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Volume 4 Number 11
50 Columns
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Mom of the Month 6
Living With Children John Rosemond
Nurturing Good Communicators
10 ways to help your child become a well-rounded communicator!
Centsibly Southern Chic...Fashion
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Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Advice for finding the perfect pair of jeans to fit your body.
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Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
Give Your Child the Gift of Camp
2015 Summer Camps
Discover 5 good reasons to send your child to camp this year.
Our guide shares details about day and overnight camps in Mobile and beyond.
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Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey
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Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Elizabeth Ranew (age 9) is the daughter of Nathan and Amber Ranew. Her younger siblings are Natalie (6) and Caleb (4). Proud grandparents are Dan and Terrie Pauls and Rick and Marcia Ranew. Elizabeth’s hobbies and activities include playing piano, singing, swimming, reading and playing basketball. 3
Departments 6
Bits and Pieces 16
School Bits 68
Family Calendar 76
Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
MomOfTheMonth Those warm summer days are just around the corner, and I can hardly wait! As the mother of three wonderful children, ages 9, 6, and 4, our family looks forward to the summer months all year long. I love having my kids home with me all day and doing fun and new things together. Many families go on summer vacations while others stay home and look for things to do in the Mobile area. In this issue of Mobile Bay Parents, you will find a great resource in the Summer Camp Directory to help guide you in finding exciting things to do for your children and with your family this summer. In her article 5 Reasons to Give Your Child the Gift of Summer Camp, Gayla Grace shares wonderful ideas and reasons why summer camp is a great investment in your child’s life. Through my daughters’ past involvement in summer camp, it has been great to witness first hand the positive impact on both their confidence and communication skills. At volleyball camp, my oldest daughter learned how to make new friends and how to work with others as a team. She was challenged to learn new things that I would not have been able to teach her at home. During church camp, my youngest daughter flourished socially, and I was amazed at the progress she made in just one week. She is normally very reserved and shy around large crowds, but on the last day, my sweet, quiet child got on the stage voluntarily to sing with some of the other children. It brought tears to my eyes to see such a change in her that I know would not have happened just spending that week at home. Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans and researching which camps your child may be interested in attending. Please pay special attention to the camp advertisers throughout this issue who are ready and waiting to serve your family this year! One of the many reasons I love Mobile Bay Parents magazine is because of the amazing resource it is in finding activities I might not have known about otherwise. Another great article in this month’s issue is 10 Ways to Nurture a WellRounded Communicator, by Christa Melnyk Hines. In this technology driven world, our children are the ones who often suffer in developing their communication skills. I have seen it in my own children’s lives when they would rather play on the iPad/computer or watch TV instead of reading a book, using their imaginations, or playing with their siblings. I strive to limit their screen time and teach them to communicate with others around. At dinner time, we try to all sit at the table and talk about the day with open-ended questions to stimulate conversation. At bedtime, we make an effort to ask about any prayer requests or concerns they may have before going to sleep. As their mother, it is vital to model these same communication skills. I have noticed that when my children ask me to look at them doing something, that it means the world to them when I put down my phone or laptop and actually watch what they are doing. Another way to help them communicate is to let them order at restaurants and to practice table manners. They love to do it and it makes them feel grown up. People are so much more important than any screen we are looking at, and I want my children to learn this at an early age. In preparation for the summer days ahead, start planning now for an awesome, adventurous summer you and your kids will remember forever. Make memories, spend time together away from technology, get outside, and consider a camp to inspire your children to try new things and use their communication skills to meet new friends. A heart felt thanks to Mobile Bay Parents for this opportunity to share with others, and I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed summer.
Amber Ranew Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source
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.
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. Gayla Grace Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Dave Ramsey Amber Ranew John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com 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 2013 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.
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Teens & Sleep New research finds that teens whose school days begin later than the national norm of approximately 8 a.m. achieve at higher levels than teens who start school earlier. The researchers in question recommend that school start times be extended to at least 8:30 am. Am I missing something here? The problem, it seems to me, is not when the school day begins. The problem is teens whose parents let them stay up until all hours of the night playing video games, texting, talking on their cell phones, watching television, sufing the net, and listening to music on headphones. These teens, as has been known for some time now, aren’t getting enough sleep. Bedtime is the problem, not school time. Furthermore, it is well known that electronics of the above sort interfere with circadian rhythms. A teen using any of these devices well into the evening is going to have difficulty falling asleep. This is yet another example of how the culture absolves parents of responsibility for their children (because that would constitute what’s come to be known as “blaming”) and
assigns it instead to some faceless institutional policy. This is also an example of how institutions and bureaucracies tend to completely ignore the Law of Unintended Consequences when it comes to setting policy. Let me assure the reader that if a school decides to push its start time from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the teens who attend said school will simply use that as an excuse to stay up playing, texting, talking, watching, surfing, and listening for another hour. They will get exactly the same amount of sleep, come to school equally tired, and their achievement will suffer equally. The solution to the problem of teens who don’t get enough sleep on school nights is for parents to step up to the plate and make it impossible for their kids to play, text, talk, watch, surf, and listen after a certain time. With nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs or read, these teens will fall asleep. And because their brains have not been bombarded with electronic stimulation prior to falling asleep, they will sleep more soundly. And because they will sleep more soundly, they will wake up refreshed and go to school prepared mentally to do their best.
Ah, but that’s the rub, of course. I refer to parents who will not set limits of any meaningful sort on their children’s use of electronics because, get this, it will upset them. And we must not, in America, have upset children. As one parent put it to me recently: “I mean, but John, that’s what they’re all doing at night!” Meaning that if he shut down his teenage child’s electronic access after 8 p.m., the child would be placed at a significant social disadvantage, grow up feeling deprived, and never reach his full potential or some other such baloney. My parents hardly ever let me do what “all” the other kids were doing. In retaliation, I left home and got married at age 20 and managed, somehow, to overcome the debilitating social limitations my parents had imposed on me and create a reasonably decent life for myself, wife, and kids. Oh, and my parents made me turn out my lights no later than 10 p.m. on school nights until I went to college. But that was back in those benighted days when parents didn’t care what their children thought about any decision they made. Some people actually call them the “good old days.” How ridiculous. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
barre3 Mobile Loves Mamas
Every mother deserves to be healthy and happy—that’s why we’re so proud to support Every Mother Counts. Take classes on Mama Mondays and we’ll donate 100% of the proceeds from childcare to Every Mother Counts. Or, buy a Welcome Back Mama Package and 10% of the proceeds will benefit Every Mother Counts. Childcare available at select times. Visit barre3.com or email us at mobile@barre3.com for more details.
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University of Alabama presents “42nd Street”
The University of Alabama will bring Broadway to Mobile during its performance of 42nd Street on April 9. Complete with big, flashy tap dances, gorgeous costumes and a cast of 40, this one-nightonly performance is sure to dazzle audience members at the Mobile Civic Center. Set during the Great Depression, 42nd Street received Tony Awards for Best Musical after its premier in 1980 and Best Revival in 2001. The musical includes songs like “Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re in the Money” and the title song, “Forty-Second Street.” For tickets and more info, please visit www.mobilecivicctr.com/events/university-of-alabama-presents42nd-street
Serve it up with Love Junior Tennis Championship
Corn Hole Classic Benefitting the Family Center
The Family Center of Mobile invites you to join them at the Bluegill Restaurant for the Corn Hole Classic Saturday, April 18. The Corn Hole Classic is a very special event to raise funds to benefit the Family Center. The Family Center is committed to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect by providing education, training and support to parents and caregivers in Southwest Alabama since 1991. Check in for the Corn Hole Classic begins at 1:00 p.m. The Corn Hole Classic will begin at 2:00 p.m. Participants may pre-register by mail by April 11, or online (www.eventbrite.com) until midnight April 16, or in person at The Family Center- Mobile 601 Bel Air Blvd. Ste 100 Mobile until midnight April 16. Please call (251) 479-5700 or visit www. familycentermobile.org for more information.
Grillin’ at the Grounds
The 2015 Al Fuchs Memorial Greater Mobile Junior Championship will be held Saturday, May 2 at the Copeland Cox Tennis Center. This junior tournament is open to girls and boys in age brackets 8-10-1214-16-18. Quick Start will be used for 8 year olds and under to help them learn the game. This half day event will be U.S.T.A. sanctioned. Each player will receive a signature t-shirt and a goody bag. Breakfast will be furnished by Fresh Market and lunch will be provided by Wintzell’s Oyster House. The Orthopaedic Group will provide medical coverage for the event. www.serveitupwithlove.com.
The Grillin’ at the Grounds BBQ Festival, to be held April 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Grounds at 1035 Cody Road North, will feature dozens of teams, vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Teams will compete in categories such as Chicken, Pork, Brisket, and Ribs while also being able to enter separate contests for sides, deserts, and sauce. Entry into the festival includes free food sampling from 11-2. Tickets are $10 for adults while children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Patient Assistance Fund which provides support for low income patients undergoing treatment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Please visit thegroundsmobile.com for more information.
United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 21st Annual Day of Caring
On April 17th, 2015, volunteers will come together to participate in the area's largest single day of volunteerism. Hundreds of volunteers make a difference during United Way’s Day of Caring. Day of Caring is a great opportunity for team-building and enables volunteers to have a hands-on impact in the community. Each year, volunteers spend one day in a United Way partner agency meeting its needs by completing projects the agency hasn’t had the time, money or staff to address. Over the past 20 years, nearly 5,000 volunteers have participated in United Way’s Day of Caring. Join us in making in a difference in the community! For more information, please contact Kristin Woods at kwoods@uwswa.org or (251) 433-3624. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Celebrating National Crab Day with the Best not2crabby Selfie Contest
To celebrate National Crab Day and loyal patrons, the Original Oyster House is running a contest to find the best not2crabby selfie for its 14’ x 28’ digital billboards as well as other promotional outlets. A not2crabby hat was specially designed as a prop for the selfie promotion. For selfie enthusiasts, here’s an opportunity to see your biggest selfie in lights on Highway 98 in Daphne, and on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores. To enter, participants must visit either Original Oyster House location and ask for a not2crabby hat. The participant must take a selfie wearing the official hat inside the restaurant and post the selfie on Facebook.com/OriginalOysterHouse with the hashtag #not2crabby. The promotion launches March 9, commemorating National Crab Day. It’s a day to celebrate considering Alabama lands approximately 1.5 million pounds of blue crabs per year and processes approximately 5 million pounds a year in total which includes live crabs from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana. Winners of the not2crabby selfie will be selected by Superb Foods, the management company of the Original Oyster House restaurants. Facebook likes of the selfie post and/or creativity of the selfie can improve a participant’s chances of winning. Participants can campaign for likes, by tagging after posting to the Original Oyster House Facebook page and sharing the post on their own Facebook pages. Creativity will also be considered. Mother/daughter selfies; Father/son selfies; sibling selfies; BFF selfies, funny face selfies, couple selfies, etc. are greatly welcome. Qualifying entries must be posted to the Original Oyster House Facebook page by June 30, 2015. Participants must be 18 years old or older to enter. By posting your not2crabby selfie on Original Oyster House’s Facebook page, you fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of Superb Foods, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the promotion. Winners will be notified via Facebook Messenger and will have 24 hours to alert Original Oyster House, via Facebook Messenger, if they do not wish their photograph to be used on the digital billboard. Your photo post on Facebook confirms your contest entry. For more information or the Official Rules visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/not2crabby.
Paint Par�� St�dios
Painting and Art Parties for Adults & Kids ⦁ Birthdays & Occasions
Kids’ Summer Art Camp & Classes Week-long half-day sessions or choose a la carte classes Grades K-6 ⦁ Painting ⦁ Drawing ⦁ Multimedia
Registration begins May 1st
251-343-2423 ⦁ paintpartystudios.com West Mobile Studio ⦁ Old Town Daphne Studio 9
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Victory Health Partners’ Fifth Annual Hope for Healing Celebration Dinner
Join us April 14 for Hope for Healing at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel to benefit Victory Health Partners. Victory Health Partners and Eric Metaxas, author of “Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life”, join together for an evening exploring the mystery of miracles and how they are more widespread than we can imagine. The night promises to be one of inspiration as we recount the daily miracles that occur in the mission of Victory Health Partners. Reception from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Dinner and program begins at 6:30 p.m. For over 12 years, Victory Health Partners has provided medical, dental and specialized care to more than 15,000 low income patients from working families. By the grace of God, we plan to keep seeing these miracles – everyday. “True faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s a leap into the light.” Please visit www.victoryhealth.org for more information.
USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital to Host Local Goodness Event
University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host Local Goodness, a unique farm-to-table experience sponsored by Hancock Bank on Sunday, April 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. At this casual seated dinner and silent auction, guests will dine on local meats, seafood and produce as they enjoy authentic bluegrass music performed by local band Fat Man Squeeze. With an emphasis on the services we provide to families in our community, Local Goodness will pay tribute to local cuisine, art and music while raising awareness and support for our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare for the children and women in this region. Tickets for this event are $150 and can be purchased by calling (251) 415-1636 or visiting bit.ly/cwlocalgoodness. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Beth Mattei at (251) 415-1636 or bmattei@southalabama.edu.
Mobile to Host USA Cycling Criterium and Century Ride
The Mobile Sports Authority, along with the City and County of Mobile, USA Cycling, Team Share the Road, the Mobile Bay CVB, and Little Red Hen Productions, is pleased to announce the 2015 Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) Tour de Bay coming to downtown Mobile, Alabama, May 2-3. The two-day, first-time event will feature a criterium championship along with a 62-mile Century Ride. Saturday’s main event will serve as the 2015 USA Cycling Alabama State Criterium Championships. The criterium, a short course road race, will feature a 6/10 mile track running through the entertainment district of downtown Mobile. Races kick off at 8 a.m. with the races being staged out of Bienville Square. Cycling continues Sunday with a Century Ride through Mobile County. Through the joint effort with Team Share the Road, the family-friendly bike ride will begin and end at Bienville Square and will feature three distance options: 8 miles, 22 miles, or 62 miles. Registration for both Saturday and Sunday events can be found at www.usacycling.org/register/2015-541. Links available for the map of each course: Criterium – http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/607550742 Century Ride - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/587682516
2015 Delta Woods & Waters Expo - “Discover the Delta”
Spanish Fort Alabama - Preparations are underway for the 7th Annual Delta Woods & Waters Expo, an event sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort and held at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Mobile Bay Causeway. April 25 is Family Day from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., open to the public with free admission and free parking and shuttle service throughout the day. With an expanded lineup on Saturday's Family Day, children and adults alike will be fascinated by the Environmental Studies Center's raptor birds of prey exhibit and the Dauphin Island Estuarium’s touch tank experience. Informative demonstrations of archery, retrieving dogs, turkey calling, campsite setup, boating use and safety, and the art of making handcrafted casting and fishing nets are planned, along with hands-on experiences of casting rod and reel combos, fly-tying and casting, and knot-tying, just to name a few. For an up-close look at the Delta, catch the pontoon boat, "Osprey", at the dock for a half-hour cruise, offered throughout the day for $5.00 per passenger.
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Easter in the Squares
Downtown Mobile Alliance is hosting Easter in the Squares, Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bienville and Cathedral Squares. Free, family fun in Downtown Mobile to celebrate the Easter season! Families are invited to come down in their Easter finery to Bienville Square for an Easter Egg Hunt (ages 8 and younger), paper flower making, face painting, kids’ karaoke, photos with the Easter Bunny and balloon art. Then get ready for the Paper Flower Parade from Bienville to Cathedral Square. Bring your Easter bonnets and hats and load up your decorated wagons for the parade. Prizes awarded for best stroller or wagon and pet entry. For more information contact Carol Hunter at 251-434-8498 or chunter@downtownmobile.org
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Discovery Day at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Join us Saturday, April 11, from 10 to 2 p.m. at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island for Discovery Day. This fun-filled family event includes a huge variety of environmentally-themed children’s activities; Open House at the Research Facilities of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab where the public can interact with marine scientists and graduate students to explore their ongoing research projects; and free children’s admission to the Estuarium, the aquarium at the Sea Lab. For more info: Call 251/861-2141 or visit www.disl.org.
Losing to ALLergies? Win reLief. Commonly treated issues in children and adults include: • Sinus problems including infections and hay fever • Persistent cough • Red, itchy and watery eyes • Asthma • Food allergy and eczema Make an appointment today, and start taking control.
251-435-1200
1700 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL • diagnosticandmedical.com IMC_1734_DMC_Patton_MBP_Ad_2014.indd 1
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Cindy T. Patton, M.D. Board certified in allergy and immunology with more than 13 years of experience. 7/16/14 9:26 AM www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Remington College Offers Free Salon Services for High School Students Headed to Prom
Remington College Mobile Campus wants to send high school students off to prom in style by offering free salon services through its Prom Night Makeover event. This is Remington College's sixth annual Prom Night Makeover promotion. Students in the Remington College Cosmetology Program will provide students headed to prom with free updos, manicures, pedicures, and makeup for girls; guys can get a haircut. All Prom Night Makeover services will be done in the Remington College School of Cosmetology, located at 4368 Downtowner Loop South. Event dates: Friday, March 27, Friday, April 3, Friday, April 17, Friday, April 24. Salon hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment: call 251-342-4848.
Festival of Quilts at Mobile Civic Center
The Azalea City Quilters' Guild, inc. will present it biennial Quilt Show April 17 ~ 18 at the Mobile Civic Center ~ Expo Hall. Over 300 spectacular quilts will be on exhibit. Antique quilts, modern quilts, Merchants Mall, Chinese Auction, On-going workshops and classes, Opportunity Quilt, Quilt Appraisals by a National Certified Appraiser, and Boutique. Visitors attending the show will see never before exhibited works from more than 200 quilt artists representing members of the guild. The show is handicap accessible. April 17 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., April 18 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission $6, parking $5. www.azaleacityquiltersguild.com.
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The Village of Spring Hill’s Third Annual Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival
Spring has sprung, and that means it is time to kick off the third annual Village of Spring Hill Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival. Sponsored by Rouses Markets, the Film Festival is a family-friendly event where neighbor can meet neighbor to watch movies under the stars. Admission is FREE! Bring blankets or lawn chairs and join us for Frozen (PG) on Saturday, March 28, at 8:00 P.M. on Dorn Field (Spring Hill College). To celebrate this Disney classic, there will be a special visit from Elsa from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M., and “Frozen” movie trivia with prizes from 7:30 to 8:00 P.M.! Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. on Dorn Field, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (PG). Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. on Dorn Field, “Big Hero Six” (PG). Be entertained prior to the movie, from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M., with Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons! For more information on the Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival, please visit The Village of Spring Hill’s website, www.thevillageofspringhill.com, or facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheVillageOfSpringHill.
Vote for your Favorite Man & Woman of the Year
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Alabama/Gulf Coast chapter will kick off their 5th Annual Man & Woman of the Year competition to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services on Thursday, April 2nd. Twelve candidates will compete for the title by raising funds in honor of local leukemia survivors, Boy of the Year Jonathan Bryant Orso age 8, of Saraland, and Girl of the Year Sydney Upchurch, age 9, of Mobile. Candidates for the titles are judged solely on the basis of their success in generating funds to benefit LLS, which invests in research for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and provides information and services to patients and their families. Every dollar raised counts as one vote. The male and female candidates with the most votes locally will be crowned “2015 Man & Woman of the Year,” at a Grand Finale celebration at Space 301 on Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m. These top local fundraisers will also be in the running for the national title of Man & Woman of the Year, an honor surrounded with a great deal of fanfare, including a full-page ad in USA Today. You can cast a vote for your favorite candidate at www.mwoy. org/al, then click South Alabama.
March 28: Frozen (PG) 8:00 PM *Meet ELSA from 6:30-7:30!
April 18: May 2:
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (PG) 7:30 PM Big Hero Six (PG) 7:30 PM
*Dr. Gee's Magic & Balloons from 6:00-7:30.
All movies are FREE & shown on Dorn Field at Spring Hill College. Food Trucks will be on site for each movie event.
Sponsored by
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Camp Physicals and More In preparation for summer camp signups beginning, I decided to discuss camp physicals (and sports physicals and annual check-ups – which really could and should be the same visit). Did you know that if you have a check up in the summer, say mainly to get caught up on vaccinations, then that check up exam usually can count as your physical exam for sports and camps for the next 12 months? So what can you know as parents to work with your doctor to get the most out of the annual physical? The first part of the physical is the history. On some forms, there are questions the parents fill out first to identify things that could be concerning in the family history. The most notable of these examples is congenital heart problems. There are questions that ask for any sudden, unexplained deaths in relatives such as a drowning or car wrecks. There are a few heart problems that can be silent on exam and not cause any problems until the heart is overworked (i.e. during a basketball game or while swimming) and sometimes the family history is the only warning. To get the most out of the exam for this part, it is helpful to take a little time at home to fill it out and ask family members for updates on any medical problems that could be relevant.
Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
The next important part is the history of symptoms for your child. There are several questions that help identify problems that cannot always be seen in clinic, such as exercise-induced bronchospasm or some musculoskeletal problems. Sometimes even other potential problems such as irregular periods can be picked up on this part of the history. Sit down with your child ahead of time and have them think about each question – sometimes they have compensated and do not realize they are experiencing some of the symptoms. The physical exam is another important part. Things have to be checked for before being cleared for camp or sports, such as looking for scoliosis, hernias, and heart murmurs. Some of the less obvious things though can be picked up - or alert the physician to investigate more closely – by things such as plotting out the height and weight on the growth chart. Things like that could help cue in on Marfan syndrome, thyroid abnormalities, or inflammatory bowel disease. Other things on physical exam that need to be checked are the vision and vital signs such as blood pressure. Sometimes children could be struggling in school or have frequent headaches and not realize
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it is because their vision is deteriorating. Hypertension is becoming more common in adolescents, and would be missed and could cause long-term problems if left undiagnosed and untreated. This is also a good time for parents and children/youth to ask questions about anything. This is your time with your physician each year to make sure there are no serious medical problems going on, that there are no concerns for issues that could prevent you from having fun and participating in camp activities or sports, but also to ask any confidential questions that you want. This is also time for anticipatory guidance, to discuss things that may come up in the next year before your next physical exam. So make sure you use this time to your advantage and get the most out of your appointment! Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. 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 dogs, Fitz and Barkley.
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Autauga County Schools Lott Middle School Inducts
New Junior Beta Club Members
Lott Middle School held their Junior Beta Club Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, March 3. The 2015 Lott Middle Junior Beta Club Officers are President: Shawn Collins, Vice President: Sydney Hendry, Secretary: Shane Medley, and Treasurer: Katlyn Sampson. The returning members are Dalton Stokes and Ashlyn Payne. The new inductees are Coral Creel, Jackson Delaney, Skylar Greene, Emily Hatcher, Darla Johnston, Dreayna Morgan, Leslie Ward, and Jorjalyn Weaver.
Baker Soccer Team Participates in 5k Run
The Baker High School girls soccer team recently supported Murphy High School by participating in their Panther Pride 5k Run. Baker had 24 girls participating.
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Please email School News to Lynn@ mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
Allentown Elementary Collects Items for Animal Shelter
The Allentown Elementary student council collected items for the Mobile County Animal Shelter from February 3-February 13th. We collected food, bedding, toys, newspapers, and other misc. items. Students who donated to the shelter were allowed to bring their favorite stuffed animal from home on February 13th. This is our third year collecting items for the shelter.
Theodore JROTC Brings Home Awards from Drill Meet
On March 4th, Theodore JROTC competed in the Mobile County LET1b Drill Meet at the State Fair Grounds (The Grounds). Twelve High Schools with over 300 participants were in the competition. Theodore brought home trophies for 1st Place in Unarmed Drill, 2nd Place in Freshman Scholar's Bowl, 2nd Place in Upper LET Scholar's Bowl, and 3rd Place in Armed Squad Inspection.
MGM’s ECO Club Receives $500 Grant
During the 2014-2015 school year, MGM ECO Club submitted a beautification proposal to Keep Mobile Beautiful and won $500.00 to go towards our campus beautification project. Pictured Left to right Phyllis Wingard, Keep Mobile Beautiful, presenting the $500 check to Margaret Raiford, ECO Club sponsor. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Semmes Middle School Social Studies Fair Winners
Congratulations to our Semmes Middle School Social Studies Fair winners. SMS Winners are: Performance - Breighanna Vigor, Kaitlin Voloshik, and Lily Durden. Website – Sumerlyn Cochran, Langley Davis, and Jamie Johnson. Exhibit, Individual winnersCaleb Boykin, Madelyn Eiland, Joshua West, Kolbi Drummond, Tristan Burroughs, Ruston Brown, and Payton Stoneburner. Exhibit, Group winners - Mackenzie Dodge and Hope Driskell, Camryn Mattox, Shawn Rivers, and Mary Whitfield, Libby Brazell and Ashley Bartlett. Our students will compete with other MCPSS students on March 20. We are hoping to have many winners recognized at the County event.
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Taylor-White Student Council Attends Workshop
Taylor-White’s student council officers attended the 2014-1015 AAESA Student Council Workshop. They had the honor of meeting Mayor Sandy Stimpson and learning about leadership from him. The SCA officers shared this year’s student council activities and also gained new ideas from other schools’ student councils. They ended the day by meeting one of the mascots from the University of South Alabama. Officers Pictured: Alex Schmadeke, President; Mallory Duncan, Secretary; Savannah Smith, Treasurer; Kayleigh Freeman, Historian.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus Crawfish and Bluegrass Extravaganza!
