Mobile Bay Parents March 2019 by KeepSharing

THE ADVENTURES IN

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March2019

Volume 8 Number 12

100 44 Columns

Mom of the Month 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

Self-Determination at Summer Camp

Ways your child will grow by being off on his own at camp.

Parenting Teens

Help your teens avoid the illusion of adulthood and get them moving towards maturity.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

38 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This!

How Not to Worry

If you are sending your child to overnight camp, discover how to keep your worry at bay.

2019 Summer Camps Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!

On The Cover JJ (10) and Zach (6) Campbell, sons of Scott and Kim Campbell. Proud grandparents are Gail & Bo Coleman and Jack & Jean Campbell. JJ enjoys baseball and basketball, watch-

Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

ing and talking about sports, and wrestling with

his brother. He collects baseball cards and is

School Bits

an avid reader. Zach loves to play baseball. His #1 hobby is to dig in the dirt and dig very deep, large holes. He is an out doorsman who loves to fish and hunt, build legos and play with cars and trucks.

Family Calendar 72

Movie Reviews 1

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FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

When I was a child, my brothers and I would get so excited whenever the Sears Holiday Catalog would arrive. We would grab our markers and quickly start perusing the pages of toys, just waiting to be added to some child’s Christmas wish list. Why am I talking about Christmas in March? Well, as a grown up, I get that same feeling when the March Summer Camp Issue comes out! The girls and I love looking through the pages and pages of camp ads and the Summer Camp Guide to see what opportunities we can take advantage of to fill our summer days. I loved summer camp. My friends and I would try all kinds of interesting camps. One year we all went to trampoline camp. Yes, that’s right, we spent a half-day for a couple of weeks learning how to do all kinds of flips and tricks on the trampoline. We got pretty good at it too. Too bad our schools did not have trampoline teams. I’m pretty sure we would have been state champs. Nor did any of us even own a trampoline. Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure our moms just signed us up for that camp to keep us busy. Whatever their motive was, we had a blast, and obviously have some fond memories from it. That is what is so fun about summer camp. It is a chance for kids to try out new interests and activities. As usual, this year’s Summer Camp Guide is packed with camps. We have everything from art camps to zoo camps and tons in between. It does not matter if your child is interested in sports, theater, music, science, or all of it, you will find a huge variety of options in this valuable resource. So pull out your highlighters and calendars and flip to page 50! As much as I enjoyed summer camp, I never attended a sleep-away camp. My husband, on the other hand, spent almost his entire summer away at camp. Now that we have kids, I really like the idea of them experiencing everything about sleep-away camp that I feel like I missed. I knew I would have some anxiety about sending my child away to camp, as most moms do the first time. As parents, we worry if our child will have fun, meet new friends or thrive at camp. Fortunately, Heidi Luedtke addresses many of these concerns in this month’s feature, Kids Gong to Camp? How Not to Worry, on page 46. She also shares some surprising benefits in Self Determination at Summer Camp, found on page 42. Your child may come back with some new skills and confidence. As always, make sure you check out our Family Calendar, as it is filled with plenty of happenings to enjoy this month. One event you definitely do not want to miss is the Mobile Bay Parents and Eastern Shore Parents third annual Summer Camp and Healthy Kids Expo! This FREE, family-fun event will be held Saturday, March 16, from 10am – 1pm, at the Gulf Coast Exploreum and Science Center. Not only will attendees receive FREE admission to the Exploreum, but they will also have the chance to visit with exhibitors to learn more about summer camp opportunities, see live animals, watch cool experiments, and enjoy face painting, balloon art, and much more! We have an incredible day planned! You don’t want to miss it! A special thanks to Camp Chandler Tonsmeire, Mobile Museum of Art, NBC 15, Vital Smiles, Chick-fil-A Daphne/RSA and all of the wonderful exhibitors for making this free, family fun day a possibility. See you at the Expo!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Heidi Smith Leudtke, Ph.D. Sonia Martin, LMSW Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com

Lynn

Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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

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LET THE RECHARGE GOOD TIMES This spring, recharge your family’s good times at OWA! Head to Downtown OWA for family-friendly events like St. Pawtty’s Day and Mardi Gras, and a variety of dining options for everyone. Check out a full day of fun at The Park at OWA, or surprise your family with the gift of a season pass—just in time for Easter!

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW

The Crazy Cycle Allow me to introduce you to the Crazy Cycle, an unwelcome yet common occurrence playing out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, “Love & Respect,” The Crazy Cycle which wasyouoriginally marriage, Allow me to introduce to the Crazy Cycle,geared an un-welcometoward yet common occurrence playing out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, we& Respect” can see how ageared similar cycle continues its “Love which was originally toward marriage, we can see how a similar cycle continues its destructive path that cuts right through the middle of parent/child relationships. destructive path that cuts right through the Essentially, the Crazy Cycle looks like this: A child feels unloved or “disconnected” from his parent. Because ofof that parent/child he is going to operate out of a spirit of disrespect. When your child middle relationships. disrespects you, you respond unlovingly – i.e. “Don’t talk to me like that, go to your room!”, or “You want toEssentially, act that way – fine. Yourthe Xbox is mine until further notice.”looks In whateverlike manner, Crazy Cycle inserting whatever details, we are meeting our child’s disrespect with an unloving or more accurately a “disconnected” response. unloved When we respond or unlovingly, our child will often meet this:–A child feels “disconnected” us there and further respond disrespectfully which only works to cement that feeling of being unloved. So round and round the crazy cycle goes, where it stops – nofrom one knows. his parUnloved ent. Because of that he Disrespectfully Disrespect is going to operate out Unlovingly of a spirit of The catalyst for change comes at the moment your child operates in a manner of disrespect. disrespect. Because let’s face it, our children are going to have moments when they get it wrong, when they disrespect us, when they go a bit sideways - this is the process of childhood. They are learning When child disrespects you, and growing andyour grasping at getting a handle on self-control and don’t comeyou fully equipped with an appropriate response to stressors. When we can meet their disrespect with more of a respond unlovingly i.e. “Don’t talk me partnership or “connected” response, “Wow. – I can see your struggling right now.to We can figure this out together” we can get them to pop right on out of the crazy cycle and into an engagement likethatthat, go to your orand“You toAnd pattern is foundationally based on a childroom!” who feels loved connected want to their parent. that my friends, is the ball game. act that way – fine. Your Xbox is mine until Loved further notice.” In whatever manner, inserting whatever are meeting our Respectfully details, weRespect child’s disrespect with an unloving, or more Lovingly accurately, a “disconnected” response. When we respond unlovingly, our child will often meet us there and further respond disrespectfully, which only works to cement that feeling of being unloved. So round and

round the crazy cycle goes, where it stops – no one knows. respond respectfully, which only serves to The catalyst for change comes at the solidify that feeling of being loved. Suddenly moment your child operates in a manner of The Crazy Cycle - we have an entirely different cycle on our disrespect. Because let’s face it, our chilAllow me to introduce you to the Crazy Cycle, an un-welcome yet common occurrence playing hands. out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, dren are going to have moments when they “Love & Respect” which was originally geared toward marriage, we can see howThe a similar cycle function of the crazy cycle plays get it wrong, when they disrespect us, when continues its destructive path that cuts right through the middle of parent/child relationships. itself out not only in parent/child interactions, the Crazy Cycle looks like A child feels unloved or “disconnected” from his they go aEssentially, bit sideways - this isthis: the process parent. Because of that he is going to operate out of a spirit of disrespect.but Whenin yourthe child school environment, with their of childhood. They are learning growing disrespects you, you respond unlovingly – and i.e. “Don’t talk to me like that, go to your room!”, or and in social situations. If we can be“You want to act that way – fine. Your Xbox is mine until further notice.”peers In whatever manner, and grasping at getting a handle on selfinserting whatever details, we are meeting our child’s disrespect with an unloving or more come intentional in recognizing the cycle we accurately – a “disconnected” When we respondwith unlovingly, our child will often meet control. They don’t come response. fully equipped us there and further respond disrespectfully which only works to cementare that feeling of being up in, we can begin to identify a caught an appropriate tocrazy stressors. When unloved. Soresponse round and round the cycle goes, where it stops – no one knows. way out while always being mindful that we, we can meet their disrespect with more of Unloved as the parents, are the catalysts for change. a partnership or “connected” response, Our children do not have capacity for this “Wow. I canDisrespectfully see your struggling right Disrespect now. on their own – we have to be that external We can figure this out together” we can get regulator. We set the tone. So in those them to pop right on out of the crazy cycle hard moments, take a breath. Take a beat. Unlovingly and into an engagement pattern that is And see if you can figure out what cycle The catalyst for change comes at the moment your child operates in a manner of disrespect. foundationally based on a child who feels Because let’s face it, our children are going to have moments when they get it wrong, when they you are living in. us, when they go a bit sideways - this is the process of childhood. They are learning loved anddisrespect connected to their parent. And and growing and grasping at getting a handle on self-control and don’t come fully equipped with an appropriate to stressors. When we can meet their disrespect with more of a that my friends, isresponse the ball game. partnership or “connected” response, “Wow. I can see your struggling right now. We can figure *Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly When orright connected this a outchild together” feels we can getloved them to pop on out of the crazy cycle and into an engagement nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing pattern that is foundationally based on a child who feels loved and connected to their parent. And with children who have trauma and attachment to you, they operate manner of respect. challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child. that my friends, is thein balla game. When they Loved Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s respect you, and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the you respond Respectfully Respect brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting to that lovtechniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and ingly, when Lovingly parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. you respond Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. lovingly your child will begin to further

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Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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Touch a Truck Coming to Hank Aaron Stadium

Touch a Truck will bring family-friendly fun to Hank Aaron Stadium on Saturday, March 16, when children of all ages will have the opportunity to touch and climb aboard a variety of trucks and other vehicles in a safe environment. The event, now in its third year, also gives children the valuable chance to meet the people who build, protect and serve our community. Touch a Truck is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a noisefree hour for those sensitive to sound from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission is only $20 cash per car. Food trucks will also be on site for meal purchases. Proceeds from Touch a Truck benefit pediatric cancer research at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and Adoption Rocks. Presenting sponsors are Caribe Resort and FOX10. For more information, visit usahealthsystem. com/events/touch-a-truck.

“Junie B. Jones Jr., the Musical”

Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B Jones Jr. the Musical” for the first time ever in Mobile! Come see everyone’s favorite first grader take to the stage as she sings through all of the trials and triumphs of her first grade year. All of your favorite characters from the book are here! Shows are March 22 & 23 at 7 PM and March 24 at 2 PM at Mobile Theater Guild, 14 N. Lafayette Street. Tickets are $15 adults, $11 students & seniors 65+ and $7 kids 12 and under. Reservations are recommended. Call Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808.

2019 Downtown Cajun Cook Off

The 2019 Downtown Cajun Cook Off is set for Saturday, March 23 in Cathedral Square. The event will benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Mobile. Local restaurants and sponsors will prepare Cajun Food to sample. The event begins at 10:00 AM and ends at 2:00 PM. Live music will be provided and beverages will be on sale. Tickets are on sale now for $10 at Mellow Mushroom in midtown and on Old Shell Road, The Child Advocacy Center, and Arrow Exterminators in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. You can purchase tickets on line for $13 at www.cacmobile.org, and at the gate for $15. Children under age 6 are free with an adult who has a ticket. Call 251-432-1101 for details or like us on Facebook.

10th Annual Little Black Dress Event

The tenth annual Little Black Dress cocktail party and runway show will be held Thursday, March 28, at Fort Whiting in Mobile, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Little Black Dress 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 fastpaced runway show in fashions styled by Dillard’s and makeup by James Edward of J. EDWARD Beauty. Paired with the runway show, the cocktail party will feature Mobile’s top area chefs and restaurants with exceptional food and refreshing beverage offerings. Most importantly, the event will highlight a Ronald McDonald House family and tell their story, showcasing the true heart of this home. General admission tickets are available for $100 per person with balcony seating available. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit www.rmhcmobile.org/little-blackdress or call Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile at 251.694.6873. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Gulf Coast Children's Book Festival

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama’s mission is: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. In our efforts to help our children reach their potential, we have developed our “Read, Learn, Achieve Initiative” to address the low reading proficiency and the lack of interest in reading for fun. One of our goals is to help spark a love of reading in as many children as possible. The Gulf Coast Children’s Book Festival will offer author signings, illustrator workshops, storyteller stages, entertainment stages, educational/informational exhibits, costumed book characters, book sales, a picnic area and more. At the festival, and in all of our initiative programs, we want to get books into the hands of every child possible. Join us April 4 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at The Grounds. For more information, please visit www.bgcsouthal.org/festival. 6

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Festival of Flowers March 21 - 24

The Festival of Flowers will celebrate its 26th year with “Dutch Gardens.” The 2019 Festival proudly showcases elegant elements of the Dutch garden with carefully choreographed displays. A canal, complete with working water wheel, wind throughout the floral features, just as the canals run through Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Produced by the Providence Hospital Foundation, the 2019 Festival of Flowers continues the tradition of delighting and educating visitors of all ages with over eight acres of exhibits under open sky and massive tents. The festival will feature: life-size landscaped gardens; tables by design; art in the garden; world of photography; seminars and demonstrations; garden café, and more! Providence Hospital Campus, 6801 Airport Blvd, Mobile, 9 – 5 ThursdaySaturday and 11 – 5 on Sunday. Tickets are $14 at gate; $12 in advance; $13 Seniors at gate; ages 12 and under free. Visit www.festivalofflowers.com.

Springhill Medical Center’s Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo

Expectant mothers, soon-to-be parents, new parents, and expanding families are invited to attend the Springhill Medical Center Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo, March 31 from 1 – 4 PM. Join us for a fun day to discover new products and services for your baby or your family. Also, there will be OB/ GYNs, Pediatricians, and representatives from Advantage Medical Supply, Ashley Mercer Photography, Usborne Books and More, Pediatric Associates, Big City Toys, College Counts 529 Fund, The Delicious Dietitian, WIC Program Mobile County, and Alabama Baby Coalition, set up with educational materials on immunizations, keeping baby safe & healthy, parenting tips, and more. Physicians and our own experts from The Birthing Suites at Springhill will be making presentations throughout the day that feature best practices for taking care of your baby. Register for gifts to be given out to attendees during the event and a grand prize. You won’t want to miss out on tours of The Birthing Suites at Springhill! The event is FREE and will be held at 3630 Springhill Memorial Drive South (Holiday Inn Mobile - Airport), adjacent to Springhill Medical Center's campus.

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USA Health Launches Beautiful Beginnings Baby Expo at Children’s & Women’s Hospital

USA Health is introducing the Beautiful Beginnings Baby Expo, a new community event planned for March 10, 2019, to showcase the exclusive services provided to expectant moms and new parents in the region. Planned from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, the event will be held rain or shine at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, 1700 Center Street, in Midtown Mobile. The baby expo is a free and family-friendly event celebrating expectant moms and families with children under age four, and those who are considering becoming a parent. The baby expo will include door prizes, exhibitors, guided hospital tours and opportunities to meet the care teams at the hospital. Demonstrations and other giveaways will be available from local vendors. For information, call (251) 471-3028 or email beautifulbeginningsbabyexpo@gmail.com

Summer Camp and Healthy Kids Expo

Mobile Bay Parents Magazine and Eastern Shore Parents Magazine are excited to host the third annual Summer Camp and Healthy Kids Expo! This super fun family event will be held at the Gulf Coast Exploreum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Admission to the Exploreum is FREE during the expo. Come learn about all the area's summer camp options, be entertained with live animals, face painting, balloon twisting, and demonstrations all while browsing through the amazing Exploreum's permanent exhibits. Great fun for the whole family! Tickets will be available for purchase to the IMAX and Genghis Kahn exhibit. To become a vendor or for more information call 251-929-2099 or email lynn@mobilebayparents.com. A very special thank you to Camp Chandler-Tonsmeire, NBC15, Vital Smiles, Mobile Museum of Art, Chick-fil-A Daphne/RSA, and Publications Press for their support of this event.

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The Village of Spring Hill Sidewalk-A-Thon

The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. (“TVSH”) annual community walking event to raise money for additional sidewalks, the Sidewalk-A-Thon, will be held on Friday, March 29. “When we founded the Sidewalk-A-Thon, the first theme we adopted was ‘A Community Makes Sidewalks & Sidewalks Make a Community’” explained Linda St. John, the President of TVSH. “The continued success of the Sidewalk-A-Thon proves that this theme still holds true today.” In fact, after the completion of four new sidewalk projects, TVSH will have initiated more than two million dollars for sidewalk infrastructure in the Village. Sherry Pierce, a former Chair of the event and the current Vice President of TVSH, added, “Children walk door to door soliciting donations from friends and neighbors; parents get involved by holding lemonade sales and hosting other fundraising events; local schools join the effort by providing opportunities, like ‘Sneakers for Sidewalks’; civic-minded businesses and local foundations support this event through sponsorships and tax-deductible donations; and hundreds of individuals come out with strollers and wagons to walk the one-mile route together in order to show support for this much-anticipated annual community event.” TVSH encourages you to put on your walking shoes and join family, friends and neighbors for the 8th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon on Friday, March 29. You may pre-register online at www.tvosh.com, or register on the day of the event next to the Moorer Public Library from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, with the walk beginning immediately thereafter. This year’s route will begin at the Moorer Public Library on South McGregor Avenue and end at Dorn Field on the campus of Spring Hill College. There are fun activities after the walk as well – DJ, games, and treats.

The PACT presents “Freaky Friday: The Musical”

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. The new musical, “Freaky Friday”, is based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films. March 20-22 at The Steeple on St. Francis. All shows begin at 7:30 PM. The Steeple will open at 6:30 each evening. The 1895 Room will be open prior to the show, theatre doors will open shortly after. Concessions will also be available for purchase in The 1895 Room. You must bring your ticket on your phone or printed out to be admitted into The Steeple. Seating is assigned seating. Tickets are available now online at www.thepactmobile.com or can be purchased at the door on the night of the show if space is available.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Strep Throat Strep throat is a very common diagnosis any time of the year. While it is more common in springtime, it can occur during any month. Some of the most common questions I hear from parents about strep throat are: “How long is my child contagious?”, “When do we need to talk about removing tonsils?”, and “How did my child catch this?” So let’s address these questions and more! There are many strains of a type of bacteria called streptococcus (“strep” for short). Group A Strep is the only strain of streptococcus that can cause strep throat. It is also by far the most common bacteria to cause an infection in the mouth. This bacteria attaches to receptors on and around the tonsils and causes the infection. These receptors are not present in a child until they are about 6 months old, which is why young infants typically cannot get strep throat. Strep throat is most common in children age 5-15 years old, but anyone can catch it once they’ve developed the receptors mentioned above. Sometimes strep throat can cause a

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

severe sore throat and fever, and other times it is more subtle, causing nausea, headache, or even a rash. The diagnosis is made by swabbing the throat and running it for a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Specific antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, will treat strep throat. Without any antibiotics, the symptoms from strep throat will resolve in 7-10 days, but the infected individual is contagious for 2-3 weeks. If left untreated, an individual may be at greater risk of complications such as rheumatic fever, post-strep glomerulonephritis, post-strep myocarditis, or post-strep arthritis months after the initial strep throat has resolved. Problems like this that involve the heart, joints, kidneys, and other organs can be very serious, but are also very rare. Once a child is diagnosed with strep throat, they are no longer contagious once they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and are afebrile. It is important to discard of any objects that are regularly used in the mouth like a toothbrush so that the child cannot be not reinfected with

the bacteria. It is also important to finish the full course of antibiotics, as bacteria can linger and reinfect the person if not fully treated. In most cases, there are two reasons to discuss having tonsils removed as a result of strep throat: 1) If the individual is a Group A Strep carrier, meaning bacteria stays in the tonsils despite repeat use of antibiotics. 2) If the individual has had strep throat 6 times in a year. If you suspect your child has strep throat, be diligent about washing their hands, avoid sharing drinks, and keep them away from others, especially if they have a fever. Make an appointment with your pediatrician if you suspect strep throat. 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

Collier Students Donate Items for Kids in Foster Care

Allentown Penelope House Donations Allentown’s Red Ribbon Leadership recipient, Triston Anderson, collected items for Penelope House as his community service project. He asked faculty, staff and students to bring new, unwrapped items, that could be used at the shelter to aid victims of domestic violence.

