Auburn Opelika Parents March 2017 by KeepSharing

March2017

Volume 8 Number 1

Columns

Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

Teaching Self Control “Away” Camp

Learn why letting go helps your kids grow. Consider a residential camp this summer!

Find advice for helping your kids regulate their emotions and frustrations at any age.

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Summer Camps Guide Capture the Benefits Our comprehensive listing of local of Sports Camp day camps, sports camps, residential camps and more!

A chance for kids to explore their abilities and build skills.

On The Cover Law Alsobrook is a 3rd grader at Pick Elementary and the youngest son of Norris and Cathy Alsobrook. He has an older brother and sister, Will and Claire. Law loves to play all sports and is currently playing basketball and looking forward to baseball this spring. During the summer, he participates in many of the sports camps that Auburn has to offer! Law also loves animals and volunteers at the Lee County Humane Society, where he encourages families to adopt pets into their forever homes. A special thank you to Dr. John Tole of East Alabama Allergy and Dr. George Liles of Liles Pediatric Dentistry for supporting Law during the Pick Elementary Fall Fundraising event.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 9

School Bits 50

Calendar 56

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote This year, there were many winter days that felt as if we had skipped right on into summer! Christmas morning felt more like an afternoon in early June. I don’t know about you, but it started making me long for summer to hurry and arrive! In hopes that the ground hog would not see his shadow, I began pre-planning all the summer fun that would fill our days and weeks once school lets out. Floating in the lake, pool parties with neighbors, adventures in the outdoors and vacations to the coast made it to the top of my list. Even on the few winter mornings when it dropped below freezing and summer seemed a distance reality, I still reminded myself that planning ahead never hurt anyone. To help plan ahead, our Summer Camp Issue is the perfect place to start! With early-bird registrations beginning in January, many of the most popular camps will fill up quickly. March is a great time to think about and talk with your kids about their summer interests and camp options. As usual, this month’s magazine is chock full of all the camps that our area has to offer, as well as some awesome state and regional overnight camps too! Some of the most popular day camps in our area center around sports themes. Our feature article, Capture the Benefits of Sports Camps, suggests that sports camps not only build on the campers interest and talent in a particular sport, but also help build character, sportsmanship, foster lifelong healthy lifestyles and open the door to a sport they have never tried. Recently, my younger sister called to seek advice for helping her son choose an after school activity because she wanted him to learn to be on a team, interact with others and stay active throughout the year. He is a 2nd grader who had tried a few things and ended up wanting to quit and move on to another, after a month or so of lessons. After offering some ideas, I finally landed on the best idea ever! I told her to register him for a variety of small camp experiences this summer that would allow him to try something new without a long commitment attached. Maybe after a few weeks of sampling differing types of sports, dabbling in the arts and exploring the great outdoors, an interest will be awakened that may have never been considered otherwise. All the while, in small increments without a long time and financial commitment. Maybe this strategy could be tried by your little campers! Check out the 2017 Summer Camp Guide, find some great choices to give a try and register today! Some new and exciting ones that might make your short list are My Gym’s Pirate & Princess Camp or The Art Studio’s Art for Teens. Are your kids (or you) looking for a few weeks away at an overnight camp? Or trying to decide if this summer is a good time or not to send them off on an adventure away from home? It can be a tough question to answer and we know that each family and child’s readiness is different. To help your family engage in a conversation about going away or not, Away Camps: Letting Go Helps Kids Grow is a great place to start. The author suggests that camp builds maturity and allows children the chance to make their own decisions in a safe, caring environment. Some campers are ready sooner than others and a week at camp can foster growth than may not otherwise be tapped into if they stay local this summer. Talking to your children about their reasons for wanting to try an overnight camp will lead you toward the correct decision. Another great tip I found exciting is that camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. After nine months of school and homework, followed by weekends plugged into their phones, gaming and TVs, a week or so where they leave that all behind and explore the world around them can be a huge benefit of summer camp. It might be a shock to the system, but I’m betting by camp end they will not have even missed the world of technology. Just think of all they will discover while interacting face to face with new friends and building memories of a lifetime. It’s never too early to plan your summer. Take a moment to brainstorm interests with your kids and find the perfect camp to try this year. This summer will be bursting with new adventures and active kids!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Gayla Grace Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Judy Miller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Preventing Arguments With Your Teen Begins with You Q:

Recently you advised parents not to argue with teenagers. That’s fine and dandy advice, John, but you failed to tell your readers how to stay out of or end these arguments. For example, my strong-willed, stubborn, argumentative 14-year-old daughter wants to argue with me about nearly every decision I make, every “No,” every rule, every instruction. I am going slowly insane. How do I make her stop?

A: First, I need to correct your thinking about these ongoing arguments because your thinking is a big part of the problem. You think your daughter is “argumentative.” You believe, therefore, that there’s something you can do TO HER that will stop these arguments. But there is no such thing as an argumentative child; there are only parents who open the door to argument and then step right through onto the battlefield. The parents in question mistakenly think that

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

some combination of words, some logic, some patient, intelligent explanation will cause a supposedly argumentative child to pause, reflect, and then say, “Mom, when you put it like that, I can’t help but agree with you.” No child has ever said those words, and no child ever will. You are the cause of these arguments. Therefore, the person who needs to change here is you. The first thing you need to do is train yourself to engage your brain before you engage your mouth. When your daughter asks you for permission to do something, don’t “pop off” a decision (unless, of course, circumstances demand one). Bring out your smart phone, set the timer for ten minutes and say, “Check me out when the alarm goes off.” Making impulsive decisions often leads to self-doubt, and self-doubt leads to capitulation, and the more a parent capitulates, the more convinced a child becomes that she can get her way if she only makes enough noise, and so she makes more noise, and the parent becomes angrier and angrier and so on. Sound familiar? Preventing this downward

spiral will prevent you from feeling guilty, and few things lead to worse decisions than guilt. When the timer’s alarm goes off, communicate your decision to your daughter. If she asks “Why?” or “Why not?” go to the second step in the plan: Simply say, “Because that’s what I have decided.” If she persists in asking the questions, become what I call a Bad Mommy Robot—simply persist in giving that answer, as in: “But why?” daughter demands. “Because that’s what I’ve decided,” Bad Mommy Robot answers. “That’s not a reason!” she complains. “That’s the only reason I can think of,” says Bad Mommy Robot. “I hate you!” “If I was fifteen, I’d hate me too right now. You have my permission to hate me.” Just keep that up. At some point, she will stomp her foot, scream something incoherent, and storm off. Your robotic responses will drive her temporarily insane. That’s much preferred to you going insane. You can’t afford to go insane. You have too many parenting responsibilities. She’s young. She’ll bounce back. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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S’More Fun with Mom Mother/ Son Adventure

Bark in the Park 2017

Calling all dog lovers! Auburn Parks and Recreation will host Bark in the Park, an event celebrating responsible dog ownership, on Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. noon at Kiesel Park. This FREE event is open to all dog owners and their favorite fourlegged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors, take advantage of low-cost rabies vaccinations, and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities and crafts all morning. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well! Join us for a morning of dog-gone good fun at the park! Do you have a dog-related business and would like to be a vendor? Contact Gabby Meredith at gmeredith@ auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama.org/ parks for an application.

Get your tickets for S’MORE Fun with Mom…Lee County’s Mother/Son Adventure. Cohosted by the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center and The City of Auburn, S’more Fun with Mom will be held for two evenings: Thursday and Friday May 11 and 12, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. This fun evening will include a night hike, cookout, s’mores, and storytelling! Our mother/son duos may also visit a craft station to create their own keepsake and commemorate this special night with a 5×7 portrait. Rain dates are Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19. $30/couple, additional sons $10. Ticket sales begin March 14 at www.auburn. edu/preserve with on-line registration only.

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LaGrange Area Mothers of Multiples (LAMOM) Spring Children’s Consignment Sale

Zoo Weekend March 11 - 12

Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. Zoo Weekend admission: $15 for adults, $11 for children ages 3-12 years old, FREE for toddlers 2 years old and younger and Montgomery Zoo members. Special discounted admission for the Mann Museum: $3 all ages. Discounted Zoo memberships: Save $5 on single membership, zoo or museum. Save $10 on a combo membership, zoo and museum. Purchase discounted memberships March 4-19. www.montgomeryzoo.com.

March 18, First Baptist Church, LaGrange, Ga. There is a $1 admission fee to the sale, which is donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Cash or checks only for purchases. All sales are final. The sale will close from 11:00-11:30 to prepare for the half-price sale, so all shoppers must leave the gym at this time. Proceeds from the sale benefit local programs that serve mothers and children. The LaGrange area Mothers of Multiples organization is 100% volunteer non-profit organization affiliated with the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club. LAMOM serves as a support group for mothers of multiples in west Georgia. www.lamom.org.

Boda Getta BBQ 2017

Join us on March 4 as professional BBQ teams from across the southeast descend upon University Station RV Resort in their decked out cooking rigs to compete for $12,500 in cash! This year’s Boda Getta BBQ is presented by the Auburn Rotary Club. Think you’re the tailgate master? If your answer is yes, we invite you to PROVE IT. Rally your friends and compete for the title “Best Tailgater in Auburn.” Place first and hear your team’s name announced during Auburn’s first home football game. Did we mention the ridiculously large trophy you’ll win to display at your tailgate next fall? If you think grilling is more of a spectator sport, bring your best tailgate chair and join us for a weekend of live music, food, vendors and good times. Presenting Sponsor: Auburn Rotary Club. University Station RV Resort, Auburn. www.bodagettabbq.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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“Grease!” is Coming to Columbus

It’s time to slick down your duck-tails, dust off those leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and pedal pushers and take a trip to 1959 as greaser Danny Zuko and goody-two-shoes Sandy Dumbrowski fall in love amid the wild times at Rydell High. Danny is obsessed with maintaining his tough-guy image but, in the end, the Pink Ladies help Sandy figure out how to win back the leader of the T-Birds. With unforgettable songs from the movie including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee.” March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. & March 12, 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org.

Sammy Miller & The Congregation

Get your tickets for March 9 to see Sammy Miller and The Congregation About Sammy Miller & The Congregation: A native of Los Angeles, Grammy nominated drummer Sammy Miller has become known for his unique maturity and relentless focus on making music that "feels good" as a drummer, singer and bandleader. Upon completing his Master’s at The Juilliard School, Sammy formed his ensemble, The Congregation. As a band they are focused on sharing the power of community through their music—joyful jazz. While independently the band members have performed/recorded with notable artist including Wynton Marsalis, O.A.R, Iron and Wine, Joshua Redman, Lee Fields, Jason Moran at venues including the White House, Lincoln Center, and the Hollywood Bowl they have opted to stick together to create globally conscious music with the intention to spread joy throughout the world. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.eastalabamaarts.org or call 334.749.8105.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Keep Your Student Athlete Safe Encouraging our children to be physically active is an important part of teaching them to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but as youth sports have become more competitive and year-round sports participation has been encouraged, the rate of injury to young athletes has grown significantly. Here are a few ways to help keep your young athletes healthy: Get a check-up. Each year every child should have a well-child check up with his/her physician. At this visit, the physician will review your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth and development and perform a detailed physical exam. Please make sure to discuss any previous injuries, concussions, and patient or family history of respiratory or cardiac concerns at this visit. This will help you and your physician determine which sports may be the best fit for your child. Gradually build up stamina and strength. The ability to fully participate in vigorous physical activity does not develop spontaneously. Failure to condition prior to sports participation is one of the biggest contributors to risk of injury in young athletes. Maintaining cardiovascular endurance during the off season by continu-

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

ing to walk or jog several days of the week will make the transition into a sport easier. Also, if your child is considering starting a new sport, encourage them to start training several weeks before the season begins. Contact the coach and ask for tips to help your child prepare. Remember to start gradually and build up slowly over time. Do not increase the duration or intensity of activity by more than 10% each week. Warming up, stretching, and cooling down are just as important as the actual participation. Warming up allows muscles to become more limber and increases blood flow to important muscle groups. Active stretching, meaning stretching through a range of motion, will improve flexibility and limit muscle sprains/stains. Cooling down allows the muscles to begin to recover and to heal. Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. Processed foods, preservatives, and concentrated sugars have a negative effect on metabolism and athletic performance. Avoid artificial sweeteners and artificial ingredients. Healthy fruits and vegetables, healthy oils like coconut oil, and protein such as those from nuts or lean meats are necessary fuels for all athletes. Young athletes should drink mostly water during physical activity. For activities that last longer than 1 hour and are high intensity or occur

during hot weather, I recommend 4 ounces of a sports drink per hour in addition to water. Take any injury seriously. If something hurts, ask your child to stop immediately and rest. If the pain subsides, then allow him/her to restart exercise gradually. If pain recurs, do not allow your child to exercise for 48-72 hours. If pain persists after this period of rest, seek care for your child. Of course, if pain is severe or other worrisome signs occur, like swelling or bruising, then seek care right away. REST! Maintaining glycogen stores and allowing muscles to heal and recover is critical to continued athletic improvement and performance. Children should have at least 2 days a week without structured physical activity. After completing a competitive season of sports, young athletes should be allowed 2-3 months to rest before beginning a new sport or season. Teaching your children the value of physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle is very important. Hopefully, with these tips, you can keep your athlete healthy this season and for many more to come. Dr. Rian Anglin, a board certified pediatrician, was raised nearby in Valley, AL. She attended Auburn University were she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Molecular Biology. Despite her strong allegiance to Auburn, Dr. Anglin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2007 with her MD. Her passions in practice include promoting early childhood literacy, reducing toxic stress in childhood, and improving the practice of pediatric medicine through office based research. She resides in Auburn with her husband and their two sons.

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Autauga County Schools

Tiger Mochas Now Open in Auburn HS Courtyard

Tiger Mochas for the Auburn High School student body and staff has opened in the courtyard! Students have the opportunity to buy a cup of black coffee and choose cream and/or sugar if they wish! Each cup cost $1 and they will be in the courtyard every Friday morning from7:30 to 7:55 a.m. This is a collaborative effort between the Tiger TRAILS class and Future Teachers of America to teach employability skills, social skills and budgeting skills to students with disabilities, as well as to raise money for community experiences for the self-contained classes.

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Re-enacting Literature at Trinity

After reading Henry James's novel â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Turn of the Screwâ&#x20AC;?, Mrs. Maurin's American Literature class made videos of the story.

2017 Auburn Choral Company

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross-Country Team Honored at City Council Meeting

The 2016 AHSAA Class 7A State Champion Boy's Cross-Country team were honored for their 4th consecutive title in a row (10 overall in Auburn High School history) at a recent Auburn City Council meeting! This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team consisted of Josh Escoe, Jack Rogers, Nate Pudner, Carson Chambliss, Andrew Mingus, Payne Norton, Evan Rogers, Cole Arrington, Lane Galloway, Will Anderson, Evan Klugh, Tate Ogburn. Many of them ran their alltime best time for 5K to win the championship this past fall (they have been marked with an asterisk). 3rd *Josh Escoe 15:42.26; 4th Jack Rogers 15:52.55; 5th *Nate Pudner 15:55.62; 25th *Carson Chambliss 16:29.33; 30th *Andrew Mingus 16:33.94; 36th *Payne Norton 16:37.13; 52th *Evan Rogers 16:58.49; 68th *Cole Arrington 17:19.29; 97th Lane Galloway 17:46.95; 100th Will Anderson 17:50.32. These three student athletes are on the team and did not compete at State due to injury, but contributed throughout the season: Charlton Kam, Evan Klugh, Tate Ogburn.

Wacoochee Spelling Bee Winner

On January 12, Wacoochee Elementary held its annual spelling bee. After forty-eight rounds a winner was declared. From left to right the winners are: Connor Woodham, 3rd place, Nathan Collins, 2nd place, and Kelsi Clotfelter, a sixth grader, won 1st place. Congratulations to these students!

Ogletree ES First Responder Appreciation Breakfast

Recently at Ogletree Elementary Auburn Police and Fire Departments opened car doors and greeted students coming off buses with smiles and high fives! Teachers and staff at Ogletree then provided an appreciation breakfast with all kinds of homemade goodies. The administration worked with the OES Writing Club to present a video for the first responders to express their gratitude for keeping our community safe. Blair the K-9 Officer even made an appearance to snap a few photos with the dog-loving students. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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Auburn City Council Recognizes Local Athletic Teams

Recently, the Auburn City Council recognized three athletics teams and their recent accomplishments. First up were the Lee County Tigers Unified Flag Football Team for being crowned the 2016 Alabama High School Athletic Association's Special Olympics Flag Football State Champions for the second year in a row! Next were the Auburn High School Girl's Swimming and Diving Team for earning the 2016 AHSAA Class 6A-7A State Championship for the 4th year in a row! Then there was the AHS Boy's Swimming and Diving Team that placed second in the AHSAA Class 6A-7A State Championship! ACS is proud of all of these student-athletes and their achievements!

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Richland Elementary Celebrates Black History Month

Richland Elementary School held their 2017 Black History Program. The RES Champions, led by Mr. Joseph Rowser, were joined by Dr. Wayne Barr and the Tuskegee University Golden Voices for a presentation of African American Spirituals. Several RES students dressed up as African American icons including Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson and Colin Powell.

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Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Girls Basketball Team Wins AISA 3A State Title

Lee-Scott Academy's JV Girls Basketball Team defeated Lakeside, Monroe, and Springwood to win their 4th consecutive AISA 3A state title! Haley Harper and Mary Baxley Smith were named to the All-Tournament Team and Mary Mykal Prewett was named MVP. The team is coached by Trey Fetner and Corye Ivatt. Pictured: Front Row (L-R) Mary Kathryn Lamb, Isabel Litkenhous, Carla Ingram, Mary Mykal Prewett, Alli Scott, Mary Baxley Smith, Haley Harper, Kendal Hull. Back Row (L-R) - Lauren Smith, Coach Trey Fetner, Maggie Wood, Margaret Aldridge, Reid Hollingsworth, Sidney Lee, Abbie Starr, Lauren DiBenedetto, Sterling Tucker, Mary Margaret Huff, Coach Corye Ivatt, Emma Crutchfield, Whitney Shiver, Hailey Ogle.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Auburn School Buses Attain Goal of Excellence in Safety Inspections

The @AuburnCityEdu Transportation Department was honored with a certificate of achievement from @ alabamadeptofed for attaining the goal of excellence in school bus safety inspections this past year!

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Four Auburn Classical Academy Students Participate in Polar Plunge

"Cold for a Cause!" "Freezin' for a Reason!" The 5th Annual Polar Plunge, January 28, 2017! Auburn Classical Academy was blessed to have 4 warm-natured students who braved the 34 degree day and 46 degree water to support this wonderful cause and who proudly contributed over $500 in donations and sponsorship money to the Lee County Special Olympics! "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 (NIV).

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Respect Visitors to Trinity Christian School are impressed by the culture of mutual respect that permeates our school both in and out of the classroom.