Saturday, April 18, feast on thousands of pounds of crawfish and enjoy some of the area’s greatest bluegrass bands well into the night! Featuring four bands: Headliner, Rollin' in the Hay; Fat Man Squeeze; Delta Reign, and The Deluxe Trio! Event to take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on the St. Mary Catholic School Campus in Historic Midtown Mobile. Rain or Shine! Admission is $25 per adult, and $30 at the door. High School students $15 at door with student ID. Children age 12 and under are admitted free! Advance tickets to the Extravaganza can be ordered online now at http:// www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1358702 Advance tickets are also on sale now at the following locations: St. Mary Catholic School Office 107 North Lafayette St. Mobile; Zoghby's Uniforms stores locations to include, 4851 Old Shell Road, Mobile; 5441 Highway 90 West Suite 4, Mobile; 905 Daphne Avenue, Daphne, AL; Mobile Popcorn Company, 3333-C Cottage Hill Road, Mobile. St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 N. Lafayette Street across from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile’s Old Dauphin Way Historic District. For more information or advance tickets to these events, contact the St. Mary Catholic School office at 433-9904 or the Development Office at 432-8678, ext. 3. and for all events...log on to www.stmarymobile.org! This year's proceeds benefit the Catholic Social Services "Legacy for the Future". Guests are also asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Bay Area Food Bank. A list of what items are needed and what cannot be accepted can be found at bayareafoodbank.org.
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Buffalo Soldiers Visit Revelation Christian School
On Wednesday, February 25, the Revelation Christian School received a visit from the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Calvary of Mobile. The Buffalo Soldiers theme is, “Educating others through faith, patriotism, and history.” The soldiers informed the students of the background and history of the organization that began in the year of 1866. The Buffalo Soldiers also expressed to the students the importance of staying informed with their history. The students were very attentive and receptive to the soldiers.
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Faith Academy Team Named Math State Champs!
It wasn’t just addition and subtraction that these Faith Academy mathletes needed to know in order to compete in the AISA State Math Competition on February 27th at Huntingdon College. It was a lot more than that! Each student was scored on his/her performance on a written math test. After earning the title of District Champs on February 10th, with Rachel Fillingim making the top score on the test, the students advanced to state. The group was named Math State Champs, and boy did they earn it! Sponsor of the high school math team is Mrs. Candi Wilson.
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Autauga County Schools
McGill-Toolen Catholic Girls Basketball 7A State Runners-up!
The success of the McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team exceeded everyone's expectations. “We've had an outstanding season we finished the season 35-1 made it to the state finals. Lost by the slimmest possible margin, lost by 55-54 to a very good Jeff Davis team. First time since 2004, that we'd been to state and first time since 1988 that we had been to the state finals,� says Girls Basketball Coach Carla Berry.
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Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
St. Luke's takes AIM!
St. Luke's has three archery teams...and a LOT of students participating! St. Luke's has an Elementary Archery Team (pictured), a Middle School Archery Team and a High School Archery Team. All three teams finished in the TOP 3 at the recent Regionals Competition. The Elementary Team won 2nd place in their division with a score of 2909. The Middle School Team finished in 3rd place in the Middle School Division with a score of 3078 and the High School Team finished in 3rd place with a score of 3064.
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Corpus Christi Catholic School Scholars Win Awards at Tournament The Corpus Christi Catholic School Scholar Bowl team won the following awards at the Bay Area Scholastic Bowl Super Tournament that was held at the University of Mobile on March 6th: 4th Place Overall Team A - 3rd Place in Division League play Team B - 1st Place in Division League play Sean Shelley-Tremblay won 3rd place for points earned.
HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.
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Knollwood Christian Studies Importance of Dental Health
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
Knollwood Christian School had the opportunity to bring Doctor Mr. Joseph Hastings, DMD and Doctor Mrs. Laura Hastings, DDS to teach our 3rd and 4th graders the importance of dental health. They also helped choose our winners for the 3rd grade smile contest! Winners pictured with Doctors Mr. and Mrs. Hastings: Destiney Hill and Tommy Biehn. MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1
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Autauga County Schools
Covenant Christian School Scholars Bowl Team Practices with Buzzers
Covenant Christian's Jr. High Scholars Bowl team participated in their first practice with buzzers. CCS formed a Scholars Bowl Team this year as an elective class with Coach Brandon Richardson and will be entering competition during the 2015-2016 school year.
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St. Pius X Scholars' Bowl Team A are pictured here at the Super Tournament where they were presented with the overall runner-up trophies for both their Team A and Team B. St. Pius X played in the Red division.
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Read Across America at Nan Gray Davis Elementary
On March 2nd, Nan Gray Davis celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday by sending their principal, Mrs. Mai, to SuperHero Training. Mrs. Mai, aka SuperPrincipal, was given a task to complete for every 200 Accelerated Reader tests our students passed. Mrs. Mai completed 7 tasks throughout the day while our students passed over 1500 AR tests!
Knollwood Christian School Choir Visits Retirement Center
The Knollwood Christian School Elementary Choir visited University Oaks Retirement Center. The students were able to bless the residents with their beautiful voices. They won the hearts of everyone there!
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Spring Signing Day at UMS-Wright
Six UMS-Wright athletes were recognized on February 4th at the school’s Spring Signing Day. Back row (L to R): Troy Dixon - Baseball - Samford University, Athletic Director Terry Curtis, Robert Hope - Cross-Country/Track & Field - Harvard University, Jawon McDowell - Football - Troy University. Front row (L to R): Rose Brutkiewicz - Track & Field - Tulane University, McKenzie Courtney - Tennis -Birmingham-Southern College, Abby Armbrecht - Gymnastics - University of Alabama.
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Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
Phillips Preparatory Students are Big Winners at Mobile County Science Fair
Phillips Preparatory was very successful once again at this year’s Mobile County Science Fair where only a limited number of students from each school are selected for entry. The competition was held on Tuesday, February 10, at Clark-Shaw Magnet School. Phillips was awarded 1st place in SEVEN of the NINE middle school categories. In addition, Madison Yarnell won the Lisa Brumuchi Fay Horizon Award as the “Sixth Grader with the Most Promise”. Katie Rudolph won Best in Middle School projects, and Carly Alexander won Best in Show over all the Middle and High School projects.
Character Kids at Taylor-White
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Congratulations to Taylor-White’s February Character Kids! These students have consistently displayed the 6 pillars of character, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, fairness, and respect. They are setting a good example by choosing to do the right thing. These students received a medal for their exemplary character. We are very proud of their efforts! First Row: BreAnna Jones, Colton Smith, Kyleigh McNeer, Lola Cuesta, Khenan Bartley, Kaelyn Windham. Second Row: Wesley Cook, William Clark, Gavin Perryman, Ariana Le, Cayne Peavy, Ashlyn Tucker. Third Row: Hailey Howard, Timothy Clark, Drew Pynes.
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St. Pius X Speech Contest
St. Pius X School held its annual oratorical contest on Thursday February 26. Lexi Riley (1st), third from right and Sam Honeycutt (2nd), fourth from left represented St. Pius X at the Optimist Club International contest March 3. 23
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Autauga County Schools
St. Paul’s Students Succeed in More than Just Academics
In February, several students at St. Paul’s Episcopal School placed in the 2015 Regional Visual Arts and Achievement Competition for District 1. Student art receiving first place honors at the District level will be displayed in the Alabama State Council on the Art’s professional art gallery in Montgomery the month of April. All students who received a District Award will then be recognized at the State Awards Ceremony at the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery. Additionally, an award will be given to an exceptional art teacher and school system, which will be selected by the adjudicators. VAAC Winners: Caroline Meyers (Drawing); Anna Alford (Mixed Media); Celeste Jones (Photography); Ashley Forwood (Printmaking); Siobhan Johnson (Computer Images). Merit Award: Raymond Li. Additionally, St. Paul’s students received awards in the 2015 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Inc. a non-profit organization that supports young artists and writers. Each year, the awards provide the opportunity for more than 250,000 teenagers in grades 7-12 to earn regional and national honors. High school seniors who submit their portfolios have the opportunity to compete for more than $1.5 million in scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. Regional Gold Key winners in this competition will advance to compete at the national level. Winners: Anna Alford- Silver Key (Sculpture-Vessel); Elizabeth Jeffries- Honorable Mention (Sculpture-Jewelry), Honorable Mention (Wire Portrait); Celeste Jones-Silver Key (Photography-Still Life); Jeb Milling- Honorable Mention (Drawing), Honorable Mention (Monoprint); Elizabeth Romanos-Gold Key (Digital Art- Print); Roni Spann-Gold Key (Digital Art-Print), Honorable Mention (Digital Art-Print); Madeliene Thames-Gold Key (Sculpture-Ceramics), Honorable Mention (SculpturePaper Vessel), Honorable Mention (Sculpture- Documented Installation), Honorable Mention (Sculpture- Elongated Figure); Natalie Trout- Gold Key (Sculpture-Ceramics), Silver Key (Sculpture- Subtractive form); Sydney Williams-Honorable Mention (Sculpture-Jewelry); Mary Alden Wing-Honorable Mention (Sculpture-Metal Tooling), Honorable Mention (Sculpture- Polymer clay).
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The Learning Place “Building Bridges: Living with & Teaching Students with ADHD” Community Forum TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Pilot Center Theatre at BAYSIDE ACADEMY Join speakers Sheryl K. Pruitt, M.Ed., ET/P from Parkaire Consultants and James Wiley, MD from Focus MD as they discuss ADHD and Executive Function, Understanding Children with ADHD, How the Brain Works and How to Advocate for Your Child. This event is free and open to all parents, educators, counselors and professionals in Mobile and BaldwinCounties. CEUs available for educators and counselors. For more information call 251-338-6430 or visit www.baysideacademy.org/learningplace
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Kindergartners Hold Educational Fashion Show at St. Ignatius
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The St. Ignatius Kindergarten presented their Annual Fashion Show in February. Each student represented a state, dressed as their character and made a statement about their state. The Kindergarten class did a wonderful job with the production.
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Cottage Hill Student Signs with Jefferson Davis
Anna Kennedy signed with Jefferson Davison Community College in Brewton, Alabama, on Friday, February 27. Anna
thanked family, coaches, teammates, friends and CHCA for giving her the opportunity to participate in sports at Cottage Hill Christian Academy. Anna will be attending Jefferson Davis on a volleyball scholarship. During her time as a Warrior, Anna has been a part of some great team accomplishments as well as an impressive list of personal achievements. Some of her individual accomplishments from her senior year include: * Mobile Area Coaches Association All-County Team member * Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association 1st team selection * al.com Coastal Alabama Honorable Mention Selection * Second-all time in digs for a season at CHCA with 402 digs her senior year (2014). 25
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Autauga Schools Yoga at St.County Vincent School
Downward dog. Tree pose. Breathe. These are a few of the phrases the students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School are hearing as they participate in the ever growing practice of Yoga. Yoga’s benefits are also becoming widely known. Adults everywhere are embracing this not-so-new form of healthcare including actors, professional athletes, rock stars, soldiers, medical professionals, and even gym rats. The wonderful thing about Yoga is that there really are no requirements. You don’t have to be athletic, flexible, fast, tall, thin, strong, or even healthy. Even cooler, there are no age requirements. Yep, yoga can be healthful for adults, teenagers, the geriatric, and children. Of course, kids yoga classes are structured differently than adult classes, but the basic principles and postures (also known as asana) are the same, and the kids receive equal benefits. I began teaching kids when my 6 year old son and niece came and stood beside me during my yoga practice. They both began imitating me doing the downward dog pose and the practice blossomed into a story of a puppy walking in the park. Along the way, the puppy saw a “tree” (Vrksasana), an “eagle” (Garudasana), and then rested in child’s pose (Balasana). The kid’s had a blast and I enjoyed connecting with them on our mats. That’s when I approached my son’s Principal, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School about teaching yoga classes to the elementary children. So far, the positive feedback from the teachers, parents, and children have been enough to keep me coming back. Tapping into the children’s creativity through yoga is something that continually amazes me. The teachers are usually shocked with how much the kid’s actually listen, how easily they move into and out of the postures, and how they enjoy lying down at the end of the class in relaxation pose (Svanasana). Most of us know that yoga helps with flexibility and strength, but did you know that it also helps with concentration, balance, scoliosis, coordination, weight loss, insomnia, depression, basic sanity (well, maybe that’s just me), and the list continues. So if you are looking for an additional path of health and activity for your children, let them try a kid’s yoga class. The children at SVS love it!
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Phillips Preparatory School Honors History Day Winners!
1st place individual website, 1st place overall best of show: Cassi Taylor (A Local Legacy: The Battle of Mobile Bay). 2nd place individual website: Sarah Holland (Controversial World Leaders). 1st place group website, 2nd place overall best of show: Addie Allred, Abby Foster (Michael Donald and the Demise of the KKK). 2nd place group website: Kayla Choruzek, Alyssa Flowers (Madame Marie Curie). 1st place individual performance: Kayla Mitchell (Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”). 1st place group performance: Abby Church, Mary Cole Strasavich, Hannah Blackmon (Harriet Tubman). 1st place group exhibit, 3rd place overall best of show: Maria Moxey, Parker Inman (Ho Chi Minh). 2nd place group exhibit: Lloreal May, Joshua Sewell (The Inspiring Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.). 3rd place group exhibit: Haylee Lynd, Cailin Allen (Jesus: Defeater of Sin and Death). 4th place group exhibit: Paris Denson, Jermia Martin (All About Wars).
U UMS-Wright K4 Valentine’s Day Play Performed in Spanish
K4 students at UMS-Wright stunned the audience during their Valentine’s Day play on February 13th by performing the songs in Spanish. Learning a second language allows our students to open new windows of opportunity into the study of international cultures and ethnicities and also encourages them to acquire broader language skills later in life. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Allentown Elementary February GATOR Kids
Kindergarten – Second Grade, Front Row: Johnny Bazzel, Jay Winchester, Ezra Lassiter, Nancy Rodriguez, Alannah Holman, Layla Brock. Middle Row: Ulises Colorado, Zaria Robinson, Tatianna Gladney, Mallorey Davis, Brodie McNair, Gracie Lawson, Ella
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Worley. Back Row: Madison Robbins, Madison Schultz, LeAnn Fields, Caleb Lewis, Aiden Morrow, Stormy Rinks. Third – Fifth Grade, Front Row: Zoey Dagg, Patrick Walton, Mackenzie, Briahnna Simmons, Valeria Garza, Brayden Grzybowski, Griselda Lopez. Middle Row: Breana Womack, Brayden Thornburg, Cecilia Roy, Macon Pace, Brantley Johnson, Wolfgang Lee. Back Row: Blake Mason, Yareilis Orellano, Grant Jordan, Maggie Ragland, ZoeyLane Gregory, Josh Hughley.
St. Luke’s Science Fair
St. Luke's fifth graders participated in the St. Luke's Science Fair on February 27th. The projects were amazingly diverse and thoroughly implemented each stop of the scientific method. Teachers and students from all grades were invited to tour the Science Fair and see the projects first hand. Winners were selected based on originality of idea, knowledge of content and following the direction on the project checklist. The winners of the competition were left to right: Silver: Lukas Caldwell - Leaf Chromatography, Gold: Rani Badve - Landslides! A Friction Frenzy and right Bronze: Molly Frezell Acid and Time vs. Enamel.
“Iggy” Visits St. Ignatius Classrooms
Iggy visited all the St. Ignatius classrooms during Catholic Schools Week. The teachers wanted to show their appreciation for the students so they asked Iggy to make an appearance. Iggy is always a favorite, especially in Mrs. Shirah’s 2nd grade class pictured here. Pictured not in order: Katie Adams, Lee Vella Courtney, Makenzie Dubose, Baylor Dumont, Wyatt Green, Hogan Hodges, Mary Parish Hutchisson, Anna McCarron, Hayden McConnell, Mattie McDonald, Emily McKellar, Aggie Miller, Jack O’Neil, Robert Pruett, Zachary Regan, Grayson Robinson, Ryan Stapleton, Jack Teague, Christopher Tover, Erik Upson, Avery Van Alstine, Callie Waller, Sarah Woodford, Charlie Zakutney, Mrs. Courtney Walker, Mrs. Karen Shirah and Iggy.
UMS-Wright Holds 10th Annual William Mitchell Basketball Tournament
The William Mitchell 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament is an annual event held in memory of UMS-Wright student William Mitchell. The UMS-Wright SGA sponsored the event and raised $1,250 dollars to be donated to the William Mitchell Foundation at the USA Trauma Center. Pictured here are Rick and Barbara Mitchell (center) with this year’s winners (L to R) Cole Owen, Hunter Middleton, Brink Bedsole, Davis McPhillips ‘02, Hays Zieman and Curran Foose ‘02. 27
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Autauga County Schools
Cottage Hill Students Create Clouds
Cottage Hill Christian Academy students enjoy many opportunities to experience hands-on learning. This is accomplished through regular curriculum and special units of study. Weather is always a favorite unit of study. The kindergarten classes conducted various weather and cloud experiments. They also used shaving cream and glue to create Cloud Art in our Art Classes and observed clouds and weather patterns during PE and recess. It’s great and fun to be a Warrior!
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St. Pius X Celebrates Chinese New Year
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St. Joan Lorraine's second grade homeroom at St. Pius X celebrated Chinese New Year with a parade. Students paraded around campus to show other classes the masks they made.
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Sea Cadets Drill at SeaSchool
On January 31 and February 1, the USNSCC Dunlap Division conducted drill at the SeaSchool (www.seaschool.com) located in Bayou La’Batre, AL. Training began with Basic Seamanship Knots by SeaSchool’s instructor Lawrence. His course taught the cadets the construction on rope line and the dangers of snapback before going hands on with the tying of knots. The cadets participated in team building games followed by the opportunity to handle and maneuver a ship via the NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge Simulator and Instructor Station. The NAUTIS has allowed SeaSchool to provide the most realistic simulator training for their students. The School has locations along the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast and the Caribbean and is the premier maritime training school, for over 36 years, in the country. The weekend ended with the cadets bidding Fair Winds and Following Seas to MIDN Hollis M. Henderson who has enlisted in the U.S. Army. Henderson was a former cadet before serving as an adult volunteer leader with the sea cadets. Dunlap may be losing a valuable member but is greatly honored to know that he will be proudly serving our country. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Local Sea Cadets Lead Order of Venus Parade
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Dunlap Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps led the Order of Venus’ 15th parade on Monday, February 9, 2015 as it hit the streets of Downtown Mobile. This is the second time that the unit has had such an opportunity to lead a Mobile Mardi Gras parade. The streets of Mobile were filled with marching bands, colored floats and crowds eager to catch some throws. The theme for this parade was “Venus Celebrates 15 Years with Glitter, Glitz and Glam. Pictured (L to R): SN Samantha Graham, LPO PO3 William Pimperl, PO3 Gunnar Williams, and SN Austin Chavis In other news, the cadets traveled to Milton, FL on February 21st to participate in a joint weekend drill with the Whiting Division located at NAS Whiting Field. During this drill, cadets participated in the Annual Dress Uniform Inspection. They also participated in sports activities, tour the on base fire equipment, and various team-building activities which compelled the group to work together to overcome various challenges while developing good communication skills, problem solving, trust, and performance. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison.
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YOUR CHILDREN. THEIR FUTURE. STARTS HERE. AN EDUCATION AT UMS-WRIGHT IS AN INVESTMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME.
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Autauga County Schools Faith Academy Raises Over $12,000 for American Heart Association
The annual Jump-A-Thon at Faith Academy for the American Heart Association is an exciting day for students in grades 1-6, as they close their jump roping unit and celebrate the funds they have raised for such a great cause. This year was no exception. Grades 1-3 attend the jump-a-thon together and grades 4-6 attend together. Each grade is divided into groups that visit stations, which includes a bounce house and a refreshment station, among many individual and group jumping games. Parents, volunteers and SGA members help out by swinging ropes, encouraging students and serving refreshments. The 1st-6th grade families raised over $12,300 to benefit the American Heart Association. This year’s top fundraiser was Sebastian McDermott (3rd grader in Mrs. Dooley’s class).
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St. Ignatius 3rd Graders Win Lunch with Fr. Sheilds
Fr. Shields had lunch with a few lucky 3rd graders recently. James Mayhall won Lunch with Fr. Shields at Impala Gala and he got to invite 9 of his friends. James invited all the kids on his basketball team. For lunch they ordered Mrs. Robin’s famous Bosco sticks. Pictured left to right: Charlie Radcliff, Jake Prati, William Harrison, John Paul McDonald, Henry Green, Fr. Bry Shields, Will Radcliff, Garrett Rose, James Mayhall and Nicholas Rutland.
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McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Band Takes Top Honors
The McGill-Toolen High School Band under the direction of Mr. Sean Noah, performed at the State MPA (Music Performance Assessment) Competition at Baker High School March 5th and earned Superior with Distinction for the third year in a row. This prestigious award places the band as one of the top concert bands in the state of Alabama.
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Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
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MGM Hosts Leadership Conference The 2015 MGM Leadership Conference was held on Tuesday, March 3. Over 500 students from 14 Alabama high schools attended. This year’s theme “Now” ignited enthusiasm and inspired action in students to learn, lead, love, and live now. Speakers included leadership teacher Allison Miller, author Zach Hunter, and community leaders Todd and Cherise Hoffman. 34 non-profit organizations also participated in a community expo. The annual MGM Leadership Conference is organized and produced by Mary G. Montgomery High School’s Leadership 3 class. Learn more about MGM Leadership at www.mgmleadership.com.
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Autauga County Schools Semmes Middle Schoolers Paint Van Gogh Art
Semmes Middle School 6th grade students from Mrs. Session’s art class painted their own version of “Starry Night” by Van Gogh.
St. Mary Catholic Celebrates Dr. Seuss!
Each year, St. Mary Catholic School second graders celebrate the famous author, Dr. Seuss through reading his books and participating in fun activities surrounding the books. One of the favorite activities is making and wearing the Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat, red and white striped hat. Pictured are both second grade classes proudly sporting their creations. Second grade teachers are Donna Anderson and Amy Duncan.
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SUMMER ART CAMP 251.208.5212 www.mobilebayparents.com
Theodore High School Drama Students Receive CPR Training
Theodore High School Advanced Drama Students completed CPR Training in January and received cards to include in their career portfolio and resume`. They are now ready to help cast/crew/ audiences who may have CPR issues during Theater Performances. CPR Training is part of Drama's Academy Career Ready Products.
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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
Alba Middle School Student to Participate in State Semi-Final Geography Bee
Tyler Walters competed in the school-level National Geographic State Bee in January at Alba Middle School. After winning at the school level, Tyler had to complete a test that was submitted to the state committee. Tyler's performance on this test qualified him for the Alabama State Semi-Finals where a winner will be chosen to represent Alabama in Washington D. C. at the National Level Competition. Pictured from left to right: Chris Gunn, Jack Drawdy, Teresa Barnickel-sponsor, Tyler Walters, McKenna Patronas, and David Harris.
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Autauga County Schools
Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Visit Zoo in New Orleans The 5th grade classes at Corpus Christi Catholic School recently went on a field trip to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. The trip was planned as part of their science lesson on animal life. After touring the zoo, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch at City Park.
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Phillips Preparatory School Young Authors
Ms. Jones 6th grade reading class at Phillips Preparatory created their own children's book using the writing process. The students worked tirelessly on their book for many weeks. Ms. Jones and the students are extremely proud of their efforts. Pictured from left to right are Makayla Dortch, Camryn Haston, Amir Kasim, and Daisha Thomas.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
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Little Flower Catholic School Mardi Gras Parade
Students at Little Flower Catholic School look forward each year to the annual Mardi Gras parade presented by the pre-school. The parade grows with each passing year. The floats are more elaborate, the throws are larger, the costumes are more adorable, and there are more beads to catch. Then entire student body has a chance to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities. These students are all smiles as they show off their stash from this year’s parade. (L) to (R) are: Ladarius Rogers, Samantha Borja, Bryan Berry, Leslie Solis, Gracie Falgout, and Alexis Bauman.
Amusement Park Now Open! Waterpark opens May 16!
The pre-school Mardi Gras parade at Little Flower Catholic School is assisted each year by seventh grade students who pull the wagons, help the preschool students with their costumes, and assist with throws. Although the seventh graders do not wear costumes when they perform their duties, they get in the spirit with Mardi Gras accessories. Shown with some of their accessories are (L) to (R): Leah Bradley, Trinity Lee, Jaden Jones, Jaelyn Harris, and Angel Trotter.
