Mobile Bay Parents April 21 by KeepSharing

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April2021 28

Volume 11 Number 1

Columns

2 Publisher’s Note

Teens and Connection Why it’s so important for your teenager and how to achieve it.

Common Sense Media An ultimate guide to managing your child’s Instagram account.

4 Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

8 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

31 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Do You Overparent?

Common pitfalls and how to turn them around.

Summer Camp Guide Register for day, residential, sports camps and more!

44 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Departments On The Cover

5 Bits and Pieces

Cole “Jordan” Mattox, Jr. (18 months) son of Cole and Alex Mattox. Grandson to Tim and India Mattox,

9 School Bits

and Rex and Roberta Averill. Jordan enjoys Cozy Coupe rides, dancing, reading, and running around with his Basset Hound, Roux!

41 Family Calendar

Jordan always enjoys spending time and laughing with his family and friends.

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FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

A page I follow on Facebook recently posted a picture of a text conversation between a college kid and his/her mom. The text said, “Do I just grab the clothes with my hands and put them in the dryer.” I could not help but laugh thinking of all the kids out there on their own trying to figure out the laundry. Admittedly, I have been guilty of over-helping my kids, but the laundry was one of those chores I could not wait to teach them. In fact, when we were building our house we found a small piece of unused space on the 2nd floor of the plans, so now the girls have their own washer and dryer and I love it! On that same note though, one of my girls saw me putting dishwashing detergent in the dishwasher and said, “Oh, I didn’t know you put that stuff in there.” Normally, I would have just thought “cool, teachable moment” but all I could think was how many times she may have started the dishwasher without it. Thank goodness that is not one of her usual chores, but still... Overparenting is something I think many of us are guilty of. We all know that it is important to teach our kids to be independent and figure things out on their own, but it can be tough to do that. Whether we are trying to protect them or it is just easier to do it ourselves, stepping in and taking over really does not help anyone in the long run. In her feature, Are You Overparenting?, Sarah Lyons addresses some of the pitfalls and solutions to help us avoid this slippery slope. Maybe a tiny part of overparenting is also not recognizing (or not wanting to recognize) that our children are growing up. We still see them as the adorable little toddlers and we hear stories about the teen years that make us a bit nervous but, in reality, the teen years can be great! I honestly love the teenage stage we are in now. Sure, there are moments, but that is true at any stage of parenting. It is so cool to see the girls transform into young adults with their own thoughts and dreams and perceptions of the world. I like when they share their music with me and expand my interests by learning about their interests. My girls challenge me with intellectual, well thought out political discussions, they introduce me to new hobbies, and have even encouraged me to learn an instrument and pick up painting again. We all know the benefits of being connected to our teens, but how do we strengthen that connection? Sharing interests helps, but what are some tangible things we can do? Fortunately, Cheryl Maguire shares some of her ideas in this month’s feature, The Importance of Teen Connectedness and How to Achieve It on page 28. Something I am super excited about seeing in this month’s issue is the Family Calendar! Now that the COVID numbers are improving, more people are being vaccinated and things are opening back up, we are starting to see the return of events. That, my friends, is exciting news! To see what is available this month, check out the Family Calendar on page 41. As you are making your plans, make sure you also check out the expanded Summer Camp Directory on page 34. We have added even more camps this month to help you plan a great summer! So as we close out this April issue, I hope everyone enjoys some wonderful family time outside and has happy, healthy spring!

Lynn

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. Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Cheryl Maguire Dave Ramsey

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

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

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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.

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 2021 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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experiences do not happen when we are distracted by our phones, they happen when we are fully engaged in the moment. Here is a list of ideas for shared experiences that will do more than just make memories…

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

“My Parents Are Always On Their Phones” This month’s wise statement comes from children as young as three, as old as 19, and every age in between. This is not a one-time statement from my younger clients, it is a reoccurring cry for attention. The words are simple, but the implication is very telling: “My parents are always on their phones.” I am not surprised by the 3-year-olds, however, the teenagers who say this break my heart. All day long they have to compete with screens to obtain the attention of their peers,

teachers, and employers. These teens are yearning for a place where they belong; a place where people put down everything and run to the door to greet them. They may never say this to your face, but they truly want this from you. So how do we provide a sense of belonging to our children? The answer is simple: shared experiences. In other words, do things together as often as you can. Shared experiences are made up of four things that help a person feel like they belong. These four things are feeling seen, appreciated, liked, and loved. Let’s be honest, shared

1. Play LOTS of family games. Games are important for a variety of reasons. They provide opportunities to practice and learn important life lessons (social skills, manners, academic skills, patience, good sportsmanship, etc). If your children need to learn a lesson, use a game to teach it instead of giving another boring lecture. According to Jeanne Segal, PhD, children learn best when they are playing and retain the lesson longer. 2. Use multiple senses. Experiences that use more than one sense are easier to recall (Gottfried and Smith, 2004). For example, cook dinner with your family while listening to fabulous music. Another idea is to take a Sunday drive with the windows down while eating a special snack. 3. Tell your family’s stories over and over again. Research has revealed that children who are informed about their family history have higher self-esteem, a better sense of their capacity to control what happens to them, and lower levels of anxiety. 4. Take time to listen. This is especially crucial for parents of middle school children. When you take the time to listen without judging or blaming, children are more able to hear you and change their own behaviors (Bernstein, 2013). I cannot tell you how many times I have just listened to a child’s ludicrous rant only to watch them go on and correct their own thinking. 5. Do chores together. Several peer reviewed studies showed that family chores are associated with childhood happiness. Chores help children realize they are able to make meaningful contributions to their families. Also, collaborative chores have been shown to improve sibling relationships. So…crank up the music and have your entire family clean the house.

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6. Let the kids be in charge. Giving your children an opportunity to plan something for the family will give them a chance to create, organize, and lead an outing for a group. This is the perfect way to let them know that they belong in your family. As you follow their plan, make sure to let them know that they are seen, appreciated, liked, and loved.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Help Support Mobile’s Kidney Patients through Annual Mobile Kidney Walk!

Healthy kidneys clean waste and extra fluids from your body and produce and balance chemicals that are necessary for your body to function. They clean and filter blood, produce urine and produce hormones. When kidneys fail to work properly, waste can build to high levels in the blood and make you extremely sick. People who are diagnosed with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) have two options for sustaining life: kidney dialysis or organ transplantation. According to the United States Renal Data System, the active kidney transplant waiting list is about 2.8 times larger than the supply of donor kidneys, so most people with damaged kidneys spend time on dialysis. Being placed on dialysis can be emotionally and financially devastating for families affected by CKD. The cost of treatment, the cost of the transportation to and from the treatment center and the time required for dialysis often prevent patients from being able to work. Currently over 14,000 Alabamians endure dialysis three to four times per week. Because each session requires about four hours, people on dialysis have to plan their lives around their dialysis schedules in order to continue living. The Alabama Kidney Foundation is hosting its annual Mobile Kidney Walk on Saturday, May 1, at UMS-Wright Preparatory School’s Old Shell Road/ Bulldog Drive entrance. There will be a Drive-Thru Celebration for participants to turn in money raised and pick up prizes they have earned. Education and vendor tents will be set up and spaced out for participants to visit and stay socially distanced. Funding through this event supports the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program, which serves low-income dialysis and transplant patients when they have nowhere else to turn. Assistance includes helping with daily living needs, such as utility bills, prescription medications, and medical equipment. The Financial Assistance Program also helps cover the costs of transportation for patients to get to and from their life-saving dialysis treatments each week. Just one missed treatment increases the need for hospitalization by 40% and multiple missed treatments can result in death. If you’re interested in getting involved, go to www.mobilekidneywalk.org or contact Dawn Rencher, Area Director, at dawn@alkidney.org or (251) 721-0235.

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Every Step Matters Digital Walk

Hope for Healing Celebration Dinner: An evening with Drew Brees

Hope for Healing 2021 is Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the Mobile Convention Center. We will welcome Keynote Speaker and New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees. Hope for Healing is an evening where the power of hope and the strength of Victory’s partnerships and supporters join together to save, restore and transform the lives of our neighbors in need. Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating the positive impact that Victory has on the healthcare of our uninsured neighbors along the Gulf Coast. Please visit victoryhealth.org/hope-for-healing/ for more information. Virtual streaming opportunities are also provided for the event.

Join the Autism Society of Alabama and help promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion by participating in the Every Step Matters Digital Autism Walk. You choose when and where you walk, any day throughout the month of April! You can even create teams or your own fundraiser! Please visit www.walkforautismal. com for more information. Show your support for those living with autism throughout the state by taking a photo at local landmarks, or in your community wearing your event t-shirt and post using the hashtag #Impact4AutismAL

Inaugural Crawfish Classic Golf Tournament and Crawfish Boil

The Hargrove Foundation is excited to welcome guests to its inaugural Crawfish Classic on Friday, April 23, 2021, at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear, Alabama. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a socially-distanced “19th Hole” crawfish boil from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Hargrove Foundation. Players have the opportunity to compete in support of several charitable causes for a donation of $225 for individual golfers or $1,000 for a corporate team of four with a hole sponsorship. Entry to the all-you-can-eat “19th Hole” crawfish boil event is included with your golf tournament entry. Tickets for the crawfish boil may also be purchased separately for a donation of $55 for a single entrant or $95 for a couple. The event will feature traditional crawfish boil fare, as well as Cajun-boiled shrimp and vegetables, chicken and catfish dishes. Enjoy live music and delicious food in a socially-distanced, outdoor atmosphere! Appropriate COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced as we strive for the safety of all in attendance. To register for the event, find more information or to seek sponsorship, please visit https://hargrovefoundation.org/crawfishclassic2021. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hargrove Foundation, which has given $100,000 to COVID-19 relief organizations over the last year and supports causes like the HAT (Hargrove Adaptive Toy) Project, dedicated to helping mobility-limited children achieve independence through the use of adaptive cars. Register today and tee-off to make a difference!

New Exploreum Exhibit

Mud Bottom Revival Music Festival

The 2021 Mud Bottom Revival Music Festival will feature Molly Thomas & The Rare Birds and Will Kimbrough. We are thrilled to announce this exciting news that we will be able to host a COVID-19 conscious outdoor music festival to raise money for Dog River Clearwater Revival on Sunday April 25 from 1-4 PM! This muchanticipated music festival will be held once again at a live oak covered estate on the banks of beautiful Dog River. However, in deference to safe-spacing due to COVID-19, the site will be set up for viewing the bands primarily by boat/ kayak. Only Sponsors will be allowed to park on site and enjoy the music in socially spaced pod areas on The Bender Point peninsula. All other tickets will be sold by boat or non-motorized water vessel to be anchored around the peninsula in safely marked area of the water. Proceeds generated by your support help DRCR in our efforts to protect and improve the water quality of Dog River. Please visit dogriver.org for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

The Exploreum Science Center is proud to announce a unique collaboration with NASA for a new exhibit, Cosmos 2021: Adventure into the Unknown, bringing an outstanding collection of artifacts, interactives, props, and more showcasing the past, present, and future of space travel. From the age of the Space Race and beyond, this experience will highlight the incredible journey of humans into the cosmos. The exhibit is now fully open to the public. In addition, the Exploreum Education Team will be implementing a variety of engaging programs and activities throughout the duration of the exhibit. Special events, guest speakers, scavenger hunts, contests, and exclusive giveaways will further entice guests to explore the exhibit and engage through Exploreum social media channels. Also featured in this experience is a supplementary exhibit entitled Mission Aerospace. Through this educational and interactive maze, guests can explore the history of flight, navigation and NASA’s vision for the future. 6

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Discovery Week at Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Mark your calendars for a week of Discovery at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab from April 5 -10. The week is an opportunity for us to celebrate 50 years of research and education with you. We invite you to join our marine educators outdoors each day to explore the life of a marine scientist on a fun family field trip. You can walk the beach like never before, discover what lies hidden in the amazing salt marsh habitat, even take a trip aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery, and learn what lives below the waves. On Saturday, April 10, take a journey through our public aquarium and chat with our students, marine scientists, and educators as they share their research and fun facts you may not know about the Alabama Watershed and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Monday through Thursday you can chat live with our marine educators and aquarists on the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Facebook page at 11:15 a.m. Then, on Friday, University Programs dives into current research with a seminar at 12 p.m. Aquarium and excursion tickets must be purchased online at www.disl.edu/estuarium. Aquarium admission is $12/Adult, $10/Seniors (50+), $6/Students, $6/Children 5-18, and Free/Under 5. Aquarium hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Excursion tickets are not included in the aquarium admission. Each excursion is ticketed separately. Masks will be required through April 9, per the statewide Safer at Home Order signed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. If there are changes to the state mandate, the guidelines will be posted on our website and at our facility. Please call 251-861-7500 if you have any questions. You can find updates on our website disl.edu.

