This is a fun soccer game of warm-up coordination. One person is the caller. You will need one soccer ball per player. Place the soccer ball on the ground in front of each player. The caller will then call out one of these body parts at a time. The players must use two hands and quickly place and hold their fingers to that body part. But when the caller says ?SNATCH ?

then the players must pick up the soccer ball. Body parts that can be called out: Head, Ears, Eyes, Mouth, Toes, Hips, Shoulders, Ankles, and Knees.

RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT Each player has a soccer ball. The players line up in one straight light. One player without a ball is the caller. He/ she stands some 50-100 feet away. Whenever the caller says ?green light? the players can dribble and move their soccer ball (without hands) towards the caller. But if the caller says ?red light? and their ball is still moving, then the player and soccer ball must go back to the beginning start line. First player to get to the caller is the winner

OCTOPUS SOCCER

WOLVES AND SHEEP

At least four children form a team. The hold hands and form a circle. Each team then has one soccer ball. All the teams line up behind one starting line. On ?GO!? each team must work together to get the soccer ball across the playing field to a designated goal marker. They must continue to hold hands and only use their feet to get the soccer ball to their goal. The ball is not allowed to leave the circle ? if it does they must return to their starting point and begin again.

This is a fun game between two teams. Mark out a play area with 2 or 4 safe zones. Every player has a ball.

You can also use two balls or two different kinds of balls (soccer ball, tennis ball, dodge ball, etc)

On GO all players dribble their own ball, but then the coach or parent will call out one team's name. Example: "Purple team!" The purple team is the sheep and can continue dribblng, but the other team is now the "wolves" and can chase the sheep (they leave their balls wherever they are). If the wolves tag the sheep - then the person tagged remains frozen unless they are able to get into one of the safe zones. When all sheep are tagged or are in safe zones. Then the play begins again from the beginning.

PIGGY BACK SOCCER This is a fun game played with a partner. Simple rules. One person rides on the back of the kicker. Remember to play safe on this games and not be too rough with each other. Here is a YouTube link to a group playing this game! h t t ps:/ / you t u .be/ qjd_iO_QM f I

HAILSTORM

SOCCER YOUTUBE LINKS:

One goalie stands in front of the goal. Four players at a time line up 25 feet away. On GO they all must kick their soccer balls into the goal at the same time.

Playlists for soccer games!

The goalie will try his/ her best to block the soccer balls from going in.

If you have a fun soccer game, then please do send it to us at gkkauai@gamekids.com.

http:/ / bit.ly/ 2vd74Bi http:/ / bit.ly/ 2v3fHhp http:/ / bit.ly/ 2vdfXuV

4t h of Ju ly Jok es an d Riddles Teacher: Is there a 4th of July in Europe? Student: Yes, it comes right after the 3rd of July. Q: What do you call an American drawing? A: Yankee Doodle Teacher: Can you tell me where the Declaration of Independence was signed? Student: Yes, at the bottom! Teacher: What did the colonists wear to the Boston Tea Party? Student: Tea shirts! Q: What did one flag say to the other? A: Nothing. It just waved! Q: What dance was very popular in 1776? A: Indepen - dance

Q: Did you hear the story of the Liberty Bell? A: It cracked me up! Q. What do you call a duck on the 4th of July? A: A firequacker!

Jok es

How do bear s w alk ar ou n d? On bear feet! Wh y w as t h e r abbit so u n h appy? She was having a bad hare day! Wh at do cat s dr in k on a h ot day? Mice tea! Wh at do cow s do on t h eir day of f f r om w or k ? They go to the moovies! Wh at do bear s w ear in t h eir h air ? Bearettes Wh at did t h e cat get on h er t est ? A puurfect score!

Wan n a m ak e people sm ile in an elevat or . Do t h ese t h in gs: - say "ding" every time the elevator passes a floor - meow like a little kitten - say "boinggg" every time someone pushes a button Wh at did on e elevat or say t o an ot h er ? Give em the shaft!