906 Gulf Shores Parkway • Gulf Shores • AL
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Autauga County Schools
Six St. Paul’s Students Recognized as National Merit Finalists
Six students at St. Paul’s Episcopal School have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as National Merit Finalists. Seniors Elizabeth Castillo, Matthew D’ Alonzo, Ellis Nobles, Crawford Phillips, William Pickard, and Daly Wettermark will now be considered for National Merit Scholarships. These accomplished students were named National Merit Semifinalists in September 2014 and are among 15,000 students who still remain in the running for 8,000 scholarship offerings. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. Approximately 1.4 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The finalists who are in the top one percent of those competing students, will be informed of their scholarship offers beginning in March. “Certainly, we are proud of the manner in which these students have represented St. Paul’s in a national competition. I find it equally impressive that this group of students has contributed significantly to the academic, artistic, athletic, and spiritual life of our community. They embody what it means to be holistically educated,” said Kevin Weatherill, Director of College Counseling. While all St. Paul’s students strive for academic excellence, there is so much more encapsulating a St. Paul’s education that is shown in these scholars. For more information about the National Merit Finalists at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, contact Beth Tindle, Director of Communications, at 251-461-2126 or btindle@stpaulsmobile.net.
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MGM Places First in Optimist Club Oratorical Competition
Michaela Hobson, senior at MGM, placed first in the Mobile Optimist Club Oratorical Competition held on Thursday, March 5, at the Marriott Hotel. Michaela’s speech on “How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements of the Future” showcased both her poetic flair and her eloquent discourse. With this win, Michaela advanced to the zone 5 competition in late March. Good luck, Michaela!
Archbishop and Superintendent Visit St. Ignatius Students
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St. Ignatius School was happy to welcome Archbishop Rodi and Superintendent Gwyn Byrd to campus on Ash Wednesday. Archbishop Rodi took part in our Ash Wednesday service with the school and then he and Ms. Byrd visited each classroom and each student on campus. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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UMS-Wright Science Awards Assembly
UMS-Wright held its first scholastic honorary induction of the semester on February 26th and recognized those students who demonstrated exemplary achievement in the fields of mathematics and science. Acceptance into these prestigious organizations requires that the students meet and uphold the following criteria: Junior or Senior status, completion of a minimum of two honors or AP courses in the area of study, minimum 93 average within the area of study, minimum 90 academic GPA in all academic subjects, enrolled in UMS-Wright for a minimum of one academic year prior to induction, and have had no honor code violations within one year of induction. L to R: Johann Phan (Science Honor Society), Corey Nolan (Mu Alpha Theta and Science Honor Society), Riley Nolan (Mu Alpha Theta and Science Honor Society), Saad Awan (Science Honor Society), Caidey Whatley (Science Honor Society), and Ashley Neese (Science Honor Society).
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Students Skype with Missionaries
Mr. Sandefur's 8th grade World Studies students at Cottage Hill Christian Academy were blessed with the opportunity to Skype with missionaries currently serving in Ireland. Students learned about the state of the church in Europe along with the cultural identity of Ireland. Through studying what God is doing in other countries, World Studies students are expanding their worldview and their understanding of the world around them.
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St. Luke’s Golfers Win Gulf Coast Challenge Third Year in a Row
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The St. Luke's Boys Golf Team recently participated in the Gulf Coast Challenge golf tournament and walked away the winners for the third year in row! Eleven other teams participated in the event which SLES won by 40 strokes! Pictured are team members: Dawson Farni, Connor Sells, Spencer Arnold, Payton Massey and Drew Mathers. Not pictured are Chase Jordon and Chase Foster.
St. Mary Catholic School Second Graders Win Mark Tapia Tournament!
St. Mary Catholic second grade boys took home the championship at the recent Mark Tapia Tournament held at Corpus Christi Parish. The team is coached by Al Jones, Cleveland Patterson, and Chris McCarron, pictured left to right. The winning team members include (front row): Jacob Waller, Leandre Miller, Finn Montague, Cain Matthews, Grayson Brower, Michael Blanchette. (back row) Cole Coleman, Gabe Evans, and Joseph McCarron. 37
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Autauga County Schools McGill-Toolen Seniors
Named National Merit Finalists
McGill-Toolen Catholic recognizes SIX NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS! Six of our Senior students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as National Merit Finalists. These six students qualified as Semifinalists based on their outstanding PSAT/NMSQT® scores and continued on in the competition to qualify as finalists. They are now eligible for a host of scholarships offered through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Pictured: Standing: Senior Counselor Robin Brown, Principal Michelle Haas, Burke Moore, Bret Arata, Assistant Principal Lisa Robertson. Sitting: Austin Taylor, Taylor Mahoney, Brennan Smith and Matthew Davis.
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5th Graders at Faith Enjoy “Pilot Talk”
For the third year in a row, students at Faith Academy are learning about first hand flight experience from Southwest Airlines pilot Mr. John Pack. Mr. Pack visits the 5th grade students from February through May of each year, giving him the opportunity to share his passion for flying and to mentor students. As part of the Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students also research careers and further develop life skills, while the importance of staying in school is reinforced. Through aviation-themed activities, science, geography, math, and writing are reinforced. Special thanks to Mr. Pack and Southwest Airlines for offering this opportunity at no cost to the school.
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Tickets Available on-line at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1358702 Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Phillips Preparatory Mathcounts Team Crunches the Numbers and the Competition!
MATHCOUNTS Competition Series is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematics achievement. MATHCOUNTS is for students who have a talent and passion for math who need to be challenged. Students engage in exciting, "bee-style" contests in which they compete against and alongside other bright, motivated students. It is the only competition program of its kind, with live, in-person events in all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories and schools worldwide through the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department. Competitions take place in over 500 local chapters. Only two MCPSS middle schools have MATHCOUNTS teams! PPS is proud of its success at our most recent area MATHCOUNTS chapter competition which included schools from both Mobile and Baldwin counties. PPS placed 1st overall at MATHCOUNTS. PPS placed 1st in team competition. Individual MATHCOUNTS placements: 2nd - Joseph Stauter 3rd - Alex Wichman 4th - Griffin Noble 6th - Russell March 10th - Parker Inman/Seth Huddleston. MATHCOUNTS Countdown Round (speed competition) placements: 1st - Griffin Noble 2nd - Joseph Stauter 3rd - Alex Wichman.
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St. Paul’s Seventh Grade Spruces Up Wilmer Hall
On Friday, February 27, St. Paul’s seventh grade class participated in a service day at Wilmer Hall. The boys took care of the outside areas by raking massive amounts of leaves, putting down mulch, and picking up the grounds. Girls worked in two large cottages to throw out trash, clean walls, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms, and sweep and mop all floors. The SPS students did an outstanding job and were aided by chaperones Shane Sullivan, Sandy Santoli, Gerry Strang, Betty Stone, Catraina Norton, Margaret Cadden, Dottie Donovan, Laura McGee, and Yinka Fagbongbe. Community Service director Leslie Lerner organized the event with Wilmer Hall’s Margaret Scarborough, Jayne Hodgkins, and Mr. Anthony.
Palm Sunday Services | Sun., March 29 | Regular worship times. Seder Passover Meal | Thurs., April 2 | 5:30 p.m. | Christ Center Gym Celebrate the Passover meal. Cost: $10 adults/$5 children. Preregister at christumcmobile.com/seder. Maundy Thursday Communion Service | Thurs., April 2 | 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary | Experience Communion at tables of twelve. Good Friday Concert: The Weeping Tree presented by the Sanctuary Choir and orchestra | Fri., April 3 | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary A portrait of the Cross that uses hymns, anthems, thoughtful narration and sacred symbols to create a touching testament to the grace of God. EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES | SUN., APRIL 5 Sunrise Worship 7:00 a.m. | Sanctuary | Child care not available Traditional Worship 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. | Sanctuary | Child care available NewSong Contemporary Worship 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. | Christ Center | Child care available Youth Worship 6th - 12th Grade 9:16 a.m. | Christ Center - Youth Area Preschool - K5 Worship 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. | Fellowship Hall 1st Grade - 5th Grade Worship 9:15 a.m. s& 10:40 a.m. | Christ Center Assembly Area Evening Worship 5:00 p.m. | Christ Center | Child care available 6101 Grelot road | Mobile, Al 36609 Ph: 251.342.0462 | Fx: 251.342.7195
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Autauga County Faith Schools 4th Graders Bring Books to Life
Recently 4th graders at Faith Academy celebrated reading. The classes had been studying the different genre of books. They ended the unit with a Book Character Day. Each student was given a specific genre of book to read. They had to read the book and, from it, choose their favorite character. Each student wrote a summary of the book, in that character’s voice. The day proved to be quite entertaining as students dressed for their presentations as princesses, loggers, school girls, and everything-in-between. These Faith 4th graders dressed the part of their favorite character from the book each one read – (left to right) Emma McSpadden, Anya Powell, Madi Flowers, Emma Claire Wilkins, Kaley Blue, Camryn Howell and Mallorie Harvill.
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St. Mary Parish Media Munch!
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St. Mary Parish held its 20th annual Media Munch on February 13. Pictured are St. Mary Catholic School seventh grade student ambassadors Maggie Dolan, Sarah Alston Hooker, Macy Mathers, and Sadie Kate Polk with news anchors of WKRG including Peter Albrecht, Bill Riales, and Devon Walsh.
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McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Recognized by The Alabama Scholastic Press
The Alabama Scholastic Press Association, sponsored by The University of Alabama, recognized 9 students at their annual State Convention in February. Each of the following students were featured in “Ingenuim�, McT's literary magazine that was introduced last year: Perry Weishaar, 2nd Place Humor; Dave Engerson, 3rd place Art; Sean Griffin, 3rd place Theme Development; Lily Fontenot, Landscape Photo; Kohler Constantine, Nonfiction Layout; Annie Duffey, Honorable Mention Feature Photo and Poetry Spread Design; Kirby Anne Plessala, Honorable Mention Poetry Spread Design, Peyton Thomasson, Honorable Mention Cover Design; Emily Mitchell, Honorable Mention Fiction Layout. Congratulations! Pictured are Lily Fontenot and Sean Griffin. The rest of our winners graduated last year.
Cottage Hill Student Receives Gautrelet Award
Hayden Vick, a member of the senior class of Cottage Hill Christian Academy, was awarded the Gautrelet Award in recognition of academic excellence and outstanding leadership from Springhill College, totaling $76,000 for four years. 43
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Is Social Media Making Your Family Miserable? You’ve probably seen headlines linking social media to depression, loneliness and other emotional problems. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a clinical report urging pediatricians to counsel families about something they called “Facebook depression.” Despite the headlines, much of the early research about how social media impacts mental health was contradictory. One study from the University of Michigan found that “life satisfaction” was lower among students who used Facebook more. Another study at the University of Wisconsin found exactly the opposite. More recent research indicates that what really matters is how people use social media. This makes sense. In general, people are happiest when they feel they can exert some control over what happens to them. Even very young children appreciate choices-the blue shirt or the red shirt, carrot sticks or apple slices. The same rule seems to apply to social media. People who stay focused on what they are able to do seem to fare better than those who become preoccupied with what others are doing. Understanding this principle can help parents make social media a more positive experience for everyone in the family, including the grown-ups. Here are some guidelines to consider: Lurk less. Several studies have concluded that people who simply scroll through information provided by others are more vulnerable to negative feelings including envy and loneliness. “Envy can proliferate on social Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
networks,” notes Hanna Krasnova, author of a study done at the Humboldt University in Germany, “and [it] becomes even more intense in the case of passive users.” Catching up with friends may generate positive feelings, but avoid lingering too long over other people’s photos and status updates. Make posts matter—to you. Instead of using posts to provoke a response from others (something that is out of your hands), shift the emphasis and use social media to chronicle experiences and ideas that you want to remember. When an update captures something that matters to you, the number of “likes” becomes less important. Research also indicates that posts about problems tend to get less feedback from other users. Perhaps that would be different if there were a “Poor baby” button on social media sites. As it is, “liking” a bad day post often feels weird--unless you’ve figured out some way to transform a problem into a message that’s funny or even uplifting. Don’t believe everything you read. Social media amplifies the very common adolescent anxiety that everyone else is having more fun. One study from Stanford found that most test subjects vastly overestimated how happy other people were, in part because they accepted social media at face value. Of course, by now, everyone has gotten the same message: What you post online never really goes away. Because most people want to be remembered for the good things that happened in their lives, that’s what goes on display. Remind yourself—and your kids-that, behind the cheery façade, other people are also having feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, jealousy and insecurity. Disconnect when necessary. Sometimes, in real life, people may have no choice about spending time with others who are unpleasant. Online, there’s more control and you’ll feel better if you use it. Unfriend people who are hostile or mean. Consider hiding posts from people who can’t help bragging about vacations, clothes, grades and good looks. Concentrate on input from people who make you think—or laugh. 44
Become a force for good. Once family members understand the “envy spiral” that can be created by social media, you and your kids can actively look for opportunities to play a positive role in the lives of other people. Be generous with your own “Likes”. Write comments that are affirmative, upbeat or encouraging. Use what you learn online to deepen offline relationships. Appreciate the limits of social media. Everyone needs a safe place where they can share the parts of life that are difficult, complicated and messy. Although some young people find emotional support through social media, many benefit when adults point them toward time-tested methods of self-discovery. Keeping a private journal (not a public blog) allows young people to sort out thoughts and feelings that aren’t fully formed. Confiding in a trusted friend, a wise mentor or even a counselor is also a way to come to terms with painful or confusing emotions. Classic novels and films can also help young people realize that they are not alone in wrestling with meaning-oflife questions that don’t necessarily show up in social media. Build a rich, off-line life. For some teenagers, social media intensifies FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.) Of course, adults know that everyone is “missing out” all the time because no one can do everything. Researchers who study happiness believe that the best antidote to such feelings is mindfulness. When a person is deeply engaged in what he or she is doing here and now, there’s less preoccupation with what others are doing. Help your children cultivate this awareness by exposing them to experiences so engrossing that they lose track of time. Experts who study social media often face a chicken-or-egg problem. Does using social media in certain ways cause negative feelings? Or do people who are already sad use social media in those ways? The answer to that question still isn’t clear. What is clear is that children who know how to find and focus their energies on what’s within their control are more likely to be happy both online and off. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2014, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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THE ADVENTURES IN
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Register after April 6: $375 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $275 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1-2 and Sessions 2-3 is an additional $175 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. Deadline to apply is May 15, 2015. Course sampling ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, Alchemy of Harry Potter, CSI: Mobile, Leadership, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more. 1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • admissions@asms.net 45
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A Page in a Book The Gift of Grandparents The unique relationships between children and their grandparents add an extragenerational dimension that kids benefit from in uncountable ways. Drawing on their extra decades of life experience, grandparents share stories, activities and journeys that richly expand their grandchildren’s knowledge and understanding of the world. They share the gift of history, tradition and life lessons that come with the authority of their years. The following titles celebrate the warmth, wisdom and wonder that is revealed when kids and grandparents enjoy their own special together time!
A Walk in Paris
by Salvatore Rubbino (Candlewick) A young girl’s walk through Paris with her grandpa reveals the City of Lights in a whole new way as he shares the backstories and hidden history behind the city’s famous sites. As they pass each landmark her Grandpa shares local history and traditions that have evolved over time. Their walk through the pages also features small historical trivia sidebars to accompany her Grandpa’s narration. Illustrating the living history that our elders add to our landscape, ‘A Walk in Paris’ is a colorful journey shared between a grandparent and grandchild that brings history to life for both.
by Kelly Starling Lyons and E. B. Lewis (G.P Putnam’s Sons/Penguin) When Grandma Honey prepares her special tea cakes for her grandson Tosh, she also shares stories of how the sweet treat played a role in the lives of their enslaved ancestors long ago. Her tea cake tales carry Tosh to another place in time, sharing a history stretching back before his own memories. But over time, Grandma Honey starts to forget things. She can’t remember where she parked her car. Her sister’s once familiar phone number is forgotten. But when it’s time for tea cakes, Tosh uses her own shared stories to bring Grandma Honey’s memories back to life with a sweetness that will charm young readers again and again.
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I Wanna Go Home
by Karen Kaufman Orloff, Illustrated by David Catrow (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When his parents take a trip to Bora Bora, Alex and his siblings are sent off to spend a week with their grandparents at their retirement community. Visions of the dull time ahead loom large for Alex who immediately begins to lament the anticipated boredom through a series of letters to his parents. What develops in epistolary fashion is the discovery that Alex’s grandparents are full of surprises and fun adventures. His letters evolve from pleas for rescue to missives of adventure that have him begging to stay an extra week with his (definitely not boring) grandparents. Katrow’s illustrations benefit from hilarious visual perspectives that emphasize each new level of awesome the grandparents reveal. “I Wanna Go Home” is a laugh-out-loud primer for kids anticipating a long visit with the ‘grands’!
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We aren’t too far into the new year, and you still have time to set some financial resolutions and turn them into reality for 2015. Here are the basics to get you started: Make a plan. The number-one mistake people make with their money is they don’t bother with a plan. They have no idea where their money is going! The money comes in and the money goes out, and only the names are changed to protect the innocent. You have to do a budget! Put a name to every dollar you earn. Tell your money what to do instead of wondering where it went. Remember, it takes at least three months of practice and dedication to really make your budget work. Save for emergencies. I promise you it’s going to rain from time to time, so you’ll need an umbrella. Save $1,000 in cash as quickly as possible for an emergency fund before you begin attacking your debt. After you pay off all your debt except for your mortgage, increase your emergency fund to cover three to six months of
expenses. Layoffs happen, cars break down, and kids get sick. A fully funded emergency fund can turn these disasters into nothing more than minor inconveniences. Don’t make the mistake of putting life’s emergencies on a credit card. You’ll end up paying on them for months or even years to come. An emergency fund gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you. Use the debt snowball. List all of your debts, except your house, from smallest payoff balance to largest. Make the minimum payment on every debt except the smallest and put every extra dollar you can find toward the smallest debt until it is paid. If you can find a way to generate extra income, do it! Take on a part-time job for a while or have a big yard sale and get rid of that stuff you never use, wear or didn’t want in the first place! Then focus on paying off the next smallest debt, then the next, then the next, rolling the money over each time.
Have plastic surgery. Cut up all of your credit cards. We call this a plasectomy. Everyone says they pay off their credit cards each month, but the truth is virtually no one does. People are more reluctant to spend money when they see tens and twenties leaving their wallets and going into someone else’s. You really feel it when you have to lay out cash. Get rid of the credit cards! Invest for the future. When you’re debt-free and have a fully funded emergency fund, you’re ready to start planning for the future. Invest 15 percent of your income in a 401(k), Roth IRA and other tax-advantaged retirement plans. Why not more? Because the extra money you’ll save can go toward saving for college (if you have kids) or paying off your home early. Do these things sound like a dream? Well, I can tell you from experience that some dreams do come true. Make this the year you begin to live like no one else, so later you really can live like no one else!
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In a world ever distracted by the dings of devices, children who develop a well-rounded set of communication skills will stand out in the digital-focused crowd.
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“We have to make a conscious effort to insist on face to face socializing because it would be so easy for kids to rely more and more on screen interactions,” says Dr. Michael Osit, a child psychologist and author of Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything. “As long as parents and educators continue to involve kids in face to face social groups, classroom interactions and family interactions, we can preserve their ability to function in social real time.”
“We have so many different ways to communicate that kids are going to need to be well-versed in as many as possible to be successful,” says Sarah L. Cook, co-author of The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids. Thanks to social media, today’s kids have the ability to access an extensive social network. But, missing from those online interactions are the subtle nonverbal cues that enrich our face to face interactions, like tone, voice inflection and facial expressions, which can change the entire meaning of a statement. Some experts warn that too much reliance on technology to communicate can impair a child’s ability to read nonverbal cues. According to Common Sense Media, 72 percent of kids ages 0 to 8 have used a mobile device to play games, watch videos or use apps. The amount of time that they spend with devices has tripled in the past three years, with some research suggesting that kids spend an average of 7 hours a day in front of screens. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
Talk to your kids. From the time your child can talk, ask open-ended questions and listen to their answers. “What was the best part of your day? Why?” Share your thoughts, too. Not only will this practice help their speech and listening abilities, they will learn the back and forth nuances of conversation. Model appropriate social interaction. Children learn how to interact with friends, family, store employees and strangers by following your lead. “Be careful about subtle messages such as how (you) incorporate texting, emailing and social networking in interpersonal relationships,” Osit advises. For example, put your phone aside when your child is talking to you and when interacting with a cashier or restaurant server. Make eye contact and show courtesy toward the 48
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other person to help your child learn that the person standing in front of them is the greater priority at the moment.
“Parents can shape and enhance their child’s social skills on an on-going basis,” Osit says.
Pass the mic. Family meetings and meals are great ways to touch base with your busy family. Cook suggests putting each member of the family in charge of a different part of the meeting. For example, one child could begin the meeting by reciting an inspiring poem or scripture while another wraps the meeting with a joke, prayer or song.
Pick up the phone. Kids can learn to order a pizza or call the dentist to schedule an appointment for themselves. “I’ve encouraged my kids that if they want to have a playdate, they can call their friend’s parent, and I’ll be there to jump on the phone to back them up,” Cook says. “When they take on more roles that parents typically handle, that allows them to feel confident talking to adults, which is often scary for kids.”
Use teachable moments.
Discuss social interactions that you and your kids see on TV programs, online or in real life. For example, “When you are walking in the mall and you observe kids interacting inappropriately or disrespectfully to an adult, point it out. Ask your child what he thinks about that behavior and help him evaluate it as appropriate or inappropriate,” Osit says.
Listen. Encourage your kids to
share their feelings about peers (including those they aren’t friends with), and adults, like teachers and coaches.
Place an order. Before the server approaches at a restaurant, help your child narrow down what to order off of the menu. Even preschoolers can politely request a glass of milk or water. Make a purchase at the store. Next time your child wants
to spend some of his allowance or gift money, have him conduct the transaction with the cashier. Be there to support him, but allow him to take the lead.
Use video technology. If you travel, call home using Skype or Facetime, or use the apps to connect with relatives. Your kids will grow more comfortable talking on a camera. You can also use birthdays, the first day of school, the holidays or just random moments to interview your kids on your video camera. Seek interactive activities.
Scouting, theater and 4-H give children many opportunities to develop presentation and leadership skills. Also, encourage your child to participate in class plays, musicals and show and tell. Like anything, the more we practice our communication skills, the better they become and the less anxious we are about managing different situations. Empower your child with the skills to communicate in a variety of situations, and watch her rise to opportunities that come her way with poise and confidence. MBP Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, specializes in family communication issues. She is the mom of two boys and the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.
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Tips for Finding the Perfect Jeans I know we all struggle with finding the right jeans. We all dread shopping for that perfect fit. We tend to run away from wearing what looks best on our bodies and venture into the realm of loose and baggy clothes instead. Well, stop right there! No matter your shape or size, jeans are the perfect staple piece for your body and your wardrobe. The best thing about jeans is you can dress them up or down. Here are a few tips when it comes to finding the right jeans for you.
Dark wash: I love a dark denim. This color will work perfect for every shape and size. Color: Color is great, but I would direct my choice of color to a jeweled tone. The darker the pant the slimmer you look. Try on: Don’t just stick with one brand, try on different styles from different stores. Some stores carry inexpensive jeans or pants made just for curvy, short, tall, or skinny women. So don’t rule out trying different brands or styles.
Fit: Focus on the fit not the sizing label, meaning there is no universal sizing chart. Different manufacturers have different sizes. So don’t fret!
Mom jeans: No mom jeans! This goes for every woman, mother or not. This will certainly age you fast. Most mom jeans bring out the worst in your body because they are high waisted, light washed and Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
taper-legged. This is not what you want in a jean, Ladies.
This helps you see what everyone else may or may not see.
Shoes: Wear your jeans with the right
Take care of your jeans: This is
shoes. For example, skinny pants look great with flats or boots over them. Wear heels with boot cut jeans. Whether skinny pants or straight, you can wear heels or flats. Make sure all pants are tailored for the appropriate shoe.
so important. If you find the perfect jeans be sure to take care of them. They will last longer and you will want to get as much wear as possible out of them. Also, I would not wash them a lot. This will change the look and shape of the jean. When you do wash them, do so on cold and lay out to dry.
Length: Make sure the length of your pants are perfectly fit with your height and size. They do not need to drag at your feet. Have them tailored if needed.
Distressed jeans: Certain jeans that are distressed can have bleaching on the hips, bottom, knees, etc. which can emphasize those problem areas of your body. Stay clear of those retro jeans.
Dress your jean for the occasion: Make sure you know how to wear your jeans. For a night out, find the perfect blouse, shoes, jewelry, and clutch, for the perfect evening attire. A casual day of shopping might require your favorite flats or wedges, a blouse or tee, and light scarf, depending on the weather.
Purchase jeans with a good return policy: Purchase a few pairs of jeans, but make sure you can return them if needed. Take them home and try them on. Have someone whose fashion opinion you trust and get their advice. You can also take pics (aka “selfies”). 50
Shop your local consignment store: If you are into name brand but hate to pay the cost, shop your local consignment stores. You might find the perfect fit for you, name brand or not. Enjoy shopping for your jeans. Take the time to find out what looks best on you. Don’t let the worries and stress of finding the right jeans keep you from enjoying a style that can look and feel just as good on you as any other person out there. Happy shopping and styling!
Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.
