Greater Pensacola Parents March 2020

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V ` L CIC O IA

PENSACOLA

Ciclovía (seek-low-VIA) is a free event during which streets are closed to cars and opened to the public to enjoy in a manner that promotes health and community.

Saturday March 28, 2020 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in downtown Pensacola Come out and enjoy the people-friendly streets of Downtown Pensacola. Experience streets closed to motor traffic and open for biking, walking, dancing, or whatever moves you! FREE FUN FOR EVERYONE! For more information on the event visit CiclovíaPensacola.com or email CiclovíaPensacola@gmail.com.

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Like and share CiclovíaPensacola on Facebook to stay updated on event plans and announcements.


March2020

Volume 5 Number 1

28 Columns

24

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Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

24 Parenting, Media &

Common Sense Media Learn about five risky apps that might be on your child’s (or a friend’s) phone.

Family Camping Trips

Get the 4-1-1 on camp costs, activities, food and making the most of your getaway.

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

57

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

Independence, resiliency and community living are just a few.

2020 Summer Camps Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!

On The Cover Tori (8), Sawyer (4) and little sister Everly (17 months) are the children of Ashley and Ryan Harwell. Proud grandparents are Mike and Becky Harwell, and Scott and Holly Dean. Tori’s hobbies: Art, soccer, hunting, writing poems and catching critters. Sawyer’s hobbies: Digging in the dirt, riding his bike, being a police officer and an astronaut. Everly’s hobbies: Puzzles, playing in water, swinging and getting into her siblings’ toys.

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58

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 46

Family Calendar 60

Movie Reviews

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FromThePublisher

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

I know I say this every year, but I absolutely love working on the March issue because this is our annual Summer Camp issue! I loved summer camp. My friends and I would try all kinds of interesting camps. One year we all went to trampoline camp. Yes, that’s right, we spent a half-day for a couple of weeks learning how to do all kinds of flips and tricks on the

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

trampoline. We got pretty good at it too. Too bad our schools did not have trampoline teams. I am certain we would have been state champs. Nor did any of us even own a trampoline. Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure our moms just signed us up for that camp to keep us busy. Whatever their motive was, we had a blast, and obviously have some fond memories from it. That is what is so fun about summer camp. It is a chance for kids to try out new interests and activities. As always, this year’s Summer Camp Guide is packed with all kinds of camps. We have everything from art camps to zoo camps, and tons in between. It does not matter if your child is interested in sports, theater, music, science, or all of it, you will find a huge variety of options in this valuable resource. This is especially helpful if you have three different children with ever-changing interests. So pull out your highlighters and calendars and flip to page 34 to view the 2020 Summer Camp Guide. As much as I enjoyed summer camp, I never attended a sleep-away camp. I used to get home sick just spending the night next door. My husband, on the other hand,

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Mark Gregston Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith

spent half of his summer away at camp. Now that we have kids, I really like the idea of them experiencing everything about sleep-away camp that I feel like I missed. If you are considering an away camp, Janeen Lewis has some insight for you in her article, Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp, on page 32.

Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

As we start to roll into spring, we have the added benefit of longer days starting March 8. This means we have more time to get outside and enjoy everything the area has to offer. And the warming temperatures means there is no need to wait for summer to go camping. This is a great month to plan a family camping trip. If s’mores under that stars sounds like a great idea to you, flip over to page 28 where you will find tips to get you started in Family Camping Trips - Make the Most of Your Getaway. Speaking of activities for March, make sure you check out the Family Calendar on page 46. The calendar is filled with plenty of happenings for your family to enjoy together this month. So whether you spend a night under the stars or the morning participating in a charity 5K, remember that family time is precious time, so soak it all in and have a wonderful March!

Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Lynn

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

President Jason Watson

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Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola 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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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Tuesdays with Mommy At the top of the New York Times best seller list back in 2000 was a book called, Tuesdays With Morrie – an old man, a young man and life’s greatest lesson. The entire concept of the book was wrapped around author Mitch Albom’s relationship with his university professor Morrie Schwartz, who was in the final stages of dying from ALS. Morrie and Mitch discussed the power of friendship, forgiveness, loss, life, death and family, amongst some smaller, more trivial daily trials and triumphs. As my 17-year-old twins are preparing to launch into the world and head off to college in the fall, I took a cue from Morrie and at the start of their senior year I initiated, “Tuesdays with Mommy”. Every Tuesday you will find the three of us sharing a table at our neighborhood coffee shop at 7:30 in the morning. I drink coffee, they drink “coffee” – which as far as I can tell appears to be just blended sugar topped with whipped cream – and we argue over who gets the last portion of the lemon poppy seed muffin.

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

The café door opens and closes, neighbors come and go, and we make small talk with our favorite barista, but it is exactly there in those quiet, normal moments that we oftentimes find ourselves discussing issues or politics or strategies or what’s for dinner or whatever else is pressing. And that matters. There is value there. There is strength of relationship and resolve there. And I love it. My favorite day of the week: Tuesday. As a mom of many with a job that keeps me jumping, Tuesdays with Mommy forces me to pause. It makes me sit down, sip, lean in and hear their hearts. And yes, 17-year-old boys often actually do have a lot to say; it’s just that we need to be intentional in posturing ourselves in a position to listen, and sometimes, like Morrie – to teach. At times it occurs to me that I need to ensure that I have taught them how to write a check, or to remind them to get their tires rotated every other oil change, or the importance of standing up at the

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table on a date when she stands up. Other times the table talk centers around childhood memories; sometimes their memories and sometimes mine. Every now and then Tuesdays with Mommy is consumed with them scrambling to finish some homework while I just sit by and remind myself how grateful I am to already be done with the 12th grade. Sometimes we miss a day and sometimes it is just silent. I don’t think there is a “right” way to have your Tuesday. But whether you find your Tuesday at a coffee shop, or you find it on Pizza Fridays or Saturday Morning Waffles, my encouragement to you is to just find it. Find a time where you can be still and hear the heart of your kid. You will find that it makes all the difference.

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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March 7 * 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. Live entertainment, food trucks, bounce house and vendors. Portion of proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project. For more info, visit orangebeachbreeze.com.

Pensacola MESS Hall Presents Third Annual Gulf Coast Science Festival

The Pensacola MESS Hall is partnering with local organizations to celebrate science in our community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in scientific discovery at a Field Trip Day, Expo Day, and the gala MESS Hall Goes Gourmet. Families will fill Seville Square on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy a day of free science-powered fun provided by dozens of Pensacola area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. The event will bring hands-on learning, interactive activities and experiments to inspire learners of all ages in all things STEM. The event is free and open to the public. In addition to the Expo Day, exhibitors will share their enthusiasm for science with 500 students during the free Field Trip Day on March 27. This program gives middle school students an opportunity to learn about possible careers in science and discover the joys of scientific discovery. This year’s event will close with MESS Hall Goes Gourmet, a celebration of the science of food. The event raises funds to increase STEM education in our community throughout the year. For more info, visit gulfcoastsciencefestival.org.

Riverwalk Arts Festival

March 7 * 6815 Caroline St., Downtown Milton This wildly popular event is in its 32nd year, drawing people from throughout the Southern region. The festival features juried fine art, heritage folk art, heritage folk art, cultural performances, continuous music, food, the All County Youth Art Exhibit and a cool Kids Fun Zone! For more info, visit www. getrelaxing.com or call (850) 981-8900.

March 15 * 2 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game will bring smiles and fan interaction to people of all ages. Tickets begin at $28. For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Youth Festival

March 19 * Noon-4 p.m. Pensacola State College, 1814 Creighton Rd. How often do we stop to tell the kids and teens in our lives how incredible they are? This is why Camp Fire founded Absolutely Incredible Kid Day in 1997—to activate millions of adults across the U.S. to write or tell a young person in their life what makes them incredible. Every year, on the third Thursday of March, thousands of adults send notes, e-mails, letters, texts, videos (you choose!) to encourage and inspire young people across the country. This year, Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. wants to take that a step further. Let’s have an Absolutely Incredible Kids Day (AIKD) Youth Festival. Fun, food, games, crafts and performances for and by youth. Camp Fire Gulf Wind will be hosting an AIKD Youth Festival to celebrate and recognize the absolutely incredible kids right here in Northwest Florida and commend the adults who are championing their efforts. Camp Fire Gulf Wind will honor five absolutely incredible youth and five adults who are spark champions. There will be bounce houses, games, food and festivities and local celebrity spokesperson. What if I don’t know a kid to write to? Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. distributes letters to children who will not receive a letter on Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Letters MUST be received in the Camp Fire office no later than March 11. To donate a letter, please mail to: Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc., ATTN: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, 1814 Creighton Road, Pensacola, FL 32504. For info, visit https:// campfirekidsfl.com/ or call (850) 476 1760. Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

11th Annual Smokin’ in the Square

March 20-22 * Seville Square Park, 301 S Alcaniz Street, Pensacola. A professional BBQ competition dedicated to raising money for our annually selected charities. This is a family-friendly event. For more info, visit www.smokininthesquare.org/.

Food Truck Festival

April 3 * 5-10 p.m. & Apr. 4 * 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street. The event features an eclectic mix of food truck signature dishes, live music, a tasting competition, and more. For more info, visit https://pensacolafoodtruckfest.org/. 6

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Family Theatre

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Winnie-the-Pooh March 20-29 directed by Stephen C. Lott. Join Christopher Robin and his best friend Winnie-the-Pooh as they help the gang when “one of the fiercer animals” comes to the Hundred Acre Woods. Pooh Bear has to decide between rescuing his best friend Piglet and having a smackeral of honey. (Not an easy choice.) For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ .

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Chili for Books Fundraiser for Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon

Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival

March 7 * 4-8 p.m. Gary’s Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., Pensacola The Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon is sponsoring its inagural Chili and Beer (including root beer for kids) as a fundraising event for Books for Kids. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children 5-10, and $2.50 for children 3-6. We read to kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students at five different elementary schools twice each year and give each child a new book of his very own to take home. We also give 100 Accelerated Reader books to each of 14 school libraries for kids to read. This is a heartwarming experience when you realize some kids do not have their own books at home. We do this through The Kiwanis Club Signature Event “Reading is Fun” because we believe “Readers Will Be Leaders.” For more info, call (850) 867-5873.

March 28-29 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School parking lot, 675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. 115+ local, regional and national fine artists and heritage artists will be setting up and selling their fine art. An art raffle tent, a Children’s Alley, live performance artists and live art demos will all be part of the action as well. Proceeds benefit school programs throughout Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. For more info, visit https:// gulfbreezearts.com/2020-festival.

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Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party

2020 Pensacola JazzFest

April 9-12 * Pensacola Bay Center Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at a brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco in Miguel’s Disney on Ice debut, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky above you as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes a magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around! For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@ pcolabaycenter.com.

April 4-5 * 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Seville Square Park, 311 E Government St. In addition to a great music lineup, food by local vendors, arts and crafts and jazz merchandise are available— including JazzFest posters, a variety of jazzy shirts and memorabilia. All jazz merchandise sales help support the festival and keep it free for our loyal fans. For info, visit https://jazzpensacola.com/.

Bands on the Beach Kicks Off

Pensacola Beach’s popular outdoor summer concert series features a lineup of performers sure to please every musical taste. Located in the Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. Bands on the Beach is at 7 p.m. and begins the first Tuesday in April and ends the last Tuesday in October. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach/.

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Autauga County Schools Escambia County Grant Brings Hip Hop Group to McArthur

The Escambia County Schools Foundation funded a grant to bring the group Hip Hop Fundamentals from Philadelphia, Pa., to L.D. McArthur Elementary School. This is an award-winning group teaching content through hip hop and breakdancing. Two teaching artists came to work with fifth-grade students and choreograph their own breakdancing and hip hop routine to explain physics. They performed for the school on Feb. 14.

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Redeemer Lutheran Basketball Team Named Back-to-Back Champs

The Redeemer Lutheran 4th- and 5th-grade girls have done it again and were named back to back basketball champions. Way to go, Crusaders!

Blessed Star Montessori Creates Snap Circuits Thanks to the NWFL downtown, Blessed Star Montessori School is able to experience fun workshops and experiments that teach the students how cool math and science can be. The STEAM program truly brings our students such joy. Each Thursday, they get to do some new project. Pictured here is a recent trip where they got to create different snap circuits, resulting in different sounds and actions from various pieces. Other times, the students get to explore with virtual reality, taking apart different computers, etc.

St. Paul’s RoboSpartans Plan Improvements for Miraflores Park

In December, the St. Paul Catholic RoboSpartans robotics team gave a presentation in front of the Pensacola City Council. The kids have researched a local building in Miraflores Park that needs to be made handicap accessible as many older veterans groups use the “Scout Shack,” a historical building downtown. This is a project the team has undertaken for our robotics competition this year. Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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East Hill Leadership Trip to Orlando

East Hill Christian School sent 25 students from its Student Leadership program to a conference in Orlando recently. SLU 101 is the nation’s premiere student leadership experience with a distinctive, Christian worldview. The aim of the program is to equip, motivate, enable and empower students for present and future leadership roles in their schools and communities with the main focus of servant leadership (as Jesus taught in the Scriptures). With this training, students are given a 15-20 year quantum leap in their ability to think, dream and lead. Many of these same students are already involved in mentoring middle school students on a monthly basis with our Huddle Groups program. A big thank you to sponsor and teacher Tonya Smith for her dedication and sacrifice to lead these student leaders!

Creative Learning Academy Wins First Place in Spelling Bee

On January 30, Creative Learning Academy eighth-grade student Megan Smith competed in the 44th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee and finished in first place. She spelled five words correctly, the last two being oligarchy and marmoset. “Megan is a stellar student. She was all grins the day after she won,” said her teacher, Mr. Forrest. Smith will represent Escambia County at the Regional Spelling Bee in Tallahassee March 7.

Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

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Autauga County Schools

Meteorologist Visits Redeemer Lutheran

Redeemer Lutheran hosted meteorologist Spinks Megginson from RedZone Weather. The students enjoyed his presentation and learned a great deal about weather and climate.

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Beulah Middle School Celebrates Arbor Day 2020

Students from Beulah Middle School’s FFA and volunteers from International Paper turned out to help the Escambia County Extension Office distribute trees to mark Arbor Day. In case you can’t read their shirts, Beulah’s FFA members and AgScience students are proud to call themselves TreeNerds!

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Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

It’s time for an adventure! The Little Gym’s summer camps help kids to exercise their muscles, and imaginations! Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to sign your Super Kid up for several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time! NOW ENROLLING SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES The Little Gym of Pensacola www.thelittlegym.com/pensacolafl 850-495-1734

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St. Paul Middle School Students Hold Knight Tournament

Creative Learning Places In Speech Contest

Just before school let out for Christmas break, middle school students at St. Paul Catholic School grouped into their Houses and competed in four challenges. Games included a giant game of Jenga, Hungry Hippos (students pushed and steered each other to grab balls and return them to their circle), the Bible Challenge (first to find the specified Bible verse wins), and Toxic Waste (teams had to transfer a bucket of balls from the middle of a toxic no-go zone to another without ever touching the bucket, using only limited provided supplies). The final challenge was for the faculty moderators. They raced carrying an “egg” in a spoon, holding a ball between their knees, and finally, pulling one another like a reindeer pulls Santa’s sleigh. The competition was fierce, and close! Positive Dojo points awarded for exceptionally good conduct during the tournament put St. Joseph over the top for the win!

Creative Learning Academy finishedstrong in the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest. Fifth- and sixth-grade students Erin Reilly and Charlotte Wymant took 2nd and 3rd place in the competition. More than 150,000 students in grades 4 through 6 participate in the contest each year. “I liked that the program helped me to feel more comfortable getting up in front of people and speaking,” said Reilly. Wymant spoke about electric cars. “After learning about global warming and pollution, I found out that regular cars are a major cause of greenhouse gasses,” she said. “I hope I persuaded people to make the switch to electric.”