Sandra Shropshire is a 5th grade student at Collier Elementary. Before she was adopted this past June, her and her siblings were in foster care for 652 days. She received a journey bag at her new foster home on her first night. The journey bag helped her feel safe and cared about during a very sad time. She wants other children to feel the joy and happiness that she felt, so she decided to organize “Caring for Foster Care” to collect items for local foster children’s journey bags. Thousands of items and hundreds of dollars were donated!

Hankins Receives Donation of Drones and Computers

Marine Well Containment Company has provided the Hankins Robotics/Computer Science Class with four new drones, charging stations, and extra batteries. This will allow students to learn how to control drones which are used in manufacturing to keep track of inventory. The company also brought and set up three new computers in the classroom. This will allow students more hands-on opportunities to create coding programs and design three-dimensional objects in CAD software. A big thank you to Marine Well Containment Company for helping prepare the students at Hankins Middle School for a brighter future.

Gilliard Students Participate in Great Kindness Challenge

Students from Gilliard elementary participated in the Great Kindness Challenge recently. The students wrote kind notes to encourage each other. A little kindness can go a long way!

Division 20 Key Club Hosting K-5th Grade Color Run

Division 20 Key Club is hosting a Color Run for local K-5th grades to benefit Children's Hospital in Birmingham. The run will be held on March 24 at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, 1400 South University Boulevard, Mobile. The club hopes to exceed their goal of $3,000. You can show your support for Children's Hospital by donating or sponsoring the Color Run. For reservations, sponsorships or additional information email Lt. Governor Division 20 of Key Club Stefon Ward, sward@ alabamakeyclub.org or call 251-303-5679.

Clark-Shaw Students Walk Famous Bridge

As part of an oral history project for Alabama's Bicentennial, students from Clark-Shaw School of Math and Science walked the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge recently with the family of Rev. F.D. Reese, one of the Courageous Eight who organized the Selma-to-Montgomery marches back in 1965. "For these kids to actually be here after having read about it, it's an experience that I guarantee they will not forget," said Nate Smith, MCPSS Social Studies Curriculum Supervisor.

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Mobile County Teachers of the Year

Crystal Galloway of Mary B. Austin, Tiara Cooper of Phillips Preparatory, and Jessica Agnew of Baker have been named Mobile County Public Schools' Teachers of the Year for the elementary, middle and high school levels, respectively. These teachers were selected from a distinguished list of 89 educators who were named the Teachers of the Year at their respective schools. They will be recognized at an awards ceremony in May. Galloway (pictured far right), a gifted education teacher, is known for her innovative lessons that challenge gifted students to think above and beyond the curriculum, including the Genius Hour, where she spends one hour a week working with groups of fifth-graders on individual areas of interest. Students pick their own topic, research it and present on it. Cooper (pictured at center), a language arts teacher who also serves as her school’s head basketball coach, exposes her students to different styles and genres of literature and uses creative ways of studying the texts, from converting Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream into modern vernacular to discussing Rosa Parks: My Story as part of an “Approach to Injustice” lesson. Agnew (pictured left) teaches Advanced Placement Calculus and Honors Pre-Calculus, serves in Baker’s mentor teacher program and helped create Baker’s ACT preparation curriculum. She believes developing student interest and making learning relevant are two of the most important factors of engaging high school students.

Davidson High School’s Musical Theater Production of “Shrek The Musical Jr.”

Nasty will be nice and the city of Mobile will be ogre-the-moon when the Fine Arts students of W. P. Davidson High School present their production of “Shrek The Musical JR.” beginning March 22. The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others. With music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Shrek The Musical” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the book “Shrek” by William Steig. W. P. Davidson High School in Mobile will present “Shrek The Musical JR.” on Friday, March 22 at 7 PM and on Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 PM at the Lewis Copeland Auditorium at 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased by visiting http://our.show/ theatreatdhs. For more information, please email sfrench@mcpss.com. Pictured are Jadelen Hughes as Fiona and Adrian Simpson as Donkey.

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Camps kick off MAY 27, 2019!

A leader in educational summer camps for over 15 years!

airbus Flight academy • 3d printing •JUNIOR MED CAMP • SPACE CADETS • ASTRO-TOTS • dinosaur dig • csi Mobile • & more! 13

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Autauga Davidson Participates in County Schools National Engineers Week

Students in Davidson’s EPIC (Engineering Pathways Integrated Curriculum) recently participated in National Engineers Week (E-Week). A variety of activities took place celebrating this week. Female students heard from female engineers at Austal and Huntsman & Taylor; a keynote was presented to all students by Tech Sergeant Bonasera with the Air National Guard. Students also participated in a field day where they split into teams to complete a challenge. This year’s challenge was to maximize flight on model airplanes, in line with the Aerospace Engineering theme. The goal of EPIC is to offer students the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded in 1951, E-Week is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding about engineering and technology careers. Today, E-Week reaches thousands of schools, businesses, and community groups across the United States.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Mobile Christian School Anatomy Class Visits Medical Museum

Mobile Christian’s Anatomy class went to Holmes Medical Museum in Foley. Holmes Medical museum is actually the first hospital in Baldwin County established in the 1940’s. It has remained untouched except for upkeep to the building. They have a lot of the original hospital equipment and medical tools used to treat patients during that time. The goal was for the students to see what medical care consisted of and how far it has come since that time period.

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Satsuma Students Attend Career Fair

Junior and senior students at Satsuma High School participated in a career fair in January. Representatives of industry from the surrounding areas were invited to come and meet face to face with our students and give insight into what their professions entail. Students were encouraged to visit as many booths as possible during their allotted time for the purpose of gathering information in the fields in which they were interested. The morning was a great success, and our students gained helpful information for making career choices in the future. Pictured are students learning about the career of a dental hygienist.

Austin First Graders Take Money Smart Field Trip

Mrs. Gronowskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first grade class, along with the other first grade classes at Mary B. Austin, participated in a walking field trip around the Village of Springhill as part of their 2nd quarter PBL. They spent the quarter learning how to be money smart with an emphasis on earning, saving, donating and spending. Throughout the field trip, students purchased snacks and lunch with money they earned from completing chores. They were also able to see pumpkins that they had donated earlier in the quarter displayed among the businesses in the Village of Springhill. While on the field trip, students learned how to start a savings account, start a business and how to make a transaction at a store.

Burns Basketball Team Wins County Championship

Congratulation to the Burns Middle School basketball team on their victory. They clinched the County Championship with a score of 40-38. Thank you Coach Epps for your dedication and leadership to our team. Burns team: Wilson Edney, Tk Barnett, LeBrandon Walton, Omarion Dickinson, Jaboris Busby, Kamrean Johnson, Jaylen Gray, Henry McGlasker, Michael Moore, Calvin Wade, Anthony Washington, and Cavon West.

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Viking Daily Receives Broadcasting Awards

Autauga County Schools Mobile Schools Named

Congratulations to MGM junior Angela Gilmore for receiving the Most Improved Videographer Award at the Seymour award ceremony held at the University of Mobile on Tuesday, January 29. Angela is a member of MGMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broadcast journalism staff Viking Daily. Throughout the football season, Angela assisted in filming all five home games capturing the action on the field and interviewing excited fans as they cheered on their Mighty Vikings! Angela is a dedicated Viking Daily staff member who always has a smile on her face and an extended hand to assist others. MGM would also like to congratulate Mr. James Crawford who is co-sponsor of the sports broadcasting division of Viking Daily for receiving the Distinguished Teacher Award at the Seymour award ceremony.

CLAS School of Distinction

Two Mobile County Public Schools, Alma Bryant High School and Tanner Williams Elementary, have been named 2018 CLAS Schools of Distinction. They are among 24 schools statewide to earn the honor, which is presented annually to exemplary schools with unique studentcentered programs that have shown proven success through the previous school year. Eight of these 24 schools, one in each state Board of Education district, will be chosen as CLAS Banner Schools, to serve as models for other schools across the state. Alma Bryant was recognized, in part, for its partnership with Ingalls Shipbuilding to train the next generation of welders in its Talent Development Lab. Tanner Williams was recognized for its use of technology in project-based learning lessons that emphasize problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and collaboration.

coastalallergyasthma.com Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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St. Mary Catholic Hitching Posts!

Launched during Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary Catholic "Mustangs" presented their new Mustang Trail featuring 9 hitching posts displaying St. Mary's Love of: Art; Creative and Performing Arts; Religious Life; Middle School Life; Pro-Life; Preschool Life; PE.; and STEM--Garden-Bicentennial! Visitors for Family and Alumni Day were able to visit each post hosted by St. Mary students.

Celebrating Black History Month at Burns Middle School

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students help kick off Black History month by decorating a tree with ornaments to honor famous African Americans. The school will host a Black History program at the end of the month to celebrate.

SPX Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest Winners

Congratulations to St. Pius X Knights of Columbus free throw contest winners for students ages 1014. These winners have the opportunity to go to Montgomery for the state competition.

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Autauga County SchoolsSt. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th Graders

McT Physics Team Wins U of A High School Physics Competition

Tour Upper Campus

For the 7th year in a row, the McGill-Toolen Physics Team won the U of A High School Physics Competition! We had 3 teams competing and our B team took 1st place in the private school division, A team took 2nd and our C team tied for 4th. We also placed 3rd Overall for all schools. Congratulations to all of our 2019 Physics Team members: Buddy Arensberg (B Team), Bekah Burgess (A Team), Murphy Douglas (B Team), Milligan Grinstead (B Team), Nicholas Johnston (A Team), Mary Alice Jouve (B Team), Isabelle Jouve (C Team), Joe Keegan (C Team), Fabian LaPalme (C Team), Findlay Maier (A Team), Gregory Spafford (A Team), Zachary Swann (C Team).

St. Luke's 5th graders tour the upper campus to get a sneak peak at life on the other campus. They were able to hear from students in middle school and high school, teachers and coaches as well as have lunch. We feel pretty confident that they are excited about next year!

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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Mary B. Austin Holds Community Open House

The Mary B. Austin Elementary Student Council Officers and Representatives welcomed prospective parents during a community open house on January 31st. They hosted hallway and classroom tours while sharing stories about their time as Austin Innovators. Students pictured left to right: Josiah Currier, Addy Sumrall, and Carson Stephens.

Burn Middle School Citizens of the Month

Dickson Elementary Teacher of the Year

Burns Middle honors Grayson Morgan and Julian Oseguera as Citizens of the Month. They received plaques from the Optimist Club and attended a luncheon to honor them.

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

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Congratulations to E.R. Dickson Elementary’s 2018 – 2019 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Alison Stacey. Ms. Stacey teaches fourth grade math, science, and social studies. She is the lead chair of the Building Leadership Team, facilitator of the ERD Talents Professional Learning Team, and co-sponsor of the ERD Cheerleaders. E.R. Dickson is proud to have Ms. Stacey represent the school as Teacher of the Year.

Join us for a new, FREE family-friendly event celebrating expectant moms and families! • Door prizes • Exhibitors • Meet your care team • Guided hospital tours • Rain-or-shine event CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

usahealthsystem.com/baby-expo

1700 Center Street • Mobile, AL 36604

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Autauga County Schools Lighthouse Baptist Academy Welcomes Korean Exchange Students

In January of 2017, Lighthouse Baptist Academy (LBA) became officially certified by SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) and the Department of Education to accept and issue F-1 student visas to students from all over the world who wish to study in the United States. After receiving this certification, we accepted four 8th grade students from the Great Light Baptist School in Seoul, South Korea into our school. This fall, we were able to accept two new students from the Charity Christian School in Yangju, South Korea who are both seniors and will be graduating from LBA in the fall. Additionally, our relationship with Great Light Baptist School continued and at the start of the spring semester we welcomed seven new 8th grade students. As a school we are thrilled to have a part in the education of these students as well as exposing our local students to another culture.

Prichard Preparatory School Partners with St. Paul’s Leadership Class

The Leadership Class at St. Paul's Episcopal School works with our students each week by providing mentoring and tutoring. These relationships enhance the participants’ lives in so many ways and have lasting impact for both the mentors and mentees. Leslie Lerner, PPS Board Vice Chair and St. Paul’s Community Service Director, coordinates the weekly visits. We are so appreciative for all you and your students do for us at Prichard Prep!

101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, Alabama, 251-861-2141 Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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St. Mary Catholic students study plant growth in the Bicentennial Garden, St. Mary's project that earned their place as one of 200 Bicentennial Schools in the State of Alabama. The garden includes raised beds for each grade level from PreK3 through 8th grade and for each of the science classes, a pond, and an outdoor classroom. The students are able to plant different varieties of seeds, watch them grown and note their progress. A complete science curriculum coincides with the garden under the direction of St. Mary S.T.E.A.M. Plant Coordinator, Lauree Riggin. St. Mary students, parents, and members of the community are also welcome to participate though St. Mary's Garden Club.

LWCC Kingdom Academy Celebrates National School Choice Week!

Last month students from the LWCC Kingdom Academy celebrated National School Choice week. Students had the opportunity to express themselves in artistic drawing and sharing why they love their school! Thank you, parents, for choosing the LWCC Kingdom Academy to provide your children's educational needs, training them as leaders and to be disciples of Christ!

100th Day at Mobile Christian School

Mobile Christian School’s K-5 classes celebrated the 100th day of school. They displayed different projects representing the 100 days of the school year. They also, paraded their projects around the Lower Elementary building to show all of the classes their projects.

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, APRIL 6

T R A 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. He is Risen! Join us for a wonderful day filled with fun as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

L LOCA

St. Mary Catholic Students Explore Bicentennial Garden

FREE

ACTIVITIES

ADMISSION

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Inflatables • Games • Food

FIND STUFF • BUY STUFF • GET STUFFED

EASTER EXPERIENCE

• ARTS & CRAFTS

12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

• GIFTS & GOODS

• Egg Hunt for Kids • Puppet Team Performance • Drama Team Performance

• FOOD TRUCKS • AND MORE

WANT TO BE A VENDOR?

For details and to reserve a space

christunited.com/springbazaar SPACE IS LIMITED—RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Hosted by Christ United Next Generation Ministry

6101 Grelot Road | Mobile, AL 36609 | Ph: 251.342.0462 | christunited.com 21

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Autauga County SchoolsUMS-Wright Chess Team

Corpus Christi Catholic School NJHS Induction

Wins Chess Title

The UMS-Wright Chess Team competed for the final round of the Mobile-Baldwin County Chess League at the Alabama School of Math & Science in January. The Varsity team clinched the first TITLE for UMS-Wright in 47 years! The Junior Varsity team finished in 5th place out of 10 teams, and the Elementary Team finished in 5th place out of 12 teams. Congratulations to Coach Nager and the chess team members: Will Watkins, Allen Moore, Walker Busbee, Ameen Shaikh, Alex Moore, John Pipes, Ethan Palacio, Garret Li, Bryce Litwiller, Charlie Essess, Sam Norris, Trip Wagner, and JP Stroecker.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School inducted new members into their National Junior Honor Society chapter. Students selected for membership into the NJHS serve as role models for other students in the school. In addition to the strong academic records which established the eligibility for membership, the members are leaders in many student organizations and serve the school and community through activities.

SUMMER INTENSIVE

BALLET POINTE MODERN JAZZ CONTEMPORARY & MORE!

Ages 9 & up June 3 – 21 July 15 – 26

LET’S DANCE CAMP

Ages 6 – 8 LITTLE BALLERINA CAMP

Ages 3 – 5 www.mobileballet.org

MARCH 23 AT 7:30 PM | MARCH 24 AT 2:30 PM

(call for pricing and dates)

CALL TODAY! 251.342.2241 www.mobileballet.org

Call (251) 342-2241 Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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Senior Bowl Fever at St. Pius X School

Students at St. Pius X school were pretty much starstruck at the possibility of meeting some future NFL players, but as the morning wore on they felt they had made some new friends. Pack 12 Senior Bowl players Gardner Minshew, Renell Wren, and Bobby Okereke visited St. Pius X on Friday, January 25 to speak with students concern the importance of a good education on the road to fulfilling your dreams. The three players each spoke at a school assembly and then visited classrooms to give autographs, answer questions and for photo ops.

Faith Rams Win Middle School Championship

First time head coach, Malone Kaak, lead the Faith Academy Middle School boys’ basketball team to the conference championship. The Rams are the Middle School Conference Champions! Way to go Rams!

St. Dominic Geography Bee Winners

Saint Dominic Catholic School hosted a Geography Bee for students in grades 5-8. Congratulations to Eighth grade student, Abby Ferlise, who won First Place. She will now take an online test to see if she qualifies to go to the state competition. Congratulations also to Megan Trinh, Seventh Grade, who placed Second and Christopher Hunt, Seventh Grade, who placed Third. Great job Eagles!

NOW HEAR THIS! REGISTER NOW for GulfQuest Maritime Museum’s Spring and Summer Maritime Academies! Open to students in grades 1-6

Daily Spring Academies April 15-19, 2019

Weekly Summer Academies June 10-14, 2019 June 24-28, 2019 July 8-12, 2019

Academy activities include:  STEM components  Art  Music  Exhibits  Guest Speakers

155 South Water Street • Mobile, AL 36602 • (251) 436-8901 • www.gulfquest.org/day-camps/ 23

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Congratulations to CHCA Samario "Flip" Rudolph for being named the Class 2A Back of the Year. Flip, who was up against two other finalists, Payton Anderson of Fyffe and Jaquon Kincey of Abbeville was awarded the honor at the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s annual Mr. Football Banquet in Montgomery, on January 15. During the season Flip caught 81 passes for 1,667 yards and 24 touchdowns as the Warriors won the Class 2A, Region 1 title and made the playoffs for the first time since joining the AHSAA. Rudolph also had 10 kickoff returns for 517 yards and three touchdowns. It was a great season for Flip and the CHCA Warriors.

Weatherman Visits North Mobile Christian

Collier Elementary Great Kindness Challenge

Collier Elementary School participated in the Great Kindness Challenge! PreK spoiled teachers and staff with “Fruits of the Spirit,” kindergarten collected for the SPCA, 1st grade made a video for Helen Ramsay (a 1st grade teacher diagnosed with breast cancer,) 2nd grade “Backed the Blue” with donations for our local police, 3rd grade collected items for baskets for important people in our community, 4th grade made placemats for local nursing homes, and 5th grade made “Hearts of Affirmation” for every child and adult on campus! Spreading Kindness like confetti!

Cost: $125 Register online at www.DebbiesDance.com

A S be tou R

MEDICAL L L I CE GH

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June 11th - June 27th

Princess Camp

Age 2 and 3 year olds

Time: 5:45-6:30 p.m. Cost: $125 Week One - Princess Elsa Week Week Two - Princess Cinderella Week Week Three - Princess Elena Week

Ballet Adventure Camp Age 4 and 5 year olds

Time: 5:45-6:45 p.m. Cost: $125 Week One - Greatest Showman Week Two - Mary Poppins Week Three - Moana

IL Y

EX & BABY

Sunday, March 31 • 1 - 4 p.m. 3630 Springhill Memorial Drive South Adjacent to Springhill Medical Center at the Holiday Inn - Mobile

JoJo Hip Hop Camp Ages 6 and up

Discover new baby products • Meet physicians Tour our birthing suites • win prizes

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $125

6429 Hillcrest Park Ct. • Mobile, AL • 251.633.9559 Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Weatherman Matt Barrentine visited students at North Mobile Christian. The FOX 10 Storm Tracker was there to discuss weather and storm safety. The students observed the Storm Tracker van and also enjoyed a slide on storm safety presented by Mr. Barrentine.