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Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

Springwood Scholars Win Prestigious LAMP Invitational Tournament

The Springwood Scholars Bowl team had a record setting day at the LAMP Invitational Tournament in Montgomery. The team won the prestigious event against a field that included many of the top teams throughout the state. The Wildcats won their pool with a perfect 7 and 0 record defeating Sylacauga B (425-140), Sylacauga C (490-85), Dothan A (380-335), Spain Park (375-350), Enterprise B (430-130), Indian Springs (350-320), and St. James (395-195). Springwood advanced to the playoffs where they defeated HewittTrussville A in the semis (365-175). Springwood won the championship trophy after defeating Indian Springs in the finals (385-290). This win gave the Wildcats a perfect 9 and 0 record for the tournament. The five-time AISA state champions will next be in action at the Good Hope Invitational in Cullman, AL. Team members are (l-r): Ananth Reddy, Venu Reddy (captain), Anica Choi, and Kari Sims.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools Teacher of the Year

Amber Goolsby has been named the Auburn City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year! Goolsby teaches 4th grade at Wrights Mill Road and has 12 years of experience in the field of education. Before getting into the world of teaching Goolsby was a successful Product Specialist for John Deere, but always felt the calling to work with kids. So she shifted from the corporate career to the business of shaping young minds and has never looked back. Goolsby’s application will now be sent to the Alabama State Department of Education for a chance to be named the statewide Elementary Teacher of the Year. Be sure to congratulate Mrs. Goolsby when you see her!

Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year

Kristina Passi has been named the Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year! Passi teaches 7th grade language arts at Drake Middle School and has 4 years of experience in the field of education. She has a passion for the English language and teaching it to those for whom it is their second or even third language. Passi’s application will now be sent to the Alabama State Department of Education for a chance to be named the statewide Secondary Teacher of the Year. Be sure to congratulate Kristina when you see her!

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

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ARIANA O’NEILL

MALIK MILES

JANIE HUMPHRIES

TYDRICK TREADWELL

RYLAN ROOPE

KYLIN JONES

ANTHONY LOPEZ

JENNIFER BARNES

ZANDER PLACE

XAVIER O’NEILL

AILAYAH CLARK

ANSLEIGH BRYANT

LILA DAHL-RUIZ

RYLEIGH GANN

KADIN JONES

TYRICA GILES

TY PATTERSON

SARAH HOLDERFIELD

ABBIGAIL BAILEY

JAIVION MORRIS

ANNE KATHERINE CORLEY

OLIVIA MEADOWS

HEATH JOINER

LIAM TRAVIS

PAISLEY KIRK

ARMIAH CHILDS

MASON HALE

JOSHUA WAGONER

TRINITY JOHNSON

MARY CHARLES CORLEY

A’YANAN CARSON

MAURICE SPIVEY

AHNAYAH PRESTON

KENDALL ALLEN

JAVONTA BELLAMY

MAKENZIE HALE

JORDAN WAGONER

SERINITY JOHNSON

MARCUS TAYLOR

MAKILAH PENDLETON

CHRISTOPHER SIMS

MADISON PRESTON

YASMINE SPEIGHTS

AYDEN BELLAMY

MAKINLEY MUNNENYN

KATIE SALINAS

BALEIGH ANNA HARRIS

DYLAN TAPLEY

NICHOLAS PENDLETON

ZACH SIMS

ELIAS HIJAS

ASHLYNN GAITHER

CALEB STALLER

COLTON HAMAN

DANICA CARMACK

MARY ELIZABETH HADLEY

OMARRIUS PENDLETON

CAMEIA ASKEW

JAXON HOLLOWAY-LEVERETTE

JA’LYRICA FORD

CARSON LUKER

CHRISTIAN BROOKS

HUDSON SPEIGNER

ARYA ADHIKARI

TREMOZES FOREMAN

AMARRI JUKES

AARON KINCAID

JADA FINLEY

JHAKARI CARTER

ETHAN WALDROP

GRAHAM WILLETT

AUBREE MITCHUM

ZAMORA PENDLETON

CORDREIUS WILSON

GAVEN RUSHING

JASMINE FINLEY

MYLES FOREMAN

HARPER MARTIN

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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Dissecting Words at Pick Elementary

Fifth grade "student-doctors" at Pick Elementary are performing surgery on "paper people" as a new approach to grammar lessons today!

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Drake Student-Parent Monthly Book Club

The book club meets once a month at 6 p.m. in the Drake Middle School Library Media Center for about an hour. Parents are invited to read the book and then come to the discussion, which will be facilitated by one or more DMS teachers. The purpose of this book club is to provide the opportunity to read books assigned in the classroom and to participate in a discussion similar to those that occur throughout DMS. On January 10, 2017: The book was “Towers Falling”, by Jewel Parker Rhodes. Below are the UPCOMING dates and selections for the spring semester: * March 7, 2017: “Fish in a Tree”, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt o "Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. * April 4, 2017: “Echo”, by Pam Munoz Ryan o This beautifully crafted story is told in three parts, bookended by a magical tale. It follows a family divided over politics in Germany during Hitler's rise to power, two young boys trapped in the foster care system in Pennsylvania, and a Mexican-American family taking care of a farm while the original caretakers are sent to Japanese internment camps. * May 9, 2017: “The Crossover”, by Kwame Alexander o Josh and JB are almost 13 year-old twins and double trouble on the basketball court. When we first encounter them in Kwame Alexander's beautifully measured novel in verse, they are deep into a year when everything changes. 15

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Autauga County Schools

2016-17 Opelika City Schools Teachers of the Year

The OCS Teachers of the Year were honored by the Board of Education members at the January meeting. Pictured (l-r): Laura Dunlap-Northside Intermediate, Tricia Skelton-Opelika Middle School, Lindy Tapley-West Forest Intermediate, Kate Madzar-Opelika High School, Valerie LawlerMorris Avenue Intermediate, Melissa Lancaster-Jeter Primary, Lekishia Richardson-Southview Primary, and Teresa Manley-Carver Primary. Valerie Lawler was named the OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year and Kate Madzar was named the OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Ogletree Elementary Wins First Place in Science Olympiad

Ogletree Elementary won first and third place overall in regional Science Olympiad competition! This is the fourth year in a row OES has finished first and the first time to have two in the top three.

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Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: Kendra@aopmagazine.com.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make it Mondayâ&#x20AC;? at Northside Intermediate

During "Make it Monday", students at Northside Intermediate School participated in activities in the library that involved using items such as pipe cleaners, index cards, aluminum foil, straws, tape and paper clips to complete a variety of challenges throughout the week.

Trinity Christian School Spelling Bee Winners

Trinity Christian School is proud to announce the 2017 school wide Spelling Bee winners, Matthew and Carly!

Auburn HS Students Attend Employment Fair Students at Auburn High School attended the Co-opportunties & PATHFINDER|Auburn Employment Fair recently. These students are all eligible for placement in the Work-Based Education programs for summer 2017, fall 2017 and/or spring 2018. Thank you to all the participating businesses and sponsors including Auburn Electrical Company and Lyons HR.

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Autauga County Schools

100th Day Celebration at Trinity Christian School

LSA Drama Wins Big at AISA District Drama Festival

Trinity's kindergarten through second grade celebrated the 100th day of school on January 31. To make things a little more fun, the teachers dressed up as 100-year-old ladies!

Congratulations to the LSA Drama Team and Mrs. Oliver for winning 1st place in monologue, 1st place in duet, 1st place in musical theater and 2nd in ensemble at the AISA District Drama Festival!

Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@uburnopelikaparents.com.

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West Forest Intermediate Science Olympiad

The Science Olympiad Team from West Forest Intermediate had a great day at the competition!

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Auburn HS Aquaculture Class Visits AU Fisheries Center

Stan Arington took a group of his aquaculturescience students to Auburn University's E.W. Shell Fisheries Center on North College to act as a focus group for the new Visitor Learning Center. These students have excelled in the classroom and were asked to come in to give their feedback on the addition that is less than two-weeks old. While on-site, Dr. Tetsuzan Benny Ron filmed the students interacting with the displays and Extension Specialist Dr. David Cline for promotional material to be shared on YouTube and the non-profit Aquaculture Hub (learn more: http://www.aquaculturehub.org). The Fisheries Center is open to the public and classroom field trip M-F 8 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m, and the fish market is open on Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon for all your catfish (live or filet), tilapia (live or filet) and shrimp (frozen) needs. Pictured, Stan Arington is the Aquaculture instructor at Auburn High and he is on the far left in the blue shirt and khaki pants. Dr. David Cline is in the bright orange Auburn Shirt and he is the Extension Specialist at AU's EW Shell Fisheries on North College. Dr. Benny Ron is in the Auburn Hat kneeling and he is an

aquaculture professor from the University of Hawaii (Manoa) that has built a relationship with Arington and Cline while running the non-profit Aquaculture Hub. The others photographed are AHS Students. 19

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Autauga County Schools

Lee County Spelling Bee Participants from Opelika City Schools Congratulations to the Opelika City Schools students that competed in the Lee County Spelling Bee. Pictured (l-r): Nicole Lowery, Nathan Buckalew, Timothy Nelms, Amare Slaughter-Cooks, Mary-Evans Cooper, Zane Sexton, and Sarah Bush. Everyone did a great job!

Lee-Scott Scholars Win 3rd Place in AISA State Competition

Congratulations to LSA's middle school Scholar's Bowl team for winning 3rd Place in the AISA State Competition.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: Kendra@aopmagazine.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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Auburn HS Participates in MIT Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament

Auburn HS Science Olympiad Teams participated in the MIT Science Olympiad Invitation Tournament recently in Massachusetts. This opportunity allowed Science Olympiad teams to participate in tournaments that do not impact regional or state advancement or rankings, but are often used as tryouts for team members and as preparation for teams that compete in regional, state or national tournaments. (From Ms. Jacque Middleton, AJHS/AHS's PLTW/STEM Gateway teacher, and AHS's Science Olympiad Coach)- "Congratulations to these amazing kids!! They had several top 10 finishes and one first place in Anatomy! Ecstatic about the 23rd overall in this National Competition; I am proud to call all of them mine!"

All-Pro Dads at Morris Avenue Intermediate Was Awesome!

Jeter Primary Kindergartners Celebrate the 100th Day of School

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Debate Team Charters/Establishes Chapter of National Forensic League

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Reading Night at Southview

Knights, Princesses and Super Heroes had an exciting evening during the 6th Annual Reading Night at Southview Primary!

The Auburn High School's Debate team was recently awarded the highest honors of the National Speech and Debate Association for chartering and establishing a chapter of the National Forensic League. Both students and teachers worked to accomplish this effort (pictured Donna Yeager, AHS Speech and Debate teacher).

Trinity Christian School Geography Bee Winners Trinity Christian School congratulates its 2017 school wide Geography Bee winners, Chip and Brylee!

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Uniform Inspection at Auburn HS

Auburn High School JROTC Instructors Lt. Col. (ret.) Tony Benitez and Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Keith J Entwistle inspected Cadet's uniforms. This is an annual occurrence that displays various soft skills needed for the real world.

Opelika HS Senior Wins State Diving Championship

Congratulations to OHS Senior Conner Pruitt AHSAA 6A State Diving Champion! This was Pruitt's third state championship in a row. Pruitt was recognized by the OCS Board of Education in January. Pictured with Pruitt is Mr. O.D. Alsobrook, board chairman.

Ogletree Singers Perform for Alabama Music Educators Association The Ogletree Singers (left photo) performed in Montgomery for the Alabama Music Educators Association! ACS music teachers (right photo) support one another at the annual AMEA conference.

Celebrating 25 years! L i vi n g. L ovi n g. L e a rn i n g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll only find at Growing Room. 334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 years

www.growin groomusa.co m 23

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Autauga County Schools

Former Super Bowl Champion Visits Lee-Scott Academy

Kendall Simmons, former Auburn Football Player, and two time Super Bowl Champion, spoke to Lee-Scott Academy's elementary students during Spiritual Emphasis Week.

100th Day of School at Auburn City Schools

Monday, January 23, students in Auburn City Schools celebrated being a hundred days smarter on the 100th day of school. Pictured are some students willing to share their gray hairs with us.

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TAKE YOUR SWING

TO THE NEXT LEVEL Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. The clinics will be held in three, Monday – Thursday sessions from 8:30-11:30 a.m. SESSION 1: June 5-8 · SESSION 2: June 19-22 SESSION 3: July 31-August 3 · $100 PER SESSION Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day. » FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL 334.749.9042. «

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT GRAND NATIONAL 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail · Opelika, AL 36801 facebook.com/rtjgrandnational · rtjgolf.com

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com 1/10/17 3:38 PM

Opelika High School Signing Day

y Congratulations to OHS Senior Caleb Florence on signing a football scholarship to Austin Peay University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior John David Worth on signing a football scholarship to Jacksonville University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Jaleel Heard on signing a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Will Boler on signing to play football with the University of Alabama Birmingham!

Opelika High School Senior Andrew Bizilia signed a tennis scholarship with Wallace State Community College on December 13, 2016. Pictured with Bizilia are his parents Kevan and Linda Bizilia. Back row (lr): Coach Brian BlackmonOHS Athletic Director, Coach Adam Massey-OHS Tennis Coach, Coach Tony Franklin-Head Tennis Coach Wallace State, and Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal.

om 3:38 PM

Congratulations to OHS Senior Zach Yancey on signing a football scholarship with East Tennessee State University!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Weldrin Ford on signing a football scholarship to Shorter University!

Opelika High School Senior Mitch Myers signed a baseball scholarship with the University of Alabama on January 19, 2017. Pictured with Myers are his parents Kristy and Barry Myers. Back row (l-r): Mike Meadows, Coach Nick RichardsonOHS Head Baseball Coach, Madison Myers-sister, Coach Mantre Battle, Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Coach Zach Blatt, Coach Blair Irvin, and Shannon Snyder.

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Autauga Schools Auburn High School Signing DayCounty (Feb. 2017)

Octavius Whitfield/Football/ U. of the Cumberlands

Trey Randall/Football/Clark Atlanta U.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Tre'Shun Floyd/Football/Samford U.

Alexis Tate/Basketball/Anderson U.

Deonte Tolbert/Cross-Country/Track & Field/ Clemson U.

Garrison Brooks/Basketball/ Mississippi State U.

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Will Atkinson/Soccer/Auburn U. Montgomery

Nate Pudner/Cross-Country/Track & Field/ U. South Alabama Rowdey Jordan/Baseball/Mississippi State U.

Susanna Pudner/Cross-Country/Track & Field/ U. of South Alabama

Jack Rogers/Cross-Country/Track & Field Auburn U.

Trey Woodham/Baseball/Mississippi State U.

Josh Escoe/Cross-Country/Track & Field/ Auburn U. Montgomery

Ted Wages/Football/U.S. Military Academy

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8. The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, and more! Science Matters offers five different science-themed weeks for students throughout the summer. All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis and availability is limited! For more information, visit our website or contact: www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Kristen Bond: kristen.bond@auburn.edu 334-844-5769 27

2017 Dates June 5-9

June 19-23

June 26-30

July 17-July 21 July 24-28

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A Page in a Book Books That Drive the Story Home While most of our children are no strangers to traveling in cars, they often find fascination with the more unusual vehicles that they share the road with. Some kids are the type to rise early and watch for the garbage truck to roll up and perform its duty with the containers on the street. Other children make a game of counting tractor-trailers on the road. And everyone is excited when an ice cream truck makes an appearance. The following titles celebrate some of the more esoteric vehicles that capture a child’s attention.

Duck on a Tractor

by David Shannon (Scholastic / Blue Sky Press) When Duck finds the tractor unattended on the farm, it’s just one turn of the key and the whole barnyard is climbing on board for a big adventure. As each animal scrambles for purchase on the rolling vehicle, their signature sounds comes with translations of their real thoughts about joining the pile of farmyard friends on the move. And when the animal-laden tractor makes its way down main street, the townsfolk’s audible exclamations also come with their own hilarious subtext. David Shannon’s remarkably expressive comic illustration is the perfect conveyance for this moving misadventure on the farm!

The Little Snowplow

Food Trucks!

by Mark Todd (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) With growing fleets of food trucks peppering the landscape all across the country, kids have become captivated by the magic of these rolling kitchens. Food Trucks! is a delightful exploration of all the different kinds of cuisine and themes that these vehicles bring to the street. Each two-page spread features a colorful food truck that’s festively outfitted to announce its unique culinary theme. The accompanying text celebrates the distinct food style of each truck (with additional notes about regional ingredients and recipes!) Keeping this title on the reading menu is guaranteed to satisfy kids’ appetites for these restaurants on wheels.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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by Lora Koehler, Illustrated by Jake Parker (Candlewick Press) Alongside the Mighty Mountain road crew of big trucks, the snowplow is the newest...and smallest member of the team. But the much larger and more powerful trucks are quick to point out that the little snowplow is unlikely to be strong enough to do any real work in the town. The little snowplow is soon relegated to plowing streams, cleaning up after parades, and scooping up piles of leaves. With cold weather on the way, the snowplow begins lifting and practicing in preparation for winter even as the big trucks mock him. But when the snow finally comes, the little snowplow may be the road crew’s strongest asset!

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Q. My husband and I have four kids, and

I make $50,000 a year. He runs a small business that has been floundering for a while now, so we’re basically living off my income. Part of that income is going into the business. Plus, we don’t have much in savings, and we’re behind on our house payments. Do you have any advice?

A. First of all, you and your husband have to get on the same page financially. Sit down together, and do a household budget and a profit and loss statement on the business. A profit and loss statement will tell you the money that comes in minus the money that goes out. Here’s the thing. If you’re putting other money into a business account, that’s a clue that you’re not making money on the business. Put his rent, supplies and any other business expenses on the profit and

loss list, and write out — step by step — what it will take for you to break even in the business each month. If you don’t at least break even, then it’s time for him to do something else for a living. I’m an entrepreneur and a business owner. I get the allure and excitement that goes along with running your own business. But family and your financial responsibilities come first. You don’t need to put any money into the business account, except for the income he creates. And while you two are sorting this out, use your income to get current on your house payments and attack any other debt!

Q. I’m 37 years old, married with two great kids, and I was just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I’m trying to plan for the future, and I was wondering if you

have any suggestions for work at home or self-employment ideas for people with disabilities.