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by Gayla Grace
I treasure the stories my children tell after arriving home from summer camp. The week-long adventures include experiences sure to build character and bond relationships. Every camp has a unique way of teaching kids their value while giving them opportunities to experience all kinds of fun they would never find at home. The spring months are the perfect time to begin exploring summer camps. To find one that fits your child’s needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors; ask teachers and church counselors what camps they recommend. Whether day camp or overnight camp, there’s sure to be one your child will love and gain valuable skills from while attending. Camp counselor Jamie Newman, who has worked the past two summers at a children’s camp for kids ages 5-16, expresses her enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. She says, “Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences. They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears and try something even if it doesn’t feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they’re forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home.” Our five kids have attended summer camps ranging from athletic camps to church camps to choir and band camps. Each camp plays a unique role in building character qualities and creating life-long memories through everyday activities and interactions with others. If you need some encouragement to give your child the gift of summer camp, here are a few thoughts to consider:
1) Camp encourages independence and allows children a chance to make decisions on their own in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles.
2) Camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies they can’t experience at home, without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn’t know they had. 52
3) Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind, win or lose. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with another and the value of getting along with others through working together and supporting one another.
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4) Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds--helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat, and bunk together.
5) Camp creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they’ve never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of overscheduled days. So what are you waiting for? Have you signed your child up for camp yet? There’s week-long adventure and character-building experiences waiting for your child this summer! MBP Gayla Grace sends her kids to camp every summer and always looks forward to hearing new stories when they return.
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We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode
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Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!
Art/Music/ Performing Arts ArtBlast – Mobile Museum of Art
4850 Museum Drive, Mobile 251-208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com Art Blast, the Museum’s summer art camp, runs weekly from June 8 – July 31, 2015 (skipping the week of July 4). With classes for 4-7 year olds, 8-11 year olds and 12 and up, there is truly something for everyone in the wide variety of art offered throughout the summer. Ceramics, painting and drawing in all styles inspire students to energize their creativity, while learning about elements of art and art history. All classes are taught by experienced art educators and are based on the Discipline-Based Arts Education principles of creating art, viewing art, and discussing art in the context of history, while considering its aesthetics. With significant art on display throughout the Museum to reinforce lesson plans, students may experience a total immersion in the art that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Cost: One 2-hour class (10 hours of instruction), M-F: $75 for members; $110 for nonmembers. All day camp, M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm with a supervised lunch hour (40 hours of instruction): $180 for members; $220 for nonmembers. Join the Museum for member discounts. Register online at www.MobileMuseumofArt.com/learn, or contact Kim Wood at 208-5212 or kwood@MobileMuseumofArt. com for more information.
Azalea City Center for the Arts
63 Midtown Park East, Mobile 251-510-1808, www.azaleacityarts.com Summer Camps Drama Camp at St. Luke’s -Are you ready for two weeks of fun? Join us for full-blown 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! 9:00am – 1:00pm Grades 3 & up. Session 1 -- June 1 – 12, Session 2 -- June 15 – 26, Session 3 — June 29 – July 10, Session 4 -- July 13 – 24 * Special Rising Stars session for older campers grades 8 & up June 8 - June 19 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. $190 Glee Camp - July 6 - July 16 - 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 @ Sunny Side Theater For our youngest actors & actresses, we have one Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
week sessions that produce a daily skit or performance. Campers participate in group games, costume craziness, bringing books to life, and stage fun! Cost $140 includes t-shirt, costumes, snacks, and performances. 9:00am – 1:00pm Grades PK - 2. $140/week. Session 1 -- June 22 - 26, Session 2July 6 - 10 Azalea City Center for the Arts Themed Camps Are you looking for an all-day arts extravaganza? This is it! With four center-wide theme camps throughout the summer, your child will have a blast exploring art, dance, music, and drama in this all day camp. Cost $175/week includes t-shirt, costumes, snacks, and performance on the final day in addition to access to our entire center and staff. 9:00am – 3:00pm, Grades PK - 5; June 1 - Pirates & Princesses, June 15 - Frozen, June 29 - Annie, July 13 - Star Wars, July 20 - Teen Beach Movie, July 27 Cinderella, August 3 - Frozen Music Camps @ Full Scale School of Music Tired of the same old piano lessons? Enjoy our summer music camps that will blow you away and teach you musical skills at the same time! Cost includes t-shirt, access to instruments, and performance. 9:00am – 5:00pm, cost $220 Gulf Coast Music Camp - major & minor in all different musical categories, June 8 - 12; Rock Band Camp - June 22 - 26; Praise & Worship Camp - July 6 - July 10
Broussard’s Piano Gallery Academy of Music
1541 E. I-65 Service Road South, Mobile 251-344-8856; broussardspianos.com Summer Piano Camps for the beginning student will be offered June 15-10 and July 13-17 and will include opportunities for learning for ages 4-16. We are also offering Summer Violin Camp July 6 – 10. Call to make your reservations today.
Christ United Methodist Church – Kindermusik Camp
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 251-706-3336; trish@christumcmobile.com 2015 Summer Camp for 4 and 5 year olds. June 8-12 from 9:00am-11:30am. Cost: $140 (includes tuition, snacks* and camp materials) due by May 26.
Mobile School of Piano
251-272-9616; mobileschoolofpiano.com Ages 4 to adult; Our summer program offers weekly private lessons where the student will learn several styles of music. This class is a wonderful introduc-
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tion or refresher course for any student. By the end of the summer, they will have a repertoire of songs they can play on their own.
Paint Party Studios Summer Art Camps
6808 Airport Boulevard., Suite B, Mobile 251-343-2423; www.paintpartystudios.com Paint Party Studios will once again be hosting the coolest Kids’ Summer Art Camps in town! We will feature acrylic painting sessions as well as a variety of exciting multimedia creations. Specific dates and times will be available on our website at paintpartystudios.com. Registration will be available on a daily and weekly basis and space is limited. For more information, please contact us at 251-3432423, via email at info@paintpartystudios.com, or visit us online at paintpartystudios.com. Also be sure to check us out on Facebook! Alabama Contemporary Art Center (formerly-Centre for the Living Arts) 301 Conti Street, Mobile 251-208-5658; www.centreforthelivingarts.com Let your child explore the world of contemporary art through CLA Summer Camps! CLA camps are not your average art camps…your child will enjoy classes that include a range of mediums like painting, drawing, Papier Mâché, photography, and more. 2015 Summer Art Camps will be offered from June 8 – July 31. Please visit our website for more information. Mobile Parks & Recreation Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile 251-208-1617; www.cityofmobile.org/parks; www. communityactivitiesprogram.com. Camps offering arts, crafts, and much more. Paint & Pals 6345K Airport Boulevard., Mobile 251-654-2313; www.paintandpals.com Paint & Pals summer art classes are designed for children 6-15 years old. The focus of our summer workshop program is to provide children with fun art education. Mobile Sessions: Session I: Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26 9:00am-12:00pm; Session II: Monday, June 29th - Friday, July 3rd 9:00am12:00pm; Session III: Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17 9:00am-12:00pm. Five classes for $100 ($20 per class - prepayment required) or $25 per individual class (pay the day of), Classes include all materials, instruction, portfolios and snacks. Sign-up for just one class or the whole week! The last day of each
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series will be a Paint & Pizza Party! Reservations required. Call Alexis Poteat at 251- 654-2313. Playhouse In the Park – Theatre & Dance Camps 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile 251-602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org Summer Theatre Crafts Camp - Summer Theatre Crafts Camp is an excellent introductory experience for ages 5 - 12. Offered at our theatre in Langan Park, the camp will feature theatre arts such as acting, musical theatre, scenic art, puppetry, and dance. There are two sessions in June, Monday through Friday, from 9:00am until noon; dates will be posted on the Playhouse website. These sessions will include full range of theatre arts. A short demonstration for parents will be held at the end of each week. The cost is $150 for one week and $275 for both weeks; and there is a 10% discount for siblings. Playhouse-in-the-Park Dance is a unique dance program that offers students a full curriculum of dance classes in a non-competitive performance based environment. Dance classes are offered for students age 3 and up. Classes include Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. American style Ballroom is also offered for children and adults. All class sizes are limited to offer personal attention and growth for each student. The Playhouse is also home to the Mobile Youth Repertory Dance Company, open to dance students ages 8 and up by audition only. The company serves as our dance program’s community performance group, attending festivals and workshops throughout the Southeast. Call 251-382-3966 for complete details. Information coming soon to our website. Visit our website for more information. Smash –Summer Music Camp 2 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile 251-342-5320; www.shbc.cc Smash Summer Music at Spring Hill is a Music Day Camp for children. Dates for camp this year will be July 20-24, performance date July 26. Each day will include, music experiences that include singing, playing instruments, games, rhythm, bells, movement, keyboards, guitars, and lots more. $50 for one child, $85 for two, or $100 for three or more. This covers the cost of a snack lunch, tee-shirt, rehearsal CD (for grades 1-6). The week is concluded with a musical presentation by the camp children. For more information please call Debbie Rice, 251-342-5320. St. Paul’s Episcopal School Art, Theatre & More classes. See description under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps. USA Department of Music – Piano Camp: Music of Russia 251-460-6237; southalabama.edu/colleges/music Piano Camp June 15-June 19 at the University of South Alabama with a focus on Russian music. Ages 12- Adult.
Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Brandy Brown Studio
2 LOCATIONS 2569 Dauphin Street, Mobile 3958 Snow Road, Semmes (251) 509-5659; brandybrownstudio@gmail.com SING! ACT! DANCE! Broadway Bound- Dates in June & July (ages 7 through high school seniors) Join us for a fun filled musical theatre camp where students will learn what it takes to be “Broadway Bound.” Camp includes vocal performance, drama and musical theatre dance as well as audition work-
shops & preparation. Amazing camp for students who have serious ambitions in the performing arts as well as those looking for a FUN way to spend their days! Princess Camp- (ages 3-6) Perfect for our little Princesses...Tap - Jazz - Tumbling - Vocal Performance plus daily themes, tea parties, fashion shows, water balloon fights, spa day, dress up and SO much more. *Workshop Style Dance Classes*Aerial Silks for Children*Ballet Intensives*Tumbling Intensives*Private Dance and Vocal Lessons
Broadway South Dance Studio
Three locations in Mobile County: West Mobile-Schillinger/Cottage Hill Rd. Regency-Airport/University behind Chik-Fil-A Saraland-Hwy 43 Next To Subway (251) 639-0660; www.broadwaysouthdance.com We are Mobile’s #1 Choice in Dance! We offer a large variety of dance camps and summer classes for ages 2-18 as well as Adult Dance and workout classes. Summer Camps at West Mobile and Saraland Locations-Call to register! Call (251) 639-0660 or visit www.broadwaysouthdance.com for more information.
Debbie’s School of Dance
6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile 251-633-9559; www.debbiesdance.com Each summer, join Debbie’s School of Dance for our spectacular summer camps, perfect for children ages 2 and up! We offer fun, creative camps that will keep your child active and entertained. Dora’s Ballet Adventures – Ballet, Tumbling, Story Time and Games Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00am-9:45am; Monday & Wednesday, 5:45 – 6:30 or Tuesday & Thursday, 5:45 – 6:30. Shake it Up Hip Hop Camp – Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday – 6:30pm-8:00pm. Princess Sofia Dance Camp – Ballet, Tumbling and Games – Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday 5:45pm-6:30 pm. We will also be having Power Tumbling and Backbend/Back Walkover Classes. Please call or check our website for more information.
Grace Lines Dance
4154 Wulff Road, Semmes 251-232-4786; www.gracelinesdance.com Grace Lines Dance Studio is offering a summer filled with exciting dance opportunities including a special performance opportunity in conjunction with South Alabama Youth Ballet in which dancers will have the option to participate in their original, full-length, ballet production, The Twelve Dancing Princesses to be held June 28th. Other camps include: Dance Intensive: June 2 - 26, 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday, for ages 11 and up. This camp is for the intermediate to advanced dancer. Daily classes in ballet technique and pointe. Other classes include jazz, conditioning, variations, partnering, contemporary, improvisation and repertoire. Weekly lectures in nutrition, injury prevention, stretching, choreography and theater tech. Dancers participating in the Performance Track will also have rehearsals. Dance Camp A: June 8-26, 9am - 1pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, ages 10 and up. Designed for dancers of any level of experience and or ability. Daily classes in classical ballet, Broadway-style jazz and worship dance. Dance Camp B: June 8-26, 9am - 1pm, Tuesday and Thursday, ages 6-9. Designed for dancers of any level of experience and or ability. Daily classes in classical ballet, Broadway-style jazz and worship dance. Princess Ballerina Camp: June 2 - 5, Monday - Friday, 9am - 12noon, ages 3-7. Explore the enchanted worlds of Cinderella, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty through the classical ballets. Each day includes interactive ballet class, story time, healthy snack and craft. Exposure to dance as a
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form of worship and beginning aerobatics. A mini performance for parents on Friday.
Mobile Ballet
4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile 251-342-2241; www.mobileballet.org Email: office@mobileballet.org Summer is an excellent time to begin ballet studies or to enhance your ballet skills! Mobile Ballet offers a full range of summer classes at both our Mobile and Eastern Shore studios, from Swan Princess Dance Camp, Ballet & Broadway, Ballet/Jazz Intensive with Master Class and Summer “Open Class” as well. Register soon to avoid disappointment! Call today or visit our website for more information.
Nasser Gymnastics
3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251-479-9311; www.nassergymnastics.net Keep your children active this summer in a safe and fun environment. Ages 3 and up. Summer Camp is a great way for kids to play with their friends and meet new ones. Lots of activities such as arts and crafts, games, gymnastics and much more! Summer Camp is held on weekdays, throughout the summer. Very Flexible schedule: half-day, full-day, daily, weekly rates and drop-offs available. Call or visit our website for more information.
Planet Gymnastics Summer Camp
900 Schillinger Road. S., Mobile 251-650-0699; www.planetgymnastics.com Half-day, daily, and weekly rates. Walk-ins welcome! (Ages 3-16) Camp Dates – May 26 – August 7. No registration fees, unbelievable rates, 20% sibling discounts and great hours from 7:30am – 5:30pm (late pick up until 6:30pm). NEW: Instructional Camp – Olympic Camp 2015 – July 12-16 (Girls all levels
beginner to elite). Come join Olympic Champion Vladimir Novikov and other special guests for great gymnastics instruction. For more information and registration forms, visit www.planetgymnastics.com.
Precision Dance Academy
63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 222-3403; www.precisiondanceacademy.net PrecisionDanceAcademy@hotmail.com Precisions Diva Fashion Camp for Kids: Get ready for fun at Mobile’s first “Fashion Camp” for kids, hosted by Precision Dance Academy, directed by studio owner Lauren Dreher, who has worked as a professional model in the US, for 14 years. This camp was created to help young girls develop self-esteem and confidence, while also learning about fashion, and the “in’s & out’s” of being in the true modeling Industry. Activities throughout the week will include....A Day in the life of a model: Professional Instruction on the Runway & Photoshoots; wardrobe styling, DIY fashion crafts, professional lessons in makeup and hair styling, Fashion Games, and more. Ending with a grand finale’ fashion show put on for parents & guests at the end of the week. Date: June 9-11. Time: 9am-2:00pm. Ages: 8-13. Cost: Camp Fee: $125 Supply Fee: $50. Precision’s Princess Fairytale Camp- MOBILE’s ORIGINAL PRINCESS CAMP. Come join us for our annual camp where our studio transforms into a Princess Wonderland, and your little girls dream comes true of transforming into their favorite princess every day! Camp Activities-Fairytale Dress up time with daily runway shows, Princess Story & Movie Time, Fairytale Arts & Crafts, Princess Dance & Tumble Time, Fairytale Games & Puppet Shows, and more! Ages-3-7, Price-$150 Camp Fee $40 Supply Fee. Supply Fee includes a camp t shirt, as well as daily snacks and arts/crafts supplies. Dates: July 27-July 31st- 9:00am-1:00pm ** A 15% discount is applied when 2 or more siblings register.
Precisions Super Hero Training Camp- MOBILE’s original Super Hero Camp for boys! Come join us as we lead little boys through the training process to become the Super Hero they’ve always dreamt of being!! Activities Include: Super Hero Games & Activities, Super Hero Arts & Crafts, Hip Hop Dance Class, Super Hero Tumbling & Tricks Class, and more!! Date: July 29-31st. Ages- 4-8. 9:00am-1:00pm. Cost: Camp Fee: $120, Supply Fee: $50 Supply Fee includes a camp t shirt, as well as daily snacks and arts/crafts supplies. Precision Dance Company’s SUMMER INTENSIVECome join Precision Dance Academy, and train alongside the well-known National Award Winning “Precision Divas”. Experience true artistry, detailed technique, and one on one instruction with renown choreographers & teachers from all around the country! Alongside some of Mobile’s award winning dance teachers, this intensive will also include guests that are well-known and leaders in the dance industry today!! Guest Teachers & Dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Teen Beach Movie 1& 2”, “Step Up Revolution”- The movie, “Joffrey Ballet”, “The Rockettes”, “Disney” and more!!! Classes offered: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Stretch, Hip Hop, Latin Ballroom, BOYS ONLY class, and more. **Ages 8-11- Intermediate & Advanced Only. **Ages12 & Up - Intermediate & Advanced Only, Price - $250, Dates: August 3-7th. 9:00am-4:00pm. Limited Spots Available! Reserve your spot today by phone, or email! For more information: PrecisionDanceAcademy@hotmail.com. PrecisionDanceAcademy.NET.
Robinson’s School of Dance Summer Camp
421 Hwy 43 North Saraland AL 36571 251-675-5915 (studio) 251-675-6172 (home) www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com Dance with The Best at Robinson’s School of Dance! Summer Camps! Princess Camp June 1-4 Time:
Insuring your life helps protect their future. Allison Horner, Agent 6353 Cottage Hill Road, Suite F Bus: 251-666-1616 Fax: 251-666-6919 allison@allisonhorner.com www.allisonhorner.com
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9:00am-12:00pm $75.00 Summer Dance Camp Registration-Saturday, May 30th 10:00am-12:00pm/ Monday, June 1st 4:006:00pm. Unlimited Classes $150.00-Many excited guest master teachers/choreographers. Offering the best in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, acrobatics, baton and hip hop starting 45 years!!! Classes run for 4 weeks every Tuesday and Thursday!
UMS-Wright Cheer Camp
See more details under Sports Camps. 5 Star Cheer 7755 Summit Court, Mobile 251-599-3948, www.5starcheerleading.com Summer Classes and Clinic offered such as Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Tumbling, Flexibility/ Strength/Flyer classes. Call or visit our website for more information. Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp The McWhorter Center, Auburn, AL (334) 844-5047; www.abcsportscamps.com/autigers Our staff will provide your gymnast with a fun-filled camp experience in one of the finest training facilities in the country - The McWhorter Center! Our camp is designed to provide great instruction for gymnasts of any level. Space is limited, so sign up now to reserve your spot! Residential Camp dates are June 7-10. Contact Kurt Hettinger, Assistant Coach, for information at (334) 844-5047 or email kurth@auburn.edu. Cheer Force One 8700 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile 251-634-0203; www.cheerforceone.com All Star Cheerleading, Cheer Summer Camps, & Tumbling Classes for boys and girls. Official Summer Camp schedule coming soon. Email info@cheerforceone.com or check our webpage. Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline 1711 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile 251-666-0559; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Miss Lisa’s Gymnastics 2907 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251-471-9708 Summer Gymnastics and cheerleading classes. Call for more information.
Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics, LLC 102 Baker Road, Satsuma 251-599-2205; www.msdaphnescheernastics.com For current info, visit our Facebook Page: Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics; Summer Schedule and camps TBA. Visit Facebook for more information. Playhouse in the Park Dance Camps See Playhouse in the Park listing under Art/Music/Preforming Arts for more information. Sheffield School of the Dance 4570 Hermitage Road, Mobile 1901 Dauphin Street, Mobile 4358 Old Shell Road #B, Mobile 151 Fly Creek Ave. Suite 430 & 432, Fairhope 251-661-4893 (Studio) 251-479-3926 (Office); www.sheffielddance.net; www.facebook.com/sheffielddance Sheffield School of the Dance is “Mobile’s Ultimate Dance Studio” for 72 years in the making! 3 Mobile Locations plus our NEW Eastern Shore Location in Fairhope! We will be offering new, exciting Summer Camps & classes for all ages and levels at our West Mobile & Eastern Shore Locations. Coming June-July, 2015. Please call for more information and stay tuned to us on Facebook for constant updates. University of Alabama - Gymnastics Camp www.Alabamagymnasticscamp.com University of Alabama Gymnastics Camps are designed to maximize each camper’s experience through technical training in a challenging and fun atmosphere. We take pride in providing all participants an in-depth opportunity to grow and develop as a gymnast. Offering overnight and Session I: June 10-13, Session II: June 17-20. Overnight fee is $745; Day camp fee is $645. Overnight Campers (9 years and up) Day Camper (7 years and up) All prices include this year’s camp leotard and camp lunches. Register on-line at www.alabamagymnasticscamp.com to learn more.
Day Camps Christ UMC Elementary Summer Camp
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 251-342-0462; www.christumcchildren.com Starting in June, Times: 7:30am - 6:00pm Summer
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Camp is open to children who have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children enjoy field trips, music, Bible stories, crafts, chapel and lots of fun. Blessings and prayers are said daily. The love of our Lord is shared with each child through our actions, activities and devotionals. For more information, visit www.christumcchildren.com.
Jubilee Childcare
6631 Wall Street, Mobile 251-776-7022; jubileechildcare.com Our school age summer program is designed for children 5 years to 12 years.
St. Luke’s Episcopal School Summer Camp Program
3975 Japonica Lane, Mobile (Early Childhood and Lower School) 1400 University Boulevard South (Middle and Upper School) 251-666-2991; www.stlukesmobile.com St. Luke’s is pleased to offer a Summer Camp Program each summer for children age’s pre-kindergarten (3- years old) through the fifth grade. Enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, field trips, library time, music, computer, and swimming will provide children a productive and fun-filled summer. Our competent staff of counselors ensures the safety and enjoyment of each child who attends. Summer Camp usually begins the last week of May and runs through the end of July. The Camp is open Monday through Friday. Holidays are taken on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The camp opens at 7:30am and closes at 5:30pm each day. Please visit www. stlukesmobile.com for more information.
Weinacker’s Montessori
2 locations 513 Georgian Drive, Mobile, 251-342-5399 Hillcrest - 227 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 251-344-8755 WeinackersMontessori.com We have great things planned for this summer! Along with field trips to places like the Sea-Lab, the Botanical Gardens, Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, and the Exploreum. Our summer days are going to be filled with a variety of hands-on explorations and learning. Some of the classroom activities will include arts and crafts, the study of literature, foreign language, and music. Students will spend time outdoors everyday with fun group activities and
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play. Highlights include enriched learning curriculum, field trips, cultural experiences and learning new facts about zoology, astronomy and geology. Programs are available for ages 6 months – 12 years. Field trips are only for children ages 5 – 12. Hours of camp are 6:00am – 4:00pm, extended hours are available. City of Mobile Summer Adventure Camp 251-208-1651; 251-208-1668 City of Mobile Summer Adventure Camp starts June 2. Big Kahuna Trip in Destin Florida trip planned at the end of the summer. Locations and cost to be announced. Register early to reserve your child’s spot at the main office of Parks and Recreation at 48 North Sage Avenue. Dauphin Way Child Development Center 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile 251-344-0909; www.dauphinwaycdc.com Dauphin Way Child Development Center – located at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. We will begin May 26th – thru August 7th. Hours are 6:45am to 6:00pm for children who had completed 5K thru 5th grade. Weekly activities children include swimming, skating and bowling and special field trips. Registration fee is $75 and cost is $25 per day. Space is limited. Call 344-0909 for information or visit www.dauphinwaycdc.com. Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp 2200 Cody Road South, Mobile 251-633-0250; www.dayspringbc.org For children entering K5 through 6th Grade. Exciting activities await those who attend Dayspring Day Camp! Each week, campers will swim, skate, and go on field trips. In addition to special activities such as juggling, arts and crafts, drama, and talent shows, there will be recreation, movies, music, and numerous other creative activities. We will have special weeks such as Christmas in July and Game Show week. Opens May 26. Hours: 6:45am-6:00pm. (Activities from 8:00am-4:30pm) $20 per day or $100 per week with $145 due at registration (includes a non-refundable registration fee and first week’s tuition/total to register before May 1 is $140). Government Street Baptist 3401 Government Boulevard., Mobile 251-660-7444, www.governmentstreet.org Summer Camp for children who have completed K4 - 5th grade. Camp is open from 6:00am - 6:00pm,
Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
Monday through Friday, with most activities scheduled between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm. Let your child spend their summer Swimming, Skating, Bowling, going on Field Trips to places like a Bay Bear’s game, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, The Exploreum, and much more! Summer Camp registration opens March 27. Life Church CDC Summer Camp 8701 Zeigler Boulevard. Mobile, 251-633-2679 Join us for our Summer Camp. We have weekly field trips, arts and crafts, praise and worship, water slides, and other fun activities! Ages K3- 6th grade. MondayFriday 6:00am-6:00pm. Semmes First Baptist Child Development 4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes 251- 649-2712; www.srfbc.com Summer Camp program for children up to 5th grade. Part and Full Time Available. Call today to find out more information on how your child can become part of our SFBCDC family. Shiloh Baptist Church Summer Camp 717 Cleveland Road, Saraland 251-675-2099; www.shilohsaraland.com Summer Camp from May 26-August 7. Daily and weekly rates available. St. Paul’s Episcopal School Summer Fun and Learning St. Paul’s Episcopal School will offer Summer School Classes (math, reading, study skills, Spanish) and Enrichment Classes (music, art, computer, cooking, acting, game-ventures, super sleuths, summer serving, and more!) beginning in June. There are several Athletic Camps for all ages including Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer and Swimming. We also offer a Summer Cheer Clinic for grades PreK – 6! Visit our website for a complete List of the exciting camp details and a registration form. All of these classes are open to the public. More classes and events will be added throughout the spring; please visit www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints for updates! Contact Summer School Coordinator Jill Drum at jdrum@stpaulsmobile. net or 251-622-7962 for further details or questions! Watermelon Patch 6417 Hillcrest Park Court., Mobile 251-633-3288; thewmpatch.com The Watermelon Patch Summer Camp 2015 will be
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available Tuesday-Thursdays. Two 4 week sessions: June 2 – 25, July 7 – 30. Stay physically and mentally active this summer! Stay cool and out of the heat in our indoor playroom! Toddler area, playhouses, slides, zip line, jumpy, rock wall, ride on toys, puzzles, dress up, blocks, puzzles and more! Group games & obstacle courses! Choose one, two or three days, Half Day from 8:30am – 12:30pm, bring own snack, lunch and drinks-NO NUTS PLEASE. Stay for movie on the big screen from 12:30pm – 2:30pm includes a snack. $10 per day per child (will offer this extended stay/movie option if enough interest). Camp rates: Registration: $20. Junior rates (5-10 yrs.)- Half Day 1 day/wk. - $90/month, 2 days/wk. - $185/ month 3 days/wk. - $275/month. Preschool (2-4 yrs.)1 day/wk. - $100/month, 2 days/wk. - $195/month, 3days/wk. - $285/month. Sibling discounts available. West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile 251-639-6868; www.westmobilebaptist.org West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp is for children ages 4-11 and is open from 6:00am – 6:00pm. We have two summer programs. One is for school age children who have completed K4 and K5 (or are the appropriate ages for this) and the other is for those children who have completed the 1st through 6th grades (Up to age 12). The registration fee must be paid by those who are not already registered in our yearly full time program and entitles the student to care only during the summer months. Weekly rates includes two snacks daily, a hot lunch each day and all field trips. Please visit our website for more information. YMCA Summer Camps and Programs Hearin Chandler Family YMCA 951 Downtowner Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36609 251-344-4856; Email: ebuchnan@ysal.org North Mobile Family YMCA 92 Saraland Loop, Saraland, AL 36571 251-679-8877; Email: cmoss@ysal.org Campers will experience the adventure and excitement of the outdoors daily, meet new friends and express their growing independence under the supervision of qualified and caring YMCA camp staff. Camp activities include games, sports, field trips, crafts, songs, skits, swimming and water activities. Ages 5 -14. Monday – Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm. Visit www. ysal.org for more information or contact the YMCA closest to you for details.
