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April2018

Volume 8 Number 1

44 Columns

From the Publisher 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Power Down the Parent Pressure

How and why you should stop micro-managing kids’ goals.

10 Survival Tips for Single Parents

Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Sports Safety: Head Injuries Sports have evolved over the decades - from helmet and uniform design to playcalling and coaching techniques. Practice schedules are becoming more jam-packed, and scholarships are being offered at younger ages. Though the pace of sports has increased dramatically, many feel that sport safety has lagged a bit. There are still a number of ongoing studies looking at long-term effects of sports injuries– most notably head injuries– and the protocols for treating these injuries continue to change as new information is discovered. The media have done a good job of highlighting the importance of treating brain/ head injuries appropriately after seeing the effects on retired athletes years after the injury or repeated injuries. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) research has even been the spotlight of a major motion picture starring Will Smith, Concussion, which was released in 2015.

The first step to sport safety is you: educated and diligent parents, athletes, coaches, and trainers. Your athlete’s safety requires close attention during the game. If there is a severe injury to an athlete anywhere above the chest, then he or she needs a quick evaluation. Note that you don’t have to see direct contact to the head; sometimes the whiplash force of a fall is enough to cause brain injury. It’s important to look for key warning signs immediately after an injury. Some things that may indicate a concussion or something worse– like a skull fracture or brain bleed– include loss of consciousness of any amount of time, memory loss, “blacking out”, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, or numbness/tingling. If any of these symptoms are present, your child should be seen by a doctor immediately. Over the next several days after a hit, if your child notices a change in smell or taste, worsening headache, vision changes, new forgetfulness, memory recall problems, or personality/mood changes, he or she should be evaluated.

Protocols in most sports have changed to mandate sitting out for a while after an injury to give adequate time to safely assure an athlete can return to the sport. If any of the previously mentioned warning signs are apparent, a doctor will evaluate and possibly get some head images based on the presentation. It is important not to return to the sport too soon. Some people recover in days– some take weeks, or even months. Medical protocols are still evolving, and as the medical profession learns more about the extent of head injuries, we will do our best to keep your athletes safe to ensure a bright, healthy future long into adulthood.

Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their son, Finn, and their three dogs, Barkley, Fitz, and Roo.

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Autauga County Schools

Celebrating Seuss at Hutchens Elementary

The students at Hutchens Elementary School had a fun-filled day celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd. The students participated in several Dr. Seuss reading activities throughout the day. They enjoyed a Seuss Musical performed by the first-grade students and every student painted a rock to display in the school’s “Reading Rocks” garden. Students and staff also dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

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Taylor-White Dancers Perform at South Alabama

The Taylor-White Dance team attended a Dance Clinic put on by the South Alabama Prowlers and then performed with them at a South Alabama Basketball game!

E.R. Dickson’s Safety Patrol

Congratulations to E.R. Dickson’s 2nd Semester Safety Patrol: Front Row: Dewayne Dixon and Douglas Jackson. Middle Row: Jade Conway, Destiny Green, Jayce Tyus, and Zelaya Moffett. Back Row: Mary White (Sponsor), LeCedric Craig, Quinton Harrison, Aiden Ransom, Janiya Dennis, and MiKaya Walton. Not Pictured: Addison Humphreys, Taylor Pettaway, and MaKayla Purnell. 13

Envision Virtual Academy Accepting Applications

Envision Virtual Academy will begin accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year on April 1. The online school program offers students in grades 9 through 12 the chance for a 21st Century education, right from the comfort of their own home. EVA meets AdvancEd accreditation standards, assuring parents of a first-class educational program. Known for its low student-to-teacher ratio, EVA gives students individualized attention for academic achievement. Envision had a 100 percent graduation rate for the class of 2017. The Class of 2017 also averaged a 23 ACT score. Currently, EVA students have an overall GPA of 3.28. The Class of 2018 is averaging a scholarship ration of $11,000 per student. Many of our students participate in the district’s career technical schools, earning credentials in the leading trade industries. Our students have the pleasure of experiencing a traditional-like education in a nontraditional setting. EVA students can participate in extra-curricular activities at their zoned schools, which includes sports, clubs and organizations, and class activities. They receive post-secondary guidance from our school counselor, which the school counselor to student ratio is 45:1. To check academic acceptance criteria, please visit the EVA website: envisionvirtualacademy.com, click on the “How It Works” tab. If you would like more information, contact EVA through Facebook MCPSS Envision Virtual or email envisonvirtualacademy@mcpss.com. Like us on Facebook at MCPSS Envision Virtual, and follow us on Twitter at Envision@MCPSSVirtual.

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Autauga County Schools

Causey Middle School Places 2nd at Bay Area Scholastic Challenge

Causey Middle School Places 2nd at the Bay Area Scholastic Challenge Causey Middle Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scholars Bowl teams finished with an undefeated regular season and awards for best A and B teams. Top scorers, Will McCurley, Will Simm, Elijah Splitt, Cooper Taylor, and Isabella Watson represented Causey at the Bay Area Scholastic Challenge at the University of Mobile on March 9th. Winning the preliminary matches Causey earned the second highest total score in the morning rounds, securing them a spot in the Super 8 and advancing to the quarterfinals. The Tigers went on to win the quarterfinals and the semifinals. Causey fought hard in the final match, but ended up placing second overall. Congratulations to these students for their hard work and dedication. Go, Tigers!

Davidson Students Place in Local Computer Competition

Davidson students Matthew Hetzmen & Alisa Ephriam recently won 2nd place in a local competition for the Public Service Announcement Video on Cyberbullying. William Poirier (not pictured) won 1st place in Computer Problem Solving.

Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Read Across America at Phillips Prep

The students and teachers of Phillips Preparatory School celebrated Read Across America Week February 26 – March 2. Students participated in a book swap in which they traded in their unwanted books for new ones. All remaining books were donated to St. Mary’s Home. Students were able to wear wacky hair and socks in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Teachers also dressed up as popular book characters.

Mobile Schools Observe Black History Month

Many MCPSS schools observed Black History Month with special programs last month. Some, including Gilliard and Holloway elementary schools and the Just 4 Developmental Laboratory, held "Living Wax Museum" exhibits, in which students dressed up as historical figures and shared facts about their lives. Pictured are Just 4 students in costume during their exhibit.

Covenant Christian Receives Special Visit from Mr. Ricky!

Art Students at Covenant Christian School enjoyed a day of inspiration and creativity when Ricky Trione, the physically blind but spiritually sighted artist from Fairhope spent the day with them! Pictured listening to Mr. Ricky around the table from left to right: Caleb Revelle, Adelynn Abel, Adalyn Sansing, Draleigh Waters, Gauge Kirkland, Ryan Peak, Abigail Wilkerson, Evyn Grafton, Berkeley Dees, Isabelle Fletcher, Kales Almy, Wyatt Bond, Levi McLaughlin. Second Back Row: Madelyn Venatta, Sydney Nelson, and Layla Semke.

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Autauga County Schools

Griggs STRIDE Academy Mardi Gras Challenge Winners!

These students spent time online during their Mardi Gras Break and completed the most lessons on Stride Academy for their grade level! We crowned and overall QUEEN, Charlesia Crawford and a King, Wesley Brents! We also crowned a prince and a princess in each grade level! Kindergarten: Garrett Bolton and Sylvia Hickman, 1st Grade: Abigail Healy and Dominic Hobden, 2nd Grade: Alissa Cady and Timothee Dinkins, 3rd Grade: Izzy DeGregorio and Blake DeGeer, 4th grade: Riley Courtney, Kyleigh McNeer and Trenton McNeer, 5th Grade: Anabella Smith and Loren Price! Way to go Shining Stars!

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St. Vincent de Paul Students Donate Change for Food Pantry

During Catholic Schools Week, the students brought in loose change to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. They collected a total of $174.87, which will buy approximately 3000 lbs of food for the less fortunate in our community. St. Vincent de Paul was a French Roman Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor.

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Alabama Project Lead the Way Administrator of the Year

Stephanie LeGrone, K-12 Science Supervisor for Mobile County Public Schools, has been named the 2017 Alabama Project Lead the Way Administrator of the Year. Through its programs in engineering, biomedical sciences, computer science and its middle school Gateway program, Project Lead the Way helps students develop in-demand, transportable skills – such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication – that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives. Five MCPSS high schools and three middle schools currently utilize PTLW programs. LeGrone said she was introduced to Project Lead the Way as an Academy Specialist at Mary G. Montgomery High School and was amazed with the teacher training offered in the program. “PLTW really focuses on having the teacher as a facilitator in the classroom instead of the ‘sage on the stage.'” LeGrone said. “Many PLTW teachers will tell you that teaching PLTW classes has transformed how they teach in their other classes also. Students are engaged in real work, problem-based learning that they see as relevant to their lives. It engages students in ways that really push learning to the next level.

McGill-Toolen Boasts 4 National Merit Finalists!

Congratulations to Dylan Campbell, Marvin Collins, Jeanne Marie Garriz and Elysa Garcia who were recognized by The National Merit Corporation and National Merit Finalists! McGillToolen Catholic had 10 students recognized this year - 5 Semi Finalists and 5 Commended. Congrats Jackets!

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Autauga County Schools

Lenten Retreat at St. Dominic Catholic School

Prichard Preparatory School Celebrates Black History Month

St. Dominic Catholic School Grade 1 students participated in a Lenten Retreat. The day, which began with Mass followed by guided meditation and crafts, focused on God’s Commandments. Here students show us that God should always be number 1 in our lives.

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It was a true celebration of those who have paved the way for others to rise. As parents, grandparents, and friends gathered, we were reminded of the many pioneers in our country such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Thurgood Marshall, Mae Jemison, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many, many more! Our guest speaker was the Honorable Karlos Finley. We would also like to thank three Azalea Trail Maids who joined us and took pictures with the students: Bria Scott, Madison Plattenburg, and Kaycee Tate.

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Little Flower School Pep Rally

Little Flower Catholic School held a pep rally to generate excitement for the Charity Chase, a fund-raising event supporting schools and non-profits in the Mobile area. Over a hundred students and family members from Little Flower signed up for the race, generating an additional financial benefit for the school from a matching donor. The pep rally also cheered on the many Little Flower students participating in CYO basketball this semester.

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St. Mary Valentine Senior Lunch

St. Mary Catholic 8th Grade students put on a fabulous Valentine's Luncheon for the 50 Plus members of St. Mary and their guests! The event included entertainment, games, great food and friendly table service by our students. This annual event is one of the many ways St. Mary ties in two great generations together each year! Pictured are a few of our St. Mary 8th grade students with St. Mary Pastor, Rev. Msgr. G. Warren Wall.

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Autauga County Schools

Pie-Tasting at St. Dominic

St. Dominic Catholic School Grade 6 students recently participated in a Pie Tasting contest as part of their Literature class taught by Mrs. Allison Hess. Students are required to understand procedural texts and what a better to learn than by following instructions to make pies! Not only did students make pies, they also created pie stands. Our panel of judges Dr. Meredith Hayes, counselor, Mrs. Kathleen Thompson, Technology and Mrs. Laurie Michener, Principal had a hard time declaring a winner.

MGM Students Learn about Local Government

On Thursday, February 8, the American Legion sponsored a city-county government field trip allowing selected seniors to experience a first-hand look at their local government. Students visited with Mayor Stimpson, attended a county commission work session and spoke with Commissioner Hudson, then observed district court proceedings and spoke with District Attorney Rich. The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip concluded with lunch at historic Spot of Tea. Left to Right: Cassie Philen, Kennedy Smith, Noah Knox, Jace Martinez, MaKenna Crone, Mayor Stimpson, Erin Williams, Ariana Orso, Christopher Hamby, Emily Glass.

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Faith Academy Students Adopt a Pilot

St. Pius X Holds Annual Mardi Gras Parade

St. Pius X School held its annual Crewe de la Cardinal Mardi Gras Parade on Thursday, February 8. The parade was presided over by Queen Helena Cherry-Wilson and King Oliver Lyons, along with their courts. The monarchs are pictured here receiving their subjects following the Mardi Gras Parade. The monarchs were also honored at a Court Luncheon held on Wednesday, February 1. The honor of reigning as a monarch over Mardi Gras is an honor that may be purchased at the St. Pius A Night to Remember Live and Silent Auction. The event is sponsored by the St. Pius X P.E. Department.

Faith Academy fifth graders are excited to be participating in the Southwest Airlines "adopt a pilot" program. For the next 6 weeks students will be given the opportunity to be mentored by Southwest Airlines pilots. They will research careers and further develop life skills all while reinforcing the importance of staying in school. Thank you, Pilot John Pack for allowing Faith Academy to participate! Pictured below is Mr. John Pack of Southwest Airlines, Nyemah Ivey, Emma Grace Foley and Timothy Hale.

Theodore High School Seniors Complete Leadership Program Bailey Davis and Trevor Andrews are seniors at Theodore High School. They recently completed the Tillmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Area Learning Leadership Program (TALL). They put in hours of community service and were mentored by local business leaders. Upon completion of the program both students received a scholarship. GO BOBCATS!

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile Christian Athletic Field Has New LED Lights

In February, Mobile Christian School kicked off the 2018 softball season with a special lighting ceremony. We are excited to announce that MCS is the first school in the state to have CREE, Inc. LED lights on a high school athletic field! City Councilwoman Bess Rich threw out the first pitch under the new lights, followed by graduate Hannah Brenton. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Sunbelt Lighting, Rayford and Vicki Richardson, Tim and Phyllis Richardson, Gulf Hauling & Construction, Bagby and Russell, Gary Fuller, Mayer Electric Supply, Sunbelt Equipment Rental, Derek and Judy Walters, and Tommy Wasden.

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McGill-Toolen Catholic Talent Show "in the books!"

With a Library-themed talent show, the Junior Class hosted a classic event that featured incredibly talented students from all grades. Congratulations to our winners: 1st place- Sheffield Dancers performing "Rhythm Nation"; 2nd place (tied)- Michelle Roca performing a live reading of "Pretty" and Brigham Cason performing his original song "Unmutual Feelings"; 3rd place- Isabella Barbour performing "Be Thou My Vision" on her violin.

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Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Spirit Week at Lighthouse Baptist Academy

Recently, Lighthouse Baptist Academy held its annual “spirit week”. This was an exciting week where students were able to dress up according to a different theme each day. The different themes for the 2018 spirit week were Twin Day, Nerd Day, Mismatch Day, USA Day and LBA Day. The week culminated in home basketball games at the school gym. This is a yearly event that all of the students look forward to participating in.

CHCA Distributive Doctors

Third grade students at Cottage Hill Christian Academy had a blast being distributive doctors. As Dr. D, the distributive doctor, students pretended they were surgeons “breaking apart” arrays by using manipulatives then applying the Distributive Property.

Author Visits Corpus Christi Catholic School

New Orleans author, Kathleen Schrenk, visited Corpus Christi Catholic School. Mrs. Schrenk spent time with the 3K classes, where she read to the students including one special person - her granddaughter Lucy! Mrs. Schrenk then spoke to students in grades 3 - 5 about the writing process and what it is like to write a book. The elementary students were so inspired, they returned to class and started working on writing projects.

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Autauga County Schools 6 UMS-Wright Seniors Named

Bright Beginnings Academy Goes “Over the Edge”

National Merit Finalists!

Team BBA wishes to thank OTE and The 74 Club for allowing us to go “Over the Edge.” It was an amazing event with an incredible turnout. Founder of BBA, Gina Englund, along with son, Mitchell Englund, and PTFA moms Kim Ferguson and Dottie Presley rappelled twenty stories from the Marriott in an effort to raise money for Bright Beginning Academy’s perimeter fence and playground. On the ground, students from BBA worked hard selling concession items. All in all, it was a very successful event. THANK you to all the parents, teachers, and students who came out to support us.

Six UMS-Wright students have been named as Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Corporation competition. Kaitlyn Read, Monica Langan, Joseph Feinstein, Caitlin McIlwain, Rachel Stewart, and Lydia Fantoni were chosen as Finalists out of approximately 15,000 seniors in the United States. These six were identified as Semifinalists in September, and all were named as Finalists this month. We congratulate each of these students on a job well done and encourage them as they move on to the next stage of the competition!

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

St. Mary Cheers on McT Basketball Team

St. Mary Catholic School Mustangs cheered on the McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets Basketball team as they headed to the Final Four in Birmingham! Pictured are our some of St. Mary's youngest members of the Mustang cheering squad displaying posters they made just for their Jacket neighbors across the street!

Davidson’s Keenan Carter Takes Top Prize in Oratorical Contest

Keenan Carter, student at Davidson High School, recently won first place at the 2018 Optimist Club Oratorical Competition. Keenan is also a member of the State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.

Cottage Hill Students Lead Discipleship Now Weekend

Members of the Cottage Hill Christian Academy Chapel Leadership class led worship at a Discipleship Now student weekend for Calvary Baptist Church in Greenwood, Indiana. Lilli Neff, Carleigh White, Brinson Thompson, and Ryan Sweatt led worship throughout the weekend as well as for the Sunday morning church service. Josh Blight, a former student of Cottage Hill Christian Academy, is the student pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. He reminded our students of the eternal impact that their service has on others. The trip was a great success and most importantly glorified God. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Covenant Christian Student Places 3rd in County Spelling Bee

Covenant Christian School would like to congratulate Reagan Baggett on winning 3rd place in the Mobile County District Spelling Bee! Getting to the district level took intelligence, concentration, and preparation. We are so proud of you, Reagan.

Griggs Elementary Names “It Starts with Us” Representative

W.C. Griggs Elementary School selected 3rd grader Daisy Taylor to represent us in the MCPSS-It Starts With Us motto contest. She is the daughter of Denny & Christiann Taylor. She has made a positive impact on our school and community. She is an honor roll student and a member of Girl Scout Troop #8147. Through Girl Scouts, she marched in the Veteran’s Day parade in downtown Mobile, to honor our veterans. She helped work the Coastal Cleanup, fed ladies at McKemie Place, and also made dog bags for local animal shelters. She has made a positive impact on our school and community. A committee will read applications from each school and select 1 overall elementary winner, 1 middle school winner and 1 high school winner. MCPSS will recognize the countywide winners individually at the annual It Starts With Us Awards (on Thursday, May 3) and winners from all of the schools will get to walk the red carpet and be recognized.

St. Pius X Oratorical Contest

The St. Pius X Oratorical Contest was held on Thursday, March 1. Eight students, ranging in grades 5-8, were chosen by their homeroom teachers to participate in the school contest. This year’s winners included, from left to right: Molly Head (6th) - third place, Alicia Salas (5th) - runner up, and Mary Frances Mattingly (8th) - first place. Mary Frances will be moving on to the Zone Contest hosted by Optimist International.

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Autauga County Schools

McDavid-Jones Elementary Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Kristy Davis is McDavid-Jones Elementary’s "Teacher of the Year". Ms. Davis has been teaching for fifteen years. She has a Bachelor’s in Education and Masters in Educational Administration, both from the University of South Alabama. She is married to Seth Davis and they have two children, Jack and Charly. Pictured are Jill Dickinson, Principal, Kristy Davis, Teacher of the Year, Judy Smith, Arkema, Human Resources Assistant, Our Partner in Education.

Thank you, Mr. Stringfellow

January was Mobile County Public School System’s School Board Recognition Month. E.R. Dickson Elementary School would like to thank Mr. Donnie Stringfellow for all he has done for our school. Student Council officers presented Mr. Stringfellow with a gift basket in honor of his hard work for the Mobile County School System, in particularly, E.R. Dickson Elementary School. Student Council officers presenting the basket to Mr. Stringfellow were Caroline King, Isabella McGill, Caiya Mitchell, Teran Senegal, and Jacob Steele.

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Davidson Student Invited to Perform at Carnegie Hall

Maddison Hill, a student at Davidson High School, was recently selected to perform at Carnegie Hall. She was selected after auditioning upon the recommendation of a teacher. She is no stranger to travelling performances: when she was 11 she travelled to Italy to continue her training in opera performance.

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Prichard Prep FatherDaughter Dance

March 2, 2018 will be a date remembered for a very long time as it was the day the first FatherDaughter Dance was held at PPS! Upper Elementary (2nd – 5th) girls, and their fathers, enjoyed making a Red Carpet entrance, dancing to music by DJ Rodski, taking pictures in a photo booth provided by Ali’s Photography, and having lots of fun and special memories!

St. Vincent de Paul School Students Make “Machines”

Kamryn Mukey and Kelsey Smith made a vending “machine” for their science project. The students were required to make a machine and present it to the class, showing how their machine functions.

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Phillips Prep Student Wins County-Wide Award

Phillips Preparatory School would like to congratulate Isabelle Reimer for winning the county-wide middle school It Starts With Us award on March 8. Isabelle is currently an eighth grader at Phillips. She was chosen for this award because of the impact she has made on her community. Isabelle lead Phillips into raising more than $3,000 for a school in Houston, Texas, recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Pictured here - Principal Brenda Hartzog and Isabelle Reimer.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

Autauga County Schools

Corpus Christi Catholic School NJHS Inductees

The purpose of the National Junior Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage good citizenship in the students in secondary schools. Corpus Christi Catholic school inducted its newest members to the NJHS. Congratulations to: Jay Carter, Emily Claire Harbaugh, Kynsie Lawson, Hannah Nabors, and Hannah Stevens! These students have achieved academic success and possess the qualities required by the honor society.

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Celebrating Seuss’ Work at Faith Academy

Faith Academy celebrated Dr. Seuss's Birthday and Read Across America by dressing up as Seuss characters, eating Seuss food and reading Suess books! What a fun day to promote literacy! #happybirthdayDrSeuss . Pictured is Mrs. Basset's first grade class, 4th grade teachers and K-5 teachers.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

CHCA Spanish Honor Society

Cottage Hill Christian Academy is proud to present the newly-inducted members of the inaugural CHCA Spanish Honor Society, named Los Guerreos de Oro, meaning The Golden Warriors. These students have shown commitment to the Spanish language by completing three semesters of Spanish while maintaining an honors average. Congratulations to the following members of the inaugural class: (front to back) is Alison Lindsey, Anne Morgan Swearingen, Elizabeth Bryson, Joyce Renauld, Catherine Bryson, Mrs. Morgan (Sponsor), Michael Evans, Becca Walks, Olivia Moore, Emma Newell, Hannah Barbour, Lilli Neff, Anna Olsen, Breaunna Stephens, Ian Singley, Ellie Kendall, Jasmine Vo, Sarah Lawrey, Andrew Hii, Will Barbour, and Ashton Lammons.

