Greater Pensacola Parents "Big Birthday Issue" (July 23)

FromThePublisher

Just as I predicted last month, our summer has started off with lots of “fun” household projects. Instead of running through the sprinklers as we did when we were kids, our water play has consisted of finding and digging up a buried sprinkler system to replace the heads and me learning how to use a pressure washer. Who knew how fun and gratifying those chores could be?! Playing in the sand was more like Brad teaching the girls and I how to spread and finish a concrete slab. And no, that was not fun. But we did cook out later that night Brad taught me how to grill on a charcoal grill for the first time, so that made up for it. One of the items on the summer “to-dos” that I am really dreading is cleaning out and organizing the attic. Just like he has his garage full of his “toys”, I have my attic full of mine, including Christmas decorations, keepsake boxes, and what could be considered an large amount of party decor. I just know he is going to fuss about my stash. I can’t help it though. I love a celebration and decorate for every birthday, whether we are having a party at the house or not. My mom did that for us and I am passing down the tradition.

My love of birthday celebrations gets me extra excited when we start putting together the July Birthday Party issue! This is where my inner party animal really gets to come out. Every year we find new and fun party resources to share with you. You can find all the resources we have put together in our Birthday Party Resource Guide. Need a place to have a party? You will find several options in the guide. Need entertainment, décor, cakes, or rentals? No problem! You will find all of that in the guide too. Whether your child dreams of being a pampered princess or riding the waves at a waterpark, you will find several ideas here.

We have also included some helpful feature articles on party planning in this month’s issue. Cheryl Maguire helps us plan fantastic, yet frugal, parties in her article, Secrets to Throwing an Epic Birthday Party on a Dime. As Lisa Nord Seplack shows us in Teach the Gift of Giving by Hosting a Charitable Birthday Party, the celebration does not have to include presents. She gives us several examples of charitable party ideas where the honoree is still celebrated with a fun party but the host and guests also give back to a charity of the host’s choice. You’ll even find ideas to incorporate the chosen charity into the party’s theme!

July is not only our annual “Birthday Party” issue but, as everyone knows, it is also our country’s birthday! Make sure you check out the Family Calendar to find area fireworks displays and other events to celebrate the 4th. Please keep all the men, women and families of our military, both past and present, in your thoughts as you celebrate. And to all those who serve or have served, we thank you for the sacrifice given by you and your family.

Enjoy your July, try not to work too hard on your “to-do” lists, and make sure to make some wonderful summer memories with your family and friends. May God Bless the USA!

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.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Research Editor Lucy Green

Contributing Writers Kristi Bush, LSW K Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC

Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President Jason Watson

Advertising Sales

Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com

(850) 426-6222

Ad Design

Tim Welch

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

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 2023 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.

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Tips for Teaching Your Child Anything

Simply telling your child what you want them to do and walking away is not an effective teaching strategy. You can’t “talk” your child into learning a new skill. The most effective teaching strategy is to do it with them and then have them practice. Research has repeatedly proven that the only way we all learn is through practice, practice, practice.

Prompting is the most important tool in teaching your child a new skill. Prompting is the action of persuading, encouraging, or reminding. There are four main types of prompting: verbal, gestural, visual, and hand over hand.

1. Verbal prompting is standing beside your child while they are doing the task and telling them what to do next.

2. Gestural prompting is when you point or act out the behavior to help your child know what to do next.

3. Visual prompting includes pictures, visual schedules, written lists, etc. An example of this is putting a list of the process of getting ready on their bathroom mirror.

4. Hand-over-hand prompting is when you take your child’s hands in yours and do what you want to see. For example, if you are asking your child which car is blue, you would touch the car with his hand while saying, “This car is blue.” This approach is invaluable because it negates any language barriers, provides an opportunity for the child to get the right answer and earn praise, and it encourages the child to comply.

Shaping is the next tool. Shaping is simply reinforcing small accomplishments towards the skill you are trying to teach. For example, let’s say your goal is that your child sits at the dinner table

until the end of the meal. Shaping starts exactly where the child is. If your child walks around eating and has never been forced to sit at the dinner table, start there. Shape the behavior by putting them in the chair for 10 seconds, praise them for sitting, and then let them return to walking around. After a short time, do this again. If 10 seconds occurred without any extreme frustration, you can move up to 15 seconds and then 20 seconds. The next day, you increase the time and continue shaping until your child can sit through the meal. We always begin shaping from where the child will be successful, so if 10 seconds is too long, start at 5 seconds. If that is too long, start with sitting in the chair. No matter how your child behaves, praise them for trying, even if they are angry. If you praise what you want to see, your child will do it again willingly.

I can’t talk about prompting or shaping without conveying the importance of precursor skills. Precursor skills must be mastered before you can move to something more complex. For example, if your child can’t write her name, make sure she has the precursor skills of holding a pencil, writing on paper, writing letters, and attending long enough to write her entire name. We strongly encourage parents to think through the precursor skills a child needs before working towards a goal. Otherwise, you are setting your child up for failure and frustration.

Practice makes progress, but effective practice must include starting where they are, prompting when necessary, and shaping complex skills.

Movies in the Park

Join us for the Movies in the Park Series on July 28 for Strange World (Rated PG). Bring your blankets and chairs out to Hunter Amphitheater in Community Maritime Park for a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. All Pre-Show Activities

Begin at 6 P.M. The movie begins at sunset. Snack concessions from local food trucks may be available for purchase subject to availability and picnic baskets are welcome too.

Red, White and Blues Week featuring the Pensacola Beach Air Show – July 5-8

Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in June 5-8, 2023. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight dem onstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days lead ing up to the big event on show day.

Kicking off the air show week is “Breakfast with the Blues,” on Wednesday, July 5, at 8:00 a.m. when the Blue Angels arrive and circle overhead to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach.

On Thursday, July 6, at 2 p.m., the Blue Angels hold a full practice show over Pensacola Beach. Friday, July 7, is the Pensacola Beach Air Show dress rehearsal, with the civilian acts beginning just after 11 a.m. and the Blue Angels overhead at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, marks the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, and follows exactly Friday’s dress rehearsal schedule. Please visit https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/blue-angelsair-show-pensacola-beach1/ for more information.

Crab Cake Cook-Off

Join us on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 6 pm – 8 pm at Seville Quarter for the Crab Cake Cook-Of to benefit the Arc Gateway. The Crab Cake Cook-Off is one of Pensacola’s most iconic and well-attended fundraisers of the year. This year’s crabulous event is presented by Sims Orthodontics.

Restaurants and chefs are invited to compete for bragging rights and winner of Best Crab Cake on the Gulf Coast.

Guests are given the chance to sample world-class crab cakes, indulge on delectable desserts and sip a variety of libations while surveying an extraordinary silent auction and purchase art made by our very own clients. For more information, please visit https://crabcakecookoff.org.

Pensacola Splash Fest

Come cool off for the day with us on July 15 and enjoy Pensacola Splash Fest at Community Maritime Park from 10 AM-7 PM. Numerous water slide bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip n slides, dunk tank, corn hole, triple play sports games, watermelon eating competition and more! Come cool off for the day and have a blast. Wristbands will be issued at the entrance to enjoy all slides/bounce houses all day. Advanced tickets sold online. Please visit www. apexshowsandevents.com for more information.

NAS Pensacola Is Now Open to the Public

Naval Air Station Pensacola has reopened to the public seven days a week for the first time in over three years. While on the base, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse, Fort Barrancas and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Public access to NAS Pensacola will be available from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. through the west gate only on Blue Angel Parkway. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must have a Real ID or passport. Please visit https://cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NASPensacola/ for more information.

First Dance Ballroom presents The Greatest Showcase

First Dance Ballroom Studio presents the Greatest Showcase featuring local celebrities dancing to their favorite ballroom tunes on July 29 at 7:00pm at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Proceeds from this event benefit Children’s Home Society. Please visit https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/ the-greatest-showcase/ for tickets.

Sertoma’s 4th of July Fun

Sertoma’s 4th of July features the brightest fireworks show on the Gulf Coast. Occupying Seville Square in downtown Pensacola, this family-friendly event offers lots of fun, including face painting, pony rides, live entertainment, inflatables, and, of course, the fireworks display over Pensacola Bay at 9 pm. What’s more, this display is

Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit Comes to the MESS Hall

Join us this summer as the MESS Hall presents a new exhibit that is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service: The Bias Inside Us. This exhibit puts implicit bias under a microscope to examine the science behind it, how it affects all of our lives in hidden ways, and how you can #ReTrainYourBrain. The exhibit will only be at the MESS Hall for a limited time from July 15th to August 15th, so be sure to check it out while it’s here!

The traveling exhibit is different from some of the MESS Hall’s usual offerings and is geared more for teenagers and adults. However, the MESS Hall will still have most of its normal exhibits and activities still available while the traveling exhibit is here. Along with having a physical exhibit installation, we will also be incorporating new hands-on activities on-site and in our Outreach programs, so stay tuned for more information on those exciting developments. For more information on the exhibit and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, please visit https://biasinsideus.si.edu/homepage.

Cinemas in the Sand

Pack up your beach chairs and a blanket and dig your toes in the sugar-white sand while watching classic family movies on Pensacola Beach. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) invites families and kids, young and old, to its newest event – Cinemas in the Sand movie nights on Pensacola Beach. All movies are free to the public and will start at sunset on a giant inflatable outdoor movie screen in front of the Gulfside Pavilion stage, weather permitting. July Movies: July 14: The Sandlot and July 28: Moana. Visit https://www. visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-calendar/ for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Scholarship Award Program

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is excited to announce we have been selected to benefit from a scholarship award program that will provide a pathway to college for ten local high school students and graduates, who are involved in our mentoring programs.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is partnering with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to award $4.2million in college scholarships to students living in the most poverty-stricken zip codes in the state, providing 2-year scholarships to 1,000 students over the next four years.

FPL’s donation of $2.1 million, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, is the largest contribution to date since the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program launched two years ago. The Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program is a partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation, to reduce childhood poverty in our state by providing deserving students with the ability to afford higher education.

“Florida is our home, and we are dedicated to creating a brighter future for all who live here” says FPL Vice President and General Manager of Northwest Florida, J.T. Young. “Through this partnership, we are honored to help provide a more hopeful future for students who have so much promise and potential – and perhaps welcome them one day to the FPL team.”

The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida Chamber Foundation is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida, along with other organizations, to identify students and provide mentoring as part of the scholarship award. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida contacted high school students who met the scholarship criteria and among those eligible, ten students were approved. These recipients will be able to use the scholarships at Florida public colleges and universities, as well as technical and vocational schools.