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Educational and Miscellaneous Camps Alabama School of Math and Science - Summer Fun Camp
1255 Dauphin St., Mobile 251-441-2128; www.asms.net Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at AIMS Summer Camp and learn while you have fun! Kayak in Mobile Bay. Build a smartphone app. Investigate a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Design and make metal sculpture. Speak German. Create a hologram. Launch a rocket...and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Students entering the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades as well as incoming ASMS students may enroll. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 8-12), Session 2 (June 15-19), and Session 3 (June 22-26) are all overnight or day camps. Day camp is 8:00 am - 3:15pm. Overnight Camp is $375 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 is an additional $175, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. Day Campers: $275 per week (this includes tuition and lunch). A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 6.
Camp Swampy – 5 Rivers
30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort 251-625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Join us for Camp Swampy. We will have both weeklong camps and single day classes. The single day classes are not yet finalized, but the week long
classes are scheduled for: Session I—July 6-10, Gr 3-5 (deadline to register 6/22) Session II—July 20-24, Gr 1-2 (deadline to register 6/6) Registration for each session is $100 per student, and includes all supplies plus a boat tour. Sessions are scheduled 9:00am-Noon each day. Hands-on activities will help your child learn about one of our nation’s largest river deltas, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Email Shonda.Borden@DCNR.Alabama.gov for registration and more info.
Casey’s Center for Learning
63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (located inside Azalea City Center for the Arts) (251) 209-1102; www.caseyscenterforlearning.org A Rainbow of Assistance! Education needs are as varied as colors. We want to help you with every one of them. We offer learning evaluations, academic intervention, academic coaching, social skills, ADHD coaching, speech therapy, parent training, individual and small group. For more information contact Bo Dooley, Educational/Behavioral Consultant.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street, Mobile 251-208-6893; www.exploreum.com Experience the most amazing, science-based summer camps in Mobile! Summertime is always full of learning fun at the Gulf Coast Exploreum! Full Summer Camp schedule, program descriptions and rates will be announced soon so visit our website or find us on Facebook for daily updates!
Kids Kount Handwriting Camp Kids Kount Therapy Services 26420 Kensington Place, Suite C, Daphne (251) 517-0355; kidskountmgmt@yahoo.com
Handwriting camps are managed by occupational therapist specializing in handwriting development and will include pre and post testing, pencil grip recommendations, and recommendations for classroom success. Camp will include handwriting, art, drawing, music, and fine motor and sensory development. Camps will be print only based handwriting camps. Please contact us for dates and times.
Kids Kount Summer Reading Program-Individual or Group Rates
Kids Kount Therapy Services 26420 Kensington Place Suite C, Daphne 251-517-0355; kidskountmgmt@yahoo.com Reading instruction is managed by our speech language therapy staff with advanced knowledge in reading development using Susan Barton and Wilson Reading Programs (both Orton Gillingham based). Areas of focus include; developing strong phonemic awareness, decoding, blending, independent reading, sight words, vocabulary skills, reading comprehension. Program will be based on individual needs and goals.
Revelation Christian School
1711 Taylor Lane, Mobile 251-473-2333 We will host a two week Reading and Math camp from 8-12 PM for those students entering 3rd-5th grades. Please call our school at (251) 473-2333 for additional information.
SchoolWorks
256-252-8374; www.SchoolWorksEdu.com; michaelann@schoolworksedu.com Offering summer camps and programs to help with summer reading assignments, kindergarten and 1st grade preparation, ongoing tutoring, and enrichment
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lessons to stay on track or get ahead! We specialize in Tutoring, ADHD Coaching, Reading, Math, Organizational Skills, Study Skills, ACT, SAT prep, and Homeschool Facilitation.
St. Mary Catholic School Annual Summer Enrichment Series
107 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile 251-433-9904; www.stmarymobile.org St. Mary Catholic School will hold its annual Enrichment Series July 27 - 31, 2015. The program from Monday through Friday, 8:00am until 11:30am. The Cost is $175 per child. A $50 deposit is required by Friday, May 8, 2015. The program is staffed by highly qualified instructors including Reading/ Math Intervention Teachers and certified Reading and Math Teachers. Technology based Interactive learning that engages students will be implemented. Guided reading and writing instruction and literacy workstations targeting skill development to include comprehension and fluency will be addressed. Guided Math instruction will include reinforcement of computation, strategies for problem solving, and test taking skills using manipulative in workstations. Students may bring a snack and beverage daily. For additional information, please contact Kathryn Beagle or Linda Thornton, 433-9904, lthornton@ stmarymobile.org.
Sylvan Learning Center
8020 Moffett Rd, Semmes, AL 36575, 251-649-8522 Avoid Summer learning loss. Make Sylvan a part of your summer schedule and make Back to School time a big success! Sylvan has new summer camps like Math EDGE, Robotics, and Coding.
The Mustard Seed Enrichment
189 Rochester Place, Mobile (251)680-0954; www.themustardseedenrichment. com themustardseedenrichment@gmail.com The Mustard Seed Enrichment provides opportunities for learning for children ages 4-8 in all areas of childhood development. These educationally based camps are designed to boost self-confidence while enhancing language acquisition, Mathematics and much more! Each camp runs from Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-12:00pm. Camp activities vary based on weekly themes such as Reader’s Theater, Music Makers, Summer Safari, Bugs and Butterflies and more.
The Think Tank Tutoring
(251) 414-4494; www.TheThinkTankTutoring.com Start your school year with a tutor and stop the school struggles before they begin. Improve your child’s grades with affordable one-on-one private tutoring in your home. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services is your solution. All subjects offered in grades K-12. We offer assistance with LD/ ADD/ADHD, Homework Help and Test Prep. Specializing in Reading, Math, Algebra I&II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Science, History and English. We use SOAR Study Skills and have Certified Teachers available. Our average student improves 2 letter grades in just 60 days! For more information call or email thinktankminds@gmail.com.
University of South Alabama - Summer Youth Programs
251-405-9928; www.usacontinuinged.com Join USA Center for Continuing Education for new summer camps just for kids. Our programs are led by USA faculty and other experts in the community. We engage and guide the students into their field of interest while having fun. Camp themes include: Geology for Kids, USA R.A.P (Robotics Acting and Performing), Bricks 4 Kids, Beginning and Advanced Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
Video Editing, Mining and Crafting, ACT Academy, Dig into Archeology, and much more. Visit www. usacontinuinged.com for a Full Camp brochure on USA’s Summer Youth Programs and see our ad in this month’s issue! Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores 251-968-5732; www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com Email: cindypzoo@yahoo.com Elementary school age children ages 5 to 11, in full-day session from 9:00am– 3:00pm. We provide licensed teachers and trained volunteers to help children explore animal life at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Meet our animal caretakers, and even greet some of our animal residents personally. Children will also participate in arts and crafts projects and special zoo-related events. There will be plenty of hands-on educational and fun activities carried out in a safe and educational environment. Applications will be available online and the cost is $175 per child. Applications will not be taken over the phone; they must be mailed or delivered in person to the zoo. For more information, visit the website, call or find us on Facebook. Badger Kids Urban Survival Academy Springhill College, or 251-380-3096 The Urban Survival Academy is a Community Service Project of the Spring Hill College Department of Public Safety. The objective is to provide an early educational program for elementary school children (ages 5-12). The program, which will be held on the Spring Hill College campus, will teach children about personal safety, vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and fire safety. The skills taught at the Urban Survival Academy will empower children with the ability to avoid needless accidents and instill good safety habits at an early age. The Urban Survival Academy will host weeklong sessions. Dates: June 8-12; July 6-10; July 13-17; July 27-31, $65per child. Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:00pm. Please email lrowland@shc.edu or call for or call 251- 380-3096 for more information. Bricks 4 Kidz 251-300-4796; www.bricks4kidz.com/mobile Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play… with LEGO® bricks. Kids can learn and grow with our fun-filled model plans, which are designed just for us by architects and engineers! Our unique kits reinforce S.T.E.M. based principles while using LEGO® Bricks. Summer Camps available for children ages 3 - 13+. Camp themes include – JRobotics, Super Hero Academy, Angry Birdies, Comic Creator, Movie Making and Bricks 4 Girlz. Please call for dates and times. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook. com/B4KMobile. Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515); www.disl.org Email: sejohnson@disl.org Summer fun becomes summer learning at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and our 2015 summer programs are now open for registration! Dauphin Island offers sunny beaches, a beautiful bay, fascinating marshes and the best educational staff around. There are day camp opportunities for K-8th graders, overnight programs for 5th-graders to classroom teachers, and field trips for the public. For more information on any of these programs, visit our website and click on Educational Programs > Onsite Programs. Programs fill quickly, so make your reservations today! Delta Discoveries Summer Science/Art Camp Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort 251-377-0054; www.alabama5rivers.com
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Email: Juli Day, jujuhiker@gmail.com Explore the wonderful world of snakes, frogs, turtles, fish, insects, birds and plants living in the Mobile Tensaw Delta through hands-on science and art activities. Session 1 will be June 8 – 12, 2015 from 9:00am – 12:00pm Session 2 will be August 3 – 7, 2015 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Open to grades 1– 4.
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Environmental Studies Center Summer Day Camp 6101 Girby Road, Mobile; 251-221-5000 (Extension 2); www.mcpsesc.com; Email: lsa8103@mcpss.com Summer Day camps throughout the summer months for grades 1-8. Visit our website for detailed course descriptions and to confirm prices and dates.
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Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes 2864 Dauphin St. Ste. D, Mobile 251-473-6808; www.lindamoodbell.com Lindamood-Bell helps children and adults improve language processing—the foundation of all communication and learning. For over 25 years, our intensive, process-based instruction has been used to strengthen the sensory-cognitive functions needed for reading and comprehension, and has proven successful for individuals with learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD. Visit www.lindamoodbell. com for more information. Mobile Parks and Recreation Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile, 251-208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/parks; www.communityactivitiesprogram.com; Educational Camps. Please visit our website for more information. Naval Aviation Museum Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp 1750 Radford Boulevard. Suite B, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508, 850-453-2389 (ext. 3234); www.NavalAviationMuseum.org Sam Shilling; SShilling@navalaviationmuseum.org Launch your own rocket, build gliders, watch a Blue Angels practice (if available) and experience an IMAX® movie or exciting flight simulators – all in one week! Sign up for the Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp at the National Naval Aviation Museum located on NAS Pensacola. Taught by certified teachers, students will learn the science and math of flight and expand their knowledge of Naval Aviation history with tours of Museum exhibits and aircraft. Open to children entering 5th and 6th grade. Campers will need to arrange their own transportation and must bring their own lunch. Students will receive a complimentary “Flight Adventure Deck” t-shirt at the conclusion of their camp session. Maximum of 25 students per session. Open only to those children entering the 5th or 6th grade. Please visit our website for application information, sibling discounts and refund policy. 2015 Camp dates; June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7. Protocol- Social Etiquette/ Table Manners 251-626-3137; Director Paula Perri Email: paulaperri123@yahoo.com A course in social etiquette and table manners for girls and boys ages 6 – 16 years. Learn about table settings, proper use of silverware, and the importance of proper grooming and posture. Modeling courses are also offered. Call Paula Perri for more information at (251) 626-3137. Pump It Up 741-A Hillcrest Road, Mobile 251-342-3940; www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al Summer Open Play: Begins May 25. Monday*Wednesday*Friday all summer long! 10am2pm, $8/child plus tax. Ages 2 - 12 welcome. Come in from the heat and enjoy some COOL jumping fun!
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Meet up with old friends and make some new ones too! Children UNDER 2 years old and Parents play FREE with paid admission of older sibling. Socks and signed waiver required to play. Not a drop off event, please plan to stay and monitor your children. Face Painting and other activities on various days through summer! Check our website for more information! St. Paul’s Episcopal School –Summer Fun and Learning St. Paul’s Episcopal School will offer Summer School Classes (math, reading, study skills, Spanish) and Enrichment Classes (music, art, computer, cooking, acting, game-ventures, super sleuths, summer serving, and more!) beginning in June. There are several Athletic Camps for all ages including Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer and Swimming. We also offer a Summer Cheer Clinic for grades PreK – 6! Summer Music Lessons On Campus - Extra-Curricular Music Director Tammy Nicholas will offer music lessons in Violin/Viola, Piano, and Guitar this summer. Visit our website for a complete List of the exciting camp details and a registration form. More classes and events will be added throughout the spring; please visit www.stpaulsmobile.net for updates! Contact Summer School Coordinator Jill Drum at jdrum@stpaulsmobile. net or 251-622-7962 for further details or questions! U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge (800) 637-7223; www.spacecamp.com (More details under Overnight Camps)
Horseback Riding Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm – Summer Riding Camp 10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile 251-634-1229; www.silverliningfarm.net
Day and Overnight Camps offered June through July. Ages 5-16. Silver Lining Farm has one of the best summer camp programs in the country. Being at the farm for 5 days, a student can learn what it would take 10 weeks to learn in regular lessons. Each student is worked with one on one as well as in a group setting with games, trail rides, taking horses in the lake, and many other great activities. The campers eat lunch together and hear stories that inform how to take care of horses and their medical needs. Swimming at the beautiful lake ends each camp day. Summer Camp Dates: June 1-June 5, June 8- June 12, June 15 – June 19, June 22 – June 26, June 29 – July 3, July 6 – July 10, July 13 – July 17, July 20 – July 24 ,July 27 – July 31. Cost per Rider: $460 per week – 8:00am until 2:00pm - $200 deposit required. $750 per week overnight – Mon 8:00am until Fri 2:00pm - $400 deposit required • Extended day $25 per day additional and available upon request. Sandstone Equestrian Center Summer Camp 9450-A Jeff Hamilton Rd., Mobile 251-633-8088; www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com We offer horse camps throughout the year that are open to riders from very beginners to the more advanced. Most camps are 5 days long and run from 8:00am-2:30pm. Some camp activities include: Instruction in Basic English Riding, Basic Horsemanship—including feeding, grooming, saddling and first aid, Games on Horseback, Swimming, Safety when riding and handling horses, Horsey Crafts. Summer Camp Dates 2015 - June 8-11, June 22-25, July 27-30, and August 3-6. Eventing Camp - June 15-20. Please visit our website for camp forms. Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp Cloudland, GA 706-862-2231; www.valleyviewranch.com Valley View Ranch helps each camper have the full
opportunity of horsemanship through instruction, time in the saddle on trails, and the care and responsibility of having her own horse, all atop beautiful Lookout Mountain. We offer several riding programs and encourage each camper to participate in all of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western Stock Seat and Barrels and Vaulting. Each girl can spend as much time as she likes with her favorite horse during her stay. Located on 600 acres of lush pastures, wooded trails, and panoramic views. One or two week sessions are available. Visit our website and find us on Facebook for more information.
Sports Camps Christ United Methodist Church Summer Sports Camps
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 251-706-3326; www.christumcsports.com Christ United Recreation Ministry offers Basketball, Cheer & Volleyball camps during the summer! Register early because spaces are limited. A light snack is provided. Please register before the registration deadline to guarantee camp shirt by the first day of camp. Turn in the registration form(s) and payment at the rec desk. Dates and Times: TBA. Please check our website for more information.
McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps 1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile, Alabama 36604 251-445-2900; www.mcgill-toolen.org Baseball - Dates: June 1-4, Time: 8:00am-11:00am Where: Lipscomb Complex, Ages: Rising 3-8 grades, Cost: $100.00 (Checks payable to McT Baseball) What to Bring: Cleats, glove, (Concessions for sale) Contact: Tim Becker beckert@mcgill-toolen.org Track & Field Session 1 – Dates: June 22-25/Track &
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Field Session 2- Dates: July 6 – 9, Time: 5pm-7pm Where: McGill-Toolen Track and Field Ages: Rising 7-12 grades, Cost: $100 (Checks payable to Tray Morgan) What to Bring: Track Shoes, track spikes, water bottle. Contact: Coach Tray Morgan morgant@ mcgill-toolen.org Football - Dates: June 15-18, Time: 8:00am – 11:00am. Where: Lipscomb Stadium Ages: Rising 1-8 grades, Cost: $100 (payable to Caleb Ross) What to bring: Football cleats. Contact: Coach Caleb Ross rossc@mcgill-toolen.org 251-455-2924 Boys Basketball Shooting Camp -Dates: May 27-28, Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm. Where: McGill-Toolen Gym, Ages: Rising 3-8 grades, Cost: $50.00 (Checks payable to Phillip Murphy) What to Bring: Athletic Shoes, Contact: Phillip Murphy murphyp@mcgill-toolen.org 251-445-2921 Co-Ed Soccer (Session 1)-Dates: June 1-4/Co-Ed Soccer (Session 2) Dates: July 27 – 30, Time: 9:00am-11:00am, Where: Lipscomb Stadium, Ages: Rising 1-8 grades, Cost: $80 (payable to Nate Nicholas) What to bring: Cleats & shin guards (concessions for sale) Contact: Coach Nate Nicholas nicholn@mcgill-toolen.org, 251-445-2854 Boys Basketball Individual Camp-Dates: June 1-4, Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Where: McT & CYO, Ages: Rising K-8 grades, Cost: $100 (payable to Phillip Murphy) What to bring: basketball shoes (concessions for sale) Contact: Coach Phillip Murphy murphyp@mcgill-toolen.org 251-445-2921 Volleyball (Session 1) -Dates: June 15-18/ Volleyball (Session 2) Dates: July 13 - 16, Time: 1pm - 4pm, Where: CYO, Ages: Rising 3-8 grades, Cost: $100 (payable to Kate Wood), What to bring: volleyball shoes & knee pads (concessions for sale), Contact: Coach Kate Wood woodk@mcgill-toolen.org 251445-2923 Girls Basketball -Dates: June 8-11, Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Where: McT & CYO Ages: Rising K-8 grades, Cost: $100 (payable to Carla Berry), What to bring: basketball shoes (concessions for sale) Contact: Coach Carla Berry berryc@mcgill-toolen.org 251-445-2922 Boys & Girls Tennis -Dates: July 20-July 23, Times: K4- K graders 7:45am-8:15am, 1-2 graders 8:15am9:00am, 3-4 graders 9:00am-10:00am, 5-6 graders 10:00am-11:00am, 7-8 graders 11:00am-noon Where: Mobile Tennis Center, Ages: Rising K-8 graders Cost: $50 K4-K graders, $60 1-2 graders, $75 3-8 graders (payable to Jason Abraham) What to bring: Athletic shoes, racket, Contact: Coach Jason Abraham; abrahaj@mcgill-toolen.org Cheerleading- Dates: Aug 8, Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm for grades K-4, 1:00pm-4:00pm for grades 5-8. Where: McT Gym. Ages: K through 4 & 5 through 8 Cost: $50 (payable to McT Cheerleading), What to bring: water bottle (concessions for sale), Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Tolbert tolberj@mcgill-toolen.org 251-445-2913
Inner Strength Martial Arts
9120 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 776-1978; www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. *Also offering program for special needs children.* View our ad in this issue for summer specials!
St. Luke’s Episcopal School Summer Sports Camps
3975 Japonica Lane, Mobile (Early Childhood and Lower School) 1400 University Boulevard South (Middle and Upper School) 251-666-2991; www.stlukesmobile.com St. Luke’s Varsity Athletic Department sponsors a Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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variety of athletic camps throughout the summer for students of all age groups. Sports camps include football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer and archery! Camp dates and costs will be posted on the school’s website (www.stlukesmobile.com) as soon as they become available. Early registration is recommended.