A. I’m really sorry to hear you’re facing

this. You’re a smart, brave young woman to be looking ahead and making plans for the coming years. I suggest you read a book by Dan Miller called 48 Days to Creative Income. Dan is a friend of mine, and he also wrote a popular book titled 48 Days to the Work You Love. The issue you’re talking about is very close to his heart, and I think his books will be a great help to you. There’s also a book by Richard Bolles. It’s called Job Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped or People Who Have Disabilities, and it’s full of ideas to help you work around the issues you’ll be facing. There are lots of people out there — well-known, highly successful folks — who have disabilities and still make good money and have rewarding lives using the principles found in these books. Another great piece of news is it sounds like you have a wonderful support system around you.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Remodeling the Family Home Parents with a rebellious teenager tell me that their house seems to be falling apart at the seams. The whole family is in a constant state of turmoil and walking on eggshells. But I tell them that their house can again become whole; in fact, with some hard work, it can become their dream home. When I talk to parents about the dreams they have for their home and family, they say what they most long for is a place of closeknit relationships; where siblings truly care for one another, and where children show their parents respect. And what about your teen? What kind of a home does she want? It may seem like she would like a home where she is totally in control and where she can do whatever she wants, but that’s usually not the case. In spite of her disrespect or disobedience, she still wants a good relationship with you; she’s just lost sight of how to get there. Somewhere along the line she has lost a connection with you and cannot find her way back. If your dream home has fallen into disrepair, a little remodeling will get it back to where you (and your teen) want it to be. Remember, parenting isn’t for the weak and timid; it is not a spectator sport, it is something for which you must become proactive in order to get different results. So, don your overalls and strap on your tool belt. It’s time to get to work! Here are a few remodeling suggestions – things you can do right now to begin to make a change in your family, and work toward making your house the home of your dreams.

Give your child a responsibility or freedom they’ve never had before.

Sometimes parents stir up the rebellious side of a child because they provoke them without meaning to. For example, if you believe curfew for your 16-year-old needs to be at 9 Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

o’clock on Saturday night, and they want it to be 10:30, you may need to look at that again. Your rules need to be age-appropriate and, of course, appropriate to the maturity of your teen. Most parents need to loosen the reins just a little, but hold their teen responsible for everything that happens with their newfound freedom. If you’re worried, make it a requirement for them to check in periodically. A small change that forces your child to behave more responsibly can make a big difference. And if they make a mistake, back their curfew down to an earlier hour for a time. Giving them a little more freedom also gives you more leverage to take away that freedom as a consequence.

Ask a trustworthy friend to offer advice and let you know if you are on the right track. In

business, I answer to my board of directors. I may not always agree with them, but I trust them to tell me when I might be doing something wrong. They’ve frankly helped me see the forest for the trees sometimes and have kept me from making some business mistakes. You need friends around you like that; wise and trustworthy friends who can give you the same kind of feedback. Tell them what you’d like to see happen in your family and the struggles you are having. Ask them to be completely honest with you. You might be surprised what they say. If they give wise advice, don’t ignore it.

Believe that change is possible.

Sometimes the hardest thing in dealing with troubled families is for the parents to come to believe that all is not lost. They simply don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many are like a leopard that never grows a new spot; they find it hard to believe things will ever change. People are capable of changing at any time – both you and your teenager.

Begin with your mouth and your ears. One way I tell parents to bring about 30

dramatic difference is to simply be quiet. Don’t engage in negative battles. Get in the habit of asking questions more than offering advice or lecturing. Close your mouth and open your ears. Maybe your teen doesn’t talk to you like you hoped because you spend too much time talking or responding and too little time listing. Even if you don’t agree with what they say, you don’t always have to react. Sometimes they are just thinking out loud and don’t even believe what they are saying. But if you react harshly, they could quickly “own” that statement and square off to defend it.

Take parenting to the next step.

I encourage you to evaluate your methods and expectations — again, making them age-appropriate. For example, does our child lack responsibility because you still make his lunch for him, do his laundry, run his homework to school, and fold his socks? Take the next step and force your child to care more for his own needs. By the time he moves out of your dream home, he should be well-trained and able to take care of things on his own.

Focus on relationship. There is no

replacement or substitute for you taking the time to sit down with your teenager at least once a week to build your relationship. No matter how many times I say this, it still bears repeating. Take the time, and make it happen every week! Just listen. Have fun. Don’t be serious or confrontational. Don’t lecture. Relationship is built on mutual interest and joy. So find the one thing you can do together that you both enjoy, and do it every week. Can your house again be the home of your dreams? You bet! It may need some refurbishing right now, and it may look worse until it gets better, but with a lot of hard work you can surely get there.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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K w s pa i w hungry, cold, needing connection, or has soiled his diaper. When an infant’s needs are met, they begin to learn basic trust. A child must be able trust his environment and in others because it is the foundation for self-control. Parents teach their infants how to selfsoothe, the first self-regulation (self-control) skill. Infants are able to self-soothe because they trust that their parents will care for and nurture them. I used to rub all of my kids’ backs when they fussed before drifting off in their cribs, assuring them I was close and responsive. They calmed and quickly fell into a deep slumber.

The goal of parenting is to prepare our children to be successful, independent, capable, and moral adults. Part of the responsibility of parenting is teaching our children how to control their responses to the world they live in. Through discipline (“to teach”) children learn to master self-control, a vital life-skill for success. Self-control is the ability to regulate emotions, desires, and the verbal, nonverbal, or physical expression of those desires, especially when challenged by other people and situations. Children will come to rely on self-control as they move through the stages of infancy and childhood into adolescence and adulthood, calling again and again on their ability to tolerate frustration and to manage themselves in a variety of situations.

Model what you want to see in your child. Children learn emotional regulation through parental regulation. When modeling, parents should respond to others and in situations the way they wish their children to respond.

Begin Early. Self-control begins when children are infants, when parents empathetically respond to their child when he is tired, Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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Self-control is the ability to regulate emotions, desires, and the verbal, nonverbal, or physical expression of those desires, especially when challenged by other people and situations. Model calm, even though you may feel otherwise. You are always the teacher. You are also the student, always. Take a look at yourself first when you witness your child behaving in a way you do not approve of.

K.I.S.S. Keep it short and simple. For example, with the younger child directions can be something like, “If you hit, you sit.” The parent follows through and when the child is ready he can reengage with others, with a reminder of “no hitting” as well as using his words. Self-control generally improves as children develop and the prefrontal cortex area of the brain, which regulates behavior, matures. Older children have had years of experience of knowing the rules, routines, and what behavior is expected in numerous situations.

Use do-overs and generous praise. Parents can go over instructions (doovers) to reinforce the behavior they wish to see. Do-overs provide children with opportunities to practice the behavior over, often in a fun way. Do-overs teach, encourage and strengthen the self-control “muscle” in children. The best time to achieve a do-over is when the child and the parent are calm and the lack of control has recently occurred. For example, “You sounded mean when you spoke to me. I understand you may be tired, but that is not the way we speak 33

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to each other. Try again, please.” And then have your child speak, until he has achieved the proper tone. If he has trouble, model it for him. Praise him for doing it the way you asked him to. “I like how you spoke to me. Well done!” Praise him for controlling himself. Repetition and verbal praise, along with a hug and smile, reinforce the self-control you are trying to instill in your child as well as self-esteem.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Help your child notice his lack of control and work on problem solving. Discuss the reason(s) why your child becomes out of control. Does he have a specific “flashpoint” or trigger? Is he tired? Hungry? Overtaxed with too many tasks or commitments? My daughter is triggered by hunger. She becomes snarky and then downright mean and combative as her blood sugar drops; in her case we make sure she eats small portions of protein throughout the day. A teen now, she oversees this herself with great success. With the help of your child, come up with one or two go-to ideas that work for him (and you) when he loses control. For my son, we long ago discovered two options that work well. He voluntarily goes to his room to cool off until he feels in control, or he takes a long shower to “wash away the emotional dirt.” His choice. The child that reemerges is my sweet, thoughtful, loving boy.

Focus on the positive. Positive reinforcement begets more positive behavior. Bring up the positive whenever possible: “You are so thoughtful and kind. You helped your sister feel better when you sat with her and read to her.” Kids love to be stroked and be noticed for the good behavior they have.

Reward kids for self-control. The most sought after reward with my kids is one-on-one time with their dad or me. We try to be efficient, working in tandem to get things done to allow for more “together” time. No child is perfect or comes with instructions. Focus on the love you have for your child, your relationship with him, and his strengths and interests. Your child’s selfcontrol will eventually improve if you are consistent with discipline, expectations, and verbal praise. AOP Judy M. Miller savors time with her kids. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

There’s a moment in childhood when toddlers, accustomed to solitary exploration and solo play, finally take notice of their peers and begin to initiate play for two. Sometimes as partners, sometimes as opponents, a child’s direct engagement with another player sparks new thought processes that help young minds evolve and grow. Games that require two players nurture strategic thinking, social exploration and good sportsmanship. The following recommendations double the fun for kids who are ready to meet their match in game play.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Star Wars Battleship

Electronic Talking 8-in-1 Talking Chess

(Hasbro)

(Croove)

Taking inspiration from the popular Star Wars: The Force Awakens universe, the classic game of Battleship raises the galactic stakes as two players pit the strength of the rebels against the power of the dark side. Signature ships from both sides of the conflict are represented among the crisply detailed game pieces. After players get their hidden fleet in place, they take turns calling out target positions to their opponent in hopes of getting a strike on an enemy ship. Transforming guess work into deductive reasoning Star Wars Battleship lets kid develop their own strategy as they play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek (and destroy) to determine the future of the galaxy.

BLINK Card Game

Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game

Moving beyond a gaming landscape populated with spinners, dice, and colored candy paths, learning how to play chess is a rite of passage for many kids. Mastering this ancient game of strategy is made easy with the very modern help of the Electronic Talking Chess Game from Croove. Beginning with a tutor mode that teaches the elements of the games and basic piece movement, kids are quickly empowered with the elements of chess and ready to take new challenges. Novice and experienced players will find additional modes, 30 chess levels and 5 playing styles to explore. Whether your opponent is a friend or the computer itself, chess gets a high-tech boost with the Electronic Talking 8-in-1 Chess Game.

(Mattel)

The simple concept of BLINK creates invigorating challenges as players’ perceptions have to shift between colors, numbers and shapes to find correct matches faster than their opponent. Featuring cards that show a shape (star, moon, triangles etc.) in a variety of colors and quantities, players create two draw piles and prepare to match and discard the cards in their hand as the two top cards are turned over. With a goal of playing out all of the cards in your own draw pile first, it’s the luck of the draw and the quickest response to the card images that win the game. BLINK is a fast-paced race to the finish as speed matching cultivates hand-eye coordination, breathless game play and endless laughter in the blink of an eye.

(Melissa & Doug)

Supporting the notion that fishing is better with a buddy, the Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game provides young anglers with everything they need to reel in a winning catch. Taking direction from the ‘worm’ spinner, players use two wooden fishing poles with working reels to catch one of ten numbered and colored fish. Magnetic ‘lures’ and metal tabs on each fish make game play easy for young players while fostering hand-eye coordination and fine motor development. Designed for two players (but also fun for the solo angler), this active catchand-count game will have the littlest fishermen reeling in the good times.

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Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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If you’d like your kids to develop maturity and gain independence (and if you’d like to begin learning to let go yourself!) it’s time to start researching sleep-away camps. Week- or month-long adventures away from home give kids opportunities to experience unique adventures they’d never find at home. Asking other parents what camps their kids attend can be helpful also; having a friend go with your child is a beautiful thing for parents leery of separation. To find a camp that fits your child’s needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors, ask teachers and church counselors, attend camp fairs and explore options on your own. Residential camps of all kinds and sizes are located all across the country, so there’s sure to be one your child can love and from which he can gain valuable skills. Camp counselor Jamie Newman expresses enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. “Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences. They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears to try something even if it doesn’t feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they’re forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting

Sleep-away camp was just what Ally needed in order to gain independence and confidence, marveled her mom, Sharon. “She found a whole new group of girls and had a ball; she’s had a hard time with girls beginning in grade 4,” Sharon says, “so it was great for her to bond with girls in a different setting.” Starting at age 9, Ally went away to camp for a week. The following summer she begged for it to be four. Her parents were delighted. Time away from parents helps kids learn how to make their own decisions without checking with Mom or Dad first, and residential camp provides the perfect training ground, says Michael Thompson in his book, Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow (Random House; 2012). Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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relationships that can continue when they return home.” Need more convincing? Here are a few thoughts to consider: 1) Camp builds maturity and allows children the chance to make their own decisions in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles. 2) Camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn’t know they had. 3) Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with each other and the value of getting along with others though working together and supporting one another. 4) Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds - helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat and bunk together. 5) Camps creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they’ve never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of overscheduled days.

Parents and “Child sickness” When it comes to sending a child to sleep-away camp, plenty of parents say, “Well, she’s ready for camp, but I’m not ready for her to leave!” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as “distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents.” For child sickness, the same can be true, except it pertains to what

parents experience when their child is away. Those who suffer from the condition feel some form of anxiety, sadness and nervousness, and most distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of their child. “Parents today are more anxious than their peers were 20 and 30 years ago,” says Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association. “That said, the partnerships between parents and camp directors have increased. Parents should share their concerns with camp directors who are prepared to respond with responsible, informed answers.” 37

Tips for Letting Go • Let your child have trial runs being away from you by permitting sleepovers. • Don’t show anxiety to your child it will make it hard on him. • Have a plan for yourself: Get a project done that you’ve never had time for, go on a trip with your spouse, etc. • Remember: two of the greatest gifts you can give your child are confidence and independence. AOP Gayla Grace is a writer and mom to five who sends her kids to away camps every summer.

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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun! Auburn University Academic Auburn University Science Matters ad on page 27

Kristen Bond, 334.844.5769; kdb0022@auburn.edu 6 Week Long Sessions: June 5-9, June 12-16, June 20-24, June 19-23, June 26-30, July 17-21 and July 24-28. Science Matters is a summer enrichment program for elementary students in rising grades 1-8 offering youngsters a supercharged science experience. The program allows participants to explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on, make-n’-take activities. During this action-packed program, kids can design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, “become a flight specialist”, see amazing critters, and more! Science Matters offers six different science-themed weeks for students in rising grades 1-4, five weeks for students in rising grades 5-6, and two special courses offered through the Biodiversity Learning Center for students in rising 7th and 8th graders. Regular Day option from 8am-4pm or the Extended Day option from 8am-5pm. Multiple week discounts are available.

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center ad on page 18

Jennifer Lolley, 844.8091; preserve@auburn.edu March 13-15: Spring Break Camp: 8:00am-3:00pm, grades 1st-6th. Session $120 members, $130 nonmembers. This year’s summer ecology camp theme is the Web of Life where campers will learn about ways in which living things are related to and dependent on each other and on the physical environment. Campers will investigate food webs and other interrelationships through active and participatory nature studies, crafts, games, hikes, and more! Camps are held Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Drop off begins at 7:45 a.m. Registration is $110 and includes a daily snack, activities, and a camp t-shirt. KPNC membership at the Magnolia level ($35 or above) is required for registration. Visit auburn.edu/preserve to join. Registration is currently open. Camp Discovery- May 30-June 2: for upcoming 3rd and 4th grades. This session will be Tuesday – Friday and will include a night session on Thursday, May 29th, for the whole family to attend. Young Naturalist I- June 5- June 9: for upcoming 1st and 2nd grades. Hunger Games- June 12- June 16: for upcoming 5th Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

through 7th grades. In addition to activities related to the summer camp theme, campers will also learn about the responsibilities of park/wilderness rangers, including outdoor survival skills such as fire and shelter building, first aid, and more. Young Naturalist II- June 19-June 23: for upcoming 1st and 2nd grades. Explorers- June 26-June 30: for mixed ages, upcoming 1st through 6th grades. Ideal for siblings. All camps are held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, just north of the AU Fisheries complex. Email preserve@ auburn.edu or call 334-844-8091 for more information. Registering online at aub.ie/camp. Auburn Summer Band Camps 334.844.4166; www.band.auburn.edu Marching Leadership Camp - June 19-22 Marching Percussion & Auxiliary Camp - June 8-10 Enjoy learning from prominent instrumental music educators, making music with musicians around the nation, and working with the outstanding summer camp faculty. All Summer Marching Camp participants will take part in a combined Finale Concert at the end of the weekend, open to parents and the Auburn community. Residential and commuter camp options. High School Symphonic Band Camp - June 10-13 Middle School Symphonic Band Camp - June 23-25 These camps, designed for Middle School and High School students respectively, provide an excellent opportunity for the musical development of our participants during the summer. Rehearsals with band students from across the country, as well as section rehearsals and master classes, are a reason your child won’t want to miss out on being a part of our summer camp program this year. Auburn University Summer Youth Programs: www.auburn.edu/outreach 21st Century- June 4-9, The camp focuses on providing students with information and skills that will allow them to work successfully in 21st CCLC programs. The week long residential camp is designed to: Train high school students as tutors for 21st CCLC afterschool and summer programs, encourage careers in education, provide field experiences in life sciences: fisheries, horticulture, forestry, etc., provide enrichment activities incorporating nature into literature, art, music, etc., & provide positive experiences on a university campus. Advanced and Intermediate Photography - July 2328 and June 25-30, Campers will learn the study of photography including digital production techniques and color photography theory. Campers will gain experience and exposure in the concepts and practices of contemporary art photography including digital production techniques and color photographic theory. Architecture Camp- 2 Sessions: June 18-23 & July 9-14, Offered to prospective students who are inter-

ested in the field of architectural design. The program is an intensive, exciting, week-long workshop that begins with basic design concepts and ends with an architectural design project. AU Brain Camp- July 16-21, Brain Camp is a fun, interactive camp for young leaders who are rising juniors and seniors in high school, or about to enter their freshman year of college to get hands-on experience using advanced technology and to learn from distinguished professors in the field of neuroscience. Automotive Design Camp- June 5-9, Campers will make sketches and renderings and work in groups to see the manual plans for automotive designs come together. Aviation Camp- June 25-30 and July 9-14, Are you thinking about a career in aviation as a pilot? Engineer? Unmanned aircraft operator? Airport manager? Air traffic controller? Corporate aviation? Birmingham Design- July 17-21 and July 24-28, Offers an intensive design experience while exploring the many disciplines of graphic design, industrial design, architecture and landscape architecture. Camp ROC (Reaching Our Children)- 6 week summer day camp-Provides instruction in the areas of reading and reading comprehension, math, science, financial and computer literacy for students from at-risk populations in grades 5 to 12. During the camp, students are exposed to personal productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), introductory programming in HTML and web page design, and computing and keyboard fundamentals. Computer Science for Girls- June 4-9, Campers will engage in computer programming and development using CS Unplugged, kinesthetic activities, and Microsoft Kodu. Creative Writing Studio- July 16-21, Feed your hungry muse and sharpen your writing skills in three genres – fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Participate in workshops and writing craft classes with the goal of producing original fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Writing activities designed to encourage immersion in Auburn. Cyber Security- July 16-21, Offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience investigating computer crimes, processing digital evidence and employing tools and techniques used by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Working in Computer Science and Software Engineering laboratories, students will begin with a quick overview of computer basics and then begin learning the science and art of investigating computer crimes. Dance Intensive- June 26-30, Each day will be filled with classes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap and conditioning such as Pilates and Yoga. In addition; students will also learn choreography and improvise on their own to build choreography to be performed on the final day. Design Camp- 2 Sessions: June 18-23 and July 9-14. A unique program for creative young men and women