Cocktails with Critters to Return to Bluegill Restaurant

A picture-perfect sunset and an evening with friends. That’s the plan for the 15th annual Cocktails with the Critters hosted by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation. The event turned virtual auction in 2020 will return to the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway the evening of Thursday, May 6. The evening will include scrumptious hors d’oeuvres from the Gulf of Mexico and live music. It will also be a chance to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the continued dedication to the health of our oceans. With the success of the virtual auction in 2020, the auction will remain virtual in 2021. Bidding will open on Wednesday, April 28, and close on Wednesday, May 5. Items are already being added to the auction site. Purchase your tickets today to the 15th annual Cocktails with the Critters at sealabfoundation.org.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Welcome Springtime and Allergies Springtime is finally here! Even more exciting is things in our area are improving...stores and activities are opening up more and it is becoming safer to be outside and active again! With this wonderful weather though, brings all the pollens and allergy season. Allergies can present in a number of different ways. Some present as red, dry, or watery eyes. Some people with allergies have a clear, runny nose, while others have bad breath or continually clear their throat. Some allergies such as to food or an insect sting can be serious. People can be allergic to different things. Some allergens such as dust mites or perfumes are present year-round, whereas other allergens such as oak tree pollen or ragweed are more prevalent during spring time. Allergies can present at any stage in life, but is much more common in children younger than 18 years old. Everybody has an immune system which is the body’s defense mechanism against illness and outside exposures. IgE is one of the

immunoglobulins in the body, and this IgE is active mostly in response to an allergen. So all those pesky symptoms of allergies and due to your body reacting to something it perceives as a danger to your body for whatever reason. Allergies can also be hardly noticeable when you are healthy, but bothersome to the point that you need medicine when your immune system is compromised due to a virus or even changes like pregnancy or puberty. Most allergic symptoms can be treated with avoidance of the specific allergen and/ or medications such as an antihistamine or nasal steroid. However there is a severe form of allergies called anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening, and requires a different medication in an emergency situation. Anaphylaxis is where an allergen causes a person to have hives in addition to throat swelling, wheezing, vomiting, and/or lip swelling. People with anaphylaxis need to carry EpiPens with them at all times and need to strictly avoid their allergen

and have an allergist that guides them toward the right treatment. Depending on the problems allergies can cause a person, some are diagnosed with the help of a doctor just by a simple history and physical whereas some require blood work or more specific tests by an allergist. For some people with mild allergies, taking a Benadryl or Claritin or other similar antihistamine will bring relief during pollen season. For others, more precautions and discussions with your child’s physician will help alleviate the symptoms or prevent an allergy from occurring.

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

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Autauga County Schools

Mardi Gras Museum at Heart of Mary Catholic School

Leading the way in our community is at the core of our mission at Heart of Mary Catholic School. Our Principal, Mr. Horner, had the wonderful idea to create our own Mardi Gras museum to showcase regalia from our alumni and local community. He was able to borrow and set-up different exhibits that would usually be in a museum, in our cafeteria and right in front of our children's eyes! All were amazed at the beautifully detailed costumes and royal trains of former Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association's Kings and Queens. All classes were greeted by tour guides who gave them detailed information about the royal robes. We had special treats for all our students and throws for our Grand Marshal, alumnus Jaden Mosley, and visiting King and Queen from the Order of Doves.

St. Dominic Students to Attend St. Thomas Aquinas Academy at McGill-Toolen

Congratulations to our St. Dominic eighth grade students who have been invited to participate in The St. Thomas Aquinas Academy next year at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. The Aquinas Academy is designed to challenge the most gifted and motivated students in a demanding course of study. From left to right, Noah Huynh, Lee Graham, Laurence Sangilan, Seth Lollar, and Maria Kane. Way to SOAR Eagles!

St. Mary Eighth Grade Scholars Receive McGill-Toolen Honors

Several of St. Mary Catholic School 8th Grade students were accepted to the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Aquinas Honors Program and also were recipients of distinguished scholarships. Aquinas scholars include Michael Blanchette, Sarah Dudley, Gabriel Evans, Leah Feirman, Joseph McCarron, Grace Salmon, and Michael Talbott. Academic scholarship recipients include: Sarah Dudley, recipient of the Henry Reimer Academic Scholarship and Anna Catherine Thompson, recipient of the Kerri McShane Dye and Gilbert Burke Strong Spirit of McGill Memorial Scholarships. Congratulations Sarah Dudley who was the top scorer in the McGill-Toolen Placement Test.

E.R. Dickson Read Across America Academy Awards

On March 2, E.R. Dickson celebrated Read Across America Day with an Academy Award style program recognizing some of the popular children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Students watched virtually from home and their classroom as some of the most beloved characters came to life. Cindy Lou Who won Best Actress and The Cat in the Hat won Best Actor. Best Supporting Actor and Actress were Thing 1 and Thing 2. Storybook of the Year was awarded to The Cat and the Hat. Walking the red carpet included The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and many other characters from Dr. Seuss’ books. After the awards show classrooms were visited virtually by readers from across Mobile who read their favorite Dr. Seuss book to the students. Thank you to our community and business partners for reading to our students! 9

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Autauga County Schools

Council Traditional School’s Oratory Contest Winners

Williamson High and Middle Grades Preparatory Academy Named CLAS of Distinction School

Congratulations to Council's K-5th grade oratorical winners. Students at Council interact and immerse themselves in complex literature that advocates justice and experience the power of profound words! The purpose is to develop public speaking skills, self-expression, and improve communication skills.

Congratulations to Williamson High & Middle Grades Preparatory Academy on being selected as the 2021 CLAS School of Distinction for the program, Entrepreneurship Academy Finance Literacy. This award recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students.

Old Shell Road Magnet School Black History Program

Students at Old Shell Road Magnet School presented a virtual Black History Program on Friday, February 26. Students from all grade levels participated, and each 5thgrade class performed a song.

Clark-Shaw Named 2020 CLAS School of Distinction for STEM Program

Congratulations to Clark-Shaw Magnet Middle School who recently received word that they were selected as a 2020 CLAS School of Distinction for the program, STEM-Science Technology Engineering and Math. This award recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

Mobile County Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to Owen Farmer of Denton Magnet School of Technology, who won first place in the LendingTree Bowl Mobile County Regional Spelling Bee, and Landen Nelson of St. Elmo Elementary, who won third place. Owen will go on to compete in the Alabama Spelling Bee. Forty-four students who won their schools' spelling bees at local public and private schools competed in the Regional Spelling Bee online. 10

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Dunbar Magnet School Thespians Receive Superior Ratings at State Festival

The Alabama chapter of the International Thespian Society held their virtual state thespian festival. The festival included competitions in acting, singing, and dancing categories. Congratulations to the following members of Dunbar Magnet School’s Junior Thespian Troupe 89113: Kaylee Corley, Anika Farid, and Hannah Williams. All three young ladies received superior ratings, the highest ratings possible. Kaylee earned superior in musical solo. Anika and Hannah earned superior ratings in monologue. Lailah Gray, Brianna Jacob, and Tylan Norphleet earned excellent ratings in monologue. We are very proud of you!

VEX Robotics Competition Winners

Alma Bryant High School placed first and Murphy High School finished second in the Mobile County Public Schools JROTC VEX Robotics competition recently. Robotics programs and competitions give MCPSS students an opportunity to put the STEM skills they're learning into practice to accomplish objectives based on real-world challenges. Congratulations to all who participated.

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Autauga County Schools

Spirit Week at Lighthouse Baptist Academy

Lighthouse Baptist Academy held its annual spirit week with the students and teachers dressing up each day! The themes throughout the week were nerd day, holiday day, country day, and squad goals day. The winners for the best dressed were chosen by the senior class, and by the end of the week, the black team won and was awarded ice cream sundaes. Spirit week is always full of fun activities for the students, but more importantly, it’s a week where students of all grades come together to celebrate our school.

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Two St. Luke's Students Named National Merit Finalists

In the fall, Zac Haataja (pictured left) and Garrett Upshaw (pictured right) were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists (about 1% of students achieve this honor). After being recognized as Semifinalists, they completed the Finalist application by submitting their high school transcript, SAT scores, information about activities and leadership roles, a personal essay, recommendations and information about school curricula and grading system. Recently it was announced that both Zac and Garrett are National Merit Finalists and can apply for National Merit Scholarships (less than 1% of students in the US)! We are so proud and honored to have two National Merit Finalists this year.

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Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Phillips Preparatory Student Accepted in Space Academy in May

Hari Atmakuri, an eighth grader at Phillips Preparatory, was accepted into the Space Academy at Huntsville during the week of May 23rd through May 28th. The Space Academy allows trainees to “experience firsthand the future of space travel and train to solve technically challenging anomalies in order to complete their space mission.” Participants apply their engineering skills and engage in teambuilding activities.

Mobile Christian Student Receives Rotary Club Youth Merit Award

Congratulations to Walker Reusser who received the Youth Merit Award from the Rotary Club of Mobile. Walker is a senior at Mobile Christian School. He is in the running to receive a $4,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club. Qualifications for this scholarship were based on the student’s transcript and GPA, ACT score, Service Above Self, and the student’s participation in the Student of the Week award. Walker is a decorated cross-country athlete, a hard worker in the classroom, and one of the leaders of the MCS Class of 2021. Congrats Walker! Your MCS family is very proud of you!

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

Registration for the 2021 - 2022 school year is happening NOW. Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. 6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • school. corpuschristiparish.com

To schedule a tour, please contact us.

251.342.5474 • school@CCSCatholic.com CCS Generic Ad.indd 1

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Autauga County Schools

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Faith 5A Area 2 Basketball Champs

Faith Academy Varsity Boys went 8-0 in the area and beat St. Paul's in the Area Championship game! LJ Holifield was the tournament MVP. Drayton Moore and Christian Walker made the all-tournament team. Congratulations to this great group of guys!

Prichard Prep 1st Graders Participate in SHORT the Squirrel Literacy Program Prichard Prep's 1st grade class recently celebrated SHORT the Squirrel's birthday as part of the SHORT the Squirrel Literacy Program. The program's mission is to "spread literacy-rich, community-oriented, enjoyable content to our youngest citizens,". It was created by Alabama citizens and endorsed by Governor Kay Ivey. Prichard Prep was very excited to participate in this new program and to be a part of SHORT the Squirrel's debut!

St. Mary Media Munch Celebrates 25 Years!

St. Mary Catholic conducted their 25th annual media munch with logo cookies delivered to members of our local media, and to City of Mobile and Archdiocesan Officials. The event serves to thank them both for what they do to promote the good news of St. Mary and for what they do for the entire City of Mobile! Pictured are St. Mary 7th grade ambassadors with St. Mary Pastor, Father Stephen Vrazel and staff members of Mayor Sandy Stimpson's Office. (Father Vrazel was a St. Mary Media Munch ambassador back in 1997!)

McGill-Toolen Football Coach Speaks to Heart of Mary Catholic Boys

Heart of Mary Catholic School 8th grade boys had a great meeting with McGill-Toolen Catholic High School’s new head football coach, Norman Joseph. Not only did he talk to our 8th grade guys about football, but also about daily life matters! Looking for wonderful things to come from his leadership at McT and with this partnership here at HOM!

Prichard Prep Celebrates Read Across America Day

Prichard Prep students and staff had a great time celebrating Read Across America Day. Students dressed as Dr. Seuss characters and read "Oh, The Places You'll Go" and "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss in class. The day wouldn't have been complete without eating green eggs and ham, which the students enjoyed! Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at St. Dominic Catholic School

Saint Dominic Catholic School Principal, Mrs. Michener, and librarian, Mrs. Gonzales, surprised the students by dressing up for Dr. Seuss' birthday. Mrs. Michener visited our younger students' classrooms dressed as the Cat in the Hat and read a Dr. Seuss book to each class.

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

Covenant Christian Students’ Artwork Included in Visual Arts Achievement Program Congratulations to all the Covenant Christian School students whose artwork has been included in this year's Visual Arts Achievement Program for District 1. CCS Junior High Art has two First Place winners moving to the State competition, and one Second Place/ Honorable Mention student. Way to go art students! Included in this year's show at the Mobile Arts Council: Avari A. (1st Place - Printmaking), Kara A. (1st Place - Computer Images), Howie J. (Second Place/ Honorable Mention - Computer Images), Emory C, Zoe H, Elizabeth H, and Kenzie M. Pictured: Avari and Howie at the Mobile Arts Council.

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Autauga County Schools Black History Month at Little Flower Catholic School Little Flower Catholic School was proud to host our Black History Month Living Museum on February 26. Students from 5th – 8th grade researched their chosen influential Black leader, dressed as him/her and presented their leader’s life story and work to our students and staff. It was a beautiful celebration of history and life.

UMS-Wright Art Goes International

UMS-Wright has been creating Memory Project portraits since 2009. The Memory Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding and kindness between children around the world through schoolbased art programs. Students in Studio Art I, II, III & IV Art created realistic portraits by gridding the photographs that the Memory Project submitted. By comparing the lines, shapes and values within each box within the grid, students were able to replicate nearly exact proportions. Because each Afghani child included his or her favorite color, the student artists decided how to incorporate those colors into the background along with patterns that might be found in Afghan rugs or Islamic mosques. To learn more about the Memory Project, visit https://www.memoryproject.org/.