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
65 Mobile Street, Mobile www.ums-wright.org UMS-Wright Preparatory School is once again offering a variety of sports camps this summer. Campers report to the UMS-Wright Physical Activities Complex from the Old Shell Road. Download registration form at website. Each camp costs $100 unless otherwise noted. Cheerleading- June 1-4, Mon – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon (Rising grades 1-6). Baseball – June 1-4 Mon – Thurs., 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Rising grades 1 – 8). Pitching - June 5 (Friday) 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Rising Grades 1 – 8). ($50) Girls’ Basketball- June 8 -11, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon- (Rising Grades 2 – 8). Boys’ Basketball- June 15 – 18, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon- (Rising Grades 2 – 8). Fast Pitch Softball – June 15 – 18, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – 11:00am (Rising Grades 1-6). Girls’ & Boys’ Soccer- June 22 – June 25, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00am – Noon (Rising Grades 1 – 6). Football Pup Camp – July 13 - 16, Mon.-Thurs. 9:00am-Noon (Rising grades 1-4) Jr. Volleyball- July 13-16, Monday – Thurs. 1:00pm3:30pm (Rising Grades 3-5) MS Volleyball – July 13-16, Monday-Thurs. 1:00pm-3:30pm(Rising 6-8). Terry Curtis Football –July 27-30, Mon.-Thurs., 9:00am-Noon (Rising grades 5-8). Dance Camp – July 27-30, Mon.-Thurs., 9:00amNoon (Rising Grades K4-5). Registration forms are available www.ums-wright.org or call the Athletic Office at 470-9045. Alabama Youth Sports Combine 2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, 251-633-6263 Alabama Youth Sports Combine is a sports training facility located in West Mobile offering Spring Break Camp and Summer Camps! Summer Camp information to be posted soon! Other programs include football, baseball, soccer, cheerleading and multi-sports conditioning. Whether you want your child to simply become a better ball player or want to get the athlete in your family trained for the big leagues, we offer sports training for children, youth, and adults. Please browse through our website and learn about all of the exciting programs we have to offer. Auburn Tiger Swim Camp www.auburnswimcamps.com Email: auswimcamps@gmail.com All camps are Sunday – Thursday for ages 9 – 18 years. 2015 Camp Dates: Session I May 31 - June 4 Resident fee is $710 and Commuter fee is $660. Session II June 5 – 7 Resident fee is $400 and Commuter fee is $360. Session III June 7 - 11 Resident fee is $710 and Commuter fee is $660. Session IV June 12 - 14 Resident fee is $400 and Commuter fee is $360. Session V June 14 - 18 Resident fee is $660 and Commuter fee is $710. Auburn University Sports Camps Auburn, AL; www.auburntigers.com There’s no better way for your child to spend the summer than on the Plains attending an Auburn Tiger sport camp. From football and basketball to tennis and swimming, your child will learn fundamentals of team play, sportsmanship and skills of the sport ... all from Auburn coaches and players. Auburn University will once again offer baseball, bas-
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ketball, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field/ cross country, and volleyball camps. Go to www. auburntigers.com/camps for full information. Auburn University Baseball Camps: Auburn, AL; 334-844-4975; www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers; Team Camp, June 12 – 14. Youth Camp (ages 7-12) July 10 – 12. Elite Camp July 12 16. High School Exposure Camp July 19 – 22. Auburn Tiger Boys Basketball Camp: Mike Babul 334-844-9737 Equestrian Camps: Carolyn Williams 334-844-9426; carolyn031@centurytel.net Football Camps: 334-844-8855; www.auburnfootballcamps.com; Email: wbolt@auburn.edu Girls’ Basketball Camps: Terri Flournoy, 334-844-9645; skf0008@auburn.edu Auburn Tiger Golf Camp: 334-844-9657; www.auburntigers.com; June 14-17 (9th birthday through high school graduate) This camp is open to golfers of all skill levels, ages 9-18. Junior Golf Camp June 7 - 9-This camp will benefit all ages and all skill levels, beginner and advanced. Gymnastics Camps: 334-844-5047; kurth@auburn.edu; Kurt Hettinger Commuter or Overnight: June 7 - 11 Auburn Tiger Softball Camp: 334-844-9515; www.auburntigers.com Email: cm3elitediamondcamps@auburn.edu Tennis: (334) 703-1672; www.gteamtennis.com Tiger Twirlers: 189 East University Drive, Auburn (Max Fitness) (601) 630-6994; Gayle Hammitt Auburn Volleyball Camp: www.auburntigers.com April Zech aly0001@auburn.edu. Please visit our website for details and registration. Auburn Women’s Soccer Camp: (334) 844-9637; www.auburnsoccercamp.com Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp is the most popular soccer camp in the country based upon one of the most innovative approaches to coaching youth soccer in the US and Canada. City of Mobile British Soccer camp - 6/22/2015 6/26/2015 at Hearin-Chandler YMCA Soccer Fields (951 Downtowner Boulevard) Mini Soccer for ages 3-5 from 9:00am-10:30am. Cost - $102.00. Half Day Camp for ages 6-14 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Cost - $139.00. Full Day Camp for ages 7-14 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Cost -$190.00
City of Mobile - Tetra Brazil Camp- 6/22/2015 6/26/2015 at Cottage Hill Park (1711 Hillcrest Road) Half Day Camp for ages 7-9 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Cost $145. Half Day Camp for ages 10-14 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Cost $145. City of Mobile British Soccer Camp - 7/27/2015 7/31/2015 at Cottage Hill Park (1711 Hillcrest Road) First Kicks for ages 3-4 from 9:00am-10:00am. Cost$90.00, Mini Soccer for ages 4-6 from 10:30am12:00pm. $104.00. Half Day Camp for ages 6-14 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Cost - $135.00. Half Day Camp for ages 6-14 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. $135.00. City of Mobile British Soccer Camp- 6/15/2015 6/19/2015 at North Mobile YMCA Soccer Fields (92 Saraland Loop, Saraland). First Kicks for ages 3-4 from 9:00am-10:00am. Cost -$95.00, Mini Soccer for ages 4-6 from 9:00am-10:30am. Cost - $110.00, Half Day Camp for ages 6-16 from ages 9:00am12:00pm. Cost -$145.00. Faith Academy 8650 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile 251-633-7267, www.faithacademy.us Visit our website for a list of athletic camps. Graham’s Elite Martial Arts 1121 Dawes Road, Mobile 251-633-7837; www.grahamselitemartialarts.com/ summer-camp 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. LSU - Athletic Youth Camps Baton Rouge, LA www.lsusports.net/camps LSU will offer several youth sports camps this summer. All camps will be held in our brand new LSU Practice Facility and the legendary Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Register early as camps fill up quickly. Visit the website above for information on specific camp details. LSU Athletic department will offer baseball, cheerleading/dance, football, basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball camps. Mobile Bay Sailing School 4295 Marina Dr North, Mobile AL 36605 251-709-4102, www.mobilebaysailingschool.com The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between
the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. This program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about this wonderful sport. The program offers classes in Optimist and 420 class sailboats for beginner and experienced sailors, with opportunities for advanced students to race both classes of the boats in local regattas. Students will develop basic nautical knowledge, boat handling skills, and respect toward the sea, weather and wind. The Mobile Bay Sailing School will offer one-week training sessions with the first session beginning in June. Classes are one week, all-day sessions Monday through Friday. However, parents may choose to enroll students in half-day sessions if they prefer. Mobile Parks & Recreation Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile 251-208-1617; www.cityofmobile.org/parks; www.communityactivitiesprogram.com. Sports camps. Call or visit our website for more information. Mobile Tennis Center 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile 251-208-5181; www.mobiletenniscenter.net Offering summer clinics. Please visit our website for more information. Spring Hill College Sports Camps Springhill College Campus, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile; www.shcbadgers.com Springhill College offers numerous sports camps. They offer Boys and Girls basketball camp, Soccer Camps, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball & Cheer and Dance. Most camps TBA. Please check our webpage for more information coming soon. Soccer Camps – Badger Academy June 7-11 (ages 9-18), Badger Cub Academy June 8-12 (ages 8-18). St. Paul’s Sport’s Camps See more information under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps. University of Alabama Sports Camps Tuscaloosa, AL; www.rolltide.com/camps/ alab-camps.html The University of Alabama is offering several exciting sports camps including Nick Saban Football Camp, Baseball, Cheer/Dance, Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, softball and Swimming. Visit the website listed for detailed information.
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Alabama Baseball Camp: (205) 348-8849; www.bamabaseball.com The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Baseball camps during the months of June and July 2015. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. 1,2,3 and overnight camps are available. Please visit our website for dates, applications and information. Alabama Football Camp: (205) 348-0808; www.rolltide.com Youth Camp (Ages 8 – 14 years), June 7 - 10 Kicking-Long Snapper Camp (Grades 9 - 12) June 6 High School Camp (Grades 9 - 12), Two sessions: May 31 - June 3 & July 13 - 16 O-line/D-Line Camp (Grades 9 - 12) June 13 Alabama Football Camp is taught by Alabama Crimson Tide Football Staff to enhance football skills, weight training and speed. There are many summer camps available through Alabama Athletics. You can obtain information and costs as well as enroll online. Alabama Women’s Basketball Camp: (205) 348-6164; www.rolltide.com Email: uawomenshoops@ia.ua.edu Fundamental Camp is for grades 6 - 12th. Day Camp is for Grades K - 5th. Elite Camp (overnight camp) is for grades 8 – 12th. Team Play date: Large Varsity Teams open to the first 20 teams registered. Team Camp: Designed to allow high school squads gain valuable game experience competing against teams from all over the Southeast. Call or visit our website for registration. University of Mobile Daniel Whelan Soccer Academy www.danielwhelansocceracademy.com The Daniel Whelan Soccer Academy takes place at The University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. UM Residential Camp: Session 1 Date: 6/07/2015/10/2015, Session 2 Date: 7/19/2015-7/23/2015 Price: $370.00 | Residential Camper (Overnight) Price: $275.00 | Full Day Camper (Stays Until 8 PM) Price: $225.00 | 3/4 Day Camper (Stays until 4:45 PM) UM Team Camp: Date: 6/14/2015-6/16/2015 Price: $215.00 | Residential Player Price: $190.00 | Commuter Player University of South Alabama Summer Recreation Camp 251-460-6101; www.southalabama.edu/campusrec/ summercamps.html Campus Recreation Summer Camps are located in our state-of-the-art Student Recreation Center at 51 Stadium Boulevard. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 7-13 years old. This year we are offering two camp age groups. Our South Paw Camp ages 7-10 and our Jaguars Camp ages 11-13. These camps will meet at the same times and will do some activities together such as swimming and lunch but will be divided during certain sports and activities. These camps are geared towards high-energy sports activities. Children will participate in a different activity each hour from 8:00am-4:00pm. Lunch will be provided on campus at the Fresh Food Market’s “all you can eat” buffet. Session 8 and 9 Campers will be required to bring a sack lunch to camp because the Fresh Food Market will be closed. Dates: Session dates: Session 1: June 8-12, Session 2: June 15-19, Session 3: June 22-26, Session 4: July 6-10, Session 5: July 13-17, Session 6: July 20-24 Session 7: July 27-31, Session 8: August 2-7. Cost of Sessions 1-6 South Rec Center Members $150, Non-SRC Members $180, Cost of Session 7&8 (lunch is not included), SRC Members $115 Non-SRC Members $140 University of South Alabama Sports Camps The University of South Alabama offers many sport camps for area youth. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
Football Camps -www.jaguarfootballcamps.com Joey Jones Football Camps at the University of South Alabama offer a wide variety of learning opportunities for football players. Youth Football Camp- Dates: July 13-15, 7-on-7 Team Camp- Dates: July 16th or 25th, Offensive and Defensive Line Team CampDates: July 16. Located at the University of South Alabama football practice fields. Register at www. jaguarfootballcamps.com or call (251) 445-4055 for more information. Boys Basketball- www.jaguarsmensbasketball.com Individual Camp I - Dates: June 8th - 11th (Entering Grades: 2nd - 8th), Individual Camp II - Dates: June 15th - 18th (Entering Grades: 2nd - 8th), College Prep Camp – Dates: June 20 (Entering Grades: 9th - 12th, Boys). Girls Basketball- www.terryfowlergirlsbasketballcamps.com Play Day (Team Camp) - June 11th-12th, Fundamental & Shooting Camp - June 22nd-25th (Grades: 3rd-9th), College Prep (Elite) Camp - June 27th (Grades 9-12) Baseball Camp - www.usajaguars.com Mark Calvi Baseball Camps - Jun 8-12, July 6-10, July 20-24 Soccer Camp - usajaguars.com; Jaguar Soccer Camps are held each summer. Camps include Field Player Academy, Goal Keeper Academy, Wee Kicks Academy. Dates and times TBA South Alabama Field & Track Camp –www.jagfieldcamp.com/summer-track-and-field-camps.cfm. Events Covered: Pole Vault, High Jump, Hurdles, Shot Put, Javelin, Hammer, Discus, Long Jump, Triple Jump, and Distance. All campers will have the option of which events they want to train. Dates: June 15-18 (Ages: 9-19). South Alabama Volleyball Camps –www.jaguarvolleyballcamps.com; All skills camp- July 6-7 (Grades 6-12), Position Camp – July 8-9 (Grades 7-12), Team Camp July 9-11 (Freshman, JV, Varsity), Team Tournament-July 11 (Freshman, JV, Varsity)
Overnight Camps Alabama School of Math and Science - Summer Fun Camp
www.asms.net (See listing under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps for details.)
Beckwith Summer Camp
10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope (251) 928-7844; www.beckwithal.com James Lawrence, Summer Camp Director (251) 616-2162; james@beckwithal.com Join us as we begin our 43rd year of recreation, spiritual growth, and memory-filled summers through Summer Camp. Our camp sits among sweet gum trees and beautiful grasslands alongside the shores of Weeks Bay in Baldwin County. First time campers are encouraged to attend with a parent. Beckwith offers training camps, overnight camps, family camp and sailing camps for grades 1st – 12th. For detailed descriptions of camp sessions, rates, photos, and registration information, visit our website under summer camps. Session for 10-12 grade, May 31-June 5, $480; Sailing Camp for 4th grade and up, May 31-June 5 $530; Session for 2-3 grade, June 7-9, $220; Session for 7-8 grade, June 14-19, $480; Session for 4th-5th grades, June 21-26, $480; Session for 8-9 grades, July 5-10, $480; Sailing Camp for 5 grade and up, July 5-10 $530; Session for 5-6 grades, July 12-17, $480; Session for 3-4 grades, July 19-July 23, $330; Session for 6-7 grades, July 26-31, $480; Family Camp July 31-August 2, $240.
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Camp Shine
Chelsea, AL 205-638-5750; www.weight.ChildrensAL.org Offering week-long session for weight management, now celebrating our 6th year. The camp is for current and new patient’s ages 12-15 years. Campers learn healthy eating habits while preparing meals. Campers also have opportunities to participate in swimming, canoeing, hiking, arts and crafts, dance and many other activities. Limited number of campers accepted; apply early to secure your spot. Camp location/activities at Hargis Retreat made possible through a partnership with the Birmingham YMCA.
Camp Whispering Pines
Citronelle, AL 251-866-7868; www.CampWhisperingPines.com We offer year round high ropes adventure course, low ropes team building course, paintball, indoor rock climbing wall, hiking trails, kayaks, archery and painting parties as well as dorm & hotel housing for church groups, school groups, corporate events & civic organizations. Located on 76 beautiful acres. Summer Camps: Big Adventures Kids Camp June 15-17 $120 (1-6 grade), Girls’ Mission Camp June 29-July 3 $149 (1-6 grade), Momentum Camp July 20-24 $200, Veritas Camp July 13-July 17 $230 (612 grade) Registration is open to church groups and individual campers!
Lake Forest Ranch
Macon, Mississippi (662) 726-5052; www.lakeforestranch.com Located in the middle of a 53,000-acre pine forest on a beautiful 60-acre lake, Lake Forest Ranch is among the most beautiful settings in the south for a summer camp experience for children (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 11-18). LFR is an interdenominational evangelical camp that serves mostly church groups (though individual campers are welcome too) during the summer months beginning Memorial Day Weekend running to the fourth of August 2015. Horseback riding, tubing, a wonderful climbing wall, a thrilling zip line, a brand new big swimming pool, kayaking, a gym, tennis courts, archery, archery tag, crafts and many other fun activities all coupled with wonderful facilities, carefully selected godly college age staff members and a week jam packed with spiritual growth, inspiration, worship and deep friendships all add up to a life changing week of nonstop excitement and encouragement. One of the best parts of the camp experience at LFR is having deeply committed camp counselors who sincerely care about the children in their cabins and spend individual time with each of them to encourage them and pray for them. There are twelve exciting camp sessions available from which to choose. Visit the LFR website – www.lakeforestranch.com or call 662726-5052 to discover the week that works best for your child or your church youth or children’s ministry group.
Riverview Camp for Girls
Mentone, AL 800-882-0722; www.riverviewcamp.com Non-denominational Christian camp. More than 15 activity choices available, including riding, climbing tower and ropes course. New pool and new tennis courts. Dates: Short Term – (ages 6-12) June 7-12, June 14-19, June 21-26, June 28-July 3, July 19-24, July 26-31, (ages 6-16) May 31- June 5; Cost: $1,675. Long Term – (ages 6-16) 6/7-6/19, 6/21-7/3, 7/5-7/17, 7/19-31; Cost: $3000.00. ACA accredited. Free video and catalog. Alpine Camp for Boys Mentone, AL 256- 634-4404; www.alpinecamp.com;
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Email: summer@alpinecamp.com Call for CD-ROM with video; Junior Camp: (Grades 1-5) May 25-June 3, $2,700.00; (Grades 2-9) First Term: June 5-30- $4,900.00; (Grades 2-9) Second Term: July 3-28 - $4,900.00; Other: ACA accredited. Christian camp offering a well-rounded camping experience. Camp Dixie Elberta, AL 251-987-1201; www.campdixieministries.org Located on the Perdido Bay. Week-long and week-end sessions run during the months of June and July. Grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually in a Christ-centered program. Swimming, canoeing, Bible study, archery, challenge course, arts and crafts, and campfires. Other activities may include model rocketry, large group games, sand volleyball and many more! Specialty Camps including Wilderness, Horse, Art and Rocketry also available. Camp Kiwanis 800- 239-6636; www.girlscoutssa.org All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on beautiful Lake Martin. Girls will participate in activities such as archery, canoeing, crafts, sailing, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Kamp Kiwanis is accredited by the American Camp Association. Dates: Week 1: June 21-26; Week 2: June 28-July 3; Grades: 2nd – 12th grade. Camp Laney Mentone, AL 256-634-4066; www.camplaney.com; Email: info@camplaney.com
Junior Camp – Boys finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade (ages 7-9) only. Session 1: June 7-13 and Session 2: June 21-June 27; $1,600; 2-week sessions – Boys (completed 1st grade-8th); 1st session: June 7-19; 2nd session: June 21-July 3; 3rd session: July 5-17; 4th session: July 19-31; $3,000. ACE accredited. Length: 1 & 2 week; Age: Boys 7-14. Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, Alabama 256-362-7449; www.campmac.com; Email office@campmac.com With the benefit of three generations of summer camping experience, we have developed a unique program which is both fun and challenging. The many details of this plan work together toward our primary goal–to help develop strong bodies, keen minds and strength of character through a dedication to Judeao-Christian values. Ages: 2nd grade – 9th grade; Dates: Junior Term (2nd-5th) 6/1-13 ($2200); 1st Senior Term (3rd – 9th grade) 6/15 – 7/11; $3750; 2nd Sr. Term – (3rd – 9th grade) 7/14 – 8/8 ($3650); 3 Week Session (3rd9th) 7/14-Aug. 2 ($3300). Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp Citronelle, AL 800-239-6636; www.girlscoutssa.org All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on the sand hills surrounded by pines and magnolias. Girls can participate in activities, such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, crafts, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Camp Scoutshire Woods is accredited by the American Camp Association. Dates: Week 1: June 7-12; Week 2: June 14-19.
Camp Skyline Ranch Mentone, AL 800- 448-9279; www.campskyline.com Email: info@campskyline.com Member of Christian Camping International. Choice of 20 camp activities including horseback riding, circus, ropes course, canoeing and more. Limited enrollment. Located on top of Lookout Mountain. Founded in 1947. Adventure and fellowship in a safe environment. Rates and discounts: One week mini-sessions $1,828. Twoweek session $3398. Dates: 6/7 -7/31. Length: Four 2 wk. sessions, for girls ages 6-16; Three 1 wk. Sessions for girls ages 6-8. ACA accredited. Camp Widjiwagan Nashville, TN; 615-360-2267; www.campwidji.org Camp Widjiwagan sits on 320 acres and 4 miles of shoreline at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center. Offering day, overnight and family retreats. Co-ed programs for rising 1st-9gth graders. Activities include team building, leadership, swimming/splash park, lake sports, horseback riding, team adventures, sports, zip line, and ski and equestrian schools and much more! Dates: 5/25-8/5: Nine sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls from ages 7-15. Camp Woodmont Cloudland, GA 706-398-0833; www.campwoodmont.com Traditional activities - swimming, horseback riding, archery, sports, arts & crafts, drama/dance, cheerleading, nature activities, canoeing, fishing, hiking, challenge course, climbing wall, and more. Limited enrollment, caring counselors and close family-like atmosphere makes campers feel secure, welcomed and re-assured. Cabin living atop breezy Lookout Mountain. Two generations of family management. Extremely close supervision of campers, staff, and activities. Dates: 6/17/25: Seven –one week sessions and Three-2 week
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sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls 6 - 14. ACA accredited. Dauphin Island Sea Lab www.disl.org (See listing in Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps for details.) McCallie Sports Camp Chattanooga, TN 800-672-2267; www.mccallie.org McCallie Sports Camp is an action-oriented boarding camp for boys ages 9-15. McCallie Sports Camp has become one of the most popular and successful camps of its type in the Southeast. A variety of athletic activities are combined with trips and other fun events. Emphasis is on fun, sportsmanship, and participation. Whether playing his favorite sport or learning a new sport, each camper leaves with a feeling of satisfaction and achievement -- and has fun! MSC Session I: Monday, June 15- Saturday, June 27; MSC Session II: Monday, June 29 - Saturday, July 11; MSC Session III: Monday, July 13 - Sat, July 25. Museum Expedition Archaeology Camp 37 205-348-7550; amnh.ua.edu; E-mail: museum.expedition@ua.edu THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY SUMMER CAMP! Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the 37th Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Participants will have the fun and unique opportunity to work with scientists in the field of paleontology as part of an actual scientific research project to explore the natural wonders of Alabama. Students, teachers, and adults will spend a week at the Expedition field camp working with scientists to learn excavation techniques, laboratory procedures, and specimen identification. The Museum Expedition combines real exploration, with real science to create a unique experience and
lasting friendships. Middle School Camp (6, 7, 8th Grade): June 8-13; High School Camp (9, 10, 11, 12th Grade): June 15-20. Public Paleontology Camp (ages 14 to adult): June 22-27 Course Credit: Students can earn elective high school credit through advance arrangements with their school and the Expedition staff. Cost: Program tuition is $350 per week ($325 for Museum Members). Accommodations, food, and scientific equipment will be provided; a detailed list of what to bring is included in the registration packet. Naval Aviation Museum Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp 850- 453-2389 (ext. 3234); www.NavalAviationMuseum.org (See listing under Educational Camps and Miscellaneous Camps for more information) Seacamp Big Pine Key, Florida 877- SEA-CAMP or 305-872-2331; www.seacamp.org Email: info@seacamp.org Seacamp is a non-profit, marine science education facility located on Big Pine Key in the tropical Florida Keys adjacent to Looe Key and Florida’s fragile coral reefs. Founded in 1966, Seacamp offers marine science education and summer camp experiences including SCUBA, sailing, board sailing, and arts & crafts to students from 12-17 years of age. Day camp available for ages 10–13. 2015 summer dates are June 24 – July 11, July 14 – July 31, August 3 – August 9, August 10 – August 16. Twin Lakes Camp Florence, Mississippi 601- 845-6858; www.twinlakescamp.org Twin Lakes is located on waterfront property and offers Sling Shot Paintball, Challenge Course, Dirt Biking,
Swimming, Horses, Riflery and Archery, Rock climbing, Super fun games and Wild Wilderness Adventures. 5-Sessions: Session 1: June 1-6; Session 2: June 8-13; Session 3: June 29-July 4; Session 4: July 6-11; Session 5: July 13-18. Overnight camps for ages 6-12. Monday thru Saturdays. Biblical teachings are woven into a week filled with exciting adventures waiting around every corner. U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge Huntsville, AL 800-637-7223; www.spacecamp.com National Flight Academy In-Residence Summer Program – Students experience the ultimate aviationinspired learning adventure onboard Ambition, located on the grounds of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. For multiple days, students will engage in real-life scenarios that combine the thrill of flight with critical thinking and STEM skills. This program is open to 7th – 12th graders. Aviation Challenge is oriented towards fighter pilot training. Dates: Runs year round; Summer Program is May 26-August 31, call for pricing. Ages: 9-up. Other: ACA accredited. Parent/child ages 7-11 weekend camps also. WyldLife Camp Ocklawaha, Florida 251-473-1703; mobile.younglife.org May 31-June 5; Grades 6th-8th grade; $615 Ready for a week you will always remember? Come experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty or surprises. A place where you can enjoy relaxing with your friends. A place made especially for you. YMCA Camp Chandler 334-269-4362; www.campchandler.org Email: campchandler@mcamontgomery.org Camp Chandler is conveniently located just 25 miles from Montgomery, AL on beautiful Lake Jordan.
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Eastern Shore 251. 625.1370 Providence Hospital 251.633.0573 Springhill Medical Center 251.343.6848
Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
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Whether you are looking for individual, small group, or camp-wide fun, we definitely have something for you! Campers are grouped according to age and gender. Friendships grow as they live, share meals, laugh, and play together during a full week of fun! Campers are given the opportunity to participate in more than 20 different activities like horseback riding, skiing, archery, sailing, the high ropes course, and more. Ages 5-15.
Special Needs Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals
Jackson Gap, AL 800- 843-2267; www.campascca.org; Email: info@ campascca.org Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Campers who have disabilities ranging from Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Downs Syndrome, Autism, as well as mild, moderate and profound mental disabilities enjoy unique camping experience. Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities, including horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. Length: 1 week; Age: 6 and up; Reduced rates available based on income. June 21-26, Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. Camp Session 1: June 28 – July 3, Child physically disabled (6-21 yr.) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 yr.); Epilepsy Camp (6-18 yr.); Session 2: July 5-10, Adult intellectually disabled (19+ years); Session 3: July 12-17, Physically disabled “Teen Week” (15-22 years), “Right Moves” Sports Camp (physically disabled 10-19 years); Session 4: July 19-24, Child physically disabled (6-21 years) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 years) Session 5: July 26-31, Camp Mobile Rotary (Mobile area residents); Session 6: August 2-7, Adult intellectually disabled (22-35 years) and Adult physically disabled (22-35 years); Session 7: August 10-15, Adult physically disabled (19 + years) Camp Bridges 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham Located at Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin, AL 205-558- 2090; www.campbridges.org Our mission is to provide camps and programs to pre and post transplant children, teens, young adults and their families from Alabama and neighboring states. We create a fun and educational environment for heart, kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients that encourage positive self image and healthy transplant living. Those served receive and provide peer support and form lasting friendships to better cope with the unique challenges of transplantation. Teen Camp: June 7-11; Family Camp for All: June 25-28. Camp Mash 251-599-5688; www.campmash.org Camp M.A.S.H. is a week long recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related auto-immune disease. Our camp is planned specifically for the needs of our campers in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and to build friendships with other folks who are on similar journeys with their conditions. Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families. We have some set activities that are just everyone’s favorite things to do like fishing, swimming and the ropes course, as well as horses, archery, and arts & crafts. We also have some surprises each year based on that summer’s theme. You never know what we will have planned to make this the best week of your camper’s year. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team is on site around the clock. Dates – June 14-20.