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile County Signing Day

Forty-nine Mobile County Public Schools student-athletes were recognized last month during a Mobile County Signing Day ceremony at Central Campus. Included were student-athletes who had signed scholarships or accepted preferred walk-on invitations in a variety of sports. Twelve of them are headed to FBS programs, including Williamson football player Roger McCreary, who signed with Auburn. “I’m excited about the opportunity to go to Auburn,” said McCreary, who will play cornerback for the Tigers and plans to major in civil engineering after spending a year in Williamson’s Signature Academy of Maritime, Engineering and Entrepreneurship. “Williamson made me who I am throughout high school. I’m glad I went to Williamson.”

BBA Joins SLES for Friendly Fire

The archery team of Bright Beginnings Academy led by Head Coach Josh Clark and Coach Kim Ferguson joined several archery teams in the surrounding area for the Friendly Fire Tournament at St. Luke’s Episcopal School. It was a unique and very fun event that allowed a parent, grandparent, other family member, or friend to shoot with the student for the best out of five. Students and adults seemed to enjoy this low-key competition. We look forward to next year! Thank you SLES for the opportunity to participate!

Davidson Student Named Young Hero of Alabama

Devique McWilliams had a rough start in life. At only six weeks old, he was diagnosed with meningitis — an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord — and doctors thought he would die. But he didn’t, and McWilliams has been demonstrating the inner strength that helped him survive ever since. The Davidson High student overcame speech and learning difficulties as a result of the meningitis, which kept him from talking until he was 6, and has become a 3.5 GPA student and a leader in Davidson’s Navy JROTC program. McWilliams is one of five students around the state to be named a 2018 Young Hero of Alabama, an award presented by Alabama Public Television. The winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship to the college, university or technical school of their choice, a Chromebook laptop or tablet and other prizes from APT sponsors and will be honored at an awards dinner in Montgomery. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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St. Mary Catholic Media Munch

St. Mary Catholic 7th Grade Ambassadors showed the love on February 16 to our friends in the media with the 23rd annual Media Munch! Pictured are a few St. Mary's ambassadors with Thomas Geboy of WKRG TV 5.

CHCA Capstone Leaders

Cottage Hill Christian Academy sophomores, Anne Morgan Swearingen and Ryan Maples were selected by the west campus faculty to represent CHCA at the University of Alabama Capstone Leadership Academy that was held this week, March 1-2 in Tuscaloosa. The Leadership Academy features vibrant speakers and group activities for students to develop leadership skills. In addition, participants qualify to compete for the Jean Townsend O’Connor/Snyder and Leslie Anderson Valley Freshman Scholarship of $6,000. To be considered for this program, students must be a current 10th grader with strong academic and leadership characteristics. We are proud of our CHCA delegates. 30

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Mobile Students Honor Fallen Police Officer

Students at Kate Shepard, Fonde and Griggs elementary schools honored Mobile police officer Justin Billa as his funeral procession passed their schools on February 27. Mobile County Public Schools offers its condolences to Officer Billa’s family.

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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

The DeBakey Drug Bus visits UMS-Wright Middle School Students!

For years, the DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle has traveled the roads of South Alabama teaching children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The 5th grade class at UMS-Wright attended the unveiling of the new, 4th generation DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle on November 28th. On February 26th and 27th, the 5th grade class was able to participate in the new two-part program, “Be Your Best Self.” Mr. Seldon Bird, Drug Education Coordinator, used the state-of-the-art technology to convey a very powerful prevention message about the importance of leading a healthy, substance abuse free lifestyle. The students watched videos, answered important questions about making healthy choices, and most importantly were able to ask questions about drugs and the immediate as well as long-term effects they have on the body. The DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle is operated in partnership with Marsha DeBakey, The DeBakey Foundation, Infirmary Health, and the Drug Education Council.

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Autauga County Schools

MGM Goes to Washington

Three MGM students recently participated in the national 2018 Close Up Program in Washington, D. C. These students sat in on sessions of Congress and met with Alabama Representative Bradley Byrne of District 1 and our newly elected Senator Doug Jones. The program also included national speakers on current issues in public policy, on-site study visits throughout Washington, D. C. and even a Mock Congress for students to debate, amend and vote on the same issues our elected representatives are currently considering in Congress. Students visited the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress and even took a trip on foreign soil when they were treated to an exclusive visit to the Embassy of Sweden. Pictured, L to R: Jaelin Ludgood, Makenzie Ladner, Senator Doug Jones, James Goleman and teacher Denese Wilson (far right).

Covenant Christian Basketball Player Named All Conference Player Covenant Christian School would like to congratulate Sophie Lynch on being awarded “All Conference Player” for the CCS girls’ middle school basketball team. We are so proud of your hard work and dedication, Sophie. Go Lady Eagles!

Semmes Elementary Celebrates Read Across America Week

Students, teachers, and staff at Semmes Elementary celebrated their love of reading along with Dr. Seuss’s birthday the first week of March. Kindergartners paraded through the halls with Dr. Seuss-themed umbrellas led by principal, Valerie Johnson, dressed as The Cat in the Hat. Third graders also performed at their monthly PTO meeting with a series of tributes to the late author with personal reviews of his famous books, a poem about birthdays, and a timeline of his life’s greatest events and accomplishments. Cake was served at the conclusion of the program after singing The Birthday Song. Pictured, third graders sing “I Do Not Like Green Eggs and Ham” at Semmes Elementary’s monthly PTO meeting.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

“Read Across America Day!” at UMS-Wright Lower School

The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. Our 1st – 4th grade students and their teachers dressed as their favorite book characters and paraded around the Lower School campus to celebrate the day! Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Chinese New Year at Corpus Christi Catholic School

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Corpus Christi Catholic School students in grades K5-5th learned about Chinese New Year celebrations and celebrated themselves with a parade around the school’s library and in primary grade classrooms. The parade included a “dragon”, drums and other musical instruments. The celebration was planned by Mrs. Mansfield, the school librarian.

Moving Up Day at Prichard Prep

This is the day each year when students spend 1/2 of the day with teachers in the grade they will promote to the following year. It gives them an opportunity to hear about what they can expect and to learn more about the fun and challenging activities they will experience. When asked about her time in the 4th grade classroom, Raychael Howze shared that she was able to see what it will be like, what types of things she will learn, and that she is excited about Moving Up!

E.R. Dickson Celebrates Dr. Seuss

On Thursday, March 1st, E.R. Dickson spent the day celebrating author Dr. Seuss. The day began with an exciting assembly with songs, cheers, a character fashion show, and a presentation of “Suessical Jr.” by UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club directed by Diane Maisel and Kristi Howze . The day continued with students enjoying reading Dr. Seuss books and fun Seuss activities in the classroom. The celebration continued into the night with reading, math, digital, and Talents activities in the classrooms and hallways with the students and their parents. The celebration was attended by over 400 Dr. Seuss fans. To end the night, students who attended received a book and a slice of birthday cake.

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Mobile Christian School Teacher Receives National Award

Autauga County Schools

Congratulations to Mobile Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science teacher Brenda Paul. Ms. Paul received the National Christian School Association (NCSA) Teacher of the Year Award in Lexington, KY on March 7. She has served 41 years in Christian education. Currently she is the head of the science department, teaches middle school science classes, tutors before and after school, and is a Robotics Team sponsor. She was recognized for being a difference maker and a memory maker both in and out of the classroom. She has a real gift of connecting with kids and going the extra mile to ensure that students learn and succeed. PA March Ad.qxp_Layout 1 2/16/18 10:36 AM Page 1

McT Physics Team Dominates at Alabama HS Physics Competition

McGill-Toolen sent 12 students comprising three teams (A, B, & C) to the University of Alabama High School Physics Competition in Tuscaloosa on Friday, February 16. McGill-Toolen swept the private school division, with Team A placing 1st, Team B placing 2nd, and Team C placing 3rd. Among all divisions, Team A placed 1st, Team B placed 2nd (Teams A & B actually tied in regulation but Team A won the tiebreaker), and Team C placed 4th overall (just behind Auburn high school). Finally, McGill-Toolen won 1st place among all schools in attendance. Team Rosters: Team Rosters are: Team A: Peter McDonald (12), Findlay Maier (11), Marvin Collins (12), Patrick Spafford (12). Team B: Gus Grow (12), Greg Spafford (10), Bekah Burgess (11), Mary Alice Jouve (11); Team C: Murphy Douglas (10), Nicholas Johnston (11), Buddy Arensberg (10), Joe Keegan (11).

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Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Keep Your Money in Your Own Pocket Q. I just filed taxes, and it looks like I’ll get a pretty big refund this year. A friend of mine told me I should adjust my withholding, so I don’t get a refund. This seems pretty dumb to me. Why would I change my withholdings when I’m getting money back? A. The only reason you’re getting a refund is because you had too much taken out of your paychecks in 2017. Let’s say your refund is $3,500. Basically, you loaned the government $3,500 of your own money, interest-free. A refund isn’t a gift or reward, James. It’s your own cash that you get back because you paid in too much during the previous year. In

your case, that adds up to almost $300 a month! Instead of loaning the government money that you worked hard to earn, wouldn’t it be better to keep it in your pocket?

Debt and Income Crisis Q. I received a call the other day from a company saying it could negotiate the balance on my credit cards to a lesser amount. The caller also said they could get me a zero-percent interest rate until the debts were paid off, and then the accounts would be closed. I’m kind of starting over again financially, because I sold a company I had run for almost 15 years, then got into real estate and lost almost everything. I’m making just enough to squeeze by, and my credit card debt totals $40,000. Would this be a good idea? A. No, this is not a good idea. You’re looking at two major problems with a company

such as this one. One, they will absolutely destroy whatever credit you may have. Their plan is to take your cash, and spend some time beating down the credit card companies until they agree to accept a lesser amount. Then, they use your cash to settle loans you will have — by that time — defaulted on. This will put you in a situation very similar to if you had filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Stay away from these people. You have an income crisis, in addition to a debt crisis, at this point. For starters, I want you to start living on a tight, written, monthly budget. I’m talking rice and beans, no vacations, and no eating out until you pay off this debt. Where your income is concerned, maybe you should consider getting back into the kind of business you ran previously for a while. Look for a managerial or supervisory position in that area, at least until you’re able to get back on your feet and save some cash. Finally, cut up the credit cards, close the accounts, and put as much money as you can spare toward paying off that debt using the debt snowball system. Never go back into debt again!

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What Does It Mean? How to Translate Texts Most parents know that LOL means Laughing Out Loud. You may even know that 420 refers to marijuana. But you may not know that 53X means sex. That worries Brian Bason, CEO at Bark, a new monitoring app. Their website includes a list of popular texting slang terms (tinyurl.com/gqp9tex). For $9.99 a month, they promise to alert parents when kids text something risky. Of course, slang is nothing new. Parents have been scrambling to keep up with it for generations. Using freshly minted words that adults won’t understand appeals to kids for two reasons. First, it helps kids establish and reenforce a social identity. People who understand the same secret language are likely to be part of the same tribe. Slang establishes an in group that understands and out group that seems hopelessly out of touch. Second, slang allows kids to fly under adult radar, talking about things that might be forbidden if the adults could translate what they were saying. Siblings often develop this kind of secret language—winks and whispers and even special words that let them communicate about things that Mom and Dad might not appreciate. Messaging, of course, has added a new dimension to all of this. Keyboards are tiny. Attention spans are short. Acronyms and emojis make it possible to crowd a lot of information into a small space. As a result, messages have become more and more cryptic and difficult for parents to decipher. Much of the new slang being used online is harmless and even creative. Some of the better acronyms enter the language. Pretty much everyone knows about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), IRL (In Real Life) and BRB (Be Right Back). Other very useful acronyms include Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

JSYK (Just so You Know), SMH (Shaking My Head), TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) and YOLO (You Only Live Once). Still, parents need to be alert. The kinds of speech that would be unacceptable IRL should also be off limits in texting. In particular, parents will want to monitor texting for: Sex. Most teens seem to have gotten the message that sending nude photos isn’t a good idea. That doesn’t mean teens aren’t texting about 53X. Even emojis may have a double meaning – an eggplant can stand in for male genitals; a peach may refer to someone’s backside. It’s perfectly natural, of course, for young people to take an interest in sex, but parents need to chaperone, watching for behavior that is too adult or partners who may be predatory. Substances. Slang has always been part of drug and alcohol culture. Using coded language is a way to evade legal authorities as well as parents. Keeping up with the current terminology isn’t easy, especially since it often varies from place to place. Talk to other parents and even school parents. And remember that drug terms sometimes have more than one meaning. Dabbing, for example, is both a dance craze and a way to use cannibas. Lit can mean getting high or simply having a good time. Hate. Texting and social media are often used to bully and abuse other people because of their gender, race, ethnic origin or disabilities. Be clear with your child. A slur is a slur, and you won’t tolerate abusive language in any setting. Bad Language. If you don’t want your child to say the F word, you will probably want to discourage the use of acronyms like WTF or AF. Even NSS may not be acceptable. The best way to know what an acronym means is to ask the child who used it. The 36

security company, McAfee, also produces a list of common terms, conveniently subdivided into categories for drugs, sex and bullying. Wiktionary also has a long list of acronyms in an Appendix (tinyurl.com/mab7snn). Another way to educate yourself is to visit databases that try to keep up with slang as it’s created. Here are several of the most complete collections: Slang it.com is family friendly website (they also have free apps for Iphone and Android). When you enter a slang term, you get a clean and accurate definition. They also have a daily quiz question that might be a conversation starter at the dinner table. Noslang.com has been keeping track of net slang since 2005, They offer a text slang translator and a reverse translator that turns English phrases into acronyms. In their articles section, there’s a helpful essay called “What Every Parent Should Know.” Internet slang.com also allows parents to look up acronyms. Their Trending Terms section helps parents zero in current terminology. Acronymsandslang.com has an enormous list of acronyms, organized into categories. With over 20,000 entries in the Internet category, they are likely to supply an explanation for almost any acronym. The Urban Dictionary also has a very complete list of slang of all kinds. The definitions are crowd-sourced so they are generally irreverent and often obscene. The site is not suitable for children, but may be useful to parents because it’s regularly up-dated by its users. Of course, trying to keep up with adolescent slang is like playing Whack-a-mole. As soon as a term is widely understood by adults, it loses its value for kids and they will move on. That’s why parents have to reinforce that idea that kids shouldn’t say anything online that they would say IRL (in real life). With that in mind, you might also want to introduce an acronym of your own – WWGmaS (What Would Grandma Say?) Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2018, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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A Page in a Book Getting the Inside Story No one loves a good story as much as a child. As little ones listen to books read aloud to them, they receive their first introduction to basic story elements like characters, settings and plot. Children’s literature often benefits from simple story structures so that new readers can learn traditional storytelling components and styles. But kids don’t always have a window into what it takes to actually build a story from the ground up. The following titles explore the evolution of a story with tongue-in-cheek humor and characters who all have their own tale to tell.

May I Have a Word?

by Caron Levis, Illustrated by Andy Rash (Farrar Straus Giroux / Macmillan) The alphabet letters on the refrigerator want to work together to tell a story. The letter ‘C’ suggests the story should be about cats. Letter ‘K’ counters that the story could be about a kangaroo or a king. Soon ‘C’ and ‘K’ are in an alphabetical war of words as each advocates for their own special words to take precedence in the tale. The other letters are rightfully concerned when ‘C’ and ‘K’ storm off leaving them without the means to spell ‘duck’, ‘socks’, ‘luck’ and many other important words. Only a very special story with just the right words can bring ‘C’ and ‘K’ back into the tale. Gently introducing phonetic sounds and basic spelling, beginning readers will get more that just a story from these delightfully animated letters of the alphabet.

I Want to Be in a Scary Story

by Sean Taylor, Illustrated by Jean Jullien (Candlewick Press) Little Monster is asking to be in his own scary story. Breaking the fourth wall, this title follows an implied conversation with the storyteller as Little Monster asks for new elements to be added to his tale. The level of scary adjusts up and down as Little Monster seeks just the right amount of scary in their story. After a string of spooky additions and changes, the story is still not exactly right for Little Monster. Sometimes what a good story needs to become great is simply a change in perspective. Featuring a bordering-onbold Little Monster who just wants to move from scared to scary, this is a great read-aloud conversation for every storytelling partnership.

Amy the Red Panda is Writing the Best Story in the World

by Colleen AF Venable, Illustrated by Ruth Chan (Greenwillow / HarperCollins) With a simple announcement, Amy the Red Panda begins writing the best story in the world. But as soon as Amy’s first sentence begins to form, letters of the alphabet begin to rain from the sky and friends arrive to help her story development. Her tiny friends insist that smaller animals make better stories (hippos and giraffes disagree). Digger friends suggest digging stories and flying pals offer flights of fantasy. Amy’s vision for her tale goes farther and farther off course as she’s beset with everyone’s diverging ideas about what makes a good story. Left with a chaotic alphabet and her original story in tatters, Amy discovers a new story emerging from her experience. Underlining the ability to make your own happy ending in the wake of unexpected changes, this title is a cheerful celebration of storytelling. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Teaching our kids to have goals, do their best, and leverage personal momentum to succeed are all good ideas. However, there is a difference between supporting a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to reach goals and taking control of the results we deem the best possible outcomes. Parents who habitually steamroll their kids rob them of personal experience on multiple levels. When parents over-step, kids can lose their point of view, their self-esteem may go down, they may feel confused, anxious or depressed, and may focus too much on pleasing parents instead of honoring their own desires.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

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Don’t let your children miss out on opportunities to learn from their own life experiences. Healthy kids are not confused about who they are and what they want. In fact, a lack of assertiveness and selfexpression in children may be a signal to parents that they push too much and may need to back off and give kids a chance to assert themselves. If you tend to push too much, what are you so afraid of? If you are afraid your kids will set goals differently than you, don’t worry. This is the way it should be! Insecurity and poor boundaries are two reasons parents take over their children’s goals and make them their own. So what’s a well-meaning parent with some teeny-weeny control issues to do? Plenty. You can foster healthier relationships with yourself, with your child, and with other family members, so each person in your family can focus on setting and achieving goals without interference. Then, when each of you inevitably succeeds, you will all have something to genuinely celebrate. Here are 10 ways to detach from your kids’ goals.

1. Accept. Your kids are unfolding individuals-in-process and you are a unique person-in-process, as well. People are stories. We have beginnings, middles, and ends. As long as we are here, our story is still in progress. Sometimes progress is messy, and we are never done growing, until we are done living. So if we can allow each other to be unique works in progress, we don’t have to put quite so much pressure on ourselves to achieve everything right this very minute. 2. Distinguish.

You are not your child and your child is not you. So maybe it’s time to ease up on comparing and contrasting family members. Who says parents and children have to be anything alike? Maybe every single person in your family is a unique individual and you all have varied perspectives on any topic. This is likely true. Forget pressing for family groupthink. You can’t make your kids into you, nor should you ask them to be you. All you can do is be yourself and let them be themselves.

3. Moderate. Be a good enough parent, not a perfect parent. If you have to be a perfect parent, then everyone in your family has to be perfect too, and this is exhausting for everyone. If you put unrealistic pressures on yourself and your family members, stop. Try not judging your family by appearance. External indicators are not the measure of internal happiness, anyway. Truth: you are imperfect, you make

mistakes, you do the best you can, and this is all good enough. You can only feel like enough if you can let yourself and others embrace imperfection.

4. Strive. Have your own goals, not just goals for each of your children. Do you have a vocation or avocation beyond mothering and fathering? If not, you really need to get one or several. Parents who put all their identity eggs in one parenting basket are destined for a big fall, once children grow up and leave home. Because, yes, parenting is a full time job; but it’s not supposed to be your only identity in life. If you cling to your parenting role too much, ask yourself what other life challenges you might be trying to avoid. Chances are good, you are anxious about stretching your own wings. Focusing on your own goals and taking pride in each baby step will make you feel better than staying stuck. 5. Reach out. Get your own emotional needs met, rather than using your children for inner fulfillment. You may not realize you are doing this, but if you have unresolved childhood issues you have not yet faced, it is probably time to heal your past. The emotional work you are not willing to do can have long-term negative effects on your children. So don’t try to sort everything out without assistance. If you are aware of a family history of addiction, neglect, mental illness, divorce, narcissism, abuse or control issues, then you are likely going to need professional input to sort it all out and get yourself on a healthy emotional track. Don’t put this off, for your family’s sake. 6. Let go. As the wife of a high school theater director, I have witnessed parents of aspiring thespians bartering for their children’s advancement on more occasions than I care to remember. After moving into the district, it took us a couple of years to realize that many of our new overly enthusiastic friends were actually looking to secure a future leading role for their child. Why do parents do this? Apparently they believe that trading favors is better than letting their kids compete with their peers on an even playing field. But how long are mom and dad going to be able to smooth the way for successes? And if you asked the child, wouldn’t he say that he would rather earn the role rather than having mom and dad nab it for him? 7. Allow.

Acknowledge your fears and insecurities in life and express them in front of your kids occasionally. You may think your children can’t handle seeing you struggle, but by hiding your negative emotions you won’t provide healthy examples of how to process 41

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feelings with trusted others. Life is full of highs and lows. Trying to keep the emotional tone unnaturally high at all times is more detrimental than helpful. Kids need to see parents as regular old human beings who both thrive and falter. So set the example of how to experience a full range of emotions in your home and you’re children will learn how to move through negative emotions.

8. Join in.

Help your kids create momentum in arenas they love, while still acknowledging the rest of the team. If your child always has to be the star for your sake, she will have trouble fitting in with the rest of the kids. If you can’t settle for anything but the best for your child, check your attitude for entitlement. Believing your child is superior to others is detrimental to social development. So take her down off the pedestal and get to work figuring out why you need to put her there in the first place. Chances are good it has more to do with your low self-esteem than what your child wants and needs. If you can join groups without having to be the best or the leader, your child can learn to appreciate the value in connecting for it’s own sake, too.

9. Aim high. Toddlers don’t usually

walk across the room on their first attempt, and you won’t hit every goal on the first try either. But if you don’t set goals beyond your ken, then how are kids going to learn how to do the same themselves? Of course, this means sometimes you won’t succeed and your children will witness your inevitable failures. But, if you come up with ways to bounce back from life’s disappointments, your children will learn to do the same. And that’s great because then you are teaching them that aiming high is a challenging learning experience, not just an opportunity for guaranteed applause.

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Home is supposed to be a sanctuary for the whole family, not a place where kids come to get probed, lectured, and controlled. If your home is not a place where each family member can retreat and find some peace and quiet, why isn’t it? Maybe a parent is spending too much time alone worrying about how each child can get ahead rather than getting out and contributing to the community. Don’t be a pushy parent. You may feel like you are making strides for your children in the short run, but you are robbing each of them of developing an organic identity at their own pace. Create a restful home, full of divergent opinions, healthy debates, and spontaneous selfexpression. MBP Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz is proud to say that her daughter is nothing like her and is under no pressure to become her any time soon. Playing Christina Katz is a role that has already cheerfully been taken.

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

In the age of handheld devices, it’s getting harder and harder to pull youth away from their screens. While the electronic landscape is a wonderland of entertainment, encouraging active engagement through active play is equally important to kids’ physical and emotional growth. Finding the right toys and resources that generate enthusiasm and energy are key to getting children and teens off the couch and into physical recreation. From products that inspire freeform creative movement to toys that offer directed challenges, the following recommendations are perfect picks for encouraging kids to get a move on.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Capture the Flag Redux

Little Tikes Pogo It (Little Tikes)

The ultimate combination of athletics and electronic gaming, Little Tikes Pogo It brings kids off the couch and into a full body experience. Beginners use balance and physical energy to keep the music playing as they jump, twist, bounce or turn on the ball platform. When the movement stops, the game resets for new challenges. Once kids master the basics, the ball platform flips over for a different kind of game play. Following the Pogo’s voice commands, the player must jump in specific directions to score points. Improved coordination, better balance, and muscle development are added benefits that come with this physically engaging play resource. Little Tikes Pogo It is an outstanding toy for both the child who needs more activity as well as the kid who need to burn off their extra energy.

Adding a whole new level of energy to a familiar team activity, Capture the Flag Redux introduces an illuminating option for this competitive game play. The kit includes glowing components (lighted orbs, jail markers, LED bracelets) that amp up the challenge between groups scrambling for victory on field. With updated instructions and alternative games, the lighted elements create an extra layer of excitement as players pursue lights through the darkness. The shadows of a community greenspace, a front yard at dusk or a dim gymnasium transform into a proving ground for kids as they seek out the opposition’s glowing targets. Combining the best of tag, ‘keep away’ and a high-octane Easter egg hunt, Capture the Flag Redux is a shining addition to the game shelf for exciting neighborhood play and team-building at group events.

SoundMoovz Musical Bands

All Surface Pro Swingball

Moving to the music is one thing. Turning movement into music is another experience entirely and an exciting next step for active listeners. Through a pair of matched bands (worn on wrists or ankles), Soundmoovz translates movement into music and special effects sounds. Using Bluetooth technology the wearer can generate over 400 sounds through their motions and gestures. Various modes like Musical, Instrumental, Robot and Karate help direct the theme of the soundscapes. Their physical compositions can be broadcast to speakers expanding the audience for each original performance. It’s the ultimate demonstration of creative energy expressed as sound. Ideal for the kid who moves to their own beat, SoundMoovz turns motion into music and opens an audible world of active possibilities!

Creating a nexus that joins tennis, racquetball, and tetherball, All Surface Pro Swingball offers dynamic game play with new energetic challenges. Using checker bats to strike a tennissized ball tethered to a steel pole, players cultivate their aim, strength and strategy as they work on their swing. The smaller ball target and added racquet challenge encourage stronger hand-eye coordination and motor skills. With a pole base that’s stabilized with water or sand, the swingball set is easily erected on surfaces ranging from grass to pavement. It’s also handily disassembled and portable in the included case for picnics, playdates and parties. Challenging fun for both solo and paired players, All Surface Pro Swingball puts a fresh spin on a beloved playground favorite.

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

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thin in a across North America. “Sometimes all you need to do is talk about it, but there may be someone in the group who has gone through something similar.”

Parenting is hard. Parenting kids without a partner to help can be grueling. From finding the right support to setting realistic limits, you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Here’s how:

Manage your finances. Many hardworking single parents struggle to make ends meet. If you qualify, numerous non-profit and government organizations are available to provide assistance. Also, eliminate unnecessary bills or contact the company to see if refinancing is an option. “One of the worst things to do is to let the kids think that the only thing that has changed is that mommy or daddy has left,” Gallinati says. “Explain that this is now a one-income family and cuts need to be made.”

Tap emotional support. A positive support network is instrumental for stress management. If you don’t have access to close family or friends, seek support from single parent or mothers’ groups. “We have discussion groups that discuss topics pertinent to single parents,” says Janet Gallinati, president of Parents without Partners, an international non-profit organization, with chapters Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

Set limits. Say no to requests that will cause undue strain on your wallet or your time. Also, resist the urge to say yes to every activity your child wants to participate in. Make reasonable choices according to what works with your hours and available support. 44

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Seek flexibility. If possible, negotiate work hours or find a job that better accommodates you and your children’s needs. “Finding flexible work is realistic if you are clear about what you need, how you can be successful and matching that with the business need,” says Laura Wildman, a staffing consultant with Mom Corps, which helps match professionals who are raising young families with companies that offer flexible work conditions. As president of Mothers & More, a national organization that provides community, support and programming for mothers, single mom Jill Gaikowski, says she works in the evenings and on the weekends when she doesn’t have her child. “I’m happy to make the trade-off because before becoming a single parent, I was a stay-at-home mom. I am lucky to have this option,” Gaikowski says. Resolve guilt. Are you haunted by feelings of guilt, inadequacy and resentment in the midst of juggling parenthood and a career? Realize that you are doing your best and focus on remaining optimistic. “You will get that important email that comes while you are at your kids’ game and you will get that call from school when you are working, but your mindset and flexibility can make it all work,” Wildman says.

Ask for help. Without adequate emotional and practical support,caregiving can deplete your energy making you more susceptible to illness and depression. Utilize available resources and take advantage of any help that is offered by family and friends, says life coach Kristin Dunn, owner of From the Ground Up Life Coaching. Also, find a reliable sitter, trade babysitting with a friend or check out area drop-in day cares.

Commit to self-care. Engage in activities that nurture and energize you like meditation, reading or exercise, even if that means waking up a few minutes earlier than usual. Use your lunch hour to connect with a friend. “Don’t underestimate the power of human touch,” Dunn says. “Schedule a massage or a pedicure. Human contact is really helpful in releasing bottled up energy and emotion that may not otherwise have an outlet for release.” Plan ahead. Include personal time on the calendar. “Do something for yourself once a week. You will see how it makes you better in all other areas of your life,” Gaikowski says. Integrate fun. Spend time with your kids cooking meals together, playing board games, bike-riding or watching a movie. Also plan playdates or outings with other families to build a sense of community.

Involve your kids. Assign age-appropriate responsibilities which helps children grow more self-confident and independent. “If you over-function by doing things for your children they could be doing for themselves, you’re teaching them to have unrealistic expectations for themselves and others,” Dunn says. Although single parenting isn’t easy, remember that when you manage your stress and focus on creating a stable, loving home for your kids, you’ll not only survive, you and your family will thrive. MBP Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life, which helps moms connect with their tribe, while creating a social life they love. To connect with her, visit www.christamelnykhines.com.

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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun! Art/Music/ Performing Arts Alabama Contemporary Art Center ad on page 17

301 Conti Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Let your child explore the world of contemporary art! Our art camps are not your average camps. We offer a wide variety of stimulating, hands-on classes such as Fashion, Graffiti, Recycled Art, Stop-Motion Animation and more! Full schedule and registration information can be found on our website. 251-208-5657 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.org

Azalea City Center for the Arts Summer Camps ad on page 39

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Drama Camp at University of South AlabamaAre you ready for two weeks of fun? Join us for fullblown Drama Camp (around since 2002) -- We will put on a full-length show, play games, go outdoors, and paint sets! Cost of $260 includes cast party, t-shirt, DVD, costumes, script, and more! 9:00 – 1:00, Grades 3 & up. Session 1- June 4- June 15, Session 2 - June 18 – 29, Session 3 - July 2 - 13, * Special Musical Theater intensive July 16 - 20 from 9 am to 5 pm, * Special Rising Stars session for older campers grades 8 & up June 25 - July 6 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. $190. Glee Camp - June 11 - June 22 - Grades 3 & up - a chance to really shine in a musical revue! Taught by our professional voice teachers it is loaded with singing, dancing, and fun! Drama Camp Junior - For our youngest actors & actresses, we have one-week sessions that produce a daily skit or performance. Campers participate in group games, costume craziness, bringing books to life, and stage fun! Cost $130 includes t-shirt, costumes, snacks, and performances. 9:00 – 1:00 Grades PK - 2. $130/week. Themes include Charlotte’s Web, Alice in Wonderland, Madagascar, Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid, and more! Music Camps @ Full Scale of Music – Do you have talented kids who loves different styles of music? Try our summer music camps where you can play in a band, work on technique, improvise, learn a new instrument, write a song, and learn Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

music theory. Prices are $195 for camp 8:30-3:30 and $115 for camp 8:30-12. The schedule is listed at www.fullscaleschool.com. Choose from Jazz and Blues Camp, Rock Band Camp, Praise and Worship Camp 251-510-1808 dramacamp@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

Mobile Museum of Art - ArtBlast ad on page 21

4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Art Blast, the Museum’s summer art camp, runs weekly from June 11 - July 27, 2018 (skipping the week of July 4). With classes for 4-7 year olds, 8-11 year olds and 12 and up, there is truly something for everyone in the wide variety of art offered throughout the summer. Ceramics, painting and drawing in all styles inspire students to energize their creativity, while learning about elements of art and art history. All classes are taught by experienced art educators and are based on the Discipline-Based Arts Education principles of creating art, viewing art, and discussing art in the context of history, while considering its aesthetics. With significant art on display throughout the Museum to reinforce lesson plans, students may experience a total immersion in the art that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Cost: One 2-hour class (10 hours of instruction), M-F: $75 for members; $110 for nonmembers. All day camp, M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm with a supervised lunch hour (40 hours of instruction): $180 for members; $220 for nonmembers. Join the Museum for member discounts. 251-208-5212 kwood@MobileMuseumofArt.com www.mobilemuseumofart.com/learn

Springhill Baptist Church SMASH ad on page 8

2 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 SMASH at Spring Hill Baptist Church is a Music Day Camp for children who have completed K4 through 6th grade. Dates for camp this year will be July 16-20, 9:30am - 1:30pm, performance date July 22 (grades 1 - 6). Music learning activities including crafts, music games, instruments and singing. Fun for all!!!! Cost: $75 for one child. $110 for two children. $140 for three or more children. 251-342-5320

drice@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc/smash

Auburn Summer Band Camp

320 W Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Summer Band Camps: Yamaha “Sounds of Summer” Marching Percussion Camp - June 5 - 6.

Drum majors and section leaders will benefit from our Marching Leadership program held June 13 - 16. Colorguard, dancers, and majorettes will enjoy our Marching Auxiliary program, which includes basic and advanced technique development and group routines and will be June 21 - 23. Auburn University Bands also holds two annual Summer Symphonic Band Camps each year. These camps, designed for Middle School held June 21 – 23 and High School students on June 10 - 13 respectively, provide an excellent opportunity for the musical development of our participants during the summer. Rehearsals with band students from across the country, as well as section rehearsals and master classes, are a reason your child won’t want to miss out on being a part of our summer camp program this year. 334- 844-4166 etl0001@tigermail.auburn.edu www.band.auburn.edu

Back to School Kids Yog-Art Camp

803 Regents Drive East, Mobile AL 36609 This will be a 4 day (Mon-Thurs) 6 hour/day camp focusing on Yoga, Meditation, Arts & Crafts, and Mindful Games to prepare children for adjusting to school after summer break. Did you know that yoga for kids does a lot more than improve flexibility? Yoga helps improve concentration, establish routines, improves self esteem, and through breathing techniques (pranayama) & meditation, reduces anxiety. Come have fun with yoga, music, dancing, arts & crafts, and games. Cost is $45/day or $150 for the week (MonThurs) if registered by May 1st, if after May 1st, cost is $50/day or $180 for the week. This fee includes all supplies, and snacks. Please send a lunch and drink. Before camp care and after camp care available. Only 10 spots available!! This camp tends to fill up quickly, so register soon to save your child’s spot! Yoga mats provided. Siblings Discount!! Ages 5-12. 251-422-1377 www.kiddingaroundyoga.com/April April@kiddingaroundyoga.com

Blue Bird Therapy - Music & Movement

6157 Airport Blvd Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 This camp will use familiar children’s songs and games to target coordination, balance, following directions and socialization skills. It will incorporate hands-on learning through playing musical instruments, singing songs, imitating motions, navigating/ building obstacle courses, engaging in sensory play and crafts. It will be led by a trained occupational therapist and is open to children of all abilities ages 3-4 years old June 11 -15. Ages 3 – 4. 10am – 11am. Register by May 11. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

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CHBC Music Worship Camp

Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 7355 Creekwood Drive, Mobile, AL 36695 Worship Camp 2018 is coming to Cottage Hill Baptist Church. Join us at CHBC for an exciting week of games, creative movement, worship songs, art and so much more! July 9-13th with a performance Friday night, July 13th. 8:45-12:00 each day for completed K5 – 5th grade. Cost: $25 per child 251-660-2422

www.cottagehill.org/chbc-events/

Mobile Parks & Rec Community

Camps offering arts, crafts, sewing and much more. 251-208-1617

www.communityactivitiesprogram.com

Mobile School of Piano

Ages 4 years old to adult. This class is a great introductory to the student as well as a great refresher course and it is long enough that the student will see the benefits of piano. They will learn sight reading, ear training, improvising and more! The students will learn a variety of styles including but not limited to Christian, classical, contemporary and “fun” songs. The student can request to learn a specific style if there is something they have in mind. By the end of the summer, the student will have a repertoire of songs they can play on their own, from memory and with music. The style of songs that will be in the repertoire is the student’s choice. 251-272-9616

www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

Paint Party Studios

15 Upham Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Paint Party Studios: Pop-up Kids Summer Special Events and Classes in our studio will be posted on our Facebook page at facebook. com/paintpartystudios/ for ages 6+. We also host kids birthday parties, summer school field trips, VBS field trips, scouts and team parties in our

studio or at your church or school throughout the summer.

251-343-2423 info@paintpartystudios.com www.paintpartystudios.com

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer Theatre Camps will be offered this summer. More info coming soon!

251-602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail.com www.playhouseinthepark.org

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama Band Department offers a variety of summer programs for high school students. Ranging from honor bands to marching bands, these programs provide young musicians with top-notch experience and education, as well as an exciting way for students to get involved with the university. 205-348-6068 jhnails@ua.edu www.bands.ua.edu/programs

USA Piano Camp: 20th Century Music

University of South Alabama, 307 University Boulevard North, Mobile AL 36608 We are excited to offer this workshop to pianists age 11 through adult. The camp will focus on the music of the 20th Century. Daily classes will focus on technique, theory, form and literature. Students will take mini-lessons and master classes with nationally renowned experts and USA piano faculty. Students should bring 1 or 2 piano pieces to study during the workshop. Pieces from the 20th Century are recommended but not required. Dates: July 9-13. 251-460-6237 southalabama.edu/colleges/music/ pianocamp.html

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Broadway South Dance ad on page 25

7906 Westside Park Dr; 4715 Airport Blvd, Ste 300, Mobile, AL 36695; 36609 We are Mobile’s #1 Choice in Dance! We offer a large variety of dance camps and summer classes for ages 2-18 as well as Adult Dance and workout classes. Summer Camps at West Mobile and Regency Locations-Call to register! 251-639-0660 office@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

Classical Ballet of Mobile ad on page 23

4621 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Classical Ballet of Mobile Summer 2018: Ballet Intensive Week with Kathryn Morgan, former soloist New York City BalletJune 4-8 (Ages 10 and older) (Check our website and social media for detailed information.) “Snow White’s Enchanted Adventures” June 4-7, 10:00-12:30 (Ages 8-9) $180, “Princesses of Ballet” -June 11-14 Mon/Tues/Thurs , June 18-21 Mon/Tues/Thurs - 10:00-12:30 (Ages 10-11) $150 per week,$275 two weeks, “Princesses of Ballet and Their Variations” - June 11-14 Mon/Tues/Thurs, June 18-21 Mon/Tues/Thurs, 1:00-3:30 (Ages 12 and older) $175 per week, $275 two weeks, “The Princess and the Butterfly” - June 18-21, 10:00-12:00 (Ages 3-5) $180, “The Princess and the Butterfly” June 18-21, 10:00-12:00 (Ages 6-7) $180. *Open ballet classes will be offered in July and August. 251-410-4477

www.classicalballetmobile.org

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UMS-Wright Cheer and Dance Camps ad on page 15

65 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607 See more details under Sports Camps. 251-470-9045

www.ums-wright.org

Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp

Debbie’s School of Dance ad on page 29

6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 Each summer, join Debbie’s School of Dance for our spectacular summer camps, perfect for children ages 2 and up! Dates: June 11-28. We offer fun, creative camps that will keep your child active and entertained. Princess Sophia’s Dance Camp features Ballet, Tumbling, Story Time and Games on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00 -9:45 am; Monday & Wednesday, 5:45- 6:30 or Tuesday & Thursday, 5:45 – 6:30. Ages: 2 year old olds. Cost - $95. Descendants Hip-Hop Camp - Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday – 6:307:30pm. Ages 6 and up. Cost - $95. Princess Elena Ballet Adventures – Ballet, Tumbling, Story Time and Games – Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. Ages 3-5. Cost - $95. 251-633-9559

www.debbiesdance.com

Mobile Ballet ad on page 5

4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile, AL 36609 Summer is an excellent time to begin ballet studies or to enhance your ballet skills! Mobile Ballet offers a full range of summer classes for ages 3 and up along with intensives at both our Mobile and Eastern Shore studios featuring outstanding guest teachers and Mobile Ballet faculty. Fun summer training to advance your classical ballet and Broadway-style jazz skills. Ballet & jazz classes, stretch & strengthening components, and focus on improving technique. Performance for family and friends at end of each Session! Watch for more details soon! 251-342-2241

www.mobileballet.org

Planet Gymnastics ad on page 8

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Half-day, daily, and weekly rates. Walk-ins welcome! (Ages 3-14) Camp Dates – May 24-until school returns. No registration fees, unbelievable rates, 20% sibling discounts and great hours from 7:30am – 5:30pm (late pick up until 6:30pm). Instructional Camp – Olympic Camp – June 11-14 (Girls all levels beginner to elite). Come join Olympic Champion Vladimir Novikov and other special guests for great gymnastics instruction. 251-650-0699 PlanetGymnasticsAL@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

703 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Residential or Commuter Camp June 10 – 13. Residential July Camp July 13-15, Day Camp June 14-15. Auburn Gymnastics Camps in Alabama offer an opportunity for gymnasts to receive valuable instruction on the fundamentals of gymnastics while addressing new skills. Campers will be made aware of the characteristics that define a successful gymnast and drill progressions will be aimed towards recognizing and developing good habits in all aspects of gymnastics.General courtesy, respect for others and the importance of hard work will be taught to the campers through example by the Tiger coaches.The Auburn University coaching staff, many qualified club coaches, as well as several current and former Auburn gymnasts will be working daily with campers. 334-844-5047 kurth@auburn.edu www.abcsportscamps.com/autigers

Brandy Brown

2569 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606 The Brandy Brown Studio for the Performing Arts Arts teaches young people the joys and excitement of performing. The studio is dedicated to introducing and exposing our youth to the performing arts while affording them the opportunity to receive training in a nurturing environment. Summer Camps Offered. 251-509-5659 brandybrownstudio@gmail.com www.brandybrownstudio.net/

Cheer Force One

8700 Zeigler Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608 All Star Cheerleading, Cheer Summer Camps, & Tumbling Classes for boys and girls. Official Summer Camp schedule coming soon. See our ad for a coupon for FREE family registration for new members. 251-634-0203 info@cheerforceone.com www.cheerforceone.com

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

1711 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL 36695 Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline. 251-666-0559; 251 208-1631 www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Danze101 Summer Camp

3164 South Midtown Park Drive, Mobile AL 36606 Studio of Dance Summer Camp will be held June 2, 2018 - July 27, 2018 with 8:00am-3:00pm regular hours (7:00am-4:00pm extended hours). Cost: $60.00 per week 8:00am-3:00pm, $70.00 per week 7:00am-4:00pm. 251-643-2357 www.danze101studioofdance.com/ summer-programs

Gale’s Studio of Dance

6345 Airport Blvd. Suite F, Mobile, AL 36608 Join us! Six week summer dance camp & classes for ages 2 & up! A great time to try a new studio, or challenge yourself as a dancer in an advanced class. Summer camps & classes begin June

12th. Students attend class one day a week. Choose: Tip Toes & Tumbling for Tots on Tuesday & Thursdays, “Enchanted Princess Camp” (ages 3-5) on Tuesdays, “Pop Star Camp” (ages 6 & up) on Tuesdays, “Teens & Tweens Camp” (ages 10 & up) on Wednesdays, & “Summer Intensive” Advanced classes (13 & up) on Thursdays. Dancers may study ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, hip hop & cheerleading. Your child will be inspired, motivated & challenged while having FUN this summer with our professional staff! Receive a FREE summer camp t-shirt IF registered by May 25, 2018. Online registration available now! We offer year round dance classes too! 36 years & going strong! 251-343-9544

www.galesstudioofdance.com

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LSU Gymnastics Camp

Baton Rouge, LA 70803 At Flying Tiger Gymnastics Camp we aspire to provide expert coaching in all of the disciplines required to be an accomplished gymnast. Emphasis is placed on advancing the individual skill level of each gymnast. We follow proper skill progressions and basic fundamentals are stressed while we work to increase the camper’s skills in all events. 225-766-7125 flyingtigergymnasticscamp@gmail.com www.lsusports.net/camps

Maccrossan School of Irish Dance Summer Dance Camps

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Call about our Irish Dance Summer Camp!