He'ike Bou ch ar d - Su r f er Fir edan cer

He'ike Bouchard is an up and coming surfer and firedancer. He lives in Kapolei on the island of Oahu. Besides surfing he firedances with the Tahitian dance company, No Te Here O Tiare. Q: What is your favorite food? H: BBQ ribs and Tuna Sandwich with crackers Q: Are you a competitive surfer? H: No. I just love surfing. Q: What is your favorite spot to surf? H: I love surfing at Makaha Q: What other kinds of sports do you play? H: I love to play baseball, firedancing, surfing, and skateboarding. Q: When did you start firedancing? H: About two years ago after watching the fireknife dance competition.

Q: Have you ever burned yourself? H: Yes, several times. Once my friend burned my eyebrows by accident. So we are always training with safety now. Q: What is it like dancing Tahitian? H: I love dancing Tahitian and we're getting ready for the Heiva on Kaua'i in August. Our kumu Kalei is very strict and expects the best out of us. et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea

Cat h er in e Am elia

Cat h er in e Am elia Hi, my name is Catherine Amelia. I just turned 13 years old. I was born in Los Angeles, CA., and it is were I live. I have a diverse background. My mom is Mexican and Puerto Rican, my dad is Caucasian and Guatemalian. I was signed with LA Models for print work and LA Talent for commercial work when I was 6 years old. I have done a variety of fun and cool jobs. I love the behind the scenes part of working on a set. Getting to meet so many creative people and other kids who are doing the same thing as me is awesome! It's pretty cool to see the finished project that I've worked on and how it just all comes together. I have commercials that have aired

on Adventure Time on cartoon network and the MATTEL Barbie hover-board commercial. I have done national commercials for Build A Bear, TARGET and I also model for ARROW school uniforms and you can see me at your local SAMS club and SEARS stores. I attend a regular public school that I enjoy going to. Many times I am checked out early from school for an audition or a casting and/or I have to miss a day or two during a school week when I book a job. However, while I am on set there is a ?set teacher ? where I do my school work that I get from my teacher. I always strive to do my very best in school and makeup all my missed assignments. I believe

that hard work pays off and anything is possible. I am honored to share that Iast year I received The Presidents Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence from former President Barak Obama. It recognizes achievement and hard work in and out of the class room. My goal is to inspire my peers to challenge themselves, and to follow their dreams. When my friends come over to my home they are surprised to find out that I don't have a TV in my bedroom? . well I don't! and when I am not auditioning or working I am reading, dancing, taking voice lessons, playing soft ball, swimming, hanging out riding my bicycle with my 3 brothers or playing with my 3 dogs. I love to have dinners with my family and praying with them too.

Su b-h eadin gs

You can f ollow Cat h er in e Am elia on h er in st agr am :

@cat h er in e_am elia

M alia Ebu en g

My name is Malia Alyssa Leonen Ebueng. I am 11 years old and will be in the 7th grade at Chiefess Kamahahelei Middle School on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. I have been dancing for 5 years with Aloha Dance Studio. I recently attended the National jUMP Convention on the island of Oahu. I was able to achieve the goals I had set for myself this year.

I won. . . . -

GOLD - 10th Place in Jazz Solo VIP Runner Up, plus 3 scholarships 2nd Place Overall in Group Musical Theatre GOLD Jazz Group Best in studio for Jazz Group

Our group was able to perform in the final show at the convention.

I credit my dance teacher Sydney Davis because she has helped me grow as a dancer in the past two years she has been at Aloha Dance Studio. My favorite dance style is lyrical because you can express any emotions with it. My favorite food to eat is pizza. My other hobby besides dancing is drawing.

Jour ney Ocean Gir l Her smile and sweet personality will invite you to want to follow her. Her name is Journey. Journey is 12 years old. GAMEKIDS is so happy to introduce you to this wonderfully young talented girl who is an incredible surfer and skateboarder. When did you st art riding or surf ing? I started surfing about 3 years ago when I was 9 years old Who hel ped you when you f irst st art ed? My dad and a beach boy named uncle JP who is my good friend Kelis?s dad When you are out wait ing f or t he waves are you by yoursel f or wit h ot hers? I usually surf with friends, boys and girls of all ages.

