Summertime Fun

Thursday, June 5, 2014

T H E S TA R P H O E N I X S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

FUN

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Thursday, June 5, 5,2014 THURSDAY, JUNE 2014

T H E S TA HO I XT SI PME E C I AFLU FNE A T U R E S RUPM MEEN R

Keep kids busy, active this summer!

In many ways, today’s kids have busier schedules than any previous generation of youngsters. Many extracurricular activities, including sports, require a nearly year-round commitment, and the dual-income household has landed many kids in afterschool programs where kids tend to their schoolwork or engage in various activities that keep them from resting on their laurels.

But those busy schedules get a lot less hectic when the school year ends. Once school is out, kids used to a full schedule might find themselves with lots of time on their hands. Though it’s good for kids to squeeze in some rest and relaxation during their summer break, it’s also important for kids to stay active so they don’t develop poor habits as the summer goes on. In addition, the American Psychological Association notes that kids who are physically active are more capable of coping with stress and tend to have higher self-esteem than kids who do not include physical activity as part of their regular routines. The following are a few suggestions for parents looking for ways to keep their kids active throughout the summer while still allowing them to recharge their batteries after a long school year.

PLAN AN ACTIVE VACATION. Summer is when many families go on vacation, so why

not choose a vacation that involves more than napping poolside? Though it’s still good to leave some time for relaxation, find a locale where you can embrace activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, or other adventures that get you and your youngsters off the poolside chaise and out exploring. Such a trip might inspire kids to embrace an activity more fully, getting them off the couch not only while they’re on vacation but also when they return home for the rest of summer.

TEACH KIDS TO GARDEN. Gardening might be seen as a peaceful and relaxing hobby, but it still requires a lot of elbow grease and hard work that pays physical dividends. A garden must be planted, hoed, weeded, and watered, and gardening gets kids out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. When growing a vegetable garden, kids might embrace the chance to be directly involved in the foods that will eventually end up on their dinner tables. Parents can embrace this as an opportunity to teach the value of eating locally-produced foods and the positive impact such behavior has on the environment.

GO SWIMMING. Few adults who work in offices haven’t looked out their windows on a sunny summer day and thought how nice it would be to be spending that afternoon making a few laps in a

Swimming is a fun and healthy exercise to keep kids physically active throughout the summer. lake, at the beach or in a pool. Kids have the same daydreams during the summer, so take a day off every so often and take the kids for an afternoon of swimming. Swimming is a great activity that exercises the entire body, including the shoulders, back, legs, hips, and abdominals. In addition,

swimming helps kids and adults alike maintain a healthy weight while also improving their cardiovascular health. It’s hard for some people to find a place to swim once the warm weather departs, so take advantage of the summer weather and go swimming as often as possible while the kids are not in school.

LIMIT HOW MUCH TIME KIDS SPEND WATCHING TELEVISION, PLAYING VIDEO GAMES OR SURFING THE INTERNET. Many of today’s kids are as tech savvy as they are busy.

But it’s important that kids don’t spend too much time online or on the couch watching television or playing video games. Such activities are largely sedentary, and they can set a bad precedent for the months ahead, even when the school year begins once again. Parents should limit how much time their youngsters spend in front of the television or the computer during summer vacation, keeping track and turning the TV or computer off if they suspect kids are spending too much time staring at the screen instead of being active. Kids might not love it when you turn their video games off or minimize their access to social media, but explain the limitations at the onset of summer and let kids know you expect them to be physically active even if it is summer vacation. (MNS)

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Join us for VBS this summer where we will learn how to

Live Inside Out! Preschool camp

June 30-July 4, $20 *Mornings

Elementary camp

July 7-11, $40 *Daily Field Trips!

For more Info or to register: www.ebap.ca or call Holly Emmanuel Baptist Church -- 1636 Acadia Dr

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SASKATOON YOUTH SOCCER INC. PROUDLY PROUD UDLY U DLY PRESENTS: What: “PotashCorp Soccer Kids In Wh th the Park” Program Fr Free Summer Drop-In So Soccer for Ages 4–18 Wh When: Mon to Fri ~July 2nd to Au Aug 21st, 2014. Visit our website for a program schedule after June 25 Wh Where: City of Saskatoon Pl Playground & Youth Centre Sites

Contact: saskatoonyouthsoccer.ca or 306-975-3413

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Thank you to PotashCorp for their sponsorship of this free program for the fifth summer in a row and also Community Initiatives Fund, City of Saskatoon, Xtratime Sports Soccer Locker, and Sask Soccer for their financial support.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014 Thursday, June 5, 2014

Things to consider before choosing a summer camp Make this summer truly memorable, by planning a day or overnight camp excursion for your children.