Camp Rap-A-Hope 251-476-9880; www.camprapahope.org One-week summer camp for children and teenagers ages 7-17 years who are battling cancer or who have ever been diagnosed with cancer. This camp is 100% FREE OF CHARGE. Campers usually reside along the Gulf Coast in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana. Dates: June 7June 13. Camp Seale Harris 205-402-0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org Camp Seale Harris is a summer residential program that encourages and motivates youth to reach their full potential despite diabetes, and it teaches families how to serve as the primary educators and supporters for children & adolescents living with this illness. With the assistance of a host of volunteer staff to include physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, dieticians, pharmacists, camp counselors, teachers, and friends,
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youth living with diabetes can engage in the typical camp activities that all children love and expect from camp: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. Camp Seale Harris Mobile July 27-31: Ages 10-18. Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin near Jackson Gap, Alabama. Junior Camp (ages 6 - 11), June 7-12; Senior Camp (ages 14 - 17), May 31-June 5. Camp Smile 251-479-4900; www.campsmilemobile.org Hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, Camp SMILE is a residential summer camp for individuals with disabilities (ages 5 – 50) and their siblings. Here, campers not only have the chance to participate in physical activities like kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding; they also meet others whose abilities and life experiences are similar to their own. Summer Camp 2015: July 7-11, 5-9 year-olds; July 14-18, 10-14 year olds; July 21-25, 15-21 year olds. MBP
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Family Calendar Ongoing
Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org. History Museum of Mobile • In March, the History Museum of Mobile will mark the 5th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with an exhibit that serves as a poignant reminder of those horrific months when the waters of the Gulf teemed not with life, but with deadly, thick, black tar. More than 20 local artists will lend their works to this exhibit entitled, “What’s at Stake?” designed to remind visitors of the beauty and uniqueness of the Gulf region, and the necessity of its protection. Please visit www. museumofmobile.com for more information. • Exhibit “Art of India” open through September 1, 2015. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Southern Asia” is an exhibit about personal discovery and exploration. It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs, and writings. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www. ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 342-2241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.
Classes/Meetings
APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile
Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
March/April 2015
Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.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. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new Parent-Child Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old. Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24-HOUR 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 Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • 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. Maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org
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Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information.
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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 ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • 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 3407769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 5918021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • 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.
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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.
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Family Calendar • 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. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. 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.
Friday, March 20
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Aerofest Mobile Aerofest will be held at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. AeroFest is a festival celebrating our nation’s heroes. With a world-class lineup of music including Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, art, sports, education, festivities and fun, this annual event will bring thousands of everyday citizens together with industry representatives to participate with these heroes as they enjoy activities and benefit from the latest technology in mobility, adaptive equipment and training. The weekend will be filled with activities, please visit www. foralltherightreasons.com for more information. Arts Alive Arts Alive is excited to announce we are moving our April event to March and joining forces with the first annual Aerofest at the Brookley Aeroplex. Arts Alive will take place at the Brookley Village area of the Mobile Aeroplex, 1891 9th Street, Mobile. Our event will play a prominent role in the diverse array of experiences and interactive events offered at AeroFest. The upcoming festival takes place Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Please visit www.artsalivemobile.com for more information Colonial Day – Fort Conde Bring your family to see what life was like in Colonial Mobile at this springtime educational event at Fort Condé from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. See demonstrations including: Candle making, Cooking, Blacksmithing, Native American arts and crafts, Sword fighting. Children can participate in activities such as: Dressing up in colonial clothing, Churning butter, Playing colonial games, Visit a petting zoo, Doing laundry outdoors, and more. For more information, please call the History Museum of Mobile’s Education Department at (251) 208-7510. 63rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival – Fairhope The 63rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope, Alabama is scheduled for March 20, 21 & 22 and presented by PNC Bank. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 - 6 and Sunday from 10 - 5. The festival is free to the public. More than 230 exhibitors will bring their best works from all over the country, including many from the Southeast, to showcase at this prestigious juried show. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court throughout this great three-day event. An Eastern Shore staple for more than sixty years, there’s something for everyone at the Arts and Crafts Festival in beautiful Downtown Fairhope. Free Admission. Please visit annualartsandcraftsfestivalfairhope.com for more information. Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale Thousands of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, will be for sale at the Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale at the Mobile Botanical Gardens from March 19–22. All plants are especially selected for the Gulf Coast climate; many varieties are grown on site by MBG greenhouse volunteers. Plants for sale include multiple types of citrus, including Satsuma’s; vegetables, herbs, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, trees, vines, ferns, roses, groundcovers, and natives. For plant collectors, rare and unusual plants will be available in the “Fab & Funky” section. Thursday is the Opening Night Preview Party and Sale from 4-7 p.m., when wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music accompany shoppers who will get first choice of plants.
March/April 2015
Admission is $25 at the gate. Weekend sale hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 - 4 and Sunday from 11 - 4. Admission to the sale is free. Bring your own wheelbarrow or cart for easier shopping. This annual benefit serves as an educational tool as well as a fundraising event for the ongoing growth and maintenance of the Mobile Botanical Gardens. For more information call (251) 342-0555 or visit mobilebotanicalgardens.org. Saints’ Night Out Please mark your calendar for Saints’ Night Out 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal! Each year, we look forward to an evening of fun and fundraising as we gather to celebrate the school, faculty and children we love! Last year, Saints’ Night Out raised over $180,000 to benefit St. Paul’s! Saints’ Night Out is the school’s largest parent-driven event fundraiser and monies raised at Saints’ Night Out help fund a variety of needs on our campus. Please visit www.stpaulsmobile.net/sno for more information. Mobile SPCA Giant Rummage Sale Gates open at 8 a.m. sharp Friday and Saturday mornings March 20-21! The Mobile SPCA store, warehouse, carport and yard will be packed with 1000s of items - collectibles, tools, art, jewelry, home decor, clothes, linens, household appliances, kitchen items, antiques, toys, furniture and more! New and gently used items at great prices. 620 Zeigler Cir West. Please visit MobileSPCA.org for more information.
Saturday, March 21
Cajun Cook-Off Be eager to discover the pleasures of the Cajun-Creole cooking in Mobile. The Child Advocacy Center is excited to announce the First Downtown Cajun Cook-Off Presented by Cunningham Bounds, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Cathedral Square. Sample your favorite dishes from 22 local teams of downtown’s favorite restaurants. Tickets will be available for $10 in advance at the Child Advocacy Center (1351 Springhill Ave.), Mellow Mushroom locations (the Loop & West Mobile) and both locations of BugMaster (West Mobile & Daphne). Tickets will be available at the gate for $15 the day of the event. During sampling hours, cook-off enthusiasts will enjoy the music from local and regional acts. Independence Ride AeroFest and The Independence Fund are proud to sponsor The Independence Ride, an initiative providing custom bicycles, trikes, and tandem bikes for combatwounded veterans with mobility issues. This bicycling event is designed to bring disabled veterans and the public together in what could be the largest group ride ever held in the Mobile area. To accommodate cyclists of different levels, the newly announced Aerofest Independence Ride will offer routes of 10.5 miles, 22.1 miles, 42.5 miles and 53 miles. The two longer routes will start in Bayou La Batre and end at the Aeroplex. The shorter routes will start and end at the Aeroplex. Registration for the ride is $45, which includes a twoday pass to Aerofest. For qualifying disabled veterans registered with the Independence Fund, registration is free. Please visit www.aerofest.org for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra: From Tragedy to Triumph Music by two German Masters will profoundly move you. Strauss’s transcendent tone poem depicts a dying man’s recollection of his journey through life. The University of South Alabama’s Concert Choir joins the MSO for Brahms’ “Song of Destiny”. March 21 at 8:00 p.m. and March 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street, Mobile). For information call (251) 432-2010 or visit www. mobilesymphony.org. Azalea Trail Run Runners from around the world converge for a worldclass 10K race, 5K and 2K fun run. The race courses are flat, extremely fast, and go throughout the oak-shaded streets of old Mobile when the city is in full bloom. Visit www.pcpacers.org for more information. 3rd Annual Wheels for Wilmer Hall Charity Dice Run Last year’s ride was a huge success and Mobtown Riders is making this year’s ride even bigger and better! We have new stops and we have added a bike show to be judged by the Children of Wilmer Hall, trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Final stop this year is Touchdown
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Tavern in Tillman’s Corner. DoorPrizes, 50/50 drawing, raffles, silent auction and a very special Raffle for a handmade Cooler stand filled with your favorite spirits and music. Begins at Wilmer Hall (3811 Old Shell Road). Registration at 9:30 a.m., Last vehicle out by 11:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.mobtownriders.com. 2015 Southern Literary Trail Margaret Tallichet, an aspiring actress and daughter of David Compton Tallichet of Demopolis, moved from Dallas to Hollywood where she married William Wyler, an established director with the Oscar-winning film, Jezebel already among his credits. The Wylers’ daughters Catherine and Melanie visit Mobile for Trailfest 2015 to introduce two of their father’s films and a special screening of the documentary, Directed by William Wyler. Catherine will introduce her film, followed by a screening of Jezebel with an introduction by Melanie Wyler at 2 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library. Admission is free. For more information call (251) 208-7097. For more information and full schedule of the Southern Literary Trail events, go to www.southernliterarytrail.org/events.html. Dino (Easter) Egg Hunt – Gulf Coast Exploreum It’s that time of year again! Time for the SUPERAWESOME Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center’s HUGE Dino (Easter) Egg Hunt. This year promises to be better than ever. We will be hiding an incredible 10,000 eggs! Check out Sunny Bunny Easter Eggs and give them a “like” for doing such an amazing job with our eggs! Not only that but we will have a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and lots of games and prizes to give away. Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting family events of the year. Doors open at 9 a.m. Activities/Games: 9-10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m. so make sure you are there much earlier so you don’t miss it. Last year the hunt went fairly quickly so you want to give yourself plenty of time to get here EARLY! General admission is $5 for children and $7 for adults (this does not include IMAX). Or if you want the whole Exploreum (65 Government St.) experience, you can enjoy our $10 combo which includes the egg hunt, all of the Exploreum galleries AND our awesome IMAX feature, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar! Admission is FREE for Exploreum members. Colorful Festival of Holi at Fort Conde In conjunction with the exhibit, Ark of India, the History Museum is hosting the colorful festival of Holi at Fort Conde (150 South Royal Street) from 11-3. This event was planned by the Indian Student Association, University of South Alabama. The Festival involves actual color (attendees have the option of participating and the colors will be provided for $1)! It also includes great Indian food, vendors selling various wares, games, a water activity, and music. Fun for the whole family and open to the public! FREE Admission! Mobile Aerofest See March 20 for more information. Arts Alive See March 20 for more information. 63rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival – Fairhope See March 20 for more information. Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale See March 20 for more information. Mobile SPCA Giant Rummage Sale See March 20 for more information.
Sunday, March 22
13th Annual Bunny Hop Join us from 1 - 3 p.m. at Geri Moulton Children’s Park at USA Children’s & Women’s hospital with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Tickets $8 in advance and $10 at the event. For Tickets or more information, please visit rmhcmobile.org or call (251) 694-6873. 2015 Southern Literary Trail With nine Oscar nominations in 1941, “The Little Foxes”, directed by William Wyler, was the most Oscarnominated movie about Alabama until “Forrest Gump” won Best Picture in 1994. The film was adapted from Lillian Hellman’s stage hit inspired by her Demopolis family, the Marxes, who are buried in Mobile. Join special guests, Catherine Wyler and Melanie Wyler for a special screening of their father’s film. A reception to honor Catherine and Melanie will follow the film.
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Family Calendar Admission is free. Location: Ben May Main Library at 2:00pm. For more information call 208-7097. For more information and full schedule of the 2013 Southern Literary Trail events, go to www.southernliterarytrail.org/ events.html. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Animal Ambassadors, 1st & 3rd Sundays at 2 p.m. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human education staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers Every Sunday throughout the day, step inside our Tensaw Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. 63rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival – Fairhope See March 20 for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra: From Tragedy to Triumph See March 21 for more information. Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale See March 20 for more information.
Tuesday, March 24
Steve Evans Onstage - One Man Show It’s an evening of outrageous and hilarious monologues written by and starring Steve Evans of Trained Monkey Productions. In his original comic memoir, “My Life with the Shawnee”, Evans looks back on the adventures he experienced and the lessons he learned performing in the outdoor historical drama, “Tecumseh,” staged adjacent to a skunk-infested forest. Admission is free. Location: Ben May/Main Library at 7:00 p.m. For info, call 208-7097.
Wednesday, March 25
Pre-K Studio – Centre for the Living Arts Pre-K Studio is a weekly program that allows children ages 2-5 and their parents to explore contemporary art and music. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross curriculum learning opportunities with fun projects. Wednesdays from 11-12 p.m. in the CLA classroom (301 Conti Street). Please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more information.
Thursday, March 26
2015 Festival of Flowers presents “Southern Roots” Savor one of Mobile’s most “scentsational” experiences! The Festival of Flowers, produced by the Providence Hospital Foundation and presented by PNC Bank, celebrates its 22nd year with its most impressive array of blooming beauty on March 26-29! This year’s festival, entitled “Southern Roots” showcases creative interpretations of breathtaking landscape and architectural designs unique to our area. The Festival of Flowers continues to enchant, entertain and educate visitors of all ages with over eight acres of exhibits under tent and sky. Includes: Landscaped Gardens, Floral Design Showcase, The World of Flowers, Container Gardens, Special Events, Photography Contest, Garden Café, Gardener’s Galleria, Seeds of Wisdom, Weekend Children’s Venue, Designer Tablescapes, and Seminars. Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9 - 5 and Sunday 11 - 5. Providence Hospital Campus, 6801 Airport Boulevard, Mobile. For Tickets or more Information, please call (251) 639-2050 or 1-877-7770529. St. Paul’s Players present “Grease” The incredibly talented St. Paul’s Players present the Broadway hit, “Grease: The Musical,” for our 2015 Spring Show! Travel back to the good ole days at Rydell High – to sock hops and drive-in movies, to Pink Ladies and Frankie Avalon. Sing along to classic tunes like “Summer Nights”, “Hand Jive”, “We Go Together”, and “Greased Lightning”. Our sets and costumes will take you to the 1950s, and our performances will take you to the edge of your seat!
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Get your tickets now! Show times: March 26-28 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on March 28 @ 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 - Available at Main Office. Call 251-342-6700 or email cminge@stpaulsmobile.net for more information. Making Use: Recycled Materials Meets Costume Design Art and Design of Mardi Gras artists, Lillian McKinney, Adrian Vaughn, Rachel Wright, and Jillian Crochet will talk about their collaboration process, making site specific work, and ‘making use’ of the stuff of everyday life. Bring a friend and come get the low down on what inspired the ‘King and Queen of the Delta’ and what it’s like to work together. 7 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr.) Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.
Friday, March 27
Puttin’ on the Dog – UMS-Wright Fundraiser The 2015 Puttin’ on the Dawg Auction Preview AND Party will be held at 6:30 p.m. at 5 Rivers Delta on the Causeway. An online Auction will be held prior to the event, with more items available only at the event. Food will be provided by local vendors as well as live entertainment. Please visit www.ums-wright.org for more information. Home & Garden Show Don’t miss your opportunity to turn your home and garden dreams into reality! The entire Convention Center will be completely transformed, for one weekend only, into a Home and Garden Extravaganza. From the front door to the backyard you’ll find it all at the Greater Mobile Home & Garden Show. March 27-March 29 at the Mobile Convention Center (1 South Water Street, Mobile). Show Hours: Friday 2 - 7 p.m., Saturday 10 - 7, Sunday 11 - 5. Please visit www.mobilehomeandgardenshow.com for more information. Einstein Alive! – Gulf Coast Exploreum The Gulf Coast Exploreum (65 Government St.) is bringing the amazing education show, “Einstein Alive” to Mobile. Among other accolades, it has been called “a marvelous science presentation,” explaining “complicated theories in an age appropriate and extremely entertaining way.” The show successfully introduces the Theory of Relativity in such an entertaining and engaging fashion that it captivates students of all ages including adults. Please call or email the following for pricing, show times and availability! March 27- 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30; Saturday March 28 – 1:30. Contact Monica Dunklin – School Groups (251) 208-6880 or mdunklin@exploreum.com, Natasha Stowers – Special Groups and individuals (251) 208-6857 or nstowers@exploreum.com. Saviour Concert – Dauphin Way Baptist The University of Mobile Performing Arts will present “Saviour” March 27th and 28th at Dauphin Way Baptist Church at 7 p.m. The hour-long concert paints a musical portrait of God pursuing His people, from creation through resurrection. The concert features over 200 UM students and faculty, Symphonic Winds and members of Dauphin Way Baptist Choir. Complimentary tickets are available at the church, LifeWay Christian Store, and UM Performing Arts (251) 442-2383. St. Paul’s Players present “Grease” See March 26 for more information. Mobile Opera presents “Manon Lescaut” The third presentation of The Puccini Project, “Manon Lescaut”, is a tale of obsession, betrayal, and unresolved ambiguities set to the magnificent music of Giacomo Puccini. Performances will be held March 27 and 29 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Call (251) 432-6772 for the Mobile Opera Box Office. Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” Joe Jefferson Players present Aida March 27-April 12 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.). Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. 2015 Festival of Flowers presents “Southern Roots” See March 26 for more information.
Saturday, March 28
Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Bellingrath annually hosts an extensive Easter egg hunt on the Great Lawn. Thousands of Easter eggs decorate
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the luxurious Lawn for children to scurry to collect. With several Easter egg hunts spaced for different age groups, this event is perfect for families with children of all ages. Families are invited to enjoy breakfast in the Magnolia Café where children can also take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Please visit bellingrath.org for more information. Family Easter Experience He is risen! Join us for a wonderful day filled with fun as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There will be inflatables, performances by the Christ UMC Puppet Ministry, an Easter egg hunt and family worship. 10 - 1 at Christ United Methodist Church (6101 Grelot Road). Please visit www.cumcchildren.com for more information. Dauphin Island Town Easter Egg Hunt Join us for the Town Easter Egg Hunt in Green Park on Dauphin Island at 10 a.m. Please visit townofdauphinisland.org for more information. Egg Hunt on the Hill The Egg Hunt on the Hill is from 9-11:30 a.m. Come enjoy pony rides, egg hunts, snacks, inflatables, train rides, balloon art and crafts. There is no charge for the event. This event takes place at Springhill Baptist Church (2 South McGregor Avenue). Village of Springhill’s 3rd Annual Screen on the Green Bring blankets or lawn chairs and join us for “Frozen” (PG) at 8:00 P.M. on Dorn Field (Spring Hill College). To celebrate this Disney classic, there will be a special visit from Elsa from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and “Frozen” movie trivia with prizes from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.! Make sure to come hungry and bring cash as food and beverages will be offered for sale by local food trucks. All movies will be shown at times listed above, weather permitting. For more information on the Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival, please visit The Village of Spring Hill’s website, www.thevillageofspringhill.com, or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheVillageOfSpringHill. Special Needs Day Shiloh Baptist Church at 717 Cleveland Rd in Saraland will have a special day for Special Needs Families from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. There will be lots of games, zipline, bounce house and something for everyone. Lunch will be served to those attending. For more information, contact the church at (251) 675-3587. Ransom Café Easter Eggstravaganza Easter Eggstravaganza from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Hillsdale Community Garden, (6302 Biloxi Ave., Mobile). Work in the Garden, Easter Egg Hunt, Games & Crafts for kids, and Cookout for Families. Please visit www.ransomcafe.com/Events.html for more information. South Alabama Youth Ballet’s “Swan Lake” South Alabama Youth Ballet’s “Swan Lake” will be performed at Davidson High School at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Contact GraceLines Dance Studio at (251) 232-4786 for more information. Children’s Honor Choir Concert Please join us at 6:30 p.m. at Spring Hill Baptist Church (2 South McGregor Avenue). The 170-voice auditioned choir is composed of fourth through sixth grade boys and girls from all over the state of Alabama. Their repertoire of music is enhanced by a variety of instruments, sign language, and movement. This group is sponsored by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and the concerts promise to be entertaining and inspiring. The concert is free to the public. For more information, please contact, Debbie Rice, drice@ shbc.cc. Park Service Day – Fort Gaines Calling all volunteers and supporters, the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board will help preserve Fort Gaines by hosting a Park Service Day. Fort Gaines is an important monument to honor the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed in the American Civil War. Volunteers please per-register at the Fort’s Facebook Page or call us at (251) 861-6992. St. Paul’s Players present “Grease” See March 26 for more information. Savior Concert – Dauphin Way Baptist See March 27 for more information. Home & Garden Show See March 27 for more information. 2015 Festival of Flowers presents “Southern Roots” See March 26 for more information.
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Sunday, March 29
Southern Literary Trail - The Reel Life of Eugene Walter Donald Goodman, a Eugene Walter biographer (“The Happy Table of Eugene Walter, Southern Spirits in Food and Drink”) and manager of the Mobile writer’s estate, presents “The Reel Life of Eugene Walter” with rarelyseen clips from the movies in which the writer appeared. Location: Ben May/Main Library at 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call (251) 208-7097. For more information and full schedule of the 2013 Southern Literary Trail events, go to www.southernliterarytrail.org/events. html. Home & Garden Show See March 27 for more information. 2015 Festival of Flowers presents “Southern Roots” See March 26 for more information. Mobile Opera presents “Manon Lescaut” See March 27 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information. St. Paul’s Players present “Grease” See March 26 for more information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers See March 22 for more information.
Wednesday, April 1
Brown Bag in Bienville Square Spring has sprung in downtown Mobile! Come out and listen to the soothing Sounds of live jazz as you lunch in Bienville Square around the historic Ketchum Fountain. Catt Sirten sets up live musicians and the City sets up tables for your enjoyment each Wednesday in the Spring. To make your Brown Baggin’ easier, stop in at your favorite Bienville Square eateries and ask for the Brown Bag special. They will provide you with your lunch to go in a nifty “Brown Bag” that you can easily transport to the Square and recycle in one of Keep Mobile Beautiful’s recycle bins! Wednesdays, April 1 to May 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 2
A Night at the Races A night of fun, food and music with friends at the “Night at the Races” derby style party to benefit The Learning Tree. The event will be held at the Ezell House in
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Mobile beginning at 6:30 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beverages, music and silent auction. Tickets may be purchased for $60 per person, with limited seating available. For sponsor information or to reserve tickets please call Paige Norris at (251) 654-2144. Docent Tours – Mobile Museum of Art Come take a tour! Once a month on Thursday nights the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr.) offers free tours of The Art and Design of Mardi Gras exhibition or our permanent collection galleries from trained docents. Get the low down on how things are made, who made them, and what it all might mean. Tours are free, sign up at the front desk between 6 and 7:45 p.m. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Celebrate Easter – Saraland Public Library We will read Easter books, make Easter baskets and enjoy an egg hunt in the Library at 6:00 p.m. for ages 3-6 at the Saraland Public Library (111 Saraland Loop, Saraland). Bring your cameras and take a picture with special guest, Peter Rabbit! Groups must register. For more information or to register, please call 675-2879.
Friday, April 3
Joe Jefferson Players present Aida See March 27 for more information.
Saturday, April 4
Easter in the Squares The streets and squares of Downtown Mobile will be filled with Easter eggs, an Easter parade and the Easter Bunny for the annual Easter in the Squares event. Join us in Bienville Square for free fun family fun. 10 - 1. For more information please visit www.downtownmobile.org. Community Easter Egg Hunt- Dauphin Island Join the community on Dauphin Island for a good old fashion Easter egg hunt. Cadillac Square, Dauphin Island at 10 a.m. Please visit townofdauphinisland.org for more information. Spring Fling – The Grounds Southern soul concert featuring the genre’s hottest artists. Please visit thegroundsmobile.com for more information. Historic Walking Tour – Downtown Mobile 2015 April Walking Tours The History Museum of Mobile, in conjunction with the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, will lead free tours through historic downtown Mobile as part of a state-wide effort on the following Saturdays: April 4, 11, 18 and 25. The hour-long tours will start at 10 a.m. at Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and end at the History Museum of Mobile. Participants are encouraged to tour the museum (also complimentary admission) immediately following the
walking tour. Please call (251) 208-7652 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information.
Sunday, April 5
Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers See March 22 for more information.
Tuesday, April 7
Storytime – 5 Rivers The first and third Tuesday of each month, you’re invited to bring your child for StoryTime. Beginning at 10 a.m., the story will be followed by arts and crafts. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Two Tuesdays a month, we host groups that can help you get outside & explore the delta! It’s free & you don’t have to be a member to come! Starting at 7:00 p.m. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information.
Wednesday, April 8
Learning Lunch – History Museum Join us to explore new perspectives on the history and culture of Mobile, Southern Alabama, and the Gulf Coast. Each program begins at noon – bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages! 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. at 111 South Royal Street. Please visit www. historymuseumofmobile.com for more information. Brown Bag in Bienville Square See April 1 for more information.
Thursday, April 9
42nd Street The University of Alabama’s one-night-only performance of 42nd Street will be complete with big, flashy tap dances, gorgeous costumes and a cast of 40 is sure to dazzle audience members at the Mobile Civic Center Theatre at 7:30p.m. Please visit www. mobilecivicctr.com for more information. Making Mirth: Preparing the Galleries for the Art and Design of Mardi Gras Museum Exhibitions are often several years in the making. Come get a behind-the-scenes view and listen
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Family Calendar to museum staff talk about The Art and Design of Mardi Gras, from conception to “so how did this dragon get here?” 7:00 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart. com for more information.