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who are interested in a professional career in design. The program is an intensive and exciting week-long workshop that begins with basic design fundamentals and progresses to more advanced design concepts. E Tech Civil Air Patrol- 20 cadets, rising juniors and seniors in high school who have reached a certain rank and are chosen by the national organization, explore engineering careers by participating in activities with several engineering departments, including aerospace, industrial, mechanical, materials, and textile. Engineering Camp- June 18-23, The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering wants to expose middle and high school students to the world of engineering through our summer camps. The camps will be conducted by faculty, staff and students from the college who will ensure students receive a broad overview of the engineering profession by participating in a number of hands-on activities. Exploring Agriculture and Gaining Leadership (EAGLE)- July 16-19, Complete labs including horticulture, animal science, turfgrass, biosystems engineering and more. Empowering Girls through Leadership and Exercise (EGLE)- June 19-22, Camp teaches girls physical strength through exercise, as well as mental and emotional strength through leadership skills. Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp- June 27-30, Focus on empowering Christian athletes to serve local communities by equipping and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. The camp will teach young females physical strength through exercise, as well as mental and emotional strength through leadership skills to help produce confident young women. Fisheries & Aquaculture Camp- June 11-16; Intense fun and hands-on activities blended into a creative learning experience that provides the broadest possible exposure to natural resources careers with an emphasis on aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic ecology. Students will have the opportunity to make their own lures, fish for a trophy size bass in the AU fisheries research ponds, kayak the Coosa River, seine a fish pond and much more. Food Science Camp- July 23-28, If you’ve ever wondered what makes sour candies so sour or why your soda goes flat-our 3-day residential camp is for you! Campers will have the opportunity to learn elements of food safety, participate in sensory experiments, study candy chemistry, and tour campus and industry facilities. Forestry Camp- June 25-30, This hands-on camp will give students an opportunity to get outdoors and learn about forestry in Alabama and the importance of forestry field measurements in making forest management decisions. Students will learn how to take forest tree measurements, sample forests for inventory information and use a professional grade GPS for a geocaching adventure around Auburn’s campus. Global Youth Camp- June 12-16, The multicultural staff will take campers on a journey that includes games, art projects, cooking, dance, music and more as they explore cultures of India, Guatemala, Korea, Egypt, Australia, Germany, Kenya and Brazil. Irish Dance Camp- June 19-23, Hosted by Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance, campers will learn solo and group dancing which includes footwork, musical timing, proper dance technique, stage presence and more. Korean Cultural Experience Camp- July 23-28, Learn the fundamentals of Korean language, experience traditions in art and history and engage in cultural games and activities. Loachapoka Explore Auburn Days (LEAD) CampJune 4-9; Students must be a Loachapoka high school student entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade the fall.. Camp includes physical and social activities such as sports, swimming, games, movies; Creative writing, team building, arts, field trips, computer, ropes course, study skills and more. Mini P.E.E.P.S. (Poultry and Egg Experiences for Prospective Students)- TBA. Designed to educate students in the areas of agriculture, food, science and poultry. camper fee (includes materials for activities, tours, lunch and snack, t-shirt, and certificate) Poultry Science Building, Auburn Campus.

Musical Theatre Camp- July 16-21, Provides a residential summer camp opportunity for students interested in the exciting field of musical theatre, which incorporates music, dance, movement, and acting, and show choir. The camp will culminate with a musical theatre revue presented on the final day of the week. Nursing and Healthcare Camp- June 4-9, Introduction of core concepts of healthcare and nursing through classroom and simulation lab settings. Outside the classroom includes small group discussions and projects. Outdoor Adventure Camp- July 23-28, Campers will experience high and low rope course elements, whitewater rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Pharmacy Camp- June 4-9, Interested in a career in pharmacy? Come explore the pharmacy profession through classes, hands-on learning and more. Real Cents, Real Change- June 18-23; Empowers teens (ages 13-18) through education, leadership and philanthropy. Throughout REAL Cents – REAL Change Summer Camp, teen participants will learn the basic

skills of financial management and how to maximize their philanthropic impact. Robotics & Game Development- June 18-23, Introduces advanced computer science and computational thinking concepts and hands-on applications of game design & development, and robotics. Sports Science Camp- June 11-16, For campers interested in the field of health science, physical activity, and sport performance. Students will experience work conducted in the many laboratories, including biomechanics, motor learning, cardio protection, thermal and infrared, molecular science, neuromechanics, vascular physiology, exercise psychophysiology, behavioral fitness, and muscle biochemistry. Summer Art Studio- June 18-23, An in-depth look at how art is taught at Auburn, and give students individual attention as they participate in a series of exercises and projects. Summer English School- June 5-30, This program was developed in 2008 in order to meet the English language needs of non-English speaking students in

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the area. The program provides 57 classroom hours of instruction in English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for grades K-12 and adults. Veterinarian Camp- 3 Sessions: June 11-16, July 9-14, Participants will learn about veterinary medicine firsthand in classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities that include Auburn’s raptor, equine, dairy, beef, and swine units. Students will learn about public health, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, imaging, and first aid, as well as gain valuable mentoring about veterinarian careers. Wildlife Camp- July 23-28, Campers will learn concepts, issues and concerns related to wildlife, food, history of wildlife conservation in North America, conservation and laws and practices. World Affairs Youth Seminar- July 9-14, In cooperation with the Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club. Invites students who have completed at least one year of high school prior to the camp to participate in the Annual World Affairs Youth Seminar. Youth Digital App Design- June 19-23, July 10-14, Campers will learn foundational mobile app developmental skills as they design and program their own mobile games. Youth Digital Mod Design- June 26-30 and July 1721, Create your own Mindcraft mod using real Java programming. Learn to design and code and walk away with their own Mindcraft mod.

AU Extracurricular/ Sports Auburn Soccer Camps ad on page 24

844.9637; www.auburnsoccercamp.com June 9-10- Soccer Goalkeeper & Striker Camp: Boys and girls ages 11-18. For the first time ever, we have created a unique camp that will focus primarily on the main roles of being a striker and goalkeeper. Our staff will run sessions that will replicate game like situations in order to teach the fundamental technical and tactical skills required of those positions. $250. June 11-14- June Residential Camp (Commuter Camp): Girls 9-18. $375. June 11-14- June Residential Camp: Girls 9-18. $475. The Auburn University Camp staff will create training environments that are both challenging and fun! Our goal is to make sure all of our campers leave here with a broader knowledge of the game from a technical and tactical standpoint. July 7-9- July Elite Camp: Girls 13-18. The Auburn University coaches, assisted by current players, will run high level training sessions in the morning, afternoon and will end the day with competitive 11v11 games. All campers will have the opportunity to train and play on Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

the Auburn University game field. The goalkeepers will receive specialized training by the Auburn coaches. We will also have a Q&A session where we will discuss the recruiting process and answer general questions about the NCAA rules.The coaches will provide feedback to the campers throughout the camp, our goal is to better educate and prepare those who wish to play at the next level. $425. July 10-13- July Day Camp: Boys and girls 5-12. The Auburn University Camp staff will create training environments that are both challenging and fun! Our goal is to make sure all of our campers leave here with a broader knowledge of the game from a technical and tactical standpoint. $130. July 16-19- July Residential Camp: Boys and girls 9-15. $475 July 16-19- July Residential Camp (Commuter): Boys and girls 9-15. $375.The Auburn University Camp staff will create training environments that are both challenging and fun! Our goal is to make sure all of our campers leave here with a broader knowledge of the game from a technical and tactical standpoint.

Auburn Volleyball Camps ad on page 4

April Zech, aly0001@auburn.edu July 7- Position Camp I and July 11- Position Camp II: This is a one day camp that will cover all positions on the court. Please make sure you mark what position you are so we can best evaluate. $95. July 7- Serving Clinic I and July 11- Serving Clinic II: Learn the proper technique for a float serve, jump float, and a top spin serve through an intensive look at serving prep, contact, and finish. $25. July 8-10- High School All-Skills Camp and July 15-17- Youth All-Stars Camp:Our most popular camp for high-schoolers & middle-schoolers who want to improve their all-around game while also getting skill training in their specific position. Players are grouped by age and ability with fundamental skills emphasized for beginners, and more tactics and advanced strategies for the elite level players. Competitive drills and matches are also scheduled during the 3-day camp. $285-$335. July 12-13- Team Tournament, July 13-15- Team Camp, and July 12-15- Team Tournament and Camp: Have your entire team attend camp together! Skill development, team offense and defense, and team bonding are the focus of camp in addition to competitive matches and drills. Your team will be assigned a court coach who will train the team for the duration of camp. Coaches are encouraged to attend and receive instruction specific to the needs of their teams. The camp is open to Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Auburn Swim Camps Debra Hazeldine, 844.9746; djh0007@auburn.edu May 13-14-Starts & Turns Elite Camp; $420. Our Elite Camp will be dedicated to starts and turns only focusing on fine tuning these skills for a competitive advantage in the pool. Swimmers will receive intense training, in depth analysis, and classroom instruction. May 28-June 1-Swim Camp Day I; $690 May 28-June 1- Swim Camp Overnight I; $750 June 3-7- Swim Camp Day II; $690 June 3-7- Swim Camp Overnight II; $750 June 9-13-Swim Camp Day Camp III; $690 June 9-13- Swim Camp Overnight III; $750 June 15-19- Swim Camp Day Camp IV: $690 June 15-19- Swim Camp Overnight IV: $750. These camps will feature technique instruction which will provide swimmers with the tools for success that can be applied to their training and development

throughout their careers.PrevNext Auburn Head Coach, Brett Hawke will be joined by a staff of highly qualified, accomplished, and enthusiastic coaches, counselors, and collegiate swimmers to present the 2017 Auburn Swim Camps. Brett Hawke’s coaching staff will combine the best of the Auburn Camp Tradition while incorporating the techniques used to create champions across the globe. Baseball Academy Scott Duval, 844.4975; Scott@Throw90.com June 12-15, July 7-9, July 11-14 and July17-20. Boys Basketball Camps Bruce Pearl, 844.9737. Boys and Girls Xcellerate Lacrosse Camp 334.844.5817; jld0027@auburn.edu June 19-22 and June 22-25. Equestrian Camps Carolyn Williams, 844.9426; carolyn031@centurytel.net Spring Clinic I April 29-May 1; Spring Clinic II May 6-7 Select 20 Camp June 12-15; Select 8 Camp June 1215; Elite College Prep I June 19-22; Elite College Prep II June 26-29; Elite Camp July 10-13 Football Camps 844.8855; www.auburnfootballcamps.com; wbolt@auburn.edu May 19-21-Auburn Fan Experience June 5-7- Youth Tiger Camp June 11- Kicking Academy June 17 and July 21- Half Day Camp OL/DL June 17- Half Day Camp Skills Position July 14 and July 21- QB Camp Gymnastics Kurt, 844.5047, kurth@auburn.edu June 11-14- Premier Commuter and Residential Camp June 15-16- Day Camp July 21-23- Premier Camp Softball Camps 844.9515; cm3elitediamondcamps@auburn.edu Summer All Skills Camp I: June 13-15 Summer All Skills Camp II: June 20-22 Tennis 703.1672; www.gteamtennis.com Residential Camp: June 11-16 and June 18-22 Day Camp: June 12-15 and June 19-22 Half Day Camp I: June 12-15 and June 19-22 Mini Kid Camp: June 12-15 and June 19-22 Terri Flournoy Girl’s Basketball Camps Terri Flournoy; smallaj@auburn.edu Elite Camp (9th-12th grade): June 9, $50 Team Play Day (JV & Varsity): June 10, $200/Team Day Camp (3rd-8th grade): June 11-14, $195 Tiger Golf Camp Nick Clinard, 844.9497; www.auburntigers.com Auburn Tiger Short Game Academy Spring: March 25 Tiger Camp: June 6-9, Tiger Junior Camp: Jun 4-6, Boys and girls, ages 8-18yrs, $645

Fine Arts Camps Auburn Pointe ad on page 5

1100 South College St. #202, 740.5118; www.aupointe.com Summer Dance Classes: full summer dance program all summer! Registering now for beginners through advanced dancers. Keep up your technique or try dance for the first time all dancers welcome! Ages 3 and up. June 19-23: Precious Princess Dance Camp (Princes welcome, too!). Boys and girls age 3-5; 10:00 am -12:00noon. Cost $100. June 5-9 & June 12-16: Triple Threat Performance Camp! Singing, dancing, and acting! Boys and girls age 6-up; no experience necessary! 1:00-4:00pm. Cost $150/week.

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Ballet Academy ad on page 12

1703 Westend Court, Opelika. 737-5551 ww.myballetacademy.net June 12-16: Ballet Academy’s Once Upon A Time, 2-5pm, Ages 3-5yrs, $115. Come dance in 5 of your favorite Fairy Tales. July 10-14: Ballet Academy’s Young Dancers Summer Intensive, 9am-12:30pm, Ages 9-11yrs, $150 July 10-14: Ballet Academy’s Young Dancers Summer Intensive, 1-5pm, Ages 12-14yrs, $160 July 10-14: Ballet Academy Master Class Series, Ages 15 and up. Evening classes offering professional instruction in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Contemporary, Jazz, Acro and Core, Details to be announced. A $15 registration fee will be charge for all camps.

City of Auburn Parks and Recreation

ad on page 17 and 39 Day in Clay 8th Annual Day in Clay will be held Saturday, June 24 at the Dean Road Rec Center. Day in Clay is the Dean Road Ceramics Studio’s open house and we encourage the family to visit our fully-equipped studio, enjoy refreshments and demonstrations. Work with clay, $10/person adult or kid project (1pm, 2pm & 3pm). For more information please contact, Cari Cleckler, ccleckler@auburnalabama.org. AACT Summer Intensive Ages 5-18yrs; Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center; supersugarmel@gmail.com; $150/session/child; June 19-23 and July 24-28, 1:00-4:00pm. Skills and techniques based camp appropriate for all levels, from beginning to experienced actor. It is fun and fast paced. We will focus of improvisation, voice and movement and scene studies. Art for Young Children June 27-29 & July 18-20, 10am-12noon. Jan Dempsey Community Art Center. Pre-school children, ages 4-6yrs, will explore a variety of age appropriate art materials including clay, paint, and fabric. Price includes cost of all materials and snack. An exhibition of the children’s artwork is held at the end of each session. $60 per week/child; $55 each addition child/week Dance 101: A Tiny Workshop for Tiny Dancers- May 30-June 1 Ages 3-4yrs. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 9:00-10:00am. Just enough to give the youngest dancers an introduction to dance class. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively while learning and practicing left/right orientation and simple movement skills that are the basis for ballet techniques taught in a formal ballet class (bending, stretching, jumping, turning, leaping, galloping and skipping. This workshop will include a Tiny Demo on the final day. Children will dance barefoot and should wear comfortable clothing to move in(shorts and t-shirt).Dance attire is not necessary.$35 (includes costume that kids will keep- tutu for girls and dance vest for boys). Pirate and Princess Dance Theatre Camp- Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, dcdavino@bellsouth.net; $125/session/child. June 5-9: Ages 5-7yrs. 9:30am-12noon. Musical Theatre Camp I, II and III MMC I: Ages 5-7yrs: June 12-16, 1:00-3:00pm. MMC I Session 2: Ages 5-7yrs: June 12-16, 3:15-5:15pm. MTC II: Ages 8-11yrs: June 12-16, 9:00am-12noon. MTCH III:Ages 12-18yrs: June 12-16, 1:00-4:00pm. Love to sing, dance and act? Then join us for Musical Theatre Camp(MTC) hosted by Auburn Area Community Theatre(AACT)! Whether you have been on stage many times, or never, this camp is for you. You’ll learn music, choreography and lines for several Broadway Musical numbers and then have an opportunity to perform for family and friends! There will

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1

be extra rehearsal time the last day of camp so actors can prepare for the joint Parent Presentation to be held that evening from 5–6p.m. $150. MTCII and MTCIII are$170/session/child (Includes a t-shirt, snack each day, practice CD and sheet music). Payable to AACT. Sibling discounts and need-based scholarships available. MelanieBrown/AuburnAreaCommunityTheatre (334)332-6834), supersugarmel@gmail.com Music Camps Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, (334) 750-6117; czx0002@auburn.edu; Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing? Joy’s Music and Singing Summer Camp will bring your music appreciation and singing skills to the next level, by teaching students how to read music scores, write music notes, and apply professional vocal techniques. There will also be a lot of fun! Joy’s Music and Singing Summer Camp I and II- June 19-23, 8:30-11:30am. $155-$175/child; Joy’s Music and Singing Summer Camp III- July 10-14, 1:30-4:30pm. $195/child.

2/3/15 10:28 AM

Visual Art Workshops 501-2963; July 10-14, July 24-28, and July 31-August 4. 9am-12noon. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Ages 7 and up. $80 per week per child / $75 for each additional child.

Nix Dance Studio ad on page 33

Paula Nix, 887.7250. 850 Stage Road, Auburn. 6 week Summer Fun Dance Camps! Enroll Now! VIP (very important princess class) 3-4yr olds, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical / Contemporary, and Turns, Leaps, & Technique.

Spirited Art ad on page 37

3051 Fredrick Road, Opelika. 363.5257, spiritedartauburn@gmail.com; www.myspiritedart.com/auburn

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FUNdamentals Camp- Create a new painting each day while learning about the elements of design, the color wheel, color mixing, and basic brush techniques. Snacks provided. All Girls!- Kids will create TWO brand-new paintings each day, while learning about color mixing, blending, brush techniques, and a bit of art history! Snacks provided daily, and artists who attend all 3 days will receive a FREE Spirited Art t-shirt! Calendar- Kids will create 3 brand-new “monththemed” paintings on canvas board each day – painting a complete calendar set by the end of camp! Snacks provided daily, and artists who attend all 4 days of camp will receive a table top easel to display their artwork each month. FUNdamentals: beginner, ages 5+. May 30th-June 2nd or July 10th-13th, 4 days, 10am-12:30pm, $115 Beyond the Basics (Auburn theme): inter., ages 7+, June 5th-7th or July 31st- August 2nd, 3 days, 10am2pm, $155 Calendar Camp: all levels, ages 5+, June 12th-15th or July 24th-27th, 4 days, 10am-2pm, $155 All-Girls Camp, ages 7+, June 19th-21st or July 17th19th, 3 days, 10am-2pm, $155

The Art Studio ad on page 9

118 N. Ross St Suite 2, Auburn. www.theartstudio auburn.com; info@theartstudioauburn.com Rising 1st Graders and up. Monday – Friday 9am to 12pm. Summer Art Camp offers students a unique experience with a wide variety of mediums in fine art, learning about artists from around the world, art concepts and innovative techniques. Camp provides a thorough and comprehensive learning experience that includes independent work as well as hands on instruction. Young at Art: 1st-3rd grade, June 12-16 and July 10-14. Emerging Artists: 4th -6th grade, June 19-23 and July 17-21. Art for Teens: 7th grade and up, June 26-30. Art for All: 1st-6th grade, July 24-28. What’s Included!! *Exposure to drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and sculpture. *Artists covered include Wassily Kandinsky, Hundertwasser, Grant Wood, Jasper Johns and many more. *Students will complete 5 works of art. *An art show will be held on Friday for parents to view their child’s work. *Students will leave camp with a home art kit complete with supplies and project instructions. *Tuition includes all supplies and a snack.