Join us for a week of discovery! We're celebrating 50 years of research and education with a week of excursions and chats. Check out the schedule at disl.edu and reserve your spot today! 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528, 251-861-2141

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Read “The Outsiders”

The novel "The Outsiders" is required reading for the 8th graders at Corpus Christi Catholic School. When the students are finished with the book, they watch the movie and have an "Outsiders Day" where they come to school dressed as a Greaser or a Soc. There is also a very intense trivia "rumble" during English class. Pictured are the 2021 CCS Greasers and Socs!

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

CHCA Seniors Participate in National Signing Day

Congratulations to Ja’Dedric Pettaway and Cameron Rogers for making a commitment to continue their academic and football careers at NCAA institutions, the University of North Alabama and Aurora University respectively. Ja’Dedric Pettaway, who has a decorated football career at The Hill at running back and received accolades from the Crichton Optimist Club, WKRG5, FOX10, WNSP, and the ASWA, will be heading to Florence, Alabama, as a Lion for the University of North Alabama. Cameron Rogers has been a staple on the defensive side of the ball for the Warriors and will be heading to Aurora, Illinois, as a Spartan for Aurora University. The entire Cottage Hill family is proud of JD and Cam for their contributions in helping lead CHCA to the most successful seasons in school history.

June 14 - 25, 2021 I 8:00am- 12:30pm I $85.00 CAMP FEE CAMPS PURPOSE: To expose students to career technical

and manufacturing training careers. Camp also will include a piece on entrepreneurship and students will complete a make-and-take project.

For more information:

Symentha McDonald I call us at 251-405-7017 email us at smcdonald@bishop.edu Location will be at Bishop State

NONDISCRIMATION STATEMENT: No employee or applicant for employment or promotion shall be discriminated against on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law.

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Autauga County Schools

Mardi Gras at McGill-Toolen

McGill-Toolen Seniors Jadon Mosely and MacKenzie McMillion were honored at Heart of Mary's Order of Doves. Jadon, an alum of Heart of Mary, served as the Order of Doves Grand Marshall. MacKenzie is this year's Junior Royal Queen.

St. Mary Library Named After Former Librarian

St. Mary's former Librarian, Sue Lyon received a big surprise during St. Mary’s Book Fair Week as she was honored with the naming of the St. Mary Library as the Sue Lyon Library! The library was named in honor of 26 years of loving service as St. Mary's Librarian and was accompanied by a generous gift from the Lyon Family. At the dedication was Sue's husband Tom and a slew of family friends watching on Facebook Live including her three St. Mary Alumni children, Amy, Chris, and Matt and their families. Sue is known for her birthday book fundraisers for the library, the Reading is Fundamental Mardi Gras Parade, the St. Mary Pro-Life Club and campus March for Life, the Annual Book Fair, and her great concern and care for the students who came to her library each week. Sue retired in May and continues to volunteer under the direction of St. Mary's new librarian, Diane Roberts.

E.R. Dickson Elementary is a CLAS School of Distinction

Alabama has recognized 31 CLAS Schools of Distinction for providing outstanding programs and services to students in 2021. E.R. Dickson Elementary was one of those schools. Through the L.E.A.D.ers of Technology program at E.R. Dickson Elementary, students build strong foundations in STEM literacy, preparing them to be future leaders in technology and STEM related fields. The L.E.A.D.ers of Technology program embodies several student-led activities to achieve these four goals: (1) advancing the technological practices of students through hands-on application processes; (2) engaging students in meaningful standards-based, cross-curricular and relevant technological experiences; (3) emphasizing and promoting the scholastic achievement of students in preparation for high-stakes assessments and 21st Century performance tasks; and (4) providing diversity and equity of emerging technologies and technological platforms to a diverse group of learners to ensure inclusion. Student leadership is observed daily through student use of tech tools; student facilitation of collaborative technological projects; and the student-led Tiger TV news program. As a Nearpod Certified School, an AMSTI Grant School, a Discovery Education Digital Literacy School and a Project Lead the Way School, E.R. Dickson allows students to participate in a plethora of technological experiences that enhance leadership skills and scholastic achievement, including robotics and automation. Congratulations on receiving this amazing award! Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

Legacy Fund Donations Help Advance Curriculum in CHCA Classrooms

Donations made to the Legacy Fund help Cottage Hill Christian Academy make an impact in classrooms, facilities, and curriculum without creating a significant increase in tuition. Because of generous Legacy Fund donations, our preschool and elementary school teachers have been able to purchase exciting classroom manipulatives to help in the education of each CHCA student. A few of the classroom additions were reading and language review cards with power pens, flexible seating, math board games, and more! The students have loved using these new additions inside of the classroom!

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St. Ignatius National Junior Honor Society Inductees

St. Ignatius students are leading the way in scholarship. Our students were honored at the National Junior Honor Society Induction on February 23. Each student was honored and then were able to go celebrate with their parents. Our new inductees from 6th, 7th and 8th grades have maintained a high grade point average, displayed leadership and volunteer in their community. Pictured are our new 8th grade inductees Bailee Smith, Frances Katz, Hogan Hodges, Jack O'Neil, Baylor Dumont, Elizabeth Olander, Addison Fairley, Ashley Beatty, Anna McCarron, Grayson Robinson, Bry Baggett and Jack Teague. 6th grade inductees Kate Scot Hayes, Abigail Clark, Daniel Buckley, Bella Smith, Marnie Shell and Madeline King. 7th grade inductees Bear Zeidan, Brady Shirah, Charlie Kidder, Mae LaCour, Kate Bender, James King, Bryce Ward, Patrick Weems and Barrett Porter.

Science at Old Shell Road Magnet School

Mrs. Tillman’s class at Old Shell Road Magnet School practiced making circuits using wires, batteries, and bulbs.

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Autauga County Schools

10% of ASMS Senior Class Named National Merit Finalists

10% of seniors in the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) Class of 2021 have been named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for a total of seven students in all – a significantly high number compared to other high schools of similar size. These students are in the top 1% of high school seniors in the nation. In 2019, more than 1.5 million juniors from 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Students typically take the test during their junior year and find out if they are Semifinalists in fall of their senior year. In fall of 2020, less than 1% of high school seniors, numbering around 16,000 nation-wide, were announced as Semifinalists with around 15,000 being named Finalists in early 2021. To become a Finalist, Semifinalists submit a detailed scholarship application, with information about their academic record, school involvement, community activities, leadership, employment, honors, and awards received. They also submit an essay and endorsement by a school official. Becoming a National Merit Finalist can open significant opportunities for students to receive scholarship funding from institutions of higher education and other organizations. Many in-state institutions in Alabama provide full tuition scholarships and/or fully paid room and board. “ASMS is always proud when one of our seniors is named a National Merit Finalist, but to have 10% of an entire senior class be named Finalists, that is almost unheard of. It speaks volumes of our students’ resiliency and what they can accomplish even in the face of global challenges. The future is bright for these seven seniors, and we extend our congratulations to them and their families,” says ASMS school president Dr. John Hoyle. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in spring of 2021. ASMS National Merit Finalists: Joseph Hulcher, Mobile County; Emma Joly, Baldwin County; Veda Joshi, Houston County; Gregory Li, Baldwin County; Elijah Velaski, Baldwin County; Tabitha Watson, Jefferson County; Cary Xiao, Tuscaloosa County.

St. Pius X Students Hold Math Fair

Saint Pius X 8th graders did a tremendous job demonstrating and explaining the “problem solving” tasks of their Math Fair projects to the younger students. At the same time, one of our 7th grade math classes demonstrated their Rubik’s cube solving skills using algorithms they learned in class. Several of the students can complete that task in less than a minute! Fun fact: 8th graders are wearing their 8th grade t-shirts, which they are able to wear on days that have an “8” in the date. The shirt was designed by Kate Head!

Heart of Mary Receives Donation to Library

Heart of Mary Catholic School would like to give a great big THANK YOU to Author, HOM alumna, and lifelong friend of Mr. Horner, Mrs. LaKesha Small for her generous donation to both our tuition funds and our library! The funds and the books will be put to great use. What a wonderful way to give back to our community!

Davidson JROTC Student Named Finalist for State Leadership Position

Navy JROTC Cadet Hannah Bishop, a junior at Davidson High School, has been selected by the Alabama State JROTC Officer Selection Board as a finalist for one of the top student Alabama JROTC leadership positions for 2021-22, representing all programs statewide. The statewide finalists will learn their assignments -- President, Senior Vice President or Service Vice President -- at the Alabama State JROTC conference this month. Their responsibilities will include planning and overseeing JROTC field trips, drill competitions and leadership conferences. "I'm still kind of in shock about it," Cadet Bishop said. "I feel like being the first means I can be a leader for others behind me. I just want to be able to encourage others to do the same things and go farther." Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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E.R. Dickson Student Helps Out in a Big Way

Brooklyn Quinnie, a kindergarten student at E.R. Dickson, donated more than 200 items for her school's food drive. She wanted to help in a big way and wanted to make sure that every kindergarten student at ERD received an out-of-uniform pass. Her mother, Kennesha Quinnie, said that Brooklyn is always thinking of others and loves to help! Way to set a great example, Brooklyn!

Autauga County Schools Clam Dissections at Corpus Christi Catholic School

Biology Baking at St. Dominic Catholic School

St. Dominic Catholic School Seventh Grade students did some "biology baking" and each made a cell with all parts labeled. Middle School Science teacher, Mr. Nonnenmacher is always looking for ways to make learning fun for the students. After presenting their project they got to eat what they made.

At Corpus Christi Catholic School, the focus of 7th-grade science is Life Sciences. As part of their studies, the students dissect numerous specimens. The students have already dissected earthworms and are now learning about clams. Christian Holloway and Cade Wimmer are pictured examining their clam.

Faith Academy Student Named DAR Good Citizen

Congratulations to Jamaray Porter on being selected to represent Faith as the DAR Good Citizen. To be selected by the faculty and classmates of your school means that you have made a lasting impression of the type of person you have become at such an early age! Jamaray shares his talents through his leadership skills and volunteer service activities at the school and in the community! Jamaray you are a blessing to our Faith Family!

St. Luke Student Places 2nd in County Spelling Bee

We are delighted to announce that 5th grader, Franci, placed 2nd in the Mobile County Spelling Bee for students in 3rd-8th grade! Recently, Franci's family and friends gathered to support her as she received awards from the Lending Tree Bowl, sponsor of the Spelling Bee. We are so proud of Franci and all of her accomplishments.

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at Little Flower Catholic School

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Little Flower Catholic School students celebrated by dressing up as their favorite characters, wearing crazy socks and hats, and even conducting a STEM experiment – building the Cat and the Hat’s striped hat with index cards and solo cups! 21

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Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Eighth Graders Receive Scholarships to McGill-Toolen

Congratulations to our St. Dominic Catholic School eighth grade students who received merit scholarships to McGill-Toolen for next school year. These scholarships were awarded based on achievements and recommendations. We are thankful for the strong academic programs offered at St. Dominic which prepare our students to "Lead the Way" into high school and beyond. Pictured from Left to Right: Seth Lollar - awarded the Saint Thomas Aquinas Scholarship, Luke Gechijian - awarded the Saint Michael the Archangel Scholarship, Katie Hubbell - awarded the Sharp Family Memorial Technology Scholarship for achieving the highest score on the English portion of the entrance exam, Justin Lami - awarded the Ross Skelton Memorial scholarship, and Gus Lyons - awarded the Saint Michael the Archangel Scholarship. We are very proud of our Eagles!

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Two Local Students Receive Space Academy Scholarships

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Daltrey LeGros of Phillips Preparatory School and Connor Jones of ClarkShaw School of Math, Science and Technology are among a select group of students around the state who have been selected to attend Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. This scholarship, funded by the Alabama State Legislature, includes tuition, lodging and meals.

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Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Award Winners

Congratulations to Grace Klezmer and Airyonna Weaver of Mary G. Montgomery and J'Maya Bell of Williamson, who have been selected as regional winners of Bryant-Jordan Awards! Klezmer and Bell were honored with the Bryant-Jordan Regional Scholar-Athlete Award for 7A and 4A respectively, and Weaver was the 7A Bryant-Jordan Regional Student Achievement winner. Created in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Association, the Bryant-Jordan Awards honor Alabama students who have achieved a level of excellence in the areas of academics and athletics that is commensurate with their potential. These three students will each receive a $3,000 scholarship toward their college education and are eligible to potentially win additional scholarships. They and the 53 other regional winners will be honored at the 36th annual banquet on April 12 at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel banquet hall. Klezmer is a two-sport athlete who excels at basketball and soccer. She’s a three-time all-county player in basketball who scored over 1,000 points at MGM. She carries a 4.53 grade point average and plans to major in pre-med at Auburn. Bell carries a 4.29 GPA and participates in softball and cheerleading at Williamson. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university and major in Forensics. Weaver is a four-time all-county honoree in volleyball and a two-time honoree in softball. She was also a first-team all-region and honorable mention all-state selection in volleyball. She has overcome a challenging childhood to carry a 3.53 GPA and plans to study psychology at Spring Hill College on a full athletic scholarship. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Dawes Intermediate School’s Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher

Congratulations to Stacy Dillard of Dawes Intermediate School, who has been honored with the Alabama Science Teachers Association's 2020-21 Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher Award.