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy Student Named 2A Back of the Year

Autauga County Schools

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St. Pius X Outstanding Readers

St. Pius X recognized Accelerated Reader Outstanding Readers at the school's award ceremony and with and ice cream sundae party. Pictured are some middle school awardees enjoying ice cream.

d e uss s so ed

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.

Now registering for the 2019-2020 school year! Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus.

Covenant Christian School 2nd Place Champions

A huge congratulations to Covenant Christian School’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for being awarded 2nd place at their championship tournaments! Go Eagles! Pictured are Jonathan R, Houston D, Brandon W, and Xavier H.

6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • school. corpuschristiparish.com

Questions? Please contact us: 251.342.5474 • school@corpuschristiparish.com

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Little Flower Geography Bee Winners

Students in grades five through eight at Little Flower Catholic School participated in the school's Geography Bee. Two eighth graders took the top positions in the competition. Grant Carney (right), came in first and Jim Pryor (left) was a close second. Social Studies teacher, Mr. Owen Smith, organized the bee, and expressed his pride over the winners who spent so much time preparing for the challenge.

MARCH 21–24 DUTCH GARDENS PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL CAMPUS

MOB I L E, A L A B A MA F E S T I VA LO F F LOW E R S .CO M

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Autauga County Schools St. Ignatius Catholic School Duke TIP Scholars

Congratulations to our Duke TIP Scholars who were honored at the Duke Banquet at McGill-Toolen. Our 7th grade Duke TIP scholars include Juliet Galla, Eighmey Stewart, James Mayhall, Michael Crocker, Gavin Bender, Will Green and not pictured are Lilly Kidder and Claire Taylor.

McGill-Toolen Student Wins State Shot Put Competition

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Senior Hannah Daffin of McGill-Toolen Catholic wins her 4th straight AHSAA State Championship in the Shot Put at the 7A Indoor Track and Field State Meet! With her throw of 42:08, she set the new 7A indoor shot put record, a new Birmingham Complex record, and she will finish this indoor season #13 in the National Rankings! Hannah has committed to compete in Track and Field at Stamford University next fall.

Math Is Fun at Covenant Christian School

The third graders at Covenant Christian School had fun learning how to divide with Cookie Crisp cereal pieces in Mrs. Revelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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St. Dominic First Graders Celebrate 101st Day of School

Saint Dominic Catholic School First Grade students celebrated the 101st Day of School by transforming into dalmatians. First Grade teacher, Mrs. Amy Heim joined the fun by becoming Cruella De Vil! Students enjoyed playing games, having special treats, and watching the movie “101 Dalmatians”! Pictured is Mrs. Heim's First Grade class.

St. Ignatius Students Visit Washington D.C.

St. Ignatius National Honor Society and Student Council Representatives took a trip to Washington D.C. in January. These students earned the ability to take this trip and represent our school. They were able to visit many monuments and Congress while they were in D.C. Pictured are: Laurel Gottlieb, Grace Greer, Daiten Woodbury, Maggie Jollit, Anna Adams, Callie Waller, Lilly Kidder, Claire Taylor, Jack Frazer, Josh Davoud, Andrew Murchison and Thomas Carey.

North Mobile Christian Student Recognized for Best Effort

Anna Couey has received the Honorable Mention Medal for Best Effort on the basketball court from North Mobile Christian School. Anna Couey has shown great effort the entire season and for every game. She is a young lady that displays Godly character on and off of the court! We are very proud of her!

St. Luke’s Geography Bee Winner

Congrats to St. Luke's 8th grader, Will Hattaway, who won the Geography Bee and will be advancing to the next round!

BlueBird Pediatric Therapy

Summer Camps “Building Buddies” “Handwriting Heroes” “Kids Yoga” “Music & Movement” “Fit & Fun” More info at BlueBirdTherapy.com 27

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Autauga County Schools

Robert E. Lee Sixth Graders Place 2nd in Huntsville Space Center Competition

Robert E. Lee Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Team, from the Satsuma City School System, spent the first semester researching, designing, and building a city of the future. The construction of this city focused on creating a power grid capable of withstanding a natural disaster. Using the SimCity software, the students developed and showcased an innovative virtual city named Aquasilient. Students continued by writing a 1500-word essay describing the city and its many features. Following, a model was built to depict their future city. Of the 20 schools who entered the competition, Robert E. Lee Elementary placed 2nd and won two special awards, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Use of Robotics and Unmanned Systemsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Integrated Systems Solution.â&#x20AC;? The competition was hosted at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on January 19, 2019. This was Robert E. Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth year participating in the Future City program. The 2019 Future City Team, pictured from left to right: Ansley Yost, Abby Kyser, Zoe Reeves, Shelby Blake, Taylor Bush, Jaiden Gilger, Tyler Rachel, and Cooper Nelson.

St. Mary Catholic Honors Distinguished Alumni and Business Partner

St. Mary Catholic School celebrated their annual Catholic Schools Week Alumni and Family Day on January 31. At the Family Day Mass celebrated by Father Wall, three distinguished honorees were recognized to include Outstanding Business Partner, Artie McGowan of Colony Plumbing; Outstanding Catholic School Graduate, Mark Thompson, 1983 alumnus of St. Mary Catholic School in Jackson Mississippi; and NCEA Distinguished Graduate, Elizabeth "Liz" Naman Betbeze, 1970 Graduate of St. Mary Catholic School! Pictured: St. Mary Catholic Distinguished Class of 1970 Graduate, Liz Naman Betbeze, is surrounded by her family and St. Mary Principal, Debbie Ollis and St. Mary Pastor, Msgr. Warren Wall, as she accepts her award.

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8th Grade Student Induction Ceremony at LWCC Kingdom Academy

On January 31, the 8th Grade students of LWCC Kingdom Academy were inducted into the LWCCKA Alumni Association. LWCCKA Founder & President, Dr. Levy H. Knox, lit the Presidential candle. The 8th grade students used the flame of the Presidential candle to light their candle as a symbol of the passing of the torch of leadership, upholding the light of Christ. A vow of honor and loyalty was taken, and the students received their 'coat of honor,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; after which Dr. Levy H. Knox prayed over them and spoke words of life into their destiny. We celebrate you, DeMichael Alexander and Armani Simon!

Corpus Christi Catholic School Geography Bee

Congratulations to Anna Waston for winning the Geography Bee held at Corpus Christi Catholic School. She has the option to compete again at the state Geography Bee in Birmingham, AL. Anna is pictured with Mrs. Mansfield and Ms. Barto, who organized the school Bee.

McGill-Toolen Student Named Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year

McT's Lillie Fromdahl was named the 2018-19 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year for Volleyball! Congratulations Lillie and good luck as you continue your career at The University of South Alabama next fall! 29

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Autauga County Schools

Davidson Math Team Places at MaPP

The math team came in third at the MaPP (Mathematical Puzzle Programs) competition, sponsored by The University of South Alabama Math Department. Students participating in MaPP events will solve puzzles, break codes, and engage with new areas of real mathematics used in academia and industry.

Phillips Prep Offers IB Middle Years Programme

Phillips Preparatory is now officially the only school in the region and one of only seven in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. With this designation, Phillips – located on Old Shell Road in Mobile – joins 1,266 schools in 108 countries offering the challenging curriculum that encourages students to think globally. The Middle Years Programme is a whole-school program with a flexible curriculum that promotes intercultural understanding, communication and holistic learning, according to the IB website. Phillips’ faculty and students worked two and a half years to receive the designation, implementing IB standards in all classes. Officials with International Baccalaureate, which is based in Switzerland, visited the school in November to observe classes and interview students, educators and parents, and determined students there are being taught to be principled, caring and creative thinkers. “They were looking for collaboration and for global mindedness,” said Principal Brenda Hartzog (pictured). “Students not only focus on what is going on here, but also what is going on outside of Mobile and outside of the United States.” The IB Middle Years Programme is designed to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – which is offered at Davidson and Murphy high schools – for college and beyond. The Diploma Programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically, according to IB’s website. Students in the IB Diploma Programme take tests their senior year that allow them to earn college credit. And colleges seek out students who have completed the program. Council Traditional School, which feeds into Phillips, is one of only nine schools in Alabama that offers the IB Primary Years Programme.

Covenant Christian Awarded Grant

LWCC Kingdom Academy Students Dream Big

The Toshiba America Foundation provided Covenant Christian School with a grant for our Milking Cow Creek Environmental Project. We are so thankful!

100th Day at North Mobile Christian

The Kindergarten class at North Mobile Christian celebrated the 100th day of School by dressing up as 100-year old men and women.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Students from the LWCC Kingdom Academy went around the world and back into history! The students experienced the IMAX film “Dream Big: Engineering Our World,: taking their minds beyond the horizon, inspiring their imagination to dream big and to use their engineering talents in innovative ways to help others, making this world a better place to live. Thereafter the LWCCKA students were taken on a journey to the time where Genghis Khan shaped the course of history in the East.

St. Dominic Pays Respect to Fallen Officer

St. Dominic Catholic School students, teachers, parents and priests paid their respects to Officer Tuder and his family by attending his funeral procession. Students brought flags and handmade signs. The Girl Scouts of Saint Dominic also made cards which were delivered to Mrs. Tuder. The Saint Dominic community continues to pray for Officer Tuder's family and all of our first responders. 30

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UMS-Wright Sophomore Speaks at Airbus Groundbreaking Ceremony

Sophomore Justin Lieber has always had a passion for aviation. With that in mind, his teacher, Chelsea Lawrence, submitted his name to speak at the A220 FAL Airbus Groundbreaking Ceremony. Justin was chosen by Airbus and addressed not only a full crowd, but also the Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey, CEO of Airbus, Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus America, Jeff Knittel, as well as other presidents and CEOs of major airline companies including Delta and JetBlue. Following the ceremony, Justin was able to engage with these company leaders about future opportunities in the field of aviation.

Prichard Prepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unique Music Program

PPS is one of the few private schools with music as part of the daily curriculum. The music program includes not only vocal training and the PPS Ensemble, but also learning to play the piano and other instruments. Meredith King, PPS music teacher, instructs students in fundamental classical skills such as correct finger placement on the keyboard, posture, and reading music. She allows time for independent work, but also time with each student one-on-one. There is always music playing in our ears! Pictured is Mrs. King with 2nd grader Bryson Gable.

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St. Mary 8th Graders Gain Culinary Skills!

Several of St. Mary Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th grade students enjoyed learning from the talented chef, K.K. Ollis this past February. Mr. Ollis helped students learn to make pizza from scratch in preparation for the 50+ Valentine's Day Luncheon for the senior members of St. Mary and their guests!

Camp Wildcat 2019

Summer Day Camp & Sports Camps St. Luke's Episcopal School

SUMMER DAY CAMP May 28-August 2nd.

YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS May 28-August 2nd. June & July Day camp is available for rising K3-rising 6th grade and is open to

Camp is available for rising K3-rising 6th grade andOpen is open to theBasketball, public. to the public: the public. Enrollment begins in February and will be accepted in Volleyball, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Enrollment begins in February and will be accepted in the order received. the order it is received. For more information: stlukesmobile.com Baseball. Camps taught by varsity For more information: stlukesmobile.com or email: campwildcat@stlukesmobile.com coaches. For more information, or email campwildcat@stlukesmobile.com Come have a SUPER summer at St. Luke's! contact mdonald@stlukesmobile.com 31

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Autauga County Schools

MGM Explores Local Government

On February 7, nominated seniors attended the American Legion-sponsored city/county government field trip. Students spoke with Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, and Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich. In addition, they attended a county commission work session and observed bond hearings in Judge Spiro Cheriogotis’ courtroom. The firsthand look at how their local government operates concluded with lunch at Mobile’s renowned Spot of Tea.

Local Student Wins Award in Int’l Awareness Contest Focused on Climate Change

Catherine Chung, a student at Davidson High School, won a Distinguished Honorable Mention Award for her film submission to the 2018 Ocean Awareness Contest, sponsored by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs (Bow Seat). Catherine, who was selected from the nearly 1,000 Junior Division entries from around the world, received a $100 cash scholarship. Catherine was a student at Dunbar Magnet Middle when she created the film. The 2018 Ocean Awareness Contest invited students to explore the impacts of climate change on our blue planet through visual art, film, music, poetry, or prose. Catherine’s film submission, “Chasing Change,” is an under 4- minute documentary focusing on causes and potential solutions to climate change. To view Catherine’s winning submission, please visit https://bowseat.org/gallery/ chasing-change/ Bow Seat created the Ocean Awareness Contest in 2012 to teach teenagers about issues facing our local waterways and global ocean, and to empower them to speak up for these places and create positive change for our planet. Each year the Contest invites students to explore how human actions impact ocean health – with a focus on our roles as both problem-makers and problemsolvers – through the creative arts. Since its launch, the Contest has engaged nearly 10,000 teens from 78 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and Bow Seat has awarded nearly $290,000 in scholarships to help advance their creative talents, passion for the environment, and advocacy skills. The 2019 Ocean Awareness Contest, “Presence of Future,” is open now through June 17, 2019, to students ages 11-18 worldwide.

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Griggs Reflection Contest Winner Makayla Gates, a third grader in Mrs. Jones’ class, won 3rd place in the 2018 W.C. Griggs Elementary School PTA Reflection Contest in the category of visual arts. The theme was, “Heroes Around Me.” Makayla drew her hero, a nurse.

Cottage Hill Fine Arts Department Win at State Drama Competition Cottage Hill Christian Academy Theatre Arts students competed in the AISA State Drama Competition, placing 1st in the Ensemble category. Nicholas Garvin, R.J. Russell, Bethany Garvin, Toneaya James, and Konnor Thurman received All-State Drama Cast Awards. Congratulations to our talented students and sponsor.

Scarborough Principal Named Middle School Principal of the Year

Scarborough Model Middle School Principal Andrea Dennis has been named the Middle School Principal of the Year in the state by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals, an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). Dennis, pictured at center with CLAS Executive Director Vic Wilson and MCPSS Superintendent Chresal Threadgill, became principal at Scarborough in 2016, when the school was reconstituted into the county’s first Model Middle School. As a Model Middle School, Scarborough offers more mentoring and intervention opportunities, as well as rigorous classes and expanded electives. Under Dennis’ leadership, Scarborough was one of five MCPSS schools to improve two letter grades on this year’s state report cards, pulling its score up from an F to a C. She credited her staff and students and said they will continue working to improve even more. “This took all of the stakeholders at our school – our teachers, our students – persevering, despite where anyone started, just making sure we had high expectations and high goals. And we accomplished it together,” Dennis said. “We’re not going to settle for anything less than that A. We’re striving for that.”

Brayden (BB) Butler is right. His healthcare team is among the best in the nation! While practicing a motocross jump, BB fell and suffered a brain bleed. It would take half a year and surgeons, physicians, nurses and therapists to help him recover. Fortunately, for BB and thousands of other children, Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top hospitals for children by U.S. News & World Report. DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

205.638.9100 CHILDREN’S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

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Faith Students Distribute Coats and Blankets to Homeless

Faith Academy's student body collected coats and blankets for the anything warm drive. NHS gave out the coats and blankets collected to the homeless in downtown Mobile at ONE MEAL. It was a wonderful opportunity to serve others and share the love of Christ. Pictured are Faith students: Brunson Watt, Caden McGarity, Tempie Bray, Caroline Kelly, Carley Searcy, and Mary Francis Watt.

Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Catholic School Readers Achieve Goals

Little Flower Catholic School first graders all achieved their Accelerated Reader goals in recent months. Their teacher, Ms. Elisabeth Harbaugh, encourages them to find just the right book on their reading level, and to read for pleasure and comprehension. Achieving their reading goals can earn points that can be cashed in for prizes.

E. R. Dickson Thankful for School Board Member

E. R. Dickson Elementary would like to thank Mr. Don Stringfellow, District 2 School Board Member, for all he does for E.R. Dickson. Mr. Stringfellow was presented a thank you gift from Mrs. Katryna Kinn, Principal, and Ms. Summer Davis, School Counselor and Student Council Sponsor, along with Student Council Representatives, Madison Williams, Jordan Green, and Haley Langley.

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St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Students Pay Respects at Funeral Procession

Mobile Christian School Athletes Receive Scholarships

St. Luke's lower school students line up down Azalea Road to pay their respects to Office Tuder during the funeral procession.

100th Day at St. Dominic Catholic

Saint Dominic Catholic School Kindergarten students really aged overnight as they all became 100 years old to celebrate the 100th Day of School! They had special treats and crafts in recognition of becoming 100 days smarter! Mrs. Laurie Michener, Principal, also surprised the students with a special visit to the classrooms dressed in a grey wig, curlers, and glasses. Pictured is Mrs. Lori Phinney's Kindergarten class.

The group of seniors from the 2019 class is one of the most successful group of players MCS has ever had. Most likely, Mobile Christian School will have at least 10 seniors sign with a college or university to continue their athletic career. Collectively, the class has offers from: Ole Miss, Southern Mississippi, South Alabama, Birmingham Southern, Mississippi State, Faulkner University, Mississippi College, Peru State College, Mississippi Valley State University, West Florida, LaGrange College, Lake Erie College, Southeastern University, Quincy University, University of Memphis, Allen University, Virginia Tech and Florida Atlantic. On February 6, three of the MCS seniors announced their college decision. Congratulations to Alex Moore who signed with West Alabama, Jordan Summerlin who signed with Huntingdon College and Eric Poellnitz who signed with the University of Alabama.

Summer Camps U SA STU D E NT R EC R E ATI O N C E NTE R

S E V E N O N E -WE E K S ES S I O N S B EG I N N I N G J UN E 3 , 2 0 19

Our camps focus on recreational activities such as swimming, rock wall climbing, ping-pong, outdoor games, sports, and more. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Ages: Rising 1st-8th graders.

For registration and cost, visit SouthAlabama.edu/summercamps 51 Stadium Blvd. Mobile, AL 36688

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Autauga County Schools

“James & the Giant Peach“ a Hit at UMS-Wright

The Middle School Drama Club was developed because of the desire of our students to perform on stage. This organization made up of students in grades 5-8 performs two productions each year. The spring performance was “James and the Giant Peach”. The cast, crew, set/props, and back drops were outstanding! Congratulations to the Arts Department, Mrs. Maisel, and the entire crew/cast on a job well done. We are so proud of this talented group of students and cannot wait to see what they perform next! A special thank you to Beard Equipment, Iberia Bank and Encore Rehabilitation for sponsoring the performance! Cast and Crew: Helen DeLaney, Mac McGinley, Olivia Rocconi, Cate Courtney, Sarah Miller, Owen Nichols, Lilly Cunningham, Elizabeth Denson, Laurie Ella Hess, Stacy Rose, John Mastin Vellianitis, Nicholas Cooper, Mary Carlton Johnson, Lilly Hooks, Alaina Keene, Sydney Elder, Lane Nichols, Mariam Shakora, Jillian Vickers, Caroline Cole, Caroline Hooper, Caroline Flowers, Ann Louise McKean, Virginia Greenleaf, Quinn Lynch, Lottie Perloff, Emily Walton, Killian Delaney, Jacob Cooper, Ridge Tanner, Maddox Lavelle, and Ryan Walton.