Tiger Twirlers ad on page 19

Baton twirling lessons beginning June. Classes meet inside Max Fitness, 189 East University Drive, Auburn. For more information or to register for lessons/camps, contact Gayle Hammitt, 601.630.6994. City of Opelika Parks and Recreation Art Camp - Ages 5-12 years; Call for more info, 705.5560. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art 901 South College Street, Auburn. 844.1484; www.jcsm.auburn.edu Saturday Art Club- April 23; 1:30-3:30pm. Saturday Art Clubs are an open studio format, meaning you can use the full hour to work on your creations or leave when finished. For this reason, parents are encouraged to stay for the entire session and visit our galleries while they wait. Art Clubs are funded through a City of Auburn K-12 Arts Education Outreach Grant. Make Your Move Dance Studio Mandy Moore, 705.0205; 1220 Fox Run Ave, Ste 212, Opelika. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Rising Starz 2140-H E. University Drive, Auburn and 139 Franklin Street, Alexander City. 334.209.1464 or 334.498.0308; www.risingstarzofauburn.com; Full day camps available for dance, baton, musical theatre, and sewing basics. One week mini camps available for Little Ones Ballet. Also, offering 4 week mini-sessions for multiple disciplines. Spicer’s Garage Band Camp www.spicersmusic.com; garagebandcamp@gmail.com Rock Band Camp and Camp Kazoo: Morning and afternoon sessions.. Attention aspiring musicians, ages 8 - 18! If you love music, and want to play in a rock band, this camp is for you! At Spicer’s Garage Band Camp, you will have a blast as you jam daily with your bandmates. You will receive individualized instruction on your instrument, work with other musicians to choose a band name and logo, write your own song, and learn several current songs. After a fun-filled week of jamming, you and your band will perform on stage with professional lights and sound equipment in front of family and friends. Spicer’s Garage Band Camp....It ROCKS! Also offering: Advanced Camp, Singer-Songwriter Camp, Blues Workshop, Jazz Workshop, Percussion Workshop, Youth Jam Nights and MORE! Summer Showoffs www.summershows.com June 26-30 and July 10-14: Auburn High School Now Showing! Summer Showoffs is a music day camp for ages 1st-12th graders that uses music and performance to build confidence and character. We help students develop their talents on stage! Everyone gets a solo! $280 per camp. Variations Dance Studio 323 Airport Road Suite F, Auburn. 275-5013; ww.variationsstudio.com

Local Day & Overnight Camps Auburn First Baptist Church Child Development Center ad on page 25

128 East Glenn Ave, Auburn. Milissa Clowers, Director or Kristina Hickman, Office Assistant, 334.821.8125, afbcdc@gmail.com Summer Camp is a Field-Trip based Program; All summer, 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday - Friday. DropIns Welcome (space permitting). Summer Camp Enrollment is currently taking place for Kindergartencompletion of 5th grade (child must have completed Kindergarten). The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center ad on page 20

745.6248; www.bonnieskidschildcare.com When your schedule says, “You can’t be there”, place your kids in Bonnie’s Care. Bonnie’s Kids Child Care can lovingly step in when your busy schedule takes you away from your young, preschool children, when you naturally want them cared for and watched over with the same love, attention, protection and nurturing that you would provide yourself. Serving the Opelika

region for over 25 years, Bonnie’s Kids Child Care has been helping working families with attentive, conscientious and supportive child care in times of need, providing young children with guidance, confidence, nutrition, emotional and physical exercising and support, and honest to goodness love. Summer camp includes 3 field trips per week for school age children including swimming, bowling, area parks, movie theater, Auburn University, Callaway Gardens and more! Also offering Premier Spirit Academy tumbling, dance, music, computer and more!

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Junior Camp Counselor Program-a volunteer position that teaches teens responsibility and allows them to mentor younger campers. This is a great opportunity for teens to learn invaluable skills necessary for their first “real” job and provides a great atmosphere to socialize with other junior camp counselors in a fun and exciting setting. In addition, this is a chance for teens to earn community service credit hours and give back to their community. Junior Camp Counselors are expected to bring a lunch and swimwear each day. Registration must be done in person at the Harris Center. The deadline for participants to register is Friday, May 19th. Two Junior Camp Counselors will be taken per week and slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. June 5-9, June 12-16, June 19-23, July 10-14, July 17-21, and July 24-28. Ages 13-15 yrs. 334-5012930; gmeredith@auburnalabama.org Science Camp: July 24, 26, and 28. 3:00-5:00pm. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Ages 7-9yrs. Join us for partner science experiments, cool demos and friendly building competitions daily! Action packed fun guaranteed to please your favorite Einstein! $75/child, $65 for additional siblings. Summer Williams, winsleycoan@icloud.com; (334) 329-9361 Auburn Robotics Camp: June 23-24. Ages 10-14yrs. Ever dream of building a robot but didn’t know where to begin? Now’s your chance! The provided kits will need to be assembled, soldered, wired up and programmed. You will learn it all and keep the robot for future tinkering. No prior experience needed but a willingness to learn and strong math, science and critical thinking skills are beneficial. $125/child. Nathan Loden& Randall Stoves, auburnroboticscamp@gmail. com; (612) 888-3141 Small Fry Camp- Daisy Griffin & Kathy Nesmith, 334-501-2950, dstewart@auburnalabama.org June 1-August 31, 7:30-11:30am; Children will enjoy hands-on activities, music in song and dance, age-appropriate lessons, and class pets! Reinforces school readiness and promotes social skills. Children must be toilet trained. $935 per quarter or June only $330, July only $345, or August only $345. Ages 3-5yrs, 3 days a week. Summer Therapeutic Day Camp Applications Available beginning March 27. This is a seven week summer day camp designed for young adults with various disabilities (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, hearing impairments, vision impairments). The Summer Camp is a joint project created and sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Exceptional Outreach Organization. The Therapeutic Summer Camp’s curriculum program includes life skills training such as handling money, team work, social skills, Zumba, swimming, and other physical recreation activities (e.g, basketball, bowling, volleyball). The campers also participate in cultural experiences, such as going to the Blue Bell Ice Cream plant in Sylacauga, AL to see how the ice cream is made and of course taste it, and we have fun at the Wild Animal Safari, Pine Mountain, GA learning about all kinds of different animals. One of their favorite community experience field trips was taking a river

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boat cruise on the Harriett II, where they thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on the boat and learning about river life. Registration packets will be available March 28 at the Harris Center. All packets and registration fees must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5. Campers will be evaluated on an individual basis. $150, each additional sibling $95. Payable to COA. Camp dates will be the following: June 1-26; we will not have camp the week of July 3-7 in order to celebrate the 4th of July; camp will resume July 10-21 and the camp banquet will be July 25.

Growing Room: There’s a Rumble in Our Jungle ad on page 23

644 North Dean Road, Auburn. 501.2044. Kicks off May 30, 2017. Our Summer Camp includes exciting events and activities for every age group, from Infants to our School Agers. This year our Summer Camp will be a Beach Blast by the Sea! Each week our campers will participate in unique crafts and special events with themes related to different beach experiences. Our 4 year olds will enjoy bi-weekly field trips, while our School Age kids will enjoy fun & exciting field trips every week! Our summer curriculum continues to include educational concepts such as literacy, math, science, and character education. Children enjoy warm nutritious meals and the safest play possible on our state of the art playground. Give your child the best summer ever at the Growing Room. We’re open Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Come by today for a tour at 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al. Summer Camp registration opens to new enrollments on March 27, 2017.

My Gym

ad on page 3

334.246.0987, www.mygym.com/auburn June 5-July 27, Monday &Thursday 9:00am12:00noon, Wednesdays 1:00-4:00pm. My Gym Camp was created to enhance physical development and a sense of individual success. We do that through games, arts & crafts, relays, sports, gymnastics, rides and much more! Drop the kiddos off at My Gym for 3-hours of non-stop indoor fun. Snack Included! Summer Camp is great for children ages 2.5yrs to 9yrs! Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Members $30per day/ Non-members $35per day; Register by March 31st to get $5 off each camp day! Farm Day: June 5 Pirate and Princess: June 12 Camping/Outdoors: June 19 Super Heroes: June 26 Ocean: July 10 Music Dance: July 17 Circus: July 24

The City of Montgomery Zoo Camp ad on page 22

334.240.4900; www.montgomeryzoo.com; Montgomery Zoo Education Department- Children ages 5-12 can enjoy learning more about animals, conservation and more all while having fun at the zoo). Full day camps: June 5-8, June 19-23, July 10-14; Half day camps: June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 2428. Advance Registration Required.

Camp iCare

Women’s Philanthropy Board, 844.3506, lcr0004@auburn.edu Campers, ages 6-12, will learn the basic skills of being money smart and philanthropically engaged. Activities will include lessons on how to be money smart, creating ways to care for others and our world, meeting with special guests who will share how they are making an

impact, participating in leadership and team building games, creating and producing a video about a favorite cause, assembling care packages, and visiting a local helping organization.

City of Opelika Parks and Recreation

705.5560. Spring Break Camp– March 20-24, Covington Center. Structured activities, games and outdoor fun! Fee: $30; Age: 5-12years; 8:00am-12 noon. Summer Day Camps- Locations at the Sportsplex and Covington Center. Monday-Friday from 8:00-3:00. Registration begins in May and sessions begin in June, dates TBA. Be on the lookout for: Art Camp, Firefighter Academy, Police Academy, Power Services Academy, Back to the Dawghouse Camp, Basketball Academy, Baton Camp, Cheer Camp, Racquetball Camp, Soccer Academy, All Sports Camp, Tumbling Camp, Tennis Camp and Plex Kids!

Kindermusik at Auburn UMC 826.8800. Music and movement classes for ages baby to grade school.

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn

1550 Opelika Rd. #9, Auburn. 334.501.8586; www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al This summer, put your child on the path to a lifetime of learning. With the school year fresh in your child’s mind, summer is the perfect time to join Kumon. The Kumon Method lets children learn at their own pace, so they can grasp any concept regardless of age or grade level. Here, your child will gain confidence that will last a lifetime. Now’s the time for Kumon. Schedule a free placement test today.

Sew-thern Belles Sewing Studio

Stage Road, Auburn; 229.869.6775; sewthernbelles@gmail.com “Kids Can Sew” program for children 3rd grade and up. We offer a structured, fun environment where children learn while having a blast! Students learn all aspects of sewing including how to thread a sewing machine, how to read a pattern, and how to make clothing and accessories. The classes culminate in a fashion show at the end of the year in which the children are able to model their creations. We guarantee you will be amazed at what these children are able to do in a very short time!

Sports Camps City of Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 17 and 39

Auburn Recreation Swim Team: Online registration begins on Monday, April 3 at auburnaquatics.com. First-time team member evaluation and first day of practice is Monday, May 15 at 4 p.m. at Samford Pool. More information may be found online at auburnalabama.org/pools. Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Class- $170, Drake Pool; class dates are: May 5 – 7 and May 12 – 13. In order to become certified, participants must attend all five class sessions. Participants must also provide their own swimsuit, change of clothes, goggles (for swim test only) pen and paper. Candidates must be

15 years of age and will be expected to pass a precourse swim test on the first day of class in order to continue with the course. To register, or for questions, please contact Nick Parr at ndpsam@hotmail.com. Lifeguard Recertification- $80, Saturday, May 14 at Samford Pool. To register, or for questions, please contact Nick Parr at ndpsam@hotmail.com. Swim Lessons- Samford and Drake Pools, Auburn. 501-2958 or 501-2930 auburnalabama.org/ pools. Summer Diving and Learn to Dive- For more information, please visit auburnalabma.org/pool or contact Jeff Shaffer at (334) 887-2818. Soccer- Thunder Tykes Camp (Ages 4-5): Camp I: June 20-22, 5-6:30pm & Camp II: July 25-27, 5-6:30pm. $50 Soccer Rising Tiger Camp (Ages 6-8): Camp I: June 5-8, 9-11:30am & Camp II: July 10-13, 5-7:30pm. $75 Junior Soccer Camp (Ages 9-13): Camp I: June 5-8, 9am-12noon & Camp II: July 10-13, 5-8pm. $85 Advanced Camp (Ages 10-18): August 7-10, 5-8pm. $100 Keeper Camp (Ages 10-18): August 7-10, 5-8pm. $100 Superhero Training Camp: June 5, 7, and 9; 3:00-5:00pm. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Ages 5-7yrs. At this camp, your heroes will get strong in the gym, build super smarts with science experiments and use art to create superhero identities! Nonstop, action packed fun for all! (Children are welcome to dress in their favorite Superhero costumes!). $75/ child, $65 for additional siblings. Summer Williams winsleycoan@icloud.com(334) 329-9361 Tennis Camps- Yarbrough Tennis Center. June 5-8, June 26-29, July 17-20, July 24-27, 9am-1pm. Camps for the extreme beginners to intermediate players for all ages and genders. Fun learning of tennis strokes, rules and most of all…fun games. All campers will need to bring a packed lunch but daily snacks and drinks will be provided. Bring proper shoes, hat, sunscreen, swim suit, towel and an extra pair of clothes, as we will cool down with outside water activities. $120/per person or $200/two children. For more information contact Travis DeBardelaben at 334-501-2921.

Grand National Golf Clinics ad on page 24

3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika. 334.749.9042; www.rtjgolf.com; Facebook.com/rtjgrandnational 3 Sessions: June 5-8, June 19-22 and July 31-Aug 3. Take your swing to the next level! Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. $100 per session; 8:30-11:30 a.m. Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day.

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road, Suite J, Auburn. 502.7221; www.auburnacademy.com.

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

‘Super Summer Camps’- 887.0818; www.auburnmma.com Our martial arts summer camps offer an amazing combination of martial arts instruction, life skills, self

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defense skills, team work, fitness and lots of fun. No martial arts experience necessary. Our summer camps will keep your kid active while teaching them Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, Wrestling, Karate and Taekwondo.

Regional Day & Overnight Camps

Auburn Thunder

Adventures in Math and Science: Alabama School of Math

www.auburnthundersoccer.com Auburn Thunder (part of the Auburn Soccer Association) is an elite soccer club for boys and girls ages 9-18yrs.

City of Opelika Parks and Recreation

American Red Cross Lifeguard Course- Mandy Johnson, 705.2488; mjohnson@ci.opelika.al.us; Want a fun and exciting job for the summer or year round. Get certified to be a professional lifeguard. This 30 hour course covers lifeguard skills, first aid, and CPR. Opelika SeaDawgs Summer Swim & USA Swim TeamMandy Johnson, 705.2488; mjohnson@ci.opelika. al.us; Begins May. Swimming Lessons- Mandy Johnson, 705.2488; mjohnson@ci.opelika.al.us; Ages 4 and up (beg. through adv. classes) Tennis- Drew Clevenger, RClevenger@ci.opelika.al.us; Ages 4-high school grades. Tumbling- Spring Session; Denson Drive Rec.

Co. Athletics & Wellness

1004 Opelika Road, Auburn. Facebook Offering cheer, tumbling, dance, All-star Cheer , Piyo fitness, Barre and more. Classes for ages preschool to adult.

H&G Horse Quarters Summer Riding Camp

943 Lee Rd 57, Auburn, 334.887.0026; www.hghorsequarters.com Joey Camps- June 5-9, June 12-16 and July 24-28: Beginner ages 5-8yrs. No experience necessary. 8am-1pm. Students learn safety, grooming, tacking-up and mounting, walk/trot in balance with their mounts and more!

Plains Junior Golf

Moore’s Mill Golf Club, Auburn. 319.0051 or 821.6533; golfhouse.mooresmill@gmail.com Offering girls, boys and co-ed golf camps.

Premier Spirit Academy

923 Stage Road, Auburn, 821.7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

Sports Academy

334.749.4040; www.sportsacademyauburn.com Pre-Season Baseball and Softball Skills Camp -March 25; 9am- 2pm; Duck Samford Park, fields 4 & 7, Auburn (behind Mikata’s off Glenn & Airport Road). Ages 7-12. $70 per camper. Pre-registration required by March 20. Each camper will receive a Sports Academy camp t-shirt. Campers should bring their own glove, bat, sunscreen, drinks, snacks & lunch.

Tiger Tracks Cheerleading Camp

Premier Spirit Academy, Auburn. www.tigertrackscheer.com DTA (June). Team building, skills-learning, craft making and snack gobbling. Teaching our campers cheers, chants, dances, jumps, crafts and the importance of community involvement. Ages: Preschool-8th grade.

WinShape Camps for Communities

The Ultimate Day Camp Experience, Hosted by Cornerstone Church, Auburn, but will be held at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn. For kids who have completed 1st-9th grades; June 12-16, 2017; $209/ Registration begins March 12. Go to cornerstonebuzz.org/winshape for more information.

Xtreme Athletics

3732 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 759.7030. Our focus is to develop happy, healthy, responsible and respectful kids through gymnastics, cheer, and dance.

Youth Wrestling Camp by Auburn High School Nick Tucker, ntucker@auburnschools.org www.auburntakedown.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

and Science

ad on Inside Back Cover

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 251-441-2152; www.asms.net; aims@asms.net Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at Adventures in Math and Science (AIMS) Summer Camp. Learn while you have fun! Kayak in Mobile Bay. Build a smartphone app. Investigate a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Design and make a metal sculpture. Build a robot. Launch a rocket. Dissect...and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Open to students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 5-9), Session 2 (June 12-16), and Session 3 (June 1923) are all overnight or day camps. Day camp is 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Overnight Camp is $385 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 are an additional $185, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. Day Campers: $285 per week (this includes tuition and lunch). A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 1. For more information, visit www.asms.net, email admissions@asms.net, or call 251-441-2152.

Camp ASCCA ad on page 23

256.825.9226; www.campascca.org Camp ASCCA is Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer!

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 21

1.800.882-0722; www.riverviewcamp.com An all girl’s overnight camp in Mentone, Alabama. River View offers many sessions all summer long for girls ages 6-16 years. Horse riding, swimming, nature trails, ropes, sports, arts and crafts, and much more! There are also weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. June-August. $485-$3300 rates. 10% discount is allowed for 2nd or more sisters of the same family.

YMCA Camp Chandler ad on page 16

334.269.4362; www.campchandler.org One of the largest camps in the south with over 1,000 acres of lake front property. Conveniently located 25 miles from Montgomery, AL on beautiful Lake Jordan. Whether you are looking for individual, small group, or camp-wide fun, we definitely have something for you! Campers are grouped according to age and gender. They live in cabins with up to 13 other campers and at least 2 counselors. Friendships grow as they live, share meals, laugh, and play together during a full week of fun! Campers are given the opportunity to participate in more than 20 different activities like horseback riding, skiing, archery, sailing, the high ropes course, and more. 5-15 years old.