Mobile County CLAS of Distinction Schools

Alabama has recognized 31 CLAS Schools of Distinction for providing outstanding programs and services to students in 2021. Five are Mobile County Public Schools: E.R. Dickson Elementary, Hutchens Elementary and Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology from Alabama’s District 1; and Gilliard Elementary and Williamson High and Middle Grades Preparatory Academy from Alabama’s District 5. Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology was chosen for its emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education, with activities such as a school-wide Science Fair, STEM-focused and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes, Robotics Club, and other engaging opportunities that incorporate a design mindset and exposure to STEM content and principles. E.R. Dickson Elementary was chosen for its L.E.A.D.ers of Technology Program (Leadership, Engagement, Achievement and Diversity), where students build strong foundations in STEM literacy, preparing them to be future leaders in technology and STEM related fields. Gilliard Elementary was chosen for its Bucket Filler program, which promotes kindness and thinking of others through small acts of service and words of encouragement by recognizing students for completing these small acts that make a big difference. Hutchens Elementary was chosen for its Leader In Me program, which focuses on teaching the whole child every day. Hutchens, a community school that welcomes support from parents and other stakeholders, was chosen as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. Williamson High and Middle Grades Preparatory Academy was chosen for its Entrepreneurship Academy and Financial Literacy Program, which prepares students to be college and career ready by teaching them how to live in the real world and providing them with real-world experiences and tools.

Who are we? We are

We currently offer Traditional Instruction and Virtual Classroom options to meet the specific needs of each student.

To learn more Visit mcgill-toolen.org Click the Admissions tab to view our Virtual Parent Preview. Accepting applications now.

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile Christian School Valedictorian and Salutatorian

UMS-Wright K4 Students Perform Play in Spanish

We are pleased to present to you that the Class of 2021 Valedictorian is Barton Erwin and the Salutatorian is Belle Fant. These are two wonderful young people who work very hard in and outside of the classroom. Both are very accomplished in extra-curricular activities. Barton plans to attend Harding University in the fall to major in Biology. Belle plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall to major in Pre-Med.

Each year, Dunlap Auditorium is filled with family and friends to watch the K4 Valentine’s Play. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors were not allowed on campus to watch this year, but with the help of technology, families and friends were able to stream the performance! Not only was this the K4 students’ first time performing on stage this school year, but the entire production was done in Spanish! ¡Buen trabajo a los estudiantes y Sra. Heath!

MGM Takes the Bronze at Optimist Club Oratorical

On Thursday, March 4, MGM sophomore Caden Busby competed in the Optimist Club Oratorical held at Heron Lakes Country Club. Caden spoke on this year’s topic “Healing the World with Optimism.” In his speech, Caden discussed how we must each take an active role in helping one another in order to heal ourselves, our community, and our world. At the conclusion of the competition, Caden walked away with a bronze medal. Congratulations, Caden, on a job well done!

Phillips Preparatory’s Learning Today Leading Tomorrow Award Winner

Eighth grader Katie Bendolph has been selected as Phillips Preparatory’s Learning Today Leading Tomorrow Award Winner! Katie actively cultivates personal connections with her teachers and peers. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is involved in numerous community projects. As a Girl Scout member, Katie participated in a veteran’s service project which entailed her going to homes of veterans and assisting with meals and cleaning. As a sixth grader, she participated in Coastal Cleanup and Apple Snail Roundup. As a seventh grader, she worked on a Campsite Cleanup project illustrating her commitment to environmental sustainability. As an eighth grader, she worked with the Southern Black Women Organization and completed an art project to honor health care workers during the pandemic. Her artwork highlighted the sacrifice of health care workers and was posted at Mobile Infirmary Hospital. Katie is an academically focused and socially conscious student.

Prichard Prep 4th Graders Celebrate African American Achievements!

Fourth graders at Prichard Prep recently held a celebration of African American achievements on campus. Each fourth grader chose an influential African American to research and portray as a "special guest" for the celebration. The entire class did an incredible job with their presentations. Special guests included Rosa Parks, James Brown, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mae Jemison, and many more! Pictured is student Bryson Gable portraying researcher and surgeon Dr. Charles Drew.

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St. Luke’s Student Receives DAR Good Citizen Award

St. Luke's senior, Brice Knotts was awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen, the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. Great job, Brice! Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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Autauga County Schools

PTA Reflections Arts Competition

Several Mobile County Public Schools students won or placed in their respective categories in the 2021 Alabama PTA Reflections arts competition. First-place winners from MCPSS schools were: Joshua West of Davidson High School (high school film), Parker Richardson of Causey Middle (middle school film), Carson Gaskin of Council Traditional School (literature) and Kaila Pugh of Baker High School (high school visual arts, special artist). Each first-place winner is now qualified to advance to the national competition. Other MCPSS students finishing in the top three or honorable mention of their respective categories and divisions were: Maddie Brown of Causey (photography, third place); Beckett Buckridge of Council (dance choreography (second place); Tamia Ray Catlin of Council (film, third place); Madison Williams of Causey (film, second place); Kylie McDonald of Causey (film, third place); Havilland Lucious of Council (literature, second place); and Emersyn Blackburn of Causey (literature, honorable mention). Congratulations to all these talented students!

McGill-Toolen Green Club Serves the Community

Members of the McGill-Toolen Catholic Green Club spent their Saturday morning helping to frame a house for Habitat for Humanity.

CHCA Holds Annual NHS and NJHS Induction Ceremony

In early February, the annual National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. During this ceremony, new NHS members were called to the front to light their candle, took the NHS pledge, and were pinned by current NHS members. New members of the NJHS took the pledge and were pinned by their sponsor, Mrs. Beth Quave. It was wonderful to see so many students’ hard work rewarded as they were inducted into the NHS and NJHS. Thank you our sponsors Mrs. Kimberly Tharp and Mrs. Beth Quave for organizing the ceremony.

P.U.A.D. Mobile - Boys & Girls Club Reading

People United to Advance the Dream Mobile, Inc. (P.U.A.D. Mobile) Board Members, Rev. Edwards and Dr. Bobbie Holt-Ragler, took to the Kiwanis Branch Boys & Girls Club to read different inspirational quotes from a book called, “We are the Change.” This was in local observation of their Annual Selma Jubilee Bridge Crossing Event. Afterwards the children created posters to promote equality. Branch Director, Cory Penn, was the Creative Judge and winning team was award with an Ice Cream Party. Chief Lawrence Battiste joined P.U.A.D. Mobile, as a special guest promoting healthy relationships with club members in association of Police Identity, due to the recent violence that have inflicted on our community’s young children. Chief Battiste, gifted all club members with a book called, “Our Police.” 25

Davidson Student Wins Essay Contest

Jackson Faggard is a Junior IB/EPIC student at Davidson High School. He earned a $2000 Scholarship in the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. He placed 1st at the local level and placed in the top 3 at the district level.

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile County Learning Leading Award Winners

Three students who excel in the classroom, who are leaders in their schools, who participate in an array of extracurricular activities, and who give back to their communities through service were honored recently as Mobile County Public Schools’ 2021 Learning Leading Award winners. Brooklyn Cranmore of O’Rourke Elementary School, Kensley Baker of Booker T. Washington Middle School and Lane Stefurak of Davidson High School were surprised at their respective schools with the news of their awards. “I didn’t expect to win anything for doing anything for my community,” Baker said. “It’s just that I would like to help the people who help me every day.” Baker is an honor roll student who also serves as a red ribbon service leader, an ambassador club member and a student planner at her school. She also helped organize several community service projects, including a food pantry to help those with food insecurity. Stefurak is an international baccalaureate student who is near the top of her class with a 5.12 cumulative grade point average. Described as a natural leader, she’s a standout on Davidson’s Hi-Q and robotics teams and also spearheaded a collection drive for the Waterfront Rescue Mission over the Christmas holidays. And Cranmore is a regular volunteer at McKemie Place, a local women’s shelter, where she helps prepare and serve meals and talks with the residents there. She also volunteers at her church, filling its “Blessing Boxes” with non-perishable food for the needy. She’s also helped with beach clean-up events, makes meals for Family Promise and has volunteered with Project Homeless Connect. Why does she do all that? “I want to help people,” she said. Mobile County Public Schools presents the Learning Leading Awards each year to an elementary, middle and high school student who best exemplify the system’s slogan: Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.

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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

Pet Parade at Mobile Christian School

UMS-Wright 5th Graders Participate in Pen Pal Program with Dumas Wesley

Recently Mobile Christian School’s K4 was learning about the letter P so each student was encouraged to bring a stuffed pet to take care of for the week. They carried their pets around campus all week. On Friday they held a Pet Parade.

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

Teaching servant leadership is a vital part of the UMS-Wright experience. The "Wright Way Character Education Program" led by Director of Student Ministries & Service, Michael Schultz, has launched a pen pal program connecting 5th grade students to participants in Dumas Wesley's Senior Activities for Independent Living program. 80 5th graders have been matched with seniors who have been isolating at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. "My students talk about this project a lot. They ask almost every day if they have gotten a letter back from their pen pal. In this day and age when everything is instant and electronic, the magic of a hand-written letter that they have to wait for is still so wonderful for them.” 26

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McGillToolen National Merit Finalist

McGill-Toolen Senior Marshall Walker was selected as a National Merit Finalist!

St. Pius X Students Study Volcanoes

Saint Pius X 6th graders recently studied the different types of volcanoes in Science and created their own experiments to observe them erupt. From the looks of their projects and the powerful eruptions, they learned a lot!

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Faith Academy Student Named AISA Creative Writing Winner

We are so proud of Layla Sadler for winning the AISA Creative Writing Competition for grades 6-8! This is a great honor!

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Do you feel connected to your teen? My teens are always wearing noise-canceling headphones, which makes it a struggle just to communicate. And it can be hard to connect with someone who seems to be shutting you out. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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But even though it may be challenging, it is important for parents to find ways to create and sustain connections with their teens. According to a new CDC study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are noticeable benefits for teens who feel connected to their family and school. In addition to experiencing better mental health, teens with strong connections are also less likely to have experiences with risky or violent behaviors as adults. “When kids hit the teen years parents often feel like they say the wrong thing or their teens rebel so they back off or they get over-controlling—none of that works,” says Dr. Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. “What works is to realize that teens still need your guidance, but you can’t control them. The only way you are going to have any influence is through your relationship with your teen.”

Dr. Markham suggests taking a more empathetic and understanding approach. For the parent, emptying the dishwasher is a priority, but the teen doesn’t understand why his parent is so upset about it. Yes, he is supposed to do the chore, but he thinks what he is doing is important. He would also like his parent to notice how much better his guitar playing has become. Dr. Markham suggests that instead of yelling at the kid, the parent could sit next to them on the couch and say, “I love to hear you playing the guitar, but I need to get dinner started, so the dishwasher needs to be emptied. I would love to hear you play some more after you empty the dishwasher.” “In this scenario, the parent is not fighting with their teen,” she explains. “Rather, the parent is telling their teen what they need to do, in an understanding manner, so the parent has protected the relationship even while they have enforced a limit.”

Learn to connect with your teen

Create connectedness through routines and rituals

Dr. Markham stresses the importance of building a relationship with your teen through empathy and understanding. Parents can take a different approach and create a connection with their teen while setting limits at the same time. For example, if a teen has not emptied the dishwasher because he is playing his guitar, a parent might be inclined to yell across the room, “Get in here and empty the dishwasher.” Meanwhile, the kid is thinking, My parents don’t understand. I’m almost done practicing this song. He might then respond, “Just a minute, Mom,” which turns the situation turns into an unhappy interaction with both people feeling like the other person is wrong.

“Parents know they are supposed to have date night with their significant other in order to have a healthy relationship,” says Dr. Markham. “But what about date night, or some version of it, with your teenager?” Using her own experience as an example, she explains how her husband and daughter would go to brunch once a month. During their time together they would play cards, read the newspaper, and talk about topics that mattered to them. She says that the routine or ritual we choose to share with our kids can be any activity, as long as we do it on a regular ba-

Learning designed with YOU IN MIND. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: APPLY TODAY! accelacademymobile.com 29

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sis. It can even be a chore, such as doing the dishes together. By doing this activity together, we create a connection that becomes the foundation for a healthy relationship.

empowers them to believe they can do something to make the situation better themselves.

Make sure you’re available

“Encourage your teen to see teachers at the school as a resource,” says Dr. Markham. Feeling connected to their school is not only good for teens, the CDC study found it can also have positive results for them when they are adults. We can support our kids’ connectedness to school by encouraging them to attend school-sponsored activities, like sporting events or performances. “Cheering as a group for a team makes us feel close to the people around us,” explains Dr. Markham.

Helping your teen feel connected at school

Dr. Markahm points out that teens often open up on car rides. “You are not looking in their eyes and so they feel more open,” she says. But your conversations don’t have to be confined to the car. She mentions a father who would wait up until midnight for his older teenagers to get home and then have a snack with them. This ritual, and making himself available, encouraged his teens to open up about their friends and interests. If your teen asks to talk to you, make sure you’re available, or schedule a time when you can give them your full attention.