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Lady Warriors Are Tournament Champs Congratulations to the Cottage Hill Christian Academy middle school girl’s basketball team on their season ending tournament championship win over Mobile Christian in January. The girls finished the season as Tournament Champions, only sustaining one loss on the season. Edy Gavin, Dakota Freeman, and Macy Messer were selected to the All-Tournament team. Congratulations to the Lady Warriors and Coach Chason on a very successful season.

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

Corpus Christi Catholic School Honors Distinguished Grad and Outstanding Business Partner

Prichard Prep Students Celebrate 100th Day of School

Students and teachers dressed up as centenarians or “those of a certain age” to celebrate the 100th Day of School. We saw lots of gray hair, walking canes, oxygen masks, suspenders, and support hose! Way to go Mrs. Hubbard’s 3rd grade class Only 78 days to go!

As part of Catholic Schools Week, each year Corpus Christi Catholic School honors a Distinguished Graduate and an Outstanding Business Partner. Congratulations to the Distinguished Graduate for 2019 - Chelsea Lipford Wolf of Checking In with Chelsea. This year two businesses were recognized for their service to the school. The Outstanding Business Partners are Minto Electric, Inc. and Hanson Heating & Air.

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St. Pius X Gearing Up for Robotics Competition

Members of the St. Pius X Aquarobotics Team are busy working on their underwater robot in preparation for the MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Competition to be held April 7. The SPX team competed last year against both middle and high school teams and were the only Catholic elementary team in the competition. Middle school science teacher Mike McElroy is the faculty moderator of the aquarobotics team.

Faith Academy Coach Gets Pie in the Face

Faith Academy's Junior class raised over $400 dollars for Light of the Village, a hands-on Christian ministry designed to share Christ's message of faith, hope, and love to the inner city. Students were encouraged to donate money in junior teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names and the teacher with the most money would get a pie to the face. Coach Matt Seymour had the most money donated in his name so he was pied.

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Art at Little Flower

Students at Little Flower Catholic School enjoy expressing themselves in art class, lead by Ms. Maura Hutson. Colors, textures, and shapes come together to make interesting and different images made by individual student artists. In addition to teaching art, Ms. Hutson is also the fourth grade teacher at Little Flower. Left to right, fifth graders Comiya Hobbs, Shanya Griffith, and Laila Wells proudly display art pieces that are being prepared for the Catholic Schools Week. 37

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all the prompts will work for all kids, the question “How does your body feel when you focus?” is a solid way for kids to reflect and recapture a focused state. Say, “Alexa, ask Focus Game to start.” Kids Quiz! Four difficulty levels and a wide variety of subjects make this a fun trivia game for kids. Kids Quiz! offers multiple-choice answers, so kids have a better chance of choosing correctly, even if they don’t know much about certain subjects. Say, “Alexa, play Kids Quiz!” Kiwi Monsters! Through a fun story laced with choices, kids get to determine how their monsters evolve. As they choose certain colors, habitats, and food, their monsters’ evolution will shift. Kids have to know about the concept of mating to understand some of the choices. Say, “Alexa, open Kiwi Monsters!” The Magic Door. Like an audio-based choose-your-own-adventure book, this skill lets kids decide what happens next. Some of the stories are mildly creepy, so they may not be a great fit for little kids. Also, Alexa’s inflection doesn’t always match the tone of the story. Still, the interactive element is super fun. (Other good ones to try include Earplay and Storyflow, and if your kid just wants to listen, Amazon Storytime is a good choice.) Say, “Alexa, open The Magic Door.”

14 Great Alexa Skills for Kids and Teens “Alexa, entertain my kid with high-quality content.” If you have an Echo device, you know this is a tall order. Not only is Alexa a finicky listener, but you need to launch specific “skills” to get the device to do what you want. To find the best skills, go to the Amazon Alexa app or the Alexa section of the Amazon website. Start in the Kids section and look for skills with lots of reviews and a high star rating. Also check out the Games, Trivia, & Accessories category or the Education & Reference section. If you or your kid is really ambitious, you can even create your own skill. Check out the educational and entertaining skills we’ve hand-picked for your little kid, big kid, tween, or teen or for the whole family.

Little kids

Animal Workout. To get little kids moving, this skill tells them to pretend to be a certain animal and do movements to match while music plays. It’s especially great for those rainy or snowy days when kids need to burn off some energy inside. Try it alongside your kid for even more fun. Say, “Alexa, open Animal Workout.” Chompers. Ever have trouble getting your kids to brush their teeth (or do it for more than 10 seconds)? This skill will entertain your kids for two minutes by doing things like singing a kid-authored story or telling jokes. Just make sure your kid isn’t so distracted that they stop brushing altogether. Say, “Alexa, start Chompers.” Mommy-gram. When you have to be away from home and your kid is too little to text or call on their own, they can use this skill to touch base. After they say their message to Alexa, it will send it to you via text message, and then you can respond. (It works for all parents, of course.) Say, “Alexa, launch Mommy-gram.” Sesame Street. No surprises here: Elmo leads kids through an activity about the letter of the day and plays hide-and-seek so kids “find” him through sound cues and multiple-choice options. Say, “Alexa, open Sesame Street.”

Tweens & Teens

Song Quiz. Some adults will remember the game show Name That Tune, and this skill has that feel. You can select from several decades of music and then decide whether you’re playing with a friend or a random online player (there’s no actual contact with strangers). Then you listen and name the song and artist if you’re able. Say, “Alexa, open Song Quiz.” Travel Quest. Kids get a virtual passport, answer questions, and learn facts as they travel via Alexa to different countries. So far kids can only go to Canada or Japan with the promise of more countries available soon. Because of its narrative format, this is a fun way for kids to learn about different places and cultures. Say, “Alexa, start Travel Quest.” Daily Routine. If your teen needs reminders about school, chores, activities, or something else they need to do for the day, this skill might help. Teens can set a list of tasks that recur each day. As they work through them, they can have the satisfaction of virtually crossing them off the list. Say, “Alexa, open Daily Routine.” Do Good. Name a pressing social issue and Do Good will let you know about the organizations that are working to help. For instance, if your kid is interested in caring for animals, say, “I want to help animals,” and this skill will provide the best places to invest your time, energy, and resources. Say, “Alexa, open Do Good.” Escape the Room. Using simple directions, teens can “look” around a virtual room, gather clues, and solve the puzzles. While the lack of actual visual cues might be tricky for some teens, this could be a fun game for older kids to play together. Say, “Alexa, open Escape the Room.”

Big kids

1-2-3 Math. With word problems addressing a variety of math skills, this activity requires careful listening. Though the math on the Easy level is fairly simple, the Medium and Hard levels are likely challenging enough for upper elementary school students. Say, “Alexa, open 1-2-3 Math.” Focus Game. This simple activity asks kids to sit down, relax, and just listen to sounds such as gongs until the sound fades. You can use the Focus Game as a standalone activity or to calm kids before they settle down for homework. Though not Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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College Kids and Debt Q. My daughter is in college, and I’ve always warned her to stay away from credit cards. Recently, I learned she got a department store credit card despite my advice. She has stayed within her credit limit, but she has never made any of the payments. At this point, she owes about $3,500. She’s a good student, and I want to look at this as a young person’s mistake. Should I pay it off for her this one time? A.

You’re right, this is a typical young person’s mistake. Like a lot of mistakes our kids make, it’s one that’s bad and wonderful at the same time. It’s bad because, if she had just listened to dear old dad, she would’ve avoided a mess. It’s wonderful, though, because it gives you the opportunity to provide her with a real world, teachable moment. I understand you wanting to help her out “this one time.” It means you have a good heart, and that you care about your daughter

and love her. There’s a reality here, though, I hope you won’t overlook. It’s her debt, not yours. She knew what she was doing when she signed up for that credit card. She knew what it meant, what was expected, and she is the one who should have to make good on the repayment. At this point, my advice is to put your arm around her, talk to her, and lovingly explain where she went wrong and why it was a bad idea. You can even help her find a part-time job if she doesn’t have one right now, so she can pay off her debt and get out of this mess. But leave the payments to her.

Borrowing From Family Q. My father-in-law wants to help us with our

mortgage. We’ve been working hard to pay off our home early, and we’ve reduced what we owe to around $35,000. His idea is to pay off the remainder, then let us pay him back over time. In the past, he has loaned us much

smaller amounts and everything has worked out fine. What do you think about this?

A. I’m sure this seems like a winning proposition all the way around. My concern is there’s a big spiritual and emotional issue that has been left out of the equation. The borrower is always slave to the lender, and nowhere is that more true than in a family. I understand, too, you have a solid track record with this kind of thing. But anytime you borrow money from family you’re playing with fire. When you do something like this, especially with such a large amount, the money issue is likely to be a shadow hovering over your relationship. I assume your father-in-law is doing well financially, since he can afford to make this offer. And don’t get me wrong, it’s a very kind and generous offer. If I were in his shoes, I might offer instead to pay off the mortgage as a gift No strings attached. If you have a nice, stable family, this debt will always be there in the back of your mind. If you have a dysfunctional, control-freak kind of family, it’s going to be right there in front of you constantly. Either way, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

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Going Solo: Single Player Wins

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Babies first experience solo play as they reach for mobiles, kick dangling toys in their bouncy seat and shake a rattle in their fist. But as they grow, children become more accustomed to playful interactions with parents and their peers. The importance of playing alone can get lost among the increasing social opportunities that many children enjoy. Nonetheless, solo play is vital to cultivating independence and encouraging individual problem solving. Playing alone also teaches kids how to self calm and to feel comfortable by themselves. The following toys and games offer ideal opportunities for kids to explore the ways they can be their own best playmate.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Kanoodle

RC Police Car

Colorful and compelling, Kanoodle is a tactile type of solitaire that stimulates threedimensional thinking in solo players. Using combinations of colored connected beads, the player follows images in the illustrated guide to construct vibrant designs that are either two-dimensional puzzles or layered structures. Visual cues, concentration, and experimentation all contribute to recreating the Kanoodle illustrations with the bead pieces. There are hundreds of possible combinations, but only one completes each puzzle.Compact and portable, the puzzle pieces fit inside the handy pocket-sized case with built-in game boards, so kids can Kanoodle anywhere!

There are vast options for remote control toys with varying degrees of performance and complexity. But the best start for a child’s RC journey is going to be a simply operated vehicle like the RC Police Car from Haktoys. Two directions of travel (forward and reverse left) and the simple two-button controller minimize frustration for new operators. Crafted from non-toxic plastic, the vehicle features honking sounds, music and flashing lights (which can also be turned off for quieter driving). The police car includes a removable officer for more pretend play options. Letting kids take the wheel empowers them with control and independence as they guide their RC Police Car to the rescue!

Find It Game Jr: Sesame Street

Little People Learn About Others

The popular Find It Games feature a sealed clear plastic tube filled with irregularly shaped pellets that hide distinctive treasures within their tumbled mass. The player consults a legend with cues to a series of themed objects that can only be found by spinning, twisting, shaking and tilting the cylinder. As the pellets shift, sharp eyes dart to find and identify the objects from the list. Specially designed for younger players, the Sesame Street Find It Game features extra figures to uncover and a Way to Play booklet with additional challenges as children start their addictive quest to find every signature object from the Sesame Street world, right between the palms of their hands.

Every spin reveals something new with this See ‘n Say toy. With a pull of the lever, the arrow will spin around the face before selecting one of eight different community members. Featuring a farmer, a teacher, a pilot and more familiar roles in our lives, each character shares a short phrase explaining how they help others. And while a child learns about others, they can also learn about themselves. A hinged ring flips open to reveal eight emotions with expressions that kids can explore. In addition to building a measure of dexterity and fine motor control as they steady the toy and pull the lever, there’s a fun quiz mode to help build their confidence! Ideal for solo play, this new See ‘n Say helps children learn about the people in their community while they also discover more about feelings.

(Haktoys)

(Educational Insights)

(Fisher Price)

(Find It Games)

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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Self-Determination at

By Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD

Parents spend a lot of time trying to motivate kids. We use chore charts, checklists, reminders and rewards to get them to feed the dog, clean their rooms, and complete schoolwork. But these techniques don’t change behavior long-term. Real motivation must come from within.

The Psychology of Summer Camp Time at camp may be all it takes to spark a little self-determination in your kid. I know it sounds too good to be true. Your school-age slacker – the one who expects you to find his homework and pack his lunch – might start doing some things for himself. And your often-bored tween might come home with more pep in her step.

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Psychologists use self-determination theory (SDT) to explain why some experiences make us feel engaged and excited while others drain and deplete us. The premise is simple: when an activity meets our needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, we are energized and empowered. Kids want to do things for themselves. They crave a sense of accomplishment and routinely seek feedback. And kids thrive on connections with loved ones and peers. Feelings of belongingness boost their self-worth. Summer camp offers loads of opportunities to meet all these needs. And that should make kids (and parents) very happy campers indeed.

SUMMER CAMPS & OPEN CLASSES! Welcoming New Students!

Autonomy - The need for autonomy is

satisfied when kids control their own lives. At camp, your son will have endless opportunities to care for himself. Staff won’t select his clothes, organize the contents of locker, or remind him to put on deodorant. No one will delay dessert until he eats his veggies. Independence is what camp is all about. Don’t worry. The world won’t stop if your son wears the same shirt three days in a row. His peers will speak up if he gets super stinky. During the school year, many kids jump from one regularly scheduled activity to the next with no unstructured time in between. Camp puts kids in charge of their own activities. Maybe your daughter will take a hike. Maybe she’ll paint pottery. Maybe she’ll write you an email. It is up to her to decide how she’ll spend her free time. One thing is certain: she won’t sit around whining about having nothing to do. And if she does, you won’t be there to hear it.

Competence - The need for competence is satisfied when kids learn new things and get positive feedback about their efforts. Your kid might choose a camp focused on art, science, sports, or music. Or he may opt for a good old-fashioned sleep-away experience, complete with row boats and weenie roasts. Some camp activities may be outside your kid’s comfort zone. Stretching is good. Your child may be unsure she can cross the slippery log over the creek. She may tremble with excitement about her role in the theater production. Peers and counselors will coax her along and give constructive advice. By the end of camp, she’ll be the star of her own adventure stories. If your kid is an experienced camper, encourage him to share what he knows with newbies. Being an ambassador or mentor affirms kids’ competence in a big way. Teaching a peer how to trim a sail or chip a golf ball out of the tall grass will

take your son’s skills to a higher level. His confidence will soar in response.

Relatedness - Your biggest concerns about summer camp may center on the social scene. Your child may not know anyone on arrival. That’s okay. Camps create connections in many ways. Your kid will be instantly bonded with bunkmates because they share a home base. Family-style dining and friendly competitions encourage interaction, too. The pursuit of shared goals – like building a robot or putting a frog in the counselor’s sleeping bag – cements kids’ camaraderie. 43

Extroverted kids may make lots of friends at camp. Less sociable souls may not. What matters most is that kids have opportunities to talk, play and live with a diverse group of peers. They won’t all become fast friends. Learning to navigate the choppy waters of friendship formation is a big part of the camp experience. Your kid’s social skillset will expand. No matter what your kid takes to camp, he’ll come home with a suitcase full of memories and a renewed sense of selfdetermination. You’ll see it as soon as he wakes from his long post-camp nap. MBP Heidi Smith Luedtke, is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

A False Sense of Maturity It’s probably happened to a lot of dads. Your kid spends his mornings watching you drag yourself to the bathroom mirror, pile some shaving cream in your hand, break out your razor, and start shaving your face. Soon, your son (or maybe even daughter) decides they need to shave too. So you squirt a little cream in their hands, supply them a with tongue depressor, and let them “shave.” As you both lean into the vanity mirror, it’s hard not to laugh, watching your five-year-old seriously attack the non-existent stubble on his face. Fast-forward a few years. Okay, maybe your teen actually needs to trim a few straggly hairs from his chin now. But, like the child who thought he was ready to shave way before he reached puberty, most teens still consider themselves more mature than they really are. Their spirit of independence makes them believe they are ready to tackle the world, when they can barely tackle their homework! As parents we know that maturity is the byproduct of responsibility and experience. We only gain maturity because we have to in order to survive! And so unless our teens are given responsibility, they will get stuck in a state of perpetual immaturity. Let me offer some “do’s” and “don’ts” to help you eliminate your teen’s illusion of adulthood and get them moving towards maturity.

Don’t Shame Them Giving your teen more responsibility and experience can be a very scary thing! When your child is learning to ride a bike, you eventually have to take the training wheels off. You take off those extra wheels while your child is still young, fully realizing he or she will wobble and weeble, and probably crash a few times. When the inevitable happens, and the bike flips, you don’t run up, point, and shame your child by saying, “What did you do? How could you have crashed? What were thinking?” Rather, you pick them up, brush them off, dry a few tears, and put them right back on the bike. Life is like that bicycle. Your teenager will crash. But we don’t run up and pile on the guilt Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

and blame. Gaining experience and becoming responsible takes time. So when your teen falls over, pick her up, and keep encouraging her to pedal. That’s how you can help your teen mature.

Don’t Nag Them Of course, your constant reminders are coming from a place of love and a desire for what’s best for your kids. You’re trying to nurture them to be responsible adults. But parents— nagging simply doesn’t help a kid mature. It only teaches him how to tune you out and treat your instructions like white noise. Of course some parents have the opposite tendency. Instead of stepping up to the plate and teaching our kids how to take initiative, we become passive observers and watch our teens float through life without ever growing up. Thankfully, moms and dads can work together so the bumps in one personality fill in the dips in another. By working together and communicating with each other well, parents can encourage each other and ensure that they are striking a good balance between nagging and passivity. Moms and dads may tend towards one end of the spectrum or the other, but both nurturing and pushing are incredibly important to the development of a teen. Now, you might be a single parent, and this method for pushing and relaxing is a bit harder. You have to play both roles. So, try this. Three days out of the week, push your teen towards more responsibility and accountability. The other days of the week, focus on loving and encouraging instead. In this way, you’re striking a balance being training and relating to your teen.

Do Have a Plan Your daughter won’t go to bed a kid one day, and wake up an adult the next. Have a game plan in place to take those training wheels off and get her moving in the right direction. It might look something like this: 12 to 13 years old—Require your daughter to make her own lunch for school. Assign your son weekly household chores. Extend her curfew. Place him in charge of the family pet. 44

14 to 15 years old—Give your son a cell phone with pre-determined minutes and data thresholds. Hold him responsible to get up each morning and make it to school. Have her wash her own laundry. Allow him to decide the family dinner once a week. 16 to 17—Require her to pay for her own car insurance and gas. Make him responsible for finishing his homework and school projects without parental supervision. Make her find a summer job to supplement a decreasing allowance. Require him to volunteer time at a local charity on a regular basis. This is just a sample of the plan that you might use to develop maturity in your child. Tailor it to fit your family and teen.

Do Help Teens Think for Themselves Ask good questions that stoke a teen’s thought process. For example, take the recent trend of young female musicians pushing the envelope. Ask your teen daughter about her thoughts on the issue. Are these young artists simply being creative? What message are they projecting? Do their actions help or hurt them? When you sit down to watch a television show with your son, engage his mind afterwards. It could be something as simple as, “what do you like about this program? What don’t you like?” Then sit back and listen, without judgment, correction, or condemnation. As your teens answer, the synapses in their brain start to fire, and connections begin to be made. It might take a while for them to see the logic (or illogic) in their thoughts, but you are starting them on a path that will help them see the world in a critical and discerning way. So stop supplying your teen with the ideas and thoughts you think they should have. Our job is not to recreate our minds and beliefs in their lives. They need to develop their own thoughts and feelings and learn to process them. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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SPRING BAZAAR

EASTER SUNRISE AT THE PARK

Easter Fun for all

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Crafts | Art Work | A variety of products for everyone Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit to christunited.com/springbazaar.