Active8 Summer Camps

Columbus State University, Continuing Education- 706.507.8070; www.activ8er.com Genius at Play! 10 weeks of active summer fun! Half day and full day options, before and after care available, new camps to choose from every week. June -Aug. Themes include Science, Music, Theatre, Nature, Dance and more!

Alabama Museum of Natural History

Tuscaloosa, Al. 205.348.7550; www.amnh.ua.edu Work side-by-side with scientists in the field of archeology and paleontology. Enjoy the natural wonders of Alabama while having fun and forging friendships.

Alabama School of Fine Arts

Birmingham, Al. 334.252.9241; www.asfa.k12.al.us Programs in creative writing, dance, music, theatre arts, math/science, and visual arts.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Camp Shine ad on page 41

www.childrensal.org/TeamTeen Offering a week long session for weight management. Campers learn healthy eating habits while preparing meals. Campers also have opportunities to participate in swimming, canoeing, hiking, arts & crafts, dance and many other activities. Ages 12-15; Limited space available; Located at YMCA Hargis Retreat and made possible through a partnership with Birmingham YMCA.

Camp Walkabout ad on page 34

171 Baylor School Road. Chattanooga, Tennessee(423) 267-8506, ext. 827 badams@baylorschool.org; www.baylorschool.org/summer Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors. Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and

Greta Lambert, 334.271.5393; glambert@asf.net. Camp Shakespeare (grades 4-6)- A week of acting, stage combat, movement/dance, voice training and technical theatre. Students perform an abridged Shakespeare play in a setting that emphasizes teamwork and creative discovery. Camp Shakespeare Extreme- (grades 7-12); Advanced middle and high school students dig deeper into the world of Shakespeare -- his text, his complex characters. Discover new levels of theatrical expression. Behind the Curtain- Technical Theatre Camp(grades 9-12); When directors and actors need sets, lights, sound and costumes so they can look good, who do they turn to? You! Learn from the best master theatre artists and designers in the business! Broadway South: ASF Musical Theatre Camp(grades 9-12); Acclaimed ASF singers and dancers teach an intensive week of classes in voice, choreography and acting skills for the aspiring musical star. Weekend Warrior: Introduction to Stage Combat- (grades 7-12); Work with a professional fight choreographer and learn the skills and techniques of the masters of stage combat!

Alabama Wildlife FederationExpedition Lanark Day Camp

334-285-4550; www.alabamawildlife.org Millbrook, Al. Expedition Lanark is a full day sum-

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mer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, and build character. Camps: Tadpoles, Nature Navigators, Trail Blazers, Heritage Explorers, Boys In Action, High Adventure- Coosa River & Cedar Creek, Gross Out Camp, Counselors In Training, and Fishing Academy. Ages: Campers ages 5-15. Camp sessions are week long and are offered from May 29-August 4th. Camp runs from 8:30am-3:30pm with aftercare (7:15am-8:00am & 4:00pm-6:00pm) available for an additional fee. Come explore the River Region’s most unique outdoor day camp!

Camp Alamisco

334.272.7493 Ext: 123; www.gscsda.org At Camp Alamisco, you see Jesus in nature, in the staff, and in all the activities we do. Come and be a part of a group who believes that Jesus is the One who has shown the “Crazy Love” for each of us and we can be with Him for all eternity. Purpose is to provide high quality Christian camping and retreat facilities. We are a year round camp and we are open to church and school groups as well as corporate functions. We are located on 55 acres on beautiful Lake Martin near Dadeville Alabama. Ages 7-16 years.

Camp Cosby

Alpine, AL. 1.800.85.COSBY; www.campcosby.org 8 Sessions throughout the summer. Ages 6-16yrs; At Camp Cosby, boys and girls have the opportunity to build self esteem, grow, learn, and challenge themselves. Campers also learn to develop values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Pool, lake adventures, horses, trials, team building, zip line, and much more! Specialty camps include bmx camps, wakeboarding and ski camps, and wrangler.

Camp Jam Atlanta

www.campjam.com Why not spend a week of fun jammin’ out in their very own rock band, designing their own marketing packet, and participating in team building activities - all while learning from the best professional musicians in your area. That’s what Camp Jam Kidz is all about ‘ a bunch of kidz, having a good time while learning how to rock out! Day and overnight camps.

Camp Joy

706-322-8267; www.valleyrescuemission.org Camp JOY operates 6 weeks during the summer months and can accommodate up to 75 children per week. There is no fee for the children to attend camp; instead, their camping experience is underwritten by generous donors at the rate of $50 per child per week. For most of the kids, the week at Camp JOY is definitely the highlight of their summer, as they come off the city streets and into nature at its finest. They enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, crafts, recreational time, singing, Bible studies and guest speakers. Three nutritious meals are served to the children each day, including snacks. A camp administrator oversees the program, and is assisted by counselors and staff members from the Mission. Camp JOY is equipped with recently renovated cabins, chapel, arts-and-crafts room, campfire area, basketball court, in-ground swimming pool, and game room. Three hiking trails surround our 4-acre lake. Individuals, churches, and groups may rent the camp facilities when Camp JOY is not in session.

Camp Juliette Low

Cloudland, Ga. 706.862.2169; www.cjl.org Cloudland, Georgia: Camp Juliette Low is a private, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7 to 17, accredited by the American Camp Association. CJL provides campers with fun and exciting ways to become more confident and competent, individually and in groups, through one-week and two-week outdoor residential programs.

Camp Marannook

Lafayette, Al. 334.864.7504; www.marannook.com From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and

play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-a-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. When the campers arrive, the counselors are ready to build relationships and to share the love of Christ through these relationships.

Camp New Song

205.877.2224; www.alfoundationforoncology.org If you have a child who has experienced a loss, Camp Newsong can be a valuable resource for you and your family. Camp Newsong is a free program open to all grieving children in Alabama. Camp sessions are held at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea, Alabama for children ages 6-18. Sessions April- December; Alabama Foundation for Oncology, P.O. Box 660833, Birmingham.

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

Mentone, Al. www.lookoutmountaincamp.com A traditional summer camp. Our program includes: water sports (swimming, diving, canoeing, and our famous zip line), horseback riding, rifle marksmanship, archery, tennis, arts and crafts, even fly-fishing with much more...all under the supervision of excellent staff.. 2 week-8 week sessions.

McWane Science Center

Birmingham, Al. 205.714.8300; www.mcwane.org Hands-on educational programming with themes such as Mini-Meteorologists, Dino Discoveries, Super Hero Science, Science of Harry Potter, Rumble in the Jungle, Animation Station, Chemical Concoctions, Robotics and more! Camps are ½ day or full day.

Camp Skyline Ranch

800.448.9279; www. campskyline.com. Mentone, AL. A Christian Summer Camp for Girls: Since 1947, Camp Skyline has been the summer home for generations of campers. A summer camp for girls, Skyline offers one and two week sessions where campers make new friends, honor old traditions, and strengthen their faith. Camp Skyline accepts girls of good character, between the ages of 6 and 16. A camper may enroll for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks of camp.

Stringfellows

Camp Victory

Samson, Al. 334.898.7948; www.campvictoryal.org Camp Victory is a non-denominational, non-profit organization. We are part of Children’s Bible Ministries (CBM), which is ministering in nine states and has its national office in Townsend, Tennessee. Camp Victory exists to help young people experience the victory that comes from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and walking with Him. We do this by working alongside local churches in providing opportunities for Christian camping, Bible classes for local schools and Bible correspondence lessons. Activities include Bible Classes, Singing, Missionary Presentations, Volleyball, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Ping-Pong, Swimming Pool, Tetherball, Good Food, Archery, Mini Golf, Canoeing, Basketball, Foosball, Crafts, Carpet ball, Outdoor Education, Boating, Fishing, Tournaments, Low Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing Wall. Camp sessions weekly June 2-Aug 2. Ages 3rd grade-12th grade.

Camp Winnataska

Pell City, Al. 205.640.6741; www.winnataska.org Offering a wide variety of quality programs for boys and girls. Each camp session will provide campers the opportunity to experience aspects of outdoor life such as swimming, canoeing, arts, crafts, nature study, sports, archery, ropes course, hiking and camping, and horseback riding full week sessions and mini-camps; Ages 6-15 years old.

Camp Woodmont

www.campwoodmont.com A traditional overnight summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-14. Located on 170 acres of beautiful North Georgia woodlands on top of Lookout Mountain. Your summer camp experience provides cabin living, moderate summer daytime temperatures, cool evenings around the campfire, creative counselors, new friends, talent/skit nights, and a close family-like atmosphere. Counselor/camper ratio averages 1:5.One week and Two week camps offered.

334.240.4004; www.montgomerysymphony.org The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and Huntingdon College offers a summer music camp to serve as a preparatory program for students of violin, viola, cello and bass, this six-day residential music camp will focus on building the musical skills necessary for success on one’s instrument. Rising 7th 9th graders are eligible to attend. Camp enrollment will be limited to the first 30 applicants accepted.

The Bedford School “Squirrel Hollow Camp”

Fairburn, Ga. 770.774.8001; www.thebedfordschool.org The summer program of The Bedford School, serves children with academic needs due to learning difficulties. The program, which has been held each summer since 1981, is for students of ages 6 to 16. Two sessions available. which is held on the beautiful 46-acre campus of The Bedford School in Fairburn, GA. Campers participate in an individualized academic program as well as recreational activities (swimming, team games, Challenge Course elements and a variety of other games and activities). Academic instruction in the areas of reading, reading comprehension, math, auditory discrimination and writing skills through a variety of structured, multi-sensory techniques and materials.

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp

Cloudland, Ga. 706.862.2231; www.valleyviewranch.com Valley View Ranch has been to help each rancher have the full opportunity of horsemanship through instruction, time in the saddle on trails, and the care and responsibility of having her own horse, all atop beautiful Lookout Mountain. We offer several riding programs and encourage each camper to participate in all of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western Stock Seat and Barrels and Vaulting. Each girl can spend as much time as she likes with her favorite horse during her stay. Located on 600 acres of lush pastures, wooded trails, and panoramic views. One or two week sessions. AOP

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Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep in a 24/7 World For growing children, adequate sleep may be every bit as important as nutritious food and daily exercise. Yet ever since Edison flipped on the first electric light, experts have been worrying about whether any of us are getting enough sleep. Now researchers are warning that online amusements, especially social media, are sabotaging sleep. Not long ago, the New York Times ran an anxious story about adolescents who “vamp”, staying up all night and using cellphones to surf, text, tweet, play games and binge watch their favorite shows. Apparently, some teens even text in their sleep, sending messages they don’t remember the next day. The best way to counteract these trends is to teach good sleep habits when kids are little and parents are firmly in control. Throughout elementary school, it’s a good idea to establish a clear bedtime by counting backward 10-11 hours from when a child needs to be up in the morning. (For current research about how much sleep kids need, visit www.parentingscience.com/sleeprequirements.html.) To help kids fall asleep, guide them toward a predictable, self-soothing routine. A warm bath. Getting things organized for the day ahead. Low lights. Soft music. A bit of reading. A snuggle with a stuffed animal. The specific ingredients may vary depending on child’s age and temperament, but experts point out that learning to do something consistent in preparation for sleep has lifelong benefits. In middle school, children grow rapidly, so they still need more sleep--and less social Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

media—than they think they do. Sleep experts recommend that bedrooms be techfree zones--no cellphones, video games or televisions. Period. Get an old-fashioned alarm clock, and insist that all devices observe a curfew in a room you can supervise. Make it a goal for everyone in the family to get an hour of tech-free time before bed. By high school, most kids will challenge these rules, so parents need new strategies. The most effective is to talk to teens about how plenty of sleep at night makes them happier during the day. The goal is to help kids develop a genuine appreciation for the benefits of sleep so they will make healthy decisions even when you aren’t around. Here are some points worth making: How Much is Enough. Rather than arguing about how much sleep he or she needs, make your teen responsible for behaviors associated with being wellrested. Can your teen get up at the right time in the morning and do what needs to be done without nagging from you? Can he or she stay awake and pay attention at school? Is your teen able to get through most days without being hostile, grouchy or irritable—all common side effects of fatigue? Explain to your child that when the answer to all these questions is yes, you can back off about bedtime. If you see slippage in schedules, grades or moods, you’ll need to reassert control . The Risks of Too Little. Teens need to know about research showing that too little sleep has consequences for physical and mental health. In addition to the negative effects on mood and attention, sleep deprivation is also associated with higher blood pressure and an increase in stress hormones. Teens may also be interested to know that some researchers have connected too little 46

sleep to increased feelings of hunger which may lead to weight gain. Online Seductions. Teen aren’t going to want to hear this, but sleep experts are convinced that being online before bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep. For one thing, light is a stimulant that interferes with the sleep cycle. In addition, many online pastimes—competitive games, social media “drama”, provocative programs—activate emotions that thwart sleep. If your teen resists the idea of disconnecting at bedtime, talk about what’s going on. Some teens whose lives are heavily scheduled feel that their only unstructured time occurs after “lights out.” Others experience FOMO (fear of missing out) whenever they are offline. Understanding why your teen wants a phone under the pillow may help you work together to establish better boundaries and balance. Becoming Self Aware. Teens are more likely to make sleep a priority when they are aware of their own patterns, so encourage your child to keep a sleep diary. What time did he or she get into bed? How long did it take to fall asleep? What was happening immediately before bedtime? Did he or she wake up spontaneously (a sign that sleep was adequate)? When was your child tired during the day? Did he or she take a nap in the afternoon? How long? Did he or she wake up refreshed or groggy? Doing this for a week or two may help your teen make the connection between better sleep and better performance during the day. Finally, remember that children who lead full and complicated lives may need help with the kind of off-line relaxation that leads to restorative sleep. Depending on your family’s values, you may want to encourage your child to pray, count blessings, meditate, or write down problems so they can be set aside. All of these are time-tested strategies for stepping away from the pressures of a 24/7 world and finding peace at the end of the day. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Camp has a unique way of teaching kids their value while giving them opportunities of fun they would never experience at home. Sports camps, in particular, offer new adventures as kids explore hidden abilities or build on already-developed skills while making new friends and learning life skills in the process. Sports camps offer benefits that extend far beyond the basics of practicing a sport. Character-building opportunities. Sports camps teach kids what perseverance feels like and what it means to reach outside their comfort zones. “Sports themselves are great for the physical aspect but also teach sportsmanship, camaraderie and discipline,” says Matt Davanzo, director of an all sports academy. Tennis pro Eric Fromm says sports, particularly tennis, help kids develop skills they can use their entire lives. “These skills carry over into school work and life skills -- dealing with adversity, problem solving, overcoming obstacles, focusing, learning how to lose and pick yourself up.”

Exercise. Childhood and adolescent obesity rates continue to climb and lack of exercise contributes significantly to the problem. Technology seduces kids to stay indoors and in front of a screen. Sports camps offer a great alternative as kids choose what sports they’re interested in and reap the rewards of exercise in the process. Eric Fromm lists the number one reason to send kids to camp is because “kids are meant to be active over the summer.” Regular exercise doesn’t happen naturally, however; there must be planning, intentional effort, and encouragement from parents.

Fun. The fun of summer break wanes if days drag on with nothing to do. Sports camps provide fun and learning at the same time. They often include high school and college students who work with kids in a playful and energetic manner, creating a natural atmosphere for fun. New friends. Kids find new friends at sports camp who share similar interests and often go to the same school. When our family re-located to another state during the summer months, our elementary-age son found new friends through a baseball camp that helped him acclimate to his new school in the fall. Kids experience natural and friendly camaraderie with others through sports camps.

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Focus on specific skill-building techniques. An athlete gains more confidence and greater ability in his sport by working on the mechanics of a sport repetitively. Playing a sport through the school year doesn’t incorporate everyday skill-building repetition like camps do. As kids move

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

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through middle school and high school, it’s particularly important they improve in their sport to stay competitive.

Find new sports of interest. Sports camps are the perfect place to explore sports that a child hasn’t tried before or aren’t always offered at school, such as tennis or soccer. With a friendly camp staff and encouraging environment, kids are less intimidated and more likely to seek new interests.

Develop healthy life-long habits. Through regular exercise at sports camps, kids also develop accompanying habits of discipline, commitment and responsibility. These habits translate into leadership skills and strong work ethics when kids begin to move into career-minded opportunities in their middle and high school years.

Give parents a break. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, work-at-home dad, or in the workforce outside the home, sports camps give parents a chance to take their mind off their child and focus on their own needs and wants for a change. Every parent deserves a break from the 24/7 parenting responsibilities that summer warrants. As a mom to five children, I’ve watched our kids emerge from summer sports camps with enthusiasm for a new sport, rediscovered self-confidence, likeminded friendships and regular exercise habits that propelled them into a new school year. While unplugged from technology in an active environment, sports camps offer friendly competition and valuable life lessons for kids. Camp counselor Jodi Lorane says camp increases kids’ self-esteem as they try new things, taking them outside their comfort zones and forcing them to work through their fears. Lorane also says kids at camp get acquainted with those who come from varying home situations which allows them to see the world through different eyes. Sports camps create life-long memories amidst fun, learning, and exercise. Don’t wait! Find a sports camp for your child and watch them thrive. AOP

Gayla Grace seeks out sports camps each summer for her five children and loves to spend her time writing while they’re playing.

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday, February 21 Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

LitWits Book Club: I Ship Them! Auburn Public Library. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Bored of the same old chit-chat over required reading? Take charge of your reading experience! LitWits is a genre based book club. Read any book within that genre and bring it with you for group discussions and themed activities. Coffee and snacks are served at each meeting. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 Auburn Public Library. Grades K-2 meet from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Grades 3-5 meet from 4:30 -5:15. Join Bedtime Math’s® Crazy 8s Club®, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, and make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club! You’ll get to do mischief-making activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, Bouncy Dice and Toilet Paper Olympics, and you’ll get to take home some cool gadgets, too. Space is limited. www. auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, February 22 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Columbus Kids Market Spring Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. www.columbuskidsmarket.com.

Thursday, February 23 Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Columbus Kids Market Spring Consignment Sale See Feb. 22 for details. Gamers Society Auburn Public Library. For ages 10-18 years. 4:00 p.m. Minecraft, Wii/Xbox and Pokemon. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, February 24

Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Oscars RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Walk the red carpet like a celebrity into this concert featuring the most memorable Oscar-winning film scores. Thrill to the music of John Williams (Star Wars), John Barry (Out of Africa and James Bond), Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia), and many, many more. Right this way, and smile pretty for the paparazzi. www.rivercenter.org. The Auburn Public Library Puppet Troupe 3:00-3:30 p.m. & 4:00-4:30 p.m. The APL brings Puppet Theater to life beginning February 2017! This month’s dramatic puppet presentation is titled, The Gifts of Wali Dad: a Tale of India and Pakistan. Wali Dad, a humble grass-cutter, never asked for wealth, so why can’t he give it away? Come find out: two times available! Columbus Kids Market Spring Consignment Sale See Feb. 22 for details.

