Kids VT, February 2014

FREE

FEB 2014 V OL.21 NO.1

✱ DOWNHILL FAST: BEST VT SLEDDING SPOTS ✱ TOFU TYKES: KIDS GO VEGETARIAN ✱ BLAST FROM THE PAST: A NEW HISTORY COMIC

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Kids VT

February 2014

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Go to jaypeakresort.com/RaisedJayCamps for more information.

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VOL.21 NO .1

FEB 2014 Editor’s Note....................................................................5 Readers Respond .......................................................6 Coloring-Contest Winners ................................7 Birthday Club..................................................................50 New! Drawing on History: Elisha Otis .........53 Use Your Words: Essay ..........................................55

Kids With a Cause

...18

Enosburg Falls teens fight tobacco on their own turf

EAT. LEARN. PLAY The Kids Beat ..................................................................8 Ask Dr. First: Frequent Bed-Wetting ........10 Fit Families: Cross-Country Skiing ............11 New! Mealtime: Vegetarian Kids.......................13 Go Ask Dad: Dating Advice..................................14 The Art of Mindfulness..........................................15 New! Bookworms: Book-Review Winners...17

Slip Slidin’ Away

Open 7 days 10am-7pm Web & Mobile site: www.cheesetraders.com

Vermont parents sound off about sending kids to camp

Habitat: Backyard Skating Rink.......................49 Puzzle Page ......................................................................50 Project: Love Tree .......................................................51 Coloring Contest .........................................................52 Book Review Contest ..............................................54

Illustrator Tyler Parker created a wintry scene in honor of Valentine’s Day and this month’s Kids VT sledding guide. The girl is “smitten,” he says, and the boy is “either nervous about the ride or the girl.”

cathy@kidsvt.com colby@kidsvt.com don@kidsvt.com megan@kidsvt.com alison@kidsvt.com corey@kidsvt.com kaitlin@kidsvt.com

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What can we learn from nature to make our dwellings more sustainable parts of the earth’s natural systems?

See the many ways that animals and humans create shelter, and how they relate to the environment.

Copy Editor Paula Routly Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman Marissa Keller Production Manager John James Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet Designers Aaron Shrewsbury Rev. Diane Sullivan Circulation Managers Steve Hadeka Matt Weiner Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado Office Manager Cheryl Brownell Contributing Writers: Sarah Baughman, Heleigh Bostwick, Kathryn Flagg, Thea Lewis, Ken Picard, Becky Tharp

OPEN DAILY 10–5

Montshire Montshire Museum ofScience Science Museum of

Photographers: Stina Booth, Matthew Thorsen Illustrators: Tyler Parker, Ian Webb

montshire.org • 802.649.2200 Norwich, VT

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Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 500+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

Sustainable Shelter

KIDS VT

Editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Media Association. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

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FEBRUARY 2014

P.O. Box 1184 Burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com

26, 2014

KIDSVT.COM

Cathy Resmer Colby Roberts Don Eggert Megan James Alison Novak Corey Grenier Kaitlin Montgomery

February 1–May k8v-cheesetraders1213.indd 1

Dwelling within the Forces of Nature

ON THE COVER

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Copublisher/Executive Editor Copublisher Creative Director Managing Editor Calendar Writer Marketing & Events Manager Account Executive

Now with a section devoted to healthy kids! argain prices!

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802.863.0143

2014 Camp Guide......25

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(Next to the Alpine Shop)

The Kids VT guide to some of Vermont’s best sledding spots

Daily Listings ..................................................................34 Classes ..................................................................................35 Story Times ......................................................................36 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................41 Playgroups ........................................................................48

PAY A L

1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington VT 05403

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KIDS MENU Kids Caesar salad

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huMMus & VeGGies

Chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese. $4 add all-natural grilled chicken $3

Free-range chicken tenders.

Served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $6

House made lemon-garlic hummus served with veggies for dipping. $5

Kids Mixed Green salad

haMburGer or CheeseburGer

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, choice of Ranch or Balsamic. $4 add all-natural grilled chicken $3

Local all-natural beef. Served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $6.50

Fresh baked dough wrapped with mozzarella, herbs & choice of pepperoni or broccoli. $5

eddie spaGhetti

fruit & Cheddar Cheese Cubes

Made with marinara or butter. $5 add 2 meatballs for $1.50

personal pie for Kids Comes with cheese & choice of 1 topping. $6 add additional toppings for $.75

Chef’s selection of fresh fruit & cheddar cheese cubes. $6

pieCasso’s lasaGna Made with beef & pork, marinara sauce, fresh basil, layered with ricotta & mozzarella cheese. $7

pizza roll

Grilled Cheese Texas toast with cheddar & american cheese, served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $5 add tomato for $.75 add bacon or ham for $1.75

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editor’s note

Kids With Heart It’s February, so we’re featuring some stories with Valentine’s Day in mind: Heleigh Bostwick writes about dating as a single mom (“Use Your Words,” p.

55); and local dads share advice they’ve given about first crushes (“Go Ask Dad,” p. 14).

But a broader theme surfaced in our pages this month: kids with heart. In the Mealtime column (p.

13) — a new food-focused feature that replaces our regular restaurant reviews — Kathryn Flagg talks to families with children whose love of animals, or community gardening, inspired them to become vegetarians.

In “Kids With a Cause” (p. 18), I wrote about a group of Enosburg Falls Megan James teens who are passionate about getting their loved ones to quit smoking.

February is also when parents get serious about planning for the summer.

The 17th annual Kids VT Camp and School Fair, on February 1, is a great place to start. Come to the Burlington Hilton between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to talk with representatives from dozens of local camps and schools. You’ll find many of those programs in our camp guide on page 25, along with helpful advice from local parents.

Other new stuff you’ll see in this issue: Thea Lewis and Ian Webb have created a new comic feature, “Drawing on History” (p. 53). A new section called “Bookworms,” (p. 17) includes selections chosen by our Book Review contest winners, as well as reading recommendations for Black History Month.

Hope you love it all.

Megan JaMes, Managing editor

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

HAPPINESS IS...

Spending Time with Your Family

VERMONT WEEK ACTIVITIES (Visit boltonvalley.com/kidsvermont for details and times.)

Indoor Amusement Center open every day during Vermont Week.

Monday, February 24th Free Magic Show w/ VT Magician Tom Joyce

Tuesday, February 25th Free Ice Cream Social & Kids’ Movie

Wednesday, February 26th Free Balloon Sculptures w/ Dux the Balloon Man

Thursday, February 27th Complimentary Snowshoe Tour*, Free Bonfire w/ Cookies & Hot Chocolate

february 2014

Sarah Baughman (“Fit Families”) is a publications coordinator at Coventry Village School and an English teacher. She lives in the Northeast Kingdom with her husband, two children, dog, cats and chickens.

Heleigh Bostwick (“Use Your Words”) is a former jewelry cataloger at a New York City auction house who now makes a living as a freelance writer. She lives in Williston with her two children. *Complimentary snowshoe rentals for hotel guests and pass holders. $20 rentals available for the general public.

kids Vt

Kathryn Flagg (“Mealtime”) is a Seven Days staff writer. She lives with her husband and 7-month-old son, Asa, in Shoreham. They’re not vegetarians, but don’t tell that to the herd of cattle they’re raising.

kidsVt.com

As A kid, i kept A box of treAsures in my closet. It was a small wooden case that I’d painted in bright acrylics. I’d adorned its lid with my name, in florid script, a yellow peace sign and a big, red heart. Inside, I stashed photos of my best friends and cats, good-luck trinkets I’d made from clay, programs from school plays.

I’d forgotten about the box until I ventured into my parents’ attic over the Christmas holiday to search for baby clothes; I’m pregnant for the first time, due in early May, and on the hunt for hand-me-downs.

I found more than flowery onesies in the attic; I found my treasure box, and inside, evidence of the super-sensitive, nature-loving child I used to be. Amid the box’s clutter, I pulled out a series of letters I’d lovingly handwritten — to a tree.

This wasn’t just any tree; it was Camilla, the great Tree of Life, benevolent overlord of Naranthia, the name I’d given my suburban backyard. She watched over a harmonious kingdom of elves and animals — and me. In reality, Camilla was an apple tree, and she collapsed one spring during a fierce storm.

I was devastated. In my letters, I told her — in poetry and prose — that her loyal subjects would forever mourn her loss. My heart, I wrote, was broken.

OK, now the embarrassing part: The letters were dated 1996. I was 13 when I wrote them. Still, reading them as a mom-to-be, I didn’t feel embarrassment so much as compassion for my teenage self.

I thought of those love letters while editing this month’s Kids VT.

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SEE AND SAY

Readers Respond

From the Kids VT Blog

Delicious Dip

BURLINGTON

Too Young to Ski That was one of the best-written, most reality-based articles on parenting I have ever read. Thank you for your realism.

Michelle Trahan ESSEX JUNCTION

Email us at feedback@kidsvt.com.

G

AG

That chart comes from a website called The Baby Name Wizard, which features an interactive Voyager tool that tracks the popularity of names over time. When you’re a parent-to-be searching for that unique-but-not-too-weird name for your baby, it’s totally addictive...

Home Cookin’: A Child’s First Bread: Kids VT calendar writer Alison Novak and her 3-year-old son spent a rainy day baking their first-ever bread. Then they acted out the yeastfermentation process.

Newly Minted Moms I don’t know much about parenting, but I do know this: All the books in the world couldn’t prepare you for it. That’s why it helps to know people one step ahead in the game.

Four months before my due date, I asked three friends who have recently become moms to tell me what it’s really like on the other side.

MEGAN: Is there anything you wish you’d been told before you had your baby?

KATHRYN FLAGG: Friends kept warning us, “Go out to dinner now! Go see movies now!” There was a part of me, based on those warnings, that really believed life as I knew it was going to be over after the baby arrived. What surprised me is how little things changed. Yes, it’s exhausting. Yes, suddenly going to the grocery store is a lot more complicated. But, ultimately, my life still felt like my life, just with a little new person involved.

I did get one warning that I ignored and wish I hadn’t: I wish I’d devoted more time to recovery after giving birth. I focused entirely on thinking about labor, and not enough on thinking about recovery. As a result, I think my recovery was more prolonged than it needed to be because I was too stubborn to take it easy in those first days and weeks after Asa’s birth. So truly, Megan: Take it easy...

Read more at kidsvt.com.

Other recent web exclusives:

COURTESY ALISON NOVAK

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2014 KIDS VT

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COURTESY ALISON NOVAK

Online readers continue to comment on Alison Novak’s blog post from February 2013 about waiting to ski with her kids until they’re older.

FILE: SHEM ROOSE

FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN

Mostly untouched queso fundido?

My husband and I order one bowl each because it vanishes so quickly. This review [“Out to Eat”: El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina, Dec/Jan 2013/14] is a reminder that personal taste is exactly that: personal taste.

Linda Oats

FL

SOUTH BURLINGTON

Y K AT HRY N

Ava opened the paper yesterday and started shouting. I thought she had seen a spider and came running! Thanks for this feature. We love the paper!

Eric Hadley

I don’t give much thought to my own name on a daily basis. So why do I worry so much about finding the perfect name for my child?

My mom’s choice — Megan — didn’t have any family connection.

It wasn’t a name she had always loved. Megan seemed to come to her on a pregnancy-hormoneinduced whim.

My mom spent the month leading up to my birth, in 1983, watching — and weeping through — the romantic TV miniseries The Thorn Birds.

She named me after Meggie Cleary, the beautiful young protagonist who falls in love, tragically, with a priest.

I was never crazy about Megan.

I thought it was boring — perhaps because, as you can see in the chart at right, everyone else born in the ‘80s seemed to share it with me.

TES

A simple refrain ran through my mind during the first four months of pregnancy: WTH?!

Before I got knocked up this past summer, almost everything I knew about pregnancy came from movies and TV. You know the drill: The female protagonist pukes once, on the day she finds out she’s pregnant. Then, in the very next shot, she’s gorging on pizza and ice cream.

The rest of what I knew I learned from my mom, whose pregnancies were so blissful that she says she conceived me, her second kid, in part for the opportunity to feel great for another nine months.

It’s no wonder I thought pregnancy would be glorious. I expected 40 weeks of indulging food cravings, running my fingers through my radiant hair and displaying a general joie de vivre.

How wrong I was.

So far, this pregnancy — my first — has been about one thing only: barf. For months, I’ve been deciding what to eat based on how it will taste, and feel, coming back up. I have ralphed it all: spaghetti, cereal, apples, saltines, rice cakes, strawberries, water, coffee.

During the first trimester, I was blowing chunks multiple times a day, yet each puke was unique, like an upchuck snowflake...

Thrilling Discovery

Got a comment?

What’s in a Name?

Fifty Shades of Green

UR

BLOG

We received this note from the dad of one of last month’s coloring-contest winners, after his daughter learned that she’d won.

Managing editor Megan James is expecting her first baby in early May. She’s been blogging about her pregnancy each week since emerging from a barf-tastic first trimester in December. You’ll find a new Bump on a Blog post each Monday until the baby is born.

CO

BUMP on a

Decide to Glide!

A Guide to Indoor Skating: Want to practice your double axels? Or just loop around the ice with your kids? We compiled a list of Vermont rinks that offer public skating and rentals.

These winners get $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat in Burlington and their artwork framed for free.

Book Review: Martha

BY A LISON NOVAK

“Tell me a ‘getting hurt’ story.”

Ever since my daughter, Mira, now 6, was old enough to form sentences, she has made this request.

During boring car trips, or in dimly lit bedrooms as sleep begins to wash over them, both Mira and her younger brother, Theo, almost 4, love to hear real-life tales of bodily disaster.

Lucky — or not — for me, I have lots of material to work with. I had to get stitches four times as a kid, once when I dove into a too-shallow pool and sliced a chunk of skin off the bridge of my nose.

There is usually a fair amount of gore in my “getting hurt” stories, but the doctor always comes to the rescue, the wounds always heal and the scars always fade. They are sad stories, but happy, too.

When I spotted Martha on the shelves of my local library, I knew my kids would like it because it’s a variation on the tales of woe they’re accustomed to — an “animal getting hurt” story.

Read more at kidsvt.com

COLORING CONTEST

Why hop when you can slide?

That seems to be what the winterloving bunny from the December/ January coloring contest is thinking as she whizzes across the snow on her saucer sled.

Close to 100 contest entrants let their creativity fly, too, adding color, sparkle and an abundance of carrots to this sledding scene.

We especially loved all the hare-dos — the braids, bouffants and hipster coifs — that kids drew on their rabbits’ heads.

Congratulations to all the winners!

5 and under

“Luna Sled Day” Kyla Abair, 5 ST. ALBANS

HONORABLE MENTIONS BLUEST BACKDROP Zoe Glass, 9, Burlington MOST ELABORATE SNOW TUNNEL Edith Kidder, 10, Lincoln

✄ A Mighty Kale Salad

SUBTLEST SHADING Emily Lowe, 9, Vergennes DOTTIEST DALMATIAN Elana Philbrick, 10, Richmond

Tasha Lehman’s crisp kale salad caused a buzz on Facebook and Twitter after we posted the recipe on our blog in early January. We’re guessing our readers had been craving a simple, healthy reprieve from the heaviness of holiday eating.

If you haven’t tried it yet, whip up this salad today. As Lehman wrote, “It’s not exactly a recipe, more of an inspiration. Add in something you love, leave out what you don’t; whatever you do, enjoy!”

CUTEST PENGUIN ON SKIS Britta Zetterstrom, 9, Duxbury

“High Flying Annie” Tanisha Gerg, 8 GEORGIA

CROSS-EYED CUTIE Veronica Miskavage, 7, Hinesburg PINKEST PIG-AS-SLED Lola Rubin, 7, Burlington CHEERIEST CIRCUS TENT Oliver Wilcox, 4, Milton SPINDLIEST SNOWFLAKES Ashtin Stearns, 5, Vergennes

YOWZA YELLOW Jakobi Kmiecik, 4, Worcester

TOP TITLES “ABAGAIL RUNNY BABBIT” Maria “Fern” Murphy, 8, Plattsburgh, NY “BUNNY AT THE FAMOUS WONDERLAND OF FLYING PANCAKES” Elizabeth Orvis, 8, Essex

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 52. The deadline for submissions is February 15.

“A Carrot Christmas” Sela Brown, 11 WINOOSKI

9 to 12

KIDS VT

Mix the kale with the lemon juice and oil. If you’re using full-size kale — as opposed to the more delicate baby variety — rub the juice and oil into the leaves really well. Add in all of your toppings and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a little mix. If the salad is too dry for your liking, add more oil. Serve immediately.

Easy, right? What will you add to your kale salad?

PURPLEST SNOW Skye Fitzhugh, 10, Jericho

FEBRUARY 2014

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✄

GREENEST DEMEANOR Liam McGuire, 4, Vergennes

KIDSVT.COM

Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh kale, chopped and washed, or one package baby kale juice of half a lemon drizzle of olive oil 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup blueberries 1/3 cup feta or goat cheese 1/4 cup slivered almonds salt and pepper to taste

6 to 8

PRETTIEST PATTERNS Lily O’Brien, 8, Shelburne

the

BEAT

B y M eg a n Ja m es

Art

Face Forward

‘Passing Through: Portraits of Emerging adults’: Through April 12 at Amy E. Tarrant Gallery in Burlington.

Gridley will be at the gallery every Thursday morning to lead school groups. To schedule a visit, contact Nancy Abbott-Hourigan at nabbott@ flynncenter.org or 652-4505.

education

Never Too Early The human brain develops most rapidly between birth and age 3. But many Vermont families with young children struggle to provide a healthy developmental environment for them due to poverty, disabilities or an inability to speak English. Enter Vermont’s new four-year, $36.9 million race to the top early learning Challenge grant. The federal money will beef up existing family programs and create new opportunities for prenatal care, afterschool programs, early-childhood nutrition and educator training. “The hope is, by the end of four years, we’ve really built and shored up this system so that everyone will feel the ramifications,” says Alyson Richards, director of special projects at the governor’s office. “The earlier we’re able to build a strong foundation for kids, the better we’re going to be as a state, the stronger we’ll be as communities and families.”

race to the top early learning Challenge grant: Find more information at governor.vermont.gov/race-to-the-top.

community

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Movin’ On Up Burlington’s king street center relocated to temporary digs on South Winooski Avenue last month when demolition began on its King Street building. The nonprofit is making room for a brand-new, $4.7 million, 25,000-square-foot center, to be completed in 2015. Development director Susannah Kerest says the organization’s 20-year-old building was riddled with leaks and other infrastructure problems. Lack of space was also an issue. “Kids and tutors were fighting for desks,” she says. “That’s just not good practice when you’re trying to give kids a leg up academically.” Kerest says the new building will provide more opportunities for community engagement. “We’ve had to say no to a lot of ideas. Now we won’t have to.”

Courtesy of King Street Center

Today’s kids photograph themselves at an unprecedented rate, notes Middlebury artist Kate Gridley. But it’s rare to see those same faces immortalized in oil portraits. In ‘Passing through: portraits of emerging adults,’ Gridley presents a series of larger-than-life paintings of 17- to 25-year-olds. Over five years, she painted 17 youngsters and recorded bits of their conversations, which gallerygoers can listen to on their mobile devices. Gridley encourages middle and high school students to visit the show and participate in a special curriculum designed to help them “look longer, think more deeply and respond.” They can also choose to have their photo taken and added to the exhibit. “People come away with these 17 voices and images, and it almost becomes a portrait of a generation,” Gridley says.

king street center: The organization, temporarily located at 179 South Winooski Avenue, is currently looking for mentors for kindergarten through second-graders. Find more information at kingstreetcenter.org.

eaT. LearN. PLay. ®

Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

All parties include: • A private tour • A Make a Friend for Life® Bear for each child

booKs

Making Connections It’s easier than ever to share family moments on Facebook, but Champlain College online marketing professor Elaine Young says you might want to ask your kids before posting.

“When you put that picture of their art project on Facebook, the little ones are so excited with the likes,” she says. “But as they get older, if you’re not asking permission, people are having major family meltdowns.” A South Burlington mom with a teenage daughter, Young has been watching closely for the past 13 years as the digital world has evolved. She recently collected her insights into a new book, ‘Tuned-in family: how To cope, communicaTe and connecT in a digiTal world,’ available this month from the Champlain College Publishing Initiative.

This family manual aims to help parents talk with kids about issues such as privacy, sexting and digital identity.

What’s not to like about that?

• Private party space staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador.

• Newly refurbished 900 sq.ft. private party space

Parties available seven days a week!