FAMILY EASTER EXPERIENCE 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Inflatables | Games Food Trucks | Creative and exciting puppet and drama presentation | Easter Egg Hunt

He is Risen! Celebrate Easter with us. 7:00 a.m. | Medal of Honor/Cottage Hill Park Pavilion Bring kids and pets and celebrate the Risen King at our sunrise service at the park. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or a blanket.

TRADITIONAL EASTER WORSHIP

MODERN EASTER WORSHIP

8:00 a.m. | 9:15 a.m. | 10:40 a.m. Christ United - Sanctuary Enjoy a vibrant, exciting traditional family worship. There will be a special moment and gift for all children.

8:00 a.m. | 9:15 a.m. | 10:40 a.m. Christ United - Christ Center Join us for a special child-friendly, high-energy, worship with passionate preaching and an incredible live band. Each child will receive a special gift.

These are just a few of our Easter celebrations we have planned. Be sure to check us out online for the complete list!

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If your kids are going to sleepaway camp this summer, you may be wrestling with worries and what-ifs. What if he wets the bed? What if the other kids are cliquish or mean? Will the camp director

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Why Parents Worry “Much of our anxiety as parents stems from the fact that there are so many things we cannot control in our childrens’ lives,” says Paul Donahue, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Parenting Without Fear. You may worry that without structure kids won’t be able to handle routine tasks like showering, brushing teeth or getting dressed. One mom I know felt so sure her son wouldn’t change clothes at camp that she packed

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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www.mobilebayparents.com

Anxiety is understandable,

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sending kids off to camp. It’s likely that many of your cherished childhood memories involve nature, new friends, and time to explore on your own. Summer

PROUDLY SERVING MOBILE, ALABAMA AND SURROUNDING AREAS, PICKETT ORTHODONTICS PERFECTS SMILES OF ALL AGES WITH CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT.

camp offers all these opportunities and more.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 6611 Wall Street • Mobile, AL 36695 | 251.607.0110 - local | www.pickettortho.com 2620 College Ave. Jackson, AL 36545 | 877.660.1103 - toll–free | info@pickettortho.com

his items – one pair of underwear, shorts, shirt, and socks – in gallon-size Ziploc bags, labeled with the days of the week. Because parents focus so much on kids’ needs, it’s hard to step back. Coverage of natural disasters and child predators makes the world seem scary. “Concern about the safety of children has become something of a national obsession,” Donahue observes. Even though our protective instincts keep us on edge, sometimes we have to trust others to care for our kids, and trust our kids to look out for themselves. Fear of letting go can also be driven by our own uncertainty about who we are without our kids and what we’ll do while they’re away. Without baseball practice, piano lessons, bedtime routines and movie night, our lives would be slower and saner and…emptier.

How to Stop It Don’t let worries weigh you down. Use them as an opportunity to confront your own needs for safety, control, and closeness. Here’s how. Step back. Anxieties have a way of sucking you in. Your thoughts and emotions may be swirling like a tornado around you. Get out of the eye of the storm and reflect on your feelings. What (exactly) are your worries? Write them down so you can face them head on. Question your assumptions. Fears may be fueled by irrational beliefs. Kids don’t suffer serious malnutrition from week-long candy binges. And wearing dirty clothes 47

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won’t kill them either. Concerned your temperamental child won’t fit in socially? Allow for the possibility she’ll find buddies to hang out with all on her own. Don’t let your beliefs limit kids’ potential. Keep goals in mind. Ultimately, parents want kids to become self-reliant, says Donahue, and building self-reliance requires parents do less, not more for their kids. Camp builds competence and independence. Give your kids time to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Have a plan. Keep anxieties in control by making a plan for how you’ll use your “time off.” Schedule special time with siblings who aren’t going camping. Plan a romantic date or overnight getaway with your spouse. Learn something new or catch up on your favorite shows. Stay busy (but in a good way). You deserve a change of pace, too. Share stories. One sure-fire way to break out of anxiety is to remember and share the fun times you had at camp with your kids. Tell them where you went and what you did. The time you flipped your canoe over and got sopping wet in the lake shouldn’t be a secret. Kids love to hear about parents’ camp adventures. Stay connected. The kids will be gone but not forgotten. Find fun postcards, print pictures of family pets, and collect care-package items to send. Getting mail from home makes kids feel special. Resist the urge to check in every day: kids need space. Send supplies so your kids can mail letters home. They’ll want to share their experiences and you’ll treasure their letters forever.

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251.626.2188 OriginalOysterHouse.com Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Anxiety is understandable, but it shouldn’t stop you from sending kids off to camp. It’s likely that many of your cherished childhood memories involve nature, new friends, and time to explore on your own. Summer camp offers all these opportunities and more. It’ll be okay if they stay up too late, eat burned marshmallows, or lose their swim goggles in the lake. Really. MBP Heidi Smith Luedtke, is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids. She is the author of Detachment Parenting. Learn more at HeidiLuedtke.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!

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Art Camps Mobile Museum of Art ArtBlast ad on page 4

4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Art Blast Summer Camp at Mobile Museum of Art offers weekly art camps from 8am-5pm for ages 4-18 beginning June 10-July 26, 2019. There is truly something for everyone, with pottery, painting, printmaking, drawing and more. Call Kim Wood at 251-208-5212 or kwood@MobileMuseumofArt.com for more information or to sign up. 251-208-5212 kwood@MobileMuseumofArt.com www.mobilemuseumofart.com/learn

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

301 Conti Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Let your child explore the world of contemporary art through Alabama Contemporary Art Center’s Summer Camps! Your child will explore a range of mediums including painting, drawing, papier mâché, photography, and more.

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Christ United Methodist Church Cheer Camp ad on page 21 and 45

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 See more information under Sports Camps. 251-706-3326 www.christunitedcsports.com

Classical Ballet of Mobile ad on page 43

4621 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer is a wonderful time to sharpen your ballet skills or step into a new art form that could become a lifelong love! Master Classes and workshops for all ages throughout the month of June, with open classes July-August. Please visit our website for specific information! 251-410-4477 www.classicalballetmobile.org

251-208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.org

Debbie’s School of Dance

Mobile Parks & Rec Community

6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 Join Debbie’s School of Dance for our spectacular summer camps, perfect for children ages 2 and up! Dates: June 11-27. We offer fun, creative camps that will keep your child active and entertained like Princess Camp for 2-3 year olds from 5:456:30pm, Ballet Adventure Camp from 4 - 5 year olds from 5:45 - 6:45pm, and JoJo Hip Hop Camp for ages 6 and up from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Camps offering arts, crafts, sewing and much more. 251-208-1617 www.cityofmobile.org/parks/pdf/current_program.pdf

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

Round But Square Studios

3304 Old Shell Road Suite C, Mobile, AL 36608 Round But Square Studios will offer summer art camps and creative workshops. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 251-591-3425 roundbutsquarestudios@gmail.com www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

ad on page 24

251-633-9559 www.debbiesdance.com

Gale’s Studio of Dance ad on page 28

Piccadilly Square / Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings, 6345 Airport Blvd. Suite F, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer camps & classes begin June 11th. Most students attend classes one day a week. Choose: “Tip Toes & Tumbling” for Tots on Tuesday or 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. MANY MORE summer day and night dance classes are available for ages 2 & up! Summer classes offered: Ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, hip hop and 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 24, 2019. Online registration available now! 251-343-9544 www.galesstudioofdance.com

Mobile Ballet ad on page 22

4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile, AL 36609 Summer is an excellent time to begin ballet studies or to enhance your ballet skills! Let’s Dance Camp ($125/week) Ballet, Jazz & introduction to Tap (Ages 6 – 8) June 17 – 20 and July 15 – 18. Little Ballerina Camp ($125/week) Ballet Creative Movement (Ages 3 – 5) June 24 – 27 and July 8 – 11. Summer Intensive with Guest Teachers (Ages 9 & up, call for pricing) Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Conditioning & more! Final performance June 21 at Davidson High School. June 3 – 21 1,2 & 3 week options available .Extended Summer Intensive (call for pricing) July 15 – 26, 1 & 2 week options available. 251-342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Nasser Gymnastics ad on page 32

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36607 One of the best Camps in town! Boys and Girls, ages 3+. Very flexible schedule: half day, daily, weekly rates, and drop-offs available. Interactive games, energetic sports, learn gymnastics, and meet new friends! 251-479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com www.nassergym.net

Planet Gymnastics ad on page 20

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Camps throughout the school holidays, No registration fees, Unbelievable rates, 20% sibling discounts, Great hours: 7.30am-5.30pm, Half day, daily, and weekly rates, Walk-ins welcome. Ages 3-14. 251-650-0699 PlanetGymnasticsAL@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

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Robinson’s School of Dance

LSU Gymnastics Camp

421 Highway 43 North, Saraland, AL 36571 Summer Intensive Classes. Registration June 1st 1012 and June 3rd 4-6pm. Classes Start Tuesday, June 4th and will run for 4 weeks the entire month of June! Offering: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Baton and Hip Hop! Ages 2 & Up! Technique training camp with Sonnie Sloan Shelton from New York - July 29-August 1st 9:00am-12:00pm. $75.00 Check us out on Facebook! 48 years of dancing!

225-766-7125 flyingtigergymnasticscamp@ gmail.com www.lsugymnasticscamps.com

ad on page 35

251-675-5915 www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Broadway South Dance

7906 Westside Park Drive, Mobile, AL 36695 Broadway South Dance provides quality dance instruction in the West Mobile area for ages 2-adult. Be sure to check us out on the web at www.broadwaysouthdance.com to find out why families choose Broadway South Dance for their dance needs. 251-639-0660 michelle@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp

703 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Gymnastics Camps in Alabama offer an opportunity for gymnasts to receive valuable instruction on the fundamentals of gymnastics. 334-844-5047 AUgymcamp@auburn.edu www.abcsportscamps.com/autigers

Cheer Force One

8700 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Please visit our website or follow us on Facebook/ Instagram (@cheerforceone) for the latest details about summer camps and clinics. 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

Danze 101 Studio of Dance, 3164 South Midtown Park Drive, Mobile, AL 36606 Studio of Dance Summer Camp will be held June 3-July 26, 2019 with 8:00am-3:00pm regular hours (7:00am-4:00pm extended hours). Cost: $65.00 per week 8:00am-3:00pm, $75.00 per week 7am-4pm. 251-643-2357 www.danze101studioofdance.com/ summer-programs

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Baton Rouge, LA 70803 LSU Gymnastics Camps: Session 1 (High Performance) June 22-24, 2019 and Session 2 (All Skills) June 28-30, 2019

Maccrossan School of Irish Dance Summer Dance Camps 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Call about Dance Summer Camp! 228-239-2422 maccrossanirishdance@ yahoo.com www.azaleacityarts.com

Sheffield School of Dance

Mobile Bay Dance Academy Magical Adventures Dance Camp

St. Mary School, 107 N Lafayette St, Mobile, AL 36604 Magical Adventure’s Dance Camp - Join us for Magical Adventure’s Dance Camp with a different theme for each day. July 15-19. Cost - $125. 251-455-3044 www.mobilebaydanceacademy.com

144 East I-65 Service Road N, 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

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. Overnight Camp is for ages 9 years and up. Day Camp is for ages 7 years and up. Bamagymcamp@ia.ua.edu www.alabamagymnasticscamp.com

Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics

102 Baker Road, Satsuma, AL 36572 For current info, visit our Facebook Page: Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics

Day Camps

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

Precision Dance

168 Noel Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Precision Dance Academy 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

8665 Four Mile Rd, Irvington, AL 36544 Summer Dance Intensive. Registration is July 8th from 5-7 and classes are every Tuesday and Thursday in July! 251-455-1866 robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com

251-479-3926; 251-661-4893 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

University of Alabama - Gymnastics Camps

Mrs. Lisa’s Gym and Cheer

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

4570 Hermitage Road/1901 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36619; 36608 Please stay tuned to our Facebook & Instagram for our upcoming Sheffield Summer Series!

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama ad on page 7

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 Our Summer Enrichment programs are awesome! Kids will enjoy exciting summer activities that include Summer Brain Gain, field trips, sports, swimming, arts and crafts will also learning the importance of a health lifestyle. 251-432-1235 bcarlisle@bgcsouthal.org www.bgcsouthal.org

Trust • • • •

Highly trained orthodontic specialists Amazing smiles crafted for each patient’s unique features Affordable payment plans to fit any budget Friendly, professional team

(251) 660-7434 | www.hicks-mcmurphyortho.com M. Bancroft McMurphy III, D.M.D. Stephen T. Hicks, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. Steadman McMurphy, Jr., D.M.D.

M O B I L E | SA R A L A N D | LU C E DA L E N E W LO C AT I O N CO M I N G S O O N AT A I R P O R T R D. & S N OW R D.

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experience has been created for campers to enjoy.

251-432-1235 Find us on Facebook!

2019

ad on page 21, 45

Camp Chandler Tonsmeire ad on page 15

2710 Shelton Beach Road, Mobile, AL 36618 Camp Chandler Tonsmeire is an outdoor education program focused on character and leadership development and curbing summer learning loss. Offering S.T.E.M. activities in a tradition fun day camp programming. Camp Chandler Tonsmeire is a place where kids can be kids and grow. Campers return home with high esteem and confidence gained as a result of mastering new skills overcoming challenges and making new friends. Located on 150 acres in beautiful Mobile, with walking and hiking trails, swimming pool, archery, cooking, field sports, cinematography, canoeing, cooperative games and low ropes, a well-rounded summer

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Day Camps

251-706-3326 www.christumcyouth.com/register

Christ United Methodist Church Middle

School Mission Week

Guide

world. Don’t miss an incredible week of fun, service, and worship! For more information and to register go to christumcyouth.com/register. July 21-26 for 8th-12th grade. Deadline to register is June 30.

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Spend a week serving and giving back to our Mobile community. We will serve alongside many great organizations, such as Feeding the Gulf Coast, Ronald McDonald House, Open Doors, Communities of Transformation, and many more. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and fun will be provided each day. 7:00am6:00pm (upcoming 6th-8th grade) July 8-11.For more information and to register, visit christunitedstudents. com/register. Deadline to register: June 26th.

251-706-3326 www.christunitedstudents.com/register

Christ United Methodist Church SIFAT-Servants in Faith & Technology ad on page 21, 45

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 SIFAT is a summer camp with a missions focus. Students have the chance to learn about agriculture, life in third-world nations, and technology that improves the quality of life for people around the

ad on page 20

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Oceans Alive! June 21, July 19 or July 26, 2019. This hands-on adventure from 1:00pm - 4:30pm introduces children ages 5 - 8 years to Alabama’s ocean; BIO Blitz June 14, July 26 or July 31, 2019. This Day-long camp, from 10:00am - 4:00pm, turns campers ages 8 - 10 years into Barrier Island Observers; Survivor: Dauphin Island June 7, June 14, July 5 or July 30, 2019. Campers, ages 10 - 13 years, will learn about Alabama’s fishes, which ones are edible, how to toss a cast net, how to bait a crab trap, how to drag a seine and how to bring in the catch of the day while pier fishing. From 10:00am - 4:00pm. Registration and camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Way Baptist Summer Camp ad on page 27

3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Dauphin Way Baptist Summer Camp hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children who have completed 5K thru 5th grade. Camp begins May 2. 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, games, numerous other creative activities

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251-344-0909 Facebook -Dauphin Way Baptist Child Development Center

University of South Alabama Summer Recreation Camp

GulfQuest ad on page 23

155 Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 June 10-14, June 24-28 and July 8-12, 2019. Spring Break Academy is April 15-19, 2019 and is a per day program. Summer camps are week-long sessions.

ad on page 35

51 Stadium Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36688 Camps focus on recreational and physical activities such as swimming, rock wall climbing, ping-pong, outdoor games, sports, and more. Lunch included. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Ages: Incoming 1st-8th graders. 2019 dates, rates and more information are on our website.

251-436-8901 www.gulfquest.org

North Mobile Christian School Summer Day Camp ad on page 71

1255 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, AL 36571 NMCS Summer Day Camp begins June 3, 2019, and is for students K2-8th grade. We have exciting age-appropriate activities (both on-campus and off-campus) each week for those who attend day camp. Registration is $40 per child (registration includes a T-shirt to be worn on field trips). Tuition is $25 a day, which includes lunch and snacks. 251-679-3279 kfinch@northmobilechristian.org www.northmobilechristian.org

St. Dominic Catholic School ad on page 37

4160 Burma Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Come join the fun! Camp Little Eagles – PK2-PK4, On-campus camp with water days, theme days, and

251-460-7268 www.southalabama.edu/ summercamps

fun crafts. Camp Eagles - K-8th, Includes field trips three days a week, Daily on campus activities including a color run, become a chef for the day, and water days. Dates/Hours – 5/28/19-9/8/19, 7:00am-5:30pm. 251-661-5226 sbarber@stdominicmobile.org www.StDominicMobile.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Camp Wildcat ad on page 31

1248 Anchor D, Mobile, AL 36693 Summer Camp offered for children who have completed K5 though 12 years old. Children take daily field trips - skating, bowling , movies, library, cottage hill park each week. Other special activities are also offered each month. 251-661-4254 Find us on Facebook

3975 Japonica Lane , Mobile, AL 36693 Our Nappie winning camp is open to the public for rising K3 students to rising 6th graders from 7:30-5:30. Camp starts May 28 and ends August 2. Please visit our website stlukesmobile.com and our facebook page “Camp Wildcat - St. Luke’s

Beck’s Day Care - Summer Camp

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. Please visit website for summer camp info. 251-476-4600 www.bsamac.org

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Life Church CDC Summer Camp

8701 Zeigler Boulevard , Mobile, AL 36608 Wild Encounters!” - May 28, 2019 - August 9, 2019. Monday - Friday 6 AM to 6 PM. Field trips, arts and crafts, water slides, Praise and Worship, sno cones and more!

2019

251-633-2679 www.lifechurchcdc.com

Semmes First Baptist CDC - Summer Day Camp

Guide Bright Beginnings Learning Center Providence

6803 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Now enrolling for Summer Camp! Campers will will enjoy field trips and more. 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-providence-llc. business.site/

City of Mobile Summer Adventure Camp

Mobile, AL City of Mobile’s Parks and Recreation Special Activities Summer Adventure Camp. Registration begins in April. 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

Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp

2200 Cody Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Exciting activities await those who attend Dayspring Day Camp! Each week, campers will swim, skate, go on field trips, and much more. Hours: 6:45am-6:00pm, Ages: K5 through 6th Grade. 251-633-0250 www.dayspring.church/summer-daycamp

Evangel Christian School Summer Day Camp

1277 Jubilee Drive, Saraland, AL 36571 Summer Day Camp. Time: 6:30am-6:00pm daily M-F. Ages 4-Entering 6th Grade. Weekly and Daily. Rates Available. Many activities available including field trips for students entering 2nd grade-6th grade. 251-675-4619 evangel@folc.tv www.folc.tv

Government Street Baptist

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36693 Our Summer Camp will begin the day after Memorial Day on May 28 and will be open from 6:00 AM6:00 PM. We will be accepting children who have completed K4-5th grade. Please visit our website for additional camp information such as field trips, schedules, and themes. 251-660-7444 deboraheddie@gsbc.onmicrosoft.com www.governmenstreetcdc.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 spend the week finding bad guys, solving crimes as a leading detective, and playing hard while learning speciality skills. July 8-12 for ages 9-12. Cost - $80. 251-208-1924 www.mobilepd.org/jrpolicecamp

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes, AL 36575 Summer Camp is FULL of FUN with our Make Something Monday, Take a trip Tuesdays & Thursday, Wet and Wild Wednesdays, and Fun and Fresh Fridays. 2019 registration opens in March.