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Autauga County Schools

Ferry Pass Middle School CyberPatriot Team Wins Third-Place Award

Montessori Students Farmers’ Market

Montessori School of Pensacola Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade) students maintain class vegetable raised beds. They learn about planting cycles and growing without pesticides. Their harvests have become so bountiful that they host a weekly market for families, staff and friends. Here is one student showcasing the freshly picked carrots. Students are in charge of tending the beds, as well as selling the produce. Funds raised go to supporting classroom enrichment. Parents have been surprised and impressed by the veggies and also the professionalism of the student salespeople.

Little Flower 7th Grade Visits Emerald Gardens Assisted Living

During Catholic Schools Week, the 7thgrade class from Little Flower Catholic School enjoyed a morning volunteering at Emerald Gardens, where the students played games and spent time with the residents. Everyone had a great time! Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

Teams of students from Escambia County School District middle schools recently concluded an exceptional round of competition in the twelfth season of CyberPatriot – the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition – and one has qualified to represent the State of Florida at Nationals! Established by AFA in 2009, CyberPatriot is designed to educate and motivate students toward careers in cybersecurity and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future. Led by Coach Allison Cameron, the team of students from Ferry Pass Middle School had been notified that they excelled in the CyberPatriot XII State Round held in December, demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking, and technical skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity. The team’s performance earned it Florida’s 3rd Place Award in the Middle School Division and a spot in the Semifinal Round. “I am so proud of this team,” said Cameron. “They have made many firsts for Ferry Pass Middle. They have set a high bar for other teams. They are a terrific group of students who will continue to excel in school and CyberPatriot.” Members of the Ferry Pass Middle School CyberPatriot team, the Salty Eagles, are top photo from left, Paikea McQuirter, Nguyen Tang and Anakin Orleans. As one of the top three Middle School Division teams, they are now eligible to advance to the CyberPatriot XII National Finals Competition in Rockville, Md., in March. Another ECSD middle school team that competed in the semifinals was the Cyber Noodle Warriors, a team from Bellview Middle that includes, middle photo from left, Antony Trujillo, Queen Agcaoli, Nadia Mongold and Jerson Agabin. Their coach is Theresa Simmons. Additionally, Bellview Middle School’s Warriors at Work team placed 4th in the state, just missing a chance to move up in the next round of competition. The members were, bottom photo from left, Lillien Williams, Ty’navion Mitchell and Dillan Patterson. Their coach was Angela Collins. More info is available at www.uscyberpatriot.org or from the CyberPatriot staff at info@uscyberpatriot.org. 14

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East Hill Christian Visits MESS Hall

East Hill Christian School’s first and second grades enjoyed an in-house field trip from the Pensacola MESS Hall. As a part of East Hill’s STEM activities, the students learned all about gravity with a presentation and hands-on activities. During the activities, students learned about motion, gravity and air. One of the highlights of the presentation was making an object for the wind tunnel to see how far it would fly. As always, the students were amazed with the instruction, and we’re looking forward to the next opportunity for STEM activities!

St. John Holds Cultural Lunch

During Catholic Schools Week, St. John School celebrated community by hosting a community cultural lunch. Students could bring in traditional foods of their heritage and family. Students could also dress in the customary clothing of their family ancestry. St. John students were able to taste a variety of foods and learn about the many diverse cultures that make up our school family!

Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!

FLIGHT ADVENTURE DECK SUMMER CAMP

Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp for rising 5th and 6th grade students. Weekly sessions run from June 1 – July 31, 2020, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $175 per camper. Discounted rate of $140 for military families. (850) 308-8957 | navalaviationfoundation.org/fad

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St. John School Inducts National Junior Honor Society Members

St. John School inducted new middle school members into the National Junior Honor Society in January. National Junior Honor Society students are those who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. The ceremony was led by current St. John School NJHS members, with the help of faculty moderators Caroline Bush and Renee Lett.

Montessori Classes Study Ecology

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The Elementary Ecology program at Montessori School of Pensacola is truly hands-on and full of dirt. Along with the in-depth gardening program throughout all classrooms, the upper grades study how landfills work. This study includes creating a simulated landfill. All classrooms compost and learn what can and cannot be recycled and composted. They spread hay on the gardens, weed, and learn about the effects of waste on the land, ocean and air.

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SUMMER CAMP!

May through July

Ignite your child’s curiosity through science-themed summer exploration. Week-long, half & full-day options available for experiencing topics in invention, architecture, coding, & more!

Grades 1st - 7th. Dates & details available online.

Register Online Today!

www.PensacolaMESSHall.org 116 N Tarragona St. 1-877-YES-MESS Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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Redeemer Students Journey Through History

History came alive at the 2020 Redeemer Lutheran History Fair. Students wrote reports and created posters about their chosen historical figure. Live wax museum characters were also featured at this “historical” event.

Please email schoolnews@ greaterpensacola parents.com by the 10th of each month!

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EDS Celebrates Grandparents’ Day

Episcopal Day School students had a GRAND time celebrating their favorite Valentines. From a spaghetti dinner to bingo games, from Chapel time to the Scholastic Book Fair, the EDS family spent two full days celebrating the grandparents and family members that teach, support and love them. 17

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Autauga County Schools

St. John Peacemakers and 2nd Quarter Honor Roll

St. John School recognized all those who achieved 1st and 2nd quarter Honor Roll during the 2nd quarter. Honor Roll students are those that maintain academic achievement and excellence in citizenship. St. John also recognized our monthly Virtue in Action student models for the virtues of generosity and stewardship. One student from each class was recognized who exemplified what it means to be a peacemaker in their class. The 2nd quarter St. John Peacemakers are shown below.

Blessed Star Students Dance Out Extra Energy

Sometimes the weather in Florida can be extremely unpredictable. That was the case on this seemingly sunshiney day, when suddenly the sky fell. It was pouring rain so the students at Blessed Star Montessori could not go outside, but they still needed to shake out that extra energy. To provide them with this opportunity, we got creative and connected Just Dance on to our big screen and the kids wiggled all their energy out to their favorite songs!

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Episcopal Day School Boys’ Basketball Team Named Champs

The Episcopal Day School 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team began the 2019-2020 Catholic Youth Sports League basketball season as talented athletes, but they completed it with the additional title of champions. This final season of sportsmanship, talen, and teamwork was the best possible way to close out their athletic careers at Episcopal Day School.

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Panhandle VEX Regional Tournament

The Panhandle VEX Regional Tournament was held Feb. 1 at Beulah Middle School in Escambia County and hosted teams from as far away as Tallahassee. The competition had various phases and requirements as well as consideration for aspects such as sportsmanship. Each team competed in the Tower Challenge and the final tournament elimination round was held for two teams working together in an alliance. Local winners include: Innovate Award: Team Room Temperature IQ, Pensacola High School; Sportsmanship Award: Team Charge 1, West Florida High School; Robot Skills 3rd place: Boy Bears!, Beulah Middle School; Tournament Finalist: Team Charge 1, West Florida High School; Tournament Finalist: Ladies’ Team, West Florida High School; Middle School Excellence Award: Team ONeal A, Ransom Middle School. Shown below are Team Charge 1 and Ladies’ Team from West Florida High.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Paul Student Principal for a Day

St. Paul Catholic School recently had a special principal for the day! Principal El-Sayah, a St. Paul student, worked hard for the school. He supervised the construction site, led the daily announcements, announced a dress-down day for the following Friday and finalized a contest for our Earth Day bottle top collection.

Scientist Visits Cordova Park

Victor Perez from the Scientist in Every Florida School program visited Cordova Park Elementary School in January. He led Kathleen Stanhope’s 4th-graders through a fossil identification activity.

Dragon Walk @ Creative Learning

East Hill Holds Homecoming 2020

East Hill Christian School celebrated Homecoming week with crazy dress-up days, dodge ball tournaments, banner competitions and an outrageous pep rally. After the weeklong time of fun and festivities, EHCS held its Homecoming Court presentation, which ended with the crowning of 2020 EHCS Homecoming King and Queen, Eli Smith and Anna Thomas. The Cheer Squad pumped up the fans even more with their halftime extravaganza routine. This was followed by rousing and competitive varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball games where the Eagles brought home the victory! Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

On January 24, the Creative Learning Academy community came together to kick off its first Dragon Walk. The day began with an exhilarating opening ceremony where students proudly displayed their class flags and yelled out CLA spirit cheers. Throughout the day students, teachers and volunteers walked around campus while socializing, snacking and enjoying the beautiful day. Collectively, they walked an impressive 594 miles! The day wrapped up with yet another exciting closing ceremony where the school celebrated its success in raising money while enjoying a day many said was their “favorite day at CLA so far this year!” Dragon Walk proceeds will be used to purchase interactive boards for classrooms and instruments for their music program. First on the list is to purchase a class set of ukuleles from Blues Angel Music. 20

MSP Receives Musical Enrichment

Members of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra visited the Montessori Drive campus of Montessori School of Pensacola. They demonstrated conducting skills and described what it is like to be a part of an orchestra. In addition, they performed their instruments: one a violin and the other a trumpet. Students were able to ask questions and many who are part of the MSP band were excited to hear more about music as a career. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com


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Blessed Star Phonics Practice

Blessed Star Montessori reading specialist Ms. Angie comes two to three times weekly to meet with each student in the morning to work with them on their reading skills, and help gauge where each student is, so that we can come up with the best lesson plan possible for each individual.

Hellen Caro Classes Visit Global Corner

Redeemer Lutheran Holds Annual Circus Performance

Lions, elephants and clowns! Oh, my! Redeemer Lutheran’s annual circus performance was a delight for all.

Students at Hellen Caro Elementary were “traveling” to Germany with Global Corner!

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

Art for All Ages

EXPLORE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE PENSACOLA MUSUEM OF ART

Preschool Art Time Afterschool Art Club Next Generation Homeschool Art Academy for Autism Open Studio Parent’s Night Out Family Sunday

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Autauga County Schools

Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee Results

The 44th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee results are: third place, winning $150 from Sandy Sansing, Teagan Brown, 7th grade, Ferry Pass Middle School; second place, winning $200, Kazuhiro Blondell, 7th grade, Jim Bailey Middle; and, first place, winning $300 from Sandy Sansing, Megan Smith, 8th grade, Creative Learning Academy. Smith will represent Escambia County at the Regional Spelling Bee in Tallahassee.

Little Flower Students Perform Tinikling Dance

During Little Flower Catholic School’s International Potluck Lunch in January, some of our international students performed the traditional Filipino Tinikling dance. After they were done, students and teachers from every class gave it a try!

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Weekly Camp Sessions | Full & Half Day Options June 1st - July 24th

PreK3 - 1st Grade Students Hilton-Green Campus 601 North Palafox Street

2nd-8th Grade Students Currin Center Gym 223 North Palafox Street

Our campers are on the GROW this summer! They will discover how living things like people, plants, and animals blossom and change. A healthy environment is important in this process, so we will be recycling as much as we can along the way! Expect to see a growth spurt by the end of the summer, not only in the size of their shoes, but also the knowledge in their brains! Each camper will have the opportunity to pick a morning and afternoon camp to complete their weekly schedule. Our weekly camp classes cover a broad range of topics to meet the many interests of our participants.

Week 1 June 1-5 Afternoon Morning Pack Your Passport, 2nd-5th Embark to Ancient Egypt, 2nd-5th Boot Camp, 4th-up Flag Football, 4th-up Week 2 June 8-12 Morning Time Traveler, 2nd-5th Gold Medal Games, 2nd-up

Afternoon Made in America, 2nd-3rd Stunting & Tumbling, 2nd-5th

Week 3 June 15-19 Morning Flag Football, 2nd-5th Diggin' for Dinos, 2nd-5th Volleyball, 6th-up

Afternoon That's Too Messy, 2nd-5th Boot Camp, 4th-up

Week 4 June 22-26 Morning Gold Medal Games, 2nd-5th Under the Big Top, 2nd-5th Drone Racing, 3rd-up Piano Lessons, 2nd-up

Afternoon Summer STEM Fun, 2nd-5th KaraOKe Time Machine, 2nd-up Basketball, 5th-up Cheerleading, 2nd-5th

Week 5 June 29-July 3 Morning Full STEAM Ahead, 2nd-5th Flag Football, 2nd-3rd Volleyball, 4th-5th Piano Lessons, 2nd-up

Afternoon Show Must Go ON!, 2nd-5th Basketball, 2nd-3rd Egyptian Art, 4th-up Stunting & Tumbling, 6th-8th

Week 6 July 6-10 Morning Art for the Garden, 2nd-5th Gold Medal Games, 2nd-up Piano Lessons, 2nd-up

Afternoon Orff Outback!, 2nd-5th Museum Camp, 2nd-5th 'Fridge Fixer Upper, 4th-up

Week 7 July 13-17 Morning Art of the Ocean, 2nd-3rd Gold Medal Games, 2nd-up Camp's Got Talent, 5th-up Week 8 July 20-24 Morning Stomp!, 2nd-3rd Camp Create Art, 4th-5th Flag Football, 5th-up

Afternoon Math Mania, 2nd-3rd Art of the Ocean, 4th-5th 'Catch 'em All' Camp, 2nd-6th Stunting & Tumbling, 6th-8th Flavors of Pensacola, 6th-8th Afternoon World Class!, 2nd-5th Basketball, 5th-up

850.434.6474 • info@edscc.org • www.edscc.org/summer 23

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5 Risky Apps to Watch Out For

What parents need to know: Video-chatting with strangers can be risky for teens. When it’s paired with location, it’s a no-go. Also, while HOLLA supposedly bans iffy content -- like nudity and violence -- user reviews indicate that masturbation, fake identities, and negative comments are common. The app’s age-matching is a red flag, too. It was easy for our tester to pose as a 13-year-old and get paired with 16- and 17-year-olds. Similar apps: Yubo, MeetMe - Chat and Meet New People, Spotafriend - Teen Meeting App To Make New Friends, ChatLive, Random Video Chat

It seems like every time you turn around, there’s a new app -or type of app -- that’s popular with tweens and teens. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with every hot new app, which makes knowing the risky features -- like interaction with strangers, anonymity, privacy concerns, and iffy content -- a solid first step. But it’s still important to know the specifics of what’s on your kid’s device and whether or not you’ll allow it to stay there.

BIGO LIVE - Live Stream

IMVU: 3D Avatar Creator & Chat

Kind of like Twitch and YouTube, BIGO LIVE lets teens stream live video of themselves that other users can see and comment on in real time. You can also receive and send “Beans” -BIGO’s term for virtual gifts -- that cost real money. You can level up and improve your ranking by logging in every day and sending gifts. The platform is designed for people who supposedly want to get famous, but it seems to be filled mainly with people competing for gifts. What parents need to know: BIGO has a lot of mature content, including sexy talk and clothing, and users’ comments are often predatory and explicit. Also, its focus on status and spending money, as opposed to creativity and talent, makes it feel shallow.Similar apps: Tagged - Chill, Chat & Go Live! and imo video calls and chat.