“Having a wonderful partner, such as FPL, makes our work extra special” says BBBS NWFL President and CEO, Paula Shell. “They are opening a door many of our Littles would never be able to walk through and are truly changing lives for the better, forever. We are so excited to see the path each Little walks with this opportunity.”

We are grateful to Florida Power & Light Company and their commitment to helping Florida students reach their full potential and their continuous support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

Autauga County Schools

Ferry Pass Middle School Odyssey Teams Rank Top Quarter at World Finals

Two teams from Ferry Pass Middle School competed at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan May 25-27. Both teams, representing the state of Florida, performed exceptionally, ranking in the top quarter of all teams! FPMS Problem 3 “Classics...The Walls of Troy” placed 16th out of 54 International Teams. FPMS Problem 5 “The Most Dramatic Problem Ever” placed 15th out of 66 International Teams. The competition consisted of a Long Term Problem solution performance for each Problem that teams have worked on for many months and a Spontaneous Problem the teams must complete and get scored on without prior knowledge of what it is. The FPMS teams met students from all over the world, exchanging ideas and culture at the International Fest and throughout the week. One such activity that brought all ages and cultures together was the very popular activity of pin trading. Each State/Region/Country produces special pins each year, which make collectors keen on collecting the most unique and hard to find individual pins and pin sets. The students made memories to last a lifetime and want to thank all of the community members that so generously donated to make this trip possible.

Booker T. Washington High School Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall in New York

18 choir students from Booker T. Washington High School in Escambia County received the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. Last September, a recorded audition from the Booker T. Washington choir, consisting of three songs, was submitted for consideration into the “Festival at Carnegie Hall.” In October, the choir received an email confirming their acceptance. The choir got the chance to perform under the conductorship of Dr. Edith Copely.

Sunflower Science at St. Paul Catholic School

While studying the structures of life in our science unit, third graders at St. Paul Catholic School had fun learning about the life cycle of plants with a special visitor, Mr. Gasi. Mr. Gasi brought mammoth sunflower seeds for everyone to plant!

Beulah Middle FFA Aquaculture Team Places 2nd In Florida

Beulah Middle School

Future Farmers of America Aquaculture Team placed second in Florida. Join us in celebrating our Future Farmers of America Aquaculture Team at Beulah Middle School. Congratulations go to Jayden Williams, Harrison Vernier, Ezekiel Flores, and Henry Merritt. Vernier and Merritt were both top 6 scoring individuals in the state.

Tate High School Girls Tennis Team Won the District 1-3A Runner-up

The Tate High School girls tennis team won the District 1-3A runner-up spot. Coach Dave Bonucchi had a team of amazing athletes this year. Join us in celebrating this accomplishment by KJ Crow, Ansli Brown, Ashlyn Greeson, Riley Robbins and Neyanie Linares.

N.B. Cook Annual Senior Walk

On Friday, May 19, N.B. Cook Elementary hosted its 2nd Annual Senior Walk, where graduating seniors that once attended N.B. Cook were welcomed back to walk the halls and be celebrated by current students. Current students lined the halls with signs of congratulations, cheering and offering high-fives as our graduates walked past. This event brings former faculty/staff and administration together with the seniors and ends in a school-wide singing of our school songs.

“I believe this was an exciting moment for our current students as well as our graduating seniors,” said Principal Larry Knight. “Our students got a glimpse of where hard work and perseverance will lead them. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many more years to come.” Many of these seniors are off to college campuses or trade schools around the country.

Pensacola Catholic High Student Council Hosts Final ‘Crazy Competition’

Every year the Pensacola Catholic High School Student Council hosts a variety of student competitions on campus during which members of the four classes go against each other in friendly athletic events for “the win” and bragging rights. The 2022-2023 school year was no different except that this year a new competition, Dodgeball, was introduced. The Freshman Class of 2026 took bragging rights in October when they won the Crazy Crusader Kickball Challenge that was held on the Lady Crusaders Softball field. And then it is all “Seniors”, the Class of 2023, as they won the Conquer the Court competition that was held in March and the inaugural Dodgeball Competition that was held in April. Thank you to Julie Remke, English Teacher and Student Council Moderator, and all of the teachers who help coach and officiate these great competitions!

Pictured: Victors of the Dodgeball Classic – Seniors – Class of 2023.

Autauga County Schools

Creative Learning Academy Celebrates This Year’s Eighth Grade Graduates

Creative Learning Academy’s Eighth Grade Graduation ceremony was a heartwarming and memorable event held on Thursday evening, May 25, 2023, at 6pm in CLA’s Gymnasium. The graduating eighth graders, accompanied by their families and friends, gathered to celebrate their achievements and bid farewell to their middle school years. The ceremony was filled with nostalgic moments as the graduates shared their cherished class memories, spanning from their preprimary grades to their final year at CLA. This year, our graduating kindergartners took part in the festivities. They delighted the audience with their performances of “Everything Grows” and “Friend of Mine”. The kindergartners’ participation added a touch of innocence and joy to the event, reminding everyone of the transformative journey the Eighthgrade students had undergone during their time at CLA. Special recognition was also given to the dedicated faculty members who have been teaching at CLA for over ten years. Their unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of their students was acknowledged and appreciated by the students and administration. The valedictorian of the graduating class, Ella Mediate, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech that resonated with her fellow classmates and the attendees. Her words not only captured the essence of their collective journey but also offered encouragement and optimism for the future endeavors that lie ahead for each graduate.

With great pride and admiration, Kim Stafford, Head of School, and Elizabeth Daza, Board of Trustees president, presented the graduating students with their well-deserved diplomas, symbolizing the successful completion of their middle school education. This significant milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in these students’ lives, as they prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities of high school. As the graduates embark on their next journey, they carry with them the memories and lessons from CLA, ready to embrace the challenges and successes that await them in the years to come.

St. Paul Catholic Presents Alice in Wonderland

Bravo! St. Paul Catholic School’s Musical Theater students spent all semester working on their production of Alice in Wonderland. Students not only performed, but made costumes, designed the set, choreographed and managed the lighting and sound!

Pensacola High Seniors Sign to Play College Basketball

Brian Harris, the son of Pensacola High School’s athletic director and boys basketball head coach, inked his letter of intent to play basketball at Spring Hill College. While his teammate at Pensacola High, Jonah Carter signed to play for John Melvin University.

Montessori School of Pensacola Presents Ancient Civilization Fair

Upper Elementary students at Montessori School of Pensacola presented a special day of immersion into the history and traditions of six ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Greece, China, India, Egypt, and Rome. The class has studied these civilizations over the course of the school year, learning about the contributions and lifestyles of them each. The year’s study culminated in fair that students worked in groups to present to their families, as well as Lower Elementary students and staff. Each station presented about art, culture, government, clothing, and food from one of the civilizations. Each student brought a bowl as they visited each station, so that they could try food from each place, including eating dumplings with chopsticks. It was a fun and engaging way to share the rich cultural

Animals Visit Summer Camp at Montessori School of Pensacola

Montessori School of Pensacola

campers took part in hands-on crafting fun at the first week of summer camp, which was animal themed. Campers created swirly snake crafts, animal puppets, and colorful animal costume headbands. There was also an opportunity for the children at camp to bring in photographs of their pets to share information with the rest of camp (those that do not have a pet at home, were able to bring a photo of their favorite animal). The week of camp ended on Friday with an exciting visit from Animal Tales. This live animal education provides safe and entertaining programs that provide up close and hands on experiences with animals. Campers got to see and learn about a Madagascar boa constrictor snake, an African bullfrog, a prairie dog, and a red-crested turaco bird. For more info about Animal Tales: https://www.animaledzoocation.com/southeast/#

Pine Forest Alum Devon Witherspoon Selected in First Round by Seahawks

For the third consecutive year, a premier college prospect from the Pensacola area has been drafted to the NFL. Pine Forest High School Devon Witherspoon and University of Illinois standout was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the fifth pick during the first round of the NFL Draft.

Pensacola Catholic High Crubotics Team Takes First Place

Pensacola Catholic High School Robotics Team, also known as ‘Crubotics,’ once again competed in the Gulf Coast Regional MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) competition, hosted by Dauphin Island Sea Lab in April. Crubotics, over 20 members strong, competed in two different classifications. The Ranger and Navi gator teams spent a combined 1,400 hours using the engineering process to plan, build and test two Remotely Operated Vehicles (underwater robots) to accomplish simulations of real-world scenarios such as making scientific observations as well as removal of obstacles and placement of simulated solar arrays and wind turbines. This year’s theme was aligned with the “United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.” It was intended to inspire our global community to embrace environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts to create a sustainable future on our ocean planet” (materovcompetition.org). For the second year in a row, the Ranger Team won First Place in their division and earned an invitation to the MATE International Competition which this year is being held in Longmont, Colorado on June 20-25.

St. Paul Catholic School Class of 2023

The St. Paul Catholic School 8th Grade Class enjoyed an end of the year trip to OWA! They kept a great attitude through the pouring rain in the morning and persevered to a sunny afternoon of fun and laughter- and dry clothes!

Autauga County Schools

Moving Up at Montessori School of Pensacola

8th grade students graduated from Montessori School of Pensacola. There werw 14 graduates this year headed off to high school this fall. The high schools they will be attending are: Washington HS, School of Liberal Arts, Catholic HS, Pensacola HS IB, Gulf Breeze HS, FL Virtual, and Tate HS. Each year, the 8th graders write speeches about their time attending MSP. Many of the students have attended MSP since they were 18 months. They presented about their favorite pieces of Montessori work that they have gotten to use over the years, plus reflections about their school trips, favorite teachers, and funny memories. The 7th grade students sing songs and

Northview Boys Weightlifters Finish as District Runner-ups

The Northview High School boys weightlifters earned individual district championships and the team finished as district runner-ups. Congratulations to Dustin Santinelli in the 119-pound, Tony Antrim in the 129-pound class and Blake Yoder in the 199-pound class.