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT (802) 985-1627 • birthdayparties@vtbear.com k6h-VTTeddy-2-0611.indd 1

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‘Tuned-in family: how To cope, communicaTe and connecT in a digiTal world’: Self-published by the Champlain College Publishing Initiative. Find more information at tunedinfamily.com.

sporT

Young Riders

KidsVT.com

CourTesy oF smuggLers’ NoTCh

Learning to snowboard can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be. A new pilot program called liTTle rascals on snow…boards at the Treasures Child Care Center at Smugglers’ Notch introduces toddlers as young as 18 months to the basics of shredding in a safe, indoor environment. To get a feel for the sport, kids play with foam boards and mimic common riding movements, such as bending at the knees, with hula-hoops. “We want these children to learn the fundamentals of snowboarding without... bundling up for the snow and taking a hard fall,” says snowboard program supervisor Michael Chait, who hopes to instill in his students a lifelong love of riding. “We want their first encounter with a snowboard to be a positive one.”

February 2014 Kids VT

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liTTle rascals on snow…boards: At Treasures Child Care Center at Smugglers’ Notch in Jeffersonville. Find more information at smuggs.com.

Q ASK DR. FIRST

How should parents deal with frequent bed-wetting?

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Teens!

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AccIDenTS HAppen, as parents of toilet-trained kids well know. But when the occasional wet blanket becomes a regular occurrence, it can create anxiety and stress for the entire family.

This month, Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, reminds parents to just relax; don’t take it personally. Most bed-wetting is benign and goes away over time. While you wait, Dr. First offers a few tips for keeping kids dry.

12/13/10 6:05 PM

KIDS VT: When is the right time to toilet train a child?

LEWIS FIRST: There is no exact age. I recommend going by the following four questions: Does your child Champlain Discovery have a good co-ed Kayak Adventure understanding This Summer! ages 13-16 of the words for defecation and urination? Is there a regular time they tend to urinate or defecate? Are they interested in other people using the bathroom?

Finally, are they uncomfortable with something in their diaper? If they couldn’t care less what’s in their diaper, they’re not ready. Successful toilet training typically occurs (802) 475-2022 between ages 2 and 3, and boys tend www.lcmm.org to lag slightly behind girls. If a child hasn’t begun to develop an interest in the potty by age 3, it’s worth talking to k8v-LCMaritime0214.indd 1 1/22/14 3:37 PM your doctor.

Fifteen to 20 percent of 6-year-olds will continue to wet the bed, and about 1 percent of otherwise healthy teenagers wet their beds.

Register Now!

LOOK CLOSER…

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KIDS VT

FeBruary 2014 KIDSVT.com

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!

KVT: How common is bed-wetting?

LF: Bed-wetting is much more common than most parents think.

Fifteen to 20 percent of 6-year-olds will continue to wet the bed, and about 1 percent of otherwise healthy teenagers wet their beds.

ATTENTION, CLASS INSTRUCTORS! List your class in Kids VT for only $15/month!

Submit the listing by the 15th at kidsvt.com or classes@kidsvt.com

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genetic. If one parent has a history of bed-wetting, there’s about a 50 percent chance that the child will, too. And if both parents do, there’s a 75 percent chance.

Also, when kids are constipated, the full large intestine may push into the bladder, making the bladder smaller. Bed-wetting may also flare up during times of stress or anxiety.

But most of the time, it’s unusual to find a medical cause, and the problem typically goes away on its own.

KVT: What are the most common causes?

LF: Oftentimes we don’t know, or the causes are multifactorial. A child can have a very small bladder and/or be a very sound sleeper. It may even be 1/23/13 4:45 PM

KVT: When should parents seek medical advice?

LF: Bed-wetting becomes a problem when a child has been toilet trained for months or years and then begins having nighttime accidents, or regular accidents by day, too.

Then we start asking, is it diabetes?

A urinary tract infection? Emotional trauma? These are much rarer causes.

KVT: Are there popular misconceptions around bed-wetting?

LF: Yes: The notion that parents shouldn’t give their children something to drink before they go to sleep. Kids with this problem will still wet the bed.

Obviously, if they really tank up on fluids before bedtime, the odds of an accident increase. But there is no proof that depriving a child of fluids before bedtime will result in a dry bed.

KVT: Anything else?

LF: The most important thing to remember is that it’s not your child’s fault. This is not something they have

Got questions for Dr. First?

Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

direct control over. Parents often assume the child is trying to frustrate them. All that does is make it more difficult for the child to gain control over this problem for fear they will disappoint and anger their parents.

Rather than saying, “How could you have another accident?” parents should realize that one in five kids in kindergarten does this. They will likely outgrow it over time.

KVT: Do pull-ups or diapers worn at night enable bed-wetting?

LF: No, but for frequent bed-wetting, it’s better to use these products with alarms, such as Wet-Stop. It’s a monitor with a sensor pad that sits inside the diaper or pull-up and sounds a buzzer whenever it senses a drop of moisture. Eventually, it trains the child to wake up before he or she needs to use the toilet rather than letting the alarm go off. It’s also a good idea for parents to take their child to the toilet right before he or she goes to bed. If the child tends to have accidents at a certain time, parents can set an alarm for themselves and take their child to the bathroom before it happens — although this may not teach the same bladder self-control that a sensor system can.

KVT: What if the problem persists?

LF: Your child’s doctor can prescribe medications — not as a cure but as a temporizer — to allow your child to hold onto fluid longer. When is this useful? At a sleepover. Many kids are embarrassed about going on a sleepover because of the fact that they can’t hold their urine. The medication will get them through the night, but it’s still a good idea to come with a change of pajamas, just in case. Even alerting the friend’s family helps demystify the stigma around bed-wetting. If the child is still wetting the bed after age 6, it makes sense to seek medical attention just to make sure there’s no underlying medical condition. K

EAT. LEARN. PLAY. ✱ FIT FAMILIES

B Y SARA H B AUGHM AN

Trail Mix so we could groom trails for crosscountry skiers.”

That trail network runs on volunteer power: Primeau has opened up his own wooded Derby land to skiers, and he and Harris manage much of the grooming themselves, with help from a couple other part-time enthusiasts.

More than 150 MSTF members take advantage of their efforts. “We have a pretty decent turnout,” says Harris. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

For my family, it’s just a short drive up the road to the MSTF parking lot adjacent to Primeau’s land. The trails there make for a quick, manageable skiing session. On days when we seek more adventure, MSTF makes that pretty easy to come by, too. The foundation is part of the Vermont Ski Areas Association, so our membership allows us to ski for free, one day per season, at any cross-country skiing spot in Vermont. It’s our go-to weekend outing once the snow hits and sticks. It motivates us to see other parts of the state we might ordinarily pass by.

Last year that deal brought us to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, where we bundled our toddler daughter into our Chariot stroller, rigged with a special ski attachment. Our son started out on his rented skis.

We coached him on the hills — “Don’t lean too far back, or forward!

Bend your knees!” — and watched as he teetered down them. When he

Cross-country skiing is our go-to weekend outing once the snow hits and sticks.

The Baughmans in Craftsbury

inevitably landed on his bottom, he laughed.

His stamina didn’t last, though.

When our son got tired, into the Chariot he went for a warm blanket and a snack break with his little sister.

My husband and I pulled on, along the outdoor center’s groomed paths and across the frozen stillness of Duck Pond.

Entranced by the comforting swish of skis on glinting snow, we didn’t realize we’d worked our way onto the backcountry Catamount Trail system until we’d gone about four miles out of our way. We doubled back, motivated by hunger and impending darkness.

By the time we returned to the parking lot, muscles aching, our son was ready for another ski.

“No way!” we said, settling into the car.

Cross-country skiing is as addictive as it is good for you. The next day, we loaded up our equipment and headed out again.

COURTESY OF SARAH BAUGHMAN

MY 3-YEAR-OLD SON was so eager to start cross-country skiing that a lack of ski boots wasn’t going to slow him down. On our first day of deep snow last winter, I dug his skis and poles out of the garage. I was still searching for his boots when he slapped his tiny skis on the ground in our Coventry backyard. He balanced on them carefully, wearing just his shoes, poles clenched.

“Mama! I’m skiing!” he shouted as he shuffled off for the first time, his toes pushing the skis, which sliced an impressively balanced path through fresh powder.

We’d rented his gear — including the boots, which I located before long — from the Memphremagog Ski Touring Foundation. The Newportbased nonprofit makes Nordic skiing a simple, affordable option for winter entertainment in the Northeast Kingdom.

A $50 MSTF family membership grants the four of us unlimited ski trips on a network of neatly groomed paths in Orleans County. The child-size skis and boots cost just $35 to rent for the season.

Trails range from the flat and easy Newport City bike path, which hugs the shores of Lake Memphremagog, to the more challenging Mt. Hor loops in nearby Willoughby State Forest.

Peter Harris, who cofounded MSTF in 2003 with another Newport local, Robert Primeau, says the foundation “was essentially designed to create a local trail network and get equipment,

IF YOU GO: Seasonal family memberships in the Memphremagog Ski Touring Foundation cost $50; individual memberships are $35. Register online under the Club Memberships section of skireg.com. Day passes are also available for $5 per person.

Registration forms can be found at mstf.net; print and mail in the form, or leave your day-pass donation in the container by the bridge at the bike-path entrance to Primeau’s trails.

For an easy family skiing session, park at the North Country Hospital in Newport and hop onto the Newport City bike path, which offers great Lake Memphremagog views. Or drive to the MSTF parking lot on Darling Hill Road in Derby and ski Primeau’s somewhat hillier, but still manageable, wooded trails.

“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

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1/24/14 11:15 AM

New!

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Q Mealtime

Cooking for kids who swear off meat B y K at hr y n Fla gg

interested in food. For her eighth grade challenge project much more serious about “adding color into her diet,” at Williston Central School, she’s writing a cookbook as her mother puts it. She saw a nutritionist and started based on her experiences teaching neighborhood helping out in the neighborhood community garden. children about gardening and cooking last summer. She For Olivia, the choice to go vegetarian was mostly about hopes to sell it and donate the proceeds to her school personal preference; she didn’t care for the taste or garden. texture of meat.

More often than not, Olivia cooks by feel instead of “We really didn’t have many discussions about it,” precise measurements. She’s keen on experimentation, says Voth, reflecting back on Olivia’s decision. “It was a which has lead to both big successes and the occasional proclamation she made.” flop. She won over the neighborhood kids with her A mountain of fresh, vibrantly colored vegetables rhubarb and honey bars, for example, but didn’t have any covered the kitchen counter at the Voths’ on a recent takers for her spinach pancakes.

Saturday night. The family was preparing to whip up an “I don’t know why green is such a terrifying color for enormous crock of southwestern vegetable soup. kids,” she says. Her solution? Put it in a calzone.

Olivia wielded a chef’s knife, which she had learned The teen is the only vegetarian in the to handle skillfully, and safely, during Voth household. On that same Saturday cooking classes at the Essex Resort night, when the meal was nearly & Spa. She chopped up mushrooms, finished, her soup went into a separate peppers, onions, carrots and parsnips. pot before Voth added some shredded Her bubbly 8-year-old sister, Zoe, fed chicken to the remainder. The family them into a food processor. The family often makes vegetarian-only meals, worked in cheerful, practiced unison in sometimes because it’s simpler than the kitchen, which was soon filled with cooking two different dinners. Other the smell of fresh, earthy vegetables. times, it’s because Olivia is at the helm.

“It’s spicy, and it’s absolutely nothing “Now that she is older, there are but veggies,” Voth said of the soup, one times that I come home and dinner’s of the go-to recipes she used when she ready,” says Voth. “And that’s really had to “hide” vegetables from her two special.” kids. Now the girls embrace them with Bethany Yon Meanwhile, at the Bousquets’ home, gusto.

Noah’s newfound vegetarian ideals have The shredded vegetables went into changed the family’s diet — because Bousquet, like Voth, a large soup pot with a bit of butter and olive oil. Olivia would rather not cook two meals every night. Gone is stirred the pot occasionally until the veggies softened the local venison that extended family members once and began to cook down. Then she added stock and a provided, as well as those high-quality frozen chicken medley of spices, including Tabasco, cumin and plenty nuggets Bousquet used to reach for in a pinch. of black pepper. Olivia dipped in a clean spoon to taste.

“I was hoping that he would outgrow it,” she admits, “Too sweet,” she pronounced and continued tinkering, just like he outgrew the phase during which he wore with her mother’s help. camo-colored clothing only. No luck. “If anything, he’s Voth started involving the girls in her cooking early on. She says she didn’t want the time she spent preparing grown stronger in his convictions.”

Bousquet jokes that perhaps she should have anticimeals to exclude her daughters — so into the kitchen they pated her son’s gentle-hearted affection for animals. “His came. name is ‘Noah,’ for crying out loud.” K In the years since, Olivia has grown increasingly

The big concern sometimes is that it just becomes an excuse to eat carbs all day.

february 2014 Kids VT

13

“Mealtime” is a new feature about families and food. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Email it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

kidsvt.com

“Why do people eat animals?”

The question caught Kids VT designer Brooke Bousquet off guard when the older of her two sons, 5-year-old Noah, posed it during bath time a few months ago. Bousquet scrambled for an answer, rattling off something about protein, and about treating animals well during their lives before they end up on a dinner plate.

But Noah wasn’t having it. As he teared up, Bousquet, an omnivore, rushed to reassure him that eating animals is a choice — one he could make for himself.

“I’m going to stand on the tallest ladder in the world and tell people not to eat meat,” Noah told his mother.

Months later, he still maintains a vegetarian diet.

“It wasn’t like we led him down this path,” Bousquet says. “He totally chose it.”

According to a 2009 poll conducted by the Vegetarian Resource Group, an estimated 3 percent of American kids between the ages of 8 and 18 are vegetarian, meaning they don’t eat fish, poultry or meat. Anecdotally, vegetarian advocacy groups say that choice is on the rise among kids and teens.

“You don’t have to freak out about it,” says Bethany Yon, a research associate in the University of Vermont’s department of nutrition and food sciences. She says that if children are still consuming other animal products — such as dairy and eggs — it isn’t difficult for them to get the calcium, iron and vitamin D that they need to thrive.

And there are perks to going veggie: According to a position paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegetarian kids consume less cholesterol and saturated and total fat, as well as more fruits, veggies and fiber than their omnivorous peers.

Yon suggests parents “gently explore” their child’s newfound preferences and discuss ways to approach vegetarianism from a healthy angle. “The big concern sometimes is that it just becomes an excuse to eat carbs all day,” she says.

Williston mom Nicole Voth knows all about that. Her daughter Olivia went through a “noodletarian” stage when she first cut out meat six years ago. But in the years since, Olivia — now a tall, poised 14-year-old with a passion for cooking — diversified her meals. She became

Q go ask dad

Q:

I N T e R v I eW S cO mpI L e d a N d cON d e N Sed B y T He a L e W IS

What advice have you given your kids about dating?

Jamey magowan WINOOSKI Professional announcer, wcaX and Hall communications

Daughter Brianna, 19

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Early on, my daughter tended to gravitate toward boys just because they were popular. I was very involved in her school, so I knew the boys, and I felt like she tended to be attracted to how they were seen as a couple, rather than what they had in common.

I asked her about one of them: “How does he do in school? What kind of music does he like?” She didn’t know. I wanted her to know that choosing people because they were sort of mini-celebrities might not work out that well. I think after a couple of bad strikes, she took my advice to heart.

She hasn’t always taken my advice, Jamey magowan but the one thing I’ve never said is, 6:12 PM“I told you so.” She trusted that I just wanted to make sure she was making the right choice for her.

Now that she’s in college, her relationships have been with very thoughtful people. I’d like to think our conversations had something to do with that.

1/23/14 12:26 PM

10/22/13

the one thing i’ve never said is, ‘i told you so.’

gordon Petersen BURLINGTON President, workPlace solutions

My parents were part of the Greatest Generation, and I’m a baby boomer. My upbringing may have been authoritarian, but my parents taught me a certain respect, and my kids got some of those values from me.

My mother was an Army nurse who told my brother and me, with regard to dating: “If she says, ‘No,’ respect ‘No.’” That’s something I’ve passed down to my son.

With my daughter, well, she’s my first girl. I respect her privacy as an early adolescent. But she’s 12 and, so far, her crushes have all been icon crushes: boy bands, girl bands, One Direction, Austin Mahone.

The thing is, as far as relationships go, you can’t teach self-esteem. There’s no formula for it. If you live it in your life and your family, there’s an osmosis to it.

kids vt

FeBRUaRy 2014

kidsvt.com

Son Lucas, 23; daughter Zoe, 12

media sales, eagle country 97.5fm and nortHeast sPorts network

Daughters Kelsey, 23, Lindey, 21, Taylor, 17 South Burlington’s parks and recreation department puts on a terrific event every year around Valentine’s Day: It’s their annual Father-Daughter dance. For my family, it was a little like practice dating.

The girls get dressed up, and the dads wear a suit and tie. They play great ’70s rock music that draws the dads, with some current music for the kids mixed in. There are refreshments, prizes, gifts and picture taking.

My three girls all went multiple times, so I probably hold the record for attendance. Whenever we went, I would open doors for them, treat them politely. It was a really special evening.

As they got a little older, but still weren’t near dating age, I told them, “When you start dating, you should feel just as good about it, and just as respected, as you did that night.”

I wanted them to know what a good date is like, what to expect, and I let them know that if they ever did feel disrespected or uncomfortable while on a date, they could call us, and we’d come pick them up.

alan levi

WILLISTON

owner, Buttered noodles

Sons Max, 29, Elliot, 27

Because I was pretty open and realistic with my boys, I said, “Be respectful, don’t hurt anyone.” I also said, “A girl has to protect one egg, and you have a million sperm.

Treat that thought with respect.”

With teenagers, so much of what happens to them is not played out in front of you. But we witnessed one hard situation with our boys: In high school, they both liked the same girl. One of them got the girl, and one got hurt. It was painful because there was already sibling rivalry. I had to be a good listener. It was a learning experience, both for our family and from a dating perspective.

Now that they’re older, I watch the drama unfold from a distance. I don’t offer much advice. I might say, “Take what you want from this or take nothing. This is not what you should do, but what I would do.” K

“Go Ask Dad” is a monthly feature in which we ask fathers to answer a question. Got a question or a pop you’d like to hear from?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

14 k8v-PreventChildAbuse0211.indd 1

Brian gloyd SOUTH BURLINGTON

1/27/11 11:33 AM

eat. Learn. PLaY.

Q tHe Art of

matthew thorsen

Mindfulness

B Y a L i son n ova k

the Smilie Memorial School in Bolton, which serves Feb 15-March 22 students in pre-kindergarten March 29-May 10 through fourth grade.

New and Advanced Levels Welcome!

The resulting curriculum Ages 3 through Adult consists of nine weeklong No skate rental at arena lessons with video and attn: Jennifer Lupia - LTS program audio components focusing 802-309-0419 • CVSC_US@yahoo.com www.champlainvalleyskatingclub.org on topics from relaxation to achieving happiness.

Modern Mindfulness also encourages teachers to putk16t-ChampValleySkating0214.indd 1 1/23/14 their own creative spin on the material and classroom discussion.

“A big role of the teacher is to think about the lessons and pepper them throughout the day when there’s an opportunity to talk about mindfulness,” said Foreman.

The pilot program at Fifth-graders at Champlain Elementary School Smilie, she added, had positive effects schoolwide: After six months, program director. At school, these disciplinary referrals to the principal practices can help students deal with decreased by 50 percent, and students social and emotional aspects of learning, made gains in setting goals, listening and such as dealing with stress, getting along relaxing. with others, building confidence and The curriculum is catching on staying engaged. throughout the state. Over the last two years, about 80 Vermont elementary, middle and high school teachers have gone through CML’s mindfulness training.

At Winooski’s JFK Elementary School, 16 teachers use the Modern Mindfulness software in their classrooms. Stefanie Hamble’s fifthgrade class does a five-minute lesson after math each day. The lessons may be short, but Hamble said they help to center and relax the class.

Her students agreed. “In recess, KAtHerine GryKien when we were playing in a big group, I was kind of getting mad at people,” Grykien said she is impressed fifth grader Yatrika Dhamala recalled. with the way her class has internalized “I took a deep breath and calmed the mindfulness exercises they’ve down.” K been practicing since September. “I see the students taking deep breaths during a test. I hear them giving kind, the Center for mindful Learning encouraging words to each other,” offers customizable mindfulness she said. “They tell stories about how training for elementary, middle and it helps them with relationships, not high school teachers and school inonly at school, but at home and with service presentations throughout friends, too.” the year. For more information, Two years ago, CML received a contact Lindsay Foreman at info@ grant to develop software to implement cml.me. k6v-OnionRiverKids0214.indd 1 1/23/14 mindfulness education in schools. For six months, CML piloted a program at

Saturdays, 9-10 a.m.

Gutterson Field House

A cAlm, disembodied voice emAnAted from A computer in

i see students taking deep breaths during tests. i hear them giving kind, encouraging words to each other.

1:19 PM

Kids vt

15

house-2.3x.8-orange.indd 1

FeBruarY 2014

“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Say you saw it in

Kidsvt.com

Katherine Grykien’s dimly lit fifth-grade classroom in Burlington’s Champlain Elementary School.