Using the website or the app, users interact through elaborate 3D avatars. You can dress them up, place them in public or private rooms, and follow other users and chat with them. You can also buy a wide variety of objects using virtual coins -- earned primarily through taking surveys or watching ads or through buying outright with real money. There’s no game or goal other than acquiring outfits, rooms, furniture, and other items or chatting with other users. What parents need to know: Virtual sex and user privacy are the main issues for teens in IMVU. The avatars sport highly stereotypical body types with big muscles or breasts, and many of the outfits are skimpy. It also appears that users generate a following on other platforms by sharing their IMVU usernames, which invites more contact with people they don’t know. Finally, the search term “IMVU sex” results in lots of advice about how to have (virtual avatar) sex and where to find it in IMVU. Similar app: Avakin Life

BitLife

In this simulation game, you’re assigned an identity to play through the entire game, from infancy to death. As you play -- and your character gets older -- you can make text-based choices about how to make money, spend time, and develop relationships with pretend profiles (which aren’t connected to real people). Those choices determine your levels of happiness, health, smarts, and appearance. When you die, you can start all over. What parents need to know: While kids can’t engage in actual risky behavior, BitLife exposes them to mature ideas. As your character gets older, you can choose to “hook up” with the pretend profiles, drink, do drugs, gamble, and commit crimes. (On the other hand, you can make healthy choices such as going to the gym and meditating.) It’s also easy for players to become overly fixated on the idealized world of sim games. Similar app: Reigns

Socratic by Google

This app lets you take a picture of a homework problem or question and get an answer and explanation in return, similar to Photomath - Camera Calculator. Because it’s more focused and filtered than an open internet search, the results are more targeted and helpful (in other words, it gives you the answers). What parents need to know: The biggest concern is cheating. If your kid decides to use this app as an easy way out of homework, they’ll lose a lot of learning. Secondly, since the answers come from the internet, they aren’t always right. Used with good judgment (and monitoring by a parent), a teen could legitimately use Socratic to dig into tough concepts, but it’s pretty easy to use for cheating. Similar apps: Photomath - Camera Calculator, Mathway, Got It Study - Homework Help

HOLLA: Live Random Video Chat

This app is all about connecting with strangers. Once you sign up using a phone number or your Facebook account, you can get matched instantly with a stranger -- and both you and they appear on camera. Or you can swipe Tinder-style until you like someone and they like you (by tapping a heart). You can also enable location tracking to be paired with someone nearby. Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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Tighten Up!

Q. I’m beginning to think we got in over our heads with our house. My wife and I make about $125,000 a year combined, but we’ve never been able to put anything aside for an emergency fund. Our mortgage payment is 35 percent of our take home pay each month. We have two young children, so we eat out a lot, but we have no debt other than our house. Do you think we should refinance our home?

A. You two are making good money, and you’re debt-free except for your home. You can’t tighten up your budget enough to save up an emergency fund? Stay out of restaurants, dude! There’s no law stating you have to eat out a lot just because there are kids in the house. You guys need to get on a written, detailed plan, and start hitting your goals. I’m talking about a strict, monthly budget. Now,

I’ll admit your mortgage payment isn’t exactly what I would’ve signed you up for. Your house payments, or rent, should be no more than 25 percent of your monthly take home pay. But your house payment isn’t what’s holding you two back. What’s holding you two back is the fact that you haven’t been willing to tighten up the finances in other areas of your life to offset biting off more than you could chew in terms of a home. No, I wouldn’t refinance. You’re fairly close where the mortgage payments are concerned, so I think you can make it through this by looking at ways to increase your income and selling stuff you don’t need to build an emergency fund. You two have been smarter than some, but you’re really going to have to buckle down and rearrange your priorities to make this happen!

Cash out my Roth IRA?

Q. I have around $15,000 in a Roth IRA. I recently started studying your advice, and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to cash it out and put the money toward debt. A. I teach people to stop investing temporarily while they attack their debt. So, I wouldn’t add anything to it at this point, but the worst thing you could do is cash it out. If you do, taxes and penalties will steal a huge chunk of that cash. The only time I take money out of a retirement account to pay off debt is to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure. Start working the Baby Steps from the beginning. Baby Step 1 is saving up $1,000 for a starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2 is paying off all debts from smallest to largest, except for your home, using the debt snowball method. This will free up a ton of money! Then you’re ready for Baby Step 3, which is increasing your emergency fund to three to six months of expenses. Now you’re ready for Baby Step 4, which is 15 percent of your income going into retirement!

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Spring fever has no end—when you have an amusement park season pass at OWA! More rides. More events. More announcements, openings and savings on family fun. For less than the cost of three visits, you can upgrade to unlimited fun with a season pass. Get yours at the gate or online and look forward to new levels of fun. FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 27

THRILL, THEN CHILL. www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents


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Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. It’s also a great way for kids to learn about nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents get a break from daily responsibilities of life and some relaxation. Not to men-

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What’s the best way to camp?

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin’ it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate sleeping quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn’t include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger capacity. Most importantly, don’t forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a popup camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of popups are surrounded with screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Pop-ups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities. Some families prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. The ease of loading and unloading these shelters is great for moving from campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work. Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy. Don’t overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in national forests at cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four room units including kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is furnished before you go so you’ll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don’t forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water. Experienced campers with older children might try a hike-in shelter for a true wilderness experience. Check with state and national parks for shelters that are sometimes set up along extended trails. After a day of hiking, roll out your sleeping bags under one of these small shelters for a dry night’s sleep under the stars.

May 26–August 7 • M–F • 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Ages 6–12 • Over 60 unique classes

Camping costs

The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat. But the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE

PensacolaState.edu/ce

Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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2/19/20 10:34 AM www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents


Overnight fees range from a free night’s stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more a night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp Park-Resorts. These top of the line campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal for families interested in experiencing all nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $35. Many state parks have modern facilities including flush toilets, showers, grassy or gravel sites, playgrounds, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer miles of wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and much more that may not be found at private camp resorts. Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available at minimal cost.

Fun camping activities

Whatever your family’s interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills, to hiking excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more. Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. Other activities include nature programs, nature centers and historical sites, flying kites, rollerblading or bicycling on paved trails, and more. When ready to relax, light a campfire and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows.

Easy camp foods

There are many ways to cook. You can purchase a gas or liquid-fuel camping stove, or if electricity is available, a crock-pot or electric griddle works well. You can also carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire. Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crock pot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, spaghetti, ravioli, and soup, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and good meals are one of the highlights for your family, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast.

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Camping tips

Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep your family safe. Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. Raccoons are known to lift lids right off coolers to snatch hot dogs and other treats. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. Any food that isn’t tightly contained should be stored in your vehicle overnight. Poor weather can strike at any time and insect infestations can also make for a miserable experience. Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear. Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd. Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs. When selecting a site look for proximity to restrooms, the playground, electricity, and water. If you have young children, make sure the site isn’t close to a river or lake. The amount of shade you’ll want will depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud, a grassy or rock site may be preferred. Also, avoid a site backed up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind. Know what animals are found in the area and teach your children animal safety. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. In bear country, those accustom to people sometimes get too close and result in injury. Even small animals that feel threatened may attack. GPP Kimberly Blaker is author of the kid’s book Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? She also writes a blog, The Young Gma’s Guide to Parenting, at www. theyounggma.com.

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How to communicate face-to-face

Ask anyone who has ever been to overnight camp about

Tom Rosenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, says today’s youth spends so much time on technology, that learning to communicate face-to-face with peers is important. He quotes a 2015 Pew Research Center study that says “Just 25 percent of teens spend time with friends in person outside of the school day on a regular basis.” In light of that statistic, overnight camp is good place to get kids to socialize without technology. “About 90 percent of camps don’t allow kids to have computers or cell phones,” says Rosenberg. “In general, camps are an oasis for human-powered socialization.”

his or her experience, and you will hear endless tales of comradery, cabin mates and campfires. Many times campers will say overnight camp was the first time they rode a horse or shot a bow and arrow or flew down a zip line. It’s where they learned to make their beds and keep their belongings tidy in cramped quarters. With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

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How to be independent For many children, camp is the first time they are away from parents and the familiarity of home. While this may cause some homesickness, it also gives children an opportunity to overcome being homesick. And without parents there, children learn to pick up after themselves and keep up with their things. Overnight camp can also prepare students for independence in their next steps in life, like trips abroad and college.

How to be a part of community living Sometimes it’s hard to live with other people, especially if other people drape their clothes over your bed or hog the shower. And it’s not like kids can escape to their own room when they are at summer camp because everyone bunks together in one cabin. But kids can learn to work out differences they may have about how they share their living spaces, and it’s more fun for campers to do the cabin chores together than alone. As they grow up, kids have to learn to work in groups in their communities.

“That cabin group has community building at its core,” says Rosenberg.

How to embrace diversity Children who go to camp meet other campers from all over the country. They meet kids from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. In a study conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, 94 percent of campers said “Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me.” Rosenberg says this is important for kids in the 21st Century. “Making new friends is an essential skill kids are going to need to have.”

How to overcome fears Going to camp takes kids out of their normal day-to-day setting and gives them a chance to try things they might not try when they are at home. In the Philliber study, 74 percent of the kids surveyed said “At camp I did things I was afraid to do at first.” Children may feel more comfortable taking a risk around new acquaintances than they do under the watchful eye of

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parents, siblings or school peers. If they are trying an activity they have never tried before, they may feel encouraged by staff or counselors who are there to support and guide them.

How to become resilient Camp life doesn’t always go as planned, and kids learn to adapt and move with what’s happening around them. Camp goers also grow more resilient from trying again when they fail, according to Rosenberg. “Part of growing up is learning that you are not always going to be successful. Sometimes campers fail and counselors help them try again,” says Rosenberg. “Camp is a safe place to make mistakes.” Going to overnight camp benefits kids in many ways. It provides a place where kids can get out of their daily setting and have new adventures, meet new people and learn new skills. And while they are doing all of those things, they will probably learn a few life lessons that will stay with them forever. GPP

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Some of her fondest memories happened at overnight camp.

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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!

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Art Camps Creatisphere - First City Art Center Art Camp ad on page 43

1060 North Guillemard St, Pensacola, FL 32501 May 26-August 7, 2020 (6-11 years); June 8-July 31, 2020 (12-16 years). 9:00am-4:00pm. Painting, glass blowing & fusing, drawing, stained glass, pottery, mixed-media, sculpture, photography, printmaking, yoga, and more! On select weeks, camp days are split between FCAC and the Mess Hall. Extended care offered. $210-$260/week. Early bird discount if registered by March 15th. 850-429-1222 info@firstcityart.org www.firstcityart.org/contact

Spring Break Art Camp ad on page 21

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 March 16-20, 2020. Ages 5 - 9 and 10 - 14;

9:00am - 3:00pm. After care available. Inspired by our Spring exhibition, STEAM2020, campers will explore various materials and processes tied to STEAM fields. Artists will explore the galleries for inspiration for their art projects. 850-473-7468 ccooney@uwf.edu www.pensacolamuseum.org/springbreakcamp

Summer Art Camps ad on page 21

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 2020 Dates: June 8-12 (Playing with Paper); June 15-19 (Fun with Fiber); June 22-26 (Museum Bootcamp for High School Teens); July 6-10 (Alternative Materials); July 13-17 (Wearable Art). Youth camps serving ages 5-14. Teen camp for ages 14-18. 9:00am - 3:00pm. After care available. 850-473-7468 ccooney@uwf.edu www.uwf.edu/explorecamps

Ellen’s Art

1265 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Visit our website or Facebook to see my Open

Studio schedule & special event announcements. Many art options to paint including Epoxy Glass and Beach Art! You’ll love the gift shop too!

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Little Prodigies Music and Arts Center

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850-934-8538 Ellmcgaug@aol.com www.ellens-art.com

1308 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534 Please visit our website for dates, times and additional camp information. 850-332-6462 dreamteam@prodigiesonline.com www.prodigiesonline.com

Dance Camps Bernice’s Starrstep Dance Studio ad on page 33

2895 W Scott Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 Call or visit our website for updates.

850-438-2010 info@starrstepdancestudio.com www.starrstepdancestudio.com

MSP SUMMER CAMPS Open to Ages 4-6 Themes Include: • Art • Chemistry • Cooking • Engineering • And More!

850.469.8138 | montessoripensacola.com | Accredited by AMS, AdvancedED, & NCPSA Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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Five Flags Dance Academy ad on page 41

8084 North Davis Highway (Suite F-1), Pensacola, FL 32514 Summer programs begin June 1, 2020. Princess Camps, Diva Camps, Pirate Camps, Dance and more. Registration begins March 1, 2020. 850-484-0648 abarnettdance@gmail.com www.fiveflagsdance.com

LaBelle Performing Arts ad on page 17

additional camp information. 850-572-4712 info@pensacolaschoolofballet.com www.pensacolaschoolofballet.com

Time to Shine

4375 Woodbine Road, Pace, FL 32571 Art, Dance, and Musical Theater Camps for all ages! Please visit our website or Facebook page for camp information! 850-994-5678 info@timetoshineflorida.com www.timetoshineflorida.com

8253 Chellie Road, Pensacola, FL 32526 Please visit our website for our summer intensive information coming soon.

Day Camps

Ballet Pensacola

Episcopal Day School, Hilton Green Campus

850-944-5650 info@labelleperformingarts.com www.labelleperformingarts.com

Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Please visit our website for dates, times and information. Summer Camp updates coming soon! 850-432-9546 balletpensacolainc@gmail.com www.balletpensacola.org

Five Star Dance

5636 Woodbine Road, Pace, FL 32571 Five Star Dance Centre presents a Summer Of Dance! Weekly themed dance camps include crafts, snacks, art show and performance! See the schedule on our website. 850-748-2383 info@fivestardancecentre.com www.fivestardancecentre.com

Pensacola School of Ballet

4806G Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL 32506 Please visit our website for dates, times and

ad on page 23, 42

601 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 June 1 - July 24, 2020. Rising Pre K2 - 1st grade. 7:00am-5:30pm. Extended Care available. Fullday $215/week, Half-day $140/week. 850-466-2060 info@edscc.org www.edscc.org/summer

Episcopal Day School, South Campus ad on page 23, 42

223 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 1 - July 24, 2020. Rising 2nd grade 8th grade. 7:00am-5:30pm. Extended Care available. Full-day $215/week, Half-day $140/ week. 850-434-6474 info@edscc.org www.edscc.org/summer

Falbo’s Family Karate Summer Camp ad on page 19

3031 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Family Karate Summer Camp. June 1 – July 24, Aug 3-7, 2020. Opening at 7:30am (extended hours 6:30am), pick up after karate class or by 6:00pm. Choose daily or weekly. Daily field trips: Mondays-swimming, Tuesdays-movie, Wednesdays-varies, Thursdays-skating including CiCi’s. Fridays–See Schedule. Space is limited! Reserve your spot and see Wednesday & Friday field trip schedule online. 850-934-7977 info@falbosfamilykarate.com www.FalbosFamilyKarate.com/summer-camp

Kids College ad on page 29

Pensacola State College, 1000 College Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 May 26 - August 7, 2020, Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:45pm for ages 6 - 12 years. Over 50 different classes offered. Subway lunches optional. Follow us on Facebook for updates @ Kids College Pensacola State College. 850-484-1797 ce@pensacolastate.edu www.pensacolastate.edu/ce

Kidz Pointe Summer Camp ad on page 5

Marcus Pointe Christian School, 6205 North “W” Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 May 26th through July 31, 2020 for ages 4 years (by June 1st) - 5th grade. Camp is from 8:00am 3:00pm. Doors open at 7:00am. Extended hours are available from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. 850-479-1605 kamos@marcuspointebaptist.org www.kidzpointe.com

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June 28 – July 3 July 19– 24

 (850) 479-6555

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents


Northeast YMCA Summer Camp

of Fun Program. Ages: rising 1st grade-rising 7th grade, divided by ages. Monday-Friday 8:30am5:00pm with extended hours 7:30am-6:00pm. Lunch included. Register online.

ad on page 16

850-505-0800 www.samsfuncity.com/summer-camp

Vickerey Center, 2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 June 1 - August 7, 2020, Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years or K - 5th grades (Must have completed Kindergarten to enroll in this camp). Arts & crafts, camp songs and games, sports, field trips, local outings, special events, STEAM, cooking, swimming and more! Registration opens April 1st. See our listing for Teen leadership Camps in this Directory.

Sports Center Day Camp ad on page 8

Pensacola Christian College, 250 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 1 - August 14, 2020. Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm with extended care available until 5:30pm for ages 6 – 12 years and 5 year olds who have completed K5. Bowling, swimming, ice skating and more! Enroll for a week, a month, or the entire summer!

850-378-3708 Reservations@SportsDayCamp.com www.SportsDayCamp.com/SummerFun

850-478-1222 astephens@ymcanwfl.org www.ymcanwfl.org

Wild and Wise Camp

Play Pensacola Beach Party Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 July 6 - July 10, 2020. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. This week long camp will include learning several dances, making beach party crafts and costumes, and concludes with a mini performance and family party to display all that is learned. Please bring a snack each day. $60 City Resident/$70 Non Resident. Register online beginning April 1, 2020. Only 15 spots available!