What is it l ike t o surf or ride a wave? Awesome! I forget about everything going on in life and I just enjoy the ride. We not ed t hat a l ot of phot ographers have capt ured you on inst agram. Are you model ing? Yes I am in the process of signing a contract with Bliss Models and Talent. I?ve done a few modeling jobs and really enjoy it.

Do you have sponsors? Who are t hey? Moku Hawaii Pualani Hawaii Lady of the Sea Creations Hawaiian Longboard Company Rubber Ducky Hawaii Sirensong Wetsuits

What is your f avorit e f ood, movie, and act ivit y (ot her t han surf ing or skat eboarding)? My favorite food in Japanese food. My nana makes the most amazing japanese food. My favorite movie is Wonder Woman. Other than surfing and skating I enjoy playing with my dog and spending time with my family.

Ph ot ogr aph y by Cor y Iida Ru bber Du ck y Haw aii an d Joan n a Spof f or d

SHARKS This is a fun game and in no way are we mocking anyone who has been bitten by a shark. But its a game many of us surfers have played while waiting for a wave. When we quietly slip off our surf board and swim under another surf board and surprise our friend's by pulling them by their leg into the water. Usually the other surfers give no hint this happening. Lots of laughs!

M ar in a Beach Cam p

M ar in a Fon seca is a young Brazilian girl in Hawaii. Together with her parents she has carved out a niche of surfing and skateboarding similar to Journey. Her dad, Rom u lo Fon seca is a surfing coach by day and a waiter at night. Romulo is an award winning surfer himself. If you visit Hawaii you can meet them as they run periodic surf camps for young kids called, "Marina Surf Camp."

When did you st art surf ing? Used to play games as a baby, did my first contest at 6 and got totally hooked. Who hel ped you when you f irst st art ed? Daddy was been my big supporter When you are out wait ing f or t he waves are you by yoursel f or wit h ot hers? And are t he ot her surf ers girl s or boys? Ol der t han you? Mostly dad, always have friends or making new ones, boys and girls.

What is it l ike t o surf or ride a wave? Best feeling in the World, running over water...

What is your f avorit e f ood, movie, and act ivit y (ot her t han surf ing or skat eboarding)?

We not ed t hat a l ot of phot ographers have capt ured you on inst agram. Are you model ing? Yes. I love to model and act. I did a guest star part for Hawaii 5-0 and have done a lot of photo shoots for print and web.

Pasta, Suicide Squad and playing with little sister Serena.

Do you have sponsors? Who are t hey? Pualani Hawaii for bathing suits, Moku Surf Shop, Local Motion, Extract Juice Bar, Organic Amazon their "acai to go" is the bomb, Sea Kissed by Kris Jewelry, Little Hands Hawaii organic sunscreen and Oahu Family Chiropractic (takes care of my back.) They are all Ohana and very important for me as friends as well.

Ask for a surfboard for Christmas and go to Marina Beach Camp.

Do you have any words of wisdom and recommendat ions t o a boy or girl who wishes t o st art surf ing what woul d t hey be ?

Do you have any wat er/ surf games t hat you can t el l us about which surf ers pl ay? Sometimes when waiting we all stand up to see who can stand up the longest without falling into the water.

Who can stand up the longest balancing on our surfboards!

Soccer Games

Jeremiah Garcia

Su r f pics of Jou r n ey an d M ar in a cou r t esy of Cor y Ida - Ru bber Du ck y, Jojo St af f or d, Rom elo an d Fef ixa Fon seca

KOKUA HAWAI'I FOUNDATION Kok u a Haw aii is a nonprofit

foundation that is helping our Hawaiian Islands and people. We have reusable items in place of plastic and styrofoam that are: reusable straws, sporks, cups, shopping bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more, so we don?t have to use one time use plastic spoons, forks, knives, plastic cups, plastic water bottles, styrofoam food take out plates which litter away or fill our landfills. We do beach cleanups and stuff to help clean up our islands.