“Breathe in and straighten your back.

Breathe out and settle your body,” the voice instructed. Twenty-two students sat cross-legged on the floor and followed along, their eyes closed, their hands resting in their laps.

Next, a different voice took over and led the kids in a listening exercise. The students were asked to turn their heads in the direction of any sounds they heard, sending their attention toward them. Then the computer told them to relax and let the sounds come to them, stretching out their palms “to welcome them.”

“Normally, what I do when I hear a distracting sound is try to ignore it,” Charlie McConnell, one of Grykien’s fifth graders, explained after the lesson.

“I think today I’m going to listen to it and then let it go.”

The lesson, which provided five minutes of relaxation before the busy school day got under way, was part of a computerized curriculum called Modern Mindfulness. Grykien learned about it last year at a two-day training with the Center for Mindful Learning, a Burlington-based nonprofit.

Mindfulness refers to a series of practices that lead to focused, relaxed attention, said Lindsay Foreman, CML’s

4:02 PM

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16

Kids VT

February 2014

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New!

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

✱ BOOKWORMS

✱ Book Review Winners

Seasonal Reads

Each month Kids VT invites enthusiastic young critics to send us their reading recommendations for the Book Review contest. Here are this month’s winners; we’ve included excerpts from some of our favorite reviews, below. Each of these readers receives a $25 gift certificate to Burlington’s Crow Bookshop.

In honor of Black History Month, Kids VT asked local educators to recommend children’s books that illuminate the African American experience.

Varsha Karthikeyan, 11 WILLISTON

recommends:

Wonder

BY R.J. PALACIO

The Story Of Ruby Bridges

“My favorite part was when August went to Via’s play. August has a deformed face, but since the play was very important to his sister Via, August was very brave and courageous to go.”

BY ROBERT COLES

Coles tells the true story of Ruby Bridges, a 5-year-old African American girl integrated into an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960.

Ruby was “incredibly brave and compassionate,” says Nari Penson, senior teacher at the Schoolhouse in South Burlington. “I’ve read the story to my kindergarten class. They are always slightly horrified by what Ruby has to go through.

They identify with her age and are so proud of her by the end of the story.”

Oliver Orvis, 9 ESSEX

recommends:

Ages 4-8

Amy Hodgepodge Series

BY KIM AND KEVIN KNOTTS

Ages 7-10

Amy Hodges is a shy homeschooler who has recently started attending traditional school. She earned her nickname, “Hodgepodge,” because of her heritage: Japanese, African American, Korean and white.

Winnie Looby, a graduate teaching fellow in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Vermont, says her 7-year-old enjoys this chapter-book series. “The main character and her friends are of mixed racial and ethnic backgrounds, which is a plus for our family, since we are all of mixed heritage.”

Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Brown, And Me

Maria “Fern” Murphy, 8

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.

recommends:

George’s Marvelous Medicine

BY ROALD DAHL

“I liked when George was giving Grandma the medicine and she went up like a rocket, shouting, ‘Help! Call the fire department! I’m on fire!’”

Dahlia Rubin, 9 BURLINGTON

recommends:

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell

BY CHRIS COLFER

“The story is about a girl and a boy who are twins. Their dad has died, and they were very attached to him. But a part of him that they still have is this fairy tale book. They used to love the stories when they were little. One day they fall into the book.”

17

Find this month’s Book Review contest on page 54.

The deadline is February 15. Happy reading!

KIDS VT

Recommendations compiled by Alison Novak

“This book is action packed and full of tragedies, mysteries and fun tricks.”

FEBRUARY 2014

In this memoir, Stokes writes about helping to end school segregation. In 1951, he and a group of fellow students staged a walkout to protest the atrocious conditions in their all-black Virginia high school.

Ages “It demonstrates how adversity can be overcome,” says 10+ Infinite Culcleasure, a community organizer for Parents for Change. “It tells a great story of how an individual was able to thrive in a confluence of exceptional circumstances, and it reads so fluidly, it can be finished in a day!”

BY ERIN HUNTER

KIDSVT.COM

BY JOHN A. STOKES WITH LOIS WOLFE

Survivors #2: A Hidden Enemy

PHOTOS: STINA BOOTH

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2014 KIDS VT

18

Back: Tyler Martel; middle, from left: Bella Carter, Natalie Jackson, Danielle Perry, Kylie Bryce, Michaela Lombard; sitting: Amelia Parent; and front: Haley Thompson

Kids With a Cause Enosburg Falls teens fight tobacco on their own turf

BY MEGAN JAMES

A

My family members and my friends chew, and it can hurt them.

I would rather not see them with cancer, because I care about them.

WHAT ABOUT CHEW?

I think it’s great when you can get a group of kids who are willing to take a stand.

KIDS VT

19

They were also surprised to read that On a recent weekday afternoon, a dozen 20 percent of Franklin County students who smoked in the 30 days before Enosburg Falls OVX teens sat down taking the survey had bought their own with several boxes of pizza to evaluate cigarettes. the prevalence of smoking, and chewSeventy-four percent of Franklin ing, where they live: Franklin County.

County youth responded they thought Amy Brewer, a health educator from it “would be easy to get cigarettes.”

Northwestern Medical Center and a Brauer, the group’s faculty adviser, longtime collaborator with the group, noted, “A lot of students just go in and brought copies of the recently released buy them.”

2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

The kids continued through the Every two years since 1993, the survey, reading the results out loud. In survey has asked middle and high category after category, their county school students about behaviors lagged the rest of the state. One survey such as tobacco and drug use, alcohol question asked students if they believe consumption, and sexual activity. The that a majority of high school students results suggest that the health departsmoke cigarettes — 23 percent said yes. ment’s antitobacco efforts are making “Do they have a question like that a difference. In 1999, 54 percent of for chew?” Kylie asked.

Vermont high school “Because a lot of people students reported having think everybody does that smoked a whole cigahere.” rette. In 2013, only 24 The most recent survey percent said they had. doesn’t have that question, But the rates in but Brewer said she’d take Franklin County are still the suggestion to the health relatively high. Eleventh department. grader Haley Thompson The EFHS kids’ focus on speculates that’s because CHRIS CHAGNON chew began a few years ago “our town is in such when they invited a dentist a rural area, it’s what from South Hero to talk to them about teenagers rely on to keep them busy.” its harmful effects. In an effort to find At the meeting, Brewer asked the out how many kids were actually using kids to read through the results and the stuff, “Every time they saw a circle identify their county’s strengths and in the pocket or a wad in the mouth, weaknesses. they’d make a note,” said Brewer. The The kids were shocked to learn that 14 percent of Franklin County students said they smoked a whole cigarette before age 13 — twice the state average.

KIDS WITH A CAUSE, P. 20 »

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2014

ccording to students at Enosburg Falls High School, the biggest health threat facing their classmates isn’t drugs, alcohol or even cigarettes. It’s chewing tobacco. Kids aren’t allowed to drink or smoke at school, but some go to class with chew in their mouths and carry around containers to use as spittoons.

“Last year, there were so many kids that would just walk around with a bottle in their pocket, and they would, like, do it during class, when the teacher wasn’t looking,” says 11th grader Natalie Jackson.

On a school field trip last year, 11th grader Kylie Bryce says she woke up from a nap on the bus to find chew spit on her blanket.

In rural Franklin County, says guidance counselor Sandra Brauer, chew is “a rite of passage for the guys. It’s traditional; it happens in their families.” Its prevalence at the school has been “disgusting,” she says. And harmful — chewing tobacco can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, heart disease and various types of oral cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. And because chew contains nicotine, kids get addicted to it.

A few years ago, it was so ubiquitous, Brauer says, “You’d walk down the hallway or up the stairs and there was spit all over the place.” And teachers were ignoring the problem.

Eleventh grader Hannah Johnson found it harder to ignore.

“My family members and my friends chew, and it can hurt them,” she says. “I would rather not see them with cancer, because I care about them.”

So Hannah and her friends, including Natalie and Kylie, decided to take action. The three teens are among a dozen students who are active in the Enosburg Falls chapter of Our Voices Xposed, the state’s high school antitobacco program. The EFHS group meets once a month to engage in hands-on projects aimed at convincing kids and community members to stop using tobacco products.

Over the past few years, EFHS students have helped create smokefree zones in town; they ran a successful community postcard drive, conducted research and lobbied the high school faculty. Those efforts are not only paying off in substantive HANNAH JOHNSON changes, they’re fostering leadership and advocacy skills among the kids.

About 400 youngsters across the state are involved with OVX and its middle school equivalent, Vermont Kids Against Tobacco.

Both efforts were established by the Vermont Department of Health: VKAT in 1995; OVX in 2001. Fifteen high schools currently have OVX chapters.

It’s an apt time to evaluate youth tobacco use. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the surgeon general’s landmark report that linked smoking to lung cancer. And a new report from the current surgeon general has revealed some chilling new findings.

“Smoking really is even worse than we knew,” Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told NPR’s “Morning Edition” last month. Cigarettes have now been proven to cause diabetes, colorectal and liver cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, impaired fertility, and immune-system weakness. They can even cause stroke in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

“If we don’t act now, 5.6 million of our children will be killed by tobacco,” Frieden said. The OVX kids have their work cut out for them.

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Continued from p. 19

declared smoke-free. “It was really kids compiled their findings — which empowering,” recalled Brauer. revealed that dip was indeed prevaA more recent community camlent in the school — and took them to paign involved the a faculty meeting. local Hannaford Since then, supermarket, awareness of the whose smokeless chew problem tobacco products at the school has are visible in a grown. Last fall, display case near the OVX group the checkout launched its latest aisles —at eye campaign: to get level with small local doctors and children. dentists to talk to OVX kids did all of their young their research patients about the NATALie JAcKsoN and learned dangers of chewthat according ing tobacco. to tobacco-control standards, such Under the guidance of another products should be displayed more adult, Sarah Jo Willey, who runs than three feet off the ground. They the business leadership program at invited the store manager, Chris nearby Cold Hollow Career Center, they created a short video appeal they Chagnon, to come speak with them.

Then, with his encouragement, they plan to send to medical professionals launched a community postcard in their community. campaign.

“Dentists and doctors are trusted,” They collected 700 postcards — 12th grader Bella Carter explained. each with a unique message from “You want the people who are taking community members explaining why care of you to care about you.” they didn’t want tobacco products displayed where children could see AcTiVisT Rep them — which they sent to Hannaford The student population in Enosburg corporate headquarters. Before Falls has turned over twice since the the kids could follow up with the high school got involved in antitobacco advocacy, so the current crop of representative there, said Brewer, they learned she had already called OVXers has a reputation to maintain.

Chagnon and talked to him about The biggest accomplishment of its redesigning the display. “I got a call predecessors: two smoke-free parks from someone at our corporate office, in town. who was very pleased with the initiaBack in 2008, OVX students spent tive they took,” he says. an afternoon picking up trash at The redesign has yet to happen, but Lincoln Park, which is adjacent to the kids are hopeful it will soon. the school. “Within 20 minutes, the Chagnon was impressed with the kids picked up — I can still remember group’s tenacity. “I think it’s great the number — 1827 cigarettes,” said when you can get a group of kids who Brauer. “Tobacco outweighed the are willing to take a stand,” he said. other trash by huge proportions.”

“Especially knowing that they’re Motivated by their findings, the going up against a big company, as group visited Enosburg Falls’ annual opposed to some of the Vermont Dairy Festival smaller, individually to conduct a survey. owned stores. These They wanted to know if Get involved kids had the enthusiasm people would support a with oVX and put themselves out smoke-free park; more there.” than 80 percent said Visit ovx.org/getThe OVX kids they would. involved-ovx to join recently finished The kids presented an existing group or another, more lighttheir survey results to learn how to start hearted project: a series the town and, by the your own. To connect of posters featuring end of the school year, with VKAT, visit photographs of their both Lincoln and Maple govkat.org. pets sitting next to parks were officially

Last year, there were so many kids that would just walk around with a bottle in their pocket and they would, like, do it during class, when the teacher wasn’t looking.

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slogans such as “Secondhand smoke makes me feel ‘ruff.’”

At their recent meeting, they brainstormed names of local businesses that would hang the posters.

Sarah Jo Willey encouraged them to reach out directly to business owners.

If they asked the owner of Bates Farm Home & Garden, for example, he might agree to let them staple the small posters to bags.

“You have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate your leadership in this community, challenging adults to think differently,” Willey told the kids. “It’s something you can do way better than we can.”

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lese Snay, a senior at Milton High School, has always wanted her dad to quit smoking, but until she joined Our Voices Xposed, the state’s antitobacco youth program, last summer, she wasn’t sure she had the tools to convince him.

Last November, Snay joined more than 70 kids from around northern Vermont at the annual youth summit for OVX and its middle school equivalent, Vermont Kids Against Tobacco, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlington.

Many of these kids, who spent the day learning to deliver their message to the media, have personal connections to the cause — their parents smoke, or their grandparents died of lung cancer. “Every kid has a right to breathe clean air,” said Gabbi, a student at St. Albans City School, referring to the program’s Free My Ride campaign to keep secondhand smoke out of cars.

Milton Middle Schooler Megan was psyched to get her message out. “I like to give back to the world,” she said. “I want everyone to be healthy.”

KIDSVT.COM

21

Though individual schools run OVX chapters, they rely on outside financial support to keep the groups going. The Vermont Department of Health created OVX shortly after the major tobacco companies agreed to pay a $200 billion settlement to states to recover their tobacco-related health care costs, and to fund efforts to prevent kids from picking up the habit.

Vermont’s settlement funds went toward the formation of several community coalitions to prevent alcohol, tobacco and drug use. But a separate $1.5 million grant from the American Legacy Foundation — which was established with settlement funds — went toward the creation of OVX, according to Rhonda Williams, a chronic disease prevention chief with the health department. Since then, the youth program has received additional funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The original goal for OVX was simple: Provide opportunities for kids to learn the truth about tobacco advertising. Young folks should understand that they’re being played, Williams said, that the tobacco industry sees new smokers as replacements for older ones who have died. “That’s a powerful kernel of truth to expose to Vermont youth,” Williams said.

Still, the future of OVX’s funding is uncertain. “We’re toward the end of a five-year cycle with our CDC funds, and it’s unclear what it will exactly look like when we’re invited to apply for more funding,” says Williams, who wants to see the program continue.

“Evidence certainly points to the fact

that tobacco-control programs, if they are adequately funded, do have a positive impact on reduction.”

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the OVX anti-chew efforts appear to be paying off; just 12 percent of Franklin County high school students reported using chew in the past 30 days, down from 16 percent in 2011. That was an exciting find for the kids.

Noted Bella Carter, “You can actually see the change happening.”

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1/23/14 10:11 AM

Slip Slidin’ Away

BY KEN PICARD

22

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

I

experienced my first childhood adrenaline rush hurtling downhill in Long Island’s Syosett Park on a classic wooden Flexible Flyer. At the time, the snow-covered community park hill seemed taller than Mount Everest. I bombed down headfirst, trying to ride as fast and far as I could.

Forty-something years later, I found myself pulling my two kids — Manya, 4, and Ezra, 20 months — up a slippery slope at Winooski’s Landry Park for their first-ever day of sledding. Halfway up the hill, as kids and parents screamed by us, I positioned my son in his older sister’s lap, gave her a quick tutorial on how to steer and slow down, then aimed them downhill.

Moments after I let go, the sled veered wildly off course — straight toward a chain-link fence. For a few terrifying seconds, my blood turned to ice. But the kids reached the bottom without incident. It was the perfect metaphor for parenting.

And they both enjoyed the ride.

Normally cautious Manya was uncharacteristically enthusiastic.

“Let’s go again!” she said.

To help you and your kids enjoy one of childhood’s greatest thrills, we’ve put together a guide to some of Vermont’s best sledding spots. While it’s virtually impossible to list them all in a state where nearly any sloped pasture will suffice, we’ve tried to identify tried-and-true hills, as well as a few slopes off the beaten path. You’ll find more online at kidsvt.com.

All slopes listed here are free and on public land unless otherwise indicated. If you try one of the few we’ve included on private property, please be mindful of landowners and respect all signage, fences, livestock and parking restrictions. And consider outfitting kids, and adults, in helmets so the fun never ends — for more tips, see “Fast and Furious: Sledding Safely.”

COURTESY OF KEN PICARD

The Kids VT guide to some of Vermont’s best sledding spots

Manya Graczyk-Picard and Riley Austin sled Cascade Park in Essex

CALAHAN PARK

CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Locust Street, Burlington

Earl Handy, owner of Handy’s Lunch Counter, grew up in Burlington’s South End and has vivid 568 South Prospect Street, Burlington memories of sledding down this hill.

This hill is located on private “My friends and I would walk over property, but sliders of all ages flock and spend hours upon hours there,” he to it when the snow flies. From the says. “For me, Calahan Park was the club parking lot, walk place to go.” due west until you spot The city-owned park the obvious downhill offers gentle, small- to run. Depending upon medium-size slopes their size and appetite for tots, plus steeper, for adventure, kids high-speed runs for EARL HANDY can push off at several more experienced sleddifferent access points. ders. The best part: All The terrain is wide and diverse, with a of them empty into a ball field, which long run-out at the bottom. provides a long and flat run-out. The The country club does not officially only obstacles to avoid are a foul-line endorse sledding on its property, so pole and two light stanchions. Parking you slide at your own risk. And be is free and ample, with a playground forewarned: The hill is easily accesnearby.

Handy, who attended Christ the sible to students from the University King School just across Locust Street, of Vermont, Champlain College and much of Burlington, so it gets crowded fondly remembers one teacher, Sister Ursula, taking her students to sled at with more than just small kids.

BURLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB

For me, Calahan Park was the place to go.

Calahan after big snowstorms. The nun often joined in the fun — in a full habit!

Handy, now a parent, admits he hasn’t taken his twins, Nicholas and Genevieve, 5, to Calahan Park yet.

“Next year they’ll probably be ready,” he says. “Right now, we still sled on our front lawn at home. That way I don’t have to carry the sleds all the way back up the hill.”

CASEY’S HILL

68 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill

Generations of Pleasant Valley residents have slid down this townowned hill, which offers steep, wide runs with no obstacles or major hazards and a long run-out. “Casey’s Hill goes on forever,” says Mark Redmond, executive director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services.

He and his 11-year-old son, Liam, are avid sledders. “It makes the Burlington Country Club look like a walk in the park. Take your kids there.

They’ll love it!”

Mad River Rocket

COURTESY OF PARKER SELLERS

Sledding in a Warren backyard

CATAMOUNT OUTDOOR FAMILY CENTER

592 Governor Chittenden Road, Williston

Since 1873, the McCullough family has owned this property, which includes a house built by Vermont’s first governor, Thomas Chittenden.

Catamount offers family-friendly sledding seven days a week, weather and conditions permitting. Sledding is free for kids 6 and under, $2 for those 7 and up. Bring your own sleds.

LANDRY PARK

Pine Street, Winooski

7470 Route 116, St. George

This privately owned golf club isn’t far from downtown Hinesburg. From the parking lot, an east-facing slope starts steep and narrow but quickly opens up into a very wide and long downhill run that eventually banks southward. With the exception of a

College campus, adjacent to Alumni Stadium.

This college-owned golf course offers several slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and is popular among college students and locals.

SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY, P. 24 »

23

“I’m 54 years old and I still go sledding there,” Sarah Soule,

This hill runs 300 vertical feet to the landing zone. The lower portion is mentors an 11-year-old girl named gentle and suitable for younger kids; Makayla, who also loves to go sledding the higher portion is seriously steep. on the northern hill, even when the According to the park owners, sliders temps approach zero. “She keeps me who push off from the top can pick up outdoors all winter, which is great for speed on the steeper slope, then fly out me.” onto the flatter, more gradual slope Soule says that first-time sledders for a smooth ride all the way down. shouldn’t be intimidated by the size Snow tubes work best from the launch of the hill or the creek at the bottom; spot on the lower slope, 75 feet up. most sledders stop before reaching The park also features a packed and it. But for those who don’t, she adds, groomed chute carved into the hill.

“Sometimes you just have to ditch and Sharp Park, which is privately run, dive” to avoid it. charges an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. Two-hour snow tube rentals MT. PHILO STATE PARK are $12. (The gate fee is waived if you rent two or more tubes.) Sliding is free 5425 Mt Philo Rd., Charlotte with your own equipment, as there is The good news is there’s no enno lift. A renovated barn has a warmtrance fee during the winter. The bad: ing area, restrooms, hot drinks and Vermont products for sale.

It’s a long hike up the winding moun“The hill is great. It’s huge!” notes tain road. But the payoff is huge: a long, longtime Milton resident Lynn fast, challenging trip down. Mt. Philo Caldwell, whose 13- and 15-year-old is not recommended for very young kids grew up sledding at Cobble Hill or inexperienced sledders who are before the park had an entrance fee. unable to stop or steer on their own.