228-239-2422 maccrossanirishdance@yahoo.com www.azaleacityarts.com

Mrs. Lisa’s Gym and Cheer

144 East I-65 Service Rd North, Mobile, AL 36607 Mrs. Lisa’s offers Recreational tumbling classes , Competitive Cheer Teams for ages 3-18 , School Cheer Teams Tumbling, Private Lessons & Choreography. 251-471-9708 mrslisasalabamajags@comcast.net Find us on Facebook!

Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics

102 Baker Road, Satsuma, AL 36572 For current info, visit our Facebook Page: Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics; Summer Schedule and camps TBA.

251-599-2205 msdaphnescheernastics@yahoo.com www.msdaphnescheernastics.com

Nasser’s Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36607 Keep your children active this summer in a safe and fun environment. Ages 3 and up. Summer Camp is a great way for kids to play with their friends and meet new ones.Many exciting activities such as arts & crafts, games, gymnastics (of course) and much more! Very Flexible schedule: half-day, full-day, daily, weekly rates, and drop-offs available. Please see our ad in this issue for special discounts! 251-479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com www.nassergym.net

Precision Dance

168 Noel Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Precision Dance Academy, located in the Springhill/Midtown area, will again host an exciting summer filled with camps and intensives for both boys and girls of all ages. Please like us on Facebook for updates and more camp information. 251-222-3403

www.precisiondanceacademy.net

Princess Adventures Dance Camp

Mobile Bay Dance Academy, 3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile AL 36607 Princess Adventures Dance Camp will be held

www.mobilebayparents.com

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July 16th-July 20th from 8:00am-12:30pm. Cost - $125. 251-455-3044 www.mobilebaydanceacademy.com

Robinson’s School of Dance

421 Highway 43 North, Saraland, AL 36571 Summer Registration Saturday, June 2nd 2018 from 10-12noon & Monday June 4th from 4-6p.m. Classes start Tuesday, June 5th! Classes will run for 6 weeks this summer! Unlimited classes for $250 for 6 weeks of summer! With guest teachers and choreographers! Offering the best in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, acrobatics, baton and hip hop! Going on 48 years and counting! Classes run 6 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays! 251-675-5915

www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

8665 Four Mile Rd, Irvington, AL 36544 Announcing Summer Dance Intensive Offering the best in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics Summer Dance Intensive Registration- July 9th 5-7pm Classes begin July 10th, and run every Tuesday and Thursday in July. Come dance with us! Accepting dancers ages 2 and up. Like us on Facebook! Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio. 251-455-1866

robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com

Sheffield School of Dance

4570 Hermitage Road/1901 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36619; 36608 Sheffield School of the Dance is Mobile & Baldwin County’s “BEST DANCE STUDIO” from the 2016 & 2017 Nappie Awards! We will be offering exciting Summer Camps & Classes for all ages and levels in 2018! 251-479-3926; 251-661- 4893 www.sheffielddance.com

University of Alabama - Gymnastics Camps

323 Paul West Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 University of Alabama Gymnastics Camps are designed to maximize each camper’s experience through technical training in a challenging and fun atmosphere. We take pride in providing all participants an in-depth opportunity to grow and develop as a gymnast. Session 1 (all levels) June 22-24 Session 2 (High Performance Camp - Level 7-10, Elite & All Levels Camp) June 29-July 1, Session 3 - (High Performance Camp - Recommended for Levels 7-10 & Elite) July 13-15. Day Camper Fee is $495 and Overnight fee is $595. Overnight Camp is for ages 9 years and up. Day Camp is for ages 7 years and up.

www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion

KNOW what to do in case of suspected concussion

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n.....Should be IMMEDIATELY

REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY SPORTS MEDICINE

n.....Should be evaluated right away

by a doctor/healthcare professional n.... Should not be left alone n.....Should not drive a motor vehicle

SPORTS MEDICINE

For a Concussion Clinic appointment, call 205.934.1041 In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

Bamagymcamp@ia.ua.edu www.alabamagymnasticscamp.com

SPORTS MEDICINE

Day Camps Dauphin Way Baptist Summer Camp

SPORTS MEDICINE

ad on page 20

3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Dauphin Way Baptist Summer Camp hours are 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children who have completed 5K thru 5th grade. Camp begins May 29 and ends August 3. Registration fee is $75 per child with a daily fee of $28 which includes lunch. Weekly activities include swimming, skating, arts and crafts, music and sports combine & special field trips each week. Space is limited. 251-344-0909 Facebook -Dauphin Way Baptist Child Development Center

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Boys Scouts of America Cub Scout Day C.S.I. Cub Scout Investigation

The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL 36608 The Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will be holding its annual Cub Scout Summer Day Camp. The Theme this year is “Passport to Adventure”. Cub Scout Day Camp is a full day of scouting activities, which include: skills, crafts, games, BB guns, archery, and lots of fun! Boys don’t have to be an active Cub Scout to participate in Day Camp, but they do have to register as a Cub Scout if you would like your son to participate. Cub Scout grade requirements are first grade through 5th grade. Camp Dates: June 11-15, 2018 from 8:00am-4:00pm with before/After care available.

Joyland Summer Camp ad on page 4

1501 Knollwood Drive, Mobile, AL 36609 Summer Camp (Accepting Grades K4-5th grade) beginning May 29. Two field trips each week along with lunch and snack are included. Full time and daily drop-in rates available. 251-666-4996

www.joylanddaycare.com

The Watermelon Patch ad on page 20

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 At The Watermelon Patch we love summer and we do Summer Camp right! Your child will experience 10 full weeks of fun weekly themes that will have them waking up and excited to come every single day. Some of our themes will include dancing, singing, pirate ship building, ice cream making, painting and water balloons just to name a few. It’s a super fun summer that will entertain and delight children who are walkers to 6 years old. Hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30pm. Extended hours are also offered. We will offer 2, 3 and 5 day options. Registration is open and space is limited so please call our office today to reserve your child’s spot. 251-633-3288

www.watermelonpatchkids.com

Beck’s Day Care 1248 Anchor Drive, Mobile, AL 36693 Summer Camp offered for children who have completed K5 though 12 years old. Children take daily field trips. Children will all receive a becks t-shirt. Skating, bowling , movies, library, Cottage Hill park each week. Other special activities are also offered each month.

251-476-4600

www.bsamac.org

Bright Beginnings Learning Center Providence

6803 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Now enrolling for Summer Camp! This year’s exciting theme is “All Aboard Bright Beginnings Learning Center Cruise Ship - Cruising Through the Caribbean”. Campers will will enjoy swimming, skating, field trips, crafts, culinary arts and more. Camp is May 29-August 8. Camp days and hours are Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 6:00pm. Accepting enrollment for children ages 5 - 12 and Infant - K4. 251-776-5540 bblc_providence@yahoo.com www.bright-beginnings-learning-center-at-providencellc.business.site/

Christ United Methodist Church Summer Camps

6101 Grelot Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 Kidz Crossing Summer Camp - Completed K5 through 5th grade. Activities will include skating, bowling, arts and crafts, talent shows, tennis camp, Vacation Bible School, indoor and outdoor games and much more. 251-342-7215 christie@christumcmobile.com www.christumcmobile.com/summer

City of Mobile Summer Adventure Camp

Mobile, AL City of Mobile’s Parks and Recreation Special Activities Summer Adventure Camp. Registration begins April 2, 2018. Register early to secure your child’s spot at the Main Office of Parks and Recreation at 48 North Sage Avenue. 251-208-1651; 251- 208-1668 www.cityofmobile.org/parks/special_activities.php

251-661-4254 Find us on Facebook

Boys and Girls clubs of South Alabama

4 Locations: 35 Cody Road South, 251-343=4320; 712 Rice Street, 251-478-7811; 3810 Wulff Road East, Semmes, 251-645-9027; 6585 Carol Plantation Road, Theodore, 251-653-1188, Mobile, AL Come celebrate the summer with Boys & Girls Clubs! Our Summer Enrichment Programs lead to a Great Future by providing academic enrichment, sports & fitness activities, character & leadership programs, and fun & educational field trips. Activities are age-appropriate, take place in a safe, positive environment, and are led by experienced and caring youth development staff. Choose your Club, and enroll today...space is limited. You pay only for the weeks you attend. 251-432-1235 bcarlisle@bgcsouthal.org www.bgcsouthal.org

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp

2200 Cody Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 For children entering K5 through 6th Grade. Exciting activities await those who attend Dayspring Day Camp! Each week, campers will swim, skate, and go on field trips. In addition to special activities such as juggling, arts and crafts, drama, and talent shows, there will be recreation, movies, music, and numerous other creative activities. We will have special weeks such as “Christmas in July” and “Parent’s Night”. Opens May 29. Hours: 6:45am-6:00pm. (Activities from 8:30am-4:30pm) $22 per day or $110 per week with $155 due at registration (includes a non-refundable registration fee and first week’s tuition/total to register before May 1 is $150). 251-633-0250

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Hands-on adventures introduce children ages 5 through 13 to Alabama’s ocean. Oceans Alive! (Ages 5-8) June 8, July13, and July 30 - This half-day adventure combines arts and crats with a beach walk adventure. BIO Blitz (Ages 10-13) June 15, July 12, and July 31 - Explore nature and discover coastal Alabama’s diversity with this day long camp. Survivor:Dauphin Island (Ages 8-10) June 14, July 13, and August 1 - Will you survive on the island? During this day long camp learn how to cast a net, catch crabs, bait a hook, and filet a fish. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) www.disl.org

sejohnson@disl.org

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www.dayspring.church/summer-day-camp

The Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp

Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard NAS Pensacola, FL 32508 Launch your own rocket, build gliders, watch a Blue Angels practice (if available) and experience a Giant Screen movie and exciting flight simulators - all in one week! Sign up for the Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp held at the National Naval Aviation Museum, located on NAS Pensacola. Taught by teachers, campers will learn the science and math of flight and expand their knowledge of naval aviation history with tours of museum exhibits, aircraft and the National Flight Academy! The following one week sessions are available but fill up quickly: June 4-9, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30- Aug 3. Camp begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Camp is open only to youth entering the 5th or 6th grade. Fees are $175 per Camper, per session. Campers must arrange their own transportation and bring their own lunch. To register go to: www.navalaviationfoundation.org/what-wedo/fad-summer-camp/ 850-453-2389 (ext. 8957) www.navalaviationmuseum.org jrunge@navalaviationmuseum.org

Government Street Baptist

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36693 Summer Camp is for children who have completed K4 - 5th grade. The theme this year will be “Run the Race” based on Hebrews 12:1-2. Dates are May 29-August 3, 2018. Camp is open from 6:00am - 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, with most activities scheduled between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm. Every week will be packed full of many exciting things like skating, swimming, bowling, arts and crafts, a weekly sport, elective classes such as science and cooking, a big field trip for each age group, and much more. The registration fee of $160 will cover the field trips and a camp tshirt. 251-660-7444 deboraheddie@gsbc.onmicrosoft.com www.governmenstreetcdc.org

GulfQuest Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Summer Day Camps

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155 Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Summer Maritime Academy at GulfQuest is offered to children ages 1st - 6th grade. Each week will be filled with unique curriculums filled with STEM components, hands-on learning, and art activities centered around a “Gulf-centric” theme. Academy dates are June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, and July 16 - 20, 2018. (If you have camp times, you can enter those here) Please call or email for registration and other information. 251-436-8901 www.gulfquest.org kfaggard@gulfquest.org

Jr. Police Summer Camp

Mobile Police Academy, 1251 Virginia Street, Mobile, AL 36604 You and your friends can step into the role of a Mobile Police Officer. A heavy responsibility, you’ll

www.mobilebayparents.com

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spend the week finding bad guys, solving crimes as a leading detective, and playing hard while learning peciality skills. This complete crime-busting experience entails a whole lot of fun – outdoor games, team-building challenges and a specialty unit field trip to spend some quality time with real world experts. You and your team will handle real police equipment, including handcuffs, and be put in the shoes of an on-duty patrol officer. You will virtually examine crime scenes in order to bring justic to your city. Sounds like fun? It’s just another day in the life of an officer. July 9-12 for ages 9-12. Cost - $40. 251-208-1924

www.mobilepd.org/jrpolicecamp

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Camp Wildcat

3975 Japonica Lane , Mobile, AL 36693 St. Luke’s Episcopal School is excited to announce “Camp Wildcat”, a fun filled summer day camp for children grades Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth grade. Our Junior Camp serves children ages 3 through 5 (rising K-3, K-4 and K-5), while our Senior Camp serves rising 1st through 6th graders. All campers will enjoy activities associated with our weekly themes, and participate in enrichment classes such as library, computer, science, Spanish, and art. Our Junior Campers will enjoy many on-site activities, while our Senior campers attend field trips and swim once a week. We will also offer

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28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 2018 Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast’s Summer Program dates are June 4th - July 26th from 8am 6pm, Monday – Thursday. Our program is open to individuals ages 10 - 21. There is a one time registration fee of $50.00 and the Summer Program fee is $325.00/month. EFGC is a non profit 501 (c) (3) program that provides social and recreational opportunities for the special needs communities of Baldwin and Mobile counties. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp is for children ages 6-11 and is open from 6:00am – 6:00pm. We have two summer programs. One is for school age children who have completed K4 and K5 (or are the appropriate ages for this) and the other is for those children who have completed the 1st through 5th grades (Up to age 11). The registration fee must be paid by those who are not already registered in our yearly full time program and entitles the student to care only during the summer months. There is an activity fee which includes all field trips. Weekly rates includes two snacks daily but please note, a hot lunch each day is no longer included. All students will need to bring a sack lunch daily.

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Learn - Play - Grow

513 Georgian Drive, Mobile, AL 36609 Funtastic summer day camps for children 5 - 12 years old. Learn - Play - Grow combines the Montessori Philosophy with Fireflies and Buttercups curricula to give your child a FUNTASTIC learning experience! 251-342-5399

Life Church CDC Summer Camp

8701 Zeigler Boulevard , Mobile, AL 36608 This years theme will be “Wild for Summer” Our program is Monday thru Friday 6:00am-6:00pm for completed K3 thru completed 6th grade. We offer lots of fun activities for our campers. We have weekly field trips, daily arts and crafts, praise and worship, themed dress up days, water slides, and so much more! 251-633-2679

www.lifechurchcdc.com

Mobile Christian School - Day Camp

5900 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Mobile Christian School will be offering Summer Day Camp beginning in June. Day Camp will be open Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm for children who have completed K3 thru age 11. Daily activities are offered both on and off campus including activities such as bowling, skating, swimming, movies, Pump it Up, Jumps A Lot, Lazer Zone, and Chuck E Cheese. These off campus activities are included in the regular summer camp fee along with 2 daily snacks. 251-406-0768 april_walker@mobilechristian.org www.mobilechristian.org

“Water Slide Wednesday” to everyone each week to keep cool! Our counselors are trained to provide a great experience for your child while maintaining the highest level of safety. Camp Wildcat offers weekly themed day camps. Campers can be dropped off at 7:30 a.m., with camp ending each day at 5:30 p.m. We are closed on the Fourth of July. 251-666-2991 cjackson@stlukesmobile.com www.stlukesmobile.com

St. Pius X Summer Camp

217 South Sage, Mobile, AL 36606 The St. Pius X Summer Camp offers a fun, safe, and exciting environment for children during their summer vacation. Students participate in various activities and crafts. A lunch as well as morning and afternoon snacks are provided. We are located on the West Campus of St. Pius X. We are open Monday-Friday from 7 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Registration information and forms may be obtained in the school or church offices. Camp begins Tuesday, May 29. for more info contact Theresa Javel. 251-471-2301

tjavel@stpiustenth.com

Summer Kraze Day Camp

YMCA Summer Camps and Programs

951 Downtowner Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36609 Join the Best Summer Ever at the YMCA. Camp participants enjoy a variety of imaginative activities that nurture their spirits, challenge their minds, and strengthen their bodies all while learning about themselves and the world around them. The Y’s summer camp is packed with the best activities that include fun field trips, park days, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, Christian Emphasis, character development, STEM and much more all while learning the importance of healthy choices and active lifestyles. Fun for kids, peace of mind for parents your children will be in a fun and safe environment and be cared for by our fully trained staff. Sign up for you child’s favorite “Themed Week” or join us for the entire summer for the “Best Summer Ever”. YMCA summer camp is for school aged children ages 5-14. Fill your child’s summer with the best experiences and new friends. Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm. 251-344-4856

www.ysal.org

YMCA Summer Camps and Programs

City Hope Church “Summer Kraze Camp” is a 3-day Camp for kids who have completed 1st - 5th grades. Camp is filled with laughter, crazy games, small groups, interactive Bible stories and so much more! CityHope Church will host Summer Kraze Camp at all 4 campus locations from June 20 - 22, 2018. Camp is from 9am - 9pm each day. Please visit our website

www.wemochurch.org

92 Saraland Loop, Saraland, AL 36571 Join the Best Summer Ever at the YMCA. Camp participants enjoy a variety of imaginative activities that nurture their spirits, challenge their minds, and strengthen their bodies all while learning about themselves and the world around them. The Y’s summer camp is packed with the best activities that include fun field trips, park days, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, Christian Emphasis, character

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Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center ad on page 18

development, STEM and much more all while learning the importance of healthy choices and active lifestyles. Fun for kids, peace of mind for parents your children will be in a fun and safe environment and be cared for by our fully trained staff. Sign up for you child’s favorite “Themed Week” or join us for the entire summer for the “Best Summer Ever”. YMCA summer camp is for school aged children ages 5-14. Fill your child’s summer with the best experiences and new friends. Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm. 251-344-4856

www.ysal.org

Educational/ Miscellaneous Camps Alabama School of Math and Science ad on page 3

The Adventures in Math and Science Summer Camp

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at The Adventures in Math and Science summer camp at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile, AL. Learn while you have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay. Design a maze. Build a smart phone app. Solve a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Open to students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 4-8), Session 2 (June 11-15), and Session 3 (June 18-22) are all overnight or day camps. Day camp is 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Overnight Camp is $385 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 are an additional $185, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. Day Campers: $285 per week (this includes tuition and lunch). A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 1. 251-441-2152 www.asms.net

admissions@asms.net

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

65 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Experience the most amazing, science-based summer camps in Mobile! Summer camps at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center are a great way to keep budding young minds engaged all summer long. Our camps are extensive in subject matter and cater to ages 4-14 years of age. Summertime is always full of learning fun at the Gulf Coast Exploreum! Our camp highlights: Ages 4-5 – Jurassic Junior, Natural Wonders, Music Makers, Astro-tots, Ages 6-8 – Dino Dig, Kitchen Chemistry, Launch It, Junior Med, Ages 9–11 – Mad Scientist, Engineering Exploration, Wizardry, Art of Monster Science, Ages 12–14 – Get with the Program, Printing off the Page, Innovations, AirBus Flight Academy. Download our 2018 Camp Guide for a full list of camps, schedule, registration forms and more. Space is limited and fills up fast so don’t delay! visit www.exploreum. com and register today!

251-208-6893 hfreeman@exploreum.com www.exploreum.com

Huntington Learning Center ad on page 27

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Why choose Huntington? Because we have the tools and experience to unlock your child’s academic potential and give you confidence in their future success. Huntington Learning Center is dedicated to not only meeting, but exceeding today’s top education standards. Corporate level and regional accreditation is a symbol of our organization’s commitment to integrity. We provide Tutoring, Test Prep, Personalized Attention and proven results. 251-525-9239 MobileAL@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com

Junior MedCamp ad on page 18

Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile, AL, AL 36602 Junior MedCamp is offering 2 exciting camps this summer! The first camp is June 28 open 9 to 11 year olds. Curious about health and medicine? Then this is the camp for you! Learn how to use instruments such as microscopes, stethoscopes, and blood pressure monitors to diagnose health conditions. Discover human anatomy through x-ray slides, models and real bone specimens. See how the art and science of health care has changed from prehistoric times through the present! The second camp is July 9 through 13 open to 6 to 8 year olds. What are the parts of the human skeleton? How do germs cause illness? What healing powers do blueberries, ginger and peppermint have? Campers will divide their time between the Exploreum and the Mobile Medical Museum investigating these and other health care topics through fun-filled experiments, games and storytelling. Includes a tour of the Ronald McDonald House. www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

Spa Tea Da ad on page 41

3938 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606 Summer is so much fun at Spa-Tea-Da! Starting in mid-June we will have a mini day camp each week,

tea party play dates, craft workshops, girls nite out and day spa specials. There is always something fun brewing for everyone! Please see all of our events at www.spa-tea-da.com and subscribe to get notifications or find them on our Facebook event page. We are also available for parties and day spa appointments at your convenience Tuesday-Sunday. 251-447-4846

www.spa-tea-da.com

USA Literary Center Tutoring and Summer Camp ad on page 28

Mobile, AL 36608 Reading and Writing and Tutoring - First through high school. Individual and/or small group reading and writing tutoring Monday-Thursday from June 11 – July 28 and July 9 - 26. Times: 8:30 – 11:30. Tutoring sessions are limited so reserve a spot today! Registration and Initial Assessment Fees: $75.00. Individual Session: $40.00. Small Group Session - (2 – 5 students): $25.00. Summer Literacy Camp - open to rising first graders to rising fifth graders. Monday - Friday. Week 1: June 18-22; Week 2: June 25-29. Two session times available: Morning session 8:45 - 12:00. Afternoon session is 12:45 4:00. $125 per session/camper (1/2 day) $225 both sessions/camper (full day). 251-380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/literacy-center/

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Mobile, AL 36542 Zoo Camp offered to all elementary school age children, ages 5 to 11, in a full day session (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) conducted by licensed teachers and trained volunteers. Campers will explore animal life here at the Zoo, partake in animal enrichment activities, meet our zoo keepers, and even greet some of our animal residents personally. They will also participate in agespecific games, arts and crafts projects and special zoo-related events. There will be plenty of hands-on educational and fun activities carried out in a safe and educational environment. Zoo Camp registration opens in March and all details including pricing and forms are made available at that time. Zoo Camp is always the last full week in June. 251-968-5732 zoocamp@algulfcoastzoo.org www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

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8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center is proud to host a number of programs this summer. Camps available for ages 3-5 years, K-2nd grades, and 3rd-6th grades will focus on language development, social skills, and peer interaction. Camps available for ages 7th -10th grades highlight peer interaction while teaching coping strategies (i.e. emotional intelligence, anger management, etc.). No diagnosis is required to participate. Preschool Language Camp – 5 weeks available K-2nd grade Language/Social Skills Camp – 5 weeks available; 3rd-6th grade Social Skills camp-2 weeks available, 7th – 10th grade Social Skills/Emotional Regulation Camp - 2 weeks available.

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6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Handwriting Heroes Camp - June 18-22. Handwriting, Sensorimotor & Social Skill Development Camp - “Print Camp” (ages 4-6) 10:00am-12:00pm, “Cursive Camp” (ages 7-10) 2:00pm-4:00pm, Building Buddies - June 4-8. Building, Creating & Developing Social Skills Ages 5-9 — 10:00am-12:00pm Ages

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab

101 Bienville Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36528 See listing under Overnight Camps for details. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) www.disl.org

sejohnson@disl.org

Environmental Studies Center

6101 Girby Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Summer Day camps throughout the summer months for grades 1-8. 251-221-5000 (Extension 2) www.mcpsesc.com

lsa8103@mcpss.com

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

2864 Dauphin Street Suite D, Mobile, AL 36607 Lindamood-Bell helps children and adults improve language processing—the foundation of all communication and learning. For over 25 years, our intensive, process-based instruction has been used to strengthen the sensory-cognitive functions needed for reading and comprehension, and has proven successful for individuals with learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD. 251-473-6808 mobile.center@lindamoodbell.com www.lindamoodbell.com

Mobile Parks and Recreation Community Activities

Mobile, AL Educational Camps and Classes. Tutoring, ACT Classes, Computer Classes and much more. 251-208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/parks; www. communityactivitiesprogram.com

The National Flight Academy

1 Fetterman Way, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508 The National Flight Academy offers one of the most exciting and immersive educational environments in the world, inspiring students to take an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in an aviation-themed adventure aboard a simulated land-locked aircraft carrier. From six-day Deployments to one-day Adventures, the National Flight Academy ignites imagination and encourages learning. Six-day programs starting at $850. Discount offered for active duty or retired military. 850-458-7836 www.NationalFlightAcademy.com info@nationalflightacademy.com

Naval Aviation Museum Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp

1750 Radford Blvd. Suite B, Pensacola, AL 32508 Our flagship program blends the culture and excitement of aviation with 21st century technology and core competencies in an exclusive, entertaining and engaging immersive environment to provide a best in the world learning adventure. Students who have completed 6th grade but have not yet graduated high school live for six days in a multistory structure. The National Flight Academy ignites imagination and encourages learning. 6 day deployments for 2018: June 3-8, June 10-15, June 17-22, June 24-June 29, July 1-6, July 8-13, July 15-20, July 22-27, July 29-August 3 and August 5-10. Cost for one 6-day Overnight Deployment is $1,250. Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Member Rate is $1,125. 850-453-2389 (ext. 3234) mvickers@navalaviationmuseum.org www.NavalAviationMuseum.org

Ocean Camp

4776 Main Street L210, Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ocean Camp is a hands-on education program for ocean lovers and future marine scientists ages 5-12 years old and Counselors in training ages 13-15. Spring Break Camps are in March & April. Summer

Day Camps are in June & July. Each 4-day session offers a different marine science topic. Camps are Tuesday - Friday; half & full days. Field trip is included each session. Help make your child’s beach experience a memory they won’t forget! 251-802-8605

OceanCamp@gmail.com

Pump It Up

741-A Hillcrest Road, Mobile AL 36695 Pump It Up summer camp is back! We will have 2 sessions this year, one from 9:00-1:00 and one from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Cost is $80 for the week and will include supplies for all activities. Your kids will enjoy jumping and playing on all of our awesome inflatables, but they will also enjoy our themed days ranging from our balloon drop day to our GLOW day. We will also enjoy arts and crafts during the week. Your child must be between ages 4-10 to attend. Dates: TBA. Register online or call store today. 251-342-3940 www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al pumpitupmobile@gmail.com

251-689-6876; 251-610-7044

www.chcacademy.com

The Cookery

4456 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer cooking camps Tuesday-Fridays from 9:00am-12:00pm most weeks through the Summer. Our camps are perfect for children of all skill levels. Activities include mystery basket challenges, grocery games and much more. Cost per week is $150 per child. We strongly recommend registering in advance in order to ensure a spot as space limited. 251-654-7646 info@thecookerymobile.com www.thecookerymobile.com

Revelation Summer Enrichment Program

1711 Taylor Lane, Mobile, AL 36605 Revelation Summer Enrichment Program will focus on the subject areas of Reading and Math in a fun and educational way for grades Kindergarten-5th grade. Snacks will be provided. The dates for the program are June 25-July 13th from 8-12 PM. Applications may be completed at Revelation Missionary Baptist Church. Space is limited!! 251-473-2333

gives your student a jump start for the upcoming curriculum, especially covering new concepts taught during the first semester. Study Skills Camp – June 25th – 28th (12:30-3:45, 4th- 6th grades) This camp increases the ability for the student to process information, analyze, recall information, and problem solve in a consistent way. Phonics & Reading Camp: June 11th – 14th (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. entering K5 thru 2nd grade) This camp coaches students in basic reading skills, including sounds, blends, letter combinations and phonetics.

www.rmbcmob.org

SchoolWorks

1811 Old Shell Road Building B, Mobile, AL 36607 Offering summer camps and programs to help with summer reading assignments, kindergarten and 1st grade preparation, ongoing tutoring, and enrichment lessons to stay on track or get ahead! We specialize in Tutoring, ADHD Coaching, Reading, Math, Organizational Skills, Study Skills, ACT, SAT prep, and Homeschool Facilitation. Camps begin June 12th on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Find us on Facebook! 256-252-8374

The Think Tank Tutoring

Mobile, AL Stay sharp this summer and stop the school struggles before they begin with affordable one-onone private tutoring in your home. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services is your solution. All subjects offered in grades K-12. We offer assistance with ADHD coaching, Homework Help and Test Prep. Specializing in Reading, Math, Algebra I&II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Science, History and English. We use SOAR Study Skills and have Certified Teachers available. Our average student improves 2 letter grades in just 60 days! 251-414-4494 thinktankminds@gmail.com www.TheThinkTankTutoring.com

U.S. Space Camp & Aviation Challenge One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 More details under Overnight Camps. 800-637-7223

www.spacecamp.com

WildNative ECO Camp

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Fun and Learning

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 St. Paul’s Episcopal School will offer Summer School and Enrichment classes (Math and reading refreshers, study skills, personal finance/life skills, music and more!) beginning in June. There are several Athletic Camps for all ages too. Including Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and Volleyball in June and Football and Cheerleading in July. Summer Music Lessons On Campus - Extra-Curricular Music Director Melissa Laster (mlaster@stpaulsmobile.net) will offer music lessons in Violin/Viola, Piano, and Guitar this summer. Visit our website for a complete List of the exciting camp details and a registration form. More classes and events will be added throughout the spring; please visit our website for updates! 251-622-7962 jdrum@stpaulsmobile.net www.stpaulsmobile.net/summer-on-campus-programs

Summer Enrichment Camps at Cottage Hill Christian Academy

Cottage Hill Christian Academy, 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Math Camp: July 23rd-26th (8:30- 11:45, students entering 3rd and 4th grades) This camp creates great concepts foundation that will be introduced in the next grade level. Math Factors Camp: July 23rd -26th (8:30- 11:45, students entering 5th and 6th grades) This camp covers most of the first semester concepts for the upcoming year. Pre-Algebra-Algebra Camp: July 16th – 19th (9:00-12:00). This camp

Offers educational and fun opportunities for upcoming 7th to 12th grade students. ECO stands for Exciting Coastal Opportunities because of the many activities the students get to experience. Participants will learn about the local environment, marine biology, ecology in a hands-on setting all while gaining experience for a career related field. We offer week long and weekend only camps with both day and overnight options. 844-900-CAMP www.wildnativetours.com/wildnative-camps/

Horseback Riding Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 10

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 Mobile campers have been attending for years! Local representative: SALLY MOSTELLAR at 251402-2630. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. See listing under Overnight Camps for details. 800-882-0722

www.riverviewcamp.com

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! A’top Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls, 8-17; 1 to 9 weeks, 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

tion. 2018 Summer Camp Dates – Beginner Camp 1 - June 4-7, Beginner Camp 2 - June 11-14, Beginner Camp 3 - June 25-28, End of Summer Camp - July 30-August 2 and Intermediate Camp - June 18-21. 251-633-8088 www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Overnight Camps Alabama School of Math and Science ad on page 3

The Adventures in Math and Science Summer Camp

1255 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604 See listing under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps for details. horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls dreams come true! 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm – Summer Riding Camp 10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Day and Overnight Camps offered end of May through July. Ages 5-16. Silver Lining Farm has one of the best summer camp programs in the country. Being at the farm for 5 days, a student can learn what it would take 10 weeks to learn in regular lessons. Each student is worked with one on one as well as in a group setting with games, trail rides, taking horses in the lake, and many other great activities. The campers eat lunch together and hear stories that inform how to take care of horses and their medical needs. Swimming at the beautiful lake ends each camp day. 2018 Dates: May 28-June 1, June 4-8, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, , July 16-20, July 23-27. Cost per Rider: $480 per week – 8:00am until 2:00pm, $950 per week overnight – Mon 8:00am until Fri 2:00pm. 251-634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www.silverliningfarm.net

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road, Mobile, AL 36608 During our summer camps campers will learn safety around horses, general horse care, the basics of English riding, barn work, and get to participate in games on horseback, swimming, and crafts. The campers are divided into groups to allow for more individualized riding attenMobile Bay Parents I April 2018

251-441-2152

www.asms.net

Lake Forest Ranch ad on page 26

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, AL 39341 Located in the middle of a 53,000-acre pine forest on a beautiful 60-acre lake, Lake Forest Ranch is among the most beautiful settings in the south for a summer camp experience for children (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 11-18). LFR is an interdenominational evangelical camp that serves mostly church groups (though individual campers are welcome too) during the summer months beginning Memorial Day Weekend running to August. Horseback riding, tubing, a wonderful climbing wall, a thrilling zip line, a brand new big swimming pool, kayaking, a gym, tennis courts, archery, archery tag, crafts and many other fun activities all coupled with wonderful facilities, carefully selected godly college age staff members and a week jam packed with spiritual growth, inspiration, worship and deep friendships all add up to a life changing week of non-stop excitement and encouragement. One of the best parts of the camp experience at LFR is having deeply committed camp counselors who sincerely care about the children in their cabins and spend individual time with each of them to encourage them and pray for them. There are twelve exciting camp sessions available from which to choose. Visit the LFR website or call to discover the week that works best for your child or your church youth or children’s ministry group. 662-726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 10

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 Mobile campers have been attending for years! Local representative: SALLY MOSTELLAR at 251-402-2630. Riverview is an all girl’s overnight camp in Mentone, Alabama, on top of Lookout Mountain. (45 minutes south of Chattanooga, 1.5 hours from Huntsville, Al and 2 hours from Atlanta, Nashville and Birmingham!) Riverview offers both one and two-week sessions all summer long for girls ages 6-16 years. Horse riding, swimming, nature trails, ropes, sports, arts and crafts, and much more! There are also weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Camp runs from end of May – August 2018. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Camp ASCCA  Easter Seals

5278 Camp Ascca Drive, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 Camp ASCCA is Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Providing weekend and weeklong sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, accessible waterslide, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. 256-825-9226 amber@campascca.org www.campascca.org

Camp Beckwith

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope, AL 36532 Summer Camp Sessions begin June 2, 2018 - July 29, 2018. Join us for spiritual growth, and memoryfilled summers through Summer Camp. Our camp sits among sweet gum trees and beautiful grasslands alongside the shores of Weeks Bay in Baldwin County. Beckwith offers overnight camps, training camp, sailing camp, and family camp for grades 1st – 12th. 251-928-7844 addie@beckwithal.com www.beckwithal.com

Camp Cosby

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Camp Cosby will offer 8 Sessions throughout the summer for ages 6 - 16 years. Boys and girls have the opportunity to build self-esteem, grow, learn, and challenge themselves. Campers also learn to develop values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Pool, lake adventures, horses, trials, team building, zip line, and much more! Specialty camps include Mini Bikes camps, wakeboarding, ski camps, wrangler and expedition camps. 800-85-COSBY cinfo@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org

Camp Dixie

Clayton, GA 30525 Camp Dixie is a traditional summer camp for boys and girls located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia. Limiting our enrollment to around 70 campers, ages 6 to 15, allows us to emphasize the “family” atmosphere that we feel is so important. While providing a safe and supportive environment, Camp Dixie is a Christian summer camp and focus our program on character development. Our goal is to help everyone become the best version of themselves. 678-701-3052 info@campdixie.org www.campdixie.org

Camp Dixie

29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta, AL 36530 Camp Dixie Lutheran Outdoor Ministry is a place where campers are able to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually, in a positive way by experiencing, reflecting and evaluating in an outdoor-based Christ centered program. Sessions run from June – July. We offer a special weekend Family Camp for 3yr olds thru 2nd grade with a parent. Weeklong sessions are available for 2nd-12th Grade. Swimming, Kayaking, Bible study, archery, challenge course, arts and crafts, campfires and more. Other activities may include large group games, sand volleyball and many more! Specialty camps including rocket and horse camp are also offered. Located on the beautiful Perdido Bay in Elberta, AL. 251-987-1201 director@campdixieministries.org www.campdixieministries.org

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Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

Located in the Talladega National Forest, 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 Camp Mac gives kids a place to “learn stuff, do things, and have fun.” Camp gives children a unique opportunity to explore their strengths, to find their courage, and to reach out beyond their comfort zones in an environment that is wholesome, supportive, and surrounded by nature’s beauty. We have developed programs that are fun and challenging and that offer a deeply unforgettable camp experience. 256-362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062 For over seven decades Camp Marymount has provided the Nashville Diocese and families from all over the world a summer camp experience filled with community, faith, fun and simplicity on 340 acres of beautiful middle Tennessee land. We offer four overnight summer sessions – two for girls, and two for boys – to rising 1st graders thru rising 11th graders. Campers enjoy swimming and water sports, arts and crafts, horsemanship, archery, riflery, canoeing, drama and dance for girls, wrestling for boys, frisbee golf, working on the camp newsletter, and much, much more. Camp Marymount opens children’s eyes to nature and their surroundings. We give them time and space to try interesting hobbies, develop new skills and discover the beauty of the world around them. From sun up to , special friendships and great fun! 615-799-0410 info@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Nakanawa for Girls

1084 Camp Nakanawa R, Crossville, TN 38571 Since 1920 Camp Nakanawa has been helping young ladies gain confidence and reach their full potential in a positive and fun-filled environment. Nakanawa, a private summer camp for girls, is located high on the Cumberland Plateau and enjoys clean fresh mountain air, an environment that is ideal for days spent outside. In two and four week sessions, girls make friends in their cabins, teams, and activity groups. Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, tennis, swimming, and more. To speak with campers and counselors in the Mobile area, please contact Catherine Inge at catherinemcphillips@gmail.com. 931-277-3711 catherinemcphillips@gmail.com www.campnakanawa.com/

Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp

6051 Scoutshire Camp Rd N, Citronelle, AL 36522 All girls are invited to enjoy a week or a sampler with 2 nights at summer camp on the sand hills surrounded by pines and magnolias. Girls can participate in activities, such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, crafts, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. Special sessions include STEM, Horsemanship, Oobleck and more. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. A certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor teaches swimming lessons. Camp Scoutshire Woods is accredited by the American Camp Association. 800-239-6636 bdavis@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org/camp

Camp Seale Harris

500 Chase Park S, Ste 104, Birmingham, AL 36244 2018 Family Camps for Ages 0-18 plus family. Spring Family Weekend - April 13-April 15 ($375, Camp Grace, Mobile), Summer Family Weekend – May 11-13 ($575, Lake Martin) Lake Martin Fall Family Weekend – October 20-22 ($375, Lake Martin). 2018 Day Camp $175 (July 23-27) Mobile (Day Camps – 1 sibling or friends may register with child with diabe-

tes and pay to attend) 2018 Overnight Camps – Senior Camp – June 2 - 8 (ages 1218, $800, Lake Martin) Junior Camp – June 10-15 (ages 6-13, $800, Lake Martin) Coastal Camp – July 22-27 (ages 10-18 - $500, Mobile) *Children with diabetes only.

Camp Victory

205-402-0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Smile

Located at Camp Grace, 3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 Camp SMILE is a residential camp for individuals with disabilities five to fifty years old and their siblings. We offer a unique experience which helps campers adjust to life outside their normal routine and helps foster genuine relationships between campers and counselors. With adapted rules and specialized equipment, Camp SMILE is able to offer an array of activities, including: swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, horseback riding, zip-lines, archery and much more. Camp SMILE offers three types of programs: Summer Camp: Four one-week, age-specific sessions the last week of June and the first three weeks of July. Respite Weekends and Camp Socials are held at different times in spring and fall. Get-togethers and parties are also held periodically throughout the school year. Visit our website for more information and specific dates. 251-479-4900 (extension 531) www.campsmilemobile.org campsmile@ucpmobile.org

Camp Skyline

4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, AL 35984 Camp Skyline is a residential, summer camp in northern Alabama for girls between the ages of 6 and 16. We offer four 2-week sessions each summer as well as three 1-week mini-sessions for girls ages 6 – 8. We are a Christian camp and seek to do everything for the glory of God and the encouragement of our campers. 800-448-9279 info@campskyline.com w ww.campskyline.com

Camp Stanislaus

334-898-7948 jmerhige@ymcamidtn.org www.campvictoryal.org

Camp Walkabout

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors for kids ages 8-16 years old. Overnight Walkabout Camp sessions begin June 10 and run through July 7, 2018! Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer! 423-267-8506 ext. 827 badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer

Camp Whispering Pines

304 South beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Weekly from June 10 through July 7, 2018. Father and Son Camp July 7 & 8, 2018. Camp Stanislaus is Day and Resident Camp for boys and girls ages 8-15 years. Situated on the beautiful beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the facilities are the same as those used by St. Stanislaus College Prep. These include two gyms, three tennis courts, a swimming pool, football stadium, baseball stadium, one thousand foot pier, recreational and TV rooms, dining hall, dormitory, classrooms, computer labs, weight room, art room, athletic fields, beach volleyball court, ski camp, health center, and unlimited sandy beaches. 228-467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Camp Victory is a non-denominational, non-profit organization. We are part of Children’s Bible Ministries (CBM), which is ministering in nine states and has its national office in Townsend, Tennessee. Camp Victory exists to help young people experience the victory that comes from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and walking with Him. We do this by working alongside local churches in providing opportunities for Christian camping, Bible classes for local schools and Bible correspondence lessons. Activities include Swimming Pool, Volleyball, Bunker Ball, Riflery & Archery, Tetherball, Mini Golf, Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Basketball, Crafts, Carpetball, Ping Pong, Foosball, Fishing, Low Ropes, Challenge Course, Indoor Climbing Wall, Bible Classes, Outdoor Education, Missionary Presentations, Chapel Services and Cabin Devotions.

7740 Union St, Citronelle, AL 36522 Serving Christ by Serving Others, Serving Others by Sharing Christ. High quality, Christ-focused, affordable camps for kids and youth. 2018 Camps and Dates: Hoopla Day Camp- June 4 - 8; $99, Big Adventure Kids Camp- June 11 - 14; $160*, Girls Mission CampTBA; $157, Veritas Youth Camp- June 18 - 22; $230*, Momentum Kids Camp- June 16 - 19; $160* Registration is open to church groups and individual campers! We offer year round high ropes adventure course, low ropes team building course, paintball, indoor rock climbing wall, hiking trails, kayaks, archery and painting parties as well as dorm & hotel housing for church groups, school groups, corporate events & civic organizations. *Early Bird Rates are available if registered with deposit by certain dates. 251-866-7868

www.campwhisperingpines.com

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Island’s sunny beaches. See and do new things. Overnight Camps: Barrier Island Explorer (rising 5th-6th grade) June 3-6, June 10-13, July 8-11. Marine DeTECHtives (rising 6th-8th grade) June 20-22. Gulf Island Journey (rising 7th-9th grade) June 3-8, June 24-29, July 1-6, and July 22-27. Bay Voyager (rising 9th-12th grade) July 15-20 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) sejohnson@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course

Camp Widjiwagan

3088 Smith Springs Road, Nashville, TN 37013 Camp Dates are May 28 – August 8, 2018. Weekly Summer Camp for Boys and Girls from ages 7 – 15 years with a First Camp option for ages 5-7. Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, in Antioch, Tennessee, just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. Camp Widjiwagan sits on 320 acres and 4 miles of shoreline at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center. Offering day, overnight and family retreats. Co-ed programs for rising 1st - 9th grades offered. Activities include team building, leadership, swimming/splash park, lake sports, horseback riding, team adventures, sports, zip line, and ski and equestrian schools and more! . 615-360-2267 mcrawforth@ymcamidtn.org www.campwidji.org

Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, AL 35218 Offering a wide variety of quality programs for boys and girls. Each camp session will provide campers the opportunity to experience aspects of outdoor life such as swimming, canoeing, arts, crafts, nature study, sports, archery, ropes course, hiking and camping, and horseback riding. Full week sessions and mini-camps; Ages 6-15 years old. 205-640-6741 info@winnataska.org www.winnataska.org

Camp Woodmont

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 Camp Woodmont is a traditional overnight summer camp for boys and girls ages 6 - 14 years. Located on 170 acres of beautiful North Georgia woodlands on top of Lookout Mountain. Your summer camp experience provides cabin living, moderate summer daytime temperatures; cool evenings around the campfire, creative counselors, new friends, talent/skit nights, and a close family-like atmosphere. Counselor/camper ratio averages 1:5. One week and Two week camps offered. The non-denominational Christian atmosphere is appropriate for children of all faiths. Camp Woodmont is ACA Accreditation and two generations of family management/ownership. 423-472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Summer Camp ad on page 67

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 The Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers hands-on adventures with the best educational staff around. Overnight campers, 5th through 12th graders, discover coastal Alabama habitats from the beautiful bay, to the fascinating marshes, and Dauphin Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Marine Science Course for High School Students (current 9th-12 grade) June 10 – July 6. Live at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and immerse yourself in the world of marine science. Learn by doing in the field, in the lab, and on the boat. You’ll have the chance to connect with DISL researchers, aquarists, and faculty. This course also offers science credit to students.

251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) www.disl.org

sejohnson@disl.org

Kamp Kiwanis, Girl Scout Camp

2365 Kamp Kiwanis Road, Eclectic, AL 36024 Kamp Kiwanis, located on beautiful Lake Martin, offers 2 sessions of camp including one-week resident programs, 3-day 2-night programs, and day camps for girls in grades 2nd-12th grade. Kamp Kiwanis hosts specialty camps that focus on swimming and boating, as well as themed camps and Sail Away Camp. In addition to swimming and boating, campers will participate in traditional camp activities like archery, zip lining, hiking, crafts, and sailing (5th grade and up). Leadership Camp will also return for girls looking to earn their Program Aide or Counselor in Training awards. 800-239-6636 (ext. 2902) www.girlscoutssa.org

amurray@girlscoutssa.org

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone, AL 35984 Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys is a traditional summer camp. Our program includes: water sports (swimming, diving, canoeing, and our famous zip line), horseback riding, rifle marksmanship, archery, tennis, arts and crafts, even fly-fishing with much more...all under the supervision of excellent staff. Offering from 2-week to 8-week sessions from June 3th – July 28th. 256-634-4758; 504-861-1534 www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Space Camp is the ultimate unique camp experience where trainees train like astronauts at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Aviation Challenge Camp immerses trainees in the fascinating realms of flight while learning about the basics of the military lifestyle. Space Camp Robotics trainees engineer and design robots for land, air and sea. Camp programs are offered from ages 7 – 100. Everyone from students, families, adults and educators can experience these exciting camps. 256-837-3400; 800-637-7223 camps@rocketcenter.com www.spacecamp.com/sc

Twin Lakes Camp

155 Milner Road, Florence, AL 39073 Camp Dates are June 4-9, June 11-16, June 18-23,

June 25-June 30, July 2-7 and July 9-14. Twin Lakes Summer Camp is focused on providing an environment that is both safe and fun, while being intentionally grounded in Biblical teaching. For the past 45 years, Twin Lakes has shown the love of Christ to campers from a variety of backgrounds. During their session, each camper participates in each of our exciting activities - Horseback riding, Wild Wilderness Adventure, Games, Challenge Course, Riflery/Archery, Rock Climbing, Waterfront, Leather crafts and Kayaking. Biblical narratives serve as the theme each week, and come to life during assembly times as the whole camp experiences the story on Friday’s Bible adventure. The caring, highly qualified staff is carefully selected and genuinely enjoys developing relationships with each child and seeking to help him/her make the most of their week at camp. A medical doctor and healthcare staff oversee the health and safety of the camp program. 601-845-6858 info@twinlakescamp.org www.twinlakescamp.org

Wyldlife Camp

18115 SE 95th Street Road, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 Mobile Trip - June 2-6; Grades 6th-8th grade; $625 Ready for a week you will always remember? Come experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty or surprises. A place where you can enjoy relaxing with your friends. A place made especially for you. 251-473-1703

www.mobile.younglife.org

YMCA Camp Chandler

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Conveniently located 25 miles from Montgomery, on beautiful Lake Jordan. Whether you are looking for individual, small group, or camp-wide fun, we definitely have something for you! Campers are grouped according to age and gender. Friendships grow as they live, share meals, laugh, and play together during a full week of fun! Campers are given the opportunity to participate in more than 20 different activities like horseback riding, skiing, archery, sailing, the high ropes course, and more. 5-15 years old. 334-269-4362 campchandler@ymcamontgomery.org www.campchandler.org

Sports Camps Coach Kickken Soccer Basic Soccer Skills Camp ad on page 26

9565 Scott Dairy Loop Rd. S, Mobile, AL 36695 Boys and Girls ages 3 - 6. Coach Kickken Soccer teaches kids basic soccer skills through fun drills and enjoyable games. These drills are designed to teach the fundamentals of soccer in a positive environment that is geared to keep kids focused, engaged and entertained. Your kids will get a great work out and Coach Kickken Soccer will help your child develop skills that will enable them to easily transition into more competitive leagues as they grow up. Coach Kickken’s unique approach to soccer skill development gives your child the confidence they need to explore the game of soccer in a supportive, safe environment. Parents are encouraged to participate on and off the field. 251-895-2389 coachkickken@gmail.com www.coachkickken.com

Oakwood Swim Team and Lessons ad on page 14

5260 Perin Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Oakwood sponsors a competitive Swim Team for all ages; Guppies – 5 year and under, Juniors – ages 6-14, and Seniors – ages 15-18. Morning and

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afternoon practices are available. The Swim Team competes in many meets throughout the season concluding with the Mobile City Championship Meet. Gloria Stewart will return for her 10th year as our Swim Team Director. Oakwood offers Swim lessons; private and group. Sessions are as follows: June 4-15, June 18-29, July 9-20, mini session July 23-27; all sessions are offered in the morning or evening. Oakwood also sponsors a Dive team and offers Dive lessons. 251-666-4471

www.oakwoodmobile.com

Oakwood Tennis Camps ad on page 14

5260 Perin Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Michael O’Brien will be Oakwood’s 2018 Junior Tennis Camp coordinator. Camps are available for Boys and Girls, ages 6 and up. Please call 251-6664471 for specific camp dates and times. All above teams, lessons and camps are available to Oakwood Members and Non-members. Information and registration forms are also located on our website. 251-666-4471

www.oakwoodmobile.com

Spring Hill Baptist Church Basketball Camp

Auburn Swim Camp

664 Biggio Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 Brett Hawke and Sergio Lopez come together to lead the Auburn Swim Camps along with a staff of highly qualified, accomplished, and enthusiastic coaches, counselors and collegiate swimmers. Brett Hawke’s coaching staff will combine the best of the Auburn Camp Tradition while incorporating the techniques used to create champions across the globe. This camp will feature technique instruction which will provide swimmers with the tools for success that can be applied to their training and development throughout their careers. Outside of the pool, we have some great talks lined up covering a range topics including racing strategies, being mentally tough, health and wellness tips and special guests who will share their motivational stories. 334-844-4975 aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburnswimcamps.com

Auburn University Soccer Camp

650 Lem Morrison Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 Goalkeeper & Striker Camp – Boys and Girls, Ages 11-18, $250, June 8-9. Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp – Girls only, Ages 9-18, $375, June 10-13.

Register early because space is limited. Registration is only available in person at the rec desk. You may also print the forms from our website and bring them to register at the rec desk. 251-706-3326

www.christumcsports.com

Graham’s Elite Martial Arts

1121 Dawes Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Summer doesn’t have to be boring. Mobile Summer Camp at Graham’s Elite Martial Arts makes it amazing with Character Development, Fitness and Fun. 251-633-7837 summer-camp

www.grahamselitemartialarts.com/

LSU - Athletic Youth Camps

Baton Rouge, LA 70803 LSU will offer several youth sports camps this summer. All camps will be held in our brand new LSU Practice Facility and the legendary Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Register early as camps fill up quickly. Visit the website above for information on specific camp details. LSU Athletic department will offer baseball, cheerleading/dance, football, basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, tennis,

ad on page 8

2 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Basketball Camp at Spring Hill Baptist Church will be offered July 16 - 20 from 2pm - 5pm in the Activities Center. 251-342-5320

drice@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc/smash

UMS-Wright ad on page 15

65 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607 UMS-Wright Preparatory School is once again offering a variety of sports camps this summer. . Each camp costs $100 unless otherwise noted. Cheerleading- June 4-7, Mon – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon (Rising grades K5-6). Baseball – June 4-7 Mon – Thurs., 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Rising grades 1 – 8). Pitching - June 8 (Friday) 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Rising Grades 1 – 8) ($50) Girls’ and Boys’ Golf – June 15 (Friday) 9:00am – Noon (Rising Grades K5-6) ($50) Girls’ BasketballJune 18 -21, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon- (Rising Grades 2 – 8). Boys’ Basketball- June 11 – 14, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon- (Rising Grades 1 – 7). Girls’ & Boys’ Soccer- June 25– 28, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon (Rising Grades 1 – 6). Girls’ and Boys’ Track & Field - June 25 – 28, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am- Noon (Rising Grades 4 - 6). Fast Pitch Softball – July 9 - 12, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon (Rising Grades 1-6). Football Pup Camp – July 9 - 12, Mon.-Thurs. 9:00am - Noon (Rising grades 1-4) Terry Curtis Football –July 23 - 26, Mon.-Thurs., 9:00am-Noon (Rising grades 5-8). Dance Camp – July 23 - 26, Mon.-Thurs., 9:00am-Noon (Rising Grades K4-8). Jr. VolleyballJuly 30 – August 2, Monday – Thurs. 9:00am - Noon (Rising Grades 3-6) MS Volleyball – July 30 – August 2, Monday Thurs. 9:00am - Noon (Rising 7-8). Registration forms are available at www.ums-wright.org, in the UMS-Wright Athletic Office, or via email. 251-470-9045 mnordmann@ums-wright.org www.ums-wright.org

Alabama Youth Sports Combine

2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, AL 36619 Alabama Youth Sports Combine is a sports training facility located in West Mobile offering classes, camps, open gym night and more! Other programs include football, baseball, soccer, and multi-sports conditioning. Whether you want your child to simply become a better ball player or want to get the athlete in your family trained for the big leagues, we offer sports training for youth, and adults. Also offering sports and physical fitness training for youth and adults. Find us on Facebook! 251-633-6263

www.alabamasportscombine.com

Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp I – Girls only, Ages 9-18, $475, June 10-13. Elite Camp –Girls only, Ages 13-18, $425, July 1-15 Auburn Soccer July Day Camp – Boys and Girls, Ages 5-12, $130, July 9-12. Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I - Boys and Girls, Ages 9-15, $475, July 15-18. Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I (Commuter Camp) - Boys and Girls, Ages 9-15, $375, July 15-18. 334-844-9637 soccercamp@auburn.edu www.abcsportscamps.com/ausoccer/

McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps 1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36604 McGill will offer a large variety of sports camps this summer including baseball, track & field, football, boys basketball, co-ed soccer, volleyball, girls basketball, boys and girls tennis and cheerleading. www.mcgill-toolen.org

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn sports offer official camps and clinics throughout the year. From football and basketball to tennis, you will learn fundamentals of team play, sportsmanship and skills of the sport ...all from Auburn coaches and players. 334-844-4750 aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburntigers.com/camps

Christ UMC Church Summer Sports Camps

225-578-8217 bfd1@lsu.edu www.lsusports.net/camps

251-445-2900

Auburn University Sports Camps

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Christ United Recreation Ministry offers several sports camps during the summer months. Basketball, Cheer and Volleyball camps are offered.

and volleyball camps.

1000 Gaillard Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Golf lessons, clinics and golf fitness classes.

251-490-3812 michael@michaelbrisbanegolf.com www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

MMAD Youth Basketball Camp

Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 MMAD Youth Basketball Camp, Grades 1-3 June 25-28, 9:00am – 12:00pm; Grades 4-6, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Cost of the camp is $75 each. Includes a Camp T-shirt. 251-662-8650 dianec@cottagehill.org www.cottagehill.org/sports-outreach

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University of Alabama Sports Camps

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama is offering several exciting sports camps including Nick Saban Football Camp, Baseball, Cheer/Dance, Mascot, Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Softball and Swimming and Diving. www.rolltide.com

University of Mobile RAMS Soccer Camps

Mobile Parks & Rec. Community Activities

Mobile, AL Many sports camps are offered in various locations around Mobile. 251-208-1617

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Offering summer clinics. 251-208-5181

www.mobiletenniscenter.net

Spring Hill College Basketball Camps

Arthur R Outlaw Rec Center, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Springhill College offers numerous summer sports camps. Spring Hill College Basketball Kids’ Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 7-18. June 18-21, 2018. Ages: 7-12 8am-12pm. Ages: 13-18 1pm - 5pm. Cost: $150. Location: Arthur R Outlaw Rec Center (on campus of Spring Hill College). 251-380-4454 bmurphy@shc.edu www.camps.jumpforward.com/shchoops

Spring Hill College Sports Camps

4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Springhill College offers numerous summer sports camps. Please check our website for information on soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball camps. www.camps.jumpforward.com/shcwsoccercamps; www.shcbadgers.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Summer Sports Camps

3975 Japonica Lane; 1400 University Boulevard South, Mobile, AL 36693; 36609 St. Luke’s Varsity Athletic Department sponsors a variety of athletic camps throughout the summer for students of all age groups. Sports camps include football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer and archery! Camp dates and costs will be posted on the school’s website (www.stlukesmobile.com) as soon as they become available. Early registration recommended. 251-666-2991

www.stlukesmobile.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Summer Sports Camps

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 See more information under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps. www.stpaulsmobile.net/summer-on-campus

The Ballpark Mobile

14061 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 We offer lessons in baseball, softball, soccer fast speed and agility and camps and clinics. 251- 694-2888 info@theballparkmobile.com www.theballparknj.com

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Rams Soccer Camps at The University of Mobile offer individual, team, full day and residential camp options. Camp sessions aim to improve technical, tactical and mental aspects of the game. The rigorous schedule will demand a high level of participation and competition. The residential camp also offers goalkeeper training. Players gain valuable insight from college coaches, staff and other players to help reach the next level. UM Co-Ed Residential Camp ages 8-18: June 3-7, & July 8-12, 2018. $390.00 for Residential (Overnight); $280 for Full Day Camper (8am8:00pm); $230 for 3/4 Day Camper (8am4:00pm). Individual camp registration deadline: May 31, 2018. Team Camp registration deadline: May 6, 2018. Boys High School Team Camp June 17-19, 2018. Girls High School Team Camp June 24-26, 2018. Residential cost $225; Commuter (7:30am-8pm) $190. Camp Registrations available online. 251-442-2396

www.ramssoccercamps.com

University of South Alabama Amy Hendrichovsky Volleyball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 The University of South Alabama Volleyball team would love to extend an invitation to work with your volleyball program this summer! Last summer was a great time for us to help grow the sport of volleyball and help pass knowledge on about the game. All Skills Camp 06/18/2018 – 06/20/2018 (grades 5-12), Position Training Camp 07/16/2018-/7/17/2018 (grades 7 – 12) Team Camp 07/12/2018-07/13/2018. www.amyhendrichovskyvolleyballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Boys Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 2018 Boys Basketball Camps - Individual Camp 1 - June 18-21 Individual Camp 2 - June 25-28 (grades 2nd-8th) www.jaguarsmensbasketball.com

University of South Alabama Girls Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 2018 Camps: Team Play Dates- June 7, 8, 15. Open to high school varsity, JV, and AAU/club girls basketball teams. *Note: high school teams will not play against AAU/club teams* Cost: $250 or $200 per day for multiple days. Each player and up to two coaches will receive a t shirt. 3 game minimum guarantee and AHSAA officials will be used. All games will played on the South Alabama campus. College Prep Camp - June 16, Open to girls entering grades 9-12 for the 201819 school year. Cost: $50. Designed to have the same intensity as a Division I college basketball practice. Attendees will experience individual

skills and group drills similar to a typical practice for the South Alabama women’s basketball practice. Head coach Terry Fowler and his staff will serve as instructors for the camp held on campus at South Alabama. Each camper will receive a t shirt. Fundamentals & Shooting Camp - June 11-14. Open to girls entering grades 3-8 during the 2018-19 school year. Cost: $220. Early Bird registration: $200 if registered before June 1, 2018. The FUNdamentals & Shooting Camp is designed to provide an environment for campers to learn the basic fundamentals of basketball in a fun environment. Lunch is provided each day and campers will receive a t shirt and ball.

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www.terryfowlergirlsbasketballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Richard Moodie’s Soccer Academy

5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Soccer Camps are held each summer. Kids Summer Camps – 06/04/2018 – 06/07/2018 (ages 5-12 boys and girls, $100, 8:00am-10:00am), 06/11/2018 – 06/14/2018 (ages 5 -12 boys and girls, $100, 8:00am-10:00am) College ID Camp 06/15/2018 – 06/18/2018 (grades 8-12, girls only Residential - $375, Commuter - $325), and Team Camp (grades 8-12, girls only) June 22 – 25. www.richardmoodiesocceracademy.com

University of South Alabama Steve Campbell Football Camps

South Alabama Football Complex, Mobile, AL 36608 The University of South Alabama offers many sport camps for area youth. Steve Campbell Football Camps -www.jaguarfootballcamps. com. Football Camps at the University of South Alabama offer a wide variety of learning opportunities for football players. 2018 Summer Camp Information – Prospect Camp #1 06/02/2018 (grades 9th – College Sophomore), Youth Football Camp 06/07/2018 - 06/08/2018 (grades 1st - 8th), OL/DL/Skill Position Camp 06/10/2018 - 06/12/2018 (grades 9th - 12th, ), Prospect Camp #2 06/13/2018 (grades 9th - College Sophomore), Prospect Camp #3 06/16/2018 (grades 9th - College Sophomore) and Specialist Camp #1 06/16/2018 (grades 9th – College Sophomore). www.jaguarfootballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Track and Field Camp

1209 Mitchell Center, Mobile, AL 36608 Azalea City Summer Track & Field Camp – 07/11/2018 – 07/14/2018 (ages 9-19, $120 price will increase after 06/04) www.jagfieldcamp.com

Warrior Soccer Camp

Cottage Hill Christian Academy, 7355 Creekwood Drive, Mobile, AL 36695 Warrior Soccer Camp – June 25th -28th (9:0010:30am, students in K5-3rd Grade and 12:002:00pm, students in 4th-6th Grade) The 2018 CHCA Warrior Summer Soccer Camp will be held at the CHCA West Campus soccer field from June 25-June 28th. The cost of the camp is $70 per camper and includes a camp T-shirt. The camp will focus on technical development in the areas of passing, dribbling, trapping, and shooting. Each day will conclude with small sided games and scrimmages that focus on tactical development. Registration online. 251-689-6876; 251-610-7044 richardsonbrandon@chbss.org www.chcacademy.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Swimming/Water Fun City of Mobile Swim Association

351 North Broad South, Mobile, AL 36603 The City of Mobile Swim Association offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. We work to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities. We believe in a building a program from the novice level, and try to make swimming not only a sporting choice but a fun, healthy lifelong activity. www.swimcmsa.com

Gulf Coast Swimfants

2423 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Infants (6 months- 12 months old) will to be taught to hold their breath underwater, roll onto their back, float unassisted, rest, and breathe, perform these skills fully clothed. Children (1 year - 4 years old*) will be taught to: hold their breath underwater, swim with their head down and eyes open, roll onto their back, to float unassisted, roll back over and resume swimming, repeat the swim-float-swim sequence to reach safety, and to perform these skills fully clothed. The program for infants is 4 weeks and for toddlers is 6 weeks. All children learn the skills at different rates. Therefore, we recommend a 4 to 6 week class. In order to enroll your child, you will be required to complete our Online National Registration Process for each child. If you need evening lessons, Meg Johnson, certified ISR instructor, will begin teaching evening lessons after 5:20 p.m. starting in June. For class dates and times email her at m.johnson@infantswim.com. Those timeslots will fill up fast! Please call or email us for detailed information. 251-391-4799 www.infantswim.com www.swimfants.com

Mobile Bay Sailing School

4295 Marina Drive North, Mobile, AL 36605 The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. This program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about this wonderful sport. The program offers classes in Optimist and 420 class sailboats for beginner and experienced sailors, with opportunities for advanced students to race both classes of the boats in local regattas. Students will develop basic nautical knowledge, boat handling skills, and respect toward the sea, weather and wind. The Mobile Bay Sailing School will offer one-week training sessions with the first session beginning June 4. 420 classes are one week, all-day sessions Monday through Friday. Optimist classes are generally for the younger children and are week long half-day sessions. Price is $300 per weekly session. Half day sessions are $150. 251-471-3131

www.mobilebaysailingschool.com/

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www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

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Parents of Teens Must Adapt Trying to understand how to help your teen in a world that is constantly changing is like trying to hit a target that constantly moves. Just when your aim is right on target, things change — your kids change. Parents are often bewildered when trying to keep up with the always-changing world of teens. It’s like trying to get a drink of water from a fire hydrant, or holding a fistful of sand. Knowing how to set the right standards and enforce the right discipline can be overwhelming, and may seem impossible. The key to success in this arena lies in learning to adapt your parenting style to be more fluid, more accessible. As your child develops into a teen, you no longer have the luxury of making demands and expecting things to remain the same. Whether you like it or not, things change, and you must be able to understand and move with the culture, and set appropriate boundaries. I’m not saying you should stop caring about your family rules and beliefs. What I am saying is that how you enforce the rules must change. Otherwise, your child will be unprepared to cope with a culture that is constantly changing. They won’t develop healthy relationships. They will remain immature and irresponsible, because all of the decisions have always been made for them.

Change The Boundaries

Adapting your style must include learning how to set appropriate boundaries for their newly acquired behaviors, and giving them the choice for the direction they need to go. A good example of how this works comes from the time I spend training horses. When I put a fence around a horse, I am setting up boundaries. The horse can go anywhere it likes within those fences. If a problem develops, I move the Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

fences in a bit, and reinforce the boundaries. The same can be true with your teen. Set boundaries, and allow your teen to choose his direction within those boundaries. If a problem develops, or things change, move the boundaries in. Examine their world, and put some thought into what needs to be done. Kids today often engage with one another without really interacting or developing any kind of real relationships. The lack of interaction doesn’t help them hone their maturity or grow in their social skills. It’s your job to help them grow. So set the boundaries that help them do more than just engage with others – they need to learn how to interact. Let them choose the direction they want to go. Allow them to experience the consequences of choosing poorly. Help them to see that poor choices and crossing healthy boundaries will take their relationships in directions they don’t want to go, and choosing well will help them build good relationships.

Change Your Aim

Changing your parenting style for the teen years means you change your focus from punishment and discipline to training and character building. The focus of the boundaries you set should become more about obedience, respect, and honesty, which are the top three qualities necessary to build relationships. Respect, more than anything else, allows all others to fall into their proper place. Conversely, disobedience, disrespect, and dishonesty destroy relationships, and need to be addressed when they appear also. Dishonesty, more than anything else, destroys trust in relationships. Hold your teen responsible for the direction they choose, and cause them to own it. They will make some mistakes, but that’s alright. If they lay the blame on you, however, remember to put the responsibil60

ity clearly back on them. Tell them, “This is not about me, or my mistakes, this is about you. I will never be a perfect parent, but if you don’t change things, this will hurt you in your relationships in the future.”

Change Your Attitudes

Changing your style of parenting teens in order to meet the demands of today’s world also means that you refocus your own attitudes and behavior as well: • Move from lecturing to discussing. • Move from entertaining to experiencing something together. • Move from demanding everything, to asking them their ideas about everything. • Move from seeking justice to giving grace. • Move from seeing everything that’s wrong and finding more of what’s right. • Move from spending time always telling them to more time listening. • Move from giving your opinion to waiting until you are asked. It is difficult for teens today to grow up and move on. They tend to like their immaturity, and don’t feel the need to grow in their responsibilities. Teaching them to grow and own their attitudes and choices is one of the most important character qualities we can help them develop. So, don’t just tell them they need to be responsible, or that they need to be mature. Instead, carefully identify what is going on in their world, and begin to set out boundaries that give them responsibility and cause them to act upon them. And when the next new thing comes along, learn to adjust the boundaries in ways that help them continue to recognize their need to be mature, responsible, and own up to the consequences of their choices. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday March 20

5 Rivers StoryTime “The Pout Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen (Free) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, 36527 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

Thursday March 22

Festival of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Providence Hospital Campus, 6801 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 More than just a walk in the park, the 2018 Festival of Flowers, sponsored by Wells Fargo, is “A Celebration Promenade,” a showcase of the ultimate floral and garden excellence and creativity. On March 22-25, under a vast canopy of gleaming white tents, a vibrant park will be brought to life: a “greenspace with floral flair” providing entertainment, reflection, relaxation and education for visitors of all ages. Visitors will be delighted by a few new venues and will be pleased by the return of many old favorites, such as Tables by Design, Flowers: A Cut Above, and Floral Expressions. Children of all ages will enjoy hands-on activities in a park setting created around this year’s theme, “A Celebration Promenade.” Children of all ages will enjoy Crafts and activities, Farm-totable learning, Composting exhibits, Bounce house, Face Painting, Sandbox activities, Bee exhibit, Carousel exhibit, Youth Photography Contest, Special princess appearances and Book reading. 251-266-2050 festivalofflowers.com USA Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert 7:30 PM USA’s Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 USA Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html An Evening with Jason Mraz 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for an acoustic evening with Jason Mraz on March 22nd at the Mobile Saenger Theatre! www.mobilesaenger.com

Friday March 23

Festival of Flowers Details March 22. 251-266-2050 festivalofflowers.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 The Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret,” the classic Broadway musical tale of the racy underworld nightlife of Berlin, set in the early Nazi period of Germany when Hitler was first coming to power. Featuring songs that have become classics of the American Musical Theater, “Cabaret” is a fierce, meaty musical that pushes the boundaries of the form and literally holds “the mirror up to nature.” joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday March 24

10th Annual Saraland Lions Club Pancake Breakfast ($6.50 per person; children 5 and younger with an adult eat free.)

6:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Catfish Junction, 300 Industrial Parkway Saraland, 36571 10th Annual Saraland Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Azalea Trail Run 8:00 AM Canal Street at Claiborne Mobile, 36603 Join us on March 24, 2018 for the 41th Annual Azalea Trail Run (ATR), one of the premier 10K road races in the United States and the 2011 RRCA National 10K Championship. The event also includes 5K and 2K runs. All of the courses are flat and extremely fast. www.pcpacers.org/atr Egg Hunt on the Hill 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Springhill Baptist Church, 2 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Join us for the Egg

Hunt on the Hill with inflatables, pony rides, face painting, crafts, refreshments and more. www.shbc.cc Festival of Flowers Details March 22. 251-266-2050 festivalofflowers.com Friends of Library - Book Sale 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Abba Temple Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, 36695 Friends of the Mobile Public Library is holding a Book Sale, March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 25, 1-6 p.m. 251-208-7902 Downtown Cajun Cook Off 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 Over 22 local restaurants and bars prepare their finest Cajun Cuisine. Held in Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. Live music on stage to benefit the Child Advocacy Center. 251-432-1101 www.cacmobile.org Easter at Seward Farms (See website) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Seward Farms, 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, 39452 Come to the farm Saturday, March 24 from 10am - 3pm for a fun experience for the Whole Family! Families will enjoy egg hunts (for ages 1 – 10) hay rides, cow trains, jumping pillow, yee haw slide, baby animal petting area, face painting, funny farm golf, pony ride, a visit with the Easter Bunny, play areas and more! When you arrive, check the board inside building for times, age group and location of Egg Hunts. Egg Hunts will be staggered so you can enjoy your kids egg hunt. Hungry? They Wagon Wheel Café will be open for lunch! Stop by to enjoy a pulled pork plate, BBQ pork sandwich, or a hot-dog for your little one. Snack foods will also be made available for purchase. For ticket prices and more information visit us on Facebook or our website www.sewardfarms.com/ Easter Egg Hunt - Dauphin Island 10:00 AM Green Park, Dauphin Island, 36528 There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at Green Park on Dauphin Island. The Easter Bunny will be on hand, so parents, bring your cameras. www.dauphinislandchamber.com Easter Family Experience 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 He is Risen! Join us for a wonderful day filled with fun as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There will be inflatables, performances by the Christ UMC Puppet Ministry, an Easter Egg Hunt and family worship. www.cumcchildren.com Semmes Spring Fling 10:00 AM Semmes Municipal Park, 8108 Morris Hill Road Semmes, 36575 Spring Fling – Fun for the kid in all of us! Bounce houses, food vendors, local vendors, games and more. cityofsemmesal.gov Stringfest ($15 per child or $25 per family and lunch is

included)

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East Mobile We are excited about our Music Festival on Saturday, March 24. From 10:3012:00 students will perform solos for a judge. At 12 we will eat lunch and at 12:30 we will all perform together as a big Full Scale orchestra! 251- 454-6591 www.fullscaleschool.com Photos with the Easter Bunny 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 Hippity hoppity hooray! The Eas-

ter Bunny will return to The Wharf during the month of March for keepsake photos. Young or old, everyone loves a photographic memento to look back upon through the years. We will have live, fuzzy bunnies around to hold in front of the camera, if you choose! Wear your Easter finest and come on down to really swing into Spring with us! 251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com Wales West Cottontail Express 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wales West, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, 36576 Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway annual Cottontail Express will begin Saturday, March 3-Saturday March 31. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-4:00pm. Guests can enjoy Steam Train Ride, Easter Egg Hunt, Visiting with the Easter Bunny, Petting Zoo pony Rides Treats and more. 888-569-5337 waleswest.com 15th Annual Bunny Hop 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Geri Moulton Children’s Park, 1626 Spring Hill Avenue Mobile, 36604251-694-6873 rmhcmobile.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 7:30 PM Details March 23. joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Resurrection” 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Resurrection Symphony cemented Gustav Mahler’s fame as one of history’s foremost composers. This mammoth piece is known for its grandeur and scale. It requires a performing force which includes soloists and a chorus, which the composer directed should be deployed beyond the confines of the stage itself. This will be the first time the Mobile Symphony Orchestra has taken on Mahler’s masterpiece. We will be joined by three of the area’s finest choirs to create an experience that anyone would regret missing! 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/event/ resurrection Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Exploreum

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Come join us at the Exploreum for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt with fun prizes and visit the Easter Bunny. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home invites children of all ages to join us for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Great Lawn on Saturday, March 24. Thousands of Easter eggs will be scattered across the Great Lawn, and there will be plenty of candy and treats for little ones to fill their Easter baskets. After the egg hunt, families are encouraged to enjoy other Easter activities within the Gardens. The Easter Bunny will also be available for photos on the brick patio by the Great Lawn, and education students from the University of South Alabama will hold arts and crafts projects for children from 9 a.m. to noon at Live Oak Plaza, where special Easter snacks will also be available for purchase. www.bellingrath.org

Sunday March 25

Festival of Flowers 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Details March 22. 251-266-2050 festivalofflowers.com

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FamilyCalendar Photos with the Easter Bunny 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 Hippity hoppity hooray! The Easter Bunny will return to The Wharf during the month of March for keepsake photos. Young or old, everyone loves a photographic memento to look back upon through the years. We will have live, fuzzy bunnies around to hold in front of the camera, if you choose! Wear your Easter finest and come on down to really swing into Spring with us! 251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com Wales West Cottontail Express 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wales West, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, 36576 Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway annual Cottontail Express will begin Saturday, March 3-Saturday March 31. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-4:00pm. Guests can enjoy Steam Train Ride, Easter Egg Hunt, Visiting with the Easter Bunny, Petting Zoo pony Rides Treats and more. 888-569-5337 waleswest.com Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers Cypress Gift Shop and Welcome Center 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Featuring local artisans and crafters as well as outdoor themed items from the 5 Rivers Cypress Gift Shop. Buy local, enjoy a day outside, and support the conservation efforts of our Mobile-Tensaw Delta. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center Friends of Library - Book Sale 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Abba Temple Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, 36695 Friends of the Mobile Public Library is holding a Book Sale, March 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 25, 1-6 p.m. 251-208-7902 Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 2:00 PM Details March 23. joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Resurrection” 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Resurrection Symphony cemented Gustav Mahler’s fame as one of history’s foremost composers. This mammoth piece is known for its grandeur and scale. It requires a performing force which includes soloists and a chorus, which the composer directed should be deployed beyond the confines of the stage itself. This will be the first time the Mobile Symphony Orchestra has taken on Mahler’s masterpiece. We will be joined by three of the area’s finest choirs to create an experience that anyone would regret missing! 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/event/resurrection Community Easter Egg Hunt (Free) 3:00 PM St. Mark United Methodist Church, 329 Azalea Road Mobile, 36609 Bring your eagle-eyed egg hunters and a sweet tooth to the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt and Festival. Listen to the Easter story and enjoy some fellowship while the kids play games, do crafts, eat some cupcakes and have fun before the hunt. There’ll be hundreds of eggs up for grabs, with separate areas designated for small children and for older kids. www.stmarkmobile.com Sunday Matinee: America’s Amazon (Free) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Alabama Nature Partners presents America’s Amazon, an award-winning documentary that paints a visually stunning portrait of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, an amazing watery world, and one of the continent’s most diverse biological treasures. Playing all day 9am-4pm. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

Wednesday March 28

Learning Lunch - History Museum of mobile

(Free)

12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Learning Lunch featuring Julie Williams, Assistant Professor at Samford University - A Rare Titanic Family. 251-208-7569 www.museumofmobile.com/learninglunch

Friday March 30

Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 7:30 PM Details March 23. joejeffersonplayers.com Here Come the Mummies 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa). www.mobilesaenger.com

Saturday March 31

9th Annual Optimist Branch Pancake Breakfast

($6) 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1517 Plaza Drive Mobile,

36605 9th Annual Optimist Branch Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, is Saturday, March 31. Proceeds benefit youth programs within the Branch. www.bgcsouthal.org/pancake DI Community Easter Egg Hunt 9:30 AM Cadillac Square, 601 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 The Easter Bunny will make his appearance at 9:30am. The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 10am. Please be sure to buy tickets for the basket drawings to help support next year’s Egg Hunt. Drawings will be held immediately after the Egg Hunt. You do not need to be present to win. dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines Chickasaw Community Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 AM Chickasaw Housing Authority Walking Trail , Chickasaw, 36671 Ages 12-under. Refreshments, prizes and the Easter Bunny. Three age divisions. Make sure you bring your Easter basket and camera. The hunt will be held at the Chickasaw Housing Authority walking trail behind the post office on Saturday March 31st at 10:00am. cityofchickasaw.org Easter in the Squares 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Easter in the Squares will be held March 31 from 10:00am-1:00pm. This fun family free event will have Face painting, Balloon art, Children’s craft activity, Kids Karaoke, Prizes for best decorated stroller or wagon and an Easter Egg Hunt. www.downtownmobile.org Mobile’s Biggest Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Baker High School, 8901 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Join us for MOBILE’S BIGGEST EASTER EGG HUNT with 50,000 colorful, candy-filled plastic eggs ready for your children to collect. We’re also giving away an ATV and iPads. So pre-register early! PRE-REGISTER at www.easterinmobile.com and skip the long lines at registration by showing your Eventbrite ticket when you arrive. Registration at the event begins at 9 AM. The event begins at 10 AM. easterinmobile.com

Bunny Bash 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Lavretta Park, 200 Parkway Drive West Mobile, 36608 The Bunny Bash, hosted by the City Church of Mobile, is a family event and will be held at Lavretta Park from 11-1. Kids 12 and under are welcome to participate in the egg hunt. There will also be food for everyone and games for the kids (inflatables and other games). Wales West Cottontail Express 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wales West, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, 36576 Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway annual Cottontail Express will begin Saturday, March 3-Saturday March 31. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-4:00pm. Guests can enjoy Steam Train Ride, Easter Egg Hunt, Visiting with the Easter Bunny, Petting Zoo pony Rides Treats and more. 888-569-5337 waleswest.com Easter Egg Hunt - The Wharf (Admission is FREE; Face

Painting: $5 - $10)

11:30 AM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 The hunt is on! Spring is here and we have blossomed into full celebration mode. In grand style, the Marina Lawn will be speckled with nearly 5,000 colorful eggs for youngsters to claim. There will be separate age group areas designated for the hoppy hunt. A wide variety of kids’ activities will be offered on-site, including face painting, a bouncy house, giant coloring sheets, cookies and more! www.alwharf.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 7:30 PM Details March 23. joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday April 1

Community Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 The service will begin at 6:30 a.m. on the Great Lawn within the walls of Fort Gaines and it is open to everyone in the community. Free admission will be given to guests from 6 to 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Those who will be attending are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blanket. dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines Community Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 The service will begin at 6:30 a.m. on the Great Lawn within the walls of Fort Gaines and it is open to everyone in the community. Free admission will be given to guests from 6 to 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Those who will be attending are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blanket. dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 As the sun rises over Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Easter Sunday, guests are invited to come and enjoy a special Sunrise Service with friends and family on Live Oak Plaza. The service will begin at 6:30 AM and is open to everyone in the community. Complimentary admission will be given to guests from 6 to 8 AM on Easter Sunday. A limited number of chairs will be set up and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. A hot breakfast will be available for purchase after the service. www.bellingrath.org Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 As the sun rises over Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Easter Sunday, guests are invited to come and enjoy a special Sunrise Service with friends and family on Live Oak Plaza. The service will begin at 6:30 AM and is open to everyone in the community. Complimentary admission will be given to guests from 6 to 8 AM on Easter Sunday. A limited number of chairs will be set up and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. A hot breakfast will be available for purchase after the service. www.bellingrath.org

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FamilyCalendar 5 Rivers Meet and Greet (Free) 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center

Wednesday April 4

Spring Break Kids Days (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Denton Park , 2859 Emogene Street Mobile, 36606 School is out for spring break... let’s have fun some fun! Face painting, balloon clowns, arts & crafts, inflatables, The Fun Mobile and more!! www.ncsmobile.org Brown Bag Concerts Grayson Capps 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Catt’s Brown Bag Concerts - Grayson Capps www.ncsmobile.org

Joe Jefferson Players present “Cabaret” 2:00 PM Details March 23. joejeffersonplayers.com LuLu’s Easter Egg Dash 2:00 PM LuLu’s, 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, 36542 Meet the Easter Bunny and have fun dashing for eggs. 251-967-5858 lulubuffett.com

Monday April 2

Spring Break Kids Days (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Theodore Park , 7161 Old Military Road Theodore, 36582 School is out for spring break... let’s have fun some fun! Face painting, balloon clowns, arts & crafts, inflatables, The Fun Mobile and more!! www.ncsmobile.org Alabama School of the Arts Center for Performing Arts Jazz Band presents “Elvis Lives” 7:00 PM University of Mobile, RamHall, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, 36613 Alabama School of the Arts Center for Performing Arts Jazz Band presents “Elvis Lives” umobile.edu

Tuesday April 3

5 Rivers StoryTime (Free) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 10-11am. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center Spring Break Kids Days (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Trinity Gardens Park, 3100 Bank Avenue Mobile, 36619 School is out for spring break... let’s have fun some fun! Face painting, balloon clowns, arts & crafts, inflatables, The Fun Mobile and more!! www.ncsmobile.org Crawfish in the Courtyard ($25 in advance and $30 day

of event (If available))

6:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Heralding the official opening of crawfish season on the Gulf Coast, the Exploreum’s Junior Advisory Board is hosting its 9th annual Crawfish in the Courtyard. The signature Cajunthemed fundraising soiree will be held at the science center Tuesday, April 3rd at 6:00pm. All event proceeds will benefit Discover Science, the Exploreum’s program with the Mobile Housing Board to provide underserved children engaging educational science experiences including IMAX films, lab demonstrations and science camps. 251-259-5553 www.exploreum.com 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night (Free) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

Thursday April 5

Little Discoveries with Mr Wayne (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Ages 3-6. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Thursday Night Flicks (Free) 7:30 PM Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 “The Ninjago Movie” www.ncsmobile.org

Friday April 6

Friday Night Flicks (Free) 7:30 Langan Park, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 “The Nut Job 2” movie. www.ncsmobile.org

Saturday April 7

CMT Next Women of Country presents Sara Evans All the Love Tour 7:30 AM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 CMT Next Women of Country presents Sara Evans All the Love Tour featuring RaeLynn and Kalie Shorr coming to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on April 7th. www.mobilesaenger.com

Dauphin Island Discovery Day 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 The Dauphin Island Sea Lab invites you to their annual open house, Discovery Day, on Saturday, April 7, 2018. It’s a day of hands-on learning for all ages with DISL’s researchers, educators, and students. Take a tour of our research facilities, learn about our coastal environment and the research our team is working on, and step aboard our Research Vessel Alabama Discovery. This year, we’re excited to have 92Zew on board and on campus for the day. Learn more about the day at www.disl.org/ estuarium/discoveryday. 251-591-1865 disl.org Splash Into Spring 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Gulf Coast Divers, 1284 Hutson Drive Mobile, 36609 Kick off the season with free pool time to practice those SCUBA skills that may have collected a little rust over the winter months. Try out new gear, dive our demo computers, have a burger or hot dog on us, and just for walking in the door, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a 2-for-1 charter trip gift certificate from one of our local dive charter captains! Participate in a speargun target shooting contest for another chance at a 2-for-1 charter trip. 251-342-2970 www.gulf-coast-divers.com Kids Studio ($5 or Free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Ages 3-10. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Mobile Pops Concert - Dauphin Island (Free) 6:00 PM Dauphin Island Water Tower, Dauphin Island, 36528 Mobile Pops Concert at the Dauphin Island Water Tower. townofdauphinisland.org

Annual Camellia Classic Open Car Show 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Blakeley State Park www.bellingrath.org Superhero Skedaddle 5K Run/Walk/Roll and Fun Run 8:00 AM SGA Pavilion, Intramural fields, USA Campus, Mobile, 36608 Wear your favorite superhero costume and race to benefit Goodwill Easter Seals. www.eventbrite.com/e/superhero-skedaddle-5k-andfun-run-registration-36940846065 Civil War Trust-Park Day 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 We are asking for volunteers to help preserve this important monument to honor the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed in the American Civil War. You may register at www.dauphinisland. org are by calling Fort Gaines Historic Site at 251-8616992 ( You must be a least 18 years of age) dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris 9:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park , 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a FREE family friendly Walk/ Run raising awareness of diabetes, connecting the diabetes community, and an opportunity to make it possible for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris - Alabama’s only diabetes camp. Join us at the USS ALABAMA

Battleship Memorial Park for music, free healthy snacks, bounce house for kids, diabetes awareness info, Team Awards and Prizes, and a 5K or 1 Mile Walk/Run to support kids with diabetes! campsealeharris.org/donations/diabetes-walk

Discover the Dinosaurs: Time Trek Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Discover the Dinosaurs: Time Trek is an ALL NEW touring event for the whole family. Our dinosaur exhibit features realistic animatronic dinosaurs set in interesting scenes that transport you back to the Jurassic… including one dinosaur for which kids can actually control the movements themselves! Families enjoy multiple hands-on attractions like the bone scanner, design-a-dino, and the fossil find. Then head to the Time Trek Stage to experience fun interactive shows and family challenges! www.discoverthedinosaurs.com

Sunday April 8

Market at the Pillars 12:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 Shop Local Farmers, Crafters, Bakers and Makers! Local Eats, Drinks and Live Music! Mobile Opera’s “Grand Soiree” ($125) 5:30 PM Grand Hotel, 1 Grand Boulevard Point Clear, 36564 Please join Mobile Opera for a “Grand Soiree”, an evening full of wonderful entertainment, food and wine. 251-432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

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FamilyCalendar Discover the Dinosaurs: Time Trek Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Details April 7. www.discoverthedinosaurs.com

Tuesday April 10

Family Bingo Night (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. 251-470-7770 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Little Black Dress 6:30 PM Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, 36605 Little Black Dress, presented by T. Batchelor & Son, Gulf States Engineering, and McDonald’s, is the premier fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, which provides a supportive home environment offering care, compassion and hope to families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at Mobile area hospitals. Fifty local area “McModels” will be featured in this fast-paced runway show in fashions styled by Dillard’s. There will be special appearances by Miss Alabama USA, Hannah Brown, and Miss Mississippi USA, Laine Mansour. Paired with the runway show, the cocktail party will feature Mobile’s top area chefs and restaurants with exceptional food and refreshing beverage offerings. 251-694-6873 rmhcmobile.org/news-events/littleblack-dress 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night (Free) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7pm-8pm; Mobile Bay Audubon Society. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

Wednesday April 11

Brown Bag Concerts 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Catt’s Brown Bag Concerts - Lisa Mills www.ncsmobile.org

Thursday April 12

athletes will be representing close to 40 Mobile area schools in track events such as relays, runs, walks, wheelchair races, and many more. There will also be field events such as running and standing long jump, shotput, javelin, softball and tennis ball throw. LoDa Artwalk 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Lower Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36608 LoDa ArtWalk takes place every second Friday of the month from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District. On this evening, local art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops open their doors for the public to come inside to view beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods, and hear the music of Mobile. This free family-friendly event is a staple of Mobile’s arts and culture. 251-208-1553 Southsounds Music Festival 6:00 PM Various music venues and public spaces in Downtown Mobile, Mobile, 36602 SouthSounds Music & Arts Festival is the first festival in the country dedicated to showcasing the best emerging and independent Southern music and art. southsoundsfest.com

Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” 7:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com University of Mobile Performing Arts presents “Le Nozze di Figaro” opera 7:00 PM Saraland Performing Arts Center, 1115 Industrial Parkway Saraland, 36571 Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) Opera will be held on Friday, April 13 at 7:00pm and Sunday, April 15 at 2:00pm. umobile.edu Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Matthew Casey: Cuba’s Special Period 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 How are Cuban artists navigating restrictions on free speech and expression? How do they reconcile a global market-oriented artworld with their desire to produce work that is meaningful both personally and nationally? Matthew Casey will draw on his research into race, labor, and migration in Latin America and the Caribbean to interpret the artwork of Back to Havana in the context of Cuba’s Special Period, when nationalism in arts and culture received renewed attention at a time of political and economic crisis. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

Saturday April 14

Mobile Area Special Olympics 8:00 AM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, 36608 Approximately 350 very special

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

St. Mary Crawfish and Bluegrass Extravaganza!

($30 in advance for adults, and $35 at the gate. Teenagers age 13-18 is $15. Children age 12 and under are free)

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, St. Mary School Grounds, 1450 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36604 Featuring bluegrass band, Fat Man Squeeze! Feast on thousands of pounds of crawfish and gumbo and listen to foot stomping music into the night. Hot dogs on hand too for those noncrawfish eaters! www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3358671 The Last Dinner 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, 26 North Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Honoring the 106th anniversary of the Titanic, join the History Museum of Mobile as they recreate that elegant evening. Enjoy the famed ship’s sumptuous first class dining with an eight course dinner from the original menu with appropriate wines, atmosphere and music. 251-208-7569 historymuseumofmobile.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Cocktails & Creatives 5:30 PM The Merry Widow, 51 South Conception Street Mobile, 36602 Connect. Inspire. Create. Cocktails & Creatives is a happy hour designed to unite Mobilians interested in creativity and creative pursuits—whether they be working artists, secret poets, tinkerers, or the merely curious. Creativity is within all of us. It is what connects us all. Our mission is to inspire everyone to explore their creative natures. www.themerrywidow.net

Friday April 13

Kids Studio ($5 or Free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Ages 3-10. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

Titanic in the Park (Free) 7:30 PM Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, 36602 Bring a lawn chair/blanket and view James Cameron’s Titanic in Mardi Gras Park.

Dixie Division Military Vehicle Show ($4.00) 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park , 2703 Battleship Memorial Parkway Mobile, 36602 The Dixie Division will hold their annual vintage military vehicle show and swap meet in the picnic area on our grounds. Stop by and check out all vehicles including jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and more. 251-433-2703 National Fitness Competition 9:00 AM Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, 36608 Hosted at Mobile’s New “Mardi Gras Park” and sponsored by the Jake Peavy Foundation, young people will participate in friendly competition against each other in multiple physical activities, striving for improvement—building intrinsic motivation, confidence and physical competence—thus enhancing the Club’s overall culture of wellness. www.bgcsouthal.org/fitness

The Black Jacket Symphony: Guns N Roses 8:00 PM Mobile Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked–the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. www.blackjacketsymphony.com Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” Show Times: 2:00pm and 7:00pm. 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com Southsounds Music Festival Various music venues and public spaces in Downtown Mobile, Mobile, 36602 SouthSounds Music & Arts Festival is the first festival in the country dedicated to showcasing the best emerging and independent Southern music and art. southsoundsfest.com

Sunday April 15

Dixie Division Military Vehicle Show ($4.00) 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park , 2703 Battleship Memorial Parkway Mobile, 36602 The Dixie Division will hold their annual vintage military vehicle show and swap meet in the picnic area on our grounds. Stop by and check out all vehicles including jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and more. 251-433-2703 DI School Motorcycle Show 9:00 AM Parking lot across from Waves, Dauphin Island, 36528 Rev up those engines and head on down the highway to the 22nd Annual Motorcycle Show ON Sunday, April 15 (rain date April 29) at the parking lot across from Waves. Serving as the single largest annual fundraiser for DI Elementary, this popular show lets

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the band’s deep catalog of music. Additionally, every ticket will include a special Decades Tour CD which will be distributed at the concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

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Prism Publishing premiers a new choral book feat. Alabama School of the Arts’ students 7:00 PM Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Prism Publishing premiers a new choral book feat. Alabama School of the Arts’ students. April 19-20. umobile.edu

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2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Drama Camp Productions and Sunnyside Theatre present “Mary Poppins, Jr.” Show Times: 2:00pm and 7:00pm. 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org University of Mobile Performing Arts presents “Le Nozze di Figaro” opera 2:00 PM Saraland Performing Arts Center, 1115 Industrial Parkway Saraland, 36571 Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) Opera will be held on Friday, April 13 at 7:00pm and Sunday, April 15 at 2:00pm. umobile.edu Southsounds Music Festival Various music venues and public spaces in Downtown Mobile, Mobile, 36602 SouthSounds Music & Arts Festival is the first festival in the country dedicated to showcasing the best emerging and independent Southern music and art. southsoundsfest.com

Monday April 16

Outdoor Storytime (Free) 11:00 AM West Regional Branch Patio, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Its Springtime! Join us on the Patio for an outside Storytime. We’ll enjoy books, songs, bubbles and so much more! If it rains, we will bring the fun indoors. 251-340-8555 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday April 17

Wednesday April 18

Brown Bag Concerts 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Catt’s Brown Bag Concerts - Jamell Richardson www.ncsmobile.org

Thursday April 19

Nightwish 8:15 Mobile Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Decades 2018 tour will showcase popular songs and never before performed cuts from

Friday April 20

Barefoot Ball 7:00 PM Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 Join us downtown Mobile for Urban Emporium’s first annual Barefoot Ball! Dress to be photographed, but come ready to kick off your shoes and dance to the beats of DJ Braxton Clarke! Sip a complimentary signature cocktail (cash bar also available), graze the grilled cheese bar, and enjoy curated activities which include personalized haiku, cornhole, henna tattoos and a photo booth. Score a VIP ticket for bottomless champagne and charcuterie! Best part? This party is for a good cause! Proceeds from the Barefoot Ball go directly to Urban Emporium, Mobile’s only non-profit retail incubator that houses and trains entrepreneurs to become successful retailers. 251-434-8498 www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/3340986 Prism Publishing premiers a new choral book feat. Alabama School of the Arts’ students 7:00 PM Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Prism Publishing premiers a new choral book feat. Alabama School of the Arts’ students. April 19-20. umobile.edu Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday April 21

Blisters for Sisters 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk 8:00 AM 1655 McGill Avenue Mobile, 36604 Certified 5K race through midtown mobile to benefit the elderly poor residents at the Little Sisters of the Poor. www.eventbrite.com/e/blisters-for-sisters-5k-and-funrun-registration-41313160776 Moving Day: A walk for Parkinson Foundation 8:30 AM Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Moving Day® is a Parkinson Foundation’s fundraising walk. But it much more than just a walk! Moving Day® highlights movement and exercise as a symbol of hope and progress because of its essential role in treating Parkinson’s disease. movingdaywalk.org 2018 Autism Resource Fair 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Daphne Fire Department, 25250 Bailey Yelding Jr. Drive Daphne, 36526 The event will be entertaining for all ages with inflatables, local food trucks, music, games, raffles, autism resource booths and more. Local heroes such as police officers, fire

fighters and military personnel will also be a part of the event. Attendees can participate in the short lap for Autism and the team that wears the best costume will receive a personalized trophy. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available and the team that raises the most donations will also be awarded a trophy for their contributions to the special needs community. All families and children are welcome and encouraged to participate in this fun-filled fair! www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-autism-resource-fairtickets-43737512076?aff=efbeventtix St. Francis Arts & Crafts Festival 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, St. Francis Episcopal Church, 401 Key Street Dauphin Island, 36528 The annual St. Francis Episcopal Arts & Crafts Festival is set for Saturday, April 21 and more than 50 local and regional artists will congregate on the church lawn to display and sell their one-of-a-kind creations. Step inside and you’ll find a plethora of delicious baked goods, Wimberly Hory’d Famous Chicken Salad Sandwiches (Now also available by the pint), frozen casseroles, soups, homemade pickles and many other tasty treats! townofdauphinisland.org NAMIWalks Mobile 9:15 Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36609 Join NAMIWalks Mobile Saturday, April 21 for our 5th Annual Walk for Mental Health! www.namimobile.org/namiwalks-mobile.html Earth Day Mobile Bay 2018 10:00 AM Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope, 36532 Earth Day Mobile Bay is a celebration of the Earth for the people living around our incredibly diverse, beautiful, fun, ecologically rich and nevertheless fragile bay area. www.earthdaymobilebay.org Famous Lost Words: Recording and Preserving Oral History (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Alabamians are justly proud of their personal heritage, but unrecorded stories, anecdotes and legends within families (and communities) are often lost when storytellers pass on. This presentation, Famous Lost Words: Recording and Preserving Oral History, motivates participants to use basic techniques of interviewing and recording to save the human side of their family and community legacy. Following the presentation, please join us for more information on tips and resources at the Local History & Genealogy Division. 205-558-3980 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Tiny Tales & Play Time! (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Celebrate National Poetry Month. Families with young children are invited for a time of stories, crafts and play. 205-558-3980 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio ($5 or Free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Ages 3-10. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Crawfish for a Cause 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Come join us for all you can eat crawfish, live music, family friendly activities and a silent auction. Have a great time to help a great cause. eventbrite.com 8th Annual Great Drift Paddle 1:00 PM McNally Park / Perch Creek , 4380 Park Road Mobile, 36605 Be a part of the fun, FREE drift along a quiet portion of the Dog River Scenic Blueway inside the southern most section of the vast urban watershed. The annual Post Drift Party will be held immediately following at River Shack Restaurant and Grill at the mouth

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FamilyCalendar of Dog River - only a quick 2 mile drive south. Again this year, the River Shack will provide DISCOUNTED FOOD for registered paddlers. www.eventbrite.com/e/great-drift-2018-tickets-43061830093 14th Annual Poetry Slam-A-Rama Competition (Free)

2:00 PM Toulminville Library, 601 Stanton Road Mobile , 36619 In celebration of National Poetry Month, the library will hold a poetry competition open to children ages 8-19. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, clarity, and presentation. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Bald Eagle Bash (Advance tickets are $45, Day-of Gate Tickets are $50. Children 10 and under are free.)

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Weeks Bay Reserve Tonsmeire Resource Center, 11525 US-98 Fairhope, 36532 The Ninth Annual Bald Eagle Bash--the Alabama Gulf Coast’s Party for Preservation--takes place at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center. This signature event for the Weeks Bay Foundation has earned a reputation for delivering great food, great music, and a great time, all on the edges of beautiful Weeks Bay. 251-990-5004 baldeaglebash.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “House Rule” 7:30 PM Mobile Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The composition of Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony took place during the height of Soviet Union oppression in his homeland of Russia. Though he was a composer and not soldier, Shostakovich’s career was exploited to produce propaganda. He had a successful opera condemned as unpatriotic and was forced to withdraw the premier of his 4th symphony for fear of punishment. Though the 5th Symphony is subtitled “A Soviet Artist’s Response to Just Criticism.”, the piece is undeniably laced with themes of both defiance and deep mourning. The history of this piece makes it one of the most moving works of art. mobilesymphony.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Sunday April 22

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Pot” by Glenn Hutchinson. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “House Rule” 2:30 PM. Details April 21. mobilesymphony.org The Big Show with David &Teesa Laflin (Free) 6:00 PM First Baptist Church Tillman’s Corner, 5660 Three Notch Road Mobile, 36619 Since 2002, internationally recognized Christian illusionists David and Teesha Laflin have entertained and inspired audiences all across the United States and in several foreign countries through their creative blend of both classic and cutting-edge illusions. Their programs have been featured at the NCAA Final Four, on TV and at numerous conferences and conventions throughout the world. Free tickets are available at the church office. Doors open at 5:30 for ticket holders. 251-661-0114 www.fbtc.org

Wednesday April 25

Brown Bag Concerts 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Catt’s Brown Bag Concerts - Bohni Trio www.ncsmobile.org

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

2018 Money Smart Week (Free) 6:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Money Matters - Paying Yourself – discover the first ways you can save money for the future. Facilitator is Paula Webb, Government Documents Librarian at the University of South Alabama. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Ages 3-10. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

Thursday April 26

Crawfish and Cornhole 5:00 PM Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 S Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Join us at Fort Conde for a Cornhole Tournament & Crawfish Boil benefitting Dwell Mobile! Get your Cornhole team ready to compete or simply plan on enjoying the afternoon with crawfish and Haint Blue brews. If you’ve never had the chance to learn about Dwell, make sure to take some time to read about their efforts at: https://www.dwellmobile.org/. www.dwellmobile.org

Friday April 27

60th Annual Dauphin Island Race fairhopeyachtclub.com/event/60th-annual-dauphinisland-race

4th Annual Art Show 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Bright Beginnings Academy, 3590 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, 36609 Come join us for our 4th Annual Art Show from 6:00pm-7:00pm. 251-525-9105 www.brightdyslexics.com

Spring Hill’s 7th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon 3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch Lawn, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Spring Hill’s 7th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon schedule for Friday, April 27th, 2018. Join us for the walk and then a finish line party with games and activities. thevillageofspringhill.com

Saturday April 28

2018 Infirmary Duathlon 8:00 AM Mobile Infirmary, 5 Mobile Infirmary Circle Mobile, 36607 This running and cycling combination race consists of a two-mile run, 10-mile bike ride and a two-mile run through the streets of midtown Mobile. The event will also include a post-party featuring a variety of local food truck vendors for athletes and spectators to enjoy. 251-435-2010 infirmaryduathlon.com Wiggle Waggle Rescue Run 8:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home invites runners, walkers and their furry friends to a fun event for a good cause: The Wiggle Waggle Rescue Run to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation. All runners and walkers who sign up for the Wiggle Waggle race events, a 5K and a 1-mile walk/run, will receive a discounted admission of $5 to the Gardens for the day, along with discounts for their family members and friends. www.bellingrath.org 10th Annual Delta Woods and Water Expo (Free) 9:00 AM 4:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center , 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and the City of Spanish Fort have once again teamed up for the tenth year to bring all the delta has to offer to you! This free, public event will showcase not only the educational aspect of the delta, but the recreational as well. 251-625-0814 www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Visit with friends and make your own craft stick harmonica. Ages 5 and up. 251-470-7770 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio ($5 or Free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes

Sunday April 29

Autism Society of Alabama: Sensory Friendly Exploreum Experience ($8) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, 36602 The Gulf Coast Exploreum, in conjunction with the Autism Society of Alabama, invites you to a Sensory Friendly Experience in our great new exhibit, Permian Monsters: Life Before The Dinosaurs and IMAX film Galapagos. 251-259-5553 www.exploreum.com Free Military Child Day at USS Alabama (Free) 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park , 2703 Battleship Memorial Parkway Mobile, 36602 Free Military Child Event at the USS Alabama. Come enjoy food, games and more. 4th Annual Mud Bottom Revival Music Festival ($25 until April 22nd and $35 after that date)

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Dog Pond, 2415 Venetia Road Mobile, 36605 April 29th marks the 4th annual Mud Bottom Revival Music Festival at the Dog Pond. This year’s event features Jimmy Hall & Friends with opener, Crowned Jewelz. Food from Smokin’ Gringos & Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream. Gates open at 2:00 pm with music at 3:00. Family Friendly. www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-mud-bottom-revivalmusic-festival-tickets-41391835093?aff=eac2 Spring Spectacular 7:00 PM Redemption Church, 879 Snow Road Mobile, 36608 Alabama School of the Arts Center for Performing Arts presents Spring Spectacular. umobile.edu

Tuesday May 1

Bubble Guppies Live 6:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 What time is it? It’s time for Bubble Guppies! Jump into a bubbly world of learning and laughter with Nickelodeon’s Bubble Guppies Live! “Ready to Rock”. 251-208-7261 www.mobilecivicctr.com

Wednesday May 2

Brown Bag Concerts 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Catt’s Brown Bag Concerts - Excelsior Band www.ncsmobile.org

Thursday May 3

A Night at the Races ($60) 6:30 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 A night of fun, food and music is planned for Thursday, May 3rd at “A Night at the Races,” a Kentucky Derby-style party to benefit the children served by The Learning Tree in Mobile. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beverages, music and a large silent auction. The highlight of the evening will be video horse racing. 251-331-2633

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Support Groups & Classes Friday May 4

*The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile.

Classes/Meetings

La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving

3rd Annual Autism Matters Conference 8:00 AM Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast 2440 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, 36617 The 3rd Annual Autism Matters Conference in Mobile, Alabama is scheduled for Friday, May 4th, 2018. This conference is co-sponsored by the Autism Society of Alabama and the University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network. 251-259-5553 www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annualautism-matters-conference-mobile-alabama-tickets41873438582?aff=es2

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, 445 Azalea Road. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251281-7312. Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Bridge Support Group The Bridge support group is a place where parents with similar experiences come together to share stories, advice and love. These families have had babies who: were stillborn, born with a lethal anomaly (such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, skeletal dysplasia, anencephaly) or had a baby that only lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our families are from all over the Gulf Coast and all have beautiful stories to tell. 1st Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm-until. Dinner is served. Meets in 1st floor conference room of Strada Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile. Contact information: Rene Sprague RN, MSN rgilstrapsprague@ health.southalabama.edu 251-610-5264. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251-431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register.

Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@ providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@ providencehospital.org. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family

Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 3407769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course: One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings: Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769. • Infant CPR: Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing: For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth: All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell: This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:309 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding: This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

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

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A Wrinkle in Time

Love, Simon MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: BSexual Content: C Profanity: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Love, Simon PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual references, language and teen partying. Broaching a sensitive subject, viewers may either embrace or snub this movie about a boy named Simon (Nick Robinson) who is struggling to explain his same-gender attraction to his friends and family. When Simon stumbles upon a social media post by another student from his high school anonymously confessing he is dealing with the same challenge, the two begin a correspondence -- each using a pseudonym. The plot builds around Simon trying to decide how and when to reveal his sexual identity, while at the same time attempting to discover the identity of his pen pal. If this pro-LGBQT message fits with your philosophy, you may appreciate the way this production preaches modern sensibilities. If you adhere to traditional values, you might dislike the way it completely ignores moral considerations. Yet with all the focus on the hero, there are other issues that get swept under the carpet of love and inclusion. Sexual banter, crass talk and profanity, along with the use of a strong sexual expletive, are frequent. Sexual themes and teen drinking are also prevelant. If you have older teens that will see Love, Simon we recommend you see it as well or, at the very least, be available for a discussion afterward to help your kids understand some of the important issues that were judiciously missing and/or included in this movie.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated A Wrinkle in Time PG for thematic elements and some peril. I went into the screening of A Wrinkle in Time with great expectations. The movie is based on a best-selling novel by Madeleine L’Engle that was one of my favorites as a youth, and one that I read to my own children. Although it was obvious from watching the trailer that the filmmakers were putting their own touches on the classic tale, I was open to seeing where that interpretation would go. Directed by Ava DuVernay, whose other work focuses on African American themes (Selma, 13th), it should have come as no surprise that she would add racial diversity to what was originally an all-white story. While this casting pallet really doesn’t color the intent of the characters, the difference in agenda between L’Engle and DuVernay really does change the themes painted in the plot. In the movie, Meg Murray (Storm Reid) is a gifted student, yet struggling to deal with the disappearance of her dad (Chris Pine). Four years ago he vanished while experimenting with space and time travel. During his absence, her mother (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who is also a scientist, has tried to keep hope for his return alive. But the mocking and bullying of her classmates has seriously injured Meg’s self-esteem. And when they also pick on her younger, brilliant brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), she lashes out against the ringleader (Rowan Blanchard) by throwing a basketball at her face. Two things happen at this point of despair: A smart and popular boy from school named Calvin (Levi Miller) shows up wanting to befriend Meg and Charles Wallace, and three ethereal beings (played by Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Oprah Winfrey) appear offering to help the trio find Mr. Murray. After hesitantly accepting the invitation, Meg, her brother and their new pal find themselves wrinkling time, traveling through space, and on a dangerous rescue mission. The quest will challenge the talents and faults of each individual as they try to combat the dark forces of the universe. The set-up is similar in both book and film, however, the lessons that are learned on the journey vary. L’Engle wrote an allegory that tries to balance science and religion, focuses on the bonds of family, and enshrines the strength of love. DuVernay and the screenwriters (Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell) use her framework to promote girl power and reprimand fathers. And it won’t just be fans of the novel that find the film lacking. The pacing is flawed, spending too much time frolicking in fantasy worlds, and not enough time building tensions and resolving conflicts. This makes it hard for the audience to engage in the emotions that should accompany scenes of peril, moments of triumph, depths of disappointment and realisation of joy. Nor does it help that the other-worldly characters are so ham-fisted in imparting their moral messages. Thankfully, content issues focus mostly on some non-graphic violent depictions that are best suited for older children and teens. Still, the greatest reason for regret in this expensive Disney production is the way an exceptional story, and a capable cast and crew, didn’t manage to iron out the wrinkles in their execution. Instead, all they have turned out is a mediocre adventure yarn. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2018

Tomb Raider MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: B+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Tomb Raider PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and for some language. A generation or two has grown up since the introduction of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 1996. Now the franchise has been rebooted – both as a movie and as a videogame. It doesn’t need to be said that violence will be parents’ biggest issue here, with plentiful fast-paced sequences, some shootings, explosions and other risk taking activities. I have yet to view a movie based on a videogame that offers a compelling story – and this retelling continues the record. If it wasn’t for the energetic Vikander, who does the best of what she has to work with (she has the makings of a future action hero), this would be a dismal project. When the action moves to a remote island with a ridiculously evil bad guy (Walton Goggins) seeking the same ancient tomb Richard was searching for, both the story and visual effects get mired in unnecessary punching-shooting-pushing sequences that make you want to grab the game controller and take over. Perhaps the best news I can offer is this film’s relative lack of profanity (although one muffled sexual expletive is included) and sexual content. If your teens are (or were) into the renewed game, they may have a better chance of engaging with this Tomb Raider movie than someone (like myself) who vaguely remembers the first pixilated version from two decades earlier, or the following Angelina Jolie movies. 68

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Help Alabama

Shine!

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

“Thank you for checking on us!”

Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, o r email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

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