Friday, April 10
Kickin it Up Friday – Free Soccer Clinic Kickin it Up Fridays is a FREE Soccer Camp for all players K- 8th grade. Camps sessions will stress basic soccer skills, games and competitions. The focus is having fun playing and learning to play the game of soccer. All sessions will be run by members of the Women’s and Men’s Soccer teams of Spring Hill College under the direction of Christian DeVries and Steve Wieczorek. The coaches and players will provide a friendly, fun environment for participants. 5:00-6:45 p.m. at Springhill College Library field. Please visit camps.jumpforward.com/shcsoccercamps for more information. Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information.
Saturday, April 11
Grillin’ at the Grounds – BBQ Festival As part of its continuous effort to transform the local community, The Grounds and the Mitchell Cancer Institute have partnered to create a new event that is sure to be a new signature on the spring calendar of locals for years to come. The Grillin’ at the Grounds BBQ Festival will feature dozens of teams, vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Teams will compete in categories such as Chicken, Pork, Brisket, and Ribs while also being able to enter separate contests for sides, deserts, and sauce. Tickets are $10 for adults while children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Patient Assistance Fund which provides support for low income patients undergoing treatment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit thegroundsmobile.com for more information. Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab This fun-filled family event includes a huge variety of environmentally-themed children’s activities; Open House at the Research Facilities of the DISL where the public can interact with marine scientists and graduate students to explore their ongoing research projects; and free children’s admission to the Estuarium, the aquarium at the Sea Lab. Time: 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island. Please visit www.disl.org for more information. The Music of John Williams A Mobile Symphony Orchestra presentation featuring Williams’ musical works from “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars.” Saturday 8:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim Street). Please visit mobilesymphony.org for more information. 22nd Annual Camellia Classic Car Show See hundreds of classic and vintage automobiles from the Model T to the Firebird displayed on Bellingrath’s Great Lawn. Sponsored by the Mobile Bay Mustang Club, enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Mobile Bay Area Food Bank. Please visit www.bellingrath.org for more information. 7th Annual Gumbo Cook-off Join us in Bienville Square from 11-2 p.m. for the 7th Annual Gumbo Cook-off. All funds raised from the American Red Cross Gumbo Cook-off support the programs and services offered to our neighbors through disaster service response, educational, life-saving programs and Service to Armed Forces. Please visit www.redcross.org/news/event/ alabama/Gumbo-Cook-off for more information. Historic Walking Tour – Downtown Mobile See April 4 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information.
Sunday, April 12
5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors See March 22 for more information. The Music of John Williams See April 11 for more information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers See March 22 for more information.
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Joe Jefferson Players present “Aida” See March 27 for more information.
Monday, April 13
Public Lecture - Ocean Solutions for Humanity’s Grand Challenges 17th Annual Wiese Distinguished Lecture Series Presents Dr. Carlos M. Duarte, World-renowned Marine Ecologist, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Student Center Ballroom, University of South Alabama, 350 Campus Drive, Mobile. Admission: FREE For information, call 251-460-7136 or email nmerrill@southalabama.edu.
Tuesday, April 14
Crawfish in the Courtyard – Gulf Coast Exploreum Join us for the 6th Annual Crawfish in the Courtyard at the Gulf Coast Exploreum (65 Government Street) at 6:00 p.m. hosted by the Junior Advisory Board. Please visit www.exploreum.com for more information. Hope for Healing Victory Health Partners and Eric Metaxas, author of “Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life”, join together for an evening exploring the mystery of miracles and how they are more widespread than we can imagine. The night promises to be one of inspiration as we recount the daily miracles that occur in the mission of Victory Health Partners. Lack of access to affordable, quality healthcare results in forgoing needed care, increase in illness and often personal bankruptcy from medical expenses. For over 12 years, Victory Health Partners has provided medical, dental and specialized care to more than 15,000 low income patients from working families. By the grace of God, we plan to keep seeing these miracles – everyday. 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel at 64 S. Water Street. Please visit www.victoryhealth.org for more information. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night See April 7 for more information.
Wednesday, April 15 Brown Bag in Bienville Square See April 1 for more information.
Thursday, April 16
Team Focus – Nick Saban Banquet Mobile based Team Focus will hosts its fundraiser with Nick Saban. The event will benefit Team Focus. To purchase tickets or to learn more information, please call (251) 635-1515 or visit www.teamfoususa.org. Live at the Museum Join us at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive) for Night at the Museum featuring Ryan Balthrop at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com. Southern Literary Trail - Reflections on Emma Langdon Roche Presentation by Sylviane A. Diouf who is an awardwinning historian and curator at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library. She will speak on Roche’s influence. Dr. Kern Jackson of African-American Studies at the University of South Alabama will provide the introduction. This event is supported with a grant from the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state agency of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Admission is free. Location: Ben May Main Library (701 Government Street) at 6:00 p.m. For more information call the Society at (251) 432-6161 or the Mobile Public Library at (251) 208-7097. For more information and full schedule of the Southern Literary Trail events, go to www.southernliterarytrail.org/events.html.
Friday, April 17
The Azalea City Quilters’ Guild: Festival of Quilts 2015 – The Art of Quilting The Quilt Show will be held in the Expo Hall at the Mobile Civic Center (410 Civic Center Drive) 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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For more information visit: azaleacityquiltersguild.com. United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 21st Annual Day of Caring Hundreds of volunteers will come together to participate in the area’s largest single day of volunteerism. Join us in making in a difference in the community! For more information, please contact Kristin Woods at kwoods@ uwswa.org or (251) 433-3624.
Saturday, April 18
Corn Hole Classic benefitting the Family Center Join us Saturday, April 18 at the Bluegill Restaurant for the Corn Hole Classic. Tournament will begin at 2:00 p.m. Check in begins at 1:00 p.m. The event benefits The Family Center which is committed to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect by providing education, training and support to parents and caregivers in Southwest Alabama since 1991. Pre-Registration by mail (entries should be post marked by April 11, 2015), in person at The Family Center- Mobile 601 Bel Air Blvd. Ste 100 Mobile, Al 36606, or online (www.eventbrite.com) until midnight April 16, 2015. Please call (251) 479-5700 or visit www.familycentermobile.org for more information. Village of Springhill’s 3rd Annual Screen on the Green Join us for the free outdoor movie “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (PG), beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Dorn Field (Spring Hill College). Make sure to come hungry and bring cash as food and beverages will be offered for sale by local food trucks. For more information on the Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival, please visit The Village of Spring Hill’s website, www.thevillageofspringhill.com, or Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/TheVillageOfSpringHill. St. Mary Knights of Columbus Crawfish and Bluegrass Extravaganza! Feast on crawfish and enjoy some of the areas greatest bluegrass bands. Event takes place at St. Mary Catholic School Campus located at 107 N. Lafayette Street from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $25 per adult in advance & $30 at the door. High School students $15 at door with student ID. Children 12 and under are free! Advance tickets to the Extravaganza can be ordered online now at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1358702. Advance tickets are also on sale now at the following locations: St. Mary Catholic School Office 107 North Lafayette St.; Zoghby’s Uniforms stores locations to include, 4851 Old Shell Road; 5441 Highway 90 West Suite 4,; 905 Daphne Avenue, Daphne; Mobile Popcorn Company, 3333-C Cottage Hill Road, Mobile. This year’s proceeds benefit the Catholic Social Services “Legacy for the Future”. Guests are also asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Bay Area Food Bank. A list of what items are needed and what cannot be accepted can be found at bayareafoodbank.org. For more information or advance tickets to this event, contact the St. Mary Catholic School office at (251) 433-9904 or the Development Office at (251) 432-8678, ext. 3. or log on to www.stmarymobile. org! March for Babies - South Alabama 2015 We’re getting ready to walk in March for Babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. Join family teams, company teams and people walking with friends for a great cause: making a difference for real families right here in our community. 9:00 a.m. at Geri Moulton Children’s Park (1700 Center Street, Mobile). Please visit www.marchofdimes.org for more information. The Great 2015 Drift Paddle the beautiful Dog River Scenic Blueway and support Dog River! Post drift party at the River Shack (6120 Marina Drive South). Launch meeting at 1 PM, launch to follow. Paddlers will leave from the Hall Mill Creek Launch at Schwartz Park (off of River Du Chien) and paddle to the River Shack for the post paddle party. Bring your own vessel (no motorized vessels) or rent one from Sunshine Canoes (251-367-4144). Reserve early. Drop off you boat no later than 12:20 PM, drive your car to the River Shack and catch the bus, courtesy of Dog River Clearwater Revival, back to the launch. Last bus leaves a 12:40 p.m.The River Shack will provide LIVE MUSIC and DISCOUNTED FOOD for registered paddlers. Earth Day Mobile Bay The Mobile Bay area celebration of Earth Day is inspired by the worldwide and national Earth Day,
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Family Calendar which promotes environmental citizenship and steers environmental awareness around the world. Location: Fairhope Pier Park at 10:00 a.m. with free admission. Please visit www.earthdaymobilebay.org for more information. WEMO Arts and Crafts Fair Arts and crafts of all kinds, music, face painting, food, and fun. 7501 Airport Blvd, Mobile. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, contact Carol Mason – (251)7536009 or carol2661@bellsouth.net. Color Me Rad 5k We’re bringing Color Me Rad 5k back to Mobile and it’s going to be Bigger Badder and RADder. Save 15% off your registration price by using code: RADMobile. Location: Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds 1035 N. Cody Road. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information, please visit colormerad.com. Historic Walking Tour – Downtown Mobile See April 4 for more information. The Azalea City Quilters’ Guild: Festival of Quilts 2015 – The Art of Quilting See April 17 for more information.
Sunday, April 19
Local Goodness Benefit for USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner with all things local at a USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital benefit. Cost: $150 at Alabama Cruise Terminal (201 South Water Street) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Please visit bit.ly/ cwlocalgoodness for more information. Biggest Loser Half-Marathon, 5K & Fun Run The biggest loser half-marathon 5K & Fun Run will take place in downtown at Holiday Inn Mobile-Dwtn/ Hist. District (301 Government Street). Please visit the www.biggestloserrunwalk.com for registration information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors See March 22 for more information.
March/April 2015 Friday, April 24
Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers See March 22 for more information.
Tuesday, April 21 Storytime – 5 Rivers See April 7 for more information.
Wednesday, April 22 Brown Bag in Bienville Square See April 1 for more information.
Thursday, April 23
Little Black Dress Stay up to date on fashion trends at the Ronald McDonald House runway show and cocktail party fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. at Fort Whiting (1630 South Broad Street). Please visit www.rmhcmobile.org for more information. Ladies Night at Mobile Museum of Art Join us at the Museum (4850 Museum Dr.) for Ladies Night at 7:00 p.m. How Do I Look? The Acrobatics of Self-Branding through The Selfie. If you are a lady, then you should be here. 30 Minute Presentation followed by an Open Discussion Mixer. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Springhill Medical Center’s for Boys Only Boys ages 10 and older can hear Dr. William Terry, Jr., urologist at Urology Oncology Specialists; discuss the physical changes to be expected as boys mature. Also, he will provide information on what girls are experiencing at the same age. FREE! This class fills up very quickly. A light meal will be provided. Make a reservation by calling 460-5447. Please, leave the name of the young man and the name of the parent that will be attending. A contact phone number and how you heard about the class are very helpful as well. 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Gerald L. Wallace Conference Center (3715 Dauphin St., 4th Floor).
Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Based on the popular 1988 film, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS tells the tale of two con men living on the French Riviera, but the small town just isn’t big enough for both of them. The solution? The first to con a young heiress out of $50,000 gets to stay! A hilarious battle of cons ensues that will keep you laughing, humming and guessing to the end! April 24May 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Please visit mobiletheatreguild.org for more information. 6th annual Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival The dates for the 6th annual Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival will be April 24th and 25th. Live music, kid’s activities, cooking demonstrations and the best gumbo cook off on the Gulf Coast! More details announced soon, please find us on Facebook for more information. Dauphin Island Sailboat Race The Dauphin Island (DI) Race is one of the oldest and probably the most important and anticipated race on Mobile Bay. The warm up for the races will be the week before. The skipper’s party will take place on 24 April (Friday) followed by THE race on 25 April (Saturday). That evening a great party will take place at Dauphin Island and finally the return races will be sailed on 26 April (Sunday) with awards for the races back at FYC late Sunday. Please visit fairhopeyachtclub.com/2015dauphin-island-race for more information.
Saturday, April 25
Delta Woods & Water Expo The Delta Woods and Waters Expo, an annual event sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort and held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, celebrates the beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Featuring a variety of informative presentations, exhibitions and
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Family Calendar interactive displays by experienced outdoorsmen, professionals, educators and enthusiasts, the Delta Woods & Waters Expo includes fun and exciting hands-on demonstrations which allow attendees to learn and practice new skills with one-on-one instruction. The mission of the Delta Woods & Waters Expo is to promote responsible and enjoyable outdoor recreational experiences through a fun and educational event. Saturday, April 25th is Family Day, open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with FREE ADMISSION and plenty of on-site parking and free shuttle bus service available. Please visit www. deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com for more information. Walk for Autism The Mobile Walk for Autism will be held at the University of South Alabama Pavilion at 307 North University Boulevard. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will feature a 2-mile walk. Registration is $30 prior to the event and $35 on the day of. Registration includes a t-shirt. For more information please visit www. walkforautismal.com. MSO Rocks: Music of the Rolling Stones This new concert addition to the MSO Rocks Series promises a masterful combination of symphonic arrangements with a full rock band and singer delivering the greatest hits of The Rolling Stones. This one-night-only performance also features an incredible rhythm section, background singers and a worldclass sound and light show; all combining to deliver the purest respective rock experience you will find anywhere! The show contains nearly all of the Stones’ number 1 hits, including “Satisfaction”, “Paint It Black”, “Ruby Tuesday”, “Honky Tonk Women”, “Angie” and many more! 8:00 p.m. at the Mobile Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street). Community Health & Wellness Fair Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is holding its annual Community Health and Wellness Day. This event is FREE and community members are invited to attend. There will be FREE health screenings, health information, food and door prizes. This is an event for the entire family! Come out and join the fun! 545 Cody Road North, Mobile. 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. Contact: FeAunte Preyear - 251-648-9773 or fpreyear@hotmail.com. Infirmary Duathlon – Run Bike Run The Infirmary Foundation once again will partner with RIDEYELLOW for promotion and support of its 2015 Infirmary Health Duathlon. A portion of the Duathlon registration fee will be donated to RIDEYELLOW for the benefit of Camp Rap-A-Hope. This race will start at 8:00 a.m. Please visit infirmaryduathlon.racesonline. com/home for more information. Spring Market on the Square Shop for the freshest crop in Cathedral Square! This time of year is our favorite because you can buy locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, plants and flowers, as well as seafood, baked goods, pastas, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and much more. Stay for live music on the green! Saturdays, April 25 to July 25, 7:30 a.m. until Noon. For more information, please call (251) 2081550. Historic Walking Tour – Downtown Mobile See April 4 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” See April 24 for more information. Dauphin Island Sailboat Race See April 24 for more information. 6th annual Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival See April 24 for more information.
Sunday, April 26
University of Mobile presents Spring Spectacular The University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts will present Spring Spectacular at 7:00 p.m. at Saraland Performing Arts Center. Please visit umobile.edu/pas for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” See April 24 for more information.
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Dauphin Island Sailboat Race See April 24 for more information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers See March 22 for more information.
Wednesday, April 29 Brown Bag in Bienville Square See April 1 for more information.
Thursday, April 30
University of Mobile 10th Annual Leadership Banquet The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr., an emeritus professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, will be the keynote speaker. The annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet raises financial support for the UMobile Fund. Individual tickets are $150 and table sponsorships start at $1,000. Available at umobile.edu/banquet2015, or by contacting the University of Mobile Development Office at (251) 442-2906 or advancement@umobile. edu.
Looking ahead...
Saturday, May 2 Village of Springhill’s 3rd Annual Screen on the Green The spring outdoor movie series will conclude with “Big Hero Six” (PG) at 7:30 P.M. on Dorn Field (Spring Hill College). Be entertained prior to the movie, from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M., with Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons! Make sure to come hungry and bring cash as food and beverages will be offered for sale by local food trucks. All movies will be shown at times listed above, weather permitting. For more information on the Screen on the Green Outdoor Film Festival, please visit The Village of Spring Hill’s website, www.thevillageofspringhill. com, or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ TheVillageOfSpringHill. Serve it up with Love Jr. Tournament The Al Fuchs Memorial Mobile Junior Championship Tennis Tournament, which is The Annual Serve It Up With Love Tennis Tournament held at the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center, is scheduled for May 2. We welcome you to come on out and support a Great Tournament in our Community. The tournament, benefits the Mobile Child Advocacy Center and has raised almost $280,000 in its first 7 years. This is money greatly needed to fund services for abused children in our community. Please visit www.serveitupwithlove.com for more information. St. Mary Catholic School Casino Night presents, “An Evening in Paris! 6 p.m. until... This annual fund-raising event features live and silent auctions, games with local celebrity hosts, door prizes and great food and entertainment! General admission: $25 per adult in advance & $30 at the door. Seniors, $25. Special Dinner tickets are $100 and admit two adults. All proceeds benefit St. Mary Catholic School. Event Sponsors, volunteers & donations for auction are welcome! Guests are encouraged to wear Parisian attire for an enchanted evening with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower! Featured caterer is Naman’s Catering joined by other local favorites! St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 N. Lafayette Street across from McGillToolen Catholic High School in Mobile’s Old Dauphin Way Historic District. For more information or advance tickets to these events, contact the St. Mary Catholic School office at 433-9904 or the Development Office at 432-8678, ext. 3. and for all events...log on to www. stmarymobile.org!
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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Getting a Grip on Sticks
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
If there’s a stick in the yard, you can bet a child is going to pick it up and use it. It may become a bat, a sword, a flag or any number of imagined playthings, but played with it will be. As an easy and accessible extension of the arm, sticks exert a siren’s call on kids who quickly integrate these simple tools into their world of play. The following toys and games use sticks as the base of operation for more fun activities that children can shake a stick at!
by Gerry Paige Smith
Pallina
Foam Master Pogo Stick
Designed with simplicity in mind, Pallina is a net enclosure that supports 20 bamboo sticks (coded with four colors) inserted crossways in random fashion. This criss-crossing of sticks are the temporary underpinning for a jumble of 16 colorful polished wooden balls. Players choose their colors and take turns slowly extracting their stick colors while preventing any of the balls of their chosen color from dropping. Suspense runs high as players strive to drop opponents’ balls while keeping their own color supported in the basket until the end. Combining sensitive touch and thoughtful strategy, Pallina is an elegant and eco-friendly game for a broad age-range of players.
Joining the ranks of skateboards, bikes, and scooters, the pogo stick is enjoying its own renaissance among kids who want to up their street sport ante. The Flybar Foam Master gets the jump on the competition with a foam-covered sturdy metal frame with recoil that supports users from 80 to 160 pounds. It also features secure grip handles and replaceable non-slip foot pads for the dedicated bounce master. The rubber tip base also provides great stability as kids increase their pogo skills and look toward flashier bounce tricks. Just add a cool helmet and this stick is in first gear for go!
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Majestix Juggling Sticks
Lincoln Logs Classic Edition
If your kid throws, flips, and tosses every stick he finds, consider channeling that energy toward the challenge of Majestic Juggling Sticks. Manipulated by two grips sticks, the tasseled flip stick can be balanced, tossed, spun, and rolled in a variety of flashy moves that will astound watchers. The tasseled ends of the flip stick provide both resistance to moderate speed as well as balanced weight that ensures smooth momentum through various tricks and manipulations. Free tutorials are easily found online and Jolly Llama also offers an instructional DVD. Made in the USA, Majestix Juggling Sticks are ideal for refining concentration, honing fine motor control and – in the end – adding performer to your child’s list of talents!
Invented by the son of famous architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright, retro favorite Lincoln Logs remain the go-to choice for stickstacking kids! The classic edition of this time-tested set includes 86 all-wood logs, roof slats and eaves that are ideal for constructing a frontier cabin or any structure of a child’s design. With notched sides, Lincoln Log pieces loosely interlock as they are stacked, with the simplicity of gravity holding the walls and junctures in place. The classic edition features a great tin container for log storage after hours of constructive pretend play.
(Lincoln Logs)
(Jolly Llama!)
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Cinderella (2015)
Frozen Fever
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rate Cinderella PG for mild thematic elements. You either have to be gusty or foolhardy to take on the retelling of a story as celebrated as Cinderella. Thankfully director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz prove they are more than capable of the task in Disney’s live action adaptation of the famous fairytale. As an actress, Lily James boasts a relatively scant resume to take on the iconic role of the little orphaned girl forced to serve her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and despicable stepsisters (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger). Still, James puts in a quality performance making her character as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Blanchett, as the evil stepmother Lady Tremaine, gives Disney villainesses a new low to reach for. Dressed in exquisite evening gowns, this calculating matriarch smiles in your face while stabbing you in the back. Helena Bonham Carter plays the Fairy Godmother with just enough eccentricity to make her both disarming and slightly disconcerting. And also strong are Richard Madden as the Prince, Derek Jocaobi as the King, Stellan Skarsgård as the scheming Grand Duke and Nonso Anozie as the protective Captain of the Guard. The acting and sets exceed anything you’d expect to see in a “kids” movie. And this kind-hearted and gentle Cinderella, who is just as delightful for adults, also surpasses any “princess” we’ve seen on the screen for a very long time. These elements, combined with clever CGI, positive parent/child relationships and colorful costumes, makes Branagh’s final product magical in all the right ways. The only thing that won’t come as a big surprise is the script. Branagh sticks to the well-known plot, although he finds some interesting ways to explain parts of the storyline. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeing this version because the movie offers all the comfort of revisiting a favorite childhood tale while providing updated and amazing visuals. Parent should be aware however that the live characters might make the action too intense for very young viewers. In some ways it feels even more disturbing than it did in the animation when Cinderella is bullied by her stepsisters, locked in the attic by her stepmother and left to deal with the untimely death of both her mother and father. As well, Lady Tremaine isn’t opposed to whacking people on the head when she wants to make a point. As a little girl, Cinderella had the advantage of an idyllic childhood with loving parents in a quaint pastoral home. Yet even when her circumstances change, the young woman keeps to the promise she made to her dying mother to be both courageous and kind. These two qualities aren’t ones that get a lot of attention in today’s world where most “princesses” are more concerned about keeping the spotlight shining on them. And maybe that is what makes Cinderella so refreshing. This simple country girl chooses to stay true to herself rather than stoop to the level of the rabble around her. So thank you Kenneth Branagh for being gusty enough to give us a Cinderella that is even more enchanting than the 1950 Disney original.
(An 8-minute short animated film that is running in theaters before Cinderella) MPAA Rating: G Time: 8 minutes Overall: B+ Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Frozen Fever G. If we didn’t already know Frozen was a cultural phenomenon, it is soundly confirmed when the second “movie” in this new Disney franchise can create the buzz of well over 100 major news articles (according to the IMDB’s movie page at the time of writing). Not bad for a little ditty that’s not even 8 minutes long. Frozen Fever is what we call a “short”, or even (what is probably now considered a derogatory description) a cartoon that precedes a feature film. But this opener to Disney’s live action Cinderella is a tempest in its own tiny teapot. With the original movie grossing north of 1.2 billion, there’s certainly pent up demand from Frozen fans that want more. Make sure you have the little ones settled into their seats because the action starts fast. It’s Anna’s (voice of Kristen Bell) birthday and because Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) has missed a few of those in the past, she wants to throw the perfect party for her sister. She’s trying hard to get the cake and festivities just right, but with Kristoff and Olaf’s (voices of Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad) help things are bound to turn out a little different than she expected. However, nothing is as unexpected as Elsa’s impending sniffles, which leave her expelling miniature animated snowmen from her nostrils every time she sneezes. (Uh-huh... I was thinking the same thing...) Soon there are hundreds of the little snow boogers... er... I think Disney wants us to call them Snowgies, running around and threatening to get in the way of Elsa’s fantastic fête. Of course we all know things will eventually come together, and the kingdom of Arendelle will only be better for its new inhabitants. The mini-movie met with high approval from the audience surrounding me (especially when Elsa makes a “cold never bothered me anyway” pun), and it offers positive messages about sibling relationships and the value of friends. There is also a new song available on iTunes that’s hoping to ride the coattails of Let it Go. I also expect the Snowgies will become the minions of the Frozen franchise and will most certainly show up in the inevitable sequel -- because as is says in the old adage “the buck stops here”, when there are over a billion of them charging toward the box office, you can safely bet they won’t stop soon.
What Parents need to know about Cinderella...
What Parents need to know about Frozen Fever...
Violence: Frequent scenes of bullying are shown, along with a mother who occasionally hits her children. A girl is locked in her room for an undisclosed amount of time. Characters conspire against the king. Sexual Content: Women wear low cut dresses (typical of the time) that reveal the top of some jiggling breasts. A couple kisses. Characters are seen dancing in their undergarments. Language: Characters engage in some mean spirited name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: A brief scene at a house party shows some drinking. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2015
Violence: The animation contains mild slapstick pratfalls with characters falling and bumping into things. Sexual Content: A mild romantic reference is made. Language: None noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character requests a bottle of cold medication. 76
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