Play Pensacola Summer Day Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com

Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 850-436-5195 mmims@cityofpensacola.com

Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503

850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

850-435-1750 rsmith@cityofpensacola.com

Play Pensacola Mermaid Camp

850-436-5192 mwilliams@cityofpensacola.com

ad on Inside Back Cover

E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola, FL 32503

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 June 22 - June 26, 2020. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 3-8 years. This week long camp will include learning several dances, making mermaid crafts and costumes, and conclude with a mini performance and family party to display all that is learned. Please bring a snack each day. $60 City Resident/$70 Non-Resident. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020. 850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

May 26 - August 7, 2020. 7:00am-6:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020. Receive 10% off when you register online through April 30, 2020. Field Trips, Swimming and tons of outdoor fun! www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Sam’s Camp City ad on page 19

Sam’s Fun City, 6709 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505 A traditional camp with outdoor & off-site activities and educational programs from our Science

ad on page 36

Pensacola State College, 1000 College Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 May 26 – August 7, 2020, for ages 5 - 7 years. Monday - Friday, 7:00am – 5:30pm. Space is limited to 55 spots. Contact Tina Isaacson. 850-484-1524 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekidsfl.com/camps_1

Wild and Wise Camp ad on page 36

Camp Fire Clubhouse - Milton, 5590 Byrom Street, Milton, FL 32570 May 26 – Aug 7, 2020, Ages 8 - 12 years. Monday - Friday 7:00am – 5:30pm. Space is limited to 35 spots. Limited transportation from Pensacola. Please call for more information. 850-476-1760 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekidsfl.com/camps_1

Wild and Wise Camp ad on page 36

Century Child Development Center, 6031 Industrial Boulevard, Century, FL 32535 May 26 – Aug 7, 2020, for ages 5-12. MondayFriday, 7:00am – 5:30pm. Space is limited to 20 spots. Contact Misty Lambeth. 850-256-0953 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekidsfl.com/camps_1

Gulf Wind

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YMCA Summer Teen Leadership Camp (TLC) ad on page 16

Ensley Church of Nazarene, 8300 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32504 June 1 - August 7, 2020, Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 12 - 16 years (Must have completed 6th grade to enroll in this camp). Low/ High rope course, rock wall climb, camp experiences, sports, field trips, STEAM, mission/service projects, swimming and more! Registration begins April 1st. 850-478-1222 astephens@ymcanwfl.org www.ymcanwfl.org

Argo Adventure Kids Camp

University of West Florida, 11000 University Pkwy (Building 72, Room 282A), Pensacola, FL 32514 May 26 - July 31, 2020. Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm. Completed Kindergarten up to completed 5th grade for the 2019-2020 school year. Register for individual weeks or the whole summer. 850-474-2539 argokids@uwf.edu www.uwf.edu/argokids

Berryhill Summer Camp

5900 Berryhill Road, Milton, FL 32570 Our center has an indoor swimming pool, movie screen and 4,000 sqft activity area. Weekly field trips include skating rink, bowling alley, parks and more. Please call or check online for updates. 850-623-4509 berryhillchildcare@gmail.com www.berryhillchildcare.com

Blessed Star Montessori Christian School

9151 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32514 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm. Ages 4 - 12

years. Please call or email the school office for camp registration. 850-476-9208 Blessedstar.mcs@gmail.com www.blessedstar.com

City of Gulf Breeze Community Center

Greater Little Rock Preschool

901 North A Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 Please visit our website or call for information. 850-433-9476 psd@glrockbc.org www.glrockbc.org

800 Shoreline Drive , Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 June 1 - August 7, 2020 for ages 5 - 13. Camp times are from 7:30am - 5:30pm.

KinderWorld

Cub Scout Day Camp - Pensacola Bay

850-477-7080 kw@world.gccoxmail.com www.mykinderworld.com

850-934-5140 sdepalma@gulfbreezefl.gov www.gulfbreezerecreationcenter.com

Pine Forest United Methodist Church, 2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32526 June 8-12, 2020. For rising 1st - 5th grade. Camp times are Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 4:00pm, Friday from 8:00am 2:00pm.

2000 Toni Street, Pensacola, FL 32504 Open Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:45pm. We accept ages 6 weeks-11 years. Please call or visit our website for camp registration.

Malena’s Mini School

850-476-6336 pgoolsby@gmail.com www.gulfcoastcouncil.org

9318 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32534 Camp for ages 4 years - 5th grade. Swimming, cooking, crafts, movies, and field trips. Enrollment includes breakfast, lunch, and snack. Please call for pricing and availability.

Early Childhood Summer Camp

850-478-5733 malenas@bellsouth.net www.malenasminischool.com

Montessori School of Pensacola, 1010 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501 There are 9 weeks of summer camp and open to MSP and non-MSP students ages PreK, Kindergarten and Lower Elementary. 8:00am - 11:30am; 8:00am - 2:30pm, or 7:00am - 5:30pm.

Miss Kathy’s Day Camp

2275 East Johnson Ave, Pensacola, FL 32514 Summer Camp runs from May 26 - August 7, 2020. Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm for ages 5 - 12 years.

850-469-8138 lsgodwin@montessoripensacola.com www.montessoripensacola.com/learning-at-msp/ summer-camp

850-479-6031 pksherwin@cox.net www.misskathys.com

Emerald Coast Science Center

2500 Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534 Camp runs Monday - Friday 7:00am–6:00pm. Ages 5–12 years. Registration opens to the public in March. Space is limited to 60 campers. Sign up Now!

31 Memorial Parkway SW, Fort Walton, FL 32548 Summer STEAM Workshops Tuesday’s from June 2 - July 28, 2020 for ages 5 - 12. Workshop times are from 9:00am - 1:00pm. 850-664-1261 business-office@ecscience.org www.ecscience.org

PTSDA Karate Summer Camp

850-478-0680 kids@ptsda.com www.ptsda.com/programs/camp

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Pullum Family YMCA

2379 Pawnee Drive, Navarre, FL 32566 Call for Summer Camp programs and registration. 850-936-0049 www.ymcanwfl.org

Winshape Camp for Communities Gulf Breeze

Coastline Calvary Chapel, 1122 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Have the summer of a lifetime close to home! July 27 - 31, 2020 for completed K - 8th grade. Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm and Friday 8:00am-12:00pm. Register online. 844-WS-CAMPS (972-2677) Rebecca@coastlinelife.com www.winshapecamps.org

Gonzalez United Methodist Church Summer Camp

2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment, FL 32533 Our summer program runs from May - August. Monday - Friday from 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages: Kindergarten - 5th grade.

850-968-6245 cec@gonzalezmethodist.org www.gonzalezmethodist.org/child-enrichment-center

Kids 4 Fun Summer Day Camp

2258 Highway 87 South, Navarre, FL 32566 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. Swimming, movies, arcade, Ninja Nation, Gulfarium, blueberry farm, bowling and more! Call to register.

850-530-6078 www.kids4funsummerdaycamp.com

Kids 4 Fun Summer Day Camp

4050 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, FL 32583 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. Swimming, movies, skyzone, planetarium, NAS Museum, zoo, bowling and more! 850-530-6078 www.kids4funsummerdaycamp.com

Kids 4 Fun Summer Day Camp

5642 Woodbine Road, Pace, FL 32583 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. Swimming, pizza making, Skyzone, Sweet Season Farms, movies, Planetarium, bowling and more! Call to register. 850-530-6078 www.kids4funsummerdaycamp.com

Aubrey Hill Summer Riding Camp

2729 Ten Mile Road, Pace, FL 32571 Equestrian Facility offering lessons, camps, birthday parties,boarding, training and sales. 850-396-3102 www.aubreyhill.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

Salvation Army Summer Day Camp

Florida Community Center, 1501 North Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 May 26 – August 7, 2020. Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. $100 registration/child (includes 1st week). $20/week (1st child) + $15/week (2nd child) + $10/week (3 or more children each). Breakfast/lunch provided. 850-432-1501 (Ext 2) Jennifer.Strong@uss.salvationarmy.org www.facebook.com/PensacolaSalvationArmy

Educational & Misc. Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp ad on page 15

Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard (Suite B), Pensacola, FL 32508 Camp runs from June 1 – July 31, 2020. 8 sessions (Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 3:00pm) For rising 5th & 6th graders. Students will learn about science and aviation, enjoy the Museum and National Flight Academy. Launch rockets, build gliders, watch a Blue Angels practice, experience a Giant Screen Movie and fly in our F-35 flight simulators. 850-308-8957 jrunge@navalaviationmuseum.org www.navalaviationfoundation.org/fad

National Flight Academy ad on page 15

Naval Air Station, 1 Fetterman Way, Pensacola, FL 32508 The National Flight Academy is a premier STEM institution that provides students in grades 7th - 12th with a fully immersive, aviation-themed, learning adventure of a lifetime. Six-day overnight Deployment programs run May – August. 850-458-7836 info@nationalflightacademy.com www.nationalflightacademy.com

Pensacola Cooks Jr. Chef Cooking and Baking Camps ad on page 7

PCK Cooking Classroom, 3632 Barrancas Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32507 June 1-5 & June 15-19, 2020: Jr. Pastry Chef

38

Baking Basics; June 8-12 & June 22-26: Jr. Pastry Chef Advanced Baking; July 20-24, 2020: Flavors of the Pensacola Culinary Scene. Meet & Greet local chefs!; July 27-31, 2020: Taste of the Olympics Global Food. Practice cooking food from countries taking part in the 2020 Summer Olympics! 9am12pm(ages 6-9) and 2pm-5pm(ages 10-14). $200/ camper per camp. Campers receive a recipe booklet, certificate of participation, and a chef hat at “PCKids Jr. Chef Graduation”. 850-456-0743 info@pensacolacooks.com www.pensacolacooks.com

Pensacola MESS Hall ad on page 16

116 North Tarragona St, Pensacola, FL 32502 Ignite scientific curiosity! Camp sessions May 26, 2020 - July 31, 2020, offering weeklong, half day & full day exploration of topics in science. More info & registration available online. 877-937-6377 info@pensacolamesshall.org www.pensacolamesshall.org

The UWF Historic Trust and the Florida Public Archaeology Network ad on page 21

Walsh Building - Downtown Pensacola, 209 East Zaragoza, Pensacola, FL 32502 July 13-17 2020, 8:30am - 12:30pm. Professional historians and archaeologists from UWF help participants explore Pensacola’s colonial history and earlier settlers from this area. Experimental archaeology activities, historical research, archaeological and historical site tours and other hands-on activities. 850-473-7468 smarcey1@uwf.edu www.uwf.edu/explorecamps

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center will offer many different camps this summer. No diagnosis is required. Please visit our website for additional camp information. 251- 210-1632 (Ext. 104) www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

Escambia County 4-H Day Camps

3730 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 Camp sessions run from June 1 - August 14,

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Explore Summer Camps

University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514 June 1 - August 7, 2020 for Kindergarten - 12th grade. Camp times are from 9:00am - 3:00pm with before and after care available. 850-473-7468 ExploreCamps@uwf.edu www.uwf.edu/explorecamps

Kids for Camp - Autism Pensacola

various locations, Pensacola, FL June 10 – July 14, 2020, Monday - Thursday. A program that uses Applied Behavior Analysis, to support individuals with autism. Call for program availability.

850-434-7171 shanan@autismpensacola.org www.autismpensacola.org/our-programs/kids-for-camp

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 See more details under Overnight Camps. 800-637-7223

www.spacecamp.com

Gymnastics & Cheer Play Pensacola Jojo Big Bow! Mini Hip-Hop/Tumbling Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 June 8-June 12, 2020. 9:00am-11:30am. Ages 4-8 years. This week long camp will incorporate hip-hop and tumbling. We will learn the basics

of hip-hop dance and tumbling, make big bows and costumes and will end the week with a mini performance! Please bring a snack each day. $55 City Resident/$65 Non-Resident. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020. 850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Gulf Coast Gymnastics

1844 Cowen Road, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Join us for a summer of fun! Check our website or call for questions. Camp dates to be announced. 850-934-3990 gulfcoastgym@bellsouth.net www.gulfcoastgym.com

The Little Gym of Pensacola

Salute Gymnastics Academy

10437 Sorrento Road (Unit #206), Pensacola, FL 32507 Please visit our website or Facebook page for camp information to be announced!

850-969-9111 info@salutegymnasticsacademy.com www.salutegymnasticsacademy.com

ad on page 12

850-495-1734 tlgpensacolafl@thelittlegym.com www.thelittlegym.com/pensacolafl

First City No Bummer Summer Gymnastics Camp

65 East Olive Road, Pensacola, FL 32514 Camp runs weekly for ages 5 years and up. Games, obstacle courses, gymnastics, ninja classes, field trips, arts & crafts and more. Details online. 850-474-1068 info@firstcitygymnastics.com www.firstcitygymnastics.com

Gulf Breeze Funplex

3123 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Please visit our website or Facebook page for upcoming camp information 850-932-2297 gulfbreezegym@gmail.com www.gulfbreezefunplex.com

Gulf Coast Elite All - Star Cheer

4607 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL 32526 Please visit our website or Facebook page for camp information. 850-898-3366 info@gulfcoastelitecheer.com www.gulfcoastelitecheer.com

9245 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32534 Check our website for updated information to be announced.

Horseback Riding Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 50

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 See listing details under Overnight Camps in this directory. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Aubrey Hill Equestrian Center

2729 Ten Mile Road, Pace, FL 32571 Equestrian Facility offering lessons, camps, birthday parties,boarding, training and sales. 850-396-3102 www.aubreyhill.com

Crazy Acres Ranch Summer Horse Camps 3030 Highway 97, Molino, FL 32577 June 15 - 20, 2020. Join us for a summer of fun! Check our FB page for camp updates.

850-206-8113 www.facebook.com/CrazyAcresRanch

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Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 One or two-week sessions June 7 - July 31, 2020. Overnight camps for girls, ages 8-17 years. English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. Beginner and Advanced riders. CHA instructors. 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

Music and Theater Musical Theatre with PenArts ad on page 15

The Gordon Community Arts Center, 306 North DeVilliers, Pensacola , FL 32501 For the first time ever, PenArts presents a Musical Theatre Camp! June 8 - June 19, 2020. Working entertainment professionals from around the country will be teaching incoming 3rd-12th grade students. 850-565-9508 penartsinc@gmail.com www.penarts.org

Play Pensacola Musical Theatre Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 July 13 - July 17, 2020. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 5 - 12 years. An introductory/beginner camp for students interested in the basic concepts of Musical Theater; singing, acting and dancing. We will end the week with a mini performance and family party to display all that is learned! Please bring a snack each day. $60 City Resident/$70 Non-Resident. Register online Beginning April 1, 2020. 850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Play Pensacola Princess Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 June 1 - June 5, 2020. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 3-8 years. This week long camp will include learning several dances, making princess party crafts and costumes, and concludes with a mini recital. Please bring a snack each day. $60 City Resident /$70 Non-Resident. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020.

Pensacola Little Theatre

850-494-7360 tbrame@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

400 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 8 - 25, 2020, Monday - Friday 10:00am 3:00pm. Open to ages 6 - 14 years. All skill levels welcome. Six full weeks of imagination and character building! Theatre games, scavenger hunt, lessons in stage makeup and costumes, end of camp performance and more!

Ms. Tammy’s Music Treehouse

ad on page 31

850-432-2042 education@pensacolalittletheatre.com www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

ad on page 39

NE Pensacola Licensed Let’s Play Music Teacher offering quality piano-based music classes for beginners Pre K through Middle School. Also offering Sound Beginnings Family Music classes for ages 1 - 4 with an adult partner. 850-308-1905 www.facebook.com/mstammysmusictreehouse

Gulf Breeze High School Drama Camp

675 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 June 8 - 12, 2020 ($225); June 15 - 19, 2020 ($225). Discounts if registered before May 1st and if both weeks are chosen. 9:00am - 3:00pm. 850-384-2070 dramagbhs@gmail.com

Gulf Breeze School of Music

5 Center Road, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Check our Facebook page and website for Summer Sessions to be announced.