Kok u a Haw aii also goes into schools and teaches kids like me how to recycle, how not to litter, grow your own food in a garden, and how to have clean water to drink. Kok u a Haw aii volunteers at events to teach people how to recycle and sustain. We recently volunteered at the Hokulea homecoming at Magic Island, Earth Day at the University of Hawaii Manoa, at the Haleiwa Surf contest, and a lot more We encourage people to avoid using single use utensils, use reusable shopping bags, do not litter, and do not buy packaged things. Kok u a Haw aii cares about people and animals! If you want to learn more about Kok u a Haw aii and/or volunteer here is our website: www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org

by Mesa Puls

Kaylyn n Dr ak e Kek u a Aloh a Fou n dat ion

This event happened in the Spring of 2017, but we thought it worthy to share the efforts of Kaylyn n Dr ak e and how just one person can make a big difference. Its hard to believe that the State of Hawaii ranks 2nd in the United States in teen suicide. Kauai Island is ranked no. 1 of all our Hawaii islands. Drake who is a junior now at Kamehameha School Kapalama started the Kek u a Aloh a Fou n dat ion which focuses on heallthy and active lifestyles. Her foundation is committed to helping raise awareness about suicide - to help educate, provide support, and help with research to end suicide.

Kaylnn has lost family and friends to suicide and by hosting events such as " Keik i Fu n Day an d Fit n ess Ch allen ge" she wishes to keep their memory alive. 'Life is a journey and my passion is about living a healthy and happy lifestyle with peers. And as a teen life is not easy. Teens are under a lot of different pressures. We might not be able to stop the bullying, obesity issues, or suicide, but we can help one another to focus on being active!" says Kaylynn.

"You can make a difference in someone's life! My favorite quote from Lilo and Stitch movie, "Ohana means family and no one gets left behind or forgotten." For more information on Kekua Aloha Foundation and how you can be involved you can write to Kaylynn Drake below. Kaylyn n Dr ak e Kek u a Aloh a Fou n dat ion P.O. Box 158 An ah ola, HI 96703

GAM EKIDS

Look Book

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GAM EKIDS St or e Lin k s Click on the links below to support GAMEKIDS. Board Games Store https://gkboardgames.shopbuilder.co/ Disc Golf Store

(https://gamekidsdiscgolf.shopbuilder.co/)

Look f or GAM EKIDS on AM AZON PRIM E soon !

Silen t Tr agedy There is a silent tragedy developing right now, in our homes, and it concerns our most precious jewels our children. Through my work with hundreds of children and families as an occupational therapist, I have witnessed this tragedy unfolding right in front of my eyes. Our children are in a devastating emotional state! Talk to teachers and professionals who have been working in the field for the last 15 years. You will hear concerns similar to mine. Moreover, in the past 15 years, researchers have been releasing alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in kids' mental illness, which is now reaching epidemic proportions: -

1 in 5 children has mental health problems 43% increase in ADHD 37% increase in teen depression 200% increase in suicide rate in kids 10-14 years old

How much more evidence do we need before we wake up? No, ?increased diagnostics alone? is not the answer!

No, ?they all are just born like this? is not the answer! No, ?it is all the school system's fault? is not the answer! Yes, as painful as it can be to admit, in many cases, WE, parents, are the answer to many of our kids' struggles! It is scientifically proven that the brain has the capacity to rewire itself through the environment. Unfortunately, with the environment and parenting styles that we are providing to our children, we are rewiring their brains in a wrong direction and contributing to their challenges in everyday life. Yes, there are and always have been children who are born with disabilities and despite their parents' best efforts to provide them with a well-balanced environment and parenting, their children continue to struggle. These are NOT the children I am talking about here. I am talking about many others whose challenges are greatly shaped by the environmental factors that parents, with their greatest intentions, provide to their children.