251-649-2712 www.semmesfirstbaptistcdc.com

St. Pius X Summer Camp

217 South Sage, Mobile, AL 36606 Summer Camp is provided on the West Campus of St. Pius X during the summer vacation. Students will participate in arts and crafts, sports, water days, and take various field trips throughout the summer. 251-471-2301

The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast

28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 2019 Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast’s Summer Program dates are June 3rd - July 25th from 7:50am6:00pm for ages 10 and up. 251-625-8955 Jennifer.flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

The Watermelon Patch

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 At The Watermelon Patch we love summer and we do Summer Camp right! Ages -walkers to 6 years old. Hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30pm. Extended hours are also offered. 251-633-3288 www.watermelonpatchkids.com

West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp

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. 251-639-6868 www.wemochurch.org

YMCA of South Alabama

Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA, North Mobile Family YMCA, Bounds Family YMCA, Snook Family YMCA, All-Day Themed Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-14). The Y’s summer day camp is packed with themed activities, crafts and games, water fun, sports of all sorts, field trips, and much more! Sign up for your child’s favorite “Theme Week”, or join us for all 10 weeks of fabulous fun! 251-344-4856 www.ysal.org

Drama/Theater Azalea City Center for the Arts - Summer Camps ad on page 11

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Drama Camp at University of South Alabama -Are 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 3 - June 14, Session 2 - June 17 – 28, Session 3 - July 1 - 12, * Special Musical Theater intensive July 15 - 19 from 9 am to 5 pm, * Special Rising Stars session for older campers grades 8 & up June 10 - June 21 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. $190. Glee Camp - June 24 - July 5 - 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 Cinderella, Lion King, Frozen, Junie B Jones, and more! Extended Care cost is $50 extra per week. Sibling and multiple camp discounts available. Whole summer price from June 3 - August 9 (10 weeks) 7 am - 6 pm $1400 includes all of the fun drama camp activities listed above!

251-510-1808 dramacamp@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

The PACT

ad on page 26, 49

3995 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Summer Theatre Camp! Three Fun Filled Sessions! Each camp puts on a FULL LENGTH musical! Session 1: Winnie The Pooh KIDS - Rising K-5th Grade - June 3-14. Session 2: Jungle Book Kids (rising 2-7 grades) June 17-28, Session 3: James & The Giant Peach Jr. (rising 2-12 graders) July 1-12 (off the 4th), Session 4: Mary Poppins Jr. (rising 3-12 grades) July 15-26. All Camps held at The PACT every day but the last Friday of camp will be held at St. Lukes Upper School Theater. Times: Monday - Friday 8:00am-3:00pm, Last Friday of Camp 8:00am-7:00pm. Showtime Friday Night: 7:00pm (Mary Poppins Camp will have a 2:00pm show on Saturday, July 27th). For more information email office@thepactmobile.com or visit our website, thepactmobile.com. 251-307-5056 office@thepactmobile.com www.thepactmobile.com

Playhouse in the Park

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

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

Educational and Miscellaneous Alabama School of Math and Science-

The Adventures in Math and Science Summer Camp ad on Inside Front Cover

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. Dates: 6/3-6/7, 6-10-6/14 and 6/17-21 (Overnight and Day Camp). Course Sampling: ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices and may more! 251-441-2152 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Blue Bird Therapy Handwriting Heroes Camp ad on page 27

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Using multi-sensory play to develop the skills to improve handwriting and social skills! June 17-21 for ages 4 to 8. Visit our website for more information. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

BlueBird Therapy Building Buddies Camp ad on page 27

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Building things from legos to bird houses...all while developing social skills! June 3-7 for ages 5 to 11. Visit our website for more information.

251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

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

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center ad on page 13

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 have themes like Aribus Flight Academy, 3D

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Printing, Junior Med Camp, Space Cadets, Astro Tots, Dinosaur Dig, CSI Mobile and More!

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 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. Camp is June 24-28, 2019.

251-208-6818 hfreeman@exploreum.com www.exploreum.com

Huntington Learning Center ad on page 34

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695 As educators, our mission is to give every student the best education possible. As parents, we understand the need for hope in our children’s future. We provide Tutoring, Test Prep, Personalized Attention and proven results. 251-525-9239 MobileAL@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com

4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Phonics & Reading Camp: June 3rd-6th (8:30 – 11:30), (K5–2nd Grade), Study Skills Camp: July 8th–11th (8:30-11:30) (for 5th- 8th grades), Math x U Camp: July 15th-18th (8:30- 11:30) (entering 3rd and 4th grades), Math Factors Camp: July 15th18th (8:30- 11:45) (entering 5th and 6th grades) and Pre-Algebra Camp: July 22nd -25th (9:00-12:00) (entering 7th - 8th grades).

The Think Tank Tutoring ad on page 29

Mobile County and Surrounding areas, AL Please call or visit our website for summer programs for individual and group enrichment. 251-414-4494 or 251-300-9697 thinktankminds@ gmail.com www.TheThinkTankTutoring.com

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center will offer language development, social skills, handwriting and bike riding camps this summer!

Farm Adventure Summer Day Camp

at Cottage Hill Christian Academy

251-689-6876 morleyj@chbss.org www.chcacademy.com

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

251-210-1632 ext. 104 info@americanautismcenter.com www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

Summer Enrichment Camps ad on page 28

251-968-5732 zoocamp@algulfcoastzoo.org www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

Linda’s Learning Farm and Play Park, 2380 Havens Road, Semmes, AL 36575 Children will experience what farm life is like. There will be barn activities, garden fun, and daily horse interaction, swimming and playtime. Ages 6-11. Please like our Facebook page for more information. 251-649-1802 www.learningfarmandplaypark.com

Junior MedCamp

Mobile Medical Museum, 1664 SpringHill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604 Curious about health and medicine? Then this is the camp for you! Five full days of games, experiments, and storytelling, exploring topics such as germs and illness, human anatomy, and how common instruments are used. For ages 6 to 8. Dates: July 8-12. 251-415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

Mobile Parks and Recreation Community

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

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The Cookery

4456 Old Shell Road , Mobile, AL 36608 The Cookery will offer 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. Cost per week is $150 per child.

2019

251-654-7646 info@thecookerymobile.com www.thecookerymobile.com

Guide

U.S. Space Camp & Aviation Challenge

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 More details under Overnight Camps. 800-637-7223 www.spacecamp.com

National Flight Academy

Naval Air Station, 1 Fetterman Way, Pensacola, FL 32508 Summer camp sessions run from March - August 2019. STEM Adventure Saturdays for grades 3 - 8 runs until May 2019; Cruises program for ages 5th - 12th runs from March 14 - April 16, 2019; Summer Adventure Deck runs June 3 - August 2, 2019 for 4th - 6th grade; Summer Deployment Camp for 7th - 12th grades runs May 26 - August 16, 2019. Visit our website to register for camps. 850-458-7836 info@nationalflightacademy.com www.nationalflightacademy.com

Pump It Up

741-A Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Pump it up summer camp is back! Join us for various weeks this summer from 9:00-1:00 for a jumping great time! Cost is $115. Drop in day rates available. Your kids will enjoy jumping and playing on all of our awesome inflatables and completing awesome crafts, but they will also enjoy our themed days ranging from our balloon drop day to our GLOW WARS day. Ages: 4-10. Dates: TBA 251-342-3940 pumpitupmobile@gmail.com www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al

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 24-July 12th from 8-12 PM. . Space is limited!! 251-473-2333 www.rmbcmob.org

Spa Tea Da

3938 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606 Summer is so much fun at Spa-Tea-Da! 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. 251-447-4846 www.spa-tea-da.com

Start Smart! College Bound – Career Ready

Start Smart! College Bound – Career Ready, is a college prep program design to help prepare students for college and the workforce. Please visit our website for dates, times and additional information. Like and follow us on Facebook: @startsmartcollegeprep. 251-767-5446 startsmartcollegebound@gmail.com www.startsmartcollegebound.weebly.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

USA Literary Center Tutoring and Summer Camp

Mobile, AL 36608 Reading and Writing Tutoring - First grade through high school. Individual and/or small group reading and writing tutoring Monday-Thursday. Summer Literacy Camp - information coming soon 251-380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/literacy-center/

Horseback Riding Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 9

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 See details description under Overnight Camps. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.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. Ages 5-16. Silver Lining Farm has one of the best summer camp programs in the country. 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. 251-634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www. silverliningfarm.net

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road, Mobile, AL 36608 2019 Summer Camps: Beginner Camp - June 1013, June 24-27, July 29-Aug 1, and Intermediate Camp July 8-11

251-633-8088 www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Sandy Ridge Farms Horse Camp

Sand Ridge Road, Citronelle, AL 36522 Offering a week of exciting fun! Boys and Girls, ages 7-16. Monday - Friday. 9am to 2pm. Until 3 on Fridays. Ride horses, play volleyball, make ice cream, and more. 251-866-5733 or 251-610-7246

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! Overnight for 50 girls, ages 8-17; Located on 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse. 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

Music Camps Blue Bird Therapy Music & Movement ad on page 27

6157 Airport Blvd Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Playing instruments and singing songs that gets kids moving! June 10-14 for ages 3 to 4. Visit our website for more information and summer dates. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Christ United Methodist Church Kindermusik Summer Camp ad on page 21 and 45

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 For Children 12 – 18 months & 1 ½ - 3 years, June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19 on Mondays & Wednesdays. For Children 12 – 18 months & 1 ½ - 3 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays – June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 & 20. Classes for older children are being planned. For more information or a full list of Kindermusik at Christ United Methodist visit kindermusikatchristunited.com or call 251-706-3336. 251-706-3326 www.kindermusikatchristunited. kindermusik.com

Cottage HIll Baptist Church Music Worship Camp ad on page 28

4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 ”He Still Does Miracles” Worship Camp 2019 is coming to Cottage Hill Baptist Church July 8th -12th (8:45-12:00). Join us at CHBC for an exciting week of games, creative movement, worship songs, art and so much more! When: July 8th-12th with a performance Friday night, July 12th. Time: 8:45-12:00 each day Where: Cottage Hill Baptist Church Kids Worship Who: For COMPLETED K5 – 5th grade Cost: $25 per child. Registration begins in May. For more information contact Kym at hardingk@chbss.org. Special concert, Friday night, July 12 at 6:30 Sign up in the school office or online in May at CHBC Events online 251-660-2427 www.cottagehill.org

Full Scale School Of Music ad on page 11

Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Full Scale School of Music is proud to offer Fun, challenging, and educational Summer Camps for grades K - 12. June 3 – June 7 Rock Band Jr. 8:30 – 12 (Rising Grades K-5), Rock Band 8:30 - 3:30 (Rising Grades 6-12), June 10 – 14 Praise Band 8:30 3:30 (Rising Grades 6-12), Rock Band 8:30 - 3:30 (RisingmGrades 6-12), June 17 – 21 Star Wars Piano 8:30-12 (Rising Grades K-5), June 24 – 28 Hands on Instruments 8:30 - 12 (Rising Grades K-5) July 8 - July 12 -Disney Music 8:30 – 12 (Rising Grades K-5), Rock Band 8:30 - 3:30 (Rising Grades 6-12) July 15 - July 19 Hands on Instruments 8:30 - 12 (Rising Grades K-5) Rock Band 8:30 - 3:30 (Rising Grades 6-12), July 22 - July 26 Rock Band 8:30 - 3:30 (Rising Grades 6-12), July 29 - August 2 - Star Wars Piano 8:30 – 12 ( Rising Grades K-5)

251-454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com/summer-camp/

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Auburn Summer Band Camp

320 W Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Summer Band Camps: Yamaha â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sounds of Summerâ&#x20AC;? Marching Percussion Camp - June 4 - 5. High School Symphonic Camp - June 9-12, Marching Leadership Camp - June 12-15 and Middle School Symphonic and Marching Auxiliary Camps - June 20-22

USA Piano Camp: Bach and the Baroque

University of South Alabama, 307 University Boulevard North, Mobile, AL 36608 We are excited to offer this workshop to pianists age 11 and up. June 24-28, $300.00 per student. 251-460-6237 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/pianocamp.html

334- 844-4166 www.band.auburn.edu

Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp

ad on page 31

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope, AL 36532 Camp Dates: Leaders-in-Training (LIT): June 6-7, Session 1 (6th-8th Grade): June 9-14, Session 2 (3rd5th Grade): June 16-21 Session 3 (7th-9th Grade): June 23-28, Special Ministries: June 30-July 3, Session 5 (5th & 6th Grade): July 7-12, Session 6 (6th & 7th Grade): July 14-19, Session 7 (3rd & 4th Grade): July 2125, Family Camp (1st Grade+): July 26-28.

Mobile School of Piano

Mobile, AL Private summer piano lessons where the student can learn sightreading, ear training, improvising and more! Ages 4 and up. 251-272-9616 www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

Springhill Baptist Summer Music Camp

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 This summer, we will offer one week of instruction with programs in Leadership Training (High School 9-12), Marching Percussion (High School 9-12), Majorette (High School 9-12), and Concert Band (Junior High and Senior High 6-12). 205-348-6068 jhnails@ua.edu www.bands.ua.edu/programs

5278 Camp Ascca Drive, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 Summer sessions begin June 30, 2019 with a new session beginning each Sunday. Camp Sessions are Sunday - Friday for ages 7 years and up. Each session is separated by age groups. Visit our website for registration and camp session specifics.

Camp Beckwith

251-478-4027 www.gcehjazzfest.org/jazz-camp

251-342-5320 drice@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc/smash

ad on page 57

256-825-9226 amber@campascca.org www.campascca.org

History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Marcus Johnson Summer Camp is an opportunity for young people to learn about jazz music and techniques. Dates - Weekdays from July 22-August 2. with a recital the last day.

2 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Music day camp: July 15-19, 9:30-1:30 for ages completed PreK4-6th grade. Join us for fun-filled days of group singing, performing, instruments and music learning activities. Grade 1-6 performance: Sunday, July 21, 6:00pm.

Camp ASCCA Easter Seals

Overnight Camps

251-928-7844 addie@beckwithal.com www.beckwithal.com

Alabama School of Math and Science

The Adventures in Math and Science Summer Camp

ad on Inside Front

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 See Educational and Miscellaneous Camps for details.

251-441-2152 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

Christ United Methodist Church Camp Lee Summer Camp ad on page 21 and 45

70 Camp Lee Main Road, Anniston, AL 36207 Campers will have the opportunity to experience amazing activities including an intense zip-line into a beautiful lake, a natural rock-slide, and a huge pool! There will be dynamic worship, engaging messages, and great fellowship (current 6th - 12th Grade) Dates:

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Camp Cosby

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Camp Cosby offers a traditional overnight summer camp. Campers stay in air-conditioned cabins with highly-trained camp counselors. Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, water-skiing, arts and crafts. Dates: June 2- July 27, Ages: 6-15.

2019

800-85-COSBY cinfo@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org

Guide

June 5 – 9. For details and to register visit christunitedstudents.com/register. Deadline to register: May 19. 251-706-3326 www.christunitedstudents.com/register

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp ad on page 20

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Barrier Island Explorers: Rising 5th-6th graders June 2 - 5, June 9 - 12 or July 21 - 24, 2019; Marine DeTECHtives: Rising 6th - 8th grade July 14 - 16, 2019; Gulf Island Journey: Rising 7th - 9th grades June 2 - 7, June 16-21, July 7-12 pr July 21-26, 2019; Bay Voyager: Rising 9th - 12th grade. July 14 - 19, 2019. 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 Island’s sunny beaches. See and do new things. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course ad on page 20

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 June 16 - July 12, 2019. An intense 4-week academic class which introduces high school students to a better understanding of the various fields in marine science. Students live on campus and participate in more than 150 hours of supervised academic activities, take part in lectures, individual and group assignments, laboratory investigations, field projects, oral presentations, and written and practical examinations. This course also offers science credit to students. The cost is $2,250 and the application Deadline is April 2, 2019. Applications are available online. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 9

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 2019 Camps run from May – August. An all girls overnight camp offerring both one and two-week summer sessions for ages 6-16 years. Horse riding, swimming, nature trails, ropes, sports, arts and crafts, and much more! Also offering weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Camp Dixie

29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta, AL 36530 Camp Dixie is a private, traditional overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6 - 15, only 2 hours from Atlanta, Georgia. Offering a wide variety of activities, a limited enrollment of 70 campers, and multiple week or weekly sessions.

251-987-1201 director@campdixieministries.org www.campdixieministries.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.

678-701-3052 info@campdixie.org www.campdixie.org

Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

Located in the Talladega National Forest - Cheaha Mountain, 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 A traditional camp where we learn stuff, do things, and have fun! 256-362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062 We offer four sessions ranging from one to three weeks to campers ages 6-16. Our girls’ session dates are June 2nd - June 14th and June 16th - July 5th. Our Boys’ session dates are July 14th July 19th and July 21st - August 2nd. 615-799-0410 Allee@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Nakanawa

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. 931-277-3711 catherinemcphillips@gmail.com www.campnakanawa.com/

Camp Seale Harris

500 Chase Park S, Ste 104, Birmingham, AL 36244 Camp Seale Harris is living well! Hundreds of youth with diabetes come each year to camp for a medically-supervised, fun camp experience and family connection to year-round support that helps them fight diabetes every day. 205-402-0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.campsealeharris.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. 800-448-9279 info@campskyline.com www.campskyline.com

Camp Smile

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. Session 1: June 25-29, 2019 - ages 5-9, Session 2: July 2-6, 2019 - ages 22-50, Session 3: July 9-13, 2019 – ages 10-14, Session 4: July 16-20, 2019 – ages 15-21. Application Deadline: April 1, 2019. 251-479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Camp Stanislaus

304 South beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Camp Stanislaus - “a lifetime of memories and friendships”. A day and resident camp for boys and girls ages 8-15. Camp runs weekly from June 9-July 6, 2019. Father and Son Camp July 6-7, 2019. 228-467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

Camp Victory

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Summer Camp Dates 2019: June 3-8 (Grades 3-6), June 10-15 (Grades 4-7), June 17-22 (Grades 3-6), June 24-29 (Grades 9-12), July 1-6 (Grades 6-9), July 8-13 (Grades 3-6), July 15-20 (Grades 4-7) and July 22-27 (Grades 5-8)

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

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Camp Whispering Pines

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7740 Union Street, Citronelle, AL 36522 Veritas Student Camp June 17-21 for grades 6th - 12th; Girls Mission Camp for girls 1st - 6th grade June 24-28; Momentum Kids Camp July 15-18, 2019. For boys and girls in 1st - 6th grade. Visit our Website for details. 251-866-7868 www.campwhisperingpines.com

Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, AL 35218 2019 camps run from June 5 - July 27, 2019. Offering a wide variety of quality camp sessions for boys and girls ages 6-15 years old. Full week sessions and mini-camps.

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205-640-6741 info@winnataska.org www.winnataska.org

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Camp Woodmont

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381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 ACA accredited camp. Offers loads of activities: archery, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, crafts, game and more! 1 & 2 week sessions for boys & girls 6 to 14. Season: May 26 - July 26. 423-472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Our properties host camping and outdoor activities, which remain a favorite for girls ages 5-17. In the summer, during the months of June and July, we offer the opportunity to attend resident or sail away camp for every girl, whether they are a Girl Scout or not. Throughout the year, troops can conquer our zip lines and water craft activities, camp in lodges and tents, learn outdoor and survival skills, and discover nature at Kamp Kiwanis in Eclectic or Scoutshire Woods in Citronelle. See our website for how to register. 800-239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

Lake Forest Ranch

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, AL 39341 Camps run from May 24 - July 31, 2019 for ages 7 - 21 years. Family Escape Camp is August 30 September 2, 2019. Please visit our website for the complete schedule of camp sessions. 662-726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

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relationships, develop new skills, and create memories that last a lifetime.