850-261-8824 rachael@gulfbreezeschoolofmusic.com www.gulfbreezeschoolofmusic.com

Pensacola Children’s Chorus

46 East Chase Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 8-19, 2020 Musical Theatre Academy: theatre, singing, dance; July 27-August 1, 2020 Summer Festival: Choral music in group settings, music theory, world music, and movement. Registration opens in April. 850-434-7760 www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com

Pensacola Home School Band & Strings

McIlwain Presbyterian Church, 1220 East Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 22nd - 26th from 9 am until 12 pm. Ages 8 - 18. No musical experience necessary. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced camps. homeschoolbandandstrings@gmail.com www.homeschoolband.com

Overnight Camp Camp O’ the Pines ad on page 35

250 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL 32503 Week-long overnight camp sessions run June

EXCELLENCE FROM START TO FINISH Receive outstanding instruction from our qualified and caring teachers. Learn the basic subjects and develop social and language skills.

50% OFF

REGISTRATION

on new enrollment for all military personnel!

Enroll Now PensacolaChristianAcademy.com/Enroll2020 Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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14-July 24, 2020. For boys and girls ages 8–12 years. Zip lining, team competitions, arts/crafts, archery, swimming (with water slides), and more! A place where children can enjoy outdoor fun in a loving and christian environment. Register today! 850-479-6555 Reservations@CampOPines.com www.campopines.com/summer20

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp ad on page 49

Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Barrier Island Explorers: Rising 5th-6th graders June 14-17, July 12-15, July 19-22; Marine DeTECHtives: Rising 7th-8th grade June 29-July 1 ; Gulf Island Journey: Rising 7th-9th grades May 31-June 5, June 21-26, July 12-17, July 19-24; Bay Voyager: Rising 9th-12th grade June 7-12, July 26-31; Coastal Fisheries Camp: Rising 9th12th graders May 31- June 5. Registration/camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (Ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course ad on page 49

Dauphin Island Sea Lab , 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Marine Science High School Course: June 14July 10. An intense 4-week academic class which introduces high school students to a better understanding of the various fields in marine science. Registration/camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (Ext 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 50

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 2020 Camps run from May-August. An all girls overnight camp with one and two-week summer sessions. Ages 6-16 years. Horseback riding, swimming, nature trails, arts and crafts, and much more! Also offering weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Teen Extreme Youth Camp ad on page 40

Pensacola Christian College, 250 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 8 - July 24, 2020. Several sessions to choose from. Ages 12-18 yrs or 7th - 12th grade (including 2020 graduates). Sailing, paintball, music competitions, rock climbing, ice skating, dynamic speakers and so much more. Register online.

850-969-1555 Reservations@teenextremecamp.com www.teenextremecamp.com

Bazooka Soccer Camp

Pensacola, FL Residential Session Camp 1: July 5 - 9, 2020 Ages 10 - 18 years; Residential Session Camp 2: July 10 - 14, 2020. Ages 10 - 18 years. 850-356-2996 boni@bazookasoccer.com www.bazookasoccer.com

Camp ASCCA Easter Seals

5278 Camp Ascca Dr, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 Summer sessions begin June 28, 2020 with a new session beginning each Sunday. Camp Sessions are Sunday - Friday for ages 6 years and up. 256-825-9226 amber@campascca.org www.campascca.org

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062 Four camp sessions. Ages 6-16. Girls: May 31June 12 and June 14- July 3; Boys: July 12- July 17 and July 19 – July 31, 2020. 615-799-0410 Allee@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Seale Harris

various locations in Pensacola, FL and Alabama, Pensacola, FL Camp Seale Harris is for kids & teens with diabetes and their family members. Camps & programs available in several cities across Pensacola, Fl and in Alabama. 205-402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Walkabout

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Discover everything you never knew you could do. From hiking and paddling to caving and climbing, The Walkabout Experience brings a new adventure every day. Ages 8-16. 423-267-8506 (Ext. 827) badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone, AL 35984 Residential camp for Boys since 1928. Several session options available. Dates, times and additional camp information available online.

256-634-4758 LookoutMountainCamp@gmail.com www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Camp sessions run March - August. Ages 9 - 18 years. Visit our website for session options, dates and registration. 800-637-7223

www.spacecamp.com

June 1st-July 31st 7am-3pm 7am-5:30pm Extended Day

wfbacademy.org/daycamp 5621 Hwy. 90, Milton, FL 850-623-9306

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Wyldlife Camp

18115 SE 95th Street Rd, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 Mobile Trip-May 30-June 3; 6th-8th grade; Come experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of surprises. A place where you can enjoy relaxing with your friends. 251-473-1703 www.mobile.younglife.org

Sports Camps Challenger International Soccer Camps ad on Inside Back Cover

Roger Scott Tennis Center , 2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 Play Pensacola’s NEW 2020 Program! June 8-12, 2020. Tiny Tikes (ages 3-5) 8:00am-9:00am is ($102); Half Day: (9:00am-12:00pm) or (5:30pm8:30pm) for Ages 6-14 ($138). The new Challenger International Soccer Camp has combined the most popular elements from British Soccer and TetraBrazil to provide young players with a well rounded skill set and multi-faceted on and offfield coaching experience. Registration available online. www.challengersports.com

Chip Boes Championship Basketball Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Malcolm Yonge Community Center, 925 East Jackson Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 June 1-5, June 15-19 and July 13-17, 2020. Group & individual instruction, league and tournament play with age appropriate goals and balls. Each

camper receives a basketball, camp shirt and ice cream party. Three exciting sessions with fourtime Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year Chip Boes! Camp is for Boys and Girls ages 7-14 years from 9:00am - 12:30pm. $95/camper Sibling discounts. 850-968 9299 chipboes@gmail.com www.chipboes.blogspot.com

Girls Volleyball Camp

Pins & Pals Bowling Camp ad on page 58

Cordova Lanes, 2111 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 2020; July 6-10, 1317, 20-24, 27-31, 2020. Monday - Friday 10:00am - 1:00pm. Ages 5 - 18 years. $130 per session, per camper. Includes lessons, rental shoes, lunch, bowling ball, custom fitted in your choice of weight and color. Please call to reserve your spot. 850-477-2300 www.cordovalanes.com

ad on Inside Back Cover

Malcolm Yonge Gym, 925 East Jackson Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 June 8 - 12, 2020. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 9-14 years. Don’t miss this great camp conducted by Pensacola State College Head Volleyball Coach Jennifer Belarmino. Registration forms can be downloaded online and mailed to Exchange Park. Onsite registration available on the first day. $90 per camper. Please make checks payable to: Jennifer Belarmino. 850-968-9299 www.cityofpensacola.com/877/ Volleyball

Summer Camp at Roger Scott Tennis Center ad on Inside Back Cover

2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 1 - Aug 7, 2020 (no camp June 28 - July 3). Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm. $150 per camper, per week (sibling discounts available). A fun tennis-based day camp with arts and crafts, outdoor games, tennis instruction, fun tennis games, and swimming at Roger Scott Pool. Lunch is included. Online registration coming soon! 850-912-4103 info@rogerscotttennis.com www.rogerscotttennis.com

North Pensacola Optimist Summer Camp

Deep Water Martial Arts

ad on Inside Back Cover

Roger Scott Athletic Complex, 2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 July 13 - 16, 2020 Ages 6 - 7 years from 8:30am10:30am($50); Ages 8 - 15 years from 8:30am11:30am ($75). Don’t miss this great camp for Boys and Girls conducted by University of West Florida Women’s Soccer Head Coach and Players! Registration available May 15, 2019 - July 10, 2020. 850-396-2998 dwerdung@panhandle.rr.com www.pensacolayouthsoccer.com

440 E Heinberg Street, Pensacola, FL 32503 June 1- July 31, 2020. Daily, weekly, and monthly pricing and include camp t-shirt, meals, drinks, kids martial arts program, special activities and more. 850-380-1085 s.yng@yngglobal.com www.facebook.com/yngglobalpcola

FREE Chevy Youth Baseball Instructional Clinic with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos Stadium, 251 West Cedar Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, 2020. Visit our

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Gulf Breeze Futbol Academy

4901 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Please visit our website for dates, times and additional camp information. 850-602-7540 ayalavic06@aol.com www.gulfbreezefa.com

ICE Soccer Camps at University of West Florida

11000 University Parkway , Pensacola, FL 32514 July 18-19, 2020 for High School grades and July 20-24, 2020 for 8th grade and under. 850-474-3226 jbartlinski@uwf.edu www.WestFloridaSoccer.com

University of West Florida Volleyball Summer Camps

11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514 Camps dates coming soon! Check our website often for updates and registration instructions. 660-424-4553 acevolleyballcamps@gmail.com www.acevolleyballcamps.com

Watersports – Surf, Swim, Fishing, Boating

teach confidence and no fear. We have fun while learning importance of water survival. 850-220-1619 Goswimpensacola@britushswimschool.com www.Britishswimschool.com/Pensacola

British Swim School Pensacola

Pensacola Yacht Club Summer Sailing

1431 West Nine Mile Rd (Unit 6306), Pensacola FL 32534 Water Safety Camp! Teaching survival in the water and swim safety training. Skilled instructors to

1897 Cypress Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, 2020. Half day: 9:00am-12:30pm; Full

ad on page 12

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day: 9:00am-3:30pm. “Next Mark Course” is a weekend program for sailors who have completed a Summer Camp and want to keep sailing. Multi week 10% discount offered. 850-723-1278 sdpyc@outlook.com www.pensacolayachtclub.org

Play Pensacola Advanced Fishing Camp ad on page Inside Back Cover

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 8-12 & June 15-19, 2020. Monday -

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK-IN CLINIC

Can’t get in to see your doctor? WE TAKE WALK-INS!

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Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm & Friday 8:00am1:00pm(Fish Fry 12pm-1pm). Ages: 8 -15 years. $130 City resident/$140 Non-resident. Register online only beginning April 1, 2202. Campers who already know how to fish will learn places around town to fish! Participants receive a tackle box and fishing pole after camp. 850-516-9382 ppipes@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Play Pensacola Adventure Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 July 6-10, July 13-17, July 27-31, 2020. Ages 8-15 years. Monday - Thursday 8:00am– 4:00pm, Friday 8:00am–1:00pm. $130 City residents/$140 Non-residents. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020. This is one of those camps your child will talk about for years! They will have fun learning about kayaking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, archery and environmental stewardship. 850-516-9382 ppipes@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Play Pensacola Beginning Fishing Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 May 26 - 29 and June 1 - 5, 2020. Ages: 7-14 years. Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm & Friday 8:00am 1:00pm(Fish Fry 12pm-1pm). $130 City resident/$140 Non-resident. Register online only beginning April 1, 2020. Learn to fish, identify species, and enjoy the outdoors. Camp-

ers receive a tackle box and fishing pole at the end of camp.

teach confidence and no fear. We have fun while learning the importance of water survival.

Play Pensacola SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) Camp

Greater Pensacola Aquatics Club Summer League Swimming

850-516-9382 ppipes@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

ad on Inside Back Cover

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 June 22 - 26, 2020. Ages 9-15 years. MondayThursday 8:00am-4:00pm, Friday 8:00am1:00pm. $130 City resident/$140 Non-resident. Register online April 1, 2020. Your child will learn the fundamentals of Stand-Up paddleboard (SUP) and kayaking, first in a pool then out on the open water. River Trip on Thursday. 850-516-9382 ppipes@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com/940/Summer-Camps

Waterboyz Surf, Skate & Skimboard Camps ad on page 30

Pensacola Beach (Surf Camp and Skimboard Camp), Waterboyz skatepark (Skate Camp), 380 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501 Action-packed camps all summer long! Our instructors represent some of Pensacola’s top surfers, skimboarders, and skaters. For further information, visit our website and check out our social media accounts. 850-433-2929 help@waterboyz.com www.waterboyz.com/collections/summer-camps

British Swim School Pensacola

1431 West Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534 Water Safety Camp! Teaching survival in the water and swim safety training. Skilled instructors to

850-220-1619 Goswimpensacola@britushswimschool.com Britishswimschool.com/Pensacola

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Multiple locations, FL Summer swim programs will be held at Pensacola State College, University of West Florida & Santa Rosa Christian School. Visit our website for dates, times and other specific information. 850-484-1312 gpaccoachgreg@gmail.com www.teamunify.com/team/setgpac/page/programs/ summer-league

Innerlight Surf Camp

6 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Sessions run June 1-August 5, 2020. Camps are from 9:00am to 1:00pm for ages 7 - Adult. Visit the link provided for the 2020 schedule and various camp options. 850- 932-5134 surfcamp@innerlightsurf.com www.innerlightsurf.com/pages/surf-camp

Junior Lifeguard - Pensacola Beach Lifeguards

Quietwater Beach Pavilions Please visit our website for dates, times and additional camp information. 850-916-5232 adjohnson@myescambia.com www.pensacolabeachlifeguards.com

Navarre Beach Marine Science Station

8638 Blue Heron Court, Navarre, FL 32566 Please visit our website or Facebook page for upcoming camp information.

850-261-2141 navarresciencestation@gmail.com www.navarresciencestation.org GPP

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As moms and dads, we want to give our children everything. We want our kids to have more, do more and experience more than we did. And so we work hard, put in crazy hours, and volunteer for every opportunity in order to provide the best for our children. But do you want to know the greatest gift you can give your teen? It’s your presence. Jim Higley is the author of Bobblehead Dad, and a writer for several other national publications. In a recent article, Jim wrote about his daughter, and how in the early years she was a happy kid. It didn’t take much to get her to share all the details of her life with her dad—friends, clothes, games, bike rides, lunch menus, and all the other daily events and experiences. But then middle school happened. And Jim’s daughter experienced what many pre-teens struggle with, and that’s “mean girls.” Her once cherished friends became bullies, and were the cause of constant hurts and heartaches. Jim writes:

the dad tactic that came naturally to me. But I just keep my mouth shut. Listen[ed]. And show[ed] my child my heart. After a couple minutes, my daughter lifted her head and uttered four painful words that brought tears to my eyes. “I hate my friends.” I let her words sink in. I paused. I thought about her and not me. And I simply said what I felt. “Honey, that must suck to feel that way.” That’s all I said. No questions. No lectures. No bright ideas. Just my heart. Just me. Right there with her in the moment. She responded by crawling down next to me and sharing details of her hurt as I gazed at the ceiling and reaffirmed my empathy. And my love. And then, after 10 minutes, she said, “Can we bake some cookies?”

I did what I thought I was supposed to do: help her fix the situation. I’d suggest ideas for making new friends, or brilliant brainstorms for putting the mean girls in their place. And I interrogated her. Boy did I ask a lot of questions. But all my help was met with the same tearful reaction. Or a slammed door. I didn’t know what to do, and I felt worthless because of it. The following day my daughter arrived home from school after another bad day and immediately went to her room, stomping up each tread of the stairs — her new way of saying, “I’m home and I’m going to make your life miserable!” I waited a few minutes and, when things quieted down, I knocked on her door. “Leave me alone,” she screamed. I took a deep breath. “I’m coming in. Ten seconds,” I said. When I entered, there she was. On her bed. Stomach down. With her face buried in a pillow. Not saying a word, I simply lay on the floor, crossed my hand on my stomach and stared at the ceiling. I felt awkward because this was not

Far and away the best present you can offer your teen is simply your presence. It’s being physically and emotionally with your child. During adolescence, teens need mom and dad more than ever! So how can we be more present?

Jim summarizes the value of simply being present for his daughter when he writes;

[This moment] taught me the value of letting children not only experience pain, sadness and disappointment — but also feel our unconditional connection. And to know what it feels like when their parent is willing to simply be in the moment with them and hold their hand through the hurt … Your child may not want or really need your solutions. They just might want you to join them in their journey.