Caldwell says Cobble Hill probably isn’t the best hill for preschoolers OLD ROUND CHURCH unless they start halfway down the hill.

25 Round Church Road, Richmond Note: Helmets are mandatory for all children. The park has 35 chilEven though this hill is short, you dren’s helmets and 10 adult helmets can really get moving on it. Optional available at no charge. reward: On the Rise Bakery is just across the road, serving pastries ADDISON COUNTY and hot cocoa. Limited parking is available.

RALPH MYHRE GOLF COURSE ROCKY RIDGE GOLF CLUB At the south end of the Middlebury

KIDS VT

Shelburne, behind the Shelburne Post Office

Centennial Woods, Burlington Ethan Allen Park, Burlington North Beach Park, Burlington Oakledge Park, Burlington Schmanska Park, Burlington Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg Five Tree Hill Park, Williston The Long Trail, Bennington Equinox Mountain, Manchester Living Memorial Park, Brattleboro

204 Cobble Hill Road, Milton

FEBRUARY 2014

LAPLATTE NATURE PARK

Find more details about these sledding spots at kidsvt.com:

SHARP PARK

KIDSVT.COM

This short but steep hill starts narrow, then opens up into a wider run-out. Parents of toddlers beware: Older kids sometimes build moguls on the left-hand side of the slope. There’s one hazard at the bottom of the hill: a chain-link fence that surrounds the tennis court.

director of admissions and college counseling at Vermont Commons School in South Burlington, says of Shelburne’s reliable downhill slope.

“It’s phenomenal!”

The location offers several good sledding runs, depending upon your skill level. A large hill to the north is long, wide and gentle, with a run-out that stops at a small creek. A larger bowl immediately to the south, located directly behind the post office, is steeper, bumpier and eventually leads into some woods. A sign at the post office directs vehicles to park in a lot off Shelburne Avenue.

Soule, who grew up on nearby Shelburne Point, often sledded the LaPlatte hill as a child. She now

cluster of trees at the very top, the hill offers plenty of wide-open terrain safe for sliders of all ages.

CONTINUED FROM P. 23

FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN

Slip Slidin’ Away FRANKLIN COUNTY BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY FAIRFAX 75 Hunt Street, Fairfax

The school’s physical education classes and cross-country and other teams often use the long, steep hill behind the school. “If I were going to go sledding — besides in my own backyard — I’d go there,” says Michelle Brown, coach of the BFA-Fairfax varsity cheerleading team and a sales executive for Seven Days.

HUBBARD PARK

Parkway Street, Montpelier

HARD’ACK RECREATION AREA

179 Congress Street, St. Albans

In addition to sledding, the nonprofit Hard’ack Recreation Area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and groomed downhill skiing and snowboarding, with a 700-foot rope tow. No entrance fees or lift tickets are required, but donations are requested.

Guinevere Brownell and Kristin DeGraff tube down Mt. Philo

LAMOILLE COUNTY

In the 1970s, Marshall Hill was a ski slope with a 450-foot T-bar. In August 2013, the town of Stowe purchased the land and made it accessible to sledders. The south-facing hillside is broad, long and quite steep, but the open meadow below allows plenty of room to slow down and regroup.

Parking is available in the nearby Stowe Elementary School lot.

WASHINGTON COUNTY GRANVILLE GULF

24

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

between Warren and Granville

Warren-based architect Dave Sellers invented the Mad River Rocket, a short, maneuverable sled designed for a kneeling rider. Sellers, who at 75 is still an avid slider, recommends exploring a winding stretch of Route 100 just south of Warren toward Granville. Across the river on the western slope, Sellers and his son, Parker, 32, found a series of gullies created by the many smaller creeks that flow downhill into the river. After a heavy snowfall, Sellers says, the gullies become “natural half-pipes” which are ideal for sledding.

“You just get out of your car with

By far the most popular sledding hill in Montpelier, Hubbard Park attracts sliders of all ages. Little ones can ride the smaller, gentler hills located to the right of, and just above, the main sledding hill. The Montpelier Parks Department asks sledders and snowboarders who perform jumps to do so on the sides and top half of the hill only and to be mindful of smaller riders.

Note: A berm at the bottom of the hill is meant to keep sledders off the road, but when conditions are icy, it’s easy to ride over it.

LINCOLN GAP

MARSHALL HILL

282 Park Street, Stowe

your Rocket, and there must be 20 or 30,” Dave Sellers says. His son, who has a 1-year-old of his own, says it’s about a half hour hike up to the top of each hill and a five- to 10-minute run down.

Note: This logged but still wooded terrain is recommended only for experienced sliders with maneuverable sleds. Helmets are strongly advised.

Warren

Casey’s Hill goes on forever. It makes the Burlington Country Club look like a walk in the park.

MARK REDMOND

Fast and Furious: Sledding Safely

Cruising downhill at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour is exhilarating but not without obvious risks. Each year, more than 22,000 Americans end up in the emergency room from sledding, tobogganing and snow-tubing accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of those injuries are minor. But in 2011, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that about one in three kids hospitalized from a sledding accident had suffered a significant head injury; one in 10 left with a permanent disability.

Here are some ways to make sledding safer: • Wear a helmet and dress in layers to provide extra warmth and padding.

• Choose a slope free of obstacles such as trees, rocks, poles and stumps.

• Avoid hills that end in a parking lot, road, stream, pond or fence.

• Never sled on an ice-covered slope or one with large bare patches.

• Face forward and ride down the hill feet first.

• Allow only one sled at a time down the hill, and don’t walk up a section of slope where others are sledding.

• Use a sled that can be steered.

• Have a parent present: Collisions are about three times more likely when adults aren’t around.

• Never ride a sled, tube or toboggan pulled by a motor vehicle.

When the Lincoln Gap Road, which links the towns of Warren and Lincoln, closes in winter, it opens for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Drive uphill until you see the road-closure sign, then park on the street. From the Warren side, it’s about a 30-minute hike up to enjoy a two-mile-long downhill run. This slope is not recommended for little tykes, or inexperienced or weak-kneed sledders.

Helmets are strongly recommended for anyone sledding this hill.

SUGARBUSH RESORT GOLF COURSE

1091 Golf Course Road, Warren

This privately owned sledding hill is popular among families in the Mad River Valley, including those with young kids. One local resident recommends hole No. 4 for its excellent short, steep and wide-open slope.

UNION 32 HIGH SCHOOL

930 Gallison Hill Road, Montpelier

Behind the school is a long, primo slope that empties onto the football field. There are no obstacles or hazards to avoid, so it’s good for kids of all ages.

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Evergreen Preschool Board December 3rd

1/24/14 10:55 AM

Attendees:

1.

2.

A. Bessette M. Bodette T. Bruss J. Fearon L. Holmes J. Johnson K. Mathews A. McGuire J. Smith S. Torncello

Welcome & Roll Call -A. McGuire noted that a quorum had b

Review and approve minutes of 11/05/13 Meeti

Motion was made by M. Bodette, seconded by J and motion carried.

3.

creative summer fun NCIAL AID is availab le.

FINA

camps for

Reports : a. President– Alex -none b.

Vice President – Jen -none

c.

Treasurer – Katrina -K. Mathews asked if there were any co -She pointed out that some things, like some of the overages.

A related question about receiving the c information. As T. Bruss will be leavin -A. McGuire asked A. Bessette to be ve such large upfront expenditures for the

ages 4-19

plus adult & teen classes

Wizards, Wands & Magical Lands; Aliens vs.

Vampires; Lights... Camera... Action; Star Wars: Jedi Training; Camp Half Blood; Jazz Improv; Zombie vs. Ninjas!; History Comes Alive!

AGES 11+: Broadway From Start to Finish; Broadway Bound; Hip-Hop & Jazz Dance; Radio Plays; The Hunger Games... a Comedy!; Jazz Improv; Summertime Jazz Program; Flash Mob & Music: Video Dance Camp; Monty Python Sketchfest; History Comes Alive!

FEBRUARY 2014

AGES 8-10: Broadway From Start to Finish;

KIDSVT.COM

AGES 6-8: Shipwrecked! Pirates & Palaces; Secret Agent Academy; Horses, Snails, & Fairy Tales; Magic Tree House Adventures; Broadway Kids; Ultimate Superheroes; Fairy & Unicorn Ballet; Musical Playground

AGES 13-19: Summer Musicals (auditions 3/8); Queer & Allied Youth Theater

KIDS VT

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2014 CaMP GuIDe

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Focused training, mindful teaching.

Vermont parents sound off about sending kids to camp By c aT h y R e sme R

WheRe can youR Kids leaRn to dance like a ninja, grow vegetables and help the other fellow first? Summer camp, of course!

If you’re planning to send your kids to camp, now’s the time to start signing up for sessions. This month’s Kids VT Camp Guide includes information about regional camps, as well as parent responses to our first-ever Camp Experience Survey. We asked our readers to share their knowledge about local summer camps, and they didn’t disappoint.

We heard from 129 respondents from all over the state. Most were moms, but a few dads chimed in, as well. Nearly 90 percent said they plan to send their kids to at least one camp this summer. About 66 percent plan to enroll in more than one; 11 percent said they’d be signing up for five or more this year.

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Summer Dance Camps, Classes & Intensives!

At the Confluence in Berlin www.movinglightdance.com 802-426-2011

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1/22/14k8v-CampABNAKIYMCA0213.indd 9:54 AM 1

A handful of parents admitted that they’d never sent kids to camp, but most of our respondents — 96 percent — said they’d be enrolling at least one child in a daytime program. About a third said they’d be sending one or more kids to sleepaway camp.

The experienced parents had lots of tips and suggestions to share. We’ve excerpted some of them in this month’s issue of Kids VT; we’ll print more feedback in next month’s Camp Guide.

In April, we’ll let their kids explain why they can’t wait to go back to camp.

Want to talk with camp staff directly?

Come to our 17th annual Kids VT Camp and School Fair, Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burlington Hilton. It’s a chance to have face-to-face conversations with representatives from more than 50 camps and schools. Hope to see you there!

1/23/13 1:26 PM

Why do parents send their kids to camp?

It’s a great opportunity to explore something new, or to be outside doing things they wouldn’t normally do. mauReen Tansey, noRTh haRTland

My kids have met some good buddies that they otherwise probably wouldn’t have.

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Kids VT

February 2014

KidsVT.com

Julie GRamlinG, FeRRisBuRGh

Registration Now Open for Freestyle & Gymnastic Camps!

Last year, my 11-year-old learned that he can ride his mountain bike from Williston to Essex, then ride on the trails, go for a swim and ride all the way back in the rain without complaining. That would definitely not be possible with mom or dad leading the way.

BecKy ThaRp, WillisTon, Kids VT conTRiBuToR

GreenMountainFreestyle.com

802.652.2455

GreenMountainGymnastics.com

802.652.2454

260 Avenue D, Suite 30 • Williston (off Industrial Ave.) k4t-GmGymnastics0313.indd 1

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Hiring a sitter and working out a weekly rate would be more affordable, but I don’t think it would provide as much adventure. helen RocK, BuRlinGTon, Kids VT conTRiBuToR

“It allows us to appreciate each other even more when we have time away from each other.”

Dynamic, whole-child-based school is accepting applications until May 15 for the 2014-2015 school year.

Visit our website for our

2014 Class Schedule

Erin Kihm, BrisTol

“I have the summer off. For me, sending kids to camp is a vacation of sorts for myself!” mEgAn cAnnEllA, EAsT monTpEliEr

At what age are kids ready to go to camp?

There’s no one-size-fits-all campreadiness age, as child development experts will tell you. Most of our survey respondents — about 55 percent — said their kids started at age 5 or 6. Another 24 percent waited until their kids were 7 or 8. And 20 percent said they sent kids age 4 or younger to camp.

But it can be hard to find programs aimed at kids younger than 4, some of whom may not be in preschool yet. A Shelburne mom noted that Shelburne Farms used to have a half-day camp for 3-year-olds, but now camps there only accept kids 4 and up. “Probably wise,” she wrote.

Many parents enroll their kids in day camp for a few years before shipping them off to sleepaway. Sara Haskins of Morrisville said she started her kids on day camp at age 5, and sleepaway at age 9.

Burlington mom Alice Stokes said her kids started overnight camp a little sooner. “My oldest went to sleepaway camp at age 8,” she said. “My middle child is 8 this year and may go to sleepaway camp. We haven’t decided, but I think he’s ready!”

sleep-away camps, including Covenant Vermont’s only certified Tuesday, March 11 5:30-6:30pm Hills Christian Camp in Cabot, Camp Richmond Library, Richmond Irish Dance School!

Dudley in Westport, N.Y. and its sister • Individualized learning plans All Ages…All Levels camp, Camp Dudley at Kiniya in • Intimate class size Colchester.

• Serving grades 4-8 Did you enjoy Two YMCA-run camps in the watching Riverdance?

Champlain Islands, Camp Abnaki for Why not learn boys and Camp Hochelaga for girls, some of the steps? earned high marks. Both offer day and sleepaway sessions. Brian Pine of Call now for information on Summer Mini Camps Burlington gave a shout out to Camp Abnaki, whose motto is “help the other Classes offered in fellow first.” Pine is a fan “because the Williston & Middlebury boys have some freedom and build lasting friendships.”

Erinn Rolland of Waterbury recomFor more information, visit Beth Anne McFadden T.C.R.G. mended Camp for Me, a day camp in mansfieldcooperative.org or contact (802) 999-5041 Julia Lesauskis at learntoliberate@gmail.com Stowe. “All the kids are adopted, and www.mcfaddenirishdance.com that creates an immediate connection and bond,” she said.

Many parents mentioned theme k8v-mansfieldcoop0214.indd 1 1/24/14 k8v-McFaddenAcademy0214.indd 10:57 AM 1 1/22/14 11:35 AM camps that offer kids a chance to play sports, ride bikes, practice an instrument, act in plays, try welding, go sailing, build with LEGOs, ride horses, practice archery and gymnastics, and/or play outside. Jennifer Kalbfleisch of Fairfax says the St. Albans Rec Department swim camp is her kids’ “all-around favorite because they love the water and the staff is fantastic.” Her oldest son also enjoyed a preschool science camp put on by the Fairfax Rec Department.

“Partners in Adventure allows kids with and without disabilities to participate in tons of amazing activities at various levels,” wrote Laurie Mumley of Shelburne.

Sara Garland of East Montpelier said “ninja dance camp” at the Contemporary Dance and Fitness studio in Montpelier was a hit with u u u her girls. “It was a great introduction to self-expression through dance,” she wrote, “wrapped in the coolness of being u u a ninja.”

Farm-themed programs are also popular. Miriam Block of Starksboro recommended Maybelle Farm in Wardsboro, where her kids “learned how to needle felt and take care of sheep.”

And Burlington dad Jules Fishelman said his kids love New Village Farm in

The Schoolhouse

Learn in multi-­‐age classes.

Play in the gym. Explore outside.

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Kids VT

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February 2014

Survey SayS… p. 29 »

Preschool Elementary Vacation & Summer Camps Now enrolling for Summer Camps and Fall 2014 www.theschoolhousevt.org

KidsVT.com

What are some of Vermont kids’ favorite camps?

Day camps run by Shelburne Farms, Burlington City Arts, Davis Studios, the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and Petra Cliffs came up most frequently in response to this question.

Rachel Shelley of Burlington said her kids love the BCA camps. “For my youngest, the Tadpole camps have been a big hit, and my older son now loves all the clay camps,” she wrote.

Sheldon mom Deanna Haag recommended Shelburne Farms’ “Horses, Snails and Fairy Tales” day camp: “So good, my daughter wanted to do it again!”

The cooking camp at Davis Studios was tops with Julia Andrews of Westford, who sent her daughter there: “She still uses the recipes!”

Several parents mentioned

INFORMATION MEETING Tuesday, February 18 5:30-6:30pm Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Underhill

CAMP GUIDE 201

4

Summer Camp • Afterschool • April Vacation Camp

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Register online now at newvillagefarm.com

New Village Farm Shelburne, VT

register online at

newvillagefarm.com

SUGARBUSH ADVENTURE CAMPS

2014

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MINI ADVENTURE CAMP (ages 3-5) Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM Jun 23 – Aug 22 (excluding July 4) Activities include swimming, hiking, rock climbing, arts and more. Early drop-off and late pick-up available. $265/child/week.

ADVENTURE CAMP (ages 6-12) Mon – Fri, 9 AM– 4 PM Jun 30 – Aug 22 (excluding July 4) Biking, ziplining, hiking, naturalist tours, swimming, climbing and more. Lunch included. $315/child/week.

KIDSVT.COM

SATURDAy ADVENTURE CAMP (ages 6-12) Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM (half-day) or 9 AM – 4 PM (full-day) Jul 5 – Aug 23 Same as the Adventure Camp, but offered as a single day camp on Saturdays. Lunch included. $90/child/full-day; $60/child/half-day.

FEBRUARY 2014

MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE CAMP (ages 8-17) Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM Jul 21 – 25, Aug 11 – 15, and Aug 18 – 22 $420/child/week.

1/22/14 2:50 PM

JUNIOR GOLF CAMP (ages 6-17) Tue – Fri, 9:30 AM – 12 PM Jul 8 – 11 and Aug 12 – 15 Camp focuses on intro to golf, instruction, course knowledge, rules, games and more.

Taught by accomplished PGA Professionals.

Lunch and gift included. $375/child/week.

JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP (ages 8-14) Tue – Fri, 9:30 AM – 12 PM Jul 8 – 11 and Aug 12 – 15 Hit the tennis courts each afternoon for drills and games led by the coaches of New England Tennis Holidays (NETH).

For reservations, call NETH at 800.869.0949. $175/child/week.

ALSO AVAILABLE • Day rates for Mini Adventure, Adventure and Mountain Bike Adventure Camps • First Timer One- and Three-Day Mountain Bike Lesson Packages • Private and Group Mountain Bike Guide Service for all levels

KIDS VT

hike • bike • swim • rock climb • zipline • golf • tennis

28

For reservations and more information, visit SUGARBUSH.CoM or call 800.53.SUGAR. k2h-Sugarbush0214.indd 1

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KidsVT_Alice_Camps_Feb14_4.75x11.25.pdf 1 1/22/2014 12:34:18 PM

a m PS

continued From p. 27

Shelburne. “Great staff, lots to do, and the kids were proud to show some of their labor by bringing home veggies!” he wrote.

Kids VT contributor Tasha Lehman of Williston was surprised to find that her three boys enjoyed family camp at Camp Ohana on Lake Fairlee. “They loved trying new things and being adventurous together as a family.”

Has your child ever had a bad experience at camp?

The vast majority of respondents answered “no” to this question, but a few parents reported disappointments and

mishaps. We heard of a few instances of broken bones, bullying, untrained counselors in over their heads, mean girls and a case of Lyme disease. Most parents were reluctant to name names, but several said they were underwhelmed by the parks-and-rec camps in their towns.

The most common complaint? Bad weather forced the kids indoors, and the counselors were ill-prepared to deal. “I wished I’d asked them what the rainy day plan was,” lamented one East Montpelier mom. “There were several rainy (pouring!) days during camp, and they ended up sitting in a crowded, sweaty room on the floor.”

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What advice do you have for parents who’ve never sent their kids to camp?

Let them go, they’ll have a blast.

kid

ne

Survey Says…

s

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Kim Tardie, Barre

Kids have great fun, and in Vermont there are so many wonderful options. sean recicar, colcHesTer

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kid

Survey SayS… p. 33CM»

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Ages 7 - 12. Available Monday - Friday for six weekly sessions, June 16 - Aug. 1, 2014.

Shuttle service included.

@ECHOvt

For more info call 802.332.6841 or visit www.smuggs.com/kidsvt

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ECHOVERMONT.ORG

877.324.6386

29

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

Kids VT

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center

February 2014

ECHO offers School Vacation Camps and Summer Camps for children K - 6th grade. For more information visit echovermont.org/camps or call 1.877.324.6386 ext. 142.

KidsVT.com

Join us at America’s Family Resort for the ultimate in Summer fun! Choose from our traditional camp program or one of our special interest camps — including backpacking or survival camp.

m

ly It o n

NOW OPEN

p

some of your hidden talents this Summer...

1/22/14 3:15 PM

MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPS

MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Friday, February 14, 8:30-10 a.m. for learners entering 6th to 8th grades for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Please visit our website and click on “Admissions” for more information.

Three incredible summer camps for musical theatre enthusiasts!