334-229-0035 campchandler@ymcamontgomery.org www. campchandler.org

Sports Camps

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Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone, AL 35984 Summer, resident camp for Boys. Oldest continuing camp run by same family since 1928. Staff are never solicited nor accepted from the internet...2, 3, 4, 5, 6 week options available. Please visit website for dates, times and additional camp information. 256-634-4758; 504-861-1534 camp.com

www.lookoutmountain-

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Camp sessions begin March and run through August 2019 for ages 9 - 18 years. 256-837-3400; 800-637-7223 www.spacecamp.com/sc

Wyldlife Camp

18115 SE 95th Street Road, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 Mobile Trip - June 1-5; Grades 6th-8th grade; $650 Ready for a week you will always remember? Come experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of 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 Since 1928 YMCA Camp Chandler has provided youth with the opportunity to build meaningful

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. 251-445-2900 www.mcgill-toolen.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Summer Sports Camps ad on page 31

ad on page 27

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Taught by a certified exercise physiologist, this camp teaches games, fun ways to exercise, and steps toward more healthy living! June 17-21 for ages 5 to 12. Visit our website for more information. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

BlueBird Therapy Yoga Camp

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 tennis! Camp dates and costs will be posted on the school’s website as soon as they become available. Early registration is recommended. Contact mdonald@stlukesmobile.com if you have any questions.

251-666-2991 www.stlukesmobile.com

ad on page 27

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Taught by a certified kids yoga instructor, the camp uses upbeat and fast-paced yoga set to music to help strengthen kids and get them moving! June 10-14 for ages 5 to 11. Visit our website for more information. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Christ United Methodist Church Summer Sports Camps ad on page 21 and 45

251-706-3326 www.christunitedcsports.com

ad on page 29

BlueBird Therapy Fit & Fun Camp

- 20 school year) - June 17-20, 9:00am-12:00pm, Online registration deadline is June 7th, fee - $55. C-Sports Cheer Camp (For K5 - 5th Grade for the 2019 - 20 school year) July 15-19, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Register at christunitedcsports.com or in person.

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Summer Camps: C-Sports Little Dribblers Basketball Camp (entering K5 for the 2019-2020 school year) - June 17-18, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Online registration deadline is June 7th, fee - $30. C-Sports Basketball Camp (1st - 6th Grade for the 2019

UMS-Wright ad on page 18

65 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607 UMS-Wright Preparatory School is once again offering a variety of camps this summer. For information regarding Lower School camps, please call 251-470-9040. Registration forms for athletic camps can found at athletics.ums-wright.org. 251-479-6551 sblankenship@ums-wright.org www.ums-wright.org

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 www.grahamselitemartialarts.com/ summer-camp

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Meeks Rydell Volleyball

2019

Guide Heisler Heat Baseball Academy

4623 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Camps. Private hitting/pitching instruction for baseball and softball athletes. Speed and Agility classes, Strength development classes and more 251-581-1556 heislerheat@gmail.com www.heislerheatbaseball.com

High Velocity Sports Performance & Fitness 2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, AL 36619 Sports Performance, FitCamps, Gym Memberships, Batting Cages, Baseball/Softball, Indoor Soccer, Character Building, Speed&Agility, Strength

251- 639-2261 www.facebook.com/highvelocity251/

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

University of South Alabama, 307 North University Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Team Camps: July 6 - 8, 2019 for Grades 9 - 12, (6 full day sessions); Little Meeksys Camp: July 15, 2019 (Grades 4th - 8th from 12:00pm - 5:30pm); All Skills Camp:July 18 -19, 2019 (Grades 9 -12, full day camp); Elite Skills Camp: July 20 or 21, 2019 (Grades 9 - 12, full day camp). Please visit the website for more camp information. 205-460-7372 Rchilcoat@ southalabama.edu www.meeksrydellvolleyball. com

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

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

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

Mobile Parks & Rec. Community Activities

Mobile, AL Many sports camps are offered in various locations around Mobile. 251-208-1617 www.cityofmobile.org/parks/pdf/current_program.pdf

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Offering summer clinics.

251-208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

Nike Junior Golf Camp - University of South Alabama

Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Parkway, Mobile, AL 36618 Our curriculum is the perfect blend of expert instruction, course play and off-course activities. With dedicated coaches at the helm, each Nike camper can leave at the end of the week feeling more confident about their game. Dates: 6/23/196/27/19. Ages: 10-18. 800-645-3226 www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ nike-junior-golf-camp-university-south-alabama#

Oakwood Swim Team and Lessons

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 afternoon practices are available. 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

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 251666-4471 for specific camp dates and times. All above teams, lessons and camps are available to Oakwood Members and Non-members. 251-666-4471 www.oakwoodmobile.com

Spring Hill College Sports Camps

4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Numerous summer sports camps. Please check our website for information on soccer, baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball camps. www.shcbadgers.com

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The Ballpark Mobile

14061 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 The Ballpark Mobile is an indoor training facility for baseball and softball. Speed and agility, private, team, camps, clinics and group training! 251- 694-2888 info@theballparkmobile.com www.ballparkmobile.com

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

5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Rams Soccer Camps at The University of Mobile offer ¾ day, full day and residential camp options. UM Co-Ed Camp ages 8-18: June 2-5, & July 1417. College Prep Camp (grades 9-12) June 23-25. 251-442-2396 ramssocceracademy@gmail.com 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! Camp dates: TBA. Please check our website for more information. www.amyhendrichovskyvolleyballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Boys Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 2019 Boys Basketball Camps (Grades 2nd-8th) Individual Camp 1 - June 17-20 Individual Camp 2 - June 24-27 www.richierileybasketballcamp.com

Azalea City Summer Track & Field Camp – 06/10/2019 – 06/12/2019 (ages 9-19)

University of South Alabama Girls Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 2019 Camps: Team Play Dates (High School Varsity and JV) - June 6, 7, 14. College Prep Camp (ages 14-18) - June 15, August 24. Fundamentals & Shooting Camp (ages 7-14) June 10-13.

jdbrooks@southalabama.edu 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 – 06/03/2019 – 06/06/2019 (ages 5-12 boys and girls) Collegiate Prospect Camp - 06/15/2015 – 06/18/2019 (grades 8-12+) , Striker/Keeper Camp 06/17/2017 – 06/19/2019 (grades 8-12+) and Team Camp (grades 8-12, girls only) June 21 – 24.

251-460-7656 pbrueske@southalabama.edu www.jagfieldcamp.com

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.rmsacamps.com

www.swimcmsa.com

University of South Alabama Steve Campbell Football Camps

Gulf Coast Swimfants

South Ala Football Complex, Mobile, AL 36608 2019 Summer Camp Information – Prospect Camp #1 06/01/2019, #2 06/07/19, #3 06/08/19, #4 06/14/19, #5 06/15/19, #6 07/26/19 (grades 9th – College Sophomore), Youth Football Camp 06/06/19 - 06/07/19 (grades 1st - 8th), OL/DL/ Skill Position Camp 06/09/19 - 06/10/19 (grades 9th - 12th, ), and Specialist Camp 06/08/2019 (grades 9th – College Sophomore) www.jaguarfootballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Track and Field Camp 1209 Mitchell Center, Mobile, AL 36608

2423 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Teaching children aged 6 months – 4 years old ISR Self-Rescue techniques designed to help them survive should they reach the water. 251-391-4799 matthew.johnson@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com; www.swimfants.com

Mobile Bay Sailing School

4295 Marina Drive North, Mobile, AL 36605 We will offer one-week training sessions. We have 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. We will offer one-week training sessions. 251-471-3131 www.mobilebaysailingschool.com

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MBP

FamilyCalendar Monday February 25

USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Winter Concert. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday February 26

University of Mobile - Night of the Classical Masters 7:00 PM Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, 1255 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36604 The Alabama School of the Arts’ Orchestra and Chorale will be performing an evening of classical repertoire including Brahms’ A German Requiem, Op. 45 featuring soloists from The Alabama School of the Arts. umobile.edu Order of LaShe’s Parade (Free) 6:30PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Wednesday February 27

Winter Wednesdays 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore , AL, 36582 The Winter Wednesdays sessions are held each week in the Magnolia Room from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. through Feb. 27. Admission to the program is included in the regular Gardens admission, and guests are encouraged to tour the Gardens after the session. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday February 28

Arc Mardi Gras Parade www.mobilearc.org

37th Annual Arc Mardi Gras Parade 1:00 PM Gordon Smith Center, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, AL, 36617 37th Annual

Mystic Stripers Society Parade (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

USA Symphony Band Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608www.southalabama. edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 1

Saturday March 2

Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 42nd Annual Orchid Show 9:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore , AL, 36592 Mobile Area Orchid Society members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for these exotic plants. The show will include vendors selling orchids, supplies and accessories. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Reading Paws (Free) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, Joy of Life, Mobile Mystical Ladies, Order of Angels (Free) 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Joy of Life Mardi Gras Parade 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL The parade will be on Parade Route A in Downtown Mobile. A Joy of Life King or Queen will be present on each float. Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was formed in 2013 to primarily benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. joyoflifegulfcoast.org Saraland Mardi Gras Association “Krewe of Sparta” Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade & Bicentennial Celebration 12:00 PM Route 43 (Saraland Boulevard South) Saraland, AL, 36572 Saraland Mardi Gras Association “Krewe of Sparta” Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade & Bicentennial Celebration

Mardi Gras Lawn Party ($5 per person, FREE for 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 350 Oakleigh Place Mobile, AL, 36604 Mardi Gras Lawn Party www.historicmobile.org/events

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Mystics of Time Parade (Free) 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

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Sunday March 3

HMPS members and children 12 & under)

(Free) 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource

Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center King Elexis I Motorcade Parade (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route E: Begins on Water Street and proceeds down Government Street, turning onto Broad and circling Texas, Washington and Canal. Parade then proceeds back down Broad Street, across Government Street to Spring Hill Avenue, Washington, St. Louis and ending on Warren Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Joe Cain Parade (Free) 2:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Le Krewe de Bienville, Krewe de Secondline (Free) 5:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Monday March 4

King Felix III, Floral parade (Free) 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php MLK Business and Civic Organization, MLK Monday Mystics, Northside Merchants Parade (Free) 3:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile

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FamilyCalendar Parade Route D: Beginning on Warren Street, winding around ML King, Jr. Avenue, Lexington Avenue to St. Stephens Road, Spring Hill Avenue and ending on Washington Avenue. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Infant Mystics, Order of Doves Parade (Free) 7:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route F: Begins on Dauphin Street winding down Spring Hill Avenue, Government Street, taking a turn onto Claiborne Street, to Church Street and Royal, circling Bienville Square to Conception Street, back down Government Street to end at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Tuesday March 5

5 Rivers StoryTime “Firefly at Stonybrook Farm”

(Free) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center,

30945 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Order of Athena Parade (Free) 10:30 AM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Knights of Revelry, King Felix III, Comic Cowboys Parade (Free) 12:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile

Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Parade Parade (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route B: Beginning on Broad Street down ML King, Jr. Avenue to Lexington, St. Stephens, continuing down Spring Hill Avenue. A short turn onto Washington to Government with another short turn onto Clairborne to Church Street to Royal and circling Bienville Square, turning onto Conception and Government Streets and ending on Washington Avenue. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Order of Myths Parade (Free) 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route C: Beginning at St. Anthony Street, down Royal to St. Francis Street, around Bienville Square down Conception to Government Street around Broad Street and Spring Hill Avenue and a short turn onto Washington Street. Then back up Government and winding again around Bienville Square on Conception and St. Francis Streets and ending at the starting point on St. Anthony Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Wednesday March 6

and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Panda Science: Discover interesting facts about China’s most iconic animal. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org USA Faculty Flute & Clarinet Duo Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Faculty Flute & Clarinet Duo Recital www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Thursday March 7 Little Discoveries

2:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members. Takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Panda Science: Discover interesting facts about China’s most iconic animal. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com

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FamilyCalendar Thrilling Thursday: It’s a Mystery (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Ages 7 and Up. Who knows what you will find! Special guests, games, karaoke, crafts and so much more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Sing & Dance with Mr. Butch! (Free) 4:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mr. Butch for an hour of singing, dancing and Karaoke too! Ages 6-12 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Friday March 8

The Black Jacket Symphony presents Queen’s a Night at the Opera 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602www.mobilesaenger.com

Saturday March 9

Gator Chase 5k and Fun Run on the Causeway 7:00 AM Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Run the Causeway and support Spanish Fort schools in the Gator Chase. 5K Run and Fun run with activities for the whole family. www.eventbrite.com Funky Monkey 5K and Fun Run 8:00 AM USA Moulton Tower, Mobile, AL, 36608 The Funky Monkey is a family-friendly event that encourages fitness, philanthropy, and fun. Participants can choose to take part in a 3.1-mile run, jog or walk through the campus or a ¾-mile fun run. All participants are invited to enjoy the event’s favorite feature, Mobile’s Biggest Banana Split provided by Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe. events.com WWII Living History Day 9:00 AM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Come and experience a day in the life of a WWII soldier. The soldiers will be doing drills throughout the day; there will be authentic camping and blacksmithing in the original blacksmith shop. Hosted by: 29th Division US/9th SS WWII Reenactors dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines/ Community Resource Fair and Family Fun Day - Grand Bay Community Center 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Grand Bay Community Center, 11610 Highway 90 Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Community Resource Fair and Family Fun Day. See the Exhibit - Enjoy the Film! (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Where the Wild Things Are Movie - Innovative director Spike Jonze collaborated with celebrated author Maurice Sendak to bring one of the most beloved books of all time to the big screen -- Where the Wild Things Are -- a classic story about childhood and the places we go to figure out world in which we live. Tour the exhibit at the library. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Reading Paws (Free) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 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 handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

Monday March 11

Children’s Little Mermaid Tea Fundraiser 2:00 PM Bragg Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36607 Please join us for a fun-filled afternoon of delicious treats and an opportunity to meet the dancers, and hear the story of the beloved classic THE LITTLE MERMAID. The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is partnering with Mobile Ballet for this beautiful and worthwhile fundraiser. Proceeds from this exciting event will be used for the continued restoration and operation of the majestic Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Be sure to bring your camera for the opportunity to take pictures with the characters. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4055304

Trebuchet Wind Trio 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Trebuchet Wind Trio concert. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Fancy Nancy Party (Free) 2:00 PM West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Wear your fanciest attire and join us for a Fancy Nancy Party! Enjoy fancy snacks, fancy crafts, and make your fingers fancy at the fancy nail polish station! Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call the children’s department at 340-8571 or email westyou@ mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 2019 Satsuma Swamp Fest Satsuma High School, 1 Gator Circle Satsuma, AL, 36572 The event is sponsored by Friends for Satsuma Schools. And it’s day of music, good food, arts and crafts, silent auction, antique cars--and fun. 251-675-0421

Sunday March 10

Market at The Pillars 12:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Shop Local Farmers, Crafters, Bakers and Makers. Local Eats & Live Music. Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar. Pet friendly and Kid approved! 251-307-5382 Beautiful Beginnings Baby Expo (Free) 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Children’s and Women’s Hospital, 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Join us for a new, FREE family-friendly event celebrating expectant moms and families! Door prizes, Exhibitors, Meet your care team, and Guided hospital tours. usahealthsystem.com/baby-expo Afternoon of Stars (Free) 3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Members of the cast of Mobile Opera’s Il Tabarro will perform their favorite musical selections. Enjoy beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Sunday Matinee: “Owl Power” (Free) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Tuesday March 12

Wednesday March 13

Thursday March 14

Word/Play with ACAC (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center join us for Family Storytime on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Preschoolers will explore contemporary art and music through handson and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Junior League of Mobile Luncheon with Laura Bush 11:30 AM Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Junior League of Mobile will host Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States (2001-2009) at our inaugural Community Luncheon. www.juniorleaguemobile.org/jlm-hosts-laura-bushcommunity-luncheon/ Little Discoveries 2:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members. Takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Panda Science 2: Discover the other panda that lives on Earth and its American relative. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com Thrilling Thursday: It’s a Mystery (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Ages 7 and Up. Who knows what you will find! Special guests, games, karaoke, crafts and so much more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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FamilyCalendar Learn How to Paint Like Bob Ross (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Want to create beautiful paintings but have no idea how to begin. Join us and learn how to paint like Bob Ross. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Studio at Ben May Main Library! Children, ages 3-10 are invited to explore contemporary art, music, and literature through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. This class is free, open to the public and lead by professional art educators. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Plantasia Preview Party 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Preview Party on Thursday evening 4pm-7pm! First choice of THOUSANDS of great plants AND you can enjoy Georgia Roussos Catering & live music. Buy your tickets online. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 Symphonic Winds Concert (Free) 7:00 PM Shiloh Baptist Church, 717 Cleveland Road Saraland, AL, 36571 This free event features the Symphonic Winds from The Alabama School of the Arts. You will enjoy an evening of blissful and timeless music under the direction of composer, arranger and faculty member, Steve Dunn. www.umobile.edu/academics/alabama-school-arts/ center-for-performing-arts/performing-arts-series/

USA Piano Ensembles Spring Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Piano Ensembles Spring Concert www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 15

Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 2019 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36532 More than 230 exhibitors from all over the country will bring their best works. This prestigious juried show showcases artists from across the country including many from the Southeast. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court throughout this great three-day event. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com Bragg Mitchell Mansion Spring Tea 2:00 PM Bragg Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36607 Join us in celebrating Mo-

bile’s glorious Springtime at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Enjoy fabulous sweets, sandwiches, and tea as you visit with your friends in Mobile’s iconic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion, Bragg-Mitchell. www.brownpapertickets.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “StageDoor Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Saturday March 16

Alabama Spartan Race 7:00 AM 1199 Radcliff Road Saraland, AL, 36525 Alabama Spartan Race returning to Saraland. www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/4448/overview 1st Annual Semmes Azalea Jubilee 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Semmes Municipal Park, 8108 Morris Hill Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Join us for the 1st Annual Semmes Azalea Jubilee. www.cityofsemmesal.gov 2019 Mobile Kidney Walk 9:00 AM UMS-Wright, 65 Mobile Street North Mobile, AL, 36607 The Mobile Kidney Walk is the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s premier fundraising event, dedicated to raising funds to help local kidney patients through the Foundation’s Financial

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FamilyCalendar Assistance Program. Join us for a morning filled with live entertainment, door prizes, children’s activities and much more! www.alkidney.org Mobile Literary Festival 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36602 Learn from award-winning authors in free creative writing workshops and panel discussions designed to benefit authors of all levels. Shop the local book sale and much more. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Summer Camp and Healthy Kids Expo 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Gulf Coast Exploreum (Free) Mobile Bay Parents Magazine and Eastern Shore Parents Magazine are excited to host the third annual Summer Camp and Healthy Kids Expo! Come learn about all the area’s summer camp options, be entertained with live animals, face painting, balloon twisting, and demonstrations all while browsing through the amazing Exploreum’s permanent exhibits. Great fun for the whole family! For information call 251-929-2099 or email lynn@mobilebayparents.com. Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 2019 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, See March 15. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com Family Clay Activity ($40/$10 for members) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Spend a day creating in clay with family or friends! www.mobilemuseumofart.com Touch a Truck ($20 per car)

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36606 Touch a Truck is a family-friendly event that offers children a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of trucks and meet the people who build, protect and serve our community. Children will be allowed to touch, climb aboard, and ask questions about their favorite trucks in a safe environment. (Noise free hour from 10:00am-11:00am) www.usahealthsystem.com/events/touch-a-truck Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 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. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “Stage-Door Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Sunday March 17

2019 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free)

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36532 More than 230 exhibitors from all over the country will bring their best works. This prestigious juried show showcases artists from across the country including many from the Southeast. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court throughout this great three-day event. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris 1:00 PM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36603 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! secure.qgiv.com/event/mobwalkforcsh/ Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “Stage-Door Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Monday March 18