As I have seen in my practice, the moment parents change their perspective on parenting, these children change. What is wrong? Today's children are being deprived of the fundamentals of a healthy childhood, such as: -

Emotionally available parents Clearly defined limits and guidance Responsibilities Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep Movement and outdoors Creative play, social interaction, opportunities for unstructured times and boredom

Instead, children are being served with: -

Digitally distracted parents Indulgent parents who let kids ?Rule the world? Sense of entitlement rather than responsibility Inadequate sleep and unbalanced nutrition Sedentary indoor lifestyle

Endless stimulation, technological

babysitters, instant gratification, and absence of dull moments . Could anyone imagine that it is possible to raise a healthy generation in such an unhealthy environment? Of course not! There are no shortcuts to parenting, and we can't trick human nature. As we see, the outcomes are devastating. Our children pay for the loss of well-balanced childhood with their emotional well-being. How t o f ix it ? If we want our children to grow into happy and healthy individuals, we have to wake up and go back to the basics. It is still possible! I know this because hundreds of my clients see positive changes in their kids' emotional state within weeks (and in some cases, even days) of implementing these recommendations: Set limits and remember that you are your child's PARENT, not a friend Offer kids well-balanced lifestyle filled with what kids NEED, not just what they WANT. Don't be afraid to say ?No!? to your kids if what they want is not what they need.

Provide nutritious food and limits snacks. Spend one hour a day in green space: biking, hiking, fishing, watching birds/ insects Have a daily technology-free family dinner. Play one board game a day. (List of family games) Involve your child in one chore a day (folding laundry, tidying up toys, hanging clothes, unpacking groceries, setting the table etc) Implement consistent sleep routine to ensure that your child gets lots of sleep in a technology-free bedroom Teach responsibility and independence. Don't over-protect them from small failures. It trains them the skills needed to overcome greater life's challenges:

Don't pack your child's backpack, don't carry her backpack, don't bring to school his forgotten lunch box/ agenda, and don't peel a banana for a 5-year-old child. Teach them the skills rather than do it for them. Teach delayed gratification and provide opportunities for ?boredom? as boredom is the time when creativity awakens: -

Don't feel responsible for being your child's entertainment crew. Do not use technology as a cure for boredom. Avoid using technology during meals, in cars, restaurants, malls. Use these moments as opportunities to train their brains to function under ?boredom? Help them create a ?boredom first aid kit? with activity

ideas for ?I am bored? times. Be emotionally available to connect with kids and teach them self-regulation and social skills: -

GAMEKIDS note: This is perhaps one of the best articles we have found which summarizes what GAMEKIDS believe in. We believe that a family that plays together stays together. Thank you Victoria Prooday for allowing us to share your article!

Turn off your phones until kids are in bed to avoid digital distraction. Photo credits: Pexels.com Become your child's emotional coach. Teach them to recognize and deal with frustration and anger. Teach greeting, turn taking, sharing, empathy, table manners, conversation skills, Connect emotionally - Smile, hug, kiss, tickle, read, dance, jump, or crawl with your child.

We must make changes in our kids' lives before this entire generation of children will be medicated! It is not too late yet, but soon it will be! Copyright 2017 VICTORIA PROODAY. Used with permission. No reproduction without author's permission. https:/ / yourot.com

GAM EKIDS Cast an d M odels Appearing in this publication and Look Book. If you would like to showcase your photos on our pages, please have your parent contact us at gkkauai@gamekids.com Violet Alao

Jeremiah Garcia

Kaylee Alapai

Kana Gonzales

Catherine Amelia

Eden Green

Jaeden Basuel

Keilani Greip

Alohi Blackstad

Zenith Jade

Journey Blake

Hi'ilei Kamalani

He'ike Bouchard

Chambrie Keala

Alexis Cacabelos

Chandis Keala

Jaedyn Caspillo

Kailey Masters

Anuhea Coon

Talyah McVicer

Salena Cortez

Tatum McVicer

Tavehi Dubocauge

Alisiya Medeiros

Layla Carver

Molly Middlebrook

Malia Eubeung

Celina Ragsay

Maile Fernandez

Pilipa'a Torio

Marina Fonseca

NEXT issue of GAM EKIDS Win t er Edit ion will feature the award winning Kapa'a Middle School Chorus. Submit your stories, game and activity ideas, recipes, photos, and model photos to: Media Bridge GAMEKIDS, PO Box 75056, Honolulu, HI 96836. Next deadline is October 1, 2017. Email: gkkauai@gamekids.com. Websit e: w w w.gam ek ids.com

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