Northview High and Central Seniors Named EREC Scholarship Winners

Drake Driskell from Escambia County and Elisabeth Stowers of Santa Rosa County have been named as the winners of Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 2023 Herman D. Johnson Scholarship Awards

Drake Driskell is a senior at Northview High School and is the son of Allen and Michelle Driskell. He would like to study anesthesiology. Driskell is the academic commander and command master chief of Northview’s NJROTC, class treasurer, and is involved in several sports including baseball, cross country and track. Driskell is the Beta Club president and participates in Math Club and Phi Theta Kappa and an Atmore Rotary Club scholar. Drake was an EREC delegate for the 2022 Tallahassee and Washington youth tours. “This scholarship would allow me to dive deeper into my studies and focus on my education,” Driskell said. “Thank you to EREC for investing in me.” Elisabeth Stowers is a senior at Central School and is the daughter of Myra Cole Robinson. Elisabeth plans to use this scholarship to pursue a nursing degree. She is the senior Beta Club president and National Honor Society officer. She participates in the Spanish Club and the Debate Club. Stowers has many hours volunteering for New Life Baptist and at events in her community. “The Herman D. Johnson Scholarship will definitely benefit me,” said Stowers. “It will help me achieve my goals of becoming a nurse and helping children with cancer. I want them to feel loved and safe through their toughest time.”

Tate Baseball Presents Annual Awards Named For Former Aggies

Tate High School Baseball has presented three annual awards named for men who have played at Tate and impacted the program and people by showing some combination of moral character, athleticism, excellent work ethic and high academic achievements. Ethan McAnally received the Travis Fryman Scholarship Award. Brayden Noble received the Chris Moorehead Award, and Drew Reaves received the Trace Penton Award.

East Hill Hosts Baseball Skills Camp

Looking to grow your skills out on the diamond this summer? Join the East Hill Eagles for one of our Baseball Skills Camps! These camps, offered in July and August, offer in depth baseball instruction to develop all players, from beginners to advanced. These camps will help your player prepare for competitive level baseball while fostering a Christ-centered approach to the game and sportsmanship. Learn more and register today at www.easthill-bc.org.

Autauga County Schools

St. Paul Catholic School Spartan Spectacular Glow Gallery 2023

Art teacher Julie Fink and her St. Paul Catholic School students worked hard all spring to create treasure from trash! The Treasure Our Florida Habitat exhibit used found and recycled items and neon glow paint to simulate an out of this world experience of traveling down the Escambia River and into the Pensacola Bay! The Glow Gallery was buzzing with visitors all night long! Sculpture from recycled items, kiln-fired clay sculpture, watercolor and acrylic paintings, chalk pastel drawings- our Spartan students have a hand in it all. This year’s Glow Gallery highlighted the native species of Northwest Florida and reminded us all of the nega tive impact of human trash and even our presence, but it is our duty as stewards of this earth to never give up hope for a future where all species are protected and allowed to flourish.

Tropic Falls is the tropical getaway with something for everybody! One ticket includes 23 theme park rides, the region’s biggest indoor water park and the all-new Big Water Bay wave pool complete with Coastal Curl surf simulator! Now you can enjoy it all and save more with the Family 4 Pack! Save $49.96 on four general admission tickets for a limited time—get all the details at VisitOWA.com!

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

In grade school my son loved celebrating his summer birthday with a big party that included family, friends and everyone in his class. But after the last slice of cake was eaten and all the guests had gone home there was still one activity left, opening the pile of gifts. It became overwhelming and reached the point where his birthday seemed bigger than Christmas. It was time for a lesson in giving.

If your child is overloaded with gifts on his or her birthday, or if you feel it is time to teach the gift of giving, consider hosting a charitable birthday party this year. Your child will still enjoy celebrating his or her big day with friends and family. But instead of bringing a gift, ask your guests to bring a donation to a charity of your child’s choice. So your child won’t completely miss out on the new bike they’d been hoping for, limit gift giving to just family members. Or one big present from mom and dad.

Here are some ideas to get the party started

For your sporty child: Consider an activity like swimming, soccer, indoor ice skating, miniature golf, bowling, a bounce house at home or an indoor inflatables destination. Ask your guests to bring new or used shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls (soles4souls.org). This organization distributes donations to the needy in the United States and countries in Central and South America and Africa. Or find a local charity that accepts used

For the animal lover: Contact your local humane society to find out if they host kid’s birthday parties. If not, throw the party at home and have the kids make toys, blankets or anything else your humane society suggests for their homeless pets. Or take a trip to the zoo. Ask your guests to donate to the World Wildlife fund (worldwildlife.org) and they can adopt an animal they’d like to help. Adoptable animals include elephants, penguins, tigers and panda bears. Or, if you’re brave enough, throw a party with the local lizard guy at your house. Encourage guests to make donations to Heifer International (heifer.org) and let kids pick from a gift of goats, a present of pigs or any of the other animals Heifer International will provide to needy families in third world countries. The National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) also maintains an adopt an animal program. With a donation you can adopt a gray wolf, harp seal or great horned owl to name a few.

For your little chef: These days cooking is all the rage and it isn’t just for adults anymore. Try hosting a cooking party for your little food lover. Check to see if there is a local venue like a specialty grocery store or cooking school that hosts parties for kids. Or a business that will come to your home and conduct a class. Or even a mobile culinary school. If not, use your own kitchen and host a pizza making party. Provide chef hats and individual pizza crusts for each child and a variety of toppings and let them make their own pie. Or make homemade ice cream and provide a choice of toppings like fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, candies, or crushed cookies. Ask your guests to bring food to donate to your local food pantry.

Host a Happy Doll party: For a child who loves dolls, Happydoll.org provides dolls and all the materials needed so your guests can decorate a doll for a needy child. Each guest gets a cloth doll and non-toxic pens to design their own unique doll. Each doll has a specific tracking code so you can track where each decorated doll has traveled. Dolls are shipped to needy children throughout the U.S., and throughout the world including Haiti, India and China.

For the generous child: If your child just wants a simple but fun birthday party without a specific theme, host a cake and ice cream, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, musical chairs, and piñata kind of party that you may have enjoyed as a child. Consider donating to the children’s ward of a local hospital or to Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities. Or collect books and school supplies to donate to a church or other organization that helps local kids in need.

And if you want to send a little something home with your generous guests, say goodbye to the junk of the goody bag and try one of these simple ideas instead: make a craft like a friendship bracelet or a rubber band bracelet, ice cream cone gift certificate, local kid’s restaurant small gift certificate, sidewalk chalk, small book, homemade snacks like granola, trail mix or muffins (be sure to check for allergies.)

Lisa Nord Seplak is a freelance writer and mom who enjoys planning teachable activities with her family.

Is the Threat of De-Dollarization Real?

Q I’m hearing more and more about “dedollarization” and how several countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade. Will this affect the strength of the dollar, and should I be concerned about how I’m saving and investing because of this?

A. First and foremost, I care enough about you to say you may be spending way too much time on the internet, buddy. You’re drifting into the realm of conspiracy theories here, so let’s slow down and take a look at some facts.

China, Brazil and Russia are the three main players in all this. They already don’t use the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade—all three have their

U.S. dollar. Those three countries, along with some of the oil-producing countries from the Middle East they’re trying to get on board with the idea, are talking about developing one currency they all use. In international trade, that currency would be converted back and forth to dollars— much like what Europe did with the euro. Which, by the way, really hasn’t worked out so well. Are those countries going to be able to devalue the dollar by doing that? No. Why? Because while those countries take up a lot of land mass, they don’t take up a lot of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the world. The United States still represents the vast majority of the world’s GDP. Sure, China’s big in that regard. But

Russia doesn’t bring much to the table, and Brazil is barely scraping by in a failed economy. Plus, they’re tiny as far as economics are concerned. I mean, Texas probably has a larger GDP than Brazil.

In other words, they just don’t have the muscle to take down the dollar mathematically speaking. Now, if they do manage to put this idea together, it still won’t end in “de-dollarization.”

The dollar will not be done away with. Even if they create their own currency,

Campus Church

115 Saint John Street Pensacola, 32503

Dates: July 9 - 13, 2023

Times: 6:15pm - 8:15pm

Ages: K4 - 6th grade (850) 479-6575 info@campuschurch.com www.campuschurch.com

Christ Church

18 West Wright Street Pensacola, 32501

Dates: July 10-13, 2023 Times: 8:30am - 11:30am

Ages: K - 5th grade Theme: Twists and Turns (850) 432-5115 victoria@christ-church.net www.christ-church.net

Charity Chapel 5820 Montgomery Avenue Pensacola, 32526

Dates: July 10-13, 2023

Times: 9:00am - 12:15pm

Ages: 4 years (must be 4 by July 10) - 7th grade Theme: Wild Life (850) 944-5520 www.charitychapel.org

All Saints Church 901 N. New Warrington Rd. Pensacola

Dates: July 10 - July 14 Times: 9am-12pm

Ages: PreK - 6th grade Theme: P.R.O.O.F. Pirates (850) 292-5186 www.allsaintsfl.net

East Brent Baptist Church 4801 N Davis Hwy Pensacola, 32503

Dates: July 10-14, 2023 Times: 8:30am - 12:00pm Ages: K4-5th grade

Theme: Twists and Turns (850) 477-5812 info@eastbrent.com www.eastbrent.com

Redeemer Lutheran Church 333 Commerce St., Pensacola 32507

Dates: July 10-14, 2023

Times: 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Ages: Completed K - completed 4th grade

Theme: God’s Wonder Lab Dinner, music, Bible stories, and crafts (850) 455-0330

redeemerpensacola@yahoo.com

www.redeemerschoolpensacola.org

Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church

1030 N 57th Ave Pensacola, 32506

Dates: July 24-28, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Rising K-5th grade

Theme: Superhero Hotline (850) 456-7463 (Ext 5) jlbpensmgumc@gmail.com

www.atthegrove.church

WinShape Camps Gulf Breeze

1122 Oriole Beach Road Gulf Breeze, 32563

Dates: July 31-August 4, 2023

Times: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 12pm

Ages: K5 - 5th grade (850) 932-8197 www.winshapecamps.org

When I received the invite to my nephew’s, pirate party I was worried. The event was being held during the winter time at his house so all the five-year-old kids would be cooped up. How would over twenty kids be entertained in a small area indoors? Would I hear so many chaotic screams of “Arrr’s” and “Ahoy’s” that I would want to walk the plank?

My fears subsided when I beheld the enormous cardboard-created pirate ship in their living room. If the boat hadn’t been so crowded with kids, then I would have jumped inside of it myself. When I noticed organized activity stations set up throughout the house, I knew all the kids would have a blast. The party was a huge success that my kids still talk about four years later.

The pirate party isn’t the only impressive at-home one my sister and brotherin-law, Tara and Mike, have hosted. They had other events for my nephew and two nieces. The themes of their parties include knights and princesses, western cowboys and cowgirls, fairies and gnomes, Star Wars, and pirates. For all their parties they created a life-size cardboard centerpiece such as a castle or western town for the kids to play in and games centered around the theme along with a favor to take home. Homemade treats and a cake are abundant at every gathering.

So, what is the secret to throwing an epic birthday party on a dime?

Planning In Advance

The Stull Family is already planning the next unicorn theme party for June. They get ideas from Pinterest and other craft-

ing websites. Sometimes they brainstorm ideas on their own. This planning helps them to have enough time to create all the activities and cardboard centerpiece.

Potential Savings: $25-$50. Advanced planning allows them to buy sale items and use coupons.

Homemade

Almost everything at parties are homemade from the cardboard centerpieces to the games, food and favors. This significantly cuts down the cost of the parties which were all under $200.

Potential Savings: $50-$75 by not buying a store-bought cake, games or favors.

Team Work

Tara and Mike Stull work together creating the life-size centerpiece, games, favors and homemade baking. They also include their kids in the process of coming up with ideas and creating the items. By working together, they don’t become too overwhelmed with the planning and creating that is involved. It also makes the process more fun for the entire family.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by working together, the less they need to purchase store bought items.

Old School Games With A Theme

At the parties, they offer simple games that everyone loves, and they incorporate the theme into the game. Instead of a typical water gun fight, they created a water gun shooting range in the western theme party. Or instead of pin the tail on the donkey it was pin the lightsaber on Yoda for the Star Wars theme party. Some other games they played are a pirate scavenger hunt for gold coins, relay cowboy horse races and beware of the shark cardboard toss bean bag game.

Potential Savings: $100-$200 by not hosting the party at an outside venue such as a play gym, bowling alley or laser tag place.

Finding Free or Discounted Items

Tara and Mike asked local appliance stores for free cardboard boxes to create the

SummerBrightSmiles

centerpiece, games, and favors. They also got deeply discounted “mistake paint” for a quarter of the price (around $9 instead of $40) that people returned because they didn’t like the color from Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by not purchasing cardboard boxes, games and favors also savings from purchasing mistake paint which can be used for crafts, games or painting the cardboard centerpieces.

Using Coupons and Purchasing Sale Items

They purchase some of the items at Michael’s and other craft stores using coupons. They also use coupons at the grocery store to buy the food for the party. Coupons can be found at the store’s website or app or by signing up for the store’s emails. Also coupons can be found at online coupon website like Coupons.com.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 by using coupons and purchasing sale items.

Selling on Craigslist or Marketplace

After the last party, they sold some games they made for $30. They plan to do this for future parties.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 depending on the items created and sold. You could also sell your household items prior to the event to help fund it.

Who’s Ready to Party?

These parties are a lot of work, but the whole family loves creating a memorable event. I know that we are anxiously awaiting the next unicorn party. Who knows maybe we will even spy a real one?

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

Cakes & Treats

Baskin-Robbins

205 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

Custom ice cream cakes. Online ordering available.

850-934-6958 www.facebook.com/ GulfBreezeBaskinRobbins

Bubba’s Sweet Spot

412 South Palafox Street, Pensacola

A candy store and ice cream parlor in Downtown Pensacola. Offering caramel, fudge and chocolate treats!

850-332-6696 bubbasweetspot.com

Cakes & More by Alicia Milton

Sweet treats for all occasions. Specialty cakes, cupcakes, gourmet cookies, cookie baskets, custom designed sugar cookies and cake pops. Themed cookies make great party favors! By appointment only.

850-319-8180 cakesandmorebyalicia.com

Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Shoppe and Café’

236 West Garden Street, Pensacola

Special occasion cheesecakes for birthdays, weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and more!

850-438-5650 www.chrisoulascheesecakeshoppe.com

Crumbl Cookies

1670 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola

Crumbl has the best cookies in the world! Our unique flavors rotate each week and catering flavors available! Order for delivery, curbside pickup, catering & nationwide shipping.

850-905-6414 www.crumblcookies.com/pensacola

Ever’man

1000 E Nine Mile Road, Pensacola

850-316-3700

315 W Garden Street, Pensacola

850-438-0402

At Ever’man we offer great party desserts with great ingredients. Our wide selection of cookies, cakes, pies, AND MORE will have you coming back for every occasion. www.everman.org

Great American Cookie Company

5100 North 9th Ave (Cordova Mall), Pensacola

We offer the finest fresh-baked products for every celebration. We offer online ordering also available!

850-478-2200 www.greatamericancookies.com

J’s Bakery & Cafe

2014 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola

Adorable custom cakes, cupcakes, pastries and other delicious treats are available at J’s. Check out J’s Pastry on Facebook to view samples of a few delicious creations.

850-439-6546 www.jsbakeryandcafe.com

Marble Slab

5405 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola

Celebrate a birthday with an ice cream cake.

850-478-4547 www.marbleslab.com

Sherry’s Cake Shop

510 Massachusetts Avenue, Pensacola

Offering custom design cakes, cookies and more. Visit us on Facebook!

850-433-4208 www.sherryscakeshop.com

Smallcakes of Pensacola

5046 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola

Gourmet cupcakes, homemade ice cream, custom cakes and more. Smallcakes: A Cupcakery, as seen on the Food Network and Cupcake Wars. 850-332-5245 www.smallcakescupcakery.com

Sweet Creations by Sharon

My unique, artistic designs will provide a sweet addition to your special day.

850-341-6674 www.sweetcreationsbysharon.com

Szotski’s Cheesecakes

2600 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola

We offer the largest selection of Cheesecake flavors in Pensacola.

850-466-3477 www.szotskis-cheesecakes.com

Entertainment to You

A DJ Connection

10311 Chemstrand Road, Pensacola

Enjoy the finest entertainment, crowd games, music, lighting, audio and video with over 50,000 songs!

850-968-1968 www.adjconnection.com

Animal Tales, LLC

Pensacola and surrounding areas

Make your next event one to remember by inviting live educational animal ambassadors. We aim to educate, entertain, and inspire!

570-428-4259 www.AnimalEdZoocation.com

Crazy Acres Ranch

3030 Highway 90, Molino

Pony parties for birthdays, churches, scouts and family reunions. Trail rides, lessons & camps.

850-206-8113 facebook.com/CrazyAcres

Ranch

Iron Horse Stables

11 Eden Lane, Cantonment

Horseback riding in Northwest Florida offering pony parties, summer camps, riding lessons, and boarding.

850-982-0954 www.iron-horse-stables.com

La Maison of Cards - Magic School

Looking for an enchanting birthday experience?

Look no further than La Maison of Cards - Pensacola’s First Magic School. Be prepared for mind-blowing shows and awesome magic lessons that’ll leave your kids spellbound. Don’t miss out on the ultimate magical celebration – book your spot today!

850-501-7692 www.lamaisonofcards.com

Neighborhood Children’s Theatre

Bring us to your neighborhood! Theatre, music, dance, or yoga classes can be themed to any birthday party or private event. Ages 2-99! Call for further details.

857-220-8589 www.myneighborhoodtheatre.com

Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters

Party Animals For Hire!!! A fun hands-on learning adventure featuring small exotic animals for birthdays! Nonie can also hostess your birthday party with decorations, games, prizes, and the cake!

850-862-9588 www.noniesark.com

Pensacola Photo Booth

10311 Chemstrand Road, Pensacola

Visit our website to check availability and reserve a photo booth for your event.

850-968-1968 www.pensacolaphotobooth.com

Radiant Face and Body Art

At Radiant Face and Body Art we provide professional face painting, balloon artists, and other awesome entertainment for your next party, or event! We specialize in creating smiles and memories that last a lifetime!

850-366-2249 www.facebook.com/RadiantFaceandBodyArt/

Reno’s Reptiles

Pensacola

Reptile shows for birthday parties, scouts, picnics, church groups, charity events, daycares, and even for some local schools. Choose from a variety of reptiles for your event.

850-393-3004 www.renosreptiles.com

Kona Ice

Have Kona Ice Truck come to your next Birthday Party. We call it the Kona Entertainment Vehicle, because well...that’s what it is - a party on wheels!

850-262-8100 www.kona-ice.com/local-site/ kona-ice-of-gulf-breeze-and-greater-pensacola

Places to Party

Clash eSports & VR Experience

ad on page 19

101-G North OWA Boulevard , Foley

Offering Virtual Reality, PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch gaming plus a private game room for groups! Play your favorite games and the newest games, on the market’s fastest equipment.

251-257-1400 info@ClashOWA.com www.clashesportsowa.com

Cordova Lanes

ad on page 27

2111 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola Birthday party-$150.00 for two lanes, $50.00 for additional lanes, plus tax. Reservations required.

850-477-2300 info@cordovalanes.com www.cordovalanes.com

LaBelle Performing Arts

ad on page 14

8253 Chellie Road, Pensacola

Let LaBelle take the worry out of planning your child’s birthday party! We are proud to offer child friendly themes, a carefully planned itinerary, engaging & varied activities! Call LaBelle Performing Arts today!

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

Laguna’s

ad on page 23

460 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Pensacola

Celebrate a birthday or host a group outing at Pen-

sacola Beach’s most family-friendly venue. Unique attractions, fun for all ages and GREAT FOOD. Inquire about your private event online today.

850-677-3905 www.lagunaspensacolabeach.com

OWA Theater

ad on page 19

205 N OWA Blvd, Foley One Venue. Countless entertainment options. Or, rent the entire venue for your own event! This 430+ seat theater is perfect for any occasion. 251-369-6100 Theater@VisitOWA.com

Pensacola Cooks Kitchen

ad on page 8

4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite C, Pensacola

A PCKids’ birthday cooking party is a fun-filled, incredible edible “edutaining” culinary experience full of hands-on activities for budding chefs! Choose from over 10 menu themes available. Food sensitive menu options (gluten, lactose, nut, and sugar free) available. Parties for children 616 years.

850-456-0743 www.pensacolacooks.com

Pensacola Parks and Recreation

ad on Inside Back Cover

The City of Pensacola offers a variety of facilities for private and public events. Visit Facility Rentals on our website to learn more about Community Maritime Park, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, Osceola Golf Course, Roger Scott Tennis Center, Resource Centers & Park Shelter Reservations, Event Permitting & Park Rentals.

850-436-5670 www.playpensacola.com

Splash City

ad on page 13

6709 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola

We offer some of the best parties in the Pensacola area! Your party guests will go crazy over the water slides, amusement attractions, go-karts, and more. Many different party packages, visit us online to see all the options.

850-505-0800 www.splashcityadventures.com

Tropic Falls OWA

ad on page 19

1501 South OWA Boulevard, Foley Tropic Falls at OWA includes a ride-focused theme park, all-new indoor water park with a convertible roof, and outdoor wave pool and surf simulator—all just minutes from Alabama beaches on the Foley Beach Express. See the OWA website for seasonal hours, special offers and events!

251-923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com

Alligator Alley

19950 Highway 71, Summerdale

Give your child a birthday party they’ll never forget! After your adventure along the boardwalk, have your two hour party in the air conditioned sunroom, where everyone can hold a baby alligator.

251-946-2483 www.gatoralleyfarm.com

AMC Bayou 15

5149 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola

Visit the AMC theatre location nearest you online to view current and upcoming movie showtimes and event options. www.amctheatres.com

AMC Classic Pensacola 18

6595 North “W” Street, Pensacola

Visit the AMC theatre location nearest you online to view current and upcoming movie showtimes and events. www.amctheatres.com

Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site

5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton

Birthday parties include private Treetop Classroom use. Explore our museum and grounds, and celebrate with Arcadia Mill! Visit https://historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill/venue-rentals/ for more information.

850-626-3084 www.historicpensacola.org/ explore-arcadia-mill

Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA

165 E Intendencia St, Pensacola

Pool party reservations are available to members and community participants. Your party includes swim time and access to our party room/multipurpose room and locker rooms, plus a dedicated staff person to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience.

850-438-4406 ymcanwfl.org

Blue Wahoos

351 West Cedar Street, Pensacola

Knock it out of the park by throwing a Blue Wahoos birthday celebration! Packages include a message on video board, visit from the Blue Wa-

hoos mascot, a Wahoos souvenir, ballpark meal, group seating for the game, and more.

850-934-8444 www.bluewahoos.com

Bounce House Pensacola

6241 North Davis Highway (Suite D), Pensacola

Bounce houses, slides, sports games, video games, toddler area and private party room. Bounce House of Pensacola has fun filled party packages!

850-417-4692 www.bouncehousepensacola.com

Breeze Cinema 8

1233 Crane Cove Boulevard, Gulf Breeze

We offer birthday parties for children. Parties include: currently showing movie of your choice, child’s concession pack (popcorn, drink, candy), use of party area and a special surprise for the birthday child.

850-934-3315 www.movieshowtime.net/theaterlocations.html

Chuck E. Cheese

7350 Plantation Road, Pensacola

Family-friendly entertainment, kids birthday parties, pizza, and arcade games.

850-476-7724 www.chuckecheese.com

Code Ninjas

3 W. 9 Mile Rd Suite #5, Pensacola

Come join us for STEM-TASTIC Party. We offer 2 ½ hour gaming or STEM focused parties for kids aged 5+ We provide the fun and you just bring the kids!

850-889-8636 www.codeninjas.com/fl-pensacola

Colbert‘s Martial Art Academy

8628 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola

Specialized martial art classes for preschool aged children, adolescents, teens and adults. My 2500 sq. ft. facility partners with LizzieWorld Events to sponsor children and adult parties, family reunions, weddings, receptions and other social gatherings.

850-476-1188 www.calvincolbert.com

DeLuna Lanes

590 East 9 Mile Road, Pensacola

Pizza, cake, bowling, friends, fun! DeLuna Lanes offers parties for all occasions. Call or visit our website for party options and reservations.

850-478-9522 www.delunalanes.com

Dreamland Skate Center

2607 East Olive Road, Pensacola

Dreamland offers great packages for public or private parties for all ages. Check out our Birthday Party Information Page to see the selection of Party Packages we offer.

850-478-3994 www.myskatecenter.com/welcome-to-dreamland

Ellen’s Art

1265 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze

Make this a party to remember with our special Art Parties. Each party includes art instruction as you create a wonderful project together, followed by time for refreshments, etc.

850-934-8538 www.ellens-art.com

Emerald Coast Science Center

31 Memorial Parkway Southwest, Fort Walton

We’re positive the best birthday parties are a science. We offer 3 different themes for birthday party packages on Saturdays from 10:30am12:30pm or 1:30pm - 3:30pm.

850-664-1261 www.ecscience.org

Emerald Coast Zoo

5262 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview

We offer a great party package to make your child’s day special with an animal encounter, feed bags for the petting zoo, and reserved tables in our shaded oak grove.

850-682-3949 www.emeraldcoastzoo.com

Falbo’s Family Karate

3031 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

2 hour parties for ages 5 & up. Games, board breaking, & Karate. Open presents on a throne and cut your cake with a Samurai Sword.

850-934-7977 www.falbosfamilykarate.com

Fast Eddie’s Fun Center

505 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola

Fast Eddies provides a variety of party packages with entertainment options like go-karts, putt-putt, batting cages, arcade games and more! Visit our website to view Party Packages for one of our Private Party Rooms.

850-433-7735 www.fasteddiesfuncenter.com

Five Star Dance

5636 Woodbine Road, Pace

Five Star Dance Centre is now available to rent for a variety of events, including birthday parties.

850-748-2383 info@fivestardancecentre.com www.fivestardancecentre.com

Flippin Out

4062 Avalon Boulevard, Milton

Let us do the work! We set up, serve refreshments, and do the clean up for you! Parties include 1 hour of gymnastics activities, and 30 minutes of party time.

850-983-1410 flippinoutgym.com/birthday-parties

FunPlex of Gulf Breeze

3123 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

Gymnastics parties, bounce parties, combination of gym and bounce, nerf parties and more.

850-932-2297 www.the-funplex.com

Gulf Breeze Community Center

800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze

Reservations are available online for several indoor areas as well as parks, tennis courts, pavilions, splash pad, gymnasiums, meeting rooms and more.

850-934-5140 gulfbreezeparksandrecreation.com

Gulf Breeze Zoo

5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

Celebrate your kid’s birthday or host an event at Gulf Breeze Zoo, the WILDEST place in town! Party packages online. Use our online form to reach us or call to book today!

850-932-2229 www.gbzoo.com

Gulfarium

1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach

Have a splash-tastic day at the Gulfarium with your friends and family and enjoy lunch “under the sea” surrounded by beautiful tropical fish in our Living Sea event room. Please contact the Gulfarium for details.

850-243-9046 www.gulfarium.com

In His Steps Dance Studio

6231 North “W” Street (Suite 5), Pensacola

Please call for party information and reservations. 850-474-4922 www.inhisstepsinc.com

Martial Arts America

2258 Hwy 87 South, Navarre

850-939-9700

4050 Avalon Boulevard, Milton

850-983-0870

3921 Hwy 90, Pace

850-995-4191

A Karate Party is a fun and different way to celebrate a birthday. Call to schedule your party. www.ourkarate.com

Ninja Life

1211 Rainbow Ave, Pensacola

A Ninja Life birthday party is a great way to experience ninja warrior obstacles. Each party includes 1 hour in the gym. After gym time, we make our way into the party room for 45 minutes of Cake, Presents, and FUN!

850-466-3289 www.ninja-life.com

Oops Alley

3721 Highway 90, Pace

Whether it’s a birthday or a sports team think outside the box for your party. We have an easy, affordable & stress free way to have your party!

850-995-9393 www.oopsalley.com

Pensacola ATA

6247 North Davis Highway, Pensacola

In between all the fun games and activities, we also teach the kids some really cool martial arts moves. 850-791-6777 www.kickwithata.com/about-us/ pensacola-ata

Pensacola Children’s Museum

115 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola

You provide the cake, decorations, invitations. We provide the fun! All private birthday parties include exclusive use of Party Central Room and admission to the museum for all party guests

850-595-1559 www.historicpensacola.org

Pensacola Kids’ Place

3 West 9 Mile Road Suite 4, Pensacola

A clean, fun, safe indoor play zone for children crawling to 8 years old. Tunnels, slides, ball pit, educational toys and more. Private parties Available. 850-332-5085 www.facebook.com/pensacola kidsplace

Pensacola MESS Hall

418 E Wright St, Pensacola

A birthday party at the MESS Hall is a fun and educational event. Up to 20 kids become scientists as they explore the museum!

877-937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org

Pinspiration

6601 North Davis Highway Suite 5, Pensacola

An all-in-1 DIY Craft Studio based in Pensacola, FL! Splatter Room, Birthday Parties, Camps & more. 850-857-8418 www.pinspiration.com/locations/ pensacola/

Salute Gymnastics Academy

9326 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola

Private parties for kids of all ages! Packages also available to churches, businesses, schools, etc. Please call for reservations.

850-969-9111 salute gymnasticsacademy.com

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

5007 North Davis Highway (Unit 8a), Pensacola

Party options and booking available online.

850-378-2570 www.skyzone.com/pensacola

Sweet Frog

3749D Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

Let’s celebrate! Bring your kiddos, or just yourself to celebrate special moments or, just because! Ask about birthday parties and catering.

850-583-6405 www.sweetfrog.com/stores/ frozen-yogurt-gulf-breeze/35182

URU Yoga and Beyond

2400 Executive Plaza Drive , Pensacola Children’s Yoga Birthday Parties starting at $150. Childen’s Aerial Yoga Birthday Parties starting at $200. Yoga available at All 3 URU Yoga locations, aerial only at 2400 Executive Plaza Drive location.

850-377-5334 www.uruyoga.com

UWF Aquatic Center Pool Party

11000 University Parkway, Building 73, Pensacola Indoor pool with lifeguards on duty

850-474-2497 www.uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/recreationand-wellness/aquatics/pool-parties-and-grouprentals/

Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park

301 West Main Street , Pensacola

A multi-use, park development on Pensacola’s waterfront. Exhibition space, an amphitheater, playground, festival grounds and is also home the the Blue Wahoos Stadium. All or specific areas may be rented for private events.

850-436-5671 www.pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com

West Florida Railroad Museum

5003 Henry Street, Milton

Visit our website under Events for party information. The Dining Car is available to rent for

parties. This car is heated, air-conditioned, has a full kitchen and seats 36. To book a party please email: conductor@wfrm.org

850-623-3645 www.wfrm.org

Rental Entertainment / Party Supplies

Special and Sweet

ad on page 21

Our mission is to deliver smiles! Let us help you with our special celebration from grand balloon decor to sweet treats, fresh flowers and stuffed balloons for all your occasions, big or small. To see some of our work Find us on Facebook and Instagram @doitspecialandsweet

850-687-8486 doitspecialandsweet@gmail.com www.specialandsweet.com

Backyard Bouncers

Pensacola

Waterslides, bounce houses, interactive slides, dry slides, concessions, party supplies and more for rental.

850-475-8846 www.backyardbouncerspensacola.com

Bounce-N-Slide

Serving the Greater Pensacola Area, Bounce houses, slides, waterslides, moon walks, jumpers, and more. We deliver, set up, and take down inflatables.

850-384-6464 www.bounce-n-slide.com

Custom Baskets and Balloons

9254 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Custom balloon displays, arches, centerpieces,

gift baskets and more. Visit us on Facebook for pictures. We deliver!

850-479-4438 www.custombasketsballoons.com

Incredible Adventures Inflatables

Incredible Adventures will deliver the FUN! Bounce houses, Water Slides, Obstacle Courses, Sports Games, Snow Cones, and more! 850-776-1995

www.incredibleadventures inflatables.com

Kent’s Special Events

3877 North Palafox Street, Pensacola

Tents, tables, chairs, lighting, foam/bubble machine, conces sions. we are a full service rental and sales company. 850-932-3505 www.gokents.com

Magic Memories

Photography LLC –Photo Booth Rental Magic Memories Photo Booth is the premier supplier of photo booth rentals along the Gulf Coast regions of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. (251) 490-5693

www.magicmemoriesphoto.com

Outdoor Fun Inflatables

Elberta

Baldwin County, Surrounding Areas and parts of Pensacola! Obstacle courses, dry slides, water slides, tent, tables, & more.

251-923-7719 www.outdoorfuninflatables.com

Patriot Party Rentals

Inflatables and concessions rental items. 850-889-1020 www.patriotpartyrentals.com/

Pensacola Inflatables

We offer a diverse inventory of entertainment from inflatable water & dry slides, bounce houses, mechanical rides, rock climbing walls, movie screens, concessions and more. All rentals are overnight for FREE! Add a second day for 50% 850-602-9255 www.Pensacolainflatables.com

SupDogs Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals

Pensacola

Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals. They are delivered to your preferred paddle boarding location. Ask about options for birthday parties, corporate parties, youth groups and team building. 850-324-5584 www.isupdogs.com

Wonderful World of Air

Pensacola

Providing Pensacola and surrounding areas inflatable fun for any type of event!

850-316-5362 www.wonderfulworldofair.com

One of the best things I started doing as a mom was unconsciously implementing rhythms into my day.

They’re things that trigger other things or things triggered by other things.

These do not have to be complicated!

Rhythms are habits meant to create fluidity.

Rhythms are some of the most-autopilot-type things we, as moms, do throughout our day. They are likely ones you’re already doing and just haven’t specifically named. These can be applied to cleaning, getting out of the house, naptime, quiet time. Any time!

For example, I have rhythms that are literally visual signals for my kids, my family, or myself. At breakfast when we wake up, I open the shades and the back door to let the light in. At naptime midday, I turn off the big overhead lights. At bedtime, my nightstand lamp goes on. These help my brain (and my kids!) to visualize and understand our day is starting, or “Hey, it’s rest time, let’s be calm.” Or, “okay time to wind down for the night.”

These things can happen; and likely do — naturally. But you can also slowly set them in place to serve you and your daily flow of living. Whether you are a stay-at-home, work-at-home, or workout-of-the-home mom or dad, you are busy and you need these!

While the ones I use might look different than the ones you do, here are just some that have been particularly helpful to me in this season of young kids.

Morning Rhythms

In the morning while I let the dog out, I click on the coffee maker to brew. My daughter starts her morning preschool work at the dining room table, which I have set out the night before, and I put my toddler in his chair for breakfast. While they are sitting and contained, I put away the dishes set out to dry the night before and empty the dishwasher.

To help me with my rhythm I look for triggers to go to that next step. Dog outside = press the coffee maker, kids contained

= put away dishes without my one-year-old opening all the cabinets or grabbing at the glass plates.

These are the crucial first moments of our day, and while things don’t always run smoothly and perfectly, I can depend on them to get me started. Simplicity wins. And it also helps us function. So do rhythms that involve coffee because... priorities, right!?

Nap Time Rhythms

Every nap time, I put my youngest down and immediately throw in a load of laundry, make a cup of coffee, then sit at my computer to work. When my son wakes up from his afternoon nap, I grab pajamas for both kids to wear to bed while I am already upstairs and then set them in the bathroom on the counter. You may think getting pajamas to wear five hours later sounds insane, but hear me out.

It seems almost silly or trivial, but when they’re in the bath downstairs at 6:30 p.m. and their pajamas are upstairs in their dressers, no one’s leaving kids unattended to grab them. Signals and rhythms, once again, saving the evening chaos from more chaos!

I also do a speedy ten-minute pickup of the main areas during nap time to “reset” the day. This is quite literally a visual signal for reset, much like opening the blinds at the start of the day.

My major nap time triggers are: come down the stairs and pass the laundry room = start the washer, turn his sound machine off = grab pajamas.

Sounds simple enough, right?

2023

Discover Day Camp has been developed to address the real needs of students in a safe environment as they are prepared for the upcoming school year. The daily schedule includes instruction in math and reading skills

plus hands-on opportunities for discovery with fun interactive science experiments, planetarium field trips, computer adventures, robotics, virtual tours, and scavenger hunts.

for those who have just completed Grades 1– 6

Evening Rhythms

Every night I load the dishwasher after dinner. I also preset the coffee maker to run smoothly in the morning. Big lights in the main areas go off, lamps go on. Dishes get washed and set out on the mat to dry to be put away in the morning. When I shower at night, I set out my pajamas and also set out my clothes for the next day on my dresser.

My triggers here are: turning on the shower = get PJs as well as clothes for the next day, kids ready for bed = big lights off, coffee maker prepped, load dishwasher.

Cleaning Rhythms

For cleaning-specific rhythms, I do at least one load of laundry a day. I change the sheets generally on Sundays, but definitely on the weekend. I don’t have a specific schedule I follow for cleaning, but try to weave in these signals throughout my days and week.

I have tried a schedule like “Monday – vacuum, Tuesday –wash all the laundry, Wednesday – deep clean the kitchen” and it doesn’t work for our changing life and daily routine. If this works for you, great!

Smaller and more subtle triggers feel less overwhelming to me. The biggest difference I’ve found in leaning into rhythms and triggers is that they are habit-forming guides and they just tend to stick longer. I’ve found that strict and detailed daily cleaning schedules feel almost defeating to me because our days look different from week to week. If I don’t follow the “Monday Schedule” exactly, I feel too defeated to attempt Tuesdays, and then I’m thrown off for the whole week. A lot of the time, in changing seasons, rigid schedules don’t last.

If I know I’m going to bed every night or that I pick up the kitchen after the kids are asleep, I can instill things into our routine based on those things. Not just because it happens to be Thursday night.

Wrap Up

These routines and habits serve me and my household. They may not look like yours and that’s okay (you may enjoy creat ing systems instead!). Take some time after reading this to think about your day and what you already do. Maybe write down some rhythms you notice you do already. Or take note for a whole day and jot down some of the things you need to get done.

Can you give your kids or yourself a way to remember how to do them, a way to connect them to something else? Identify the signals that trigger them and evaluate how you can do them more efficiently or even at all. See the routines serving you in your house already, what needs to be altered, and what can be tossed aside in the season of life you are in. These habits and rhythms are not to make you and your household run like robots! They are simply tools, which later turn into unconscious habits.

When we spend so much time at home, it is important to cre ate a sense of fluidity and flow within our days. Habits triggered by signals or other routines are the easiest ways I’ve found to adopt this mentality. Your house will be running smoothly in no time! Well...as smooth as it can with kids running around, let’s be real.

Kailyn is a wife and mama to two wild, blond babes, currently living where the mili tary sends them. With an Early Childhood Education and Psychology degree, she is a Kindergarten teacher-turned-mama turned-freelance writer.

FamilyCalendar

Saturday July 1

2023 Firecracker 5k

7:00 AM Seville Quarter, 130 E Government St Pensacola, FL, 32503 The 2023 Firecracker 5k will be held in historic downtown Pensacola and benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/RMHCFirecracker5K

Flora-Bama’s 3rd Annual Freedom Run

8:00 AM Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, FL, 32507 This patriotic run will feature two courses: The 4 Mile Run/ Walk Course or the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. https://www.florabama.com/freedom-run

Pensacola Little Theatre presents “Little Red Robin Hood” Pensacola Litle Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 A fractured fairy tale. Smart and kind Red Robin Hood must deal with the Big Bad Sherriff of Naughty Hams (3 Pigs). Includes a fashion forward emperor, Cindy’s step sisters, Humpty Dumpty and a cast of Mother Goose and Grimm characters. Produced in the courtroom as our ACORN show for very young audiences. Public shows for your Independence Day weekend. Times: 11:30am, 2:30pm https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-andevents/little-red-robin-hood

Sunday July 2

Free Yoga in the Park

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Bayview Park, 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL, 32503 Free one-hour yoga classes will be held in Bayview Park or Community Maritime Park on the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Classes are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you will need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. www.cityofpensacola.com

Pensacola Little Theatre presents

“Little Red Robin Hood”

2:30 PM Pensacola Litle Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 A fractured fairy tale. Smart and kind Red Robin Hood must deal with the Big Bad Sherriff of Naughty Hams (3 Pigs). Includes a fashion forward emperor, Cindy’s step sisters, Humpty Dumpty and a cast of Mother Goose and Grimm characters. Produced in the courtroom as our ACORN show for very young audiences. Public shows for your Independence Day weekend. Times: 11:30am, 2:30pm https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-andevents/little-red-robin-hood

Blues on the Bay

6:00 PM Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Our free concert series is one of the most popular events for locals and visitors to spend the final hours of their weekend enjoying great music with family and friends in a great atmosphere. July 2 – Hi Tide Band

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-AngelMusic-Blues-on-the-Bay

Monday July 3

Blue Wahoos Summer Celebration

6:00 PM Blue Wahoo Stadium, 351 W Cedar St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Summer Celebration-6:00pm

gates open, 8:30 fireworks, enjoy bounce houses, waterslide, kazoo, fireworks! https://www.milb.com/pensacola

Tuesday July 4

4th of July 5K

7:00 AM 69 Via De Luna Pensacola, FL A Pensacola Beach Favorite! This is a FUN and HOT American Made event for the entire family. https://runpensacola.com/event/4th-of-july-5k/

SBCJ 4th of July Party

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Celebrate Independence Day with SBCJ! Join us for an evening of food, patriotic music and fun! Our location is a great place to watch the fireworks. https://www.cityofpensacola.com/

Bands On The Beach

7:00 PM Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL, 32561 Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music.

July 4 – Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach/

Symphony Sparks and Stars

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Come out to celebrate our country, community and military with a concert performed by the Pensacola Orchestra! Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy this exciting, family-friendly show at Community Maritime Park Hunter Amphitheater.

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/

Pensacola Beach-July 4th Fireworks

8:30 PM Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd Gulf Breeze, FL, 32561 Let Pensacola Beach get you into the patriotic spirit this Independence Day. With the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach under your feet, keep your eyes focused on the night skies this 4th of July for a dazzling fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. www.visitpensacola.com/events/july-4th-fireworks/

Navarre Beach 4th of July Fireworks

9:00 PM 8579 Gulf Blvd. Navarre, FL, 32566 Celebrate the 4th of July on Navarre Beach. Fireworks display will be shot off from the end of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.

850-981-8900

https://www.getrelaxing.com/

Sertoma 46th Annual 4th of July Celebration

Bartram Park, 211 Bayfront Parkway Pensacola, FL, 32502 Come out of the “Largest Fireworks Display on the Gulf Coast”! Start the day with live music and lots of food options from local eateries available for purchase. The fun doesn’t end until the fireworks are finished! Bring blankets and lawn chairs and get ready for a fantastic view over the Pensacola Bay!

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/

Wednesday July 5

Red, White and Blues Week-Pensacola Beach Air Show

8:00 AM Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual

Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. July 5-Blue Angels Circle and Arrivals – 8 a.m.

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/

Thursday July 6

Red, White and Blues Week-Pensacola Beach Air Show

2:00 PM Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. July 6th-Blue Angels Dress

Rehearsal – 2 p.m.

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/

Bored Teachers

Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 The biggest entertainment platform for teachers in the world, Bored Teachers, presents the funniest teachercomedians in the world all on one stage.

https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Friday July 7

Blues Beachside Bazaar

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Casino Beach, Pensacola, FL The Pensacola Beach Chamber hosts a vendor market, the BBB, each year at the annual Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Airshow! While you’re enjoying the Air Show, be sure to stop in and visit our vendors! The Blues Beachside Bazaar will be located at Show Center, near the Gulfside Pavilion.

Fair Flea Market

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building 6, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32526 The Pensacola Interstate Fair is proud to present that we are having a Flea Market Day on July 7-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.! Along with vendors selling their items, there will be food, a blood drive and more http://www.pensacolafair.com/flea-market/

Red, White and Blues Week-Pensacola Beach Air Show

11:00 AM Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. July 7th-Full Dress Rehearsal with civilian acts – 11 a.m.

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-blue-angels/

Saturday July 8

Blues Beachside Bazaar

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Casino Beach, Pensacola, FL The Pensacola Beach Chamber hosts a vendor market, the BBB, each year at the annual Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Airshow! While you’re enjoying the Air Show, be sure to stop in and visit our vendors! The Blues Beachside Bazaar will be located at Show Center, near the Gulfside Pavilion.

FamilyCalendar

Fair Flea Market

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building 6, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32526 The Pensacola Interstate Fair is proud to present that we are having a Flea Market Day on July 7-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.! Along with vendors selling their items, there will be food, a blood drive and more http://www.pensacolafair.com/flea-market/

Pensacola Little Theatre

10:30 AM Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL, 32507 Join Pensacola Little Theatre for a one of a kind interactive theatre experience that encourages visitors of all ages to be kind and creative. This acting workshop is suggested for youth and their families but open to everyone. 850-453-7780 https://mywfpl.com/

Red, White and Blues Week-Pensacola

Beach Air Show

11:00 AM Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. July 8th-Air Show – 11 a.m., Blue Angels – 2 p.m.

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/

Tuesday July 11

Blue Angels Practice

10:30 AM 1750 Radford Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32508

Watch the Blue Angels practice from the National Naval Aviation Museum or outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels Show and Practice Schedules are subject to change without notice.

850-452-3604 https://www.visitpensacola.com/ events/blue-angels-practice-schedule/

Pensacola Little Theatre

3:00 PM Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join Pensacola Little Theatre for a one of a kind interactive theatre experience that encourages visitors of all ages to be kind and creative. This acting workshop is suggested for youth and their families but open to everyone.

850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Bands On The Beach Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. July 11 –Southern Breeze

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Wednesday July 12

Blue Angels Practice

10:30 AM 1750 Radford Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32508

Watch the Blue Angels practice from the National Naval Aviation Museum or outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels Show and Practice Schedules are subject to change without notice.

850-452-3604 https://www.visitpensacola.com/ events/blue-angels-practice-schedule/

Friday July 14

Playout! Music Educators Clinic

8:00 AM First Baptist Church of Pensacola, 500 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32501 The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra invites music educators from middle and high schools to a half-day clinic designed to share tools for fostering community-mindedness in music students and for building skills in improvisation. https://pensacolasymphony.com/

Saturday July 15

Playout! Student Symphony Orchestra

Workshop

8:30 AM First Baptist Church of Pensacola, 500 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32501 The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra invites incoming 9th – 12th grade students to a one-day orchestra workshop where you will understand and deepen your connection to music and learn improvisation skills with instruction and coaching from PSO musicians. Open to string, woodwind, brass and percussion students, this workshop takes place on July 15, from 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. https://pensacolasymphony.com/

July 2023 Mud Race

9:00 AM 8860 Rooster Run Milton, FL, 32583 It’s time for the July 2023 mud race. Come out and get some mud on ya while watching these trucks race for the fastest lap.

http://www.allaboutdirt.net/

Pensacola Splash Fest ($15 with wristband, Adults $5 without wristband, Children 17 and under with wristband $10, 5 and under are

Tuesday July 18

Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer

Maritime Park, 301 West Main

in July to the 1st Pensacola Splash Fest at Community Maritime Park. Numerous water slide bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip n slides, dunk tank( 3 balls for $5), corn hole, triple play sports games, misting tents, watermelon eating competition and more www.apexshowsandevents.com

White Tie Rock

8:00 PM Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Featuring the hits of The Rolling Stones, Wings, The Who, Bad Company and a whole lotta Led Zeppelin, this classic rock show will fill the arena with a long lost familiar sound from the good ole days of British Rock.

https://www.pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/ white-tie-rock-ensemble-24

Sunday July 16

Free Pilates in the Park

10:30 AM Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Free one-hour, outdoor pilates classes in the park is presented by Pure Pilates Studio.

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/

Blues on the Bay

6:00 PM Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Our free concert series is one of the most popular events for locals and visitors to spend the final hours of their weekend enjoying great music with family and friends in a great atmosphere. July 16 – The Blenders

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-AngelMusic-Blues-on-the-Bay

8:00 AM 101 W. Main St. Pensacola, FL, 32502

The annual Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer are free clinics offered in Pensacola in July. To clinic is intended to kickstart interest in soccer in kids who have never been exposed to the sport or have not had a chance to gain formal instruction in the sport, all of this while providing a new, healthy, and safe outlet for free time during the summer. clinic is open to children of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 12. www.pensacolasports.org/kick-start-soccer-clinic/

Bands On The Beach

7:00 PM Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL, 32561 Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. July 18 – On the Rox

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Wednesday July 19

Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer

8:00 AM 101 W. Main St. Pensacola, FL, 32502

The annual Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer are free clinics offered in Pensacola in July. To clinic is intended to kickstart interest in soccer in kids who have never been exposed to the sport or have not had a chance to gain formal instruction in the sport, all of this while providing a new, healthy, and safe outlet for free time during the summer. clinic is open to children of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 12. www.pensacolasports.org/kick-start-soccer-clinic/

Let’s Go to the Beach! with Escambia County Natural Resources Management

4:00 PM Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway

Pensacola, FL, 32526 Join Escambia County Natural Resources Management for a day at the beach! Use all your senses as we comb the white sands for hidden treasures, learn more about keeping ourselves and wildlife safe, and how we can all work together to keep our beaches healthy and beautiful! These station activities are suggested for youth and their families but open to everyone. 850-471-6360 https://mywfpl.com/

Crab Cake Cook-Off

6:00 PM Seville Square, Pensacola, FL

Thursday July 20

Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer

8:00 AM 101 W. Main St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 The annual Pensacola Sports Kick Start Soccer are free clinics offered in Pensacola in July. To clinic is intended to kickstart interest in soccer in kids who have never been exposed to the sport or have not had a chance to gain formal instruction in the sport, all of this while providing a new, healthy, and safe outlet for free time during the summer. clinic is open to children of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 12. www.pensacolasports.org/kick-start-soccer-clinic/

Saturday July 22

Junior League of Pensacola Membership

Open House

10:30 AM Junior League of Pensacola, 2016 West Garden Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 We welcome you to join us for a Junior League of Pensacola (JULEP) Open House for a relaxed morning of Q&A and networking. Learn more about JULEP, meet women who want to

FamilyCalendar

positively impact our community, and more! JuniorLeagueofPensacola.org

Saturday July 22

Mother & Son’s Night 2023

5:00 PM Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S I St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Mother & Son Night 2023. Calling all Mother’s! It is your time to make memories with your Son. Register on eventbrite.com. dopensacola.com/event/mother-sons-night-2023/

Bands on the Bayou

6:30 PM Bayview Park, 2000 E Lloyd St Pensacola, FL, 32503 Join us on July 22nd for the second concert of our 2023 concert series with a performance by Ben Loftin and the Family https://dopensacola.com/event/bands-on-the-bayouben-loftin-and-the-family-live-at-bayview-park/

Tuesday July 25

Let’s Go to the Beach! with Escambia County Natural Resources Management

3:00 PM Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join Escambia County Natural Resources Management for a day at the beach! Use all your senses as we comb the white sands for hidden treasures, learn more about keeping ourselves and wildlife safe, and how we can all work together to keep our beaches healthy and beautiful! These station activities are suggested for youth and their families but open to everyone.

850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Pensacola Little Theatre

3:00 PM Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join Pensacola Little Theatre for a one of a kind interactive theatre experience that encourages visitors of all ages to be kind and creative. This acting workshop is suggested for youth and their families but open to everyone.

850-595-1047 https://mywfpl.com/

Bluey’s Big Play

6:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Bluey’s Big Play https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Bands On The Beach

7:00 PM Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL, 32561 Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. July 25-Wester

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Wednesday July 26

Bluey’s Big Play

6:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Bluey’s Big Play https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Friday July 28

Movies in the Park

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to Community Maritime Park for a family-friendly movie underneath the stars! Movies begin at sunset.

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1162/Movies-Inthe-Park-Series

Saturday July 29

Pensacola Childrens Chorus presents Summer Festival Showcase

3:00 PM First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL, 32501 Pensacola Childrens Chorus presents Summer Festival Showcase

https://www.pensacolasings.org/performances

First Dance Ballroom presents

The Greatest Showcase

7:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 First Dance Ballroom Studio presents the Greatest Showcase featuring local celebrities dancing to their favorite ballroom tunes. Proceeds from this event benefit Children’s Home Society.

https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Sunday July 30

Blues on the Bay

6:00 PM Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Our free concert series is one of the most popular events for locals and visitors to spend the final hours of their weekend enjoying great music with family and friends in a great atmosphere. July 30 - Not Quite Fab

https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-AngelMusic-Blues-on-the-Bay

America - Live in Concert

7:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Tuesday August 1

Bands On The Beach

7:00 PM Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL, 32561 Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. August 1-Mr. Big & The Rhythm Sisters

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Thursday August 3

Sportsmans Night Out

6:30 PM Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/ white-tie-rock-ensemble-24

Friday August 4

Liverpool Legends Beatles Experience

8:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Liverpool Legends “The Complete Beatles Experience!”. Liverpool Legends are four incredibly talented musicians and actors hand-picked by Louise Harrison- sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles. https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Sunday August 6

Free Yoga in the Park

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Bayview Park, 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL, 32503 Free one-hour yoga classes will be held in Bayview Park or Community Maritime Park. www.cityofpensacola.com

Bored Teachers Comedy Show

7:00 PM Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502

https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Tuesday August 8

Bands On The Beach

7:00 PM Gulfside Pavilion - Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL, 32561 Located in the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. August 8-Sandy Roots

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Saturday August 12

Preschool Art and Story Time –Carnival & Circus

10:00 AM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us alongside the West Florida Public Library to engage your preschooler in story time and crafts. Capacity is limited to 10 pairs – one parent/guardian and one child. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Only a couple of spots will be available for walk-ins, first come first served.

https://pensacolamuseum.org/event/august-preschool-art-and-story-time-circus-carnival/

Sunday August 13

Blues on the Bay

6:00 PM Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Our free concert series is one of the most popular events for locals and visitors to spend the final hours of their weekend enjoying great music with family and friends in a great atmosphere. Aug 13 – Still Standing (Elton John Tribute) https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-AngelMusic-Blues-on-the-Bay

Every Monday-Friday from May 24 - August 9

Free Summer Lunch Program for Youth

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, All West Florida Library Locations, West Florida Public Libraries will be serving free lunch for youth 18 years of age and younger* at all library locations from Wednesday, May 24 to Wednesday, August 9. Meals must be consumed at the library. This program is sponsored by Feeding the Gulf Coast. *Disabled individuals 19 years of age and older who participate in a public or private non-profit program during the school year are also eligible to receive meals. 850-436-5060 https://mywfpl.com/

Various days in July

Summer Reading Events

All West Florida Library Locations, Visit our website for fun summer reading activities and events. https://mywfpl.com/

Daily August 5 - September 9

Beyond Van Gogh – Immersive Experience

Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building 6, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32526 A virtual reality journey that allows Vincent, through his own letters and words talk you through his artistic process and how he navigates his mental reality and uses paint as the translator of Human Experience.

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 8pm (Last Entry: 7:00 PM), Friday & Saturday: 10am – 9pm (Last Entry: 8:00 PM) https://vangoghpensacola.com/

Every Monday

Baby Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for stories,

FamilyCalendar

songs, and rhymes. This program is suggested for babies ages 0 to 2 years and their caregivers. 850-436-5060 https://mywfpl.com/

Every Tuesday

Story Sprouts @Ever’man Co-op (Free)

10:00 AM Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ story-sprouts-tickets-36630082563 www.everman.org

Baby Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes. This program is suggested for babies ages 0 to 2 years and their caregivers. 850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL, 32507 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-453-7780 https://mywfpl.com/

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL, 32526 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot. 850-471-6360 https://mywfpl.com/

Tuesdays in June and July

Community Group Story Time

10:30 AM Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Daycares, schools, and other community organizations hosting summer programs are welcome to reserve a spot at our community group story time. Please call the Pensacola Library Youth Services department at 850-436-5038 prior to your visit so that we can know to expect you.

850-436-5060 https://mywfpl.com/

Every Wednesday

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot. 850-436-5060 https://mywfpl.com/

Every Wednesday in June

Whimsical Wednesday

3:00 PM Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Come by the library on Wednesdays to enjoy different projects.

850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Every Thursday

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-595-1047 https://mywfpl.com/

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Lego Club

4:30 PM Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL, 32526 Everyone loves LEGOS! Accept building challenges from our staff or freely build your own unique creation! Duplo Legos will be provided for our younger builders.

850-471-6360 https://mywfpl.com/

Every third Thursday

What’s Cooking with Baptist

12:00 PM Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 What’s Cooking with Baptist will be held every third Thursday. www.everman.org

Every other Friday

Art Academy for Autism - Ages 16+

4:00 PM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Ages 16+ -Alternating Fridays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Every third Fridays

Gallery Night

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Gallery Night is an all-ages community arts and culture event which happens on the third Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. www.gallerynightpensacola.org

Every Saturday

Palafox Market

9:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 100 N Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Shop for farm-fresh produce, plants, baked goods and more at the event that’s consistently voted “Best Farmers Market” and “Best Free Thing to Do.” www.palafoxmarket.com

Mystery Book

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Every Saturday we hide the Mystery Book somewhere in the Children’s Collection. The child who finds it gets a trip to the treasure chest! There is one winner every Saturday.

850-471-6980 https://mywfpl.com/

Children’s Storytime in the Lighthouse

11:00 AM Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe, 110 E. Intendencia St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us every Saturday at 11 AM for our Children’s Storytime in the Lighthouse at Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe. We look forward to reading some lovely stories with you and your little ones.

www.bodaciousbookstore.com/cafe/

Every first and third Saturday

Hwy 87 Market

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Sand Dollar Plaza, 1900 Hwy 87 Navarre, FL, 32566 Enjoy a wide variety of booths, offering food items, art, decor, and so much more. 850-368-9500 www.facebook.com/sanddollarsaturdays

St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us in the Youth Services department on the first and third Saturday of the month for Creation Stations. Directions and supplies will be set up at stations for youth and their families to complete at their own pace. Available while supplies last during open hours.

850-436-5060 https://mywfpl.com/

Every first Saturday

Body, Mind, Spirit Market

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers, children’s activities and more.This is an inside and outside event for the entire family www.everman.org

Every fourth Saturday

Pensacola Arts Market

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave Pensacola, FL, 32503 Enjoy a local artisan & farmers market with over 50 vendors, food trucks, handcrafted goods, plants, vintage clothing & décor, live musical performances, kids crafts & games. https://fb.me/e/2gXutxLAM

Every other Saturday

Art Academy for Autism

1:30 PM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Ages 5-9-Alternating Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Ages 10-15-Alternating Saturdays from 1:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Last Saturday of the month

Trash-Bash

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Sand Crab Pavilion, Navarre, FL, 32566 The Trash-Bash is a citizen-science program for community members of all ages held the last Saturday of every month from 8:00-10:00 am. Sign in at the Sand Crab Pavilion (look for the “Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows” banner). There will be a limited supply of gloves, buckets and pickers-you are welcome to bring your own! www.navarrebeachseaturtles.org

Every Sunday

Sunday Market on Palafox

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, N Palafox St between Chase and Gregory Streets Pensacola, FL, 32502 Outdoor & Fresh Air Shopping. Local artists, crafters, makers, cottage bakers and farmers in Downtown Pensacola. www.facebook.com/palafoxmarkets

Select days in July

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball

6:35 PM Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball. Please visit our website for dates/ times/promotions.

850-934-8444 www.milb.com/pensacola

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

What’s “Old” Is “New” for Today’s Kids

Kids these days! I bet you have heard your grandparents or parents say this, or maybe you have even said it. If you are north of 30, you probably have. It seems every generation thinks the younger generation is just “too much” or “not enough” according to the older generation’s standards. Too much music and TV and not enough outside time was the complaint my grandparents leveled at my generation.

Today’s parents and grandparents probably believe “too much device time and not enough outside time.” This brings me to a thread of consistency over generations; we must get our kids outside. Why is this important?

According to Google: “If you spend time outdoors in green spaces, your cortisol levels decrease. When your cortisol levels decrease, your stress and anxiety decline, and you gain better control of your emotions, including fear and anger. Without stress, your body functions as it should.” But beyond this, why is it essential for our kids to be outdoors?

Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time exploring nature had improved learning outcomes. Kids were more positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they

had less anger and aggression. When we get outside, we simply breathe better. Our bodies settle. Fight or flight mode decreases. All of these positive outcomes are the opposite of what happens when we stay inside and on devices. Also, spoiler alert, if you sit outside but stay on your phone, you negate the benefits of being outside. The whole point is to engage with nature.

What is really interesting is that our bodies instinctively tell us that we feel better when we are away from our devices. Previous generations not only know this, but they also honor what their bodies need.

Today’s generation has gotten good at not listening to their bodies cues.

The noise from devices and social media is much stronger than our bodies’ subtle nudge until it is too late. What do I mean by too late? I mean after we begin showing signs of anxiety, depression, frustration, and loneliness. But we can combat this by listening to the generations before us.

What feels “old hat’ to our grandparents will feel “new” to our kids today. Going outside for a walk, digging in the dirt to plant a garden, fishing, swimming in a stream, sitting out for a cold drink with friends…these things feel “new” to our kids. They may not be used to these activities

and do not know how good they make them feel until they actually do them. It is becoming more and more apparent that we must teach new generations these “old hat” tricks.

Kids born this year will never know a world without AI. Their lives will be inundated with technology. And I, for one, do not believe that our children will have evolved so much in the next 15-20 years that they will struggle less than today’s youth with the constant technology. I believe the opposite is accurate, and they will struggle even more.

Evolution is slow for a reason. Change needs to be slow. We can help our children and grandchildren by teaching them to listen to those subtle cues. Listen to their bodies. Take them outside. Teach them to get their hands dirty, go for walks, and drink lemonade on the front porch.

In an overcomplicated world, this seems so simple. But it is not only incredibly effective at combating the psychosocial and emotional issues our kids face today due to devices; it prepares them for years to come. It is our way “out” of the constant stress of the online world. It is the answer that we consistently look for. It is free. It is simple.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.