Saturday, February 25

Empty Bowls Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Dean Road Ceramics Studio and Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Denson Drive Recreation Center will host the Annual Empty Bowls event at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. A minimum donation of $10/person to the Food Bank of East Alabama entitles each ticket holder to their choice of a handmade bowl created by studio potters and a selection of soup, chili, and bread donated by local restaurants. Advance ticket purchases are

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

encouraged. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser created to raise awareness for hunger issues and help feed the hungry in our community. Potters from the Auburn and Opelika ceramics studios spend months creating hundreds of handcrafted bowls from which patrons can choose as a keepsake and a reminder of those who face hunger every day. 334-501-2930. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Russell Forest Run Fee for participants only. Russell Crossroads--Check website or call for details. Benefit for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. 7:45 a.m. Alexander City, Al. 256-397-1019. www.russellforestrun.com. AU Challenge Course Open Ropes Lee County Road 90, Auburn. Sponsored by Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Individuals can now join us for a fun and exciting adventure on our high ropes course! Activities include the zip line, giant swing, and others. Bring your family or friends out for an experience you won’t forget! Two session times available: (Space is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Register: https:// mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus. awp?&course=C170225) or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Register: https://mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/wconnect/ CourseStatus.awp?&course=C170225A). We can’t wait to see you on the ropes! 334.321.1603. 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run & 9th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride Participants may choose from a one-mile fun-walk course or the Love Your Heart 10K (6.2 mile) course. And back for the ninth year is the Crank Your Heart Ride, which will consist of a 3.5, 11, and 22 mile bike ride. All routes begin and end at Chewacla State Park. Individuals wishing to participate can register online by visiting https://runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Auburn/LoveYourHeartRunCrankYourHeartRide or LoveYourHeartRun.com. Applications can also be picked up at area gyms or the Harris Center in Auburn. The early bird registration deadline is Monday, January 30 to guarantee a t-shirt. Chewacla State Park, Auburn. 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by A.O.R.T.A., Exceptional Outreach Organization and Auburn Parks and Recreation. Saturday STEM Auburn Public Library. For ages 4-7 years. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Preschoolers-2nd grade and their caregivers are invited to join us for a new storytime that is all about STEM…Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. 706-324-2453. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Grab your recyclable grocery bag and head down to Broadway to pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! There is something for the whole family Saturday mornings in Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Auburn Flyers Race Weekend The Auburn Flyers are hosting the second event of the 2017 SECCC road season with a road race and time trial in Auburn and a Criterium in historic downtown Opelika! Bikers will journey along First Avenue, North Railroad Avenue and Seventh Street. Collegiate races will take place in the morning, and races will be open to anyone in the afternoon. www.auburn.edu/auburn_flyers.

Columbus Kids Market Spring Consignment Sale See Feb. 22 for details.

Sunday, February 26

Lightwire Theatre: “The Ugly Duckling”/”The Tortoise & the Hare” RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. In an age when technology seems to provide many distractions, Lightwire Theater, made famous on America’s Got Talent, brings a classic tale to the modern stage. This is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Witness the magic of full-body puppetry and electroluminescent artistry with the entire family. www. rivercenter.org. Jewish Food Festival & Treasure Market In addition to purchasing delicious food or finding some very unique treasures, visitors have an opportunity to attend a short session with our Rabbi Stevens to learn more about Jewish customs. This is event is free to attend and there is no charge for parking. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 334-262-3314. Montgomery. www.templebethor.net. K-12 Art Club Continuing to relate to the Jiha Moon exhibition, we’ll be working on pop culture collages working in mixed-media (paper, pens, pencils, and markers, magazine images, stamps, woodblocks, etc.). Grownups are asked to join in the fun and remain with their child for the project. Please register. Some topics may change slightly. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 1:30 p.m. 3:00. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Spanish Language Film Club: “El Patron” (“The Boss”) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 2:00 p.m. A humble peon finds a job in a big city butcher’s shop. His boss, a sinister character, introduces him to the meat business while subjecting him, by means of pressure and extortion, to slavery. The boss’s overwhelming cruelty will inevitably lead to tragedy. Based on real facts.www.jcsm. auburn.edu. 18th Annual Guitar Symposium Concert & Competition See Feb. 25 for details. Auburn Flyers Race Weekend See Feb. 25 for details.

Tuesday, February 28 Baby Time See Feb. 21 for details.

“Once” RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, “Once” tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. “Once” draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. www.rivercenter.org. Walk with a Doc East Alabama Medical Center Lobby, Opelika. Sponsored by City of Auburn Parks and Rec. Join doctors and other healthcare professionals from EAMC for a group walk on the 1-mile EAMC Fitness Trail. Walks begin every hour, on the hour, from the hospital main lobby starting at 8 a.m. The last walk begins at 4 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Contact Kathe Briggs, 334-528-6806. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2 and 3-5 See Feb. 21 for details.

Wednesday, March 1 Toddler Time See Feb. 22 for details.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, March 2

Bridge Crossing Jubilee Mar. 2-5. This weekend is a commemoration of the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March. Activities include a pageant, a dance, women and youth conferences, a parade, festival, interfaith service and National Voting Rights Hall of Fame induction. Visit www.selmajubilee.com for more information.

online, visit www.leecountykiwanisclub.org. Free delivery available for pre-orders of over 10 plants within Lee County. Contact Steve Eden at (334) 740-4044 with questions. Special Olympics Opelika Aquatics Sectional Opelika Sportsplex. The meet will be at 9:00 a.m. at the Opelika SportsPlex. There will be a cap of 120 athletes for this meet. Athletes may compete in two (2) events and one (1) relay event. 334.501.2939.

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5:00 p.m. Starting on the third Thursday of each month, join us for a focused look at a single work of art. A Little Art Talk lasts around an hour, leaving ample time to drop by the café for live music and poetry. Presenters include Dr. Kathryn Floyd’s and students of the 20th Century Art History Class. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

First Friday On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone’s enjoyment.

Read Across the Preserve Krehler Preserve and Nature Center and Auburn Public Library. 3:30 p.m. Read Across America with our own special version. Enjoy stories being read every 20 minutes at our tree house in the Nature Playground, by the campfire at amphitheater, the dock at the pond or at Reptile Rest. Enjoy our Story Walk for our younger readers, where you walk the trails to find the next page in the story! Bring a book to place in the Little Free Library. FREE to the public.

Fit as a Fiddle Senior Health Fair Auburn. Auburn’s 50+ citizens will be able to explore exciting new opportunities to live out a healthier lifestyle by visiting interactive booths around the Harris Center. The morning will be filled with advice from doctors, fitness experts, health food stores, senior communities and more. In addition to becoming fit as a fiddle, seniors will have the opportunity to win various door prizes. www.auburnalabama.org.

Museum After Hours Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. On Thursday nights from 5 to 8, the Rotunda and Cafe become JCSM After Hours. It’s the perfect place for relaxing, watching the sunset, and listening to music. Hear original songs, jazz, classical, and cultural music fill the pristine spaces at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University. JCSM After Hours features a variety of musicians including the house band, Cullars Improvisational Rotation. The fine art exhibitions are open and free to the public. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music: Cellist Laura Usiskin See March 2 for details. Preschool Storytime See Feb. 23 for details. Gamers Society See Feb. 23 for details.

Friday, March 3

Cottontails Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show BJCC. Many of the familiar exhibitors from Christmas Village Festival switch gears to create a spring shopping experience for their customers. One-of-a-kind Easter dresses can be found on the same aisle as handmade garden decor or gourmet candy. Original art, handcrafted soaps and unique jewelry, created by artisans from across America, fill the BJCC for this annual event. www. christmasvillagefestival.com. Boda Getta BBQ Competition Mar. 3-4. Auburn. Professional BBQ teams from across the southeast gather at University Station RV Resort to compete for cash prizes. Spectators will enjoy a weekend of live music, food, vendors, children’s activities, children’s fun run and more. www.facebook.com/bodagettabbq. 30th Annual Kiwanis Azalea Sale Join the Lee County Kiwanis Club for the 30th Annual Azalea Sale March 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and March 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The sale will be held at University Ace Hardware, located at 2101 East University Drive. The sale will benefit the Boy Scouts, East Alabama Food Bank and more. For more information or to order

Saturday, March 4

The ALIDA Dyslexia Dash of East Alabama Ogletree Village, Auburn. 1 mile at 8:00 am and 5k at 8:30 am. Register at auburnrunning.org or idaalabama. org/run.htm Astronomy Night at Kiesel Park Join Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society for a short astronomy program, educational space movie, powerful telescopes, laser constellation program and some out-of-thisworld snacks. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Not recommended for children under 5. Admission is $4 for members and $5 for non-members. Program held at Kiesel Park located at 520 Chadwick Ln, Auburn, AL. Canceled if mostly cloudy or raining. preserve@auburn. edu. 30th Annual Kiwanis Azalea Sale See March 3 for details. Boda Getta BBQ 2017 University Station RV Resort, Auburn. www.bodagettabbq.com. Join us as professional BBQ teams from across the southeast descend upon University Station RV Resort in their decked out cooking rigs to compete for $12,500 in cash! This year’s Boda Getta BBQ is presented by the Auburn Rotary Club. Bring your best tailgate chair and join us for a weekend of live music, food, vendors and good times. Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament Godwin Creek, Columbus, Ga. forekidscolumbus.org. March in the Park at FDR State Park F.D. Roosevelt Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Join us for our first 4-mile, mountain-top walk along the closed highway 190. This smooth surface road goes from an easy to moderate grade and offers fabulous scenery along Pine Mountain Ridge. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Must pre-register to receive a t-shirt. $15-$25 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858. Market Days on Broadway See Feb. 25 for details. Saturday STEM See Feb. 25 for details. Alabama Horse Fair Montgomery. Equine event complete with breed barns,

breed parades, how to clinics, drill team competition, huge trade show of vendors, model horse show, obstacle challenge competition, ask the vet booth, dressage performance and demo, presentations and clinics with top headline clinicians in the equine industry, ask the farrier booth, education, entertainment, food, music and everything HORSE. www.alabamahorsecouncil.org. Cottontails Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show See March 3 for details.

Sunday, March 5 30th Annual Kiwanis Azalea Sale See March 3 for details.

Cottontails Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show See March 3 for details. Alabama Horse Fair See March 4 for details.

Monday, March 6

Area Special Olympics Bowling Tournament AMF Bowling Company, Auburn. Opening Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. on both days. There will be 18 schools participating, the adult population and 2 group homes. 334-501-2939. Nature’s Explorer: Spring Session Begins Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 10 a.m. This environmental education program offers a unique educational experience for home-schooled students and their parents. Classes meet the 2nd Monday of the month (March-May).This 1.5 hour class incorporates hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness. A nature hike will be part of each class. The nature center is located at 2222 N. College Street. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-707-6512. www. facebook.com/auburnpreserve. Art Gallery Spring 2017 Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. A competitive show of graphic design projects by Auburn University students. www.auburnalabama.org.

Tuesday, March 7

Area Special Olympics Bowling Tournament See March 6 for details. Spring Forest Friends Playdate and Registration A unique educational experience for pre-school children and their parents that incorporates hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. This sixweek session begins Tuesday, 3/21 and Friday, 3/24 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Playdate and registration at 10 a.m. on March 7 at the Nature Playground. This program will be held at the Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at 2222 N. College Street. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-707-6512. www. facebook.com/auburnpreserve. 30th Annual Kiwanis Azalea Sale See March 3 for details. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd & 3rd-5th See Feb. 28 for details. Art Gallery Spring 2017 Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition See March 6 for details.

Wednesday, March 8 Toddler Time See Feb. 22 for details.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Art Gallery Spring 2017 Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition See March 6 for details. “Much Ado About Nothing” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. Spying, subterfuge, deception, false identities, slander, manipulation, and love all take part in this wonderfully entertaining battle of the sexes. “Much Ado About Nothing” belongs to a group of Shakespeare’s more mature romantic comedies. It is an exuberant, philosophical, and festive play excelling in combative wit, melodrama, and potential tragedy. This comedy is wonderfully intricate, flush with surprising twists, and articulated in expert language. www.rivercenter.org.

Thursday, March 9 “Much Ado About Nothing” See March 8 for details.

Sammy Miller & The Congregation Grammy nominated drummer Sammy Miller makes music that “feels good” as a drummer, singer and bandleader. Sammy and his ensemble, The Congregation, are focused on sharing the power of community through their music—joyful jazz. Independently the band members have performed/ recorded with artists including Wynton Marsalis, O.A.R, Iron and Wine, Joshua Redman, at venues including the White House and the Lincoln Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www. eastalabamaarts.org or call 334.749.8105. A Little Lunch Music See March 2 for details. Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. JCSM brings in contemporary filmmakers to meet with students and museum guests for a special screening of their film. “I Come From” by Robby Henson focuses on incarcerated poets and playwrights who use the power of creativity to change the direction of their lives. This film focuses on six incarcerated artists whose work declares a wish, a will to survive, to grow as human beings and embrace an architecture of change. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Storytime See Feb. 23 for details.

world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. www.montgomeryzoo.com. East Alabama Home & Garden Show Bottling Plant Event Center, Opelika. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Opelika-Auburn News is partnering with Bottling Plant Event Center to bring you the East Alabama Home & Garden Show. While you’re there, enter to win great door prizes from our sponsors & vendors! Keep an eye on Opelika-Auburn News Events for the latest updates about this event. For information about how to become a vendor, please e-mail sales@oanow.com. Color Me Rad 5K 2017 Woodruff Riverfront Park, Columbus, Ga. We’re the only 5K that will send you running through RAD color stations and leave you covered from head to toe in powders and gels of pink, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Free t-shirts, a RAD temporary tattoo, and a pair of RAD socks for all regular participants. Packet pick-up will be posted on our Facebook page and emailed to you before the event takes place. Parking will be posted on our Facebook page and emailed to you before the event takes place. www.colormerad.com. March Fantasy Doll and Toy Show and Sale Fairhope. The event will feature displays of dolls, doll houses and more. More than 30 dealers will be selling a variety of dolls, toys and doll-related items. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Doll Study Club of Alabama. 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Facebook.

Zoo Weekend 2017 Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Discovery Hike: Native Plants Join us to investigate plants that are Alabama born and bred and why they are so important to our ecosystems. Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. for families with children ages 5 to 12. Guided tours are free. Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N. College Street. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-707-6512. www. facebook.com/auburnpreserve. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, March 15

RiverCenter presents “Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical” Taj Express features the best of India’s talent. The production combines Bollywood music, dance, and film on stage. This is a fusion of east and west, classical dance steps, pulsating modern music played in the finest of Indian classical instruments. Free cultural activities for families will start in the Grand Lobby at 4:00 p.m. A preshow reception serving Indian cuisine and an open bar will open at 6:30 p.m. The performance begins in Bill Heard Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the show at $49. www.rivercenter.org. “Moana” See March 10 for details.

Art with the Masters Columbus Museum, Ga. 6:00-8:00 p.m. Featuring Jill Philips, artist and owner of ‘Knack and Jill’. Enjoy the opportunity to express yourself and execute your ‘First Impression’ at the Museum! Come as you are, relax and have fun! Sips, snacks and supplies provided. www. columbusmuseum.com. “9 to 5” The Musical See March 14 for details.

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Toddler Time See Feb. 22 for details.

Thursday, March 16

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Saturday STEM See Feb. 25 for details.

Zoo Weekend 2017 See March 11 for details.

Art Gallery Spring 2017 Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition See March 6 for details.

Ticket Sales Begin for: S’MORE Fun with Mom… Lee County’s Mother/Son Adventure Co-hosted by the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center and The City of Auburn. Thursday and Friday May 11 and 12, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. This fun evening will include a night hike, cookout, s’mores, and storytelling! Our mother/son duos may also visit a craft station to create their own keepsake and commemorate this special night with a 5×7 portrait. Rain dates are Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19. $30/couple, additional sons $10. Ticket sales at www.auburn. edu/preserve with on-line registration only.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd & 3rd-5th See Feb. 28 for details.

Art Gallery Spring 2017 Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition See March 6 for details.

“Moana” Dothan. Southeast Alabama Dance Company brings to stage their most captivating production yet. With original choreography and compelling music, all audience members will enjoy the breathtaking performance. www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org.

Pre See

Market Days on Broadway See Feb. 25 for details.

Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus. 12:00-4:00 p.m. Meet face-to-face with over 40 camp representatives in one location and collect information to help plan your kids’ next summer adventure. Stop to watch a FREE, kid-friendly movie playing on the museum’s Giant Screen.

Gamers Society See Feb. 23 for details.

movie, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a male boss. Tickets on sale Feb. 27. www. seact.com.

Second Saturday at Columbus Mueseum 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with your children and grandchildren each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com. “Moana” See March 10 for details.

Tuesday, March 14

“9 to 5” The Musical Dothan. “9 To 5” The Musical is based on the 1980 hit

The Original Harlem Globetrotters Tour! A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photography and high five session for fans. www. ticketmaster.com. “9 to 5” The Musical See March 14 for details. 60th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. The SLE Rodeo proudly features the top bucking stock in the country through 2015 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year Frontier Rodeo Company. Our rodeo will have more cowboys and cowgirls who competed in the National Finals Rodeo than any other rodeo within 200 miles! www.slerodeo.com. Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6:30 p.m. A new lineup of visiting poets to our area is slated for the 2017 spring installment of the Third Thursday Poetry Series. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

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serves as a support group for mothers of multiples in west Georgia. www.lamom.org.

Gamers Society See Feb. 23 for details.

Market Days on Broadway See Feb. 25 for details.

Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels The RiverCenter for Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. Featuring many songs from the forthcoming Voices of Angels album, this inspiring live concert experience features all new stage designs, stunning wardrobes, superb choreography and magnificent arrangements of timeless Irish traditional and contemporary standards in the group’s award-winning signature style. www. rivercenter.org.

60th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo See March 16 for details.

Friday, March 17 “9 to 5” The Musical See March 14 for details.

Historic Selma Pilgrimage Beneath the moss-covered trees Selma opens its doors for the 42nd annual Historic Selma Pilgrimage. Experience history first-hand with guided tours of homes with over a century of architectural styles, museums, a church, 1861 gristmill, and two art shows. Twilight is a special time when the ghostly residents of Old Live Oak Cemetery step out of the shadows to tell the stories of Selma’s former citizens. https://www.facebook.com/ SelmaPilgrimage. 60th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo See March 16 for details. Tats and Tunes Featuring: Black Sheep Ensemble The Columbus Museum, Ga. The Black Sheep Ensemble is a group of brass and percussion based street musicians and performance artists based in Atlanta. Enjoy songs that are influenced by Balkan, Bollywood, gypsy, Latin, Ska, and hip-hop rhythms. During the musical interlude enjoy a tour of We Tattooed Your Father. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Saturday, March 18

Finish on the 50 / Auburn Running Festival Toomer’s Corner, Auburn. 6:00 a.m. The Auburn 1/2 Marathon, 10K, 5K, & Fun Run is the first and only event to start at Toomer’s Corner and finish on the 50-yard-line of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Most commonly referred to as “Finish on the 50,” the festival encompasses four races – a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a 1-mile Fun Run – that each begin at Toomer’s Corner and finish at the 50-yard line in Auburn University’s Jordan Hare Stadium. www.racekrewe.com. Spring Farm Day Landmark Park, Dothan. Turn back the clock 100 years and experience living history demonstrations of sheep shearing, blacksmithing, plowing with mules, basket weaving, quilting and other traditional springtime farm activities. Entertainment will include an Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention and two stages of traditional music. www.landmarkpark.com.

Super Saturdays at LaGrange Art Museum 112 Lafayette Pkwy, LaGrange, Ga. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Free family art day! Spend the afternoon at the Museum. Families, neighbors, and friends can tour the current exhibit and explore an art activity. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org.

Film @JCSM: Lost Horizon introduced by Karen Kuo, Arizona State British diplomat Robert Conway and a small group of civilians crash land in the Himalayas, and are rescued by the people of the mysterious, Eden-like valley of Shangri-la. Protected by the mountains from the world outside, where the clouds of World War II are gathering, Shangri-la provides a seductive escape for the worldweary Conway. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Storytime See Feb. 23 for details. Gamers Society See Feb. 23 for details.

Friday, March 24

Saturday STEM See Feb. 25 for details. Historic Selma Pilgrimage See March 17 for details. Celebrate Spring! Callaway Gardens, Ga. A series of themed weekends, known collectively as Celebrate Spring!, feature special activities and events for families and friends to share against the backdrop of Callaway Gardens’ dazzling display of native and cultivated azaleas – more than 20,000 of them – plus fresh blooms of dogwoods, crabapples, daffodils, tulips and more. www. callawaygardens.com.

Sunday, March 19 Celebrate Spring! See March 18 for details.

The Crank Down in Tiger Town Bike Race Chewacla State Park. The course at this park will use a combination of tight and twisty single track and wide dirt roads to test the racers fitness and bike handling skills. Spectators bring your noise makers, because as the trail meanders through the woods, there are several opportunities to see the race unfolding from your seats in the infield area. About the Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League: organized in 2015 to provide mountain biking programs for students in grades 6 to 12.

Monday, March 20

Teen Third Sunday The Columbus Museum, Ga. Explore screen printing with guest artist Andrew Kozlowski. Participants will make a journal and try their hand at screen printing a cover onto the title page as part of this event. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Tuesday, March 21

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd & 3rd-5th See Feb. 28 for details.

Wednesday, March 22 Toddler Time See Feb. 22 for details.

“9 to 5” The Musical See March 14 for details.

Thursday, March 23

LAMOM Spring Children’s Consignment Sale First Baptist Church, LaGrange, Ga. There is a $1 admission fee to the sale, which is donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Cash or checks only for purchases. The sale will close from 11:00-11:30 to prepare for the half-price sale. All shoppers must leave the gym at this time. Proceeds from the sale benefit local programs that serve mothers and children. LAMOM

A Little Art Talk See March 2 for details.

A Little Lunch Music 20th Century Chamber Music led by pianist Vadim Serebryany. See March 2 for details.

Museum After Hours See March 2 for details.

LEAPS presents Mother and Son Date Night Event Frank Brown Rec Center, Opelika. Tickets $15 per couple and $5 each for additional child. For more information, contact Gregory Johnson, 334-475-0016. Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Oscars RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. Walk the red carpet like a celebrity into this concert featuring the most memorable Oscar-winning film scores. Thrill to the music of John Williams (Star Wars), John Barry (Out of Africa and James Bond), Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia), and many, many more. Right this way, and smile pretty for the paparazzi. www.rivercenter.org. “Drumline: LIVE” The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. This tour is based on the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition. With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, group performances will range from colorful, choreographed routines to heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. www.rivercenter.org

Saturday, March 25

Bark in the Park Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Auburn Parks and Recreation will host Bark in the Park, a FREE event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors, take advantage of low-cost rabies vaccinations, and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities and crafts all morning. Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well! For more info Contact Gabby Meredith at gmeredith@auburnalabama.org. AU Challenge Course Open Ropes Lee County Road 90, Auburn. Individuals can now join us for a fun and exciting adventure on our high ropes course! Activities include the zip line, giant swing, and others. Two session times available: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Register: https://mellbase.uce.auburn.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus. awp?&course=C170225) or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Register: https://mell-base.uce.auburn.edu/ wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=C170225A). 334.321.1603 7th Annual Evening of Wishes National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus. Join us for the 7th Annual Evening of Wishes dinner and silent auction to benefit Make-AWish Georgia. All net proceeds will assist in making wishes come true for our local Columbus area children, who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Come join us for an evening of Mardi Gras festivities and make wishes come true! 6:0011:00 p.m. (EST). Facebook.

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FamilyCalendar 18th Annual Guitar Symposium Concert & Competition RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus In this first evening concert of the 18th Annual CSU Guitar Symposium, the internationally acclaimed Texas Guitar Quartet (TXGQ) performs with CSU Faculty guitarist Andrew Zohn. www.rivercenter.org. Market Days on Broadway See Feb. 25 for details. Young Eagles Day See Feb. 25 for details. Saturday STEM See Feb. 25 for details.

Sunday, March 26

K-12 Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1:30-3:00 p.m. We’ll be painting today! Focusing on the work in the Permanent Collection, we’ll be responding to works on view. Grownups are asked to join in the fun and remain with their child for the project. Please register to guarantee a space and materials. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Columbus Comic Book Show 2017 Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus, Ga. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.ccssc.org. Come join us at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for our February Columbus Comic Book and Toy Show. We will have comics, toys, movies, flight simulators, exhibits, costumed characters & more! Featured Guest will be award-winning author Bobby Nash. For more information, call 706.649.1477 or email us at info@ ccssc.org. Lightwire Theatre: “The Ugly Duckling” The Rivercenter for Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. 2:30 p.m. In an age when technology seems to provide many distractions, Lightwire Theater, made famous on America’s Got Talent, brings the classic tale of The Ugly Duckling to the modern stage. This is an unforgettable theatrical experience. Witness the magic of full-body puppetry and electroluminescent artistry that will astound and captivate the entire family. www.rivercenter.org. 18th Annual Guitar Symposium Concert & Competition RiverCenter for The Performing Arts, Columbus. The final concert of the CSU Guitar Symposium features festival favorite Elliot Frank as well as the much-anticipated return of SoloDuo (Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli). www.rivercenter.org. U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. This group performs together on a regular basis, representing the U.S. Air Force and our country as part of The United States Air Force Band. They frequently perform for national television broadcasts and online videos, including the Band’s annual holiday flashmobs, which have been viewed by millions worldwide. They are proud to represent all Airmen, whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms we enjoy in the USA.

Monday, March 27

Hands on Nutrition and Pop-up Farmer’s Market The Harris Center, Auburn. Hands on Nutrition is associated with Scale Back Alabama and is designed to teach participants more about nutrition, such as how to grow their own produce and use it while cooking. This event is held at The Harris Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A pop-up farmer’s market is open in the lobby of the Harris Center from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 334-501-2930.

Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

Lightwire Theatre: “The Ugly Duckling” See Feb. 26 for details.

Tuesday, March 28

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Toddler Time See Feb. 22 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd & 3rd-5th See Feb. 28 for details.

Thursday, March 30

The Price Is Right Live! RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. This on-stage travelling show gives individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show. Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and the fabulous Showcase. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Lunch Music Pianist Vadim Serebryany. See March 2 for details. FILM@JCSM: East Meets West: The World Introduced by Arianne Gaetano, Auburn University. Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art. 5:00 p.m. A young dancer, her security-guard boyfriend and others work at World Park, a bizarre cross-pollination of Las Vegas and Epcot Center where visitors can interact with famous international monuments without ever leaving the Bejing suburbs. ‘The World’ casts a compassionate eye on the daily loves, friendships and desperate dreams of these provincial workers. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Storytime See Feb. 23 for details. Gamers Society See Feb. 23 for details.

Friday, March 31

Eufaula Pilgrimage Mar. 31 - Apr. 2. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Eufaula hosts Alabama’s oldest tour of homes and has more than 700 structures listed on the National Register. Each spring, the city of Eufaula opens its doors to share this historical wealth. Visitors can take guided tours of homes and sites and also enjoy an art show, concerts, a wax museum and much more. www. eufaulapilgrimage.com.

April 1

Kaleidoscope Concert The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. This eagerly awaited annual showcase that demonstrates the breadth and depth of talent across the entire Schwob School of Music. Featuring large instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, and individual performers, Kaleidoscope offers an electrifying variety of repertoire from classical to jazz, from exuberant to refined: you will hear it all! Tickets provided through RiverCenter box office, (706)256-3612 or rivercenter.org. 18th Annual Auburn Bike Bash Hosted by The City of Auburn, Auburn Bicycle Committee and Auburn City Schools. Ogletree Elementary School parking lot, Auburn, 8 a.m. - noon. Bicycle rides of varying distances will be offered, along with great, live music, bicycle inspections, helmet fittings, exhibits, activities for children and a cookout. Visit www.bikebash.org for more information or to become a sponsor. Questions? Contact Gabby Meredith at (334) 501-2946.

Eggs on the Plains Big Green Egg Cookoff benefiting The Exceptional Foundation. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sample delicious foods cooked on the Big Green Egg. The event will be on the Plains of Auburn at the beautiful Ogletree Village Shopping Center. Demo Eggs will be sold prior to “Eggs on the Plains” at a substantial discount and come with limited lifetime warranty--available for pick up on 4/1 at 4 p.m. Big Green Eggs are sold on a first come first served basis, so reserve by March 15, by contacting Watsons Back Yard Living! www.watsonsbackyardliving.com.

April 4 Sylacauga’s 9th Annual Magic of Marble Festival April 4 - 15. The event will showcase Sylacauga’s beautiful white marble and feature sculptors in action at the city’s Blue Bell Park. The visiting Italian master sculptor will teach on site. Scavenger Hunt and 5-K run add to the fun of the Festival. Tours will be offered to the marble quarries. The Gantts/IMERYS Observation Point overlooking an historic quarry will be open to the public. Free and open to the public. www.bbcomerlibrary.net/marblefestival.

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Earth Day April 6 - 7. Sponsored by City of Auburn Parks and Recreation. Town Creek Park, Auburn. Auburn Parks & Recreation will host Auburn City Schools second graders at Town Creek Park for a day of learning about water conservation, recycling and how to plants trees and various other plants. www.auburnalabama.org.

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Bellingrath Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Theodore, Al. Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 8 a.m., followed by three egg hunts on the Great Lawn. There will be plenty of candy and treats for kids of all ages. Registration for the Easter Egg Hunts will begin at 9 a.m. Registration in advance is required for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. After the hunts, children may take part in arts and crafts led by students from the University of South Alabama. www.bellingrath.org. Auburn Football A-Day Jordan-Hare Stadium, Al. www.auburntigers.com.

April 13

The Great Flashlight Egg Hunt Moore Stadium, Opelika. 7:30 p.m. Hunt for eggs in the dark! Bring a flashlight and a basket. Look for special prizes and Rock Eggs. www. opelikasportsplex.com.

April 14

Underwater Egg Hunt Opelika Sportplex Pool. Free for members and $4 per guest. Ages 6-10 years. 6:00 p.m. www.opelikasportsplex.com.

April 15

Easter on the Square Opelika. 10:00 a.m. Children 2nd grade and under. Arts and crafts! Take a ride on the Easter Express! Cotton Candy, Face painting, parade with and pictures with the bunny, hunting for eggs and more! www.opelikasportsplex.com. 36th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Wells Fargo and Auburn Parks and Recreation, at Kiesel Park. More than 35,000 are eggs

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FamilyCalendar hidden over a four-acre area. Musical entertainment, free sodas and balloons! The Easter Bunny will be available for photos after the Egg Hunt. The first age group will START at 10:30 a.m. sharp! Egg Hunt Start times will be staggered by age group. 3 & under Hunt @ 10:30 a.m. • 4-6 Hunt @ 10:45 a.m. 7-9 Hunt @ 11 a.m. • 10-12 Hunt @ 11:15 a.m. ahall@auburnalabama.org

Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@ gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. Caregiver Support Group Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (LeeRussell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net.

GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@womenshope. org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334-257-3950 or (c)334740-8780. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/ Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism. com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com. Therapeutic Foster Care Program

Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life!

Mom’s Morning Out

Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program Every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Sports Auburn University Men’s Basketball Feb. 25, Mar. 4. Auburn University Women’s Basketball March 6-8. Auburn University Gymnastics Feb. 24, March 10. Auburn University Equestrian March 20-26. Auburn University Baseball Mar. 3, 4, 5, 7, 10,11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 31, April 1, 2, 4. Auburn University Softball Mar. 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 24, 26. Auburn University Soccer Mar. 4, 25. Auburn University Tennis Mar. 10, 12, 24, 26. Auburn University Women’s Golf Feb. 26. Columbus Cottonmouths Feb. 25, March 5, 10, 11, 18, 31. Columbus Lions March 17, April 2, 22.

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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The Great Wall

The LEGO Batman Movie

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: D+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Great Wall PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action violence. Going to The Great Wall expecting a vague lesson on Chinese history? There’s a good chance the fortune cookie you cracked open at dinner will have more to say about Asian legends than this movie. I didn’t know what to expect, so when the massive herd of viscous dinosaur-like creatures came crashing toward the Great Wall of China at about the 15 minute mark, I thought I’d drifted off to sleep and was having one of those “too much pizza before bed” dreams. In that quarter hour prior to the CGI invasion, Matt Damon plays it straight as William, a mercenary fighter who, along with his companion Tovar (Pedro Pascal), is looking for a supply of a mystical Chinese creation sure to be worth some big money back home. It is rumored that black powder exists and can create a fire more ferocious than anyone in Europe can possibly imagine. However, while on their quest these two have also had a close encounter with a ferocious beast from which they managed to remove a forearm. The gory souvenir will prove valuable when these hapless men stumble upon The Great Wall and meet an army populated with the most capable soldiers and weapons imaginable. Their lives are spared after displaying the dismembered limb and presenting themselves as traders. Still, they are restrained and held captive. And that’s about the time the slimy beasts show up and begin to breach the towering fortress. The timing couldn’t be any more fortuitous for William and Tovar. General Shao (Zhang Hanyu) quickly recognizes their fighting abilities. Meanwhile William also takes a liking to the beautiful deputy Commander Lin (Jing Tian), causing him to rethink the initial plan to get a sack of black powder and hit the dusty trail. Tovar, on the other hand, stays focused on the prize. With the help of Ballard (Willem Dafoe), another westerner captured by the Chinese, he plans to escape during the next giant lizard battle. Rumored to be the most expensive Chinese movie ever made, this China-US co-production is light on story and very heavy on monster goo. These carnivores bleed green and, according to the unwritten movie violence rulebook, that means there are no reasons why they can’t be sliced, diced, gored, quartered and blown to bits (that’s where the black powder comes in). The ravenous creatures get a taste of Chinese as well, when they devoir many of the opposing warriors, but these encounters are not shown in explicit detail. All this hash and mash is somewhat mitigated by tongue-in-cheek humor (the westerners get all the funny lines) yet it will still present some nightmarish images for pre-teens. Other possibly objectionable content is limited to a few mild profanities.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The LEGO Batman Movie PG for rude humor and some action. The LEGO Batman Movie poses an interesting question within its opening minutes: Would we need good guys, that is superheroes, if we didn’t have bad guys? Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) is quite comfortable saving Gotham City singlehandedly. But when his usual nemeses The Joker (voice of Zach Galifianakis) surprises him by surrendering himself to Gotham City police, Batman is out of a job. Of course, the lipstick fiend has ulterior motives. Playing with Batman’s vanity he manages to amass an army of other evil villains and attack the city. He also has a personal vendetta to pursue with the Dark Knight. The conflict between these opposing forces provides plenty of frenetic action throughout. Obviously, there’s no explicit carnage in a LEGO movie but the frequent peril may still be frightening to younger audiences. Even worse, this overabundance of mayhem often obscures the positive messages within this script. Fixing Batman’s narcissistic is tendencies the primary target of this film’s moral objective. His ego gets in the way of forming sincere relationships, as well as accepting help from others. These characteristics will be challenged after he falls in love with the new police commissioner (voice of Rosario Dawson), unwittingly agrees to adopt an obsessively admiring boy (voice of Michael Cera), and listens to his butler Alfred’s (voice of Ralph Fiennes) fatherly counsel. Themes of teamwork may also be a little confusing to children when possible allies include a legion of criminals who aren’t quite as bad as the really, really bad dudes that align with The Joker. Yes, this isn’t the only movie on screens with fifty shades of grey, and parents should be prepared to discuss the good and bad traits that exist in all of us. Although sight gags, like young Robin pulling his pants off, will keep kids amused, most of the humor here comes from sarcastic cultural references, decades of Batman depictions and other iconic characters. Parents and older teens will likely find plenty to laugh at, but you might want to leave the littlest ones at home.

What Parents need to know about The LEGO Batman Movie... Violence: Characters are in perilous situations throughout the film. Although the action is not graphic in its depictions, it still includes threats from bombs, explosions, imprisonment, reckless driving/flying, fist-fights, falling from heights, weapon use, vehicle crashes and property destruction. The distinction between “bad guys” and “good guys” is blurred when the heroes behave unkindly and less-nasty villains turn against more evil villains. Sexual Content: Some mild sexual innuendo and rude terms (like “butt”) are heard. Infrequent potty words and humor are included. Characters are seen in their underwear when they change their clothes. Profanity: No real profanities or terms of deity are used, but characters do exclaim copy-cat words such as “heck” and “gosh”. Alcohol / Drug Use: Social drinking is portrayed, and a couple of alcoholic beverages are mentioned. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2017

What Parents need to know about The Great Wall...

Violence: Many scenes depict explicit monster violence with large dinosaur-like beasts being stabbed, sliced, gored and blown up; green blood is seen along with some body fragments. Human characters are also devoured, but with far less graphic detail. Human characters threaten one another with swords and other medieval-type implements. Characters are held captive, one is seen tied up in a cell. A human and monster come into conflict and we see the dismembered limb of the monster. Deaths are implied on a massive scale for both humans and monsters. Sexual Content: None noted. Profanity: Infrequent profanities are limited to mild and moderate curses, as well as terms of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. 56

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THE ADVENTURES IN

Math & Science

2017 Summer Camp Sessions

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 5-9, June 12-16, & June 19-23 Located in Mobile, AL

Launch a Rocket Kayak in Mobile Bay Build a Robot

Solve a Crime Prepare for the ACT Day & Overnight Camp

Grades 6-10

Register by April 1: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 1: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1 and 2 is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at WWW.ASMS.NET . COURSE SAMPLING ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • aims@asms.net

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Get tested for HIV. For you and baby. for more information, call 1-800-228-0469 www.adph.org/hiv