A summer camp experience is something your children will fondly recall long after they reach adulthood. For many kids, summer camp provides a first taste of independence, as youngsters spend significant time away from home without their parents for the first time in their lives.

To ensure summer camp is a positive experience, parents need to find the right fit for their children. The following are a few things parents should take into consideration when seeking a summer camp for their kids.

STAFF - The right summer camp staff can make all the difference. Many children are understandably shy when arriving at a summer camp, as their friends from back home might not be joining them. That can make kids hesitant to participate in activities or less enthusiastic about those activities.

But a good staff will know how to make kids feel welcome, which should help them come out of their shells and make the most of their summer camp experiences. The quality of staffs can vary significantly depending on the camp, so it’s

With

important that parents ask camp representatives about their staffs before making any commitments.

Ask how long the staff has been together and the types of training new and even veteran staff members undergo before the start of camp season? Does the training include first aid and emergency medical training and certification?

It’s also good to ask about the vetting process the camp employs before hiring new staff, including the extent of its background checks. Are criminal background checks conducted? How many references must potential staff members supply to be considered for employment? A good camp will be forthcoming with answers to all of your questions, so eliminate those that appear hesitant to share information about their staffs.

A DAY IN THE LIFE - When vetting camps for kids, parents should ask what a typical day is like once the season hits full swing. Many parents want their youngsters to have a well-rounded experience, while others might want their kids to attend a more specialized camp, whether it’s a sports camp focusing on a particular sport or a music camp devoted to helping kids become better musicians. Regardless of the type of camp parents

Michael J. Martin

are considering for their kids, they should ask about what daily life at the camp is like. Ask to see schedules and how strictly camps adhere to those schedules. When considering specialized camps, ask the staff representative if kids will have the chance to simply have a little fun and which types of recreational activities are planned to give kids a break from what are often rigorous schedules.

CAMP GOALS - Another thing parents must consider before choosing a summer camp for their kids is the goals of each individual camp.

A camp should be dedicated to ensuring kids have fun, even when kids are attending more specialized camps that tend to be more strict.

In addition, parents should look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with their fellow campers. Camp can be lonely for some youngsters, especially those attending summer camp for the first time, but a summer camp that strives to promote friendship among its campers can reduce, if not eliminate, any feelings of homesickness.

To ensure your youngsters have as much fun as Do your homework before selecting possible this summer, start exploring your summer a summer camp for children.

Photo: MNS camp options today. (MNS)

Proudly working with aspiring artists of all ages for over 30 years!

B.A., B.Ed.

Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced levels

Summer Art Camps & Workshops

•Focus on finding strengths, skills & individual “styles“.

Supply costs are minimized. •Custom workshops by booking.

More than 30 years experience as an Artist and Instructor.

Ph ( 306) 241 - 9711

Email: artexpressions@gmail.com w w w.m ic h a e ljm a r t i n . c o m SAS00282626_1_1

*SUMMER SKATING PROGRAMS* •CANSKATE & ADVANCED CANSKATE (June 30 - Aug. 21) One week programs - Monday to Thursday evenings

•PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE POWERSKATING LESSONS (July 15 - Aug. 22)

CAMPS (ages 7 & up) a.m.

General Art: (ages 7 & up) a.m. or full dayor full day • July 7-11 • July 14-18 • July 28-Aug. 1 • Aug. 4-8 • Aug. 11-15 • Aug. 25-29 Drama/Art: (ages 7-12) full day • June 30-July 4 • July 21-25 • Aug. 18-22 WORKSHOPS (for older teens & adults), 9:00a.m-1:00pm for 4 days 9:00a.m-1:00pm for 4 days Perspective: ly! uick q • July 17-20 l l fi y! sses Life Drawing: earl Cla r e t is • July 31-Aug. 3 Reg 31-Aug. 3 Plein AirJuly Painting: • Aug. 7-10

Aug. 7-10

•PO WERSKATING & CONDITIONING CAMP (with puck and ring control sessions) AUG. 25 - 29 Information – www.skatesaskatoon.com • Phone – 306-373-4466 A.C.T. ARENA (107-105 th St.) Sutherland SAS00282806_1_1

www.gailadamsartschool.com Carey-Lynn (306) 931-7790 SAS00282970_1_1