Boulder County Kids Fall 2021 by Martinhouse Publications, Inc.

BOULDER COUNTY

KIDS

volume XXV11 No. 3

fall 2021

CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN FOR OVER 26 YEARS!

BACK to SCHOOL!

“Sparkling Ocean Water” by Bethany, age 15

Directories & Resources

Recipes & Crafts

Columns & Videos

And more fun inside!

WELCOME Head Start Families Bienvenidos familias de Head Start! ible, e e elig To b need to b ren child

r o f y a tod 22 l l o r En 021-20 the 2ol year. scho

hoy olar e s a b Inscríel año esc para 022. 2 2021Contact us for enrollment information hsenrollment@bouldercounty.org | 720-564-2206 www.boco.org/HeadStart 2

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ct. 1, by O

2021

ENGAGING STUDENTS IN

We believe schools should not only help students develop the skills and habits for future success, but should also awaken their curiosity, expand their view of the world, and empower local, regional, and global communities.

FALL OPEN HOUSES

September 28th October 16th November 10th

Applications for the 2022-2023 school year open in September. Contact admissions@watershedschool.org to learn more. RESEARCH-BASED • FUTURE-FOCUSED • COMMUNITY-CENTERED

1661 ALPINE AVE. BOULDE R, CO 80304 | 3 03 -440-7520 WATERSHEDSCHOOL.ORG

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WELCOME BACK!

Fro m

the

WAIT!

publishers:

Don’t worry! You are in the right place. Things may look a little different, but the same, great content that has filled Boulder County Kids for 27 years is still inside. As you may know, Jennifer Martin, who created and ran Boulder County Kids for all these years, has decided to retire. We, Annie Gieser & Isabella Schutz, are determined to preserve Jennifer’s legacy, while also making some updates to the iconic Boulder publication. This Fall Issue is bursting with everything kids & families could need as we head back to school. From easy recipes that will give your kids veggies without the fuss to some fun fall horoscopes for kids, we’ve got you covered! Don’t worry—Boulder County Kids’ classics are still inside: Be sure to check out What Do I Do Now, Romona? for the latest life advice; Kids Planet with Thorne Nature Experience to learn about hands-on learning; and Nipping the Effects of Bullying in the Bud will help navigate bullying of all ages. Don’t miss our new columnists either: Integrated Love with Miss Katie can help you and your kids live with more inclusivity; Movin’ and Groovin’ with Jamie Carr will explain why dancing can be the best medicine; and Tiny Trails by Allison Burch gives the sure-fire way to hike successfully with littles. We are so grateful to the community of Boulder for supporting us, encouraging us, and coming along as we enter a new era of Boulder County Kids. Please, always feel free to email or call us with any questions or even just to chat. Also, be sure to follow us on all social media platforms for more content and frequent updates. Happy back to school, Boulder! Let’s make it a great year.

Annie & Isabella (left)

(right)

and our mascot,

June

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a division of Martin

House Publications, Inc. Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Mailing Address: 1464 E. Easter Cir. Centennial, CO 80122. Phone number: (303) 728–4798. Copyright 1995 to 2021 by Boulder County Kids. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Printed with soy-based ink. Please go to www. bouldercountykids.com for more information.

WHAT’S INSIDE...

Fall 2021

back to

6 9 10 13 14 16 17 18

SCHOOL! After School Programs

KIDS ZONE: Where’s June? & Fall Wordsearch

Tiny Trails with Allison Burch

Gift Giving Directory

Why Graphic Novels are the

Smart Choice

Fall Crafts

Birthday Party Directory

Fall Recipes

Fall Horoscopes

PRESS PLAY: Video Page

Movin’ & Groovin’ with Jamie Carr

Nipping the Effects of Bullying in the Bud

Fall Calendar

Cover Artist Superstar KIDS ZONE: Crossword News About Town

Virtual Directory Kids Planet with

Thorne Nature Experience

Helpful Services

what do I do now,

Child Care Directory

26 28

Integrated Love with Miss Katie

ROMONA?