Show an interest in your son or daughter. When you get home, turn off

the TV or computer, and get to know your teen. What does he like? What does she dislike? What is he thinking about right now? What’s weighing on her mind? What puts him at ease? Become a student of your teen.

Be intentional about making time. If you don’t make a conscious effort

to be with your child, it just won’t happen. Life gets busy all too quickly, so if we’re not deliberately setting aside time on our 45

calendar to spend time with our teens, the days will fill up with less important tasks. Take a moment to look at your calendar and block off purposeful moments to take your teen to a sports game, visit a museum, take a fishing trip, attend a concert, stay up late to watch a meteor shower with hot chocolate. Build something together. Cook something together. Or simply set aside time to hang out with your teen.

Ask good questions. When you’re present with your teen, use that time to ask good questions. This is not a moment to interrogate for information. It’s also not a time to debate or answer your own questions. Instead, formulate some questions that get your teens thinking about the world, their culture, their beliefs, and their values. You could ask, “Who is your role model? Why?” Or, “do you think our world is better or worse than it was five years ago?” Or, “If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?” Questions can get your teen thinking, and offer the benefit of having mom or dad there to help guide their understanding. Open up to your teen. No one likes to hang out with people who are perfect—that includes your son or daughter! Now, you don’t have to use your child like a confessional booth, but as you spend time with them, offer reminders of your own imperfection—mistakes you’ve made, ways you’ve changed, perspectives that you’ve adjusted. Your presence sends the message, I want to hang out with you in the good times, and I’m there for you in the bad times. And your presence in, and attentiveness to, his or her life keeps you from being blindsided by the effects of the turbulent teen years. 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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FamilyCalendar Tuesday, February 25

Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration The Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration marks the end of the Mardi Gras season. A new King and Queen Priscus will be reveled to lead us for the following Mardi Gras Season. Free. For more info, visit pensacolamardigras.com. Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. Enjoy Chick-fil-A breakfast followed by a presentation and movie in the Giant Screen Digital Theater. $10 per person and tickets are available to the first 325 people at the Giant Screen Theater ticket counter. For more info, visit www. navalaviationmuseum.org/ or call (850) 452-2894.

Wednesday, February 26

Joe Bonamassa 8 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers and his enthusiastic live shows are one of the biggest parts of his career. Tickets begin at $73. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Friday, February 28

Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con 1 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Pensacon 2020 is an all-inclusive event that encompasses many genres of the fan community. The main venues are the Pensacola Bay Center and Pensacola Grand Hotel, with some events taking place at the Saenger Theatre, Rex Theatre and Pensacola Little Theatre. Each venue will have different hours based on events taking place there. Expect sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comics, anime, gaming and much more! Visit www. pensacon.com for more info.

Saturday, February 29

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Russian Spectacular 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Sweeping Romantic melodies meet exotic themes in this annual Pensacola Symphony Orchestra celebration of music by Russian composers. Tickets begin at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton. Free kids’ craft featuring Gen. Daniel Chappie James’s airplane. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill or call (850) 626-3084. I Pink I Can Run 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Pensacola. Join the Krewe du YaYas for this run/ walk for breast cancer awareness. Great course, awards, after-party, fun and cause. All proceeds stay local and benefit The Keeping Abreast Foundation. For more info, visit http://keepingabreastfoundation.org/ events/run. Departure - The Journey Tribute Band w/ Coastal Fire Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. General admission. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed, adult guardian. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com.

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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Pensacola: Pensacola Comic Con 10 a.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 28 listing.

Sunday, March 1

Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con 10 a.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 28 listing.

Tuesday, March 3

UWF Singers Concert 7:30 p.m. Center for Fine and Performing Arts, University of West Florida. This event is free and open to the public but tickets are required. Call the CFPA Box Office at (850) 857-6285 to reserve your ticket.

Wednesday, March 4

Chamber Music Recital Noon. Old Christ Church, 405 S Adams St., Pensacola. The Department of Music and UWF Chamber Music Class present “Baroque and Beyond.” Admission is free and tickets are not required. For more info, call (850) 474-2147 or visit http://uwf.edu/cfpa/.

Thursday, March 5

Jersey Boys 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. The true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys contains smoke, gunshots, strobe lights, drug references, sexual situations and profane language, so it is recommended for ages 12+. Tickets begin at $58. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 6 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Brooks Williams, Ed Gerhard, Mean Mary, and the Heather Pierson Trio. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at radiolive. org or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more info, visit wuwf.org/radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.

Friday, March 6

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Fayetteville Marksmen 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Meets the 1st Friday of every month. Program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/ or call (850) 529-0908. 20th Annual Seagrass Awareness Celebration Noon. Shoreline Park South, 800 Shoreline Dr., Gulf Breeze. Free kids’ activities, games and prizes, live marine life for viewing and touching, safety boating information, seagrass information, kayaking, food, fishing and more! For more info, please contact Chris at chrismv@ufl.edu or call (850) 777-7884.

Saturday, March 7

Preschool Art Time: Beaded Shamrocks 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and

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third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. Cost: $6/members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Josh Turner 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. As one of the youngest members inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, Turner has populated radio with such memorable hits as “Hometown Girl,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Long Black Train.” Tickets begin at $42. For tickets or more info, call (850) 5953880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Ever’man Cooks Debby’s Kitchen 10-11:30 a.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. This class is for the novice cook at any age . It will be educational, fun & offer basic knife & sauce skills to appeal to anyone. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. 43rd Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K 9 a.m.-noon. McGuire’s Irish Pub, 600 E Gregory Street, Pensacola. You must be able to run or walk 3.1 miles in under one hour. The course will open to traffic at 10 a.m. Stragglers will be picked up by McGuire’s bus. For more info, call (850) 433-6789 or visit https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 24 HR. Theatre Spring 2020 7:30 p.m. Six short one-act plays, cast, written, directed, and performed within 24 hours. A Pensacola Little Theatre favorite!! Estimated running time: 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for more info. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Fayetteville Marksmen 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. 2020 Spring Market at Seville Square 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. Live entertainment, food trucks, bounce house and vendors. Portion of proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project. For more info, visit orangebeachbreeze.com 32nd Annual Riverwalk Arts Festival 6815 Caroline St., Downtown Milton. This festival features juried fine art, heritage folk art, heritage folk art, cultural performances, continuous music, food, the All County Youth Art Exhibit and a cool Kids Fun Zone! For more info, visit www.getrelaxing.com or call (850) 981-8900. Chili For Books Fundraiser for Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon 4-8 p.m. Gary’s Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., Pensacola. Admission: $7 for adults, children 5-10 $5, children 3-6 $2.50. All proceeds benefit 14 local elementary schools. Pay at the door or pay online at chiliforbooks.kiwanisclubofbiglagoon. com. Call (850) 867-5873 for more info. Pensacola Folk Music Society 6-8 p.m. Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 410 South Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Admission: $5 suggested contribution. All proceeds will go to Waterfront Mission. The Women’s Auxiliary from The Choral Society, Pensacola Ukulele players, Pensacapella, 4 Story Bluegrass Band and members of the PFMS will be performing. Bring the family! Complementary refreshments will be served. For more info, call (850) 291-8948 or (850) 549-7092.

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FamilyCalendar WSRE PBS KIDS & Family Day at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Meet The Cat in the Hat, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George! Plus enjoy children’s activities and Gulfarium’s dolphin and sea lion shows, exhibits and aquariums. Park admission applies. For more info, call (850) 484-1200 or visit https://www.wsre.org/events/.

Sunday, March 8

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Fayetteville Marksmen 4:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Monday, March 9

An American in Paris 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. In post war Paris, romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravitydefying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love in this breathtaking production. Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a young Parisian shop girl, and realizes he is not her only suitor. Tickets begin at $58. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/.

Thursday, March 12

MercyMe 20/20 With Jeremy Camp and David Leonard 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. Tickets begin at $29. For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com. Brian Regan 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling him, “the funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Tickets start at $48. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Saturday, March 14

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Killing Cancer with Comedy: A Night of Hilarity and Hope 8 p.m. Headlined by New Orleans’ Jeff D with performances by “grown-up” cancer kid Emily Olga Dillon, Compton Smith, Gale MzUnderstood, and the ladies of Improvable Cause. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) and the Rally Pensacola Family Emergency Fund (rallypensacola.org). Adult language. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Emily at killingcancerwithcomedy@gmail.com. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre. com/ for more info.

Curiosity Days at Pensacola MESS Hall 1-4 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. Each month, we present focused hands-on activities related to a special theme. These activities are curated for learners ages 6+ and are included with admission. Today’s theme is Pi Day. Bring your circle of friends to play with the math surrounding the most famous irrational number, Pi, on 3/14. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/ or call (877) 937-6377. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. FREE. A group that studies the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Open Studio: Nature Prints 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Participants are invited to drop in anytime between 11:30 and 3:30 to explore and experiment with a variety of media and art forms. Admission: $6 per participant, free for PMA members. All supplies provided; all ages welcome! Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Pink Floyd Laser Light Spectacular 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The Laser Spectacular has become a rite of passage for any young rock n’ roller. Tickets start at $36. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Spring Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2203 North 12th Ave., Pensacola. Free admission. We will have indoor and outdoor vendors selling plants, art, crafts, jewelry, cosmetics, and specialty shave ice.

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FamilyCalendar The church will sell chili dogs for lunch. All proceeds go to fund community ministries. For more info, call (850) 432-7777. Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a two-location clean-up on Scenic Highway the second Saturday of every month. Location one is Bay Bluffs Park on Scenic Highway at Summit Blvd. Second location is two miles north at Chimney Park on Scenic Highway at Langley Ave. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags supplied. E-mail oceanhourfl@gmail.com or BayBluffsCleanUp@ gmail.com; visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 207-9326 and leave a message.

Sunday, March 15 Harlem Globetrotters

2 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game will bring smiles and fan interaction to people of all ages. Tickets begin at $28. For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com.

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Monday, March 16

Story Seedlings 2:45-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Story Seedlings builds on the foundations begun in Sprouts with emphasis on chapter books. Lessons are geared for 4- to 7-yearolds, but siblings under 10 are welcome to join and participate as they like! Cost: complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Thursday, March 19

Science Hour 6-7 p.m. Downtown Pensacola Library. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series meeting most months. Each session is free to the public. Tonight’s topic is “What do you do when you find wildlife?” presented by Dorothy Kaufmann, director of the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida in Pensacola. For more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230. Veterans’ Meeting 4-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. These free monthly meetings focus on veteran services in our community. Call Evelyn Coleman at (850) 543-2258 or visit http:// everman.org/. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Youth Festival Noon-4 p.m. Pensacola State College, 1814 Creighton Rd., Pensacola. Every year, on the third

Thursday of March, thousands of adults send notes, emails, letters, texts and videos to encourage and inspire young people across the country. This year, Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. is hosting the Absolutely Incredible Kids Day Youth Festival including fun, food, games, crafts and performances for and by youth. For more info, call (850) 476-1760 or visit https://campfirekidsfl.com/.

Friday, March 20

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winniethe-Pooh 7:30 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. Our literary classic based on the A.A. Milne story (not Disney) of the humble bear, Christopher Robin, and all the friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for more info.

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Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Knoxville Ice Bears 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Pensacola Opera Presents: Il trovatore 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Verdi’s hotblooded thriller emphasizes the “grand” in grand opera. The innocent Leonora is caught in a love triangle from which there is no escape. The Count di Luna is enamored with Leonora, but he fears a rival, a troubadour, who has been heard serenading her. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Gallery Night 5-9 p.m. Stroll through the charming brick walkways of downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of local music, art and cuisine. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light

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The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at Beef O’Brady’s, 344 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze. The program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch is not provided. Call (850) 529-0908 or Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/.

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11th Annual Smokin’ in the Square 12-8 p.m. Seville Square Park, 301 S Alcaniz Street, Pensacola. A professional BBQ competition dedicated to raising money for our annually selected charities. This is a family-friendly event. For more info, visit www.smokininthesquare.org/ or call (850) 516-2622.

Saturday, March 21

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-the-Pooh 3 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. For details, see March 20 listing.

11th Annual Smokin’ in the Square 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Seville Square Park, 301 S Alcaniz Street, Pensacola. For details, see March 20 listing. Parents’ Night Out: An Art Class for Kids 5:30-8 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For ages 5-12. Cost $20 per student. Students will experiment with various media to create 3D and 2D works to take home. Light snacks are provided but you may pack a dinner if desired. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Preschool Art Time: Mini Flower Pots 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see March 7 listing. Craft Bazaar 7 a.m.-5 p.m. T and W Flea Market, 1717 North T Street, Pensacola. Shop and sell handmade and homemade crafts, art, and so much more! For more info, call (850) 433-4315 or visit https://www. tandwfleamarket.com/. Pensacola Beach Music Fest Noon-10:30 p.m. Red Fish Blue Fish, 5B Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. Enjoy live music, great food and drinks, a cornhole tournament, axe throwing and more! General admission is FREE and open to the public. If you are interested in a VIP ticket, visit https://pensacolabeachmusicfest.eventbrite.com or call (850) 677-8899. A portion of all proceeds will go to the Pensacola Humane Society. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Knoxville Ice Bears 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also known as Wayside Park West, the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge on Bayfront Parkway, 745 Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. The second location is Bartram Park located at 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola (Behind the Fish House). Visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message.

Sunday, March 22

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-the-Pooh 3 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. For details, see March 20 listing. 11th Annual Smokin’ in the Square 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Seville Square Park, 301 S Alcaniz Street, Pensacola. For details, see March 20 listing. Cher: Here We Go Again Tour 2020 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Nile Rodgers & CHIC will continue as the special guest for the North American outing. Tickets begin at $76. For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@ pcolabaycenter.com. Family Sunday at Pensacola Museum of Art: Popsicle Stick Planes 1-4 p.m. Bring your family to the museum for a Sunday afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Afterwards enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibitions.

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Friday, March 27

Cost: $6/participant over the age of 3; includes day admission into the PMA. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-thePooh 7:30 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. For details, see March 20 listing.

Spring Jam 2020 3 p.m. doors open; 5 p.m. show starts. Behind Juanas Pagodas and Sailors Grill, 6225 Dixie Road, Navarre Beach. LoCash with special guests Gabby Barrett and Gone West benefit Santa Rosa Kids House. The show is $10 and is for all ages. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Saturday, March 28

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-thePooh 3 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. For details, see March 20 listing.

Monday, March 23

Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. School-aged children (ages 5-12) are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and read to one of the therapy dogs. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training, Inc. Preregistration is requested. For more info, visit https:// business.visitperdido.com/ or call (850) 453-7780.

Spring Break STEAM Creative Camp at Pensacola Museum of Art 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 5-9 & 10-14. Inspired by our current exhibition, STEAM2020, campers will explore various materials and processes tied into science, technology, engineering, and math. Artists will explore the galleries to gather inspiration for their art projects. Tuition: $165 PMA Family Members for the week/$195 non members. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Bayou Hills 5K and 10K Runs Bayview Park will host the start/ finish/post-race party as the course winds through the scenic East Hill neighborhood. Proceeds benefit Creative Learning Academy and Pensacola Sports. Medals and prizes are awarded for overall winners and first, second and third place in 16 age categories for men and women. There will be refreshments, fun and more for the after-race party. For more info, visit https://pensacolasports.org/ or call (850) 434-2800.

Thursday, March 26

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-the-Pooh 7:30 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. For details, see March 20 listing.

Orchestra will join forces with four celebrated soloists and more than 120 voices from The University of Southern Mississippi Chorus for Verdi’s Requiem Mass, a monumental masterpiece of joy, hope and passion. Tickets start at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Monster Jam 1 & 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Tickets begin at $18. For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com. Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School parking lot, 675 Gulf Breeze Parkway. 115+ local, regional and national fine artists and heritage artists will be setting up and selling their fine art. An art raffle tent, a Children’s Alley, live performance artists and live art demonstrations will all be part of the action as well. Proceeds benefit school programs throughout Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. For more information, visit https:// gulfbreezearts.com/2020-festival. Pensacola MESS Hall Presents Gulf Coast Science Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. Enjoy a day of free science-powered fun provided by dozens of Pensacola area businesses, schools,

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Verdi: Requiem 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. In a special artistic collaboration, the Pensacola Symphony

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REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Choose from 1- and 2-week Sessions and Mother-Daughter Weekends!