Connected teens become healthy adults

As the CDC study highlights, the benefits of connectedness in the teen years carry over into adulthood. Teens who feel connected to their family and school are less likely to experience violence, be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, or abuse controlled and illegal substances as adults. “There is zero doubt in my mind that when kids feel connected to their parents, they are healthier and happier,” Dr. Markham says. “A connected teen is going to become an adult that feels the world is a good place and they are cared about. It is an emotional safety net–someone cares.” MBP

Be a good listener

“Most parents are terrible listeners,” says Dr. Markham. “Parents get anxious when their teen tells them about a problem.” She explains that most parents’ initial reaction to a problem their child might be having is to try to solve it. But she recommends resisting the urge to figure out a solution. Our job is not to solve every problem, it’s to listen and offer validation. “If the parent listens and validates the issue by saying things like, ‘That must have hurt your feelings. Sounds like you are upset. And then what happened?’ You validate what is going on,” says Dr. Markham. Validating a teen’s feelings helps them develop good judgment. Rather than fixing the problem for them, our validation

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Instagram When you see a teen taking a selfie, chances are that picture will end up on social media. Often, that means Instagram, one of the most popular social image-sharing platforms in the world. What’s all the fuss about? Teens love Instagram for a lot of reasons, but most importantly, that’s where their friends are. They can also keep tabs on their favorite celebrities, follow accounts that align with their interests, and, of course, maintain their own profile (or profiles) that present an image of themselves to their friends -- and sometimes to the world. As with all social media, the elements that make teens love Instagram can also be breeding grounds for trouble. Depending on whom you follow or what you search for, you can find lots of mature content. And the comments on posts can be downright vicious, especially if an account is public. Then there’s the pressure. Lots of kids feel that they have to maintain a perfect profile, so they’re constantly scanning posts for likes and deleting ones that don’t measure up. And they have to check their feeds all day (and sometimes at night) for updates from friends. Instagram also has a commercial aspect. Embedded ads, celebrity endorsements, and links to buy products are all over kids’ feeds. Still, with some guidance around settings, limits on use, and ongoing conversations about content and comments, Instagram can be a place for kids to connect and be creative. Here we answer a few of your most common questions.

What kinds of content will my kid see on Instagram? The kinds of

content kids will see mostly depends on whom they follow: If they only follow friends and don’t search for anything, they may see only pictures of their friends having fun. But kids rarely limit their feeds to people they

know, so it’s likely they’ll see mature content (including sexy stuff, swearing, and substance use), mean or sexual comments, and hashtags about suicide, anorexia, and other concerning topics. If they follow celebrities, they’ll probably also see marketing.

How can I monitor my kid’s activity on Instagram? You can ask your kid to

give you a tour of their Insta. Ask them to walk you through their account, explain memes and comments, discuss friends, and share whatever comes up. Or try one of these ideas:

• Create your own Instagram account and follow your kid. You’ll see what they post (unless they block you), but you won’t see their DMs (direct messages). • Follow their friends. It’s not unusual for parents to be friends with their kids’ friends online (but you should hold back on comments). If you’re close with your kids’ friends, you can follow each other and keep tabs on your kid’s doings. • Ask for your kid’s Instagram username and password. Then, you can log in as them and review their accounts. • Do spot checks. Either random or scheduled, these check-ins give you time to sit down together and go through your kid’s feed. • Install a third-party monitoring app. Parental controls such as Bark give you a lot of visibility into what kids are doing online. Learn more about parental controls.

Is there any way to limit or restrict my kid’s activity on Instagram, including connecting with strangers? Instagram accounts are public by default, so the first thing to do is make your kid’s private. To do this, go to Settings from your profile page. Select Privacy and toggle on Private Account. With a private account, only people you approve can see what you post. You get a lot of options in the Privacy 31

section -- and you should spend some time here if you’re helping your kid set up their first account. You can’t lock Privacy settings, though, so be aware that kids can change them back. A few more key Instagram privacy settings: Comment controls. You can limit comments to followers, block comments from specific people, hide “offensive” comments, and create specific filters for words and phrases. Resharing to stories. You can control whether or not other people can reshare your posts. Photos and videos. You can prevent people from automatically adding pictures of you to your profile without your approval and hide photos and videos so they don’t display in your feed.

What can I do if it seems like my kid can’t stop looking at Instagram? All social media uses persuasive techniques to keep users engaged, and while it can help kids feel connected to friends and family -- especially during times of isolation like extended school breaks -- it’s easy to get sucked in for longer periods than is healthy. If your teen has trouble logging off when they have other stuff to do or they just need a break, you can try using Instagram’s Your Activity feature, which the company introduced to help people be more aware of the time they’re spending on the app and to set limits for themselves. To get to Your Activity, go to the profile page, tap the three horizontal lines, select Your Activity, and then tap Time. You’ll see your daily average, and you can set a time limit and get a reminder to stop. If your kid has mastered self-regulation, Your Activity may work to curb their use. If not, you can try using the parental controls built into your phone’s operating system (Screen Time on iOS or the Family Link app on Android) to block access and set time limits on all the apps on your kid’s phone. A few other tricks: Adjust or turn off notifications completely to calm the need to check the phone every few minutes; and tell kids to stop scrolling once they see the “You’re all caught up!” message that tells them there’s no new content to see since the last time they checked.

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Parents want the best for their kids and have a strong desire for them to be successful in every endeavor. While this tendency comes with positive intentions, it can occasionally backfire and leave kids unprepared for the natural consequences and realities that come with everyday life as an adult. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, overparenting is defined as “too much involvement by parents in the lives of their children, so that they try to help with or control everything that happens to the child.” Kids who are raised in this environment struggle in college and beyond with basic tasks, common disappointments, and self sufficiency. How do you know if you are overparenting? Here are some common pitfalls parents can easily find themselves falling into and some tips to turn these tendencies around. Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

www.mobilebayparents.com

Common pitfall: Power struggles

Do you often find yourself having a heated debate with your child about something that isn’t important in the grand scheme of things? For example, you may be tempted to argue about your child’s clothing choices, if their room isn’t clean enough, if they are not playing with toys the “right way”, or if they are simply approaching a task differently than you would tackle it yourself. This is a sign you may be overparenting. Turn it around: When you find yourself in the middle of another power struggle, pause and reflect if it is worth debating. Your child will learn problem solving skills and gain independence from doing things their own way. If it doesn’t work as smoothly as the way you would have done it, that’s to be expected. They will learn the lesson and adjust naturally on their own. The best part will be less arguing and stress in the home.

Common pitfall: Lack of natural consequences

One of the hardest things about parenting is watching your child fail. If they don’t make the team, get a bad grade, break a toy, or have a disagreement with a friend, parents are often tempted to step in and “fix” the situation so their child is not hurt or disappointed. While this seems like a good thing now, it can cause long lasting challenges for your child.

Turn it around: Let them try, make mistakes, and deal with the aftermath - positive or negative - that comes from their actions. Facing natural consequences is hard but kids who do so are better prepared for making decisions as an adult, when the stakes are much higher and the choices can be life altering.

Common pitfall: Lack of responsibilities

A common sign of overparenting is a lack of age-appropriate expectations and responsibilities. It is tempting to do all of the chores around the house, help your child with homework assignments, allow them to give up when things get tough, clean up for them, and assist them with daily tasks they can do on their own. Kids often surprise us with how much they can do by themselves when given the chance to try. Turn it around: Start by choosing one task and let your child know they will be responsible for it from now on. Teach them how to do it, let them know you are there to answer questions and help but they will need to do the task on their own. It will most likely be a struggle at first, but over time they will be able to do it independently and will gain a sense of pride. Soon they will be ready to take on more responsibilities and harder tasks.

Common pitfall: No time for traditional play

Traditional play and down time are important for kids development because it promotes creativity and allows your child rest from the structure and pressures that school and extracurricular activities bring. If your child has so many scheduled activities that they have very little free time, it may be due to overparenting. It’s best to find a good balance of your time that promotes both traditional play and activities such as sports or artistic interests equally. Turn it around: Ask your child what they are truly interested in and reduce the rest of the activities to allow more free time. Keep in mind this may or may not be the activity they excel at. Allowing your child to choose what activities outside the home is important as they gain independence and allows time for them to develop their interests rather than spreading them too thin. Parenting is challenging and changing behavior is even more so. Give yourself grace and make small changes at a time. The hard work will be worth it when your child develops into a healthy, self sufficient adult ready to face the challenges and successes that life brings. MBP

Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer.

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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!

2021

Guide

Art Camps Coastal Makers, LLC

70 North Joachim (Suite F), Mobile Send your kiddo on an art adventure this summer! Prepare to get messy, have fun, and create cool art! Designed for ages 6-12. Visit our website or Facebook page for camps in Mobile and Baldwin County.

Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics

Classical Ballet

4621 SpringHill Ave Ste C, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer Intensives, June 7-11 & August 2-6: Ages 8 & above (*During the August 2-6 Intensive, dancers will learn choreography for our Christmas Ballet!), Open Summer Classes: Ballet for all ages, girls and boys, will also be held weekly throughout the summer. (251) 410-4477 academy@classicalballetmobile.org classicalballetmobile.org

251-455-2909 coastalmakers@gmail.com www.coastalmakers.com

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

Mobile Parks & Rec Community

251-367-6182

Camps offering arts, crafts, sewing and much more.

www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

Round But Square Studios

3304 Old Shell Road Suite C, Mobile, AL 36608 Art Camps, classes, pop-in art events, and more. Visit our website/Facebook for more information. 251-591-3425 roundbutsquarestudios@gmail.com www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp

703 West Samford Avenue, Auburn Auburn Gymnastics Camps in Alabama offer an opportunity for gymnasts to receive valuable instruction on the fundamentals of gymnastics while addressing new skills. Find dates and rates online. 334-844-5047 AUgymcamp@auburn.edu www.auburngymnasticscamps.com

Cheer Force One

8700 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile Please visit our website or follow us on Facebook/ Instagram (@cheerforceone) for the latest details about summer camps and clinics. 251-634-0203 info@cheerforceone.com www.cheerforceone.com

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

1711 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Empire Gymnastics

246-B Jacintoport Blvd, Saraland Visit our website for more information.

251-620-9780 info@empireathleticstraining.com empireathleticstraining.com

Gale’s Studio of Dance

6345 Airport Blvd. Suite F, Mobile Now planning Summer Camps for 2021! Visit our website for updates. 251-343-9544 www.galesstudioofdance.com

102 Baker Road, Satsuma Facebook Page: Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics 251-599-2205 www.msdaphnescheernastics.com

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile Energetic Camp for Girls and Boys, ages 3+. Much more than just gymnastics! 251-479-9311 www.nassergym.net

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Summer camp in June and July. Time: 7:30am5:30pm Monday-Friday (except for holidays). Half days and full days offered. Boys and girls ages 5-14. 251-650-0699 www.planetgymnastics.com

Robinson’s School of Dance

421 Highway 43 North, Saraland 2021 Summer Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays the month of June!

251-675-5915 www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

8665 Four Mile Rd, Irvington, AL 36544 Summer Dance Intensive. Registration is June 1st from 5-7pm. 251-455-1866 robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com

Mobile Ballet

4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile Let’s Dance Camp – Ballet, Jazz (Ages 6 – 8) June 1 – 4, 2021 & July TBA Little Ballerina Camp - Ballet Creative Movement (Ages 3 - 5) June 1 - 4, 2021 & July TBA Summer Intensive with World-Renowned Faculty (Ages 9 & up) Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Partnering & more! June 7 – July 2, 2021 (single week options available) 251-342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Mrs. Lisa’s Gym and Cheer

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

Sheffield School of the Dance

4570 Hermitage Road, Mobile Sheffield Summer Series 2021: July 26-29, August 2-5. West Mobile & Eastern Shore locations! More information to follow online. Follow us @sheffielddance. 251-479-3926

www.sheffielddance.com

Day Camps Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Day Camps ad on page 16

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Oceans Alive! June 2, July 2 (ages 5 - 8); BIO Blitz-June 7 (ages 8 - 10); Ocean Bytes-June 3, June 25 (ages 9-11); Survivor: Dauphin Island

www.mobilebayparents.com

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tion program focused on character and leadership development and curbing summer learning loss. Offering S.T.E.M. activities in a traditional fun day camp program. Dates-June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-9, July 12-16, July 19-23. Ages 6-13.

June 4, June 18, July 30 (ages 10-13). Registration/camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Day Camp

nce.

251-660-7444 www.governmenstreetcdc.org

GulfQuest

251-432-1235 bgcsouthal.org/camp Find us on Facebook!

ad on page 11

Azalea City Montessori Summer Camp

The Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will be holding its annual Cub Scout Summer Day Camp. Please visit our website for summer camp information coming soon.

1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 June 14-July 30th, 2021, Monday-Friday 8:00am4:00pm. Each week of summer camp is themed to give your child a diverse and engaging experience. Each week children will engage in fun, age appropriate play and learning Ages: Potty trained 3-12.

251-476-4600 bernadette.toler@scouting.org www.bsamac.org

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama

(251) 202-5295 admin@azaleacitymontessori.org azaleacitymontessori.org/summer-camp/

ad on page 5

2200 Cody Road South, Mobile Summer camp - online registration coming soon. Ages: K5 through 6th Grade. 251-633-0250 www.dayspring.church/summer-day-camp

Evangel Christian School Day Camp

1277 Jubilee Drive, Saraland Summer Day Camp. 6:30am-6:00pm daily M-F. Ages 4-Entering 6th Grade. Weekly and Daily. Many on campus activities available including special guests and vendors. Dates: June 1 July 23.

251-432-1235 www.bgcsouthal.org

251-675-4619 evangel@folc.tv www.folc.tv

Camp Chandler Tonsmeire

Government Street Baptist

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile Coming to Summer Camp 2021 is Candy BarsNothing Sweeter than the Love of God, registra-

ad on page 5

2701 Shelton Beach Road Ext, Mobile Camp Chandler Tonsmeire is an outdoor educa-

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155 Water Street, Mobile STEAM-based adventure Camp: Two traditional museum-based week-long day camps. (Ages 7-12). Registration opening soon for June camp and July camp. 251-436-8901 www.gulfquest.org

Junior Police Academy

Mobile Police Academy, 1251 Virginia St, Mobile Step into the role of a Mobile Police Officer to solve crimes. Applications available on mobilepd. org. this includes a 100 word essay. Cost- $85.00 per student. July 12-16 for ages 9-12. 9am-4pm 251-208-1924 gary.owens@cityofmobile.org mobilepd.org/juniorpoliceacademy

Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp

Bernard Malkove Branch - 35 Cody Road South, 251-343-4320, Kiwanis Branch - 712 Rice Street, 251-478-7811, Semmes Branch - 3810 Wulff Road East, 251-645-9027, Sonny Callahan Branch - 6585 Carol Plantation Road, 251-653-1188, Optimist Branch - 1517 Plaza Drive, 251-438-5111 Our Summer Enrichment programs are awesome! Kids will enjoy exciting summer activities that include Summer Brain Gain, field trips, sports, swimming, arts and crafts while also learning the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Life Church Child Development Center Day Camp

8701 Zeigler Boulevard , Mobile S.O.S. Seeking Our Savior!” - June 1, 2021 August 6, 2021. Monday - Friday 6 AM to 6 PM. Field trips, arts and crafts, water slides, Praise and Worship, sno cones and more! 251-633-2679 www.lifechurchcdc.com

Mobile Botanical Gardens NatureBLAST

5151 Museum Dr, Mobile Monday-Thursday, June 7-10, 2021; 8:30-3:00. Outdoor discovery and nature studies. Rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. $140 MBG members, $160 non-members. Limit 15. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org; facebook.com/mobilebotanicalgardensmbg/posts

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

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tion opens April 5 for camp dates June 1-August 6. Ages completed K4-5th grade.

award-winning, n a n o t u o s is m Don’t mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

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800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com 35

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

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Mobile Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Camps offer a variety of recreational and educational opportunities including themed games, crafts, special events, virtual field trips, and more. Ages 4-13. Time: 7:30-4:30 with extended care available. Camp starts at 8. Pre-registration is required. Register at MPRD.RECDESK.COM.

www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

Semmes First Baptist CDC Summer Day Camp

4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes Summer Camp Program for children up to 5th grade.

251-649-2712 www.semmesfirstbaptistcdc.com

St. Dominic Catholic School

4160 Burma Road, Mobile Camp Little Eagles–PK 2-PK 4 and Camp EaglesK-8th grades, On-campus camp with theme based units including hands on fun activities and crafts. Dates/Hours– Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm. . 251-661-5226 development@stdominicmobile.org www.stdominicmobile.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Camp Wildcat

3975 Japonica Lane , Mobile Our award winning camp is open to the public. (Ages rising K3-6th grade, 7:30am-5:30pm). Camp starts May 24. Please visit our website at stlukesmobile.com and facebook ‘St. Luke’s Episcopal School’ for more information. We offer themed weeks, water days, games, creative activities, many enrichment classes, on sight guests, and field trips for our senior campers. Registration is open to the public on March 8, 2021.

sets, costumes, and more! Rising Stars camp directed by Eric Browne for high schoolers only! Produce a hilarious comedy over the course of two weeks. Glee camp is for singers! Join us to be part of a concert full of Disney, Broadway, and pop songs! 251-510-1808 dramacamp@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Dr, Mobile Playhouse Summer Theatre Camps will be June 7-18, for ages 5-11. We will study acting, dance, musical theater, art, and more. 251-602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail. com www.playhouseinthepark.org

The PACT Theatre Company

5025 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile The PACT’s summer program is a high-energy camp that allows campers to experience theatre in exciting and innovative ways. Our performance camps take The PACT Show experience and condense it into two action-packed weeks. While our innovative workshops & musical theatre summer stock experience allow campers to experiment and build within their craft! There is something for everyone in The PACT’s summer program!

251-344-4856 hcykids@ysal.org www.ysal.org

Drama/Theater Azalea City Center for the Arts & Sunny Side Theater Summer Drama Camps ad on Inside Front

Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile Original Drama Camp - Put on full-length shows complete with sets, costumes, and fun! Activities include drama games, outdoor water games, set painting, and more! Drama Camp Jr - Our youngest performers learn a script in one week. Camps focus on basics of acting skills by exploring costumes and characters! Musical Theater Intensive: Join a guest director as she takes campers through the process of producing an ENTIRE musical in one week complete with Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

Auburn University Youth Camps

Auburn Youth Programs is an extension of University Outreach that sponsors and executes summer programs designed to educate and inspire youth in a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors. 334-844-4750 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn. edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/index.htm

Aviation Challenge Camp

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

Dancing Needle Designs

6103 SouthBend Drive , Mobile Sewing classes. Visit Facebook for information.

Educational / Miscellaneous 101 Bienville Boulevard, Mobile See listing under Overnight Camps for details.

Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA, North Mobile Family YMCA, Bounds Family YMCA, Snook Family YMCA, All-Day Themed Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-14). The Y’s summer day camp is packed with themed activities, crafts and games, water fun, sports of all sorts, and much more!

(251) 210-1632 (Ext. 104) info@americanautismcenter.com www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

65 Government Street, Mobile Experience the most amazing, science-based summer camps in Mobile! Summer camps at the Exploreum Science Center are a great way to keep budding young minds engaged all summer long. Each camp will include activities from various STEM topics, as well as access to our galleries and Digital Dome theater.

West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp

YMCA of South Alabama

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center will offer a cooking camp Monday-Thursday July 1215th 9am-12pm noon. No diagnosis is required.

251-454-5263 Find us on Facebook

Dauphin Island Sea Lab

251-639-6868 stephanie@wemochurch.org www.wemochurch.org

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

251-307-5056 office@thepactmobile.com www.thepactmobile.com

251-666-2991 campwildcat@stlukesmobile.com www.stlukesmobile.com

7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp is for children K-5th grade.

8:00am - 12:30pm. $85 camp fee. 251-405-7017; smcdonald@bishop.edu

ad on page 16

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

Huntington Learning Center ad on page 13

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile We offer summer reading, phonics, math, and writing programs. Stronger academic skills will make next school year the best ever! ACT/SAT Prep. Proven results 251-525-9239 MobileAL@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com

USA Literary Center Tutoring and Summer Camp ad on page 23

Mobile Reading & Writing Tutoring - First grade through high school. Individual and/or small group reading & writing tutoring Monday-Thursday. Summer Literacy/Video Production Camp. Dates - TBD. Contact us for details.

251-380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/literacy-center/

Wildcat Contrapton Camp Bishop State ad on page 17

351 N Broad St, Mobile, AL 36603 Wildcat Contraption Camp will expose students to career technical and manufacturing training careers. Camp will also include a piece on entrepreneurship and students will complete a make-and-take project. June 14 - 25, 2021.

Exploreum Science Center

251-208-6892 jgolden@exploreum.com www.exploreum.com

Farm Adventure Summer Day Camp

Linda’s Learning Farm and Play Park, 2380 Havens Road, Semmes Children will experience what farm life is like. There will be barn activities, garden fun, swimming, playtime and daily horse interaction. Ages 5-12. June 14th-18th. 251-649-1802 www.learningfarmandplaypark.com

Flight Works Alabama

2000 Aerospace Drive, Mobile Focusing on middle and high school students, camps will range from 1-5 days. These skillsbased camps will weave science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) into various activities uniting education and FUN! 251-512-2320 info@flightworksalabama.com www.flightworksalabama.com

Industrial Design Workshop

301 Conti Street, Mobile Auburn University’s Mobile Industrial Design Workshop offers an engaging program for rising 9th - 12th grade students interested in a professional career in Industrial Design. June 7-11, 2021 www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouth programs/mobiledesign.htm

Mathnasium

Summer is time for fun, but it’s also when kids lose up to 3 months of their math skills. Called “the summer slide,” this seasonal learning loss can result in lower self-confidence and a lower chance of school success in the fall. In only 2-3 sessions per week at Mathnasium, your child can avoid the summer slide and start the school year strong. 251-490-8890 www.mathnasium.com/mobile

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Mississippi State Veterinary Camp

The Cookery Project

662-325-0465 vetcamp@cvm.msstate.edu www.facebook.com/MSUVetCamp

www.thecookerymobile.com

MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, 240 Wise Center Drive, Mississippi State Explore veterinary career options from small to large animal, public health, pathology, research and pet health. Ages 10 - 17 years.

Encouraging children in the art, the science & the gift of cooking. Summer camps-Fair Food 6/76/10, Chocolate Lovers 6/14-6/17, Brunch Bunch 6/21-6/24, 4th Foods 6/28-7/1, Around the World 7/5-7/8, 7/12-7/15, 7/19-7/23, 7/26-7/29

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities

Horseback Riding

www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

Riverview Camp for Girls

Educational Camps and Classes. Tutoring, ACT Classes, Computer Classes and much more.

Revelation Christian Academy Summer Enrichment Program

1711 Taylor Lane, Mobile Focus on the subject areas of Reading and Math in a fun and educational way for K-5th grade. 251-473-2333 www.revelationchristian.org

Spa Tea Da

3938 Government Street, Mobile Summer is so much fun at Spa-Tea-Da! Subscribe to get notifications or find them on our Facebook event page. 251-447-4846 www.spa-tea-da.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Saints

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 We will offer summer school and enrichment classes, several athletic camps, and music camps. More classes and events will be added throughout the spring; please visit our website for updates and registration forms! (251) 342-6700 www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

Full Scale School Of Music ad on Inside Front

Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile Summer music camps for ages 5-18! Come and join us at Full Scale for a great time of music making, theory, rhythm, harmony, and rock and roll! Students are welcome to join us any week this summer for Rock Band, Rock Band Jr, Hands on Instruments, and more!

ad on page 35

757 County Road 614, Mentone See details description under Overnight Camps.

251-454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com

800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Allegro Piano Lessons

Broussard’s Piano Gallery, 1168 West Interstate 65 Service Rd S, Mobile In our summer program, a student will learn to read music and play some of their favorite songs. With this new skill, they can continue to learn new songs for the rest of the year!

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm – Summer Riding Camp

10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile Day and Overnight Camps offered. Ages 5-16. 251-634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www.silverliningfarm.net

251-421-1359 allegropianolessons.com

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road, Mobile Summer Camps - visit our website for information. 251-508-2759 sandstoneec@gmail.com www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland One or two-week sessions June 6 – August 6, 2021. Overnight camps for girls, ages 8-17 years. 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

Music Camps

Auburn Summer Band Camp

320 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Sessions from June 8 - 26, 2021. Camp options for Middle and High School students. Marching Band, Symphonic, Percussion, Drum Major, Auxiliary and more.

(334) 844-4166 ausummerbandcamps@gmail.com www.band.auburn.edu/event/summer_camps

Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp

Central Presbyterian Church, 1260 Dauphin St, Mobile July 19 - July 30, 2021 - A blend of music educa-

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tion, cultural enrichment and team building. Aspiring musicians are taught the fundamentals of jazz by seasoned local professionals under the direction of Mobile’s music icon, Hosea London. Celebrity guest artists in residence will be featured as instructors. $100.00/student. Scholarships available upon request. Students must have their own instrument and possess the ability to play music scales. 251-478-4027 www.gcehjazzfest.org/jazz-camp

Mobile School of Piano

Private summer piano lessons where the student can learn sight reading, ear training, improvising and more! Ages 4 and up. 251-209-5352 www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

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

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 See listing under Educational Camps for details. (251) 342-6700 www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

Overnight Camps Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp ad on page 16

gust 2021 for ages 9 - 18 years. Visit our website for session options,dates and registration.

young ladies gain confidence and reach their full potential in a positive and fun-filled environment.

Camp ASCCA

Camp Seale Harris

800-637-7223 BRENDAC@spacecamp.com www.spacecamp.com/aviation

5278 Camp Ascca Drive, Jacksons Gap Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility. Summer sessions begin July 4, 2021. 256-825-9226 info@campascca.org www.campascca.org

Camp Beckwith

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope Join us for the “Best Week Ever!” at Beckwith, packed with sailing, swimming, arts & crafts, zip-lining, and so much more! Visit our website for information about dates and rates. 251-928-7844 addie@beckwithal.com www.beckwithal.com

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine Camp Cosby offers a traditional overnight summer camp. Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, water-skiing, arts and crafts. Dates: June 6-July 31, Ages: 6-15. 800-85-COSBY cinfo@campcosby.org ymcabham.org/camp-cosby

Camp Dixie

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course

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

ad on page 16

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Marine Science High School Course: June 20-July 16. An immersive 4-week academic class which introduces high school students to a better understanding of the various fields in marine science. Registration/camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 35

757 County Road 614, Mentone 2021 Camps run from June 6-August 1. An all girls overnight camp with short and long-term sessions for girls ages 6-16. Horseback riding, swimming, nature trails, arts and crafts, and much more! Also offering weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Aviation Challenge Camp

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville Camp sessions begin June and run through AuMobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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

Camp Smile

Mobile, AL 36607 A residential camp for individuals with disabilities 5-50 years old. Camp Smile is HAPPENING in 2021. Space is VERY limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, and there will be a few changes. Check out our website to learn more, 251-479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Clayton A traditional summer camp for boys and girls located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia. Ages 6-15. 678-701-3052 info@campdixie.org www.campdixie.org

Camp Dixie Outdoor Ministry

29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta A private, traditional overnight camp for boys and girls grades 2nd-12th grade. 2021 dates/ rates $275-June 06-11–B.A.S.I.C. (5th-8th), June 13-18–Jr. B.A.S.I.C. (2nd-5th Gr.), June 27-July 02–Jr. B.A.S.I.C./B.A.S.I.C. (2nd to 8th Gr.), July 11-16–CAPSTONE (7th to 12th Gr.)

Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

Located in the Talladega National Forest Cheaha Mountain, 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford A traditional summer camp nestled in the Talladega National Forest where kids learn stuff, do things and have fun! Join us for our 74th summer! 256-362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com ??

Camp Marannook

10425 Veterans Memorial Parkway, La Fayette Camps run June 2-July 26, 2021. Several sessions to choose from. (334) 864-7504 marannook@gmail.com www.marannook.org

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview We offer four sessions ranging from one to five weeks for campers age 6-16. Girls’ dates: May 30-June 11 and June 13- July 2. Boys’ dates: July 11-July 16 and July 18-July 30. 615-799-0410 info@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Nakanawa

1084 Camp Nakanawa R, Crossville Since 1920 Camp Nakanawa has been helping

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Camp Stanislaus

Camp Cosby

101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Barrier Island Explorers: Rising 5th-6th graders June 20-June 23, July 18-July 21 Marine DeTECHtives: Rising 7th-8th grade June 8-11, July 6-9 Gulf Island Journey: Rising 7th-9th grades June 6-11, June 27-July 2, July 11-16, July 25-30 Bay Voyager: Rising 9th-12th grade June 13-18, July 25-30 Coastal Fisheries Camp: Rising 9th-12th graders May 30-June 4. Registration and camp specifics are available online. 251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

931-277-3711 campnak@campnakanawa.com campnakanawa.com/centennial/

Gir

304 South beach Boulevard, Bay St. Louis “a lifetime of memories and friendships”. A day and resident camp for boys and girls ages 8-15. Camp runs weekly from June 20-July 17, Father and Son Camp June 11-12, and Specialty Camp week June 14-18. 228-467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

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Camp Victory

363 Victory Circle, Samson Dates: June 7-11 (Grades 2-5), June 14-18 (Grades 3-6), June 21-25 (Grades 2-5), June 28July 2 (Grades 8-12), July 5-9 (Grades 5-8), July 12-16 (Grades 2-5), July 19-23 (Grades 3-6), July 26-30 (Grades 4-7) 334-898-7948 office@campvictoryal.org www.campvictoryal.org

Camp Walkabout

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

Camp Whispering Pines

7740 Union Street, Citronelle Veritas Student Camp June 27-July 1 (6th-12th); Momentum Kids Camp-June 8-11 (1st - 5th grade). 251-866-7868 www.campwhisperingpines.com

Camp Widjiwagan

3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch Overnight camps run from May 31 - August 7, 2021. Visit our website to see a full schedule of camps and age groups. 615-360-2267 www.campwidji.org

Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City 2021 camps run from June 2 - July 24. Offering a variety of camp sessions for boys and girls ages 6-15 years old. Full week sessions and mini-camps. 205-640-6741 info@winnataska.org www.winnataska.org

Camp Woodmont

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland ACA accredited camp-loads of activities: archery, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, crafts, game and more! 1 & 2 week sessions for boys & girls 6 to 14. Season: May 30-July 30. 423-472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue, Mobile In the summer, during the months of June and July, we offer the opportunity to attend resident or sail away camp for every girl, whether they are a Girl Scout or not. 800-239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

Lake Forest Ranch

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon Camps run from May 29-August 1, 2021. 662-726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone Summer, resident camp for Boys. Oldest continuing camp run by same family since 1928. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 week options available. Please visit our website for additional camp information. 256-634-4758 www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Rapahope

Mobile, AL 36604 Rapahope has been bringing joy to children diagnosed with cancer and their families since 1985. We are a non-profit organization that offers free, year-round programming, including summer camp, as well as weekend and day-long opportunities for families and siblings. (251) 476-9880 info@rapahope.org www.rapahope.org

Twin Lakes Camp

155 Milner Road, Florence Sessions: June 7-12, June 14-19, June 28-July 3, July 5-10, July 12-17, July 19-24, 2021. Twin

Lakes is focused on safety and fun, while being intentionally grounded in Biblical teaching.

Azalea City Track & Field Camps

601-845-6858 info@twinlakescamp.org www.twinlakescamp.org

YMCA Camp Chandler

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka Since 1928 YMCA Camp Chandler has provided youth with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, develop new skills, and create memories that last a lifetime. Ages:5-15 years old. 334-229-0035 jikner@ymcamontgomery.org ymcamontgomery.org/camp/

Sports Camps

Graham’s Elite Martial Arts 1121 Dawes Road, Mobile 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.

High Velocity Sports Performance & Fitness

ad on page 23

1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile McGill-Toolen Catholic hopes to offer our popular summer sports camps including baseball, track & field, football, boys basketball, co-ed soccer, volleyball, girls basketball, boys and girls tennis and cheerleading. Please visit our website for details/ registration. 251-445-2900 www.mcgill-toolen.org

664 Biggio Drive, Auburn Camp focuses on training swimmers energy systems for success in summer swimming as well as developing and enhancing the training and racing skills of competitive swimmers. www.auburnwareagleswimcamps.com

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

251-633-7837 www.grahamselitemartialarts.com/ summer-camp

McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps

Auburn Swim Camp

University of South Alabama’s Jaguar Track Facility, 1209 Mitchell Center, Mobile Azalea City Summer Track & Field is in the process of evaluating camps for 2021. Please call of visit our website for updates.

2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile Sports Performance, FitCamps, Gym Memberships, Batting Cages, Baseball/Softball, Indoor Soccer, Character Building, Speed&Agility, Strength 251- 639-2261 www.facebook.com/highvelocity251/

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction 1000 Gaillard Road, Mobile Golf lessons and clinics. 251-490-3812 michael@michaelbrisbanegolf.com www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

Mobile Parks & Rec. Community Activities Many sports camps are offered in various locations around Mobile. 251-208-1631 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parksand-recreation/

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Mobile Tennis Center 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile Offering summer clinics. 251-208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

Oakwood Swim Team and Lessons 5260 Perin Road, Mobile We offer a competitive Swim Team and Dive Team to Oakwood Members and Non-members. 251-666-4471 oakwoodmobilemembership@gmail. com www.oakwoodmobile.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Youth Summer Sports Camps 3975 Japonica Lane; 1400 University Boulevard South, Mobile St. Luke’s offers sports camps taught by our varsity coaches for 3rd-6th grade (baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, & tennis.) Space is limited! 251-666-2991 mdonald@stlukesmobile.com www.stlukesmobile.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Fun and Learning 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 See listing under Educational Camps for details. (251) 342-6700 www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

UMS-Wright 65 Mobile Street, Mobile UMS-Wright Summer Programs is thrilled to have the opportunity to invite you to join us, as we offer a one-of-a-kind selection of athletic, academic, day, and specialty camps. Come see our beautiful

campus, learn from our expert teachers, coaches, and staff, and dive headfirst into both familiar and new experiences as we aim to provide your child with a clear path for potential. 251-479-6551 sblankenship@ums-wright.org www.ums-wright.org/summer

University of Mobile RAMS Soccer Camps 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Rams Soccer Camps offer partial, full-day and residential camp options. UM Co-Ed Camp ages 8-16: June 6-9, July 11-14, Day Camp ages 6-12: June 21-24, July 19-22 (251) 442-2396 dwhelan@umobile.edu www.ramssoccercamps.com

University of South Alabama Mark Calvi Baseball Camps University of South Alabama -Stanky Field, Mobile This camp is designed to help players take their game to the next level. 2021 Dates: June 7-11, June 21-25, July 12-16 Ages: 7-13 251-689-6928 aluckie@southalabama.edu www.jagbaseballcamps.com/mark-calvi-baseballcamp.cfm

University of South Alabama Richard Moodie Soccer Academy TBD, Mobile, AL Kids Summer Camps–06/7/21–06/10/21, 06/21/20-06/24/21, July 19th - 22nd. Location-TBD (ages 5-12 boys and girls) 1/2 and full day options. ID Camps-6/5/21-6/6/21, 6/26/21-6/27/21, 7/24/217/25/21 (girls 7th - 12th) (251) 414-8253 richardmoodiesocceracademy@ gmail.com www.rmsacamps.com

Swimming & Water Fun City of Mobile Swim Association

351 North Broad South, Mobile The City of Mobile Swim Association offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. www.swimcmsa.com

Gulf Coast Swimfants

2423 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Teaching children aged 6 months – 4 years old ISR Self-Rescue techniques designed to help them survive should they reach the water. 407-399-2059 matthew.johnson@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com; www.swimfants.com

Mobile Bay Sailing School

4295 Marina Drive North, Mobile Week-long sailing camp summer sessions. Two different sessions: regular class includes day-long sessions (9am-5pm, ages 8-18), second type is a special opti class for beginner/young sailors (ages 8-10). half-days (9am-2pm, or 1pm-5pm). 251-471-3131 sailingschool@mobileyachtclub.com www.mobilebaysailingschool.com/

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FamilyCalendar Friday April 2

Movies in the Park Public Safety Park, Mobile, AL We’re back with another round of Movies in the Park! Reserve a social distancing circle for your family by registering at mprd.recdesk.com. April 2-Peter Rabbit www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-andrecreation/

Saturday April 3

American Battlefield Trust Park Day 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Volunteers will help with be able to help park staff with a variety of maintenance needs. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com Easter at Seward Farms 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Seward Farms, 10836 Tanner Williams Rd Lucedale, MS, 39452 The farm will be open from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm or your enjoyment. The Easter Bunny arrives at 11 am at the Farm! www.sewardfarms.com/Seward-farm-Easter.htm Spring Fling OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Spring Fling - Enjoy a Madd Hatter Tea Party, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Bunny, and to a special Easter egg hunt. visitowa.com

Sunday April 4

Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 As the sun rises over Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Easter Sunday, April 4, guests are invited to join us at a special Sunrise Service with friends and family on Live Oak Plaza. bellingrath.org Sunrise Easter Service 7:30 AM USS Alabama, 2703 Battleship Memorial Parkway Mobile, AL, 36603 Celebrate Easter Sunday at the annual Sunrise Easter Service on the grounds of Battleship Memorial Park.. The service conducted by Government Street Baptist Church. All denominations are welcomed

Monday April 5

Tuesday April 6

lives below the waves. 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion, 11:15 a.m.: Ask the Aquarist - Facebook Live www.disl.edu/estuarium

Wednesday April 7

Week of Discovery - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 11:15 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL We invite you to join our marine educators outdoors each day to explore the life of a marine scientist on a fun family field trip. You can walk the beach like never before, discover what lies hidden in the amazing salt marsh habitat, even take a trip aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery, and learn what lives below the waves. 11:15 a.m.: Boardwalk Talk Facebook Live www.disl.edu/estuarium

Saturday April 10

Reenactment of the Battle of Fort Blakeley 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Historic Blakeley State Park will host a special day of living history and educational programming on Saturday, April 10th capped off by one of the largest reenactments of the battle in several years! 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com