Private School Directory

Special thanks to: Jennifer Martin & Indie Darlene Mueller Morse Jennifer Rodehaver Leroy & Holly Schutz Marybeth & Carl Gieser Gary Germeroth Paul Coury

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FRONT COVER

eet our Fall Issue’s FRONT COVER SUPERSTAR: Bethany! Bethany is a 15-year-old from Westminster who created her masterpiece, “Sparkling Ocean Water” with oil pastels while at local Tinker Art Studio. Bethany has one older sister and one adorable pup named Penny (pictured to the right)! Penny is the cutest and fluffiest Piernese-Golden mix. Her family loves a dinner out at Chili’s, which hopefully includes the molten chocolate cake for dessert! When it comes to school, Bethany loves her history and science classes the best. But

SUPERSTAR

when she grows up, she dreams of working in a design studio of some kind—she’s currently leaning toward the role of video game concept artist. Bethany loves the Disney hit, Big Hero 6, the classic book The Hobbit, and the magical fantasy novel called The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her favorite music is from the pop and indie genre, particularly the bands Fall Out Boy and SAINT MOTEL. The weather is what Bethany loves most about fall—it’s not too hot, but not too cold yet! This fall, she’s also really excited for Hallowen, although she doesn’t know what her costume will be yet. Congratulations Bethany on being our Front Cover Superstar this Fall Issue!

page 30 and the Birthday Party Directory on page 38 or visit their website by clicking here. The cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, pays competitive dividends on federally insured savings accounts. Your family can also enjoy lowcost loans and the credit union gives money to the school of your choice at no cost to you. For more information and to find a location near you visit www.pmcu.org or call (303) 657-4558.

Thank you to Tinker Art Studio for submitting “Sparkling Ocean Water” along with other beautiful pieces of art (some of which are featured below)! For more information about Tinker Art Studio, please head to both the After School Directory on

HONORABLE MENTIONS

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bouldercountykids.com

Are you our next

FRONT COVER

superstar? Send your art to info@bouldercountykids.com by October 10th to be considered for our Winter 2021 Issue. The winner will recieve a $50 cash prize from our cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, and will win bragging rights to all of his/her/their friends for the whole winter season!

Here’s what Boulder County Parents are saying about hosting an au pair for live-in childcare: “Our au pair is terrific—a thoughtful communicator, reliable, responsible and the kids love her.” “Everything she does, it is with such enthusiasm. Plus she is an amazing cook!” “The program brings joy, mentorship, companionship, and cultural awareness in ways we haven’t been able to provide before. We highly recommend it.”

www.culturalcare.com/jrodehaver

What is an au pair? An au pair is an educated young person from abroad who lives with you in your home for up to two years, cares for your children and becomes a part of your family. To find out if hosting is right for your family: Contact Local Childcare Consultant: Jen Rodehaver, 303-956-6189 Jen.rodehaver@lcc.culturalcare.com Facebook: @LCCJenRodehaver bouldercountykids.com

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OPEN HOUSE

FRI. & SAT., OCTOBER 15 & 16, 10:00 A.M. Info at dawsonschool.org/OpenHouse

Preparing students to bring their best to the world. dawsonschool.org

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KIDS ZONE

Back to School in

BOULDER COUNTY!

LOOK OUT!

It looks like our mascot, June, must have walked through here! Be on the look-out for where she’s been by tracking these paw prints.

Print out this page to fill in the crossword below! For an online version, head to bouldercountykids.com.

ACROSS

down

1. What you carry your materials in. 2. After school activities you can join. 3. Another word for fall. 4. Where you probably haven’t been in 5. What changes colors in autumn. a while. 7. What tells you it’s the end of class. 6. Middle of the day meal at school. 8. The beginning of the school year. 9. Going to school on the computer. 12. What you play in P.E. 10. The mountain view in Boulder. 13. Outside play time. 11. The class you can use your creativity 14. inAn outdoor activity Coloradans love in. 7/30/2021 Back to School Boulder County! to do. 14. The fun holiday in October. 15. People you meet in class and school.

Back to School in Boulder County! 1

6 7

8 9

12 13 14

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NEWS ABOUT TOWN... I

n case you haven’t heard yet...Boulder was named the number 1 Best Place to Live in the Nation by US News & World Report—but we’ve all known that for years! This was the second year in the row that Boulder has won first place on the Best Places to Live list. It’s no surprise that the report noted Boulder’s natural beauty, thriving economy, great schools, low crime, and immense amount of outdoor recreation activities as reasons behind the ranking. Cheers, Boulder!

Have you been thinking about adopting a furry friend? The Dumb Friends League in Denver is currently very overcrowded with about 1,500 animals in the three locations. This is an estimated 400 more animals in the shelters than this time last year. The Dumb Friends League has dogs, cats, bunnies, hamsters, and more animals available for adoption. To learn more, visit their website here. Trauma Resources Get resources during this difficult time. It’s okay to not be okay. The Boulder Public Library is here for you through this heartbreak- ing time in our community. We’d like to provide you and your family with books and other resources to process the recent violence, as well as help you address these topics with your loved ones. The City of Boulder has also put together a growing list of mental health resources.

Send us your local news at info@bouldercountykids.com

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Book a Bike! Now available at the Main Library in partnership with BCycle. You can now check out one of the BCycle bikes with your valid and current Boulder Public Library card. Visit the Main Library and go to the Accounts desk. They will give you a BCycle card that has directions on how to use the bike. At the end of every trip return the bike to any Boulder BCycle station. Seeds Library Cafe is open! Come get an amazing snack or coffee on the bridge! Seeds is owned and operated by the Boulder County Farmers Markets and it embodies their mission to provide the best local, fresh food and locally roasted coffee from Silver Canyon Coffee. Currently, Seeds will be opening in stages with coffee and some limited offerings. Their hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

Mask Up Indoors Again Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the CDC has reccomended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear masks when indoors again. In the last week of July, cases increased 34%. Although nothing is mandated yet, stay safe by masking up when you are indoors. Boulder Library Concerts The Boulder Library Foundation continues to bring you great live music! The Boulder Bandshell is now the venue for “Arts in the Park” and “Arts for All”. Both were created to help the arts and culture community after suffering devastating losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performance groups include Boulder Arts Outdoors, Boulder Ballet, Boulder Opera, Boulder Symphony, Creative Catalyzers, Dairy Arts Center, eTown, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, and more. Each performance is subject to different ticket prices. If you cannot afford a ticket please visit BLF’s Eventbrite page for free admission.

RENT YOUR SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS ONLINE FROM YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SHOP!

• Free Delivery to School or Home

a new kid's movement + mindfulness + mindset practice

• Teacher Approved Instruments

• group classes • school programs • private lessons

• Most Instruments Rent-To-Own • Online or In-Store Rentals • Local & Independent Photo by Lauren M. Click

• Since 1971

(303) 449-0516 3101 28th St. Boulder, CO

www.hbwoodsongs.com

EMAIL ADVERTISING@BOULDERCOUNTYKIDS. COM OR HEAD TO BOULDERCOUNTYKIDS.COM TO LEARN MORE.

us find V! on T

www.mooka.org

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Y L N O S D A KI m y G g n i b Clim Come sing with us!

Join BOULDER CHILDREN’S CHORALE

Rehearsals held on Thursdays in Boulder  Bel Canto (6th-9th grade): 4:15-6:00 pm  Volante (4th-8th grade): 4:45-6:00 pm  Prima Voce (2nd-4th grade): 5:15-6:00 pm  Piccolini (Kindergarten-1st grade): 4:15-5:00 pm

w w w. B o u l d e r C h i l d r e n s C h o r a l e . o r g

Angie Payne Photography

All Ages and Abilities

Indoor and Outdoor Classes

Enroll Now! abckidsclimbing.com 303-443-5437

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IGNITING A LOVE OF LEARNING Dyslexia or difficulty reading After-school or daytime hours Intensives (multiple hours) Highly-trained teachers

WWW.LEARNINGPATHWAYSCOLORADO.COM

303.499.1941/LPBOULDER@GMAIL.COM Call us and let us show you how your child can thrive!

crafts Let’s get CRAFTY this fall season with some creative DIY ideas. All of these are super easy and can be done with items that are most likely already lying around the house. For more craft ideas, check out the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

SHRINK CRAFT RINGS tional oven) We all know and love the • Parchment paper easy, fun to make shrinky dink charms. Now, here’s a shrinky Here’s what you’ll do: dink like you’ve never seen be- 1. Preheat oven if using confore: as rings! Your kids can crevectional oven to 350 deate their own personalized jewgrees. elry or make a thoughtful gift 2. Draw out your ring on the for a friend or family member. laminated sheet paper using colored Sharpies. Something long and skinny (like a Here’s what you’ll need: • Laminated sheet paper snake!) would work best. • Colored Sharpies 3. Cut out your drawing using • A crayon scissors. • Scissors 4. Place the cutout on parch• An oven mitt ment paper on a baking • Toaster oven (or convecsheet. Place in oven for just

2 to 3 minutes. 5. Place the cutout on an oven mitt. Take the crayon and roll the cutout around the crayon using the oven mitt—careful, it’ll be hot! 6. Let the cutout cool. 7. Show off your cool new ring! To watch a video on how to make these, check out this pin on the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

BROCCOLI STAMP FALL TREE Before your kids freak out when you pull out the broccoli, show them how cute and easy it is to make these awesome autumn trees!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Broccoli (cut into smaller pieces that are easy to hold) • Paints (fall colors would be best: red, orange, and yellow!) • A leaf-less tree template. You can draw your own or print out and use this template linked here!

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. If not using the tree template, draw a tree without leaves on it. 2. Place the paints on a plate. You can mix them together or keep them separate. 3. Place the broccoli on the paint and then on the branches of the tree. You can experiment with different colors, pressures, and amounts of paint as you go! To see more examples of broccoli stamped fall trees,

check out this pin on the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

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RECIPES:

HIDDEN VEGGIES EDITION We’re no strangers to picky eaters! Trying to get your kids to eat certain vegetables is no easy feat. But with these fun & easy recipes filled with hidden veggies, your kid won’t even realize he’s eating something he or she usually throws a fit about. If you’d like to submit a favorite recipe for our Winter Issue, please email us at info@bouldercountykids.com. For more fun recipes, be sure to follow the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

CARROT CAKE CUSTARD PIE

kay, we know carrot cake can be controversial—people seem to either love it or loathe it! But with this custard filling and whipped cream cheese topping, it may be difficult for the loathers not to switch teams! The best part about this pie is how easy it is to make. This is the perfect pie for kiddos to help out in the kitchen with—though, that might give away the secret ingredient of carrots! They can always be in charge of licking the whipped cream cheese spatula and doing the dishes. If cream cheese isn’t your go-to, feel free to use a regular homemade whipped cream topping! The cream cheese just adds a bit more tanginess to the flavor.

INGREDIENTS PIE:

• 4 large eggs • ¼ cup of heavy cream • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted • 1 cup of light brown sugar, packed • ¼ cup honey • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon sea salt • 2 ¼ grated & peeled carrots • ¼ cup flour • ¾ cup chopped & toasted pecans • 1 pie crust, parbaked & cooled

WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature • ⅔ cup powdered sugar • 2 cups heavy cream

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toasted pecans. 4. Whisk together the eggs, cream, butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until combined. 5. Fold the carrot mixture into the custard mixture. 6. Pour the filling into the parbaked crust that is placed on