Registration opens March 1, 2014

Christ the King School

Session 1: (Ages 8-13) July 7-11, 2014 Session 2: (Ages 8-13) July 21-25, 2014

3 years old to 8th Grade

Session 3: (Ages 13-17) July 28-Aug 1, 2014 lyrictheatrevt.org | (802) 658-1484 k12v-LCWaldorf0214.indd 1

Night Eagle

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136 Locust Street Burlington, VT 862-6696 www.cksvt.org

1/23/14 1:27 PM

We are proud to offer a comprehensive academic program in a faith-filled environment.

osteel@cksvt.org

facebook.com/cksvt

Wilderness Adventures A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains

tipi living ▲ nature crafts ▲ canoeing ▲ backpacking ▲ wilderness skills ▲ tracking atlatls ▲ ’hawk throwing swimming ▲ archery ▲ hiking k8v-ChristKing0214.indd ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and much more! ▲

1

((802) 802) 773-7866 446-6100

www.nighteaglewilderness.com 1/4/12 2:01 PM

LEAP!

Age 4-7

Summer Camps

Age 7-9

(Learn + Play) kidsvt.com

Creative fun for children ages 5-13!

February 2014

FIND OUT MORE: visit the Museum web site or call 802-985-3346 x3395

To learn about our camps, the schedule or to sign up please visit:

B U R l i N G T O N C i T yA R T S . O R G or call 865.7166

1/22/14 2:37 PM

Kids!

B-Tru Dance

Mon 3:15-4pm Hip Hop Tues 3:15-4pm Yoga Thurs 3:15-4pm Creative Ballet NEW Class Sat 8:30-9:15am Hip Hop

All classes perform in our Spring Showcase!

Mon 4-5pm Lyrical 1 Mon 5-6pm Girls Hip Hop Tues 4-5pm Yoga Thurs 4-5pm Boys Breakin

Age 10-15

Tues 4-5pm Tween Yoga NEW Class Wed 2:30-3:30pm Tween Yoga Wed 3:45-4:45 pm Tween/Teen Lyrical Wed 4:45-5:45 pm tween/Teen Hip Hop Thurs 4-5pm BOYS Breakin

SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS!

Kids VT

START JUNE 16 FOR AGES 3-18

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&

Call for a full brochure:

k6h-NightEagle0112.indd 1

SUMMER ART CAMPS

Art French Music PE Technology Athletic & Enrichment Opportunities Licensed After-School Program

Limited spots available

FAMILY & MULTIPLE

Class Discounts !

Hip Hop Dance Full Day Camp FEBRUARY BREAK age 8-13 | $250 | 9-3pm

Dance & Yoga Full Day Camp SPRING BREAK ages 8+ | $250 | 9-3pm

Mini Hip Hop Dance Camp FEBRUARY BREAK ages 4-7 | $150 | 10:15-1:30pm

Mini Yoga & Dance Camp SPRING BREAK ages 4-7 | $150 | 10:15-1:30pm

30

150 Dorset Street (The Blue Mall) South Burlington 497-0136 www.honestyogacenter.com k6h-ShelburneMuseum0214.indd 1

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CAMPGUIDE June 23rd-27th: Ages 6-106-10 June 23rd-27th: Ages 2014 Confluence Adventure Camps

For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning!

July 7th-11th: Ages 11-16 July 7th-11th: Ages 11-16 June 23rd-27th: Ages 6-10 August 11th-15th: Ages 6-10 August 11th-15th: Ages July 7th-11th: Ages 11-16 6-10 August 11th-15th: Ages 6-10 August 18th-22nd: Ages August 18th-22nd: Ages 11-1611-16 August 18th-22nd: Ages 11-16

Paddling Swimming Paddling Swimming Climbing Climbing HikingHiking CrossFit Mt Biking CrossFit Mt Biking Berlin, VT 802-229-4131 Berlin 802-229-4131 Berlin, •VT 802-229-4131 www.theconfluencevt.org/summer_camp

www.theconfluencevt.org/summer_camp www.confluencevt.org/summer_camp

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4

2014 Confluence Talent Development Institute Summer 2014 Adventure Camps 2014 Confluence Adventure Camps

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Johnson State College June 22-28, 2014 “TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged….TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper

For more info and electronic version of brochure, please go to vermontgifted.org and tdivermont.com. Or contact Lucy Bogue at lucybogue@yahoo.com or 658-9941.

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1/16/13 11:52 AM

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2014 KIDS VT

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2014 Summer Camps

YOU’RE GONNA

June 16 - August 22

MUSIC DAY CAMP 2014

Art & nature stop motion Animation Drawing & Painting sculpture Fashion Design mixed media

OVER THIS CAMP!

Adventu to treas res long aft ure e summe r the r is gone!

JUNE 23 – 27 • 8:45 AM – 4 PM DAILY WITH 2:30 PM CONCERT ON JUNE 27

Explore a great variety of musical activities with some of the best music educators in Vermont.

Swimming | Dancing | Watersports

GYMNASTICS! 1 to 8 week sessions Counselor/Camper ratio of 1:5 Located on beautiful Lake Champlain

imAgine, CreAte & LeArn www.helenday.com 802-253-8358 education@helenday.com 90 Pond st. stowe, Vermont

802.899.3479 dunkleysgymcamp@aol.com

www.DunkleysGymnasticsCamp.org

May 2014 Auditions for Orchestras & Choruses School-year programs for students K-12 Visit www.vyo.org for more information.

Music Day Camp has two levels of Band and String Orchestra, chamber music, and fun electives that may include jazz band, chorus, conducting, composition, improvisation, art, outdoor recreation and others.

BAND STUDENTS woodwind, brass, percussion Must be entering grades 6-10 in Fall 2014

ORCHESTRA STUDENTS string players must be entering grades 4-10 in Fall 2014

Tuition: $295 • Early Registration Discount: $275 with full payment by April 15 Register by May 30, 2014 • Financial Aid available • Visit www.vyo.org to enroll. k4t-VYO-0214.indd 1

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The Balancing Act Enrichment Center

kidsvt.com February 2014 Kids VT

32

• • •

Preschool program ages 3-5 years After school program options available ages 3-12 Experienced teachers dedicated to the development of the whole child Encouraging learning, laughter and positive social interactions while focusing on stages of early childhood development Weekly lessons with USAG certified gymnastics coaches Daily play in our gymnastics facility and outdoor exploration in our play yard & nature trails Nutritious snacks and lunch provided and prepared on site

For preschool information, email: Regal.TheBalancingAct@gmail.com 2 Corporate Drive, Essex • 655-3300 • RegalGym.com Owners - Tom & Erika Reeves k2h-regalgymnastics0214.indd 1

STAY TUNED FOR SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE

22,000 Square Foot, Air-Conditioned Facility!

at • • • •

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12/12/13 3:52 PM

NEw!

Regal Graph ics & Embroidery 324-2069 for more info

Preschool Director - Kathleen Casey 1/23/14 12:58 PM

2014 camp Guide

Survey Says…

advice continued From p. 29

Check the background of the camp thoroughly.

Ask other parents who have sent their kids before. sTephanie conlon, hunTingTon

If you have trouble communicating with the folks in charge before it begins, that’s a sign that it will be worse once camp starts.

Joanna may, Richmond

If kids are apprehensive, try to sign up with a friend.

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1/24/14 11:45 AM

amy liVingsTon, BuRlingTon

If they don’t want to go, don’t force them. sTephanie Van BlunK, eden

It can be expensive, but so worth it.

And it’s worth going to the camp fair in February to learn about all the opportunities. aimee upchuRch, essex Next month: Find out what questions parents wish they’d asked before sending their kids to camp, and pick up a few tips on dealing with homesickness. k8h-SternCenter0214.indd 1

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®

· Camp Abnaki (for boys 6-10yrs) · Camp Curiosity (Preschool age 3-5yrs) · Camp Koda (coed 5-12 yrs) · Camp Greylock (coed 6-15yrs) · Leaders in Training (14-16yrs)

February 2014

Y DAY CAMPS: ROLLICKING FROLICKING FUN!

KidsVT.com

SUMMER UNPLUGGED

Kids VT

Y Day Camps are everywhere including Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle & Washington Counties.

gbymca.org | 862-YMCA (9622) k4t-GBYMCA0214.indd 1

33

Financial assistance is available.

1/24/14 10:52 AM

FEB

Sponsored by:

Like Fletcher Allen Health Care on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First!

See “First With Kids” videos at fletcherallen.org/firstwithkids.

CALENDAR SPOTLIGHTS AND LISTINGS BY ALISON NOVAK

34

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

Feel the Beat Garbage cans, hubcaps and brooms are repurposed as instruments in the touring production of “STOMP,” which graces the stage of Rutland’s Paramount Theatre for two nights.

This heart-pounding show — the brainchild of street buskers in Brighton, England — premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1991. It has run for almost 20 years at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City and has appeared at the Academy Awards, the Lincoln Memorial and the London Olympics. The powerful, athletic performers and electrifying rhythms are sure to get Vermonters grooving in their seats.

‘STOMP’: Tuesday and Wednesday, February 18 & 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. $39.50-49.50. All ages. Info, 775-0903. paramountvt.org

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class addressing sore shoulders and back pain through gentle core work. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, first Sunday of every month, 12:15-1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Free class coupons are available through midwives and OB/GYNs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:0511:30 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Community

Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

2 SUNDAY, P.36

Classes List your class or camp here for only $15 per month! Submit the listing by the 15th at kidsvt.com or to classes@kidsvt.com.

Aikido of Champlain Valley: Martial Arts and Conflict Resolution for Children: The Japanese martial art of Aikido integrates self-defense with a philosophy of nonviolence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness/prevention and methods to cultivate inner peace. Visitors are always welcome, and children can try a free class. Ages 5-6: Thursdays, 4 p.m.; ages 7-12: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: bpincus@ burlingtonaikido.org, 951-8900, burlington aikido.org.

February Cool Vacation Camps: Kids ages 5 and up are invited to join in the fun at Leddy Park Arena. Camp includes iceskating lessons, crafts, outdoor adventures and more. Campers may choose morning (8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), afternoon (12:30-5 p.m.) or full-day sessions (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). February 24-28. Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington. Info: 865-7558.

WildThings! Nature Program: Calling all librarians, daycare providers and preschool teachers: Gather up your 3- to 8-year-olds for a 45-minute program focused on teaching children about the wonders of the natural world, led by a certified elementaryeducation teacher. Each month, we’ll explore a different nature theme through literature, art and outdoor exploration. Call to book a time; I’ll travel to you! Cost: $75 per visit. Info: wildthingsvt.com, wildthingsvt@ gmail.com, 872-9987.

Winter Classes in Art, French & Academics! Preschoolers learn French, make art and engage in other activities in this FRART class. After-school offerings weave arts, French and nature together in a creative way. See schedules online. Location: wingspan Painting Studio, 4A Howard St., Burlington. Info: Maggie Standley, 2337676, wingspanpaintingstudio.com.

Wintery Mixed Media: Kids have a blizzard of fun giving winter a colorful makeover.

Participants transform the white of winter into a rainbow of possibilities as they paint with ice cubes, experiment with shavingcream “snow” paint and decorate a snow sculpture with watercolors. Winter never looked so fabulous! Ages 5-10. Feb. 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Cost $25. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

Art Sled Design Lab: Using design principles, cardboard, foam board, duct tape, paint and other recycled materials, campers transform an everyday sled into a fantastical creature, a futuristic vehicle, a favorite food or something just as wacky. Sketches, research, mock-ups and color design give way to construction, polishing, presenting and testing. Two age sections: 5-7 and 8-12.

February 24-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $275/ Helen Day Art Center members; $300/nonmembers. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@ helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

Creative Ballet This is the perfect activity for young dancers. Creative ballet explores the joy of movement while improving balance, coordination and motor skills.

Through play and creative imagery, children learn basic ballet, free dance and musical expression. Dancers are encouraged to tie their hair back and away from their faces and to wear ballet shoes, leotards and tights.

Children without dancewear may wear sweatpants or leggings, T-shirts and bare feet. Ages 5-7. Fridays, February 7, 14, 21 and March 7, 14, 21, 3-4 p.m. Cost: $75/child.

Location: Downstairs of the United Church on Craftsbury Common. Info: vermontart house.com, 586-2200.

35

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared

ECHO Story Explorers: Winter Bears: Little listeners learn about cold-weather hibernation.

All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $9.50-12.50; free for members and children under 2. Info, 864-1848.

Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission,

Saturday Drama Club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre,

2 SUNDAY

KIDS VT

Food

Nature & Science

Theater

Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 or pay what you can. Info, 863-6607.

FEBRUARY 2014

Stowe Winter Carnival: A Vermont ski town gets its party on with cold-weather fun for all ages, from snow-volleyball tournaments to icecarving competitions to Kids Karnival Kaos.

Various locations, Stowe, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Various prices; see gostowe.com for details and schedule.

Info, 253-7321.

$11-14; free for members and children under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

Microscopic Investigations: Microscopes help kids discover there’s more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

My Sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this program geared toward kids ages 3-8. 12:30-1 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.

Night Sky: Kids and adults take a 30-minute tour of stars, planets and constellations. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 3:30-4 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.

Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up. 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

KIDSVT.COM

foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music and lunch seating. All ages.

Arts & Crafts Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, Craft School Saturday Drop-In: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

Artsy types create seasonal clay See Dr. First videos Chocolate-Dipping Demonstraobjects in this ever-changing week“First With Kids” at tion: Fans of cocoa-covered ly series. Projects available for fletcherallen.org/ confectioneries experience the pickup at a later date. Shelburne tempering and dipping process. All firstwithkids Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 ages. Laughing Moon Chocolates, each with a friend or participating Stowe, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591. parent. Info, 985-3648.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: More than Family Clay: Creative kids and their parents 50 vendors sell local produce, cheese, homemade make memories firing and glazing special pieces bread and other made-in-Vermont products. All to be picked up later. All ages. ArtisTree Commuages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 nity Arts Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 753-7269. per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Games Itsy Bitsy Fashion Design: Little couturiers Chess Club: Game players have fun with the learn hand sewing techniques to create fashionlibrary’s new sets. Ages 9 and under must bring able outfits and accessories for their favorite an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 dolls. Ages 6-8. BCA Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. $25; preregister. Info, 865-7166.

Kids Craft: Foam Love Bug: Pint-size creators get in the Valentine’s Day spirit, making a hangHealth & Fitness ing creepy crawler with different-size hearts.

Barre Public Skating: Graceful girls and boys Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlingsail across the ice. All ages. B.O.R. Ice Arena, ton, 1-3 p.m. $5 per child. Info, 862-0646.

Barre, 1:30-3 p.m. $3-4; $5 skate rentals. Info, 476-0257.

Baby & Maternity EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and Breast-Feeding Support Group: The Vermont dance. Mindfulness activities help them improve Department of Health organizes this informatheir focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolutive social group for moms, babies and families. tion Yoga, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15; Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, first preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Saturday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-7970.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: Graceful gliders circle the ice at this Northeast Kingdom rink. All ages. Fenton W. Chester Ice Arena, Lyndon CenCommunity ter, 2-3:45 p.m. $4-5; $3 for skate rentals. Info, Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: Massive draft horses take 626-9361. families on a winter adventure through lower Rutland Public Skating: Small athletes partake mountain terrain. Weather and temperature in slippery fun. All ages. Spartan Arena, Rutdependent. Jay Peak Resort, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-10; land, 4:30-6:45 p.m. $5; $5 skate rentals. Info, book reservations at the Tram Haus Lodge Front 775-3100.

Desk. Info, 988-2611.

Shelburne Open Gym: Tumbling tots burn enShelburne Sleigh Rides: Weather permitting, ergy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and jingling horses trot visitors over the snow on a more. Gymstar Gymnastics, Shelburne, 9 & 10 wintry tour of rolling acres. Rides leave every a.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948.

20 minutes; seats are first come, first served.

Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10; free for South Burlington Public Skating: Skaters of all children under 3. Info, 985-8686. ages lace up and hit the rink. Cairns Arena, South Burlington, 2:40-4:10 p.m. $2-5; $3 skate rental.

Info, 658-5577.

Dance Winter Trails Festival: The Green Mountain ‘The Sleeping Beauty’: More than 50 dancers Club hosts a day of winter hikes, indoor and from the Rudolf Nureyev State Ballet Theatre outdoor kids’ activities, live music and more. All in Russia perform this beloved fairytale about ages. (See calendar spotlight on page 45.) Green a beautiful princess triumphing over adversity.

Mountain Club, Waterbury, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $8Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 10; free for children. Info, 241-8320.

7 p.m. $65-75; $200 per family four pack. Info, 760-4634.

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 1-6.

Education Highgate Town Office Building, first Saturday of Kids Workshops: Children learn do-it-yourself every month, 9-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, skills and tool safety as they build a different 868-3970. project each session. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.Library & Books noon. Free; preregister at workshops.homedepot. com. Info, 872-0039.

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine companions visit with a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 Fairs & Festivals a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

‘Kids VT’ Camp & School Fair: Parents and Read to Sara the Therapy Dog: Book lovers campers-to-be get personal attention and bring a selection from home or borrow one detailed information as representatives from from the library to entertain an attentive cadozens of camps and schools from Vermont and nine. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex beyond present their programs. All ages. Hilton Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5482, 878-6956. ext. 76.

1 SATURDAY

FEB CALENDAR 2 SUNDAY (CONTINUED)

Education

Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop: Families learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Hosted by the Winooski Valley Park District. All ages.

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

Fairs & Festivals

Jewish Camp Fair: Parents considering a Jewish camp experience for their kids this summer meet camp representatives and enjoy a bagel brunch.

Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 864-0218.

Stowe Winter Carnival: See February 1. 9 a.m.9 p.m.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 2:30-4 p.m.

Essex Junction Public Skating: Laced-up lads and lassies skim along a frozen surface. All ages.

Essex Skating Facility, Essex Junction, 2-5:30 p.m. $3-4; $4 skate rentals. Info, 878-1394.

Story Times MONDAY Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 264-5660.

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621.

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

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TUESDAY Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday.

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

East Barre Kids Story Hour: East Barre Branch Library, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Essex Junction Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, first Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: CarpenterCarse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-2:30 p.m. $8. Info, 655-3300.

Fort Fever Series: Snowshoe Hike: Outdoor enthusiasts join the Fort’s director of horticulture for a hike on the garrison grounds. Participants must bring their own snowshoes. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, 2 p.m. $10. Info, 518-585-2821.

Lollipop Races: Fasten your bib! Young skiers fly down the Mighty Mite hill. Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, 1 p.m. Free with $14 youth lift ticket.

Info, 434-2479.

Middlebury Public Skating: Graceful gliders practice their moves on ice. All ages. Memorial Sports Center, Middlebury, 1:45-3:15 p.m. $3-4;

free for children 4 and under; $4 skate rental.

Info, 388-1238.

Montpelier Public Skating: Blade runners do figure eights around the rink. All ages. Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center, Montpelier, 4-5:15 p.m. $3-4; $12 per family of four; $5 skate rentals. Info, 229-5900.

St. Albans Public Skating: Families gather to glide around the rink. Helmets suggested. Rentals not available. All ages. Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, 12:15-1:45 p.m. $3-5. Info, 524-1500.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

12:30-2:30 p.m.

Rutland Public Skating: See February 1. 2-4:30 p.m.

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details.

Schedules generally follow the school calendar; call ahead to confirm.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Sheldon Story Time: Sheldon Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2524.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Story Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Williston Reading With Frosty & Friends: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Free; preregister for a 10-minute time slot. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time With Corey: Buttered Noodles, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY Berkshire PJ Story Time: Berkshire Elementary School, third Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.

East Barre Realms of Reading Crafts: East Barre Branch Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Grand Isle Preschool Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, 10 a.m. Free; newcomers should preregister. Info, 372-4797.

Hardwick Preschool Story Time: Jeudevine Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Jericho Story Hour: Jericho Town Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4686.

Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141.

Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.

Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

Richford PJ Story Time: Arvin A. Library, Every other Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free;

alternates every other Wednesday with Tumble Time. Info, 370-4797.

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

South Burlington Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 595-2582.

Williamstown Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, first Thursday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Franklin Story Hour: Haston Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6678.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday.

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211.

Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.

FRIDAY Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Essex Junction Drop-In Story Time: Brownell Library, Feb. 14, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 879-0313.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Milton Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

Moretown Story Time: Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 496-9728.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: Brownell Library, Feb. 7, 10-10:45 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

SATURDAY Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114.

Burlington Story Time at Phoenix Books: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 448-3350.

Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday.

Winooski Story Hour: Winooski Memorial Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

SUNDAY Sunday Stories: Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-0218.

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

Little Yogis: Music, games and creative movement encourage the bitty set to play and learn. Ages 18 months-3 years with a caregiver. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, See Dr. first videos Vergennes, 9-10 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

“First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ Preschool Yoga: Preschool posers develop their practice away from firstwithkids caregivers with music, storytelling and creative movement. Ages 3-5.