Thursday April 8

Week of Discovery - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 9:45 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL We invite you to join our marine educators outdoors each day to explore the life of a marine scientist on a fun family field trip. You can walk the beach like never before, discover what lies hidden in the amazing salt marsh habitat, even take a trip aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery, and learn what lives below the waves. 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Ask the Aquarist - Facebook Live, 11:15 a.m.: 2 p.m.: Kayak Excursion - limited to 20 participants www.disl.edu/estuarium Drive Fore Hope Golf Tournament 1:00 PM Timber Creek Golf Club, Daphne, AL Rapahope’s Drive Fore Hope Golf Tournament presented by: USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute is April 8th at Timber Creek Golf Club. Our 4 player scramble is the perfect way to support Rapahope! raceroster.com/events/2021/38219/drive-fore-hopepresented-by-usa-health-mitchell-cancer-institute Alabama School of the Arts presents “The Tempest” ($15 General Admission (Bring your

blankets and lawn chairs))

7:00 PM University of Mobile, Academic Park Lawn, 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 Alabama School of the Arts presents “The Tempest”. Tickets for In-Person Viewing: www.itickets.com/universityofmobile. Online Streaming: http://www.showtix4u. com/events/umobile 251-442-2383 www.itickets.com/universityofmobile

Friday April 9

Week of Discovery - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 9:30 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL We invite you to join our marine educators outdoors each day to explore the life of a marine scientist on a fun family field trip. You can walk the beach like never before, discover what lies hidden in the amazing salt marsh habitat, even take a trip aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery, and learn what lives below the waves. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Gulf Coast Marine Animals Touch Lab, 12 p.m. University Programs Seminar - To Science Friday: Ocean Animal Biology - Limited to 25 participants per class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: The Microscopic World of Plankton, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Wetland Ecology: The Salt Marsh www.disl.edu/estuarium Alabama School of the Arts presents “ The Tempest” Details Thursday, April 8. Billy Strings Live at Ladd-Peebles Stadium 7:30 PM Ladd–Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL Billy Strings LIVE at Ladd-Peebles Stadium April 9, 10, 11, billystrings.com/tour

Movies in the Park Figures Park, Mobile, AL We’re back with another round of Movies in the Park! Reserve a social distancing circle for your family by registering at mprd. recdesk.com. April 9-A Dog’s Purpose www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

Week of Discovery - Dauphin Island Sea Lab 11:00 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL We invite you to join our marine educators outdoors each day to explore the life of a marine scientist on a fun family field trip. You can walk the beach like never before, discover what lies hidden in the amazing salt marsh habitat, even take a trip aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery, and learn what lives below the waves. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Various exhibits in the aquarium, 1:00-3:00: R/V Alabama Discovery Excursion www.disl.edu/estuarium Alabama School of the Arts presents “The Tempest” Details Thursday, April 8. Billy Strings Live at Ladd-Peebles Stadium 7:30 PM Ladd–Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL Billy Strings LIVE at Ladd-Peebles Stadium April 9, 10, 11, billystrings.com/tour

Sunday April 11

Alabama School of the Arts presents “The Tempest” Details Thursday, April 8. Billy Strings Live at Ladd-Peebles Stadium 7:30 PM Ladd–Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL Billy Strings LIVE at Ladd-Peebles Stadium April 9, 10, 11, billystrings.com/tour

Saturday April 17

Living History Drill 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36603 Come see history history come to life during our WWII historical reenactments. Learn about life aboard the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM during war time. Colors posted at 8:30 a.m. Be on deck of the ALABAMA at 1:00 p.m. for call to battle stations and watch vintage airplanes attack the ship. The Crew will defend her with guns blazing. www.ussalabama.com Birding Cruise from Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Come along with birding enthusiasts from throughout the Gulf Coast region as we explore one of the richest bird habitats in the nation! 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com Delta Discovery Tour from Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 1:00 PM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This 90-minute excursion into the wild and scenic lower

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FamilyCalendar reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta--known as the “American Amazon,”--introduces visitors and residents alike to a truly astounding natural habitat. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival Master of Musical Arts Solo Recital – Rebekah Lipscombe (Free) 2:00 PM University of Mobile Moorer Auditorium, 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival Master of Musical Arts Solo Recital 251-442-2285 umobile.edu/pas After Hours Truck, Car & Bike Show 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36606 After Hours Truck, Car, & Bike show is a great Family event located In Mobile, Al at the Famous Hank Aaron Stadium. The Magic of Bill Blagg 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Critics and audiences alike rave about Bill’s interactive magic & jaw-dropping illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. www.mobilesaenger.com Drive-Thru Crawfish Boil 11:30 PM - 1:00 PM, 5465 Able Court Mobile, AL, 36693 Drive-thru crawfish boil to benefit Little Tree 251-331-2633 learning-tree.org/crawfishboil/

Thursday April 22

Mobile River Cruise with John Sledge 9:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us as park friend John S. Sledge, author of the award-winning book, The Mobile River , narrates a three-hour cruise across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and down the storied Mobile River leaving a wake of history—some previously untold—behind. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

Friday April 23

Crawfish Classic Golf Tournament 11:00 AM Lakewood Golf Club, 5910 Lakewood Dr Mobile, AL, 36532 The Hargrove Foundation is excited to welcome guests to its inaugural Crawfish Classic. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a socially-distanced “19th Hole” crawfish boil from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Hargrove Foundation. hargrovefoundation.org/crawfishclassic2021 The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

Saturday April 24

Run for Hope 5K 8:00 AM 907 Shelton Beach Rd Saraland, AL, 36571 Join us for Run for Hope. runsignup.com

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

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The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/ Semmes Azalea Festival Mary G Montgomery , 4275 Snow Road Mobile, AL, 36575 Semmes Azalea Festival

Sunday April 25

6th Annual Dog River Mudbottom Revival 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 3619 Riviere Du Chien Mobile, AL, 36693 This much-anticipated music festival will be held once again at a live oak covered estate on the banks of beautiful Dog River. However, in deference to safe-spacing due to Covid 19, the site will be set up for viewing the bands primarily by boat/kayak. dogriver.org The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 2:00 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

Kidney Walk UMS-Wright Preparatory School, 65 Mobile St N Mobile, AL, 36607 Join us for a socially-distanced Kidney Walk Celebration at UMS-Wright Preparatory School Old Shell/Bulldog Drive Entrance! Proceeds raised through the annual Kidney Walk will provide financial assistance to low-income dialysis and transplant patients; kidney disease education and awareness; and patient support services. alkf.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pg=entry&fr_ id=1141

Sunday May 2

The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 2:00 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

Tuesday April 27

Thursday May 6

The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

Friday April 30

Saturday May 1

Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival (Free) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36535 Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival 251-229-1874 fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/ Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Russian Classics” 6:00PM, 8:30PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile audiences LOVE the power of Russian music! Five monumental Russian composers raise their voices in this concert. mobilesymphony.org

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Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra Finale 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 mobilesymphony.org

Thursday April 29

Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival (Free) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36535 Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival 251-229-1874 fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com

Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Russian Classics” 1:00PM, 3:30PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile audiences LOVE the power of Russian music! Five monumental Russian composers raise their voices in this concert. mobilesymphony.org

Hope for Healing Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL, 36602 Hope for Healing 2021 is Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at the Mobile Convention Center. We will welcome Keynote Speaker and New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees. victoryhealth.org/hope-for-healing/

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Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 The festival kicks off at OWA on Thursday, May 6 with a Balloon Glow Kick Off featuring DJ Patrick. gulfcoastballoonfestival.com Cocktails with Critters Bluegill Restaurant, 3775 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us Thursday May 6, 2021 6:00 - 9:00pm for an exciting evening overlooking the Mobile River Delta, featuring delicious hor d’oeuvres from our Gulf, beer, wine and Live entertainment! Our Silent Auction will be Virtual this year from April 28 - May 5, 2021. www.sealabfoundation.org

Friday May 7

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 A family-friendly event, the festival has activities for everyone! Festival open to the public with arts and craft vendors, children’s activities. More than 40 hot air balloons will light up the green space at OWA and soar through the skies gulfcoastballoonfestival.com The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 7:30 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/event/ disneys-newsies-2/

Saturday May 8

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 A family-friendly event, the festival has activities for everyone! Festival open to the public with arts and craft vendors, children’s activities, The Park at OWA with Molly Thomas and the Rare Birds and Tobacco Rd. Band bringing the live entertainment. More than 40 hot air balloons will light up the green space at OWA and soar through the skies

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Sunday May 9

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 A family-friendly event, the festival has activities for everyone! Festival open to the public with arts and craft vendors, children’s activities. More than 40 hot air balloons will light up the green space at OWA and soar through the skies gulfcoastballoonfestival.com The Pact Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” 2:00 PM The PACT Theatre Company, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/event/disneys-newsies-2/

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Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 7:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36603 Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run to honor Alabama’s Fallen Heroes - May 15, 2021. www.eventbrite.com

Saturday May 22

Grandman Triathlon Fairhope, AL, 36532 In person and virtual options to benefit Mobile BayKeeper www.thegrandman.com

Every Friday

Streets Alive 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 The City of Mobile is bringing our downtown streets alive every Friday! Streets Alive encourages an entertainment-friendly environment for Mobilians to come out and support downtown businesses while maintaining social distancing practices!

First and Third Fridays

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If you have thirty minutes or more to listen, ask Antonio what he dreams of being in ten years.

Sea Lab Science Fridays - Ocean STEM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL Come and join us for a Friday of marine science! Discovery Hall Programs is offering a day of ‘drop-in’ classes. On the first and third Fridays of each month, we are offering three different field classes each approximately two hours long. Each month, we offer two different themes – Ocean Animal Biology and Ocean STEM. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv8oNR4xhJ qYLfNN7FHEHWLCX1GbZQ9f7c2GeP_7xuh37vbg/ viewform

Saturdays May 8-July 17

Market in the Park- Spring 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Buy locally-grown, locally-produced and homemade items at Market in the Park! www.specialeventsmobile.org

Select Saturdays

Ocean Explorer Saturdays Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL Discovery Hall Programs is now offering its popular summer camps during the school year, too. On the chosen Saturdays of each month, we are

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

First and Third Tuesday nights through May

offering an ocean-themed program full of science, activities, and fun. Pre Registration is required. bit.ly/OceanExplorerSaturdays

First Sunday of every month

Free First Sunday - History Museum of Mobile

(Free) 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S

Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission for all visitors sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality every first Sunday of the month! www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Online Storytimes 10:00 AM Virtual, Mobile, AL Youth specialists from Mobile Public Library share stories and songs. www.facebook.com/mobilepubliclibrarychildrens

Tuesday Art for Teens 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 This evening class for preteens and teens is for students who want to dig in to more advanced art concepts through different media. Students will experiment with new techniques in pottery, painting, drawing, and other materials as they explore the MMofA galleries. No previous art experience required. Registration online 251-208-5205 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19 , please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Raising Them to Be Great Adults Q. Why do you seem to put so much emphasis on teaching young children about money? Isn’t there time for that later when they’re older?

A. I firmly believe that one of the best ways you can make sure your kids are ready to face adulthood when the time comes is to teach them how to handle money at an early age. The reason? Learning about money, and how to manage it in a wise, mature fashion, is about a lot more than just dollars and cents. There’s a quote from author Andy Andrews I really love. He says, “The goal is not to raise great kids. It’s to raise kids who become great adults.” If you think about it, there’s a subtle but powerful distinction here. Kids might behave well out of a

Mobile Bay Parents I April 2021

sense of obedience or even fear, but that doesn’t mean they’ll do what’s best for them once they’re on their own. To raise kids who later become great adults, you have to begin instilling good character traits in them at an early age. Work equals money. When you teach kids to work, you’re teaching them responsibility. Whether it’s chores around the house or a job at the mall, work involves accountability and following through on tasks. Work shows kids they are in control of their actions, and that they will reap the rewards or consequences of those actions. Teaching kids to save teaches them patience. Today’s world is one of instant gratification, and saving money makes you slow down and think. It also shows kids

they can’t have every little thing they want the moment they want it. When you teach kids to give, you’re teaching them generosity. A willingness and desire to give doesn’t always come natural to us when we’re young. Parents should encourage and model the act of giving, because generosity is a wonderful character trait and a powerful weapon in the fight against selfishness and greed. Finally, teaching kids to spend responsibly is a great way to teach wisdom. All kids totally get the idea that spending money is fun. That’s a no brainer. But when you get involved in teaching spending as something that should be thought through and done with care and reason, you’re imparting the idea of using good judgment and thoughtfulness before taking action.

www.mobilebayparents.com

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• It’s safe, simple, and free of charge. • It could keep you from getting COVID-19. If you still get COVID-19, it could keep you from becoming seriously ill. • It will help you do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of your family, your friends and your community. • It’s an mRNA vaccine. These types of vaccines have been studied for more than two decades to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. • It’s the first step toward life returning to normal.

alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Spring 2021 is here! Join us April 3rd for OWA’s Spring Fling, with activities resort wide— from hats and tea parties to Easter egg hunts and pics with Mr. Easter Bunny! Stroll through wine country on April 17 at the OWA Wine Festival, presented in partnership with Downtown OWA’s C’est Le Vin Wine Bar and Shop. The magic doesn’t stop there—we’re just getting started! Don’t miss Brandon Styles’ Magic Show and Variety Show; show times/dates online. Best of all, you can celebrate spring at our most magical price ever—just $19.99 for a full day of fun at OWA!

FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 1

THRILL, THEN CHILL. www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents