Mobile Bay Parents March 21 Summer Camp Issue! by KeepSharing

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March2021

Volume 10 Number 12

Columns

2 Publisher’s Note

Kids Say the Wisest Things

Why you should overemphasize the good when parenting.

4 Kids Say the Wisest Things

Choosing the Right Day Camp

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

8 Kids Health Watch

So many options...which is best for your child?

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Importance of Staying Hydrated As warmer weather approaches, our childrens’ days will be filled with more sports, activities, and camps. I would like to take this time to remind people the importance of staying hydrated and keeping snacks on hand as outdoor activities begin. This may seem obvious, but it is easier to forget to take breaks to drink or eat as we are wearing masks more frequently. This has led to more Emergency Room and doctor visits due to the effects of dehydration. Some signs of dehydration can be headaches, dizziness, fainting, and muscle weakness. Many times, these signs can be make people worry there is another cause for these problems. During times of increased activity such as sports games or practices, it is already very easy to forget to take breaks to drink water or gatorade. Now that many times masks are required during scheduled breaks, we are seeing more patients with dehydration problems - most of them not realizing that was even the cause!

Liquids are important for keeping blood vessels open to keep your blood pressure at a normal, healthy level. If you are even slightly dehydrated, some people experience orthastatic hypotension. This means that as you move from a sitting to a standing position, your blood pressure or heart rate change just enough to make you temporarily dizzy or faint. Then in a matter of seconds, your body has already made changes in your blood vessels to pump blood back to your head to relieve these feelings. When you have not eaten or had anything to drink in a certain amount of time, your body goes into a fasting state and begins to make sugar (or glucose) in this fasting state. Sometimes if the body forgets to make glucose or temporarily does not have enough for each of the cells in the body to use, then you can have a temporary hypoglycemic episode in which you can pass out or feel weak. The treatment is eating or drinking something with sugar in it to give immediate relief.

It continues to be an unprecedented time in our world with the new changes during this pandemic. We still have the need to wear masks and socially distance, but hopefully has more people get the COVID vaccine and as months warm up, the spread of COVID will decrease. With this come spring sports that were halted last year now starting back up and camps that were skipped last year regrouping for this spring and summer. So please keep in mind all the safety considerations in place while also remembering basic health needs like hydration!

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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Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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Autauga County Schools

100 Days at Little Flower

At Little Flower Catholic School, the elementary students were very excited to be 100 days smarter!

99 Year Olds at St. Pius!

Well over 100 cars full of grandparents, parents, siblings and friends cruised through the parking look to get a look at our “99 years-old” student body! It was a beautiful day and there were plenty of smiles behind those masks! We also used this opportunity to thank our grandparents and parents for choosing life on this National March for Life day.

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

Mardi Gras Museum at Heart of Mary Catholic School

Heart of Mary Catholic School hosted the first ever Mardi Gras museum and festivities on Friday, February 12! Students and teachers were able to experience the magic of Mardi Gras and learn the history behind the alumni regalia that was on display. It was a pleasure to host the Order of Doves King, his Royal Highness King Christian, his Most Gracious Queen, Queen MacKenzie, our Grand Marshal and HOM alumnus, Jaden Mosley and the Azalea Trail Maids. Thank you to everyone that made this day an amazing success!

St. Luke’s Students Provide Day of Service on MLK Day

St. Luke's Key Club members united to provide a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. We are proud of our many Key Club members for setting an example by volunteering to improve our community.

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Autauga County Schools

Alma Bryant Computer Science Teacher Receives Award

Dunbar Student’s Artwork Places 3rd at State Art Exhibit and Contest

Alma Bryant High School and its AP Computer Science teacher, Carrie Ramos, recently received the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This honor recognizes the outstanding work done at Bryant to engage more female students in computer science and expand access to AP Computer Science Principles. Alma Bryant is only one of 831 schools across the country to be recognized with this distinction.

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Congratulations to Makayla Ransom of Dunbar School of Creative & Performing Arts, whose untitled artwork placed third in the Grades 7-8 Category at the State Superintendent's Art Exhibit and Contest! Makayla's art teacher at Dunbar is Beth Smith.

MCPSS Health Science Cluster Expands CRI Opportunities

There is a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals globally. From this perspective, the Health Science Cluster is expanding its curriculum to offer a variety of health care pathways with a Career Readiness Indicator (CRI). High school students with an interest in pursuing a career or post-secondary education in a health care related field can earn a nationally recognized certification in one of three areas: Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Patient Care Technician and the newest one, Certified EKG Technician. Upon successful completion of a program, students have the option to earn a work-ready credential and go directly into the workforce. All Health Science pathways have an approved course of study, state of the art equipment, and engaged partners. The integration of work-based learning experiences and membership in HOSA-Future Health Professionals allow students to make informed decisions regarding their educational pursuits while acquiring leadership skills. Health Science programs are located at the following schools: Baker, Blount, Bryant CTC, Citronelle, Faulkner CTC, Leflore, MGM, and Theodore.

The DeBakey Drug Bus Visits UMS-Wright

For years, the DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle has traveled the roads of South Alabama and has taught children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The vehicle uses state-of- the-art technology to convey a very powerful prevention message about the importance of leading a healthy, substance abusefree lifestyle. The students watched videos, answered important questions about making healthy choices, and most importantly were able to ask questions about drugs and the immediate as well as long-term effects they have on the body. The DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle is operated in partnership with Marsha DeBakey, The DeBakey Foundation, Infirmary Health, and the Drug Education Council.

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

E.R. Dickson Thanks Mr. Stringfellow

E.R. Dickson Elementary would like to thank Mr. Don Stringfellow, Board of Education member from District 2, for all he does to support education. Student ambassadors Keely McBryde, Ju’Morian Nettles, Frederick Patterson, and Jacob Flores presented Mr. Stringfellow with a gift of appreciation. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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Bryant Hurricane Marching Band to Host Color Run & Car Show

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The students of Bryant Hurricane Marching Band will host their fourth annual community-wide Color Run and Car Show on April 17 at 9AM to raise money for the band. Both events will be taking place at Sunny South Raceway in Grand Bay, AL. Funds raised goes towards the financial needs of the Hurricane Band including new band uniforms. The Color Run is an untimed 5K and the One Mile fun run is for all ages and fitness abilities. Walk, jog, or run to the finish line! During the race, participants are doused with color at various color stations ending with one final color celebration at the finish line. Participants that register by 3/25/2021 will receive a t-shirt, race bib, and individual color packet. Fee is $25. A Car Show celebrating all makes and models of cars, trucks, jeeps and motorcycles will also take place. Trophies in various categories including a people’s choice award will be given. The Registration fee for the car show is $20. Cars can be registered the day of the event. Vendor space is available for $25. You must bring your own tent, chairs, or tables. Electricity is not available. Business sponsorship opportunities are also available. All state guidelines will be required including the wearing of masks and social distancing. Runners may take their masks off while running. Color Run or Vendor Info: Lara Nolan, Bryant Band Booster President, 251-605-7484, laraonolan@gmail.com Car Show Info: Lester Johnson, Bryant Band Booster Vice President, 251-401-1770.

B.C. Rain Students Build Airplane

B.C. Rain High School and their industry partners unveiled an airplane built by students at B.C. Rain’s Aviation and Aerospace Academy. The single-engine Van’s RV-12 aircraft, unveiled at Signature Flight Support Mobile Downtown Airport, is believed to be the first airplane in the state to be built by high school students. A total of about 75 students built the plane from the ground up over the last two years under the tutelage of engineers and mentors from local aviation industry partners. B.C. Rain’s industry partners then completed the inspections necessary to obtain the clearance to fly the plane. “These students are the future of aviation and their endeavors today will create the paths of innovation that will lead the industry forward.” The Aviation and Aerospace Academy is B.C. Rain’s Signature Academy, partnering with local aerospace companies to give students hands-on training in aviation, aircraft manufacturing and repair. All 12 MCPSS high schools have Signature Academies, career-focused learning communities that expose students to various career fields and provide them with the foundational academic and social skills necessary to be successful in a college or workplace setting.

A customized curriculum and learning environment designed for middle and high school students.

APPLY TODAY! accelacademymobile.com 11

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Autauga County Schools

St. Luke’s Ribbon Cutting for New Playground St. Luke's lower campus recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their brand new playground. Local foundations and the generous support of St. Luke’s parents and grandparents allowed the school to install new playground equipment. To say the students were excited is an understatement! (Head of School) Dr. Darren Pascavage opened the ceremony, Reverend Jamie McElroy blessed the playground and parent volunteer, Bryan Cook, cut the ribbon. The school thanks The Ben May Charitable Trust and The Crampton Trust for their grant funding and also Jonathan Aeiker of Aeiker Construction for all his hard work and support on this project.

100th Day at Lighthouse

Lighthouse Baptist Academy celebrated its 100th day of school on January 20th! All kindergarten students and a few of the elementary classes dressed up for the occasion. Students wore 100 items on their clothes, and they celebrated with extra fun activities throughout the day.

March 27 & April 3, 2021 • 10am - 3 pm

Hayrides, Cow Train Rides, Jumping Pillow, Yee Haw Slide, Funny Farm Golf, Baby Animal petting area, Pony Rides, Picture with the Easter Bunny (starts at 11am), Wagon Wheel Café and Much More...

Egg Hunt: Ages 1-10 Staggered Egg Hunt times: 3 & Under - 12:30 4 to 6 years - 12:45 7 to 10 years - 1:00

Spring Field Trips (PreK & K - 8th) to Seward Farms call for details. www.sewardfarms.com Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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St. Dominic Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to St. Dominic Catholic School Eighth grader, Laurence Sangilan for winning our 2021 Spelling Bee and placing Third in the Archdiocese Spelling Bee. We are very proud of all of our participants: Parker Baggett, Mary-Elise Brown, Owen Seaman, Evan Towarnyckyj, Peyton Henderson, Emmie Graham, Kolin Wilson, Gracelynn Striplin, and Brooke Tran.

National Wear Red Day at Prichard Prep

Faith’s March for Life

Prichard Prep students had an out of uniform day and wore red to raise awareness about heart disease and strokes in women. Known as National Wear Red Day, it is a part of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women Initiative.” Heart disease and strokes can be prevented with education and action by women to minimize risk. Thank you, students for supporting this important annual event!

Since the annual March for Life walk was canceled this year, Faith Academy decided to hold one of their own. On January 29 we had teachers, students and parents join together and walk in silence, and pray that every human life would be valued and protected! Let’s celebrate Life, Mobile!

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 251-405-7005 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

MGM Band Accomplishments

MGM band is honored to announce the accomplishments of four of its talented musicians. Kaylynn Leachman (junior) and Lydia Maddox (sophomore) recently participated in the University of Mobile Honor Band where Kaylynn made first chair trombone and received a scholarship, and Lydia made fifth chair clarinet. Additionally, Brianna Phillips (sophomore) and Marcus Moore (senior) were named to play in the All State Band. Congratulations to these exceptional musicians on their achievements.

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week at Little Flower

Little Flower Catholic School recently celebrated Catholic Schools Week! Here’s what 5th grade teacher and parent, Mrs. Laila Hockman, had to say: “I love that I have the opportunity to teach at a small, family-oriented school. There is so much more to an education than book work which is why I brought my three boys with me to Little Flower. Students in a Catholic school gain so much more than book knowledge. I am honored I get to help my students grow both academically and spiritually.”

St. Mary Catholic School 2020 Spelling Bee Winners

After weeks of studying difficult words over and over again, St. Mary students came to the moment of truth in the annual Spelling Bee held in December. The overall winner was Jack O’Dowd in 5th grade and runner up was Connor McCorkle in 7th grade. St. Mary congratulates all grade level winners to include: 8th - Grace Salmon; 7th Connor McCorkle; 6th - Lily Bonner; 5th - Jack O’Dowd; and 4th - Mari Evelyn Warner.

St. Ignatius Mardi Gras Parade

St. Ignatius was pleased to introduce the 2021 Order of Impalas Mardi Gras Court. Leading the procession was Queen Sarah Frances Steele and King Charlie Barber. They led a procession of 84 floats. The parade looked a little different this year be-cause of COVID restrictions. Only parents were allowed to attend the parade and a few grade levels were able to join them. Everyone else was able to watch on Facebook Live.

Phillips Prep Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to Phillips Preparatory's 2020-2021 Spelling Bee Champion, Myah O'Hear (7th grade), and second place winner, Daniel Neese (7th grade)! This hybrid spelling bee included both face-toface and remote learners. We are proud of all participants. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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Phillips Prep Student Receives Scholarship to Space Academy

Guess the Artwork at Corpus Christi Catholic School

For the last 3 years, Mrs. Mansfield, the media center director at Corpus Christi Catholic School, has had students participate in a collaborative school project in which they earn a sticker puzzle piece for each passed AR book test. The first student to guess the correct title of the artwork and the name of the artist wins a special treat. Congratulations to James Edwards this year’s winner. The artwork is Edvard Munich’s “The Scream.”

Seventh grader Daltrey LeGros has been selected to attend Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center from May 23-28, 2021! This scholarship, funded by the Alabama State Legislature, includes tuition, lodging and meals. Daltrey will have the option to attend Aviation Challenge Mach II or Space Academy. We are so excited that he and his peers across the State of Alabama will collaborate to train like astronauts and pilots.

Cottage Hill Student Receives Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Award

Congratulations to CHCA senior Anna Olsen for winning the AHSAA 3A Area 1/Region 1 Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Award, which recognizes student-athletes who excel in the classroom as well as on the field of competition. Anna Olsen boasts a score of 34 on the ACT and a 4.88 GPA. She is a three-sport athlete, as a member of the basketball, soccer, and cross-country teams. Congratulations to Anna Olsen on all of her accomplishments!

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St. Ignatius Spelling Bee Winners

St. Ignatius always has a competitive Spelling Bee for our older students. Each class hosts a bee and the final students all compete against one another for a chance to compete in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee for Catholic Schools Week. The winner gets to compete for the school. This year was no different. Pictured are 3rd place Isabella Benge, 2nd Jack Teague and 3rd Lexi Bolton. Lexi went on to represent St. Ignatius.

Autauga County Schools

St. Paul's Fifth Graders Send Valentine Love to Murray House

With the help of sponsors Donna Dix and Lisa Rawlins, St. Paul’s fifth grade Rutledge Fellows made beautiful Valentine cards after school then met on Wednesday, February 10 to fill Valentine buckets with usable items for the elderly residents of Murray House Assisted Living. Warm socks, hand sanitizer, hand wash, chapstick, disposable razors, a nail file, and several delicious chocolates along with other items were carefully place in the bins by the students. Special thanks to the Parent Council who donated their extra Valentine’s Day balloons which were tied onto the buckets! The residents were thrilled with the festive gifts!

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

Big Man on Campus at CHCA

St. Paul's Eighth Graders Pack Mardi Gras Bags for Special Needs Adults

Every year, several young men are selected from grades 9-12 to represent their class as the Big Man on Campus at Cottage Hill Christian Academy. These young men are selected based on academics, character, and popular vote. This year’s Big Men on Campus are as follows: 9th Grade: Ben Conken & LeBron Evans 10th Grade: Kelvon McBride & Tenereo Rowser 11th Grade: Aaron Archie & Hunter Gibson 12th Grade: Will Conken, Brayden Gazzier, and Ja’Dedric Pettaway. The young man who is crowned as the Big Man on Campus is the Senior who receives the most votes from the school body. This year we are pleased to announce that Ja’Dedric Pettaway was crowned as the 2021 Big Man on Campus! Congratulations Ja’Dedric! Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

Chaperone Danner Nguyen organized the eighth grade Rutledge Fellows to make Mardi Gras cards for the 90 participants in the Volunteers of America day program for special needs adults. The students then met after school on Tuesday, February 9 to fill 90 Mardi Gras bags with beads, a mask, moon pies, and the homemade cards with help from Mr. Nguyen and Mrs. Steadman. Laura McGee delivered the bags to VOA to be distributed during the daily lunch deliveries for the special needs group.

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UMS-Wright Indoor Track & Field Team Wins Championship

For the first time since 2015, the Bulldogs are Indoor Track and Field State Champions! The boys brought the Blue Map home from the Birmingham Sports Plex after claiming the 2021 4A-5A Championship. The girls team finished 5th overall. For Coach Pat Galle, this is the 69th state championship in his Hall of Fame career. Coach Galle said, "Even with all of the distractions this season with COVID, I thought both of our teams competed tough all the way through the state meet." Congratulations!

St. Mary Catholic Family Day Drive-Through

Where there is a will, there is a way. As St. Mary Catholic was unable to hold the normal Catholic Schools Week family day and grandparent day this year, the faculty came up with a fun drive-through St. Mary families to visit each other on this special day of Catholic Schools Week! Signs, lights, horns and more added to the celebration!

Little Flower Mardi Gras

The Order of Little Flower rode on Friday, February 12! Students and teachers were thrilled that this special tradition was able to continue with the proper safety precautions in place.

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Autauga County Schools

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Tie Tuesday at Heart of Mary Catholic School

Heart of Mary Catholic School’s Principal, Mr. Rocky Horner, started #TieTuesday to show our young men how wearing a tie can help boost their self-esteem. That same day, a couple of the young ladies asked, “Can we wear a tie as well?”. Mr. Horner brainstormed options, and brought crossties to HOM for the young ladies to wear on Tuesdays! Servant Leadership is the foundation of our mission at Heart of Mary Catholic, and our students are encouraged to care for each other and the greater community by participating in monthly outreaches, role modeling for the younger students and by doing good, charitable and helpful acts for others.

St. Dominic Mardi Gras Parade

Thank you to our St. Dominic Catholic School PTO and all of our parent helpers who worked hard turning our verandas into a walking Mardi Gras Parade. They decorated every classroom door from PreK2-8th Grade. What a great way to spread some extra joy and a whole lot of fun on our cam-pus! We are grateful for the best parent partners! Pictured, Cooper Patrick and Joey Johnson.

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St. Pius X Catholic Celebrates Catholic Schools Week

Here’s what teacher, parent and alumna, Betsy Johnson Howard, had to say: “My academic career started at Saint Pius X in Kindergarten. Now, I am a teacher right where I started! I am so thrilled to be part of the faculty at St. Pius. I feel so much has come full circle. I also get to share this excitement/journey with my three children who are in 6th, 2nd and PK4 at SPX. I know firsthand what an incredible education they will receive as well as the building blocks for a Christ-centered life. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal!”

MCPSS PLTW Programs Illuminates Possibilities

Middle and high school students enrolled in a Project Lead the Way pathway develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math concepts in order to investigate and resolve real world challenges. Course projects engage students in compelling activities to help them become better collaborators and thinkers. The PLTW program shows students the relevancy of what they are learning in the classroom and gets them excited about solving the world’s grand challenges. As part of the program’s curriculum, students join the Technology Student Association and participate in a variety of competitive events. Currently the PLTW middle school programs are piloting the We Build It Better program with Flight Works Alabama. We Build It Better provides innovated kits and hours of curriculum, activities, and technologies to expose students to techniques that will help build new skill sets and promote career awareness.

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

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 6611 Wall Street •Mobile, AL 36695 | 251.607.0110 - local | www.pickettortho.com 111 W. Church Street • Jackson, AL 36545 | 877.660.1103 - toll–free | info@pickettortho.com

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Autauga County Schools

Regions Bank Donates to Prichard Prep School

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Prichard Prep was honored to receive a $10,000 donation from Regions Bank for the Academic Bridge Program. Funds for the program help to “bridge the gap” between the full cost of tuition and the parents’ responsibility. We are grateful to Regions Bank for this wonderful gift. Pictured from left to right are Shirley Sessions (Regions Bank), Christian White (Regions Bank), Sandra Dunaway (Prichard Prep), Principal Portia Green (Prichard Prep), and Kristi Galloway (Regions Bank).

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

Faith Celebrates 100 days

We are 100 days brighter, 100 days smarter and 100 days more loved at Faith Academy! Each elementary class celebrated our 100th day of school with fun treats and activities.

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Allentown December 2020 Gator Kids

Pre-K: Jameson Villano. Kindergarten: Paris Campbell, Braxton Clarke, Emily Mendoza, Evie Patterson, Trey Stokley, Jaxson Taylor. 1st Grade: Martha-Lena Hacker, Hunter Hogan, Jordan Kirksey, Paisley Knighten, Annalyse Martin. 2nd Grade: Cameron Corley, Magdilia Juan, Jarquavian McField, Kallie Ott, Madelyn Shenk, Lincoln Stewart. 3rd Grade: Colin Foster, Collin Havard, Aleah Nadeau, Drew Anne Nelson. 4th Grade: Sophia Adams, Maggie Boggs, Caleb Clark, Adalynn Dearmon, Isabella DiegoDiego, Kimberly Hess, Weston Taylor. 5th Grade: Johnny Bazzel, Brooke Boutwell, Huntleigh Combs, Kiersten Inman, Franklin Stokely, Chloe Vaughn, Tyler Wilkinson.

Allentown January 2021 Gator Kids

Pre-K: Lydia Garner. Kindergarten: Collins Chancey, Benjamin Cox, Law Curseen, Bakary Gueye, Isabella Huckabee, Karen Roblero Mercado. 1st grade: Sofia Campbell, Scarlett Currie, Makenly Frost, Lidia Pedro, Dalton Swain, Madison Vise. 2nd grade: Valeria Accosta-Carrero, Kinsley Barnes, Maci Freeman, Jacolbi Grasham, Journey Hirsch, Yesica Vargas-Andres. 3rd grade: Colton Barry, Lydia Flowers, Robert Gatewood, Olivia Rodriguez, Tyler Shaifer. 4th grade: Blayn Auld, Mileia Golston, Alennah Leth, Addison Martin, Ashley Reyes, Mason Salata, Aiden Washington. 5th grade: Angelina Andres-Diego, Alaina Bush, Camille Chancey, Emilyn Cook, Amelia Moore, Paige Williams. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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St. Mary Honors Distinguished Alumni and Business Partner During Catholic Schools Week

St. Mary honored their 2021 distinguished alumni and business partner February 5, the last day of Catholic Schools Week. St. Mary congratulates St. Mary Assistant Principal, Nick Calametti, St. Mary Class of 2011, this year's NCEA Distinguished Graduate; St. Mary parent and parishioner Matt Boos, Christ the King Class of 2000, Outstanding Catholic School Graduate; and St. Mary parent and parishioner, Emili Tomlo Hansen of Robert's Brothers Realty, Inc., this year's Outstanding Business Partner! St. Mary Catholic is thankful for the years of extraordinary service to St. Mary, donated by this year's recipients! www.mobilebayparents.com

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MCPSS Future Business Leaders of America State Vice President

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are an important part of Career and Technical Education as students are provided the opportunity to be engaged and introduced to realworld experiences. CTSOs involve, enhance and increase student confidence, through real-world events. Scarlet Black is currently serving as District 3 VicePresident for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She is a senior at Mary G. Montgomery High School and has been a member of this organization for three years. According to her CTE instructor, Mrs. Ashley Daigle, she placed second in the 2020 State FBLA Virtual Conference in Parliamentary Procedure. Scarlet is an advanced class scholar and has a 4.5 GPA. As a dedicated member of her CTSO, she attends weekly FBLA virtual meetings in preparation for her role as Vice President. She will present at the FBLA Virtual State Leadership Conference in April.

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 1/7/2021 4:02 PM

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St. Luke’s Holds Blood Drive

St. Luke's Biomedical Health Science Program recently hosted the annual blood drive with LifeSouth. This year, the St. Luke's school community broke their previous record and donated 105 units (helping save 315 lives). The Biomedical Science students did a wonderful job promoting their own event and also helping with sanitization and providing snacks for all who attended.

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Autauga County Schools

Studying Teeth at Old Shell Road

Students in Mrs. Walter's first-grade class at Old Shell Road Magnet School spent a week studying about teeth. They ended their project by making their own teeth hats! Great job, Mrs. Walter's class.

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

St. Ignatius Welcomes Back Azalea Trail Maids

One of the highlights of the Order of Impalas is welcoming back our Azalea Trail Maids. We are pleased to have three that represent St. Ignatius this year and are all Seniors at McGill-Toolen. Pictured with Principal Tori Miller and Fr. Bry Shields are Mackie Nicholas and Camille Johnson (not pictured Smith Strain).

UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club presents “Make It Happen”

The show must go on! Written and directed by our very own Middle School Drama Club Director, Bobby Miller, "Make It Happen" is an inspirational play curated with real-life events in mind. Mr. Miller and the Middle School Drama Club collaborated to create a main stage production that adequately represents experiences and real-life feelings as we all navigate life through a pandemic. “Make It Happen” is about a student named Bethany, and her quest to make her 8th-grade year "the best ever!" It might not be the same year Bethany had hoped for, but with the right attitude, it can still be great! Congratulations to Mr. Miller and the Middle School Drama Club on a fabulous performance. Cast and crew: Killian Delaney, Elizabeth Denson, Emma Marmande, Emily Waters, Joseph Taylor, Emily Walton, Finley Gartman, Kate Watkins, Ann-Dyas Thompson, Mary Carlton Johnson, Sophia Tombrello, Mac Schoenvogel, Clem Smith, Alex Mitchell, Marina Hess, Duffie Skidmore, Walker Busbee, Laurie Ella Hess, Stacy Rose, Lane Nichols, Lilly Cunningham, Skinner Childers, Genevieve Romano, Lila Mattei, Emie Deas, Harper Williams, Ellie Gartman, Margaret Arendall, Josue Heath, Grant Howard, Olivia Kelley, Bebe Childers, Monroe Adams, Sam Williams, Coleman Oswalt, Peyton Waldo, John Greyson Self, Luke Blackerby, and Lukas Earnest.

St. Paul's Chamber Strings Members Selected to the Alabama All-State Orchestra

Congratulations to the St. Paul's Episcopal School Chamber Strings members selected to the Alabama All-State Orchestra! Front Row: Carley Perkins, Elinor Gibson, Olivia Moorhead, J.C. Tierce. Second Row: Marie Robinson, Celeste Parker, Ella Brewer, Riley Hudson. Third Row: Abigail Swain, Bethany Thuss, Haydn Sayner-Oubre, Michael Rosenthal, Michael Cousins, Bella King. Not Pictured: Harris Barber.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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1st Place in the 6th-8th Grade Category in the Lending Tree Bowl art contest: Harmony Barnette from Dunbar Magnet!

JROTC Service Learning Project

Mobile County JROTC Cadets participated in a District-Wide Service Learning Project to help restore Oaklawn Nonperpetual Care Cemetery in the Toulminville Community on Friday, January 15! Over 120 cadets and cadre participated in this worthy cause… special attention was given to the hundreds of Veterans gravesites who are buried there. The cemetery was originally founded to serve the needs of the African-American community in Mobile, but has fallen into a state of disorder over the past decade. A non-profit group consisting of local veterans initiated this undertaking. ”Veterans Memorial Recovery” is dedicated to preserving the memory of these men and women who served our nation!

Phillips Prep Students Selected for All State and Honor Band

Congratulations to the following Phillips Preparatory School students on their selection to the Alabama All State Band and District VII Honor Band: Luke Cabral - All State/ District Honor Band; Miley Montgomery - All State/District Honor Band; Kazlo Morris - District Honor Band; Daniel Bueno - All State/District Honor Band; Brock Woodard - District Honor Band; Liam West - All State/District Honor Band; Hari Atmakuri - All State/District Honor Band - Eashan Sharma: District Honor Band; and Sagedie Diaz - All State/District Honor Band.

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Autauga County Schools

Causey Middle School Hires New Principal

Congratulations to Bo Smith, Causey Middle School’s new principal. Causey Middle School Assistant Principal Bo Smith was promoted to Principal on January 25, 2021. “This is a dream come true. I grew up in this community. I went to elementary, middle and high school here. Being principal here now is an honor,” Mr. Smith said. With 20 years of experience in the classroom, Mr. Smith has been the assistant principal at Causey for three years. Prior to that, he taught at Theodore High School and Hankins Middle School. Mr. Smith played baseball at Lurleen Wallace Community College and at Bishop State Community College. He has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in science from the University of South Alabama. He has a master’s degree in exercise physiology from USA and a certificate in instructional leadership from the University of West Alabama. His goal as principal is for Causey to be a safe environment where students enjoy coming to school. “We want to have a school that challenges our students with a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for high school, college, and beyond,” he said. Mr. Smith and his wife Kim Smith have a daughter, Emily Grace Smith, who attends Baker High. “I can’t wait to get started and to continue working hard for our students here at Causey Middle School.”

E.R. Dickson Teachers Added to Giving Tree

Mrs. Kinn, principal of E.R. Dickson Elementary, and Mr. Timothy Johnson, science teacher at E.R. Dickson Elementary, were recently added to the Giving Tree at Mobile County Public Schools’ Central Office. The Giving Tree, located in the lobby of the MCPSS Academic Affairs building, was established in 2011 to honor teachers and administrators who won statewide or national awards. Katryna Kinn, Principal of E.R. Dickson Elementary, was named as the Alabama Literacy Council’s School Administrator of the Year. Mr. Timothy Johnson was named as Alabama’s Outstanding Science Teacher.

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Prichard Preparatory School Key Students of the Month

Prichard Prep is pleased to announce the students selected as the January Key Students of the Month. For the Lower School, Brent Lewis, Jr., who is in Ms. David’s 1st grade Class, and for the Upper School, Nickolas Gaines, who is in Ms. Barker’s 4th grade class. Key Students are selected for being responsible, helpers in the classroom, respectful to others, and always giving their best effort in the classroom! We are so proud of you Brent and Nick!

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MCPSS Leader of Month

Madison Langley was selected as MCPSS’s Leader of the Month for April 2020. Due to COVID-19, she was just given this plaque a few weeks ago. E.R. Dickson would once again like to congratulate Madison on all her accomplishments while at E.R. Dickson Elementary and wish her all the best on her future endeavors.

St. Dominic Students Practice Neat Handwriting Kindergarten students wrote all about St. Dominic Catholic School and the many things they love about their school. They did a terrific job with their neat handwriting and we enjoyed reading their thoughtful responses.

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

We Build It Better

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Thirteen teachers in eleven MCPSS middle schools were selected to participate in We Build It Better, an industry-developed aviation and engineering educational program developed by Flight Works Alabama and its partners. The program, delivered through seven We Build It Better innovation kits, will introduce 21st century skills, inventive technologies, provide hours of hands-on learning, offer unique resources, and promote career awareness. The middle schools selected to participate in the pilot program this spring are: Alba, Burns, Calloway-Smith, Causey, Chastang-Fournier, Denton Magnet, Grand Bay, Hankins, Lott, Pillans, and Scarborough. Flight Works We Build It Better partnerships include Airbus, ALSDE, Alabama Power Foundation, Amazon Web Services, Snap-on Tools, and Mott MacDonald. Pictured, teachers attend professional development where they worked through the curriculum and activities and were provided resources such as Snap-On tools and a 3-D printer for their classroom.

Dunbar Student’s Artwork Submitted to State Superintendent's Art Exhibit and Contest

Congratulations to 7th grader Ireland Carroll at Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School! Her artwork entitled "The Tangled Eye" was selected in the MCPSS top twenty and will be submitted to the State Superintendent's Visual Art Exhibit and Competition! Her art teacher is Beth Smith! Great Job!

Alma Bryant Student to Serve on Student Leadership Council

Garrett Merryman of Alma Bryant High School was selected to serve on the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Student Leadership Council. He’s pictured here with his fa-ther, Allen Merryman. Congratulations, Garrett!

MGM’s First 1000 Point Recipient

St. Mary Catholic School March for Life

MGM girls’ basketball senior Grace Klezmer recently became the first player in school history to achieve 1000 career points. Coach Bosarge stated, “I’m very proud of Grace and all she has done for our program. She is an example for every up-and-coming athlete with how she carries herself.” He further added he is, “blessed to coach her.” Congratulations, Grace! Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

On what would have been the date of the National March for Life, St. Mary Catholic School students held their annual March for Life event on January 29. The students prayed for the sanctity of life and made prolife signs held in silent observance while the entire student body filled the playground of the school. This annual event is part of St. Mary’s Something Beautiful for God Service Program.

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DeBakey Drug Bus Visits St. Pius X Students

SPX 5th grade students recently had the opportunity to visit the DeBakey Drug Education bus on campus! This state-of-the-art exhibit uses interactive technology and displays to educate students on the dangers of illegal drug use and substance abuse. Thank you to DeBakey and our teachers for making this experience possible for our students!

St. Luke’s Millionaire Readers Club

St. Luke's is so proud of our Lower School students that worked so hard to already achieve "MILLIONAIRE" status by reading 1 million words before January (3 students not pictured). Even better, St. Luke's already has multiple students on the lower campus who have already achieved multimillionaire status. We encourage all of our students to join the Millionaire Readers Club. The Millionaire Club works alongside our accelerated reading program by counting words read in each AR book. Each time a student successfully masters an AR test they accumulate the total number of words in that book. We love giving our students the opportunity to become "millionaires" in a way that is more valuable than money! Our "millionaires" are onto their next goal.

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Autauga County Schools Faith Academy Announces Student Ambassadors

We are so proud of our juniors Maia Leonard, Rachel Smith, Aubreigh Watson and Christian Ladner for being chosen as ambassadors for the Crittenton Youth Services. The mission of CYS is to provide educational services that promote the physical and social health of all youth.

MGM Bowling Rolls in to State Playoffs

Congratulations to the MGM bowling teams on a successful season. The girls finished the season 8-8 and placed 3rd in 6A/7A Area 2. The boys finished the regular season 16-0 and won the 6A/7A Area 2 Championship. They finished 3rd at the AHSAA South Regional Tournament to qualify for the AHSAA State Bowling Championship Tournament. Seniors Carter Fannin (206) and Lucas Hendrix (203) led the boys to a 7th place finish at the AHSAA State Tournament.

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Mobile County Teachers of the Year

Julie Neidhardt of Hutchens Elementary, Anna Mouton of ClarkShaw School of Math, Science and Technology, and Deborah Pippin of Citronelle High School have been named Mobile County Public Schools’ 2020-21 Teachers of the Year. All three are National Board Certified Teachers with at least 15 years of experience. Neidhardt, a past winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Education, established the N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Engineering, Science and Technology) lab at Hutchens, leading 574 kindergartners, first graders and second graders in collaborative science lessons. Mouton is a Certified Library Media Specialist who believes a library is not just a depository of knowledge, but a purveyor of knowledge. She supports ClarkShaw’s staff by collaborating with teachers, promoting educational resources, providing books for exploration or pleasure reading, teaching media literacy and digital citizenship, and linking students and staff to resources and information. Pippin has been a leader in integrating technology in her school as a member of Citronelle’s Digital Literacy Team. Serving as English department chairperson and a new teacher mentor at her school, she’s also passionate about making relevant connections to literature that students may initially find irrelevant, using literary discussions to build relationships, share life lessons and connect with students in their own worlds. The honorees were surprised in their classrooms with news of the awards last month. “The fact that these educators are being honored this year, of all years, is a testament to their talent and to the positive impact they are making in our community,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “I could not be more proud of them and the colleagues they represent.”

If you have thirty minutes or more to listen, ask Antonio what he dreams of being in ten years. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

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

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Autauga County Schools

“I Have a Dream” at Heart of Mary Catholic School

Heart of Mary Catholic 8th grader, Chris Williams, gave a beautiful rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech before our school Mass on Friday, January 15. We were proud to honor the life of Dr. King in this way, a fighter for racial justice and equality, on his actual birthday.

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St. Dominic Catholic School March for Life

St. Dominic Catholic School students participated in a March for Life on the back field of campus. The field had stations with special signs, Bible verses, and prayers. All students were able to spend some time outside in prayer for the unborn. #WhereFaithMatters

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

SUMMER INTENSIVE 2021

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MOBILE BALLET Artistic Director Katia Garza

W W W. M O B I L E B A L L E T. O R G 251-342-2241 Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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CHCA Middle School Science Fair Success

The middle school held its biennial Science Fair on Friday, January 15. Each student in grades 7 and 8 submitted a project board and experiment in either the biological or physical science categories. Each student used the scientific method to conduct an experiment and analyze collected data. Students presented their findings on a display board in Heritage Hall. Winners in the Physical Science division were Chloe Freeman (1st), Makenzie Gartman (2nd), and Noah Archer (3rd). Winners in the Biological Science division were Campbell Morton (1st), Isabel Oldshue (2nd), and Parker Stinson (3rd).

Dunbar Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Mr. Thompson for being selected as our 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year at Dunbar School of Creative & Performing Arts!

MGM Track and Field Star At the state indoor track championship, MGM senior Randall Gray finished fourth in the long jump competition. Congratulations, Randall.

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Day camps come in all shapes and sizes, appealing to a range of interests and ages. Here’s how to find a camp that invests in your youngster by creating an unforgettable xperience where they’ll meet new friends, gain self-confidence and learn new skills --all while giving you peace of mind. Begin with basics. First determine

your schedule needs. Some camps are only a few hours a day while others are structured to work well with a working parent’s schedule. Figure out if you’ll need to arrange before or after care. From there, seek a camp with “caring staff, fun programs and a dedication to the health and safety of the campers,” says DD Gass, a director of camps and school-age services for a faith-based community center.

Match the camp with your child’s interests. From computer

coding to robotics and sports, day camps offer kids the opportunity to try all kinds of new activities. If your child isn’t interested in a camp that specializes in one activity, choose a more traditional camp that offers a wide range of activities throughout the session. “Make sure there’s a healthy balance between structure and choice,” says Jim Spearin, senior vice president of Youth Development for the YMCA.

Consider the culture. Ask for referrals from trusted family and friends.”Choose a camp that welcomes parents as partners in their experience,” Spearin says. “Parents should always feel welcome to come visit during camp. There should be planned activities for both parent and camper to enjoy together such as special events or campouts.” 33

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Seek qualified, organized staff. Camp

employees should be licensed, certified and trained in sexual/child abuse prevention, first aid and CPR. Find out how camp leaders are supervised and how they plan for emergencies, including natural disasters, intruders and other threats. Also consider the child-to-staff ratio. Will your child feel lost in a group that’s too big, even if it meets state criteria? “It’s vitally important for staff to have child development knowledge and experience to ensure that appropriate, engaging and enriching activities are offered,” says Katrina Ball, a childcare resource and referral director.

Try it before you buy. Attend a camp expo or camp fair, whether virtual or in-person, to find out what options exist in the area. Some organizations

feature their own camp fairs and minicamps during the spring for families to try. “As a parent you know your child best and what program would be best for them. Trust your instincts,” Ball says.

Calm butterflies. Many youngsters

have a hard time adjusting to new situations and people and may feel scared or intimidated. Include them in the process

of choosing a camp. Discuss the schedule of activities and what a typical day will look like. “Children can help pack their lunch (if needed) and pack their backpack with the items they’ll need for camp. This helps them know what they have in their backpack and know what they will need to bring home,” Gass says. Find out if one of your child’s friends would like to attend the camp with him. Attending orientations, visiting the camp site and meeting the staff prior to the beginning of camp can also help reduce any pre-camp jitters.

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two happy day campers. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to

Smart Devices

More than six in 10 parents say their young kids interact with voiceactivated assistants. Are you one of them? If you’re weighing the pros and cons of products such as smart watches, smart speakers, and even smartphones that track pretty much everything you do, a peek behind the curtain will help you determine whether the benefits to your family are worth it. This guide tells you all about smart devices -- what they are, what they can do for you and your family, how to use them as safely as possible, and how to protect your family’s privacy in a world increasingly powered by data.

What are smart devices? The “smart” part refers to any device that

use it to build consumer profiles to make educated guesses about what you’re likely to buy in the future. These models are valuable, and they use them to sell you stuff or sell your data profile to other companies. For example, your fridge could sell your data to an ice cream company or a health insurance provider.

What is COPPA, and how does it protect my child? COPPA

stands for the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. It’s a federal law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). COPPA prevents online companies from collecting and using data from kids under 13 without parental consent. This is why nearly all social media companies set their minimum age requirement at 13--because their business models depend on tracking users. Smart devices aren’t allowed to knowingly track kids because of the COPPA rule, but when the devices are used in the home, they don’t necessarily know the ages of all users. When you set up individual profiles for your kids on smart speakers, it somewhat limits what information the device can collect and store when it knows a kid is using it.

communicates with other devices over the internet. But the kinds of smart products designed for home or personal use, such Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo, Facebook Portal, and Google Home smart speakers, can also adapt to their owners using artificial intelligence technology that “learns” your behavior. These types of products can save time, effort, money, and even human life. They make it easy to play music, get homework help, and make a grocery list. Smart thermostats and lights, for example, can reduce your energy bill. And smart medical devices can alert your doctor when your kid’s asthma flares up.

How can I limit the data my smart devices collect? Most connected products

have privacy settings that put limits on the use of your data, such as how much the company can collect, what they use it for, how long they can keep it, and how you--as the source of that data--can interact with it. You can usually find privacy settings in your account profile on the company’s website or on an associated app (which is often required to run a smart device). Some privacy features, such as location services, can only be turned on or off. Some you can fine-tune. In the Alexa app that works with Amazon’s Echo, for example, you can restrict Amazon from using your voice recordings for certain purposes. They may still collect this information; they just can’t use it for purposes you’ve opted out of.

How do smart products work? Unlike “dumb” electronics, smart products use a combination of data and sophisticated software calculations to do what you want them to do. They can take information from a variety of sources, including human voices, sensors that monitor the environment, biometrics (thumbprints and faces), and apps, so every product performs a little differently for each person. But the biggest difference between smart devices and regular ones are that they need you--specifically your data-to customize to your needs. And all that data needs to go somewhere, so it’s usually stored in the “cloud” (basically, giant computer servers) out of your sight and mostly out of your control.

What’s the safest way for my family to use smart devices? • Use strong passwords -- and make sure your kids do, too. Strong, well-protected passwords can thwart hackers looking for easy combinations to gain access to your information. Also, take advantage of additional security measures such as two-factor authentication. • Protect children with parental consent. If kids will be interacting with smart devices and companies give you the option of setting up profiles for them, take advantage of that feature, as it can limit what’s collected. If you want your kids to have, say, their own home assistant for their room, just make sure you enable all the privacy settings you can. To be ultra safe (some might think paranoid), you can turn off the device’s microphone at night after the kids go to bed. • Remind your kids to connect safely. Public networks are prime targets for hackers (both local and international), so try to avoid them. If you have to use a public network, consider downloading a VPN (virtual private network) and make sure to enable the browser setting “always use HTTPS” to add another layer of encryption to your data.

What kinds of information do smart devices collect? Smart

devices collect--at the very least--the data they need to provide you with the service they’re offering. For example, your kid’s location-aware watch tracks his whereabouts. A smart refrigerator tracks what food you buy. Home assistants track your requests. But they typically collect way more data than they technically need to do their job. The watch still monitors your kid’s location even when he’s at home eating dinner and may also log which other watches are nearby it or track fitness metrics. The fridge may track every time someone opens the door. It’s unclear how much smart speakers pick up of your home chatter, since they sometimes butt in to conversations unexpectedly. Companies claim that they need this data to make their products work better. But they also 35

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screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul!

If you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are 7 reasons why you should consider it!

With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child. From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps

Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too. Driving

away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gutwrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself. Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!

and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child.

Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in “everyday” life. Horseback riding. Paddling

Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future. Camps are staffed by amazing

a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course. Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun!

counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What great way to spend a summer!

Camps are a safe place to practice social skills. It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging. But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships.

Camp is just plain fun. So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp.

Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com, she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.

Camps give kids a much-needed technology break. No

matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a

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

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

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• 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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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

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

Mobile Parks & Rec Community

Camps offering arts, crafts, sewing and much more.

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

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Mobile Ballet ad on page 30

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

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

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

Planet Gymnastics

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

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

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. Lunch available for purchase and we provide a snack. 251-650-0699 PlanetGymnasticsAL@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

1711 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline

Robinson’s School of Dance

Empire Gymnastics

251-675-5915 www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com

251-367-6182

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

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

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

Sheffield School of the Dance

Gale’s Studio of 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.

251-343-9544 www.galesstudioofdance.com

Day Camps

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

Piccadilly Square / Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings, 6345 Airport Blvd. Suite F, Mobile Now planning Summer Camps for 2021! Visit our website for updates.

251-479-3926 sheffieldschoolofthedance@gmail.com www.sheffielddance.com

Mrs. Lisa’s Gym and Cheer

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Day Camps

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

Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics

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

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

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile Energetic Camp for Girls and Boys, ages 3+. Clean and safe environment with so much more than just gymnastics! 251-479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com www.nassergym.net

ad on page 24

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 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

St. Dominic Catholic School ad on page 25

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

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St. Luke’s Episcopal School Camp Wildcat ad on page 19

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

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Day Camp

Camp Chandler Tonsmeire

2701 Shelton Beach Road Ext, Mobile Camp Chandler Tonsmeire is an outdoor education program focused on character and leadership development and curbing summer learning loss. Offering S.T.E.M. activities in a traditional fun day camp program. This is the place where kids can be kids and enjoy a day of adventure. 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. 251-432-1235 ghall@bgcsouthal.org Find us on Facebook!

Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp

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

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.

Evangel Christian School Summer Day Camp

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama

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

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

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, 251653-1188, 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. 251-432-1235 www.bgcsouthal.org

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.

seum-based week-long day camp, virtual camp, stand-alone day events, take-home lessons, art, building projects. (Ages 4-15). Registration opening soon. Call 251-208-1039 or 251-436-8901 or visit gulfquest.org for more information. 251-436-8901 education@gulfquest.org 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. 9:00am4:00pm 251-208-1924 gary.owens@cityofmobile.org mobilepd.org/juniorpoliceacademy

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.

Government Street Baptist

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile Coming to Summer Camp 2021 is Candy BarsNothing Sweeter than the Love of God, registration opens April 5 for camp dates June 1-August 6. Ages completed K4-5th grade.

251-660-7444 deboraheddie@gsbc.onmicrosoft.com www.governmenstreetcdc.org

251-342-0555 jstout@mbgardens.org www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org; www.facebook. com/mobilebotanicalgardensmbg/posts

Mobile Parks and Recreation Summer Camp

GulfQuest

155 Water Street, Mobile STEAM-based adventure Camps: Traditional mu-

Camps offer a variety of recreational and educational opportunities including themed games, crafts, special events, virtual field trips, and more.

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www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

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

West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp

7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp is for children K-5th grade. 251-639-6868 stephanie@wemochurch.org www.wemochurch.org

YMCA of South Alabama

Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA, North Mobile Family YMCA, Bounds Family YMCA, Snook Family YMCA, All-Day Themed Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-14). The Y’s summer day camp is packed with themed activities, crafts and games, water fun, sports of all sorts, and much more! 251-344-4856 hcykids@ysal.org www.ysal.org

Drama/Theater

Educational / Miscellaneous Dauphin Island Sea Lab ad on page 24

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

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

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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.

Farm Adventure Summer Day Camp

Mathnasium

251-649-1802 www.learningfarmandplaypark.com

251-525-9239 MobileAL@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com

ad on page 7

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.

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.

ad on page 5

Exploreum Science Center

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile We provide reading, phonics, writing, and math tutoring for K-12th grades. ACT/SAT Prep. Proven results!

ad on page 31

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 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!

The PACT Theatre Company

251-454-5263 Find us on Facebook

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

Azalea City Center for the Arts & Sunny Side Theater Summer Drama Camps

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

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

Huntington Learning Center

251-490-8890 www.mathnasium.com/mobile

ad on Inside Front

Dancing Needle Designs

USA Literary Center Tutoring and Summer Camp ad on page 33

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

Wildcat Contrapton Camp Bishop State ad on page 13

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. 8:00am - 12:30pm. $85 camp fee. 251-405-7005; smcdonald@bishop.edu

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

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

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.

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.

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

Mississippi State Veterinary Camp

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

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities Educational Camps and Classes. Tutoring, ACT Classes, Computer Classes and much more.

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

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

Horseback Riding

334-844-4750 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn. edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/index.htm

Riverview Camp for Girls

Aviation Challenge Camp

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

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

ad on page 37

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

www.mobilebayparents.com

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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

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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. English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. Beginner and Advanced riders. CHA instructors. 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

Music Camps 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! 251-454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com

Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp

packed with sailing, swimming, arts & crafts, zip-lining, and so much more! Visit our website for information about dates and rates.

ad on page 24

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

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! 251-421-1359 allegropianolessons.com

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

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp ad on page 24

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

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

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course ad on page 24

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.

Overnight Camps Camp Beckwith ad on page 33

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

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope Join us for the “Best Week Ever!” at Beckwith,

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Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com 41

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Riverview Camp for Girls

Camp Nakanawa

Lake Forest Ranch

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.

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

662-726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

ad on page 37

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

Aviation Challenge Camp

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville Camp sessions begin June and run through August 2021 for ages 9 - 18 years. Visit our website for session options,dates and registration. 800-637-7223 BRENDAC@spacecamp.com www.spacecamp.com/aviation

Camp ASCCA

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 Cosby

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 campcosby.ymcabham.org

Camp Dixie

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.)

1084 Camp Nakanawa R, Crossville Since 1920 Camp Nakanawa has been helping young ladies gain confidence and reach their full potential in a positive and fun-filled environment.

Camp Seale Harris

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 Stanislaus

YMCA Camp Chandler

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 ext. 827 badams@baylorschool.org 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

Camp Winnataska

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

Camp Woodmont

10425 Veterans Memorial Parkway, La Fayette Camps run June 2-July 26, 2021. Several sessions to choose from.

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.

(334) 864-7504 marannook@gmail.com www.marannook.org

423-472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

Camp Marymount

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

615-799-0410 info@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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

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

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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.

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334-229-0035 jikner@ymcamontgomery.org ymcamontgomery.org/camp/

McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps ad on page 25

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

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.

Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview We offer four sessions ranging from one to five weeks for campers age 6-16. Girls’ dates: May 33-June 11 and June 13- July 2. Boys’ dates: July 11-July 16 and July 18-July 30.

256-634-4758 www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Camp Victory

228-467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

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 minicamps.

Camp Marannook

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.

Twin Lakes Camp

615-360-2267 www.campwidji.org

256-362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com ??

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

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.

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

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!

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon Camps run from May 29-August 1, 2021. Visit our website for a complete schedule of camp schedules.

Oakwood Swim Team and Lessons ad on page 29

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 ad on page 19

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

UMS-Wright ad on page 34

65 Mobile Street, Mobile UMS-Wright Summer Programs is thrilled to have

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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

Auburn Swim Camp

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. Dates/Information on website. aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburnwareagleswimcamps.com

Azalea City Track & Field Camps

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

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

High Velocity Sports Performance & Fitness 2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile Sports Performance, FitCamps, Gym Member-

ships, 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.

City of Mobile Swim Association

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

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

Mobile Parks & Rec. Community Activities

Many sports camps are offered in various locations around Mobile.

www.swimcmsa.com

251-208-1631 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parksand-recreation/

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile Offering summer clinics.

251-208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

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

5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile Spring Break Camp: April 6-8, Summer Camp: TBD, check our website for updates. www.rmsacamps.com

Swimming & Water Fun

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/

Share Your Summer Camp Info in Our Next Issue! Email lynn@mobilebay parents.com.

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www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar Thursday March 4

Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival All-Steinway School Anniversary Concert 6:30 PM University of Mobile Dorsett Auditorium, 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited; for reservations and information on streaming of performances, visit umobile.edu/pas or call. 251-442-2383 umobile.edu/pas USA Wind Ensemble & Symphony Band Winter Concert 7:30 PM Virtual, This Musical Arts Series concert is closed to the public and will be accessible only as a live stream event. We trust you will be able to be with us for the concert by going to our linked live stream site. On this department page you’ll also be invited to open a virtual program for the concert and in some cases program notes as well. Join us! Here is the full Concert Live Streams link -- www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/livestream.html www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/livestream.html

Friday March 5

Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 www.mobilesaenger.com Boat Show on the Bay 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36603 EZN and Auto Lighting of Alabama have teamed up to bring boats to the Battleship for the first ever Boat Show on the Bay! This three day event will be jam packed with food, entertainment, activities, vendors and of course....BOATS! We can’t wait to see you there! boat-show-on-the-bay.ticketleap.com/boat-show-onthe-bay

Saturday March 6

Friday March 12

Festival of FlowersLoDa Style Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Festival of Flowers open to the public.(displays, possible seminars, garden tours, limited vendors) festivalofflowers.com Movies in the Park Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 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. March 12 - Beauty and the Beast www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-andrecreation/

Saturday March 13

Gulf Coast Challenge 4:00 PM Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL, 36604 The Gulf Coast Challenge football game

Spring Gala 6:00 PM 1 S Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 wrcmobile.org

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

Movies in the Park James Seals Park, 540 Texas St Mobile, AL, 36603 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. March 19-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-andrecreation/ Mobile Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast” mobileballet.org Mobile Opera presents “The Secret Marriage” 7:30 PM Murphy Auditorium, 100 S Carlen St Mobile, AL, 36606 The Intermezzo Season (brought to you, in part, by the Coronavirus) is Mobile Opera’s gift to the community for the 2020-2021 season. There is no ticket to buy, but we ask that you please continue to support Mobile Opera with your donation. www.mobileopera.org

Sunnyside Theatre presents “Seussical Jr” Mobile, AL 5pm, 7pm www.sunnysidedrama.com/suessical

Mobile’s Largest YardSale 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM, The Grounds, Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile’s Largest Yard Sale www.thegroundsmobile.com/mobile-s-largest-yard-sale

Thursday March 11

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Festival of Flowers- LoDa Style Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Festival of Flowers open to the public.(displays, possible seminars, garden tours, limited vendors) festivalofflowers.com

Boat Show on the Bay 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Details March 5.

Boat Show on the Bay 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Details March 5.

Friday March 19

Saturday March 20

Drive in Movies - Ben May Library 6:30 PM Ben May Library Parking Lot, 146 S Washington Ave. Mobile, AL, 36602 Drive in Movies Ben May Library parking lot- Robots 251-208-7073 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Sunday March 7

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2021 Mobile Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris 2:00 PM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, AL, 36603 Join us for the 2021 Mobile Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris. This fun and supportive walk raises awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, encourages local children and families living with Type 1 to live well, and benefits Camp Seale Harris. This is a FREE event with fun activities for the whole family! secure.qgiv.com/event/mobilewalk

Swamp Fest 8:30 AM Satsuma High School , Satsuma, AL, 36572 Come out and check out the car show, vendors, concerts and great food. All proceeds go towards Satsuma City Schools!

Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Bellingrath’s Great Lawn is the place to be then. This inaugural event will have local bands, a wide variety of craft brews, local vendors, and a selection of food trucks to feast off! All that in the middle of the springtime gardens of Bellingrath, this is an event you don’t want to miss. 251-973-2217 bellingrath.org/beers_blooms/

Community Night in June as part of the 63rd Annual National Finals. www.gulfcoastspotlight.com

Rainbow Run 9:00 AM OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Participants will jog, walk, sprint (your choice!) through OWA as neon powder fills the air, turning you into a bright and colorful runner in the streets! visitowa.com/event/rainbowrun/ St. Pawtty’s Day Celebration OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 A family-friendly FREE event featuring music, a pet parade, doggie adoptions and a costume contest! This is a socially-distanced event. visitowa.com

Monday March 15

SPOTLIGHT: A Gulf Coast Talent Showcase Virtual, Free to enter, the competition is open to boys and girls in grades 1-12. A solo/duet and group winner will be chosen in each age division. Firstprize winners will be awarded a cash prize for an arts program at their school and will be a featured performer during Distinguished Young Women’s

Sunnyside Theatre presents “Seussical Jr” Mobile, AL 9am, 11am, 7pm www.sunnysidedrama.com/suessical

Mobile Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast” Details March 19.

Sunday March 21

Mobile Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast” Details March 19. Mobile Opera presents “The Secret Marriage” 2:30 PM Details March 19. Sunnyside Theatre presents “Seussical Jr” Mobile, AL 5pm www.sunnysidedrama.com/suessical

Tuesday March 23

Alabama School of the Arts-Elite 88 Piano Ensemble “Showtunes and the 88s 7:00 PM University of Mobile , 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited; for reservations and information on streaming of performances, visit umobile.edu/pas or call. 251-442-2383 umobile.edu/pas

Thursday March 25

Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival Junior Recital – Rebecca Reed 6:00 PM University of Mobile Moorer Auditorium, 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited; for reservations and information on streaming of performances, visit umobile.edu/pas or call. 251-442-2383 umobile.edu/pas

Friday March 26

Drive in Movies - Ben May Library 6:30 PM Ben May Library Parking Lot, 146 S Washing-

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FamilyCalendar ton Ave. Mobile, AL, 36602 Drive in Movies - Ben May Library parking lot- Rise of the Planet of the Apes 251-208-7073 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Movies in the Park Mitternight 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. March 26-Popeye www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/ One City World Tour 5:00 PM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 For the first time ever, the Savannah Bananas are taking the show on the road. The team will bring not only their performers, musicians, dancers and mascots, they’ll also be bringing a unique style of the game called BananaBall.

Saturday March 27

Easter Egg Hunt on the Great Lawn 9:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Hop on down to the Gardens and join us for some “eggstra” special Easter fun! On March 27, Bellingrath will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Great Lawn. Thousands of Easter eggs will decorate the luxurious lawn for children to scurry and collect. bellingrath.org/experiences/events/easter-egghunt-2021/

Yellow Day at Camp Grace ($20 per car) 6:30 PM Camp Grace, Camp Grace would like to invite you to our annual yellow Day fundraiser! This year we are planning something different! there will be a drive in movie, silent auction, fireworks, food and so much more! Gates open at 6:30, Movie starts at 7:30. www.campgraceevents.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra 6:00PM, 8:30PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join the MSO on a whirlwind flight around the world, with masterworks from Russia, France, Austria and the USA. mobilesymphony.org/event/music-around-the-world 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 March 28

Mobile Symphony Orchestra 1:00pm; 3:30pm Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Details March 27. Spring Fling OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Details March 27.

Tuesday March 30

Alabama School of the Arts-Piano Faculty Recital 7:00 PM 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 All events are free and open to the public. Seating is

limited; for reservations and information on streaming of performances, visit umobile.edu/pas or call. 251-442-2383 umobile.edu/pas

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-and-recreation/

Saturday April 3

Spring Fling OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Details March 27.

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.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday April 8

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 See all dates online. Online Streaming: http://www.showtix4u. com/events/umobile 251-442-2383 www.itickets.com/universityofmobile 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/

Saturday April 17

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. 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

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

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

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

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.

First and Third Tuesday

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

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

Saturdays and Sundays March 6-April 3

Wales West Cottontail Express Wales West RV Park and Light Railway, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL, 36576 Enjoy a steam train ride to meet the Easter Bunny this holiday season! Guests will travel by train to the “Bunny Hutch” and enjoy an egg hunt, crafts, refreshments, a miniature train ride, hayless hay ride, playground and bounce house. 888-569-5337 www.waleswest.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs Flora & Ulysses

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

A-

When 10 year old Flora rescues a squirrel from the innards of a robotic vaccuum cleaner, she has no idea that some of the machine’s artificial intelligence has transferred to the frightened little rodent. Naming him Ulysses, Flora takes him home and watches as he develops his own superpowers and saves her world. This is an incredibly charming family film with lots of action and plenty of laughs. Young viewers will enjoy watching the comic mayhem unleashed by the well intentioned squirrel and even adults will find themselves laughing at some of the jokes. Photo ©Disney+

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Days of the Bagnold Summer

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Unrated

B+

D+

Daniel’s angry and disappointed when he learns that he won’t be spending his summer in Florida with his father. As he retreats into his world of heavy metal music, his mother, Sue, does her best to reach out and try to recapture the close relationship they had when Daniel was young. This English film is both wry and sweet, with an honest look at the big challenges and small victories of parenting. Best of all, it’s painfully funny and will have adults laughing and face-palming in quick succession. Photo ©Greenwich Entertainment

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Disney+

Blithe Spirit

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

C+

B-

B+

C-

Charles is a novelist who hasn’t been able to write since the death of his first wife. Then he pays a medium to conduct a séance, in hopes of providing material for his latest work. But when the medium brings his late wife back into his life, chaos ensues, as does trouble with his current wife. This adaptation of Noel Coward’s famous play is lighthearted and very funny. But it also treats adultery, impotence, murder, and heavy alcohol consumption as comic fodder, making it less than ideal as a choice for family movie night. Photo ©IFC Films

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

Amazon

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

B+

C-

Mark and Margaret are the only people who realize that the world is caught in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. With nothing but time, the pair decide to spend their days looking for the “tiny perfect things” they would normally overlook in a world where time runs swiftly. This is an unusually thoughtful teen romance with finely drawn characters, solid writing, gentle humor, and plentiful discussion about big issues like time and the meaning of life. Photo ©Amazon Studios Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 47

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Retirement Funding Comes Before College Savings Q. A friend told me about your Baby Steps program. I have one question, though. I noticed that according to your plan, saving for retirement should come before saving up a college fund for your kids. Why is this? A. In short, college funding is not a necessity. Being able to set aside money for college is a great thing to do if parents can afford that sort of thing. But you can fund your education in other ways. There are loads of scholarships out there just for getting good grades. You can also work while you’re taking classes. And one of the biggest things when it comes to getting an education is choosing a school or training program you can afford. Trust

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2021

me, I believe in education. But there are lots of ways to get a college degree, or other career training, without your parents having to foot the bill or taking out student loans. Another reason I advise this approach is because everyone is going to retire someday—unless, unfortunately, they happen to die before reaching retirement age. Retiring and eating are necessities. College is a luxury. Lots of people succeed in life without going to college, and thousands have worked their way through college. I worked 40-plus hours a week in college,

and still graduated in four years. The only good way to retire is by planning for it years ahead of time, and that means saving and investing. Sure, you should try to help your kids with their educations if you can. Even a little bit each month over the course of several years can help a lot. But some parents might not be able to put a dime toward their kids’ educations after high school. That doesn’t make them bad people or bad parents. And it doesn’t mean their kids can’t still go to college, and avoid debt doing it!

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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