2 Wolves Holistic Center, VerNature & science gennes, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Nature Hike: Naturalist Larry Clarfeld leads a shelburne open Gym: See February 1. 9 a.m., walk in the wilds of Winooski to look for winter noon, 2 & 5 p.m. birds and animal tracks. Snowshoes available to stowe Public skating: Sharp-footed youth whirl borrow. Parking at the Winooski Public Works and twirl to their heart’s delight. All ages. Stowe lot. All ages. Gilbrook Natural Area, Winooski, Arena, 12:30-2 p.m. $5; $5 skate rental; $2 helmet 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 863-5744. rental. Info, 253-2264.

Night sky: See February 1. 3:30-4 p.m.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

Library & Books straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air chess club: Game players strategize and make power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. moves in this brain-building game. No experiMontshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. ence necessary. All ages. Lincoln Library, 4-5 Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Write Now!: Authors-to-be get inspired to start Turtle discovery: Young explorers get up close penning a book or poem. Grades 6-12. Burnham and personal with shelled reptiles, feeding Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. them and learning about their habitat. All ages.

Info, 264-5660.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m.

Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for Young Adult Advisory Board: Sixth through members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

12th graders help make the library a destination for their peers. Ages 12-18. Burnham MemoWinter Trees & Birds of Red Rocks: Lovers of rial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, oak, maple, birch and beech learn about the buds, 264-5660. bark and branches of these species while looking for feathered flyers. All ages. Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $10-15; preregister. music Info, 434-3068.

Kids music with Raphael: Local favorite Raphael Groton plays tunes to make the wee ones dance and giggle. All ages. The Skinny Pancake 3 MONDAY Burlington, 11 a.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 540-0188.

Baby & maternity music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Pregnant mamas Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note focus on movements that will ready their bodies among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a for the next phase of life. Yoga Mountain Center, caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, WilMontpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300. liston, 10:45 a.m. Free; limited to one session per Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: Moms-to-be learn week per family. Info, 878-4918. breathing techniques and different positions shake Your sillies out: Tots swing and sway to to prepare their bodies for birth. 2 Wolves Homusic with children’s entertainer Derek Burkins. listic Center, Vergennes, 5:30-7 p.m. $14. Info, Center Court. University Mall, South Burlington, 870-0361.

10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-1066.

comprehensive Pediatric care adolescent medicine General nursing assistance by Phone Sports Medicine • Well Check Ups Same Day Urgent Appointments Available Lactation assistance services

south Burlington Public skating: See February 1. 1-2:30 p.m.

YoGirls Yoga class: Fierce females acquire self-confidence, emotional stability and a positive body image through yoga poses, mindfulness activities, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. my child & me cooking class: crackers & spreads: Parents and little ones mix, measure and cook nourishing, organic food. Ages 5 and under with a parent. City Market, Burlington, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $5-10 per parent-child pair; free for WIC families; preregister. Info, 861-9700.

Games

Lego club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Pregnancy is so much more than just your due date.

6h-timberlanepediatrics012214.indd 1

1/23/14 1:01 PM

Nature & science

Books & Beyond: science for Preschoolers: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:1511 & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘The Addams Family’: Fright-loving families are treated to the National Broadway tour of this kooky, spooky musical comedy. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. $49.50-59.50. Info, 775-0903.

4 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See February 2.

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

4-5:30 p.m.

The providers at Central Vermont Women’s Health know that every step on your path to childbirth is an important one.

We offer personalized attention and support from the early stages of family planning through the time you are at home with your newborn.

We want you to have the birth experience you desire.

We offer natural birthing options in addition to everything you’d expect from a modern, well-equipped hospital like Central Vermont Medical Center. And although you or your baby may never need specialized care you can take comfort in knowing that the board-certified obstetricians at CVWH are always just a phone call away and offer the security of comprehensive care.

There is nothing more important to us than your health and the health of your baby.

Please call 371.5961 to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to meeting you to talk about your growing family.

A CVMC Medical Group Practice / cvmc.org

30 Fisher Road / Med Bldg A, Suite 1-4 / Berlin, VT 05602

Photo, from left: Colleen Horan, MD, FACOG; Sheila Glaess, MD, FACOG; Julie Vogel, MD, FACOG; Roger Ehret, MD, FACOG; Rebecca Montgomery, CNM, MSN; Roger Knowlton, DO, FACOG. k3v-CVMC0214.indd 1

1/22/14 2:27 PM

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Kids VT

Central Vermont Women’s Health

february 2014

creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. All ages, but kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

Baby & maternity

submit your march events for print by February 15 at kidsvt. com or calendar@kidsvt.com.

TimBer Lane PeDiaTrics

51 Timber Lane, S. Burlington • 802.864.0521 1127 North Avenue, Suite 41, Burlington • 802.846.8100

KidsVT.com

Essex open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon itty Bitty Public skating: Tiny feet learn the art of sliding on ice through fun and games. Ages 5 and under. Leddy Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. $8 per family; $1 skate rentals. Info, 865-7558.

Kids Yoga: Playful breathing, stretching and relaxation techniques build mindfulness and body awareness. Ages 6-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Dr. Thomas Bolduc, a native of Portland, NeW Maine, met his wife at the University of Provid Vermont College of Medicine. They spent er ten years sharing a pediatric practice in Walla Walla, Washington. In 2013, after 14 years away, they decided it was time to come “home” to Vermont with their two sons. Dr. Bolduc enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, flat-water kayaking, cooking and time in his hammock.

feb calendar 4 tuesday (Continued)

Baby & Maternity

Homeschool Program: Artifact enthusiasts use clues from the past to uncover history like archaeologists. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Infant Massage Class: Moms of babies ages 18 months and younger learn techniques to soothe their little ones with a certified infant-massage therapist. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $5-15; preregister. Info, 373-3236.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their babies relax, stretch and bond. For moms with babies one year and under. Emerge Yoga, Montpelier, 10-11 a.m. $12. Info, 778-0300.

Shelburne Postnatal/Baby & Me Yoga: Wee ones from 6 weeks to pre-crawling join their moms for this class that focuses on gentle poses to help strengthen and energize the body and mind. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 985-0090.

Food

Food

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: Yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques nurture bodies and create a loving connection between moms-to-be and their babies. Women at all stages of pregnancy are welcome. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 5:45-7:15 p.m. $15; first class free.

Info, 985-0090.

Education

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Breakfast Bread Secrets: Barb from the Healthy Living Bake Shop helps young chefs whip up muffins and scones, personalizing them with myriad mix-ins before baking them to golden perfection. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per adult/child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 6-7:15 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Family-Friendly Yoga: Parents drop off their 3- to 5-year-olds across the hall at Studio V for an art class, then get their Zen on with some mediation and movement. Infants can be present during yoga class. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10:30 a.m. $14; $25 for adult yoga class and child’s art class; $30 for yoga class and art class for two children. Info, 870-0361.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

9-10:30 a.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: Young gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months to 6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family. Info, 652-2454.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Cookie Decorating: Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts.

Barrio Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 863-8278.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: Kids work up a sweat following along with this engaging exercise program on the library’s SMARTboard. Ages 5-10.

South Burlington Community Library, 3:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 652-7080.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: Parents can attend a by-donation community yoga class one room over from this workout for kids. Grades K and up.

Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $15; $20 for two children. Info, 864-9642.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

2:45-4:15 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Vergennes Kids Yoga: Flexible yogis stretch out, play, meditate and rejuvenate. Grades K-3. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 3:15-4:15 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: Parents and their wee ones practice their gliding technique. Ages 5 and under. Strollers welcome. See unionarena.org for additional public skating times. Union Arena, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $2-6; free for children 4 and under; $5 skate rental. Info, 457-2500.

Library & Books

Books for Homeschoolers: In separate groups, kids in grades K through 3 and 4 through 8 participate in activities related to award-winning reads. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Shana Burg’s Laugh at the Moon is at the center of a spirited conversation between 8 to 11-yearolds. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Moving & Grooving With Christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music. Recommended for ages 2-5, but all are

welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Preschool Music With Derek: Kids tap their toes in time to a fun, tune-filled gathering. Ages 3-5.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m.

Free. Info, 264-5660.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags “ooh” and “aargh!” during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under, with their parents. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

6 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: Multimedia projects involving play dough, paint and paper introduce young kids to artistic expression. Ages 6 months-5 years, accompanied by an adult.

BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6. Info, 865-7166.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

5:45-7:15 p.m.

Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4. 8:4510 a.m.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Library & Books

Williston Story Time & Crafts: Young explorers develop literacy skills and engage in artistic exploration. Ages 3-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician and educator. Preschool-age kids and younger. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889.

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Nature & Science

ECHO Story Explorers: Shadows: Preschoolers learn what makes a shadow and why a groundhog searches for it. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m.

Regular museum admission; $9.50-12.50; free for members and children under 2. Info, 864-1848.

5 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Needlefelt an Owl: Textile artists create adorable feathered friends in this beginner level class. Ages 7-14. Milton Town Office Community Room, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

Sesame’s Sweet In 1970, soon after “Sesame Street” premiered, Time magazine featured Big Bird on its cover and declared, “It is not only the best children’s show in TV history, it is one of the best parents’ shows as well.” Four decades later, the fuzzy puppets still delight both kids and adults. Its newest touring show, “‘SeSAME STREET’ LiVE: ELMO MAKES MUSIC,” follows the colorful cast of characters on their quest to recover missing instruments, teaching kids that everyone can make and enjoy music. That’s a lesson even Oscar the Grouch can get behind. “‘SeSAME STREET’ LiVE: ELMO MAKES MUSIC”: Tuesday, February 25, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Flynn MainStage in Burlington. All ages. $19.76-52.46; free for babies under 1. Info, 863-5966. flynntix.org

Games

Lego Fun: Budding builders share blocks. Grades K and up; kids under 5 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 3.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Library & Books

Food for Thought Teen Group: Young adults chow down on pizza as they discuss the library’s special events and book and DVD selection.

Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Giggles & Tickles Dance Party: Movers and groovers shimmy the winter blues away. Ages 4 and under. South Burlington Community Library, 9-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Music With Mr. Chris: Singer and storyteller Chris Dorman leads kids in music and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 764-1810.

Nature & Science

Tricky Tracks: Preschoolers and their parents learn about the comings and goings of furry friends as they explore the outdoors in search of fresh footprints. Ages 3 to 5. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; preregister.

Info, 434-3068.

7 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Essex Junction Crafternoons: Students in grade 4 through 8 bring their creativity to the library for a fun art-making session. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Family Wheel Drop-In: Parents and kids make bowls, cups and sculptures from clay. All ages.

BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

Kinder Arts: Preschoolers get their hands dirty while exploring mixed media, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and more during creative hands-on sessions. Ages 3-5. River Arts, Morrisville, 10:30 a.m.-noon, $12 per child; $8 for the second child;. Info, 888-1261.

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Core Yoga: Get your abs on! New moms learn to reengage core muscles lost during pregnancy in this flowing yoga class for all levels.

Pre-crawling babies are welcome. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

8 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Barre Public Skating: See February 1.

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See February 1.

Hogwart’s Night Out: Little wizards create Harry Potter-inspired wands, potions and spells.

Ages 2-12. Separate activities for children ages 4 and under and 5 and up. Greater Burlington YMCA, 5:30-8 p.m. $10-19; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

Shelburne Kids Yoga: Kundalini asanas, storytelling, mindfulness exercises and harp music come together in this relaxing class. Ages 7-12.

Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5 introductory price; preregister. Info, 985-0090.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3. 12:15-2 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

USASA Rail Jam Featuring the Lil’ Rascals: Little shredders ages 9 and under get pointers from coaches before sliding, grinding and jibbing on the mountain. Then older kids and teens compete. Jay Peak Resort, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-25; preregister. Info, 327-2154.

Library & Books

‘Ladybug Girl’ Story Time & Activities: The popular picture book series featuring a relatable young female superhero is the focus during a morning of activities and reading. All ages. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Info, 872-7111.

Minute To Win It!: Fast-moving youngsters compete in 60-second challenges to win treasure chest prizes. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Movies

Family Movie Matinee: Cozy kids toting blankets and pillows munch on popcorn and watch a VeggieTales flick. All ages. Highgate Public Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Nature & Science

Creeping Colors: Small scientists watch capillary action as water rises up their paper strips and separates out marker dyes. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m.

Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

ECHO Story Explorers: Shadows: See February 4.

My Sky: See February 1.

Night Owls & Winter Fires: Bundled-up adventurers explore the Audubon by moonlight, listening for owls and searching for animal tracks. Families with children 5 and up. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 7-8:30 p.m. $10-12 per adult-child pair; $4-5 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Night Sky: See February 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

Rocks & Volcanoes: Fledgling geologists learn about lava-spewing mountains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m.

Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

Saturday Drama Club: See February 1.

9 sunday, p.40

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Bake & Shake: Dairy devotees make their own bread and butter to eat, then explore other fun things to make with flour. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. $10-12 per adult-child pair; $5-6 per each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an off-season celebration of locally grown food held in the gymnasium. All ages. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Health & Fitness

Kids VT

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See February 1.

Kids Camera Club: Snap-happy kids learn how to build an old-school camera, capture an image and develop their film in the darkroom. Ages 8 and up.

ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Kids Craft: Puppy Love Card: Thoughtful crafters create a canine-themed card for that special someone using paper hearts. Ages 3 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 2-4 p.m. $1. Info, 862-0646.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Farmers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from local artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 1.

february 2014

Spa Night Out: Kids who love to be pampered get fancy with manicures, pedicures, jewelry making and hairstyling. Pizza dinner provided. Ages 5-12.

Essex Elementary School, 6-8 p.m. $8; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Valentine Night Out: Friends get together for a night of card making and games. Dinner provided.

Ages 5-12. Richmond Elementary School, 6-8 p.m. $8; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Winter Lights Kick Off: Church Street gets its glow on with new illuminated installations, including a flying carpet, colorful spheres and projected snowflakes. All ages. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 5-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7596.

Kids Craft: Some ‘Buggy’ Loves You Tote: Thoughtful young artists create a handmade Valentine’s gift.

Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, See Dr. First videos South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, “First With Kids” at 862-0646. fletcherallen.org/ Snow Dough Day: Young sculptors firstwithkids unleash their creativity with shimmery, sparkly, scented play dough.

All ages. South Burlington ComFairs & Festivals munity Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

Info, 652-7080.

Milton Winter Festival: This community celebration includes snow sculptures, moonlight Webby’s Art Studio: Twirl & Curl: Paper laser tag, a bonfire, sledding, sleigh rides, a chili crafters learn quilling techniques to beautify cook-off and more. All ages. Various locations, Valentine’s Day cards. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Milton, 6:30-8 p.m. Prices vary by event. Info, Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular winter museum 893-4922. admission, $3-10; free for children under 5 and members. Info, 985-3346.

Food Wintery Mixed Media: Vibrant artists add some pizazz to winter, painting with ice cubes and Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See Februshaving cream and decorating a snow sculpture ary 1. with watercolors. Ages 5-10. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $25; preregister. Info, Games 253-8358.

Dungeons & Dragons: Players exercise their problem-solving skills in imaginary battles and Community adventures. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Health & Fitness Waffle Breakfast: Clifford the Big Red Dog makes an appearance at this hearty repast feaBarre Public Skating: See February 1. 7:15-8:30 turing activities for kids and a silent auction. p.m.

Proceeds benefit Hinesburg Nursery School. All Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon ages. Hinesburg Community School, 8-11 a.m.

Game Night Out: Kids enjoy playing and creating $4-6; free for children under 2. Info, 482-3827. board games over a grilled cheese and soup supper. Ages 5-12. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Dance Waterbury, 6-8 p.m. $8 per child; preregister.

Dance Showcase: A bevy of graceful groups Info, 862-9622.

— including Spielpalast Cabaret, Jeh Kulu Jr. Marshfield Open Gym: Elementary-age kids and Queen City Tango — strut their stuff in a burn off steam after school with ball games performance titled “Stepping Out: Unleashing and activities. Children must be supervised by Power & Grace.” Black Box, Main Street Landing parents or caregivers. Jaquith Public Library, Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $20Marshfield, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

23; proceeds benefit Puppets in Education. Info, Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

860-3349.

Noon-1 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon, 2 Education & 6 p.m.

Montessori School Open House: Interested South Burlington Public Skating: See February parents learn more about an educational pro1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. gram that fosters self and social responsibility in Stowe Public Skating: See February 3. children ages 3-12. Montessori School of Central Vermont, Berlin, 9-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

223-3320.

Toddler Yoga & Stories: Flexible friends strike simple poses and listen to books. Ages 1-5. DoroFairs & Festivals thy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15 a.m.

Free. Info, 878-4918.

Burlington Winter Weekend: Ice carvings, mini ice golf and snowshoeing demos are part of this Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See Februseasonal celebration on Burlington’s pedestrianary 5. only street. All ages. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7596.

Music Great Ice in Grand Isle: Ice skating, dogsled Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: rides, a roaring bonfire, a chili cook-off and Toe-tapping good tunes captivate kiddies. Radio the F-F-Frozen Chosen Regatta make the Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346. snow-covered landscape a little more fun. Visit Music With Derek: The wee crowd convenes to champlainislands.com for schedule. All ages. All shake out their sillies with tune-filled activities. events are weather dependent. Various locations, All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 Grand Isle, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Various prices; most a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810. events are free. Info, 372-8400.

Music With Robert: Families sing along with a Milton Winter Festival: See February 7. 8 a.m.-9 local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlp.m. ington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Penguin Plunge: Stouthearted swimmers in creative costumes dunk themselves in Lake Nature & Science Champlain to raise funds for Special Olympics Vermont. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; plunge at Night Sky: See February 1.

11 a.m. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free to watch. Info, 863-5222, ext. 105.

Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore arithmetic concepts. Richmond Free Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

kidsvt.com

Community

Education

feb

calendar 9 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

Community

Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

UVM Babysitter Mixer: Kids and parents meet and greet college students interested in providing childcare. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 656-9405.

Fairs & Festivals

Great Ice in Grand Isle: See February 8. 8 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Milton Winter Festival: See February 7. 12:302:30 p.m.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 2:30-4 p.m.

Essex Junction Public Skating: See February 2.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2.

Lollipop Races: See February 2.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

Montpelier Public Skating: See February 2.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

12:30-2:30 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 1-2:30 p.m.

YoGirls Yoga Class: See February 2.

Nature & Science

Build a Better Battery: A lab-coat investigation allows small scientists to make and measure electric energy. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

Parenting

Body Care Products for Mamas & Babies: City Market’s Herbal Education Coordinator teaches mothers how to make all-natural belly balm, baby powder, diaper cream and baby wipes. City Market, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

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Super Domes The Northeast doesn’t get the wind-packed snow that’s ideal for creating snow structures, but that won’t stop the Montshire Museum from hosting its annual igloo build. Dr. Bert Yankielun, author of How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Structures, leads the intro to icy architecture — as he has for each of the last 25 years. To get the blocks just right, staff shovel snow into large rectangles, stomp on it with snowshoes, then let the slabs sit overnight in below-freezing temperatures. On the day of the event, participants grab saws and shovels, which they use to cut building blocks from the snow quarry. “Everyone who is there, I’m hoping, will participate,” Yankielun says.

“It’s a family, cooperative event.” igloo build: Saturday, February 15, 10:30 a.m. at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. All ages. Info, 649-2200. montshire.org

10 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Food

Chinese New Year Dumplings: Fledgling chefs usher in the Year of the Horse by stuffing wrappers with traditional pork and spinach fillings, then eating them together. McClure Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 3.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Little Yogis: See February 3.

Preschool Yoga: See February 3.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. 9 a.m., noon, 2 & 5 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Library & Books

Chess Club: See February 3.

Pajama Story Time With Abby Klein: Flannelclad kiddos bring their favorite stuffed animals for tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 876-7555.

Movies

Young Adult Film Crew: Wannabe actors, directors and audiovisual buffs put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 1218. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Kids Music with Raphael: See February 3.

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3.

Shake Your Sillies Out: See February 3.

11 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See February 4.

Teen Art Studio: Graphic designer Trisha Fong inspires adolescents to create unique masterpieces. Ages 11 to 18. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group.

Babies and older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See February 2.

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

4-5:30 p.m.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Education

Picky Eaters Parent Program: Dietician Brigitte Harton gives moms and dads tips for avoiding food battles with their kids and suggests appropriate meal plans. South Burlington Community Library, 7-8 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 6-7:15 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Family-Friendly Yoga: See February 4.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

9-10:30 a.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Library & Books

PJ Story with Ms. Virginia: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch is the read-aloud selection for this jammies session. All ages. Highgate Public

Submit your March events for print

by February 15 at kidsvt.com or calendar@kidsvt.com.

SHELBURNE NURSERY SCHOOL A nonprofit parent cooperative preschool Library, Highgate Center, 6 p.m.

Free; RSVP. Info, 868-3970.

Williston story Time & crafts: See February 4.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See February 4.

Nature & science

behind the school’s innovative educational program for children ages 5-14. River Rock School, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4700.

See Dr. first videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

EcHo story Explorers: owling: Budding scientists learn what adaptations make this nocturnal bird an excellent hunter. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $9.50-12.50; free for members and children under 2. Info, 864-1848.

12 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

After-school craft club: Amateur artists end the day with a creative project. Grades 3-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 893-4644. card-making Party: Crafty kids create paper tokens of affection in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Ages 5 and up. Norwich Public Library, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See February 5. shelburne Postnatal/Baby & me Yoga: See February 5.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: Reading, writing and hands-on activities hosted by the Vermont Historical Society offer a new perspective on the past. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Center, Barre, 1-3 p.m. $4-5; free for parents and nonparticipating children; preregister. Info, 828-1314. school open House: Prospective parents tour the facilities and meet the dedicated teachers

Ongoing Exhibits EcHo LAKE AQuARium ANd sciENcE cENTER

Info, 864-1848 ‘Alice’s Wonderland’: This traveling exhibit encourages curious minds to go down the rabbit hole to explore math and science topics inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll tale.

Ages 3 to 8. moNTsHiRE musEum oF sciENcE

• Community Involvement • Shelburne Museum Curriculum • Low Student-Teacher Ratio • 5 STARS & NAEYC Accredited • Established 1955

Games

Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

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Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See February 5.

Essex open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See February 5.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 1.

2:45-4:15 p.m. shelburne open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m. south Burlington Public skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. stowe Public skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See February 4.

Vergennes Kids Yoga: See February 5.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent skating: See February 5.

Library & Books

Little Explorer Program: Preschoolers discover their community through hands-on exploration of nature topics including farming, sugaring and gardening. Ages 3-5. Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970. middle school Planners & Helpers: Students play games and plot cool projects for the library over snacks. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Preschool music With derek: See February 5.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See February 5.

8h-800gotjunk0412.indd 1

3/7/12 3:12 PM

Caring for a healthy smile starts earlier than you may think.

13 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See February 6.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

5:45-7:15 p.m. shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4. 8:4510 a.m.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See February 12.

Parent open House: Prospective parents learn about the holistic approach at this independent school for children ages 3-12. The Bellwether School, Williston, 6 p.m. Free; parents only. Info, 863-4839.

Timberlane has the only board-certified pediatric dentists in Chittenden County with years of specialized training, so your children can get the expert care they need for their one-of-a-kind smiles.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: New England Whoopie Pies: Dessert chefs-in-training put together an easy, delicious and all-natural version of this classic fluff-filled, cookie-cake sandwich, made entirely from scratch. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per adult-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

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Kids VT

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41

Info, 748-2372 ‘Wildflower Table’: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

for 2014/2015

• Outstanding Teachers

february 2014

FAiRBANKs musEum & PLANETARium, sT. joHNsBuRY

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1. cookie decorating: See February 5.

• Focus on the Whole Child

KidsVT.com

Info, 649-2200 ‘sustainable shelter: dwelling with the Forces of Nature’: Through graphics, cartoons, interactive computer games and more, this new exhibition explores biodiversity, human and animal architecture, energy and water conservation and ecosystems — all from the perspective of the home.

Food

Now Enrolling

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feb calendar

Fledgling Farmers The next generation of food and agriculture enthusiasts convenes for the Northeast Organic Farming association of VermonT’s children’s Conference. While adults attend workshops on soil, poultry, caterpillars and swine, kids are treated to classes in tai chi, animal tracking, wool spinning and drying fruit. Singing sessions with Bread and Butter Farm’s Chris Dorman and card making with local artist Bonnie Acker provide further opportunities for fun ’til the cows come home.

NOFA-VermonT’s children’s Conference: Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UVM Davis Center in Burlington. $20 per day if you register before February 4; $30 per day for walk-ins; additional $10 for children’s lunch. Ages 6-12. Info, 434-4122. nofavt.org

13 thursday (Continued)

learners share their current projects with an audience of parents and siblings. Grades K-12. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Games

Library Legos: Building-block lovers keep busy with the library’s giant collection. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free.

Info, 524-1507.

Health & Fitness

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Essex Open Gym: See February 2.

11 a.m.-noon Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 3.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Library & Books

Arts & Crafts

kidsvt.com

Health & Fitness

Baby & Maternity

14 FRIDAY

february 2014

Games

Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game.

Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Junction Crafternoons: See February 7.

Family Wheel Drop-In: See February 7.

Kinder Arts: See February 7.

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Music With Mr. Chris: See February 6.

Kids VT

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Marshfield Open Gym: See February 7.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

Noon-1 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See February 5.

Music

42

Food

Postnatal Core Yoga: See February 7.

Community

Full Moon Sleigh Rides: Pat Palmer of Thornapple Farm and a team of Percheron draft horses lead a celestial ride under the winter sky.

Weather permitting. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 5:30, 6:05 & 6:40 p.m. $8-10; free for children under 3; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Milton High School Coffee House: Students and teachers showcase their musical, artistic and literary talents before an open mic. All ages. Milton High School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-3230.

Education

Early Bird Math: See February 7.

Homeschool Project Day: Out-of-classroom

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll under lunar light.

Snowshoes provided. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. $5-10; preregistration recommended. Info, 229-6206.

Night Sky: See February 1.

cook as part of this reenactment. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

NOFA Vermont Children’s Conference: The next generation of growers attend a day’s worth of food and agriculture-related workshops. Ages 6-12. (See calendar spotlight.) UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $20 per day before February 4; $30 walk-in rate; $10 for children’s lunch; preregistration recommended.

Info, 434-3821.

15 SATURDAY

Food

Music With Derek: See February 7.

Music With Robert: See February 7.

Nature & Science

Arts & Crafts

Art With Jennie: This crafty drop-in session inspires mini-makers with a variety of materials and themes. All ages. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parentchild pair; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See February 1.

Free Wheelin’: Potters-in-training learn how to make cups, bowls and more. Price includes one fired and glazed piece. Ages 6 to 12. BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $25; preregister.

Info, 865-7166.

Kids Craft: Personalized Block: Artisans-intraining monogram wood to create unique room decorations. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Community

Family Movie: ‘Despicable Me 2’: Super dad Gru tracks down a criminal mastermind in this animated flick that appeals to kids and parents alike. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:10 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Family Fun at Fairbanks Museum: Kids of all ages drop into the museum for science and craft activities. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. $5 per family; free for museum members. Info, 748-2372.

Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Sleigh Ride Week: Winter lovers are pulled by horses through frozen farm fields and try out a jack jumper sled, a single ski with a seat mounted on top. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Music

Education

Williston Toddler Time: Wild Animals: Little tykes bring a favorite stuffed animal to this early literacy program that includes rhymes, crafts and playtime. Ages 1-3. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Movies

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 7.

Living History Weekend: Revolutionary War buffs travel back to 1759 to watch American soldiers ready the fort for winter, do carpentry and

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See February 1.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1.

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See February 1.

Parents Night Out: Adults looking for some alone time drop off their young yogis for dancing, game playing, pizza eating and relaxation activities. Ages 4-11. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $30 for two children in the same family; preregister. Info, 864-9643.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

Shelburne Kids Yoga: See February 8.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See February 1.

‘Fancy Nancy’ Tea Party: Games, crafts and a lovely warm drink await elegantly-dressed little ladies. Ages 4-7. Milton Public Library, 1:30 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Movies

SMArt Series: I Heart Art: Love is in the air as museum visitors sample tasty treats and make jewelry. Ages 3 and up. Shelburne Museum, 1-4 p.m. Regular winter museum admission, $3-10; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

music

A collaborative children’s concert: Music makers Gigi and Joni and Mister Chris and Friends provide snappy tunes for kids of all ages. Finger food potluck after the show. Proceeds benefit the Nari Penson Scholarship Fund at the Schoolhouse. The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington, 10 a.m. $5 per child; free for adults. Info, 497-7217.

be mine, Valentine

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

See Dr. first videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Nature & science

EcHo story Explorers: owling: See February 11.

Forester for a day: Kids don hard hats as they observe a woodsman fell a tree, then take to the woodshop for hands-on fun. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. $10-12 per adult-child pair; $5-6 per each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

The Great Backyard Bird count monitoring Walk: Aspiring naturalists count feathered friends during a morning hike through the woods. All ages. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3068.

Great Backyard Bird count open House: Ornithologists-in-training visit the museum’s feeding station, explore exhibits and learn more about the bird count, an annual four-day event.

All ages. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission; $3-6.

Info, 434-2167. igloo Build: Bundled-up families learn to construct insulated, sturdy snow dwellings during this long-running Montshire tradition. All ages.

(See calendar spotlight on page 40.) Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. my sky: See February 1.

Night sky: See February 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

Theater

‘Borders of the mind’: Mentalist Joshua Kane uses his psychic powers to read audience members’ minds in this participatory show. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $3846; $136 per family four-pack. Info, 760-4634. saturday drama club: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public skating: See February 1. 2:30-4 p.m.

Essex Junction Public skating: See February 2.

Essex open Gym: See February 2.

Lollipop Races: See February 2. st. Albans Public skating: See February 2. Feb. 23, 12:15-1:45 p.m.

Lyndon center Public skating: See February 1.

12:30-2:30 p.m. south Burlington Public skating: See February 1. 1-2:30 p.m. stowe Public skating: See February 3. 12:452:30 p.m.

YoGirls Yoga class: See February 2.

microscopic investigations: See February 1. mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m.

Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. montpelier Great Backyard Bird count: Citizen scientists engage in a nationwide birdmonitoring project. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

community

Friday, January 25, 2013

sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Food

Library & Books

chess club: See February 3.

music

Kids music with Raphael: See February 3. music for Preschoolers: See February 3. shake Your sillies out: See February 3.

Kids VT

Wintervale: Outdoor activities, local food and hot chocolate — plus 3 miles of groomed crosscountry ski trails weather permitting — await nature-loving Vermonters in Burlington’s backyard. All ages. Burlington’s Intervale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 660-0440.

Essex open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon itty Bitty Public skating: See February 3.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Little Yogis: See February 3.

Preschool Yoga: See February 3. st. Albans Public skating: See February 2.

12:15-1:45 p.m. shelburne open Gym: See February 1. 9 a.m., noon, 2 & 5 p.m. stowe Public skating: See February 3.

february 2014

Living History Weekend: See February 15.

NoFA Vermont children’s conference: See February 15.

1/25/13 11:25 AM

KidsVT.com

Education

Untitled-8 1

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Health & Fitness

community Arts day & silent Auction: Parents enjoy local music and bid on goods, classes and local services while kids in kindergarten through fifth grade take part in workshops with the Flynn Center, Very Merry Theatre and more. Proceeds go toward enrichment activities for IAA students. Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 05401tm@gmail.com.

Jay Peak sleigh Rides: See February 1. shelburne sleigh Rides: See February 1. sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Located in the of Shelburne Village Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-5 802-985-3221

Baby & maternity

community

Baby & maternity

Toy Shop

17 MONDAY

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

16 SUNDAY

Jamie Two Coats

Nature & science

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See February 1.

Kids cooking class: mexican Fiesta: Budding chefs whip up healthy versions of South-ofthe-border specialties including nachos and guacamole. Ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult.

McClure Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $5-10; free for mentor pairs; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Fairs & Festivals

Will you

Food

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feb calendar 17 monday (Continued)

Nature & Science

Exploring Magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Paper-Cup Telephones: Talkers and listeners discover whether sound can really travel through a string. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

Tinkering Lab: Open Studio for Makers: Budding builders chose from three kits, then use tools and other supplies to make exciting creations.

Children under 9 must have a parent or caregiver present. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2; $5 additional per building kit. Info, 649-2200.

18 TUESDAY

19 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Spring Rolls & Fried Rice: This Asian-themed cooking class walks young chefs through two simple and delicious veggiepacked recipes. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per parent-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

A Mosaic of Flavor: Congolese Plantains & Pork: Gertrude Moundouti Mitoumbi, a native of the Congo, teaches participants how to prepare a popular African dish in this class presented by City Market in collaboration with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Health & Fitness

kidsvt.com

‘STOMP’: This powerful percussive troupe brings its celebrated and unconventional stage show to Rutland. All ages. (See calendar spotlight on page 34.) Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7:30 p.m. $39.50-49.50. Info, 775-0903.

Baby & Maternity

Community

february 2014

Theater

Arts & Crafts

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See February 2.

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

4-5:30 p.m.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Kids VT

Color Mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

ECHO Story Explorers: Champ: Kids with active imaginations hear a tale of the famous Lake Monster and conduct an investigation. All ages.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $9.50-12.50; free for members and children under 2. Info, 864-1848.

Hoopster Gliders: See February 9.

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See February 4.

44

Nature & Science

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 6-7:15 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Family-Friendly Yoga: See February 4.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

9-10:30 a.m.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Library & Books

Science Story Time: Fantastic Foxes: Educator Kristen Littlefield gives little naturalists a peek into the wily world of these pointy-eared animals.

Ages 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time & Crafts: See February 4.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See February 4.

After-School Craft Club: See February 12.

Infant Massage Class: See February 5.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See February 5.

Shelburne Postnatal/Baby & Me Yoga: See February 5.

Community

Community Sing Along: Rick and Laura Atkinson use a variety of instruments to accompany crooners of all abilities and ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Cookie Decorating: See February 5.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See February 5.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See February 5.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

2:45-4:15 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Vergennes Kids Yoga: See February 5.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See February 5.

Library & Books

Baby Charms: Non-walking infants get silly as they sing, dance and make music with Miss Susan. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Pajama Story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Nature & Science

Optical Tops: Small scientists explore how rotational motion can create visual illusions. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Parachutes: Curious kids make their own ’chutes to test air resistance. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘STOMP’: See February 18.

20 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: See February 6.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

5:45-7:15 p.m.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4. 8:4510 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Burlington Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 3.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 3.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Library & Books

Books-to-Film Discussion: Middle schoolers read a novel on their own, then screen the movie version together. Ages 10 and up. Call for this month’s selection. Milton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Read to Van Gogh the Cat: Feline fanciers sign up for 10-minute sessions with this furry friend.

All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Music

21 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Essex Junction Crafternoons: See February 7.

Family Wheel Drop-In: See February 7.

Kinder Arts: See February 7.

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Core Yoga: See February 7.

Community

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Stowe Kids Night Out: Parents relax while their kids have a blast playing games, skating and hanging out. Ages 5-15. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $10; $5 dinner option; $5 skate option; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

Education

Early Bird Math: See February 7.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: See February 7.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Marshfield Open Gym: See February 7.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

Noon-1 p.m.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1. Noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See February 5.

Library & Books

Jiggity Jog: A tuneful meet-up with Miss Susan entails singing, dancing and instrument playing.

Ages 2-6. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Stuffed-Animal Sleepover & PJ Story Hour: Kids listen to stories, drop off their fuzzy friends for a pajama party, and then come back at 9 a.m. the next morning to see photos of the adventure.

All ages. Highgate Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Free.

Info, 868-3970.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Music With Mr. Chris: See February 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 7.

Music With Derek: See February 7.

Music With Robert: See February 7.

Nature & Science

Nature & Science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue in to the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Skulls: Neophyte naturalists explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Night Sky: See February 1.

Sound Science: Keen listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Straw Rockets: See February 2.

Music

Moving & Grooving With Christine: See February 5.

Preschool Music With Derek: See February 5.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See February 5.

Submit your March events for print by February 15 at kidsvt.com or calendar@kidsvt.com.

22 SATURDAY

‘March of the Penguins’ Screening: This Academy Award-winning documentary Arts & Crafts chronicles the journey of thouCraft School Saturday Drop-In: See sands of emperor penguins as February 1. they head for their traditional See Dr. First videos breeding ground. Billings Farm “First With Kids” at & Museum, Woodstock, 3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity fletcherallen.org/ $5-11. Info, 457-2355.

Pregnancy Circle: Moms-to-be firstwithkids My Sky: See February 1. use movement, food, art, breathing and discussion to explore materNight Sky: See February 1. nity topics and build a supportive Owl Festival: Visitors have a hoot unravelcommunity. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 10:30 ing the mysteries of this bird of prey through a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5-15; preregister. Info, 373-3236. hands-on activities and exciting games. All ages.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Community Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 4.

Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Info, 359-5000.

Playdate! Farm & Food Fun: Little explorers Owl Prowl: Wilderness explorers look for meet up with friends for theme-based, indoor winged predators on a woodland hike, followed activities at a leisurely pace. Participants are by hot refreshments and a visit with a live owl. welcome to bring their own lunch or snack.

Ages 10 and up. Shelburne Farms, 6-8 p.m. $5-10; Ages 2-5. Shelburne Farms, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. preregister. Info, 985-8686. $3-5 per child with accompanying adult. Info, 985-8686.

Planetarium Presentation: See February 1.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Who Sank the Boat?: Newbie boatbuilders craft a vessel, then see how much weight it can hold Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15. before sinking. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum adFairs & Festivals mission, $11-14; free for members and children St. Albans Winter Carnival: Outdoor family under 2. Info, 649-2200. activities include sled races, fort building and fireworks at dusk, while face painting, games and Theater crafts provide indoor fun. All ages. Taylor Park, Saturday Drama Club: See February 1.

St. Albans, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1500.

Food

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See February 8.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Coconut Tapioca Pudding: This 1950s diner favorite gets an update with vanilla bean-infused coconut milk, fresh mango and spiced caramel sauce. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $20 per parent-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See February 8.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 1.

Games

Manga Club: Fans of Japanese animation meet to share book recommendations and tell stories.

Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Happy Trails

Community

Jay Peak Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Shelburne Sleigh Rides: See February 1.

Sleigh Ride Week: See February 15.

Fairs & Festivals

Duct Tape Derby: Kids and adults with the need for speed create vessels out of cardboard and heavy-duty tape in advance, then race them for a chance to win awards in different categories. All ages. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 2-4 p.m. $10-13 for entrants; preregister. Info, 524-1500.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 2:30-4 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2.

Lollipop Races: See February 2.

Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

12:30-2:30 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 1-2:30 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3. 12:452:30 p.m.

YoGirls Yoga Class: See February 2.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Kitchen Chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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23 sunday, p.46

Kids VT

Champ Week: Believers and skeptics alike become cryptozoologists for a week as they explore the facts and legends surrounding our resident lake monster. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9.5012.50; free for children under 2 and members.

Info, 864-1848.

ECHO Story Explorers: Champ: See February 18.

Gearing Up: Little builders create unique contraptions. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

february 2014

winter trails festival: Saturday, February 1, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center in Waterbury Center. $8-10 for adults; free for kids; proceeds benefit the Long Trail and other Vermont hiking experiences. Snowshoes and cross-country skis available to borrow. All ages. Info, 241-8320. greenmountainclub.org

Nature & Science

Baby & Maternity

kidsvt.com

Nature lovers of all ages celebrate glistening, snow-covered Vermont at the Green Mountain Club’s Winter trails festival. Participants convene in the morning at the visitor center in Waterbury Center to sign up for a variety of snowshoe, cross-country skiing and geocaching treks nearby.

Those who’d prefer to stay put can partake in on-site activities including sled-dog and raptor demos, face painting, snowflake making and a bonfire.

In the afternoon, an après-hike party includes refreshments, a raffle and live Irish music by Dave Day & Friends.

Barre Public Skating: See February 1.

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See February 1.

St. Albans Public Skating: See February 2. Feb. 23, 12:15-1:45 p.m.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

Shelburne Open Gym: See February 1.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

23 SUNDAY

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46

Kids VT

February 2014

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feb

calendar

23 sunday (Continued)

Food

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans Chocolate-Dipping Demonstraexamine the secret lives of “intion: See February 1. sect fungus farmers” during this hands-on investigation. All ages.

Health & Fitness See Dr. First videos Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular admis“First With Kids” at Barre Public Skating: See Februsion, $11-14; free for members and ary 1. 6-7:15 p.m. fletcherallen.org/ children under 2. Info, 649-2200. firstwithkids Essex Open Gym: See February 2.

Planetarium Presentation: See 11 a.m.-noon February 1.

Family-Friendly Yoga: See FebruWildlife Wanderers Club: Families conary 4. nect with Mother Nature during an outdoor Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2. adventure complete with games, activities, inves9-10:30 a.m. tigation and observation. Meet at the park gate.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free.

1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Info, 846-4108.

Sport Night Out: Young athletes take part in an active adventure. Dinner and dessert provided.

Ages 5-12. Underhill I.D. Elementary School, 24 MONDAY Jericho, 6-8 p.m. $8; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Baby & Maternity Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Little Yogis: See February 3.

Preschool Yoga: See February 3.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Library & Books

Intergenerational Dessert Book Discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session, complete with something sweet. Grades 6 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

School Break Stories On The Screen: Kids spend a vacation day afternoon watching animated shorts and stories from around the world on the library’s SMARTboard. South Burlington Community Library, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Music

Kids Music with Raphael: See February 3.

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3. 10:45 a.m.

Shake Your Sillies Out: See February 3.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Mirror, Mirror: See February 16. 3 p.m.

Straw Rockets: See February 2.