Tuesday March 19

5 Rivers StoryTime “In a Nutshell” (Free) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Wednesday March 20

Little Discoveries 10:00 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members. Takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Colorful Chemistry: Discover how colorful and exciting that chemistry can be. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com We LOVE Sendak Storytime (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Headstart programs, schools and families are invited to a special Storytime in Bernheim Hall. Program consists of songs, stories and a Readers Theater tailored just for ages 4 to 7. Registration required. For more information or to register, please call the children’s department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org The Pact presents “Freaky Friday: The Musical” 7:30 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Facility for Performing Arts Creative Training, better known as The PACT, presents Freaky Friday: The Musical at The Steeple. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

Thursday March 21

Festival of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Providence Hospital Campus, 6701 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36608 More than just a walk in the park, the 2019 Festival of Flowers is a showcase of the ultimate in floral and garden excellence and creativity. 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. 251-639-2050 www.festivalofflowers.com Word Play 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Word/ Play is a program that encourages children ages 2-5 to create works of art inspired by contemporary children’s literature. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Little Discoveries 2:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members. Takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Colorful Chemistry: Discover how colorful and exciting that chemistry can be. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com The Pact presents “Freaky Friday: The Musical” 7:30 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Facility for Performing Arts Creative Training, better known as The PACT, presents Freaky Friday: The Musical at The Steeple. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Friday March 22

Festival of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Providence Hospital Campus, 6701 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36608 More than just a walk in the park, the 2019 Festival of Flowers is a showcase of the ultimate in floral and garden excellence and creativity. 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. We invite you to celebrate with us! 251-639-2050 www.festivalofflowers.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “Stage-Door Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

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The Pact presents “Freaky Friday: The Musical” 7:30 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Facility for Performing Arts Creative Training, better known as The PACT, presents Freaky Friday: The Musical at The Steeple. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

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Mobile Opera presents “Il Tabarro” 8:00 PM the Temple, 351 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Cloak is the dark drama of Puccini’s trilogy that includes Gianni Schicchi (2016) and Suor Angelica (2017). Sonorous music sets the stage for suspicion, jealousy and murder as only the master, Puccini, can. 251-432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

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Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” at 9 am, 11 am, 1pm, & 7pm. 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com

teams, live music, cold drinks, games, giveaways, and a great time. Each Ticket includes a tasting of more than 20 dishes. www.cacmobile.org Environmental Studies Center Open House 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby road Mobile, AL, 36693 Spring Open House with local artists, crafters and food trucks. We will also have our wonderful grounds to explore and exhibits open for the kids as well as our wildlife shows. 251-221-5000 www.mcpsesc.com Trinity Faith Bible Church Spring Fling 4401 Whistler Street, Eight Mile, AL 36613 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Grilled Chicken cook off with chicken dinners for $7 which includes grilled chicken, potato salad or cole slaw, baked beans and bread. Vendors will also be participating. Festival of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Providence Hospital Campus, 6701 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36608 More than just a walk in the park, the 2019 Festival of Flowers is a showcase of the ultimate in floral and garden excellence and creativity. 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. We invite you to celebrate with us! 251-639-2050 www.festivalofflowers.com The How-to-Workshop for Artists Who Can’t Draw (Free) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join Steven Moore, illustrator and author of The How to Book for Artists Who Can’t Draw for a fun and easy to follow workshop that helps develop eye-hand skills and build creative confidence with easy to follow exercises designed to help the true beginner learn to draw. It is for those who have absolutely no ability to draw and believe they cannot learn to draw. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 208-7079. Ages 10 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Trinity Faith Bible Church Spring Fling 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Trinity Faith Bible Church, 4401 Whistler Street Eight Mile, AL, 36613 Grilled Chicken cook off with chicken dinners for $7 which includes grilled chicken, potato salad or cole slaw, baked beans and bread. Vendors will also be participating. Maker Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Families with young children are invited for a time of exploring science, technology, engineering and math through stories and making projects together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

2019 Annual Used Book Sale 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 Join us for the book sale, with the exception of special-priced items, hardback books are $2, while paperbacks are $1. We will also have audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and more at bargain prices! 251-208-7902

5th Annual Downtown Cajun Cook-Off 9:00 AM Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Come join us for the 5th year of this wonderful Cajun Cookin’ festival benefitting the Child Advocacy Center. Enjoy tasting delicious eats from 20+ competitive

Crafternoon (Free) 2:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 All Ages - Be Creative! Join us for an hour devoted solely to the joys of crafting. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saturday March 23

Second Annual Grill on the Hill Cook-off 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 4051 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Teams will be serving the most delicious food in Spring Hill in a competition for the best Grill on the Hill! Hot Food, cold beverages and a good time for all. Join us as a team or as a guest! www.stpaulsearlyedcenter.com Tech Time (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Ages 8 and Up. Join us as we explore the world of technology through a variety of projects and resources. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “StageDoor Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Ballet presents “The Little Mermaid” 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center , 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Anderson’s magical tale is re-imagined into a dazzling ballet with original choreography from Katia Garza and powerful score by Antonin Dvorak. Mobile Ballet is excited to share this spellbinding new production journeying from the human realm to a mystical underwater world - sure to entrance all ages. 251-342-2241 mobileballet.org 42nd Azalea Trail Run Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile’s Azalea Trail Run will celebrate 42 years of running the streets of Mobile at its blooming best - join us! www.pcpacers.org Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” at 11 am, 2 pm, & 7 pm. 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com

Sunday March 24

Festival of Flowers 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Providence Hospital Campus, 6701 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36608 More than just a walk in the park, the 2019 Festival of Flowers is a showcase of the ultimate in floral and garden excellence and creativity. 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. We invite you to celebrate with us! 251-639-2050 www.festivalofflowers.com

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FamilyCalendar Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 This comedic romp pokes fun at various musicals through a murder mystery. Producers, writers, actors, dancers, and so on assemble for an audition at a wealthy backer’s house. When the bodies begin to pile and the labyrinthine house, replete with secret passageways drive everyone batty, the guests seek to unmask the “Stage-Door Slasher” before they are the next victim. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” at 11 am, 2 pm, & 7 pm. 251-510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com Mobile Ballet presents “The Little Mermaid” 2:30 PM Mobile Civic Center , 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Anderson’s magical tale is re-imagined into a dazzling ballet with original choreography from Katia Garza and powerful score by Antonin Dvorak. Mobile Ballet is excited to share this spellbinding new production journeying from the human realm to a mystical underwater world - sure to entrance all ages. 251-342-2241 mobileballet.org Mobile Opera presents “Il Tabarro” 2:30 PM the Temple, 351 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Cloak is the dark drama of Puccini’s trilogy that includes Gianni Schicchi (2016) and Suor Angelica (2017). Sonorous music sets the stage for suspicion, jealousy and murder as only the master, Puccini, can. 251-432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

Monday March 25

Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Wonder 6:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Have you ever asked yourself “I wonder”? Join us as we uncovered the truth to this question and what God tells us about true beauty, our value, and our purpose. This event will have a variety of fun and engaging conversations in addition to hearing from a New York best selling author Mo Isom. 251-415-4641 www.thesteeplemobile.com

Tuesday March 26

Women’s Resource Center Gala 5:00 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention , 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us on Tuesday, March 26th as we celebrate LIFE together! You do not want to miss the opportunity to hear all the Lord is doing through the WRC! This year’s speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Mo Isom. 251-473-4000 secure.ministrysync.com/ministrysync/event/?e=15449 UM Jazz Band 7:00 PM Redemption Church, 1251 Industrial Parkway Saraland, AL, 36571 A fan of spy movies and the

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

music made popular by them? Grab your tuxedo and cocktail dress, hop in your Aston Martin and come enjoy The Alabama School of the Arts’ Jazz Band as you listen to a timeless collection of your favorite spy tunes. Under the direction of Kenn Hughes, Associate Dean. www.umobile.edu/academics/alabama-school-arts/ center-for-performing-arts/performing-arts-series/

Wednesday March 27

Thursday March 28

Little Discoveries 2:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members. Takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Dinosaur Science: Discover the wonderful world of Paleontology. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com Thrilling Thursday: It’s a Mystery (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Ages 7 and Up. Who knows what you will find! Special guests, games, karaoke, crafts and so much more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Inaugural Lemon Face Gala 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, GulfQuest, 155 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 This Gala will include both silent and live auctions and an exciting program to showcase important developments in DIPG research. eventbrite.com The Arty’s 6:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Artys. Now in its 14th year, The Artys recognize important contributions to the local arts by individuals, organizations, and businesses. This year’s event will feature food, drink, and live performances by local performing arts organizations. mobilearts.org Little Black Dress 6:30 PM Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, AL, 36605 Little Black Dress, presented by 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. Paired with the runway show, the cocktail party will feature Mobile’s top area chefs and restaurants with exceptional food and refreshing beverage offerings. www.rmhcmobile.org USA Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 29

Colonial Day at Fort of Colonial Mobile (Free) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 See what life was like in Colonial Mobile at this educational event. 251-301-0270 www.historymuseumofmobile.com/ programs-events Sidewalk-A-Thon 4:00 PM Moorer Public Library, Mobile, AL, 36608 Put on your walking shoes and join family, friends and neighbors for the 8th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon. There are fun activities after the walk as well – DJ, games, and treats. www.tvosh.com Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday March 30

2019 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36603 Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! www.eventbrite.com

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Dauphin Island Native American Festival 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Native American Festival with pottery, weaving, arts & crafts, 18th Century Creek Hunting Camp, storytelling and more. 251-861-3300 dauphinislandarts.org Hop on the Hill 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Village of Springhill, Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for Hop on the Hill. www.facebook.com/springhillmerchantsassociation/ Mobile Chocolate Festival ($3.00 in advance- $5.00 day of event~free admission for children 13 and under)

10:00 AM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us to benefit Penelope House. We will have vendors that vary from having chocolate-themed wares to succulent confections to jewelry to bath and body products. Also featured: Children’s Area, Mobile Fixture Demonstration Area, Chocolate Challenge featuring professionals, amateurs, and youth divisions, Project Yum Way where students and aspiring designers participate in a fashion display of chocolate inspired fashions made from chocolate candy wrappers, Cupcake Booth, Chocolate Martini tasting, Magic Memories Photo Booth, an outdoor Cruise-In, music by Franklin Pratt,

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FamilyCalendar and much more. www.mobilechocolatefestival.com Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Join us as we make Solo Cup Stained Glass. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org American Cancer Society Chili Cookoff 11:00 AM Mardi Gras Park, 104 South Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us at the American Cancer Society 30th Annual Chili Cook-for a spectacular, funfilled day of food, fun and entertainment! www.mobile.org/event/american-cancer-society-chilicook-off/17997/ Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Symphony presents “Carmina Burana” 7:30 PM Mobile Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 At the beginning of the 1930s, Orff produced a number of arrangements of early music. His researches in this area led to the creation of Carmina Burana. The texts come from a collection of earthy lyrics, discovered in a Bavarian monastery and dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It contains some 200 drinking songs and love lyrics. Orff saw in it the ideal vehicle to express basic human emotions. www.mobilesymphony.org Mike Epps - Comedy Tour 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center , 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Mike Epps Comedy Tour www.mobilecivicctr.com

Sunday March 31

Springhill Medical Center Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo 1:00 PM Holiday Inn Mobile, 3630 Springhill Memorial Drive South Mobile, AL, 36608 Expectant mothers, soonto-be parents, new parents, and expanding families are invited to attend the Springhill Medical Center Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo. Join us for a fun day to discover new products and services for your baby or your family. Also, there will be OB/GYNs, Pediatricians, and numerous vendors set up with educational materials on immunizations, keeping baby safe & healthy, and parenting tips. Physicians and our own experts from The Birthing Suites at Springhill will be making presentations throughout the day that feature best practices for taking care of your baby.Register for several baby-helpful gifts to be given out to attendees during the event and a grand prize. 251-460-5440 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “You Can’t Take It With You” 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Mobile Symphony presents “Carmina Burana” 2:30 PM Mobile Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 www.mobilesymphony.org Spotlight Talent Showcase Murphy High School, 100 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Be a part of the free SPOTLIGHT Talent Showcase. First-prize winners in each age division will be awarded a cash prize for an arts program at their school and perform at the 2019 Distinguished Young Women National Finals! Open to and 1-12 grader in Mobile and Baldwin County. Any talent is welcome and there will be awards for Individuals and groups.There will be two showcases on March 31st: 2pm for 1-6 graders and 6pm for 7-12 graders. www.GulfCoastSpotlight.com

Wednesday April 3

2019 K-12 Science and Technology Open House 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The NSF EPSCoR CPU2AL project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), invites middle school teachers and students to participate in a one-of-a-kind STEM experience on April 3, 2019, at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. The open house will include full access to the Exploreum including IMAX presentations and hands-on science demonstrations.

Thursday April 4

Gulf Coast Children’s Book Festival 9:00 AM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 The Gulf Coast Children’s Book Festival will offer author signings, illustrator workshops, storyteller stages, entertainment stages, educational/ informational exhibits, costumed book characters, book sales, a picnic area and more. www.bgcsouthal.org/bookfestival.html

Classes/Meetings 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 251-281-7312. 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 251-6105264. 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. 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. *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. 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

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FamilyCalendar Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital offers a variety of classes on Childbirth Preparation. All classes meet in Conference Room 1, (located just inside the front doors in the main lobby of the hospital by the gift shop), unless otherwise specified. Preregistration is required for all classes, and fees are collected in class. To register for classes, please visit our website at www. providencehospital.org, Women’s Services and click “Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes. If you have any questions, please email us at maternityservices@ ascension.org or call 251-2661749.

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.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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 340-7769 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. 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 6:30-9 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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The Lego Movie 2

Isn’t It Romantic?

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Everything isn’t awesome anymore. Lego Duplo invaders have been attacking the Lego world for five years, destroying all attempts at rebuilding. Giving up in despair, the citizens finally stop trying, harden themselves, and rename their community Apocalypseburg. But for Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), awesomeness is a state of mind. Emmet remains relentlessly upbeat, focusing on the good things in life like his friend Lucy (voiced by Elizabeth Banks) and his brand new house. Even when he tries to assume a brooding attitude, his cheerfulness keeps breaking through. Until the aliens return. This time their ship destroys Emmet’s home and seizes Lucy and some other friends – and it’s partly Emmet’s fault. Torn apart by grief and guilt, Emmet builds a spaceship and launches himself into outer space, determined to turn himself into the kind of strong, tough guy who is capable of rescuing his friends. And then he meets Rex Dangervest, who is the kind of guy Emmet wants to be. “You need to be a master breaker”, Rex tells the master builder and encourages him to tap into his dark feelings to make that transformation. Can Emmet change? Should he? Parents will be happy to have their youngsters exposed to messages about having a positive attitude, remaining hopeful in hard times, working together, being open to different perspectives, and – here’s the motherlode – getting along with siblings. Best of all, this production delivers all of these uplifting messages without profanity, vulgar jokes or potty humor. There is a fair bit of Lego violence but none of it is scary and, obviously, it isn’t gory either.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: B Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CNatalie (Rebel Wilson) hates romantic comedies. She complains to her friends, Josh (Adam Devine) and Whitney (Betty Gilpin) about the clichés found in the genre – the gay best friend who doesn’t have a job, the female office nemesis, the iconic stopping-the-wedding scene. Natalie looks at her life - small apartment, lonely social calendar, and a job where she is overlooked and undervalued – and decrees that rom-coms are deceptive fantasies. Then everything changes. Natalie is concussed after a subway mugging and wakes up in a different world. Her apartment is large and full of shoes, her terse neighbor, Donny (Brandon Scott Jones) has morphed into her gay sidekick, Whitney is trying to destroy her career, and she is being determinedly pursued by handsome billionaire Blake (Liam Hemsworth). The only thing that feels familiar is Josh – until he has a meet-cute with swimsuit model Isabella. Panicking in this unfamiliar universe, Natalie frantically tries to figure out how to get back to her own reality. Isn’t It Romantic? covers familiar ground but it does so with a pronounced wink to the audience. The song and dance numbers, the overthe-top dinner dates, the kiss in the rain – all the quintessential rom-com elements are here but are presented tongue in cheek. What viewers are likely to complain about is the production’s excessive use of profanity. A feel good movie like this doesn’t need the almost four dozen curses, terms of deity and crude words. And it doesn’t need the vulgar sexual innuendo. These negative content issues are particularly disappointing because they spoil a film that is otherwise a great product for teens.

Alita: Battle Angel

Happy Death Day 2U

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: A Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AWhen Dr. Ido (Christoph Waltz) discovers a robotic head with an intact brain in the scrap pile below the flying city of Zalem, he takes it home and brings it to life. When she awakes, she remembers nothing, and asks Dr. Ido for a name: he calls her “Alita” (Rosa Salazar). Though she learns quickly and adapts well to her new life, Ido is worried about her headstrong nature and tendency to find trouble. However, when Alita helps him track down a fugitive killer, they both realize that there may be something bigger going on in Iron Town. With the help of her friend, junk dealer Hugo (Keean Johnson), Alita and Ido prepare to take on the biggest players in the criminal world. Alita: Battle Angel feels kind of like a mashup between Mortal Engines and Robocop: It adopts the sprawling dystopian future from the former and replaces its steampunk aspects with the cyberpunk and cybernetic ideas from the latter. It’s not a terrible combination, and the world-building in the movie is one of its strongest points. That said, Alita:Battle Angel isn’t without its own problems. Foremost among these, the pacing is very strange. For the first twothirds of the movie, things move along at a consistent pace, with a sense of an impending dramatic climax. By the middle of the third act, however, it becomes abundantly clear that the film is going somewhere else altogether. Moviegoers may or may not object to these technical problems, but they will be relieved with the minimal content issues in this film. Despite its “C” grade for violence, Alita: Battle Angel is surprisingly not gory. It’s a fun movie for older kids and teens.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: D Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: A Jessica Rothe reprises her role as Theresa “Tree” Gelbman, a young college student who recently escaped a lethal time loop by realizing that her roommate was trying to kill her all along. Now safely in “tomorrow”, Tree believes she is safe. That is, until fellow student Ryan Phan (Phi Vu) starts fiddling with his high-powered science project, launching her not only into another time loop, but into a separate dimension. In this dimension, not only are she and her boyfriend not together, but her roommate never tried to kill her, and her mother is still alive. With a little help from Ryan and some other science majors, Tree might be able to get back to her own dimension: but will she even want to? The best way to describe this film to anyone who hasn’t seen the original Happy Death Day is that it’s Groundhog Day meets Scary Movie. Thankfully, however, it manages to avoid some of the exceptionally explicit and coarse humor of the latter and sticks to a more darkly funny tone. By balancing the dark comedy with genuine emotion, Happy Death Day 2U, while still not a spectacular film, becomes pretty darn watchable. Parental concerns are fairly obvious, with a laundry list of comedic (but somewhat gruesome) violent scenes and a similar list of profanities. That said, as far as horror comedies go, this one dodges a lot of the typical genre concerns. There is almost no sex whatsoever, beyond the usual college couples making out, and not a single scene involving drugs or alcohol. Although it probably isn’t terribly appropriate for younger teens, and certainly not for children, this would work well for mature teens with a taste for horror movies.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2019

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Congratulations to

Brian aiyana Velazquez Escobar winners of the second annual “ Share Your Smile Alabama Department of Public photo Health Oral Health Office with Alabama”contest

For smiles like aiyana and Brian that last a lifetime: • C hildren ages 1-17 years old need to have preventive dental visits twice yearly • Optimal levels of Community Water Fluoridation should be present where you live

alabamapublichealth.gov/oralhealth

ORAL HEALTH OFFICE Promoting Smiles Across a Lifetime

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