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FamilyCalendar libraries, and museums. The event will bring hands-on learning, interactive activities and experiments to inspire learners of all ages in all things STEM. For more info, visit gulfcoastsciencefestival.org. Pensacola Humane Society Fur Ball Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress Street, Pensacola. This black tie event supports the work of the Pensacola Humane Society to find homeless & neglected animals their furever homes. The Fur Ball includes a cocktail reception, dinner, music, silent and live auctions, entertainment and a Puppy Parade. www.facebook.com/CoughItUpForTheAnimals/ Open Studio: Macrame Key Chains 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see March 14 listing. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see March 21 listing. Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton. Free kids’ craft featuring Kinetic Sand Archaeology. For details, see February 29 listing.

Sunday, March 29

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Winnie-the-Pooh 3 p.m. For details, see March 20 listing.

Monster Jam 1 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see March 28 listing. Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School parking lot, 675 Gulf Breeze Parkway. For details, see March 28 listing.

Thursday, April 2

Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. Priding themselves on being a family-friendly event in Santa Rosa County, the fair has fun for everyone. Visit https://www.srcfair.com/ for details.

Zarzaur Law Maritime de Luna Du Youth Duathlon & Sea Turtle Youth Triathlon 6-10 a.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. The events offer scenic courses for kids ages 6 to 15. For registration or more info, visit http://www.tgcyouthmultisport.org/.

Movies by the Dunes Behind Windjammers on the Navarre Beach Pier, 8649 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach. A spinoff of the popular “Tunes by the Dunes” begins its inaugural year in 2020. This fun and relaxing summer movie series has yet to announce its movie lineup. Visit https://navarrepress.com/movies-by-the-dunes-coming-spring-2020/.

Tuesday, March 31

Friday, April 3

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum. org/ for more info.

Wednesday, April 1

Chamber Music Recital Noon. Old Christ Church, 405 S Adams St., Pensacola. The Department of Music and UWF Chamber Music Class present “Spring is Here.” For details, see March 4 listing. Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. Today is also an autograph day at the National Naval Aviation Museum following the practice. For other details, see March 31 listing.

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Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. For details, see April 2 listing. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Center Stage: A Benefit Concert 6 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall. All of the funds raised will support PSO’s Beyond the Stage program for community engagement and education. For more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony. com/. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Food Truck Festival 5-10 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. The event features an eclectic mix of food truck signature dishes, live music, a Food Truck Tasting Competition, and more. For more info, visit https://pensacolafoodtruckfest.org/.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, April 4

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Cabaret: Shaken not Stirred 7:30 p.m. Pensacola’s biggest party boasts black ties, luxurious gowns, and avant-garde performances celebrating the classic James Bond films. All tickets include admission, open bar, catering and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a live band, performances by Ballet Pensacola, Powell Entertainment as DJ, string instrumentalists from UWF, aerialists, drag performances, and much more. Ages 21+ to attend. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for more info. Craft Festival and Flea Market Bagdad First Assembly of God Church, 4513 Forsyth St. in Bagdad. There will be many Inside & Outside Vendors, a Youth Entertainment Area, Lunch available for purchase & a Bake Sale. 8:00am - 3:00pm. Spaces for the Flea Market are still available for $10 each. Contact information: 850 564-4454. Questioning Corner at Pensacola MESS Hall 10 a.m.-noon. 116 N. Tarragona St. Questioning Corner engages young learners in age-appropriate exploration related to special themes. Activities are geared for learners ages 3-8 and are included with admission. Today’s topic is Water. All hands-on experimenting with surface tension, refraction & other properties of water. For more info, visit www. pensacolamesshall.org/ or call (877) 937-6377. Ever’man Cooks Debby’s Kitchen 10-11:30 a.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see March 7 listing. Preschool Art Time: Rainsticks 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see March 7 listing. 2020 Pensacola JazzFest 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Seville Square Park, 311 E Government St Pensacola. In addition to a great music lineup, food by local vendors, wine/beer, soft drinks, arts and crafts and jazz merchandise are available— including JazzFest posters, a variety of jazzy shirts and memorabilia. All jazz merchandise sales help support the festival and keep it free for our loyal fans. For more info, visit https://jazzpensacola.com/. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Food Truck Festival 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. For details, see April 3 listing. Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. For details, see April 2 listing. Daddy & Daughter Date Night 5 p.m. Sanders Beach Resource Center, 913 South “I” Street, Pensacola. My Brothers and Sisters celebrates the special relationship between fathers, father figures, and their daughters. Includes food, music, motivational speakers and other forms of entertainment. Tickets are $20. For more info, visit www.mybrothersandsisters.org/ or call (850) 261-4918.

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Registration required for all participants. This race is designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. After the race, there will be refreshments and entertainment. For info, call (850) 760-9343.

Sunday, April 5

Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. For details, see April 2 listing. RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to your early Beatles favorites. Tickets start at $43. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Family Sunday at Pensacola Museum of Art: Popsicle Stick Planes 1-4 p.m. For details, see March 22 listing. 2020 Pensacola JazzFest 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Seville Square Park, 311 E Government St Pensacola. For details, see April 4 listing.

Tuesday, April 7

Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Family-friendly music every Tuesday night from April through October. Free admission. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/. Tonight’s artist is Whitesands Panhandle Band. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see March 31 listing.

Wednsday, April 8

Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For details, see April 1 listing.

Thursday, April 9

Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. For details, see April 2 listing. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see March 31 listing. Movies by the Dunes Behind Windjammers on the Navarre Beach Pier, 8649 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach. For details, see April 2 listing. Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party 10:30 a.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Tickets begin at $23. A brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, highflying acrobat-

Navy Federal 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk 8 a.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E Government Street, Pensacola. Early registration is open at just $18 for adults and $15 for youth ages 5-13. Children 6 and under can also participate in the Sammie Sprint, a free quarter-mile race around Plaza Ferdinand.

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ics, and unexpected stunts! For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@ pcolabaycenter.com.

Friday, April 10

Santa Rosa County Fair and Livestock Show 5 p.m. Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton. For details, see April 2 listing. Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see April 9 listing. Bands on the Blackwater 7-9 p.m. Downtown Milton Riverwalk, 5158 Willing St., Milton. This fun and free outdoor concert series happens every Friday during April. Local bands and people from all over gather for some good music and even better company. Guests can pull up their boat or lawn chair while listening to tunes under the night sky. For more info, find us on Facebook. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see March 31 listing.

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Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Tennessee Smokies 6:35 p.m. Blue Wahoos Baseball Stadium. Giveaway Friday: Be one of the first 2,000 fans through the gates on Fridays to take home an exclusive Blue Wahoos giveaway item! For more info, visit https://www. milb.com/pensacola/ or call (850) 934-8444.

Every Sunday This Month

Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit http://www.centralonline.tv/flora-bama/. Family-Friendly Improv at Pensacola Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Come learn basic improv techniques and games like those in the comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Improv is storytelling without a script. All ages welcome, but parents must accompany younger children. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.

Every Monday This Month

Pickleball at PAC! 6-9 p.m. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Looking to try something fun and competitive? Join us for a pick-up game of Pickleball. Spare paddles are limited, so please BYOP. Members play free and guests play for only $3. For more info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www. pacactive.com.

Every Tuesday This Month

Preschool Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Join us for stories, songs and movement designed to build future readers! We have fun with many books from our collection. For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/.

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Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. The jazz concert will start in the Lili Marlene room. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.sevillequarter.com/.

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Pickleball at PAC! 6-9 p.m. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Looking to try something fun and competitive? Join us for a pick-up game of Pickleball. Spare paddles are limited, so please BYOP. Members play free and guests play for only $3. For more info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www.pacactive.com.

Every Saturday This Month

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. For more info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church parking lot across the street from their sanctuary. Providing local goods, including seasonal produce, eggs, chicken, jams, jellies, home-baked treats, fresh breads, honey, pickles and local arts and craft items. For more info, call (850) 736-3040 or find us on Facebook.

Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. Our free beginner ukulele classes are designed to get you familiarized with the ukulele, including parts of the ukulele, how to hold it, how to tune it, basic chord shapes, basic strumming patterns and chord changes for your first song! The intermediate class focuses on learning songs and playing while singing along. For more info, call (850) 457-7557.

Classes

Community Education

Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5051 Carpenter’s Creek Drive in Pensacola at our Population Health Building. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. SNAP, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small.” SNAP services are completely free to youth and their families! SNAP Boys and SNAP Girls program is designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into contact with authority figures at school or in the community. The parent group meets at the same time as the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges. For more info or to participate in a program, call (850) 453-2772.

Parenting

CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. offers a variety of parenting programs specific to the age of the children (from infants to teens) and needs of the parents. They are offered free to the community

and meet in different locations in Pensacola. Please contact Medena Williams at mwilliams@cdac.info or (850) 449-4315 or (850) 439-5626 for more info.

Prenatal & Childbirth

Baptist Women’s Center offers you choices to tailor your experience from early pregnancy to months following your baby’s birth. Our experienced team of nurses and educators are specially trained to make your birthing experience one of a kind. To register or for more info about our classes, call (850) 434-4567 or visit www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/birth. Baby Care Basics – Select Saturday classes (9 a.m.-13:30 p.m.) walk you through what to expect in the hospital and at home. A key milestones guide will be given to monitor baby’s growth and needs and how to meet them. $20 per series. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour of labor & delivery unit, and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Held third Fridays odd months, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Breastfeeding – Two-class series (select Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.) teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per series. Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. $90 per series. Classes are offered each month as a five-class series from 6-8:30 p.m. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! Select Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth (a four-class series or one all-day class), two Breastfeeding classes and two Baby Care Basics classes. Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital offers a

variety of prenatal education classes designed to help parents-to-be prepare for their special day and for the days that follow back home with the new

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SupportGroups baby. Registration is required for all classes and is offered online. For any questions, please call (850) 416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheartbaby.com. Breastfeeding This two-hour class, taught by one of Sacred Heart Hospital’s lactation consultants, teaches techniques for breastfeeding success and addresses common concerns to make your experience as smooth as possible. Cost is $20 per couple. Offered monthly on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. Infant/Child CPR Course Class is open to new parents, family members and friends who will be caring for a baby or young child. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call (850) 416-7264. “My Family’s Growing” Sibling Class Class prepares soon-to-be siblings (ages 3 through 10) for the arrival of a new baby in their family. Our sibling class includes a complete tour of the Maternity & Women’s Center of Sacred Heart Hospital. Cost is $10 per child. Newborn Parenting This class strives to prepare parents in caring for

their new bundle of joy, from birth through the first few weeks at home. Newborn Parenting is taught by experienced nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital’s mother-baby unit, and a local pediatrician will be available to answer questions during a portion of the class. Cost is $20 per couple. Prepared Childbirth Classes Designed to help prepare you and your partner for the birthing process – including tips to make you more comfortable during labor – Prepared Childbirth Classes are taught by experienced obstetrics nurses and include a tour of the Maternity and Women’s Center. Cost is $50 per couple. This course is offered in two different formats to meet your scheduling and educational needs: •As a four-week series, especially designed for firsttime moms. •As a one-day class, ideal for moms who have had children before and are looking for a refresher course in the delivery experience. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. Tours Tours of Sacred Heart Hospital’s Maternity & Women’s Center will give soon-to-be moms an idea of what to expect during your stay at the hospital, including where to go, where to park and what to

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

bring when you arrive for the delivery of your baby. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

West Florida Hospital understands that giving

birth is a family affair, and we encourage the involvement of family and friends in the birth process. For more information about The Family Birthplace or childbirth classes at West Florida Hospital, call (850) 494-4368 or visit https://westfloridahospital.com/ service/family-birthplace. Breastfeeding Preparation Class Classroom 5 & 6 on the 7th Floor of the Ancillary Building at West Florida Hospital located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Free for pre-delivery parents. Topics include: How breastfeeding works (How the Breast Makes Milk), Latch & Positioning, When to Feed Your Baby, How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk, Breast Care, Pumping, Storing and Bottle-Feeding with Breastmilk. This is a Power Point, Videos, and Question/Answer Class. Mom, Dad, and caregivers are welcome. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/ service/childbirth-preparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us for a PowerPoint presentation that will discuss: what to expect in labor, vaginal delivery, c/s delivery, pain control options, post partum care, newborn care, and we will tour the labor unit/suite. This 4-week course goes into a little more detail than the intensive 4-hr course. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/ service/childbirthpreparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Condensed version of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class into one day, has many great topics, features and video clips including: understanding pregnancy, labor, medical procedures and cesarean birth. Free, very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Support Groups Cancer

Cancer Support Group 2-3 p.m. second Tuesdays. Sacred Heart Hospital Oncology Unit Library, 2nd floor. Cancer patients, cancer survivors, their families & friends are invited to join. Enjoy some “Tea for the Soul” & light refreshments. The group is designed to offer support through education, spirituality and humor as well as the comfort of fellowship with other cancer patients. For more info, call Rene Moses, 416-7703 or Jo Jensen, 416-7593.

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CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) Tuesday nights for six consecutive weeks at the Sacred Heart Cancer Center. A unique, free program created to provide emotional support for children who have a parent with cancer. During the group meetings, conversation and art are used to help children identify and appropriately express complex feelings related to having a parent with cancer. Preregistration is required by calling (850) 416-2679.

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Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. Support Group 6:30-8 p.m. 3rd Tuesdays in Conference Room A of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. Supporting families of children with blood disorders and cancer. Anyone with a friend or family member who has been stricken with a form of childhood cancer or blood disorder is welcome. More details can be found at www.wingsofhopeinc.org.

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Look Good...Feel Better Sacred Heart Cancer Center 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Free program that teaches people in active cancer treatment ways to deal with the appearance-related side effects of treatment. It will be offered jointly by the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Pre-registration is required by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-888-604-5888 or visit www. cancer.org/cps3florida. Man2Man Prostate Cancer Self Help Group 9:30 a.m. first Saturdays. Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Facilitated by Ed Rigby, American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer education and support program. For more info, call (850) 438-7627 or 438-4491. No registration required. Managing Life with Cancer: A Mini Series Four-week program at Sacred Heart Cancer Center designed to help patients and families learn how to emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially cope with cancer. Patients will be able to connect with other cancer patients while learning common emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, healthy coping skills, safe exercises, sources of personal hope, and available financial resources. Lunch is provided so pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-2679. Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola 4-5:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Prostate Cancer Support Group 5-6:30 p.m. 2nd Thursdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.

Grief Support

GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705.

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SupportGroups Grief Support Group for Adults Sacred Heart Hospital provides this free group for adults who have lost a loved one. For future classes and registration info, please call (850) 416-7705. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. For current dates and more info, call (850) 469-7197.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure. ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group 6:30-7:30 p.m. Next meeting is March 16. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 1-2 p.m., usually second Fridays. West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Pediatric Stroke Warriors of Pensacola For meeting dates and more information, please find us on Facebook or contact Rebecca Scherer at (352) 572-9018.

Stroke Support Group 12:30-1:30 p.m., second Wednesdays. October through December meetings are at Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Classroom C/D (regular meeting location). See Information Desk staff if you need assistance. Please let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair. All stroke survivors and their family members invited to join us each month, free of charge. Discussions are led by the Neurology Social

Worker. Topics change each month, and meetings occasionally will include a guest speaker. For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ascension.org.

Parent Support

Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Free support group for moms with babies up to six

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SupportGroups months old. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meetings will be held March 5 and April 2, from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman. org/event/la-leche-league-9/. LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held March 21, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of most months from 10 a.m. to noon in Classroom C/D of Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. This free support group provides mothers with an opportunity to share experiences, gain support and develop friendships. A lactation consultant from the Sacred Heart Maternity & Women’s Center will be present to answer questions and offer advice. Baby weight checks are offered at each meeting. Space is limited,

and pre-registration is required for each class session. For more info about this class or your parenting experience, please call The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique at 850-416-6378 (NEST) or visit www. sacred-heart.org/childbirth. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Northeast Non-profit organization whose mission is to support stay-at-home mothers and their children. We offer age-specific playgroups, member-only activities and participate in philanthropic efforts within our community. We strive to provide a supportive, caring atmosphere during every stage of motherhood. Member meetings are held near the end of each month. Visit us at www.momsclubpensacolane.weebly.com or find us on Facebook. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our non-profit organization aims to meet the needs of West Pensacola and Perdido Key mothers who have chosen to stay at home with their children. Public member meetings are held on 4th Wednesdays. We also meet throughout the month in smaller, age-specific and activity-specific playgroups for various club activities. For more info, visit https:// momsclubpensacolasw.weebly.com/ or find us on Facebook. Pensacola Parents of Multiples If you are expecting or already blessed with multiples, you are encouraged to get free, helpful information. We offer a support network, social activities for children and parents, library and more. For more info, visit pensacolamultiples.com or call (850) 449-4208. Also e-mail PensacolaParentsofMultiples@ hotmail.com.

Salvation Army Community Center Afterschool Care 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday for ages 5-17; 18 if still in high school. Through this program, we offer homework help, a basketball gym, playground, ping pong table, pool tables, and an indoor swimming pool. We teach the kids in our afterschool care the basics of swimming; we swim Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more info, call (850) 432-1501 ext 3 or 4.

Special Needs

Children With Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) Support Group For families of children with attention deficit disorders. To find a local group, please visit www. chadd.org/.

Weight Loss

Weight-Loss Support Group Meets second Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baptist Tower 3, Ground Floor, Baptist Weight-Loss Center, 1717 North E St. For more info, call (850) 437-8746.

Please send your calendar events to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.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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A Page in a Book

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The Friendship Fix is In Every parent looks forward to their child discovering their first friend. We watch with love as they find playmates who share their interests, enjoy the same activities, and have personalities that work well together. But as kids mature, they also develop emotions and behaviors that can trigger conflict with their friends. Providing children with guidance and tools that help them understand and resolve conflict is important, especially since the friendship dynamic is personal and rarely something a parent can solve. The following titles feature friendly fall outs, with encouraging anecdotal solutions that can help young readers get a friendship back on the right track.

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Best Friends in the Universe

by Stephanie Watson, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Scholastic Press) Hector and Louie are such good friends, they’ve teamed up to write a book about it. They are perfectly in sync, finishing each other’s sentences, sharing the same goals, and loving the same things. But in the course of writing their homage to friendship, Hector shares an embarrassing secret about Louie. Horrified, Louie lets loose with an equally tender secret about Hector. As their book project (and their friendship) begins to fall apart, they discover the marvel of the “do over”. Much like editors can amend mistakes in a book, these friends find a way to forgive the errors and find their storyline again. Pairing the work ethic that goes into writing a book with the committed work that goes into maintaining a friendship, this title offers a humorous outline for fixing a valuable partnership.

Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends

by Julia Woolf (Peachtree Publishing) Betty’s favorite toy is Duck. Maud’s favorite toy is Penguin. So when best friends, Maud and Betty, get together to play, Duck and Penguin are forced together for playful activities, too. As the girls joyfully spend the day playing, cooking and crafting together, Duck and Penguin turn their similar interactions into messy fights. Destined to be thrown together by their loving owners, these two angry fluffs must find a way to make peace. With illustrations that playfully contrast a healthy friendship with a relationship that needs work, Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends is a gentle guide toward making unlikely pairings work. Celebrating the common ground that can repair a troubled friendship, this title is guaranteed to be a bookshelf favorite.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

by Rachel Bright, Illustrated by Jim Field (Scholastic Press) Known in the forest as ‘Spontaneous Cyril’, he’s the squirrel who lives in the moment and doesn’t care to prepare food for winter. ‘Plan Ahead Bruce’ is the squirrel who’s hyper-focused on securing every last morsel for his horde. When they simultaneously spot the last unclaimed pine cone in the woods, the fight is on to see which squirrel will win the prize for himself. Fast-paced rhyming text accompanies energetic illustration that absolutely captures the frenetic pace of playful squirrels in the real world. While subtly offering a cautionary tale on the cost of both sloth and greed, this title’s real reward is it’s climactic reveal that the benefits of friendship always conquer the cost of conflict.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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The Positive Impact of Pounding Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment they begin tapping their toys on the edge of their crib or stroller, kids are letting us know that they like the sensation of pounding things. It’s no surprise when you consider the flood of stimuli, physical and auditory that this action produces. Toys that encourage pounding support gross motor control, increased concentration, instinctive measurement, and hand-eye coordination. Pounding games also help safely release stress and tension through play. Among the host of toys that support kids’ natural inclination to tap and pound their toys, the following recommended items are guaranteed to be the biggest hit of all.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Hammering and Pounding Wooden House

Ninja Punching Bag (Atlasonix)

A big step up from the standard inflatable bop bag, the Ninja Punching Bag is ready to take the big hits. Perfect for channeling excess energy in a limited space, punching bags offer kids an ideal opportunity to improve their gross motor coordination, physical stamina and athletic concentration. Weighed at the bottom with sand or water, this inflatable bag quickly returns to its upright and ready state after each strike. The ninja graphic and muted color scheme encourage focus as opposed to other novelty-themed bop bags. Standing tall at 5’3” this bag makes a versatile striking target for both kids and adults. It’s also easy to deflate and empty for storage or travel. Get your punches in with this smart target for kicks, hits and sweeps!

It’s hammer time in the house, with Rolimate’s versatile pound play palace. Perfectly sized openings in the roof support four balls, until a strike from the hammer launches them into the interior. A raised threshold keeps the balls contained until they’re retrieved for the next round of percussive play. Hand-eye coordination is enhanced with the house’s additional features which include colored spin beads, a sliding button, and a clock with movable hands. Crafted from thick rubber wood, the Hammering and Pounding Wooden House boasts bright graphics, smooth edges and durable construction. Combining activity learning with safe pounding play, this little house is a striking addition to the energetic toy box.

Musical Light Hammer

Pound, Tap and Shake!

The Musical Light Hammer combines the best elements of a rattle with those of the most familiar item in the toolbox. This colorful hammer features charming graphics and a clear rattle bead bubble at its base. Powered by two AAA batteries, an easy access switch moves the hammer between two play settings. The entertainment mode lets the tool display lights as well as play music and funny sounds. The learning mode introduces numbers and counting with each strike. Toddlers will especially enjoy the animated eyes that alternate expression with each pound of the hammer head. Ideal for a baby’s first tool, the Musical Light Hammer is an instant hit!

While there’s an undeniable physical satisfaction found by kinetic pounding, the Hape Pound, Tap and Shake toy adds musical elements that hit the eardrum just right. Featuring pound-through balls (with mallet), a removable xylophone and a real tambourine, this toy is designed to keep resulting in volumes entertaining for children while maintaining a reasonable decibel level for audience members. Crafted with eco-friendly bamboo wood and finished with safe, scentless, water-based paint this collection is durable, sustainable, and built to withstand years of percussive play. Hape’s Pound, Tap and Shake hits all the right notes as it combines the satisfying sense of pounding with the sound results that are music to a kid’s ears.

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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

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

A Guide to College Campus Visits Maybe some of you already have your heart set on attending the school of your favorite football team, or your parents insist on a local college or their alma mater, or your area of interest is limited to very few schools. For most of you, however, the decision of where to attend is a lot more challenging.

How important is visiting a college campus? Campus visits are at the top of the list when deciding on a college. Pictures online are created to sell you a product, and you wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars on a car before test driving it, would you? Campus visits allow you to meet advisors, tour buildings, ask questions, sit-in on classes, and even check-out the food available. Many colleges schedule tours during the summer or winter breaks, but I caution against visiting when classes aren’t in session because you won’t experience the college in action.

How should I prepare for my visit? Do your homework! Thoroughly examine the school’s website first. This process will give you a good idea of what information is not provided and help you form intelligent questions. Call and schedule appointments before you go. Phoning and emailing your contacts at the school will also familiarize them with you, and make you more comfortable when you do visit. Ask for a printed schedule before you make any extended drive. Register at the closest hotel possible, so you can learn about the local neighborhood and walk to eateries. Besides, this is where your parents will probably stay when they come to visit.

Who should I talk to while there? The top four are the admissions counselor, a financial-aid advisor, the student who leads your campus tour, and the academic head of your major interest. Admissions can answer most of your questions and may even provide you with financial aid information. Usually, students give campus tours (be sure it’s private and not part of a large group). Ask as many questions as possible. Tour guides are paid to convince you to attend their school; however, students are also disarmingly honest and will provide good insight if you ask the right questions. The department chair will be delighted to meet with you, as most potential students do not ask for interviews. This person can also be influential in obtaining scholarships for special cases. Ask what courses you would take, which professors you would have, and what opportunities would be available to you.

Where should I eat? The dining hall or cafeteria, of course! Some schools even have a food court. If the school has multiple areas to eat, make sure you visit all of them. How clean are they? Is a good variety of foods provided? Are there healthy options? Pizza and burgers can get old after a few weeks. Eat lunch with the undergraduates and ask a few questions, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere. Are people socializing, studying, or eating elsewhere? For dinner, inspect local hangouts. Are there many within walking distance? What are prices like in the area? Will you have to buy a complete meal plan, or can you budget for dinners out?

What are classes and teachers like? Visit different types of classrooms. Are they 59

small and intimate or large and stadiumlike? Is the technology up-to-date or old and antiquated? Sit in on classes. What types of teaching styles do you observe? Are the professors excited about their topics? Are the students engaged or texting?

What else should I do when I visit? Visit the freshmen as well as the upperclassmen dorm rooms. What are the costs? Cooking opportunities? How many to a room? Compare these conditions to those of nearby apartments. Check out the quad or other local hangouts. Bring a book to read, Frisbee to toss, or instrument to play. Engage students. Visit the campus health clinic and talk to the nurse on staff. Are you comfortable enough to go if you get sick? Investigate the library and its study areas in the early afternoon when students are most likely present. What are the condition and availability of the books? How helpful is the research librarian? Visit particular areas of interest: science labs, sports practices, swimming pool or gym, sorority/fraternity houses, club meetings, or chapel services. Talk to everyone, including custodians. Take Notes! Campus visits can provide students with more accurate pictures of the college experience. Take lots of detailed notes and create a spreadsheet with all the information you have collected, so you can compare schools. For a good checklist, go to https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/findcolleges/campus-visit-guide/campus-visitchecklist. Happy exploring! Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true.

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Sonic the Hedgehog

Brahms: The Boy II

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: CViolence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BEver since he was little, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has been running from anyone who tries to catch him. Hiding out on Earth, the extraterrestrial hedgehog has been feeling lonely, and his sadness triggers an outburst in the form of a massive blue energy ball that wipes out the power in the small town of Green Hills. Not surprisingly, this draws the attention of the federal government, which sends the nefarious Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to investigate. Sonic teams up with the local sheriff, Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) to make a run for it, but along the way, realizes his friends might be more important. For a movie about a supersonic hedgehog, this movie drags like it’s stuck in super glue. Consumed by the titular rodent’s near constant (and highly aggravating) patter and narration, the movie subjects you to one hackneyed Hallmark moment after another until you’re lying on the sticky floor and begging for death. Oddly, these clichés are actually a benefit in disguise. Since you’ve seen basically everything here in other movies, this one just evaporates from your mind as you walk out of the theater, leaving behind an oily mental film of resentment and irritation which I suspect will clear up by morning. That’s actually the kindest thing I can say about Sonic the Hedgehog: you probably won’t ever think about it again. Despite its boredom-inducing superpowers, Sonic is otherwise innocuous. There are few content concerns - in fact, I think this has the fewest profanities of any movie I’ve seen this year, with six terms of deity and one use of “hell”. But, honestly, suffering through Sonic isn’t one of the essential trials of parenting and you can give this one a pass without any guilt at all.

Brahms: The Boy II MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: CSexual Content: A Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B Liza (Katie Holmes) and Sean (Owain Yeoman) have a pleasant life with their son, Jude (Christopher Convery), in their lovely London home. But when a terrifying burglary leaves Liza injured and shaken, and Jude refusing to say a word to anyone, Sean suggests that they get out of town and decompress in the country. On a walk in the woods, Jude stumbles across a buried doll, with a strange face, and an even stranger list of rules which “he” expects to be followed. There is a glut of “cursed kid/imaginary friend/cursed doll” movies, and they’re all basically interchangeable. This one is absolutely made from the same mold. It’s functionally a “color-by-numbers” of horror movie clichés. So the real question with most horror movies: is this suitable for a large group of overly-loud teenagers with nothing better to do on a Friday night (except that homework you keep trying to get them to do)? Unfortunately, yes. There is almost no seriously objectionable content. Even the violence, which sounds pretty bad when written down, mostly happens just off-screen or is non-fatal in nature. It’s also devastatingly boring, but loud teenagers make their own fun. As brainless entertainment, you could do worse. Of course, for my money, I prefer to get slightly more brain. I’d settle for something that doesn’t make me wish I’d just sat in the car, waited ‘til the movie was over, and read random Wikipedia pages on my phone. Although, in fairness, very few movies clear that threshold.

The Photograph

The Call of the Wild

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: A Sexual Content: CProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C How do you choose between being with the one you love and following your dreams? Christina (Chanté Adams) is a gifted photographer, perfecting her skills in rural Louisiana. She wants to find fame in New York City, but she’s in love with Isaac (Rob Morgan), a local fisherman whose dreams begin and end with marrying her. Should she abandon her goals and stay with Isaac or should she try her luck in the Big Apple? Thirty-five years later, Christina is dead of cancer. Her daughter, Mae (Issa Rae) meets a reporter, Michael (LaKeith Stanfield) whose work on another story led him to Christina’s photos. The two begin a relationship, just as Michael applies for a new job in London. Now Mae must decide if she’s going to follow her mother’s path or find her own way. I love romantic dramas and was hoping The Photograph would deliver two love stories for the price of one. It almost does. The chemistry between Christina and Isaac is palpable and it’s easy to feel the emotional strain as both characters realize their dreams are incompatible. Mae and Michael’s relationship, however, stumbles through lots of awkward moments before it starts to gel. This production features two steamy scenes of premarital sex, with couples shown undressing, and caressing and rolling atop one another in bed. On the bright side, the movie has fewer than a dozen swear words and no violence. While I am annoyed with the movie’s unnecessary sexual content, my overall attitude to The Photograph is ambivalence. If only the romances were more memorable...

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C Buck is massive St. Bernard/Scotch Collie with a loyal heart, expressive eyes, and prodigious amounts of energy that can’t be contained in his sedate California home. His mischief-making career comes to an abrupt end one night when he is dog-napped, sealed in a wooden crate, and shipped thousands of miles without food or water. Upon arrival in the far North, Buck is brutalized, subdued, and sold as a sled dog to deliver the mail to prospectors in Yukon Territory. Buck’s heart is as resilient as he is strong, and he soon embarks with gusto on this second phase of his life. And, then, on the third. The Call of the Wild carries a number of themes that will interest parents, and resilience is doubtless one of them. Buck is a poster boy for emotional resilience, bouncing back from everything life throws at him. But John Thornton (a scraggly, bearded Harrison Ford), running from the demons of his past and trying to drown them in alcohol, demonstrates that for some of us, resilience is more of a journey than a hardwired personality trait. The primary messages of this film, not surprisingly, relate to man’s relationship to nature. The most obvious is our responsibility to animals. Despite its powerful messages, The Call of the Wild comes with some negatives, none more glaring than the CGI dogs. For parents who aren’t troubled by the movie’s CGI, the only real areas of concern are alcohol use and violence. But for most family viewers, Buck’s adventures will help deepen our appreciation of the beautiful planet we call home and might even help us hear the call of the wild places that still remain.

Greater Pensacola Parents I March 2020

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