25 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Vacation Movie: ‘Planes’: Crop duster Dusty finds the courage to take on the world’s fastest flyers in the greatest air race ever. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See February 4.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Creeping Colors: See February 8.

ECHO Story Explorers: Champ: See February 18.

Skulls: See February 20.

Theater

“‘Sesame Street’ Live: Elmo Makes Music”: Peppy puppets sing their way through fun and educational lessons as they rescue their music teacher’s missing instruments. All ages. (See calendar spotlight on page 38.) Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3:30 & 7 p.m. $19.76-52.46; free for babies under 1. Info, 863-5966.

26 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Papermaking Workshop: Young crafters learn how to make their own writing canvas. Ages 9-12.

Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 893-4644.

Snow Dough Day: See February 8.

South Burlington Crafternoons: See February 25.

Baby & Maternity

Intergenerational Wii Bowling: An afternoon of fun and fitness awaits gamers of all ages.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4 p.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See February 5.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See February 5.

Kids Yoga: See February 3.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See February 1.

2:45-4:15 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Vergennes Kids Yoga: See February 5.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See February 5.

Library & Books

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See February 3. 10:30 a.m.

Music With Mr. Chris: See February 6.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See February 20.

Hoopster Gliders: See February 9.

28 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Essex Junction Crafternoons: See February 7.

Family Wheel Drop-In: See February 7.

Baby & Maternity

School Break Stories On The Screen: See February 24.

Toy Hacking: Inquisitive kids examine the insides of play things. Tools and toys provided.

Grades 4-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Postnatal Core Yoga: See February 7.

Music

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Moving & Grooving With Christine: See February 5.

Preschool Music With Derek: See February 5.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See February 5.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Exploring Magnets: See February 17. 11 a.m.

Parachutes: See February 19.

27 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: See February 6.

South Burlington Crafternoons: See February 25.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

5:45-7:15 p.m.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4. 8:4510 a.m.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

Games

Library Legos: See February 13. 1-5 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Library & Books

Fly Tying Workshops: Young adults look toward the fishing season as they learn how to make flies that will help them catch the big one. Ages 12 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Education

Early Bird Math: See February 7.

Food

Games

Magic: The Gathering: See February 14.

Health & Fitness

Barre Public Skating: See February 1. 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See February 2. 11 a.m.-noon Middlebury Public Skating: See February 2.

Noon-1 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See February 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stowe Public Skating: See February 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See February 4.

Woodstock Toddler/Parent Skating: See February 5.

Library & Books

School Break Stories On The Screen: See February 24.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 7.

Music With Derek: See February 7.

Nature & Science

Champ Week: See February 22.

Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design or build something cool, from “Frankenstuffies” to stop-motion animation. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

Night Sky: See February 1.

Optical Illusions: Young minds discover that things are not always what they seem during this science-based session. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Sound Science: See February 21. K playgroups, p.48

Kids VT

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See February 5.

Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling.

Discussion topics include nighttime parenting, weaning and setting limits.

Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Submit your March events for print by February 15 Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at kidsvt.com or calendar@kidsvt.com.

Free. Info, 879-3000.

Games

february 2014

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See February 2.

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See February 2.

4-5:30 p.m.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Movies

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See February 1.

47

Baby & Maternity

Drawing Dragons: Artist Elizabeth Llewellyn helps young illustrators dream up and create mythical creatures. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Minute To Win It!: See February 8.

Movie Day: Kids gather to watch a flick with their friends on a day off from school. All ages.

Call for movie selection. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

School Break Stories On The Screen: See February 24.

Food

Lego Creations!: Building fans design structures to display at the library. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1:30-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

School Break Stories On The Screen: See February 24.

Stories On The Screen: The library screens television programs for little ones in collaboration with Vermont Public Television. Ages 5 and under. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

kidsvt.com

Creative Tuesdays: See February 4.

South Burlington Crafternoons: School breakers make winter-themed crafts during this drop-in session. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Library & Books

Shelburne Postnatal/Baby & Me Yoga: See February 5.

FEB

CALENDAR

Playgroups

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details. Schedules generally follow the school calendar; call ahead to confirm.

MONDAY Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per child. Info, 223-0517.

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Burlington Early Learning Readiness Class: VNA Family Room, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-8147.

Cambridge Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5900.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Morrisville Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: Barlow Street Community Center, Fridays, 3-5:30 p.m. $11-14 per session. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Swanton Playgroup: Swanton Elementary School, Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, swantonbbf@gmail.com.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Fathers & Children Together: Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

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FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

TUESDAY Bristol Playgroup: Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Burlington Dad’s Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Family Play: VNA Family Room, Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday.

Essex Junction MOPS: Essex Alliance Church, Feb. 4, 8:45-11 a.m. & 6:30-8:45 p.m. $5 includes childcare and a meal; first meeting is free. Meets every other Tuesday. Info, 310-6489.

Fletcher Playgroup: Fletcher Elementary School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-9368.

Georgia Playgroup: Georgia Elementary & Middle School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 528-5470.

Hardwick Playgroup: Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 888-3470.

Middlebury Playgroup: Middlebury Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Tulsi Tea Room, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043.

Richford Playgroup: Cornerstone Bridges to Life Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 370-4797.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

St. Albans Water Babies: Fitness Zone, 6-6:40 p.m. Free. Info, 999-9703.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Class: Y Early Childhood Program Winooski, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-8147.

WEDNESDAY Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

Enosburg Playgroup: American Legion, Enosburg, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9:30-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 876-7555.

Essex Junction RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; meets second Wednesday of every month. Info, 860-7812.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4061.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Richford Tumble Time: Richford Elementary, Every other Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free; alternates every other Wednesday with PJ Story Time. Info, 370-4797.

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 734-1233.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

St. Albans Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 8:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

South Burlington RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, South Burlington, Feb. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Vergennes Playgroup: 2 Wolves Holistic Center, 12-2 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 870-0361.

Williston Evening Babytime Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Feb. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 876-7555.

THURSDAY Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:20 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; bring indoor shoes. Info, 876-7555.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Wednesday.

Montgomery Infant/Toddler Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 347-1780.

Montpelier Baby Play: St. Augustine Parish, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; no playgroup on February 27.

Info, 262-3292.

Montpelier Dads & Kids Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; no playgroup on February 27. Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

South Hero Playgroup: South Hero Congregational Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 796-3309.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

Waterbury MOPS: Thatcher Brook Primary School, Feb. 6, 6:30-8 p.m. First meeting is free; $24 yearly dues with scholarships available.

Info, 272-9606.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Class: See Tuesday.

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.

FRIDAY Bradford Story Hour: Bradford Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 222-4536.

Burlington Early Learning Readiness Class: See Monday.

Burlington Family Gym: Greater Burlington YMCA, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5 for families with one child; $8 for families with multiple children; free for YMCA members.

Info, 862-9622.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Fairfax Community Playgroup: BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, fairfaxsx6@gmail.com.

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Georgia Tumble Time: Georgia Elementary & Middle School, Feb. 7, 1:50-2:35 p.m. Free. Info, 528-5470.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Isle La Motte Playgroup: Isle La Motte School, 8:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 796-3309.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.

Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

St. Albans MOPS: Church of the Rock, first Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. First meeting is free; $4 dues per each meeting that follows.

Info, 393-4411.

Stowe Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Swanton Playgroup: See Monday.

Swanton Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

SATURDAY Bakersfield Tumble Time: Bakersfield Elementary/Middle School, second Saturday of every month, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Burlington Family Gym: See Friday.

Enosburg Tumble Time: Enosburg Elementary School, first Saturday of every month, 9-10 a.m.

Free. Info, 370-4797.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Preschool Open Gym: Maple Street Recreation Center, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1613.

Fairfax Open Tot Gym & Infant/Parent Playtime: BFA Fairfax, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. No session on February 23. Info, fairfaxsx6@gmail. com.

Franklin Tumble Time & Playgroup: Franklin Central School, Feb. 8, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6678.

Montpelier Morning Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Free.

Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Weekend Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

South Burlington Tots & Tykes Open Gym: Chamberlin Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 846-4108.

Swanton Tumble Time: Swanton Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

Williston Russian Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free.

Info, 878-4918.

SUNDAY Burlington Family Gym: See Friday.

matthew thorsen

hands-on

Q haBiTaT

Tips for backyard rink success:

Backyard Skating Rink

By Becky T h arp

OuTdOOr fun isn’T always easy parents: to find during the coldest, darkest Jeremy and months of the year. But Jeremy Sibold sonya sibold has a slippery solution: Each year, the kids: sam, 10, dad of two builds a 120-square-foot ben, 8 ice rink in his family’s Essex Junction backyard.

To start, Sibold cuts sheets of plywood in half, making enough 4-by-4-foot panels to serve as walls for a 30-by40-foot rink. He supports the walls with metal and wooden garden stakes. Then he covers the ground within the rink with a plastic liner; this will hold water in the

frame until it turns to ice. The liner costs $80 to $100 and can last up to two years. The Sibolds let water from the garden hose run into the rink for six to eight hours until it’s two to four inches deep. Then, they wait for the liquidto-solid transformation.

Ben Sibold, 8, doesn’t play ice hockey, but he loves to skate just as much as his hockey-playing big brother, Sam, 10. Their dad says the rink is at its best in the dark. “On a winter night, we’ll get a fire going outside and the lights shining on the rink,” he says. “Neighbors and friends stop by, and all the kids will be skating. We love it, and it really isn’t that much work.” K

• Set up your rink on level ground. It will save time, and water, to have a uniform ice thickness from end to end.

• Timing is everything. Flood the rink when the forecast predicts temperatures in the 20s or lower for a couple of days, with no precipitation.

• Snow is the enemy of a smooth skating surface.

Shovel off the white stuff quickly after a storm.

• Your rink will lose its perfect glossy surface over time. Freshen it up by flooding the top of the ice with water on a clear, cold night. kidsVT.cOm

“Habitat” is a feature celebrating places where Vermont families live and play. Got a sweet space you’d like us to see? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Looking for a babysitter?

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(We like you, too!)

We are Vermont’s oldest & most experienced childcare placement agency.

Our providers have undergone an intensive screening process.

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• Babysitters & Event Sitters • Full & Part Time Nannies • Temporary Nannies Available • Gift Certificates Available

3/25/11 8:04 AM

HANDS-ON ANSWERS P. 55

PUZZLE PAGE

Birthday Club This month’s winners get gift certificates to:

Congratulations to these February Birthday Club winners!

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER ZOEY lives in South Burlington and turns 4 on February 28. She loves ferris wheels, alpine slides and broccoli.

Zoey wins eight open-gym passes.

Join the Club!

To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club.

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Edie, Nathan and Hailee each win a 90-minute open-gym pass or a family pass to the Play Village.

EDIE lives in Hubbardton and turns 3 on February 1. She started snowboarding at 10 months old (pictured) and she loves it!

Puzzles4Kids

Balancing Act Preschool & After School Program

OPENINGS!

BY HELENA HOVANEC

50

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

Riddle Search — February 14

NATHAN lives in Monkton and turns 6 on February 28. He is a very energetic and fun kid who loves reading, superheroes, LEGOs, camping and swimming.

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below.

Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What should you do on February 14 if you love your car?

ADMIRER BOWS CARDS CARNATIONS CHOCOLATES CUPID ENVELOPE GEMS

LOVE PARTY POEMS RED Riddle Answer: ROMANCE ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ROSES SWEETHEART ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ TULIP

-

2 Corporate Drive • Essex HAILEE lives in New Haven and turns 7 on February 8. She loves baby dolls, singing, gymnastics, drawing, and riding with her brother on their four-wheeler!

802.655.3300

courtesy of megan james

hands-on

Q project

Love Tree

instructions 1.

• Apple • Acrylic paint • Paintbrush • Large sheet of white, red or pink card

2.

• Scissors • Needle and thread • Jar or vase

3.

• Handful of coins or pebbles

4.

• Tree branch

5.

6.

7.

8.

Attach a loop of thread to the top of each print; you can either use the needle or just tape the thread to the back of the print.

Now, the fun part: Write what you love about someone on the back of each print.

Put the tree branch in the jar or vase; you can toss in a couple of inches of coins or pebbles — or conversation heart candies — to keep the branch from falling over.

Hang your heart ornaments on the branch. K

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Share your fun craft ideas and completed projects with us! Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

Kids VT

Slice the apple in half, parallel to its core. Then lay the apple halves on a cutting board, white sides up, and trim off the bottom two corners of each. You should end up with two heart-shaped stamps.

Spread some paint on a plate.

Press the white side of the apples into it, or use the paintbrush to coat them evenly in paint.

Stamp the apple hearts all over the sheet of paper.

When the prints are dry, make them into individual ornaments by cutting them out.

february 2014

— Megan James

Materials

kidsvt.com

Got a branch or two left over from your Christmas tree?

Here’s a fun way to reuse them and spread the love this Valentine’s Day. Follow these instructions to make a mini tree adorned with heart-shaped love notes. It’s the perfect antidote to cabin fever.

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KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

COLORING CONTEST!

Title _______________________________________

Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. After a monthlong display of the winning artwork, Creative Habitat will give each artist the framed print to display at home.

Artist _____________________________________

Send Kids VT your work of art by February 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the March issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Address ___________________________________

Age _______________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Phone _____________________________________

New!

Q drawing on history B y t h e a l ew i s a n d i a n w eb b

ELISHA OTIS Inventor of the Modern Elevator Elisha Otis was born in 1811 on a farm in Halifax, Vermont.

d up to buil Otis grew ges, beds and rria horse ca s! even toy

As a boy, he often slipped away from his duties tending cows in the fields to watch the local blacksmith make things.

While working in a factory in Yonkers, New York, Otis was looking for an easy way to move things to upper floors and became interested in elevators, which were used to lift animals and supplies.

But sometimes the elevators broke or slipped.

kidsvt.com

Otis wanted to make elevators safe enough to carry people, so in 1852, he invented one with a special brake to keep it from falling. He unveiled it to amazed visitors at the 1854 New York World’s Fair.

february 2014

Today, Otis elevators can be found in the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and many other tall buildings around the world.

Kids VT

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“Drawing on History” is a new monthly feature about a notable Vermont person, place or event from days of yore. Want to suggest a future topic? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Vermont Ballet Theater School

✱ CONTEST

Summer Dance at VBTS

Book Review

Simply the Best!

Summer Intensive Audition March 8th

Inspiring dancers, bringing art to life

Call 878-2941 or visit vbts.org for details.

Summer Intensive 2014 A comprehensive program June 16-27 Shelburne • Ages 8-9 June 23-July 25 Essex • Ages 10 & up

July 28-August 8 Essex • Teens

Classes offered at both locations: 4066 Shelburne Road, Shelburne 21 Carmichael Street, Essex

For schedule & registration information visit us at www.vbts.org or call: 802-878-2941 or email: info@vbts.org

Also Summer Camps & Classes

Sponsored by

Calling all bookworms!

Send us a thoughtful paragraph about a recent read for the chance to win some literary loot.

Book: _______________________________________________________________

Author: _______________________________________________________________

Describe your favorite part of the story.

What did you like about it?

Feel free to use additional pages!

“The Dance Shop” at VBTS 802-879-7001 thedanceshop @vbts.org

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_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Vermont Public Television

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Contest opens Monday, January 6 Entrees must be submitted by Friday, March 21 Open to kids Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

FEBRUARY 2014

KIDSVT.COM

_______________________________________________________________

Hosted by Vermont Public Television

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KIDS VT

Full contest details at vpt.org January 2014

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We’ll pick the four most creative entries and excerpt them in the next issue.

Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is February 15.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

Name ________________________________ Age __________________________________ Town ________________________________ Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________

14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

USE YOUR WORDS

Unmarried, With Children A single mom dives back into the dating pool

BY HE LE I G H BOST W I C K

Being an older mom with younger kids added a new twist to the dating game.

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PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS (see p. 50) JUmbLES fly. join. test. push.

RIDDLE ANSWER: trying to find the end of a circle is — PoINtLESS

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RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Give it a valen-shine.

KIDS VT

“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood.

Got a story to share? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Submit your info by the 15th of the month online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

FEBRUARY 2014

That wasn’t the case with Dan. He knew I was mom to a pair of 6-year-olds, and he was still interested. For the first couple of months, we’d meet in the parking lot at the local Starbucks, then drive off to our date. I didn’t want my kids seeing him yet because I didn’t know what to tell them.

The girls are fine with not having a dad. I’ve been telling them the story of how they came to be since they were born. “We don’t have a dad in our family; we have a donor,” I’ve overheard them explain to curious classmates.

But since our family is dad-less, they’d never seen me being affectionate with a guy. They’d never been exposed to mom and dad kissing. I wasn’t sure they’d understand what I meant if I told them I had a boyfriend. I wanted their lives to be stable, so I took it all slowly.

One summer evening, Dan and I wanted to go to the beach but couldn’t find a babysitter. He suggested bringing the girls with us.

When I told them of the plan, a look of alarm passed over their little faces.

I’d told them we’d all be going together, but still, they asked, “Are you going to leave us?” I could tell they were worried about this new person coming into our lives. I made sure they understood that I wasn’t going anywhere without them, and took the opportunity to explain that Dan was simply my “friend who is a boy.”

That was a concept they understood.

We had a nice evening at the beach together, but my relationship with Dan eventually fizzled. I had wanted someone steady in my life so that the girls would have a relationship role model; he was hesitant to commit.

I could still find someone, but the truth is, I love the companions I already have. These days, my girls, now 10, are capable of holding thoughtful, intelligent conversations and making meaningful contributions to family life.

“Don’t forget we need to buy a present for Clara,” one reminded me recently.

“Where is the party again?” I asked, too many things on my mind to remember exactly where we were heading later that day.

“Don’t worry, Mom, I know how to get there,” said the other.

Maybe dating isn’t so important right now. We’re having plenty of fun being a family — just the three of us.

List your events for free in the Kids VT monthly calendar.

KIDSVT.COM

BACK IN 2003, I was 42 years old, recently divorced, childless and still wanted kids. I was working in New York City at the time, and, thinking I could find a mate the oldfashioned way, I called a dating service. But they wouldn’t take me as a client; they made it clear that I was too old.

So I signed up for Match.com. With my reproductive system running out of time, I had a decision to make: Find a husband to have children with or become a single mother using an anonymous sperm donor.

Fifty-plus dates later, I chose the latter. Getting remarried wasn’t so important, but, I thought, When I’m old and gray, will I look back on my life and regret not having a child? My answer was a resounding yes.

Two weeks after my 44th birthday, I gave birth to a healthy set of twins, beautiful baby girls.

Eight months later, I moved to Vermont, where I had grown up. I preferred life in the big city, but once I had kids, I was ready to leave.

By 2010, I had settled into my new identity as a mom. The girls had started school, and although there were — and still are — plenty of challenges in raising two children alone, life was pretty good.

Still, I was nearing 50 and had been single for close to a decade. I needed a break and some adult company. Plus, I wanted my daughters to be exposed to a healthy adult relationship. They’d never seen what a partnership looks like. I thought I was ready to start dating again.

So I called Nicole Leclerc, a Vermont matchmaker. We met for coffee, she asked thoughtful questions, wrote me a profile and set me up with half a dozen men. It didn’t take me long to realize that being an older mom with younger kids added a new twist to the dating game.

At my age, there aren’t as many single men available. And here in Vermont, they sometimes live far away. Since I’m the sole parent, every date I go on requires me to hire a babysitter. At $10 an hour, that adds up quickly.

Then there’s the age factor. I dated several men who were much older than me, sometimes by 10 or 15 years. A decade from now, my kids will be grown up. I’m not sure I want to be a caretaker to my partner just as my kids are leaving the nest.

Many men my age have grown children, and some even have grandchildren. That’s not a deal breaker for me, but it usually is for them. Once I mention that I have younger kids, they tend to disappear.

Planning a kids event?

CAMP EDGE

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• Arts & Crafts EDGE EXPLORERS ities • Athletic Activ Session I 6/16-6/20 s e m a G ym G • Session II 6/23-6/27 Session III 6/30-7/4 • Music s ip Session IV 7/7-7/11 • Field Tr ess rn e d il W Session V 7/14-7/18 d n a • Nature Session VI 7/21-7/25 Exploration oor) td u o & r o o Session VII 7/28-8/1 d n (i • Swimming Session VIII 8/4-8/8 Games • Recreational Session IX 8/11-8/15 • Storytelling Session X 8/18-8/22 ction • Tennis Instru ll • Climbing Wa ot (including but n • Group Sports r all, soccer, floo limited to: baseb all, kickball) hockey, basketb

Art Photography Lego Bowling Wet n’ Wild Maritime Week Taste of VT Farm Week Kids Choice Multi-Adventure Challenge

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EDGEVT.COM

For more specific questions, please contact us at: Essex: ChrisG@edgevt.com • South Burlington: HeatherH@edgevt.com • Williston: MariaG@edgevt.com kfp-Theedgesummercamps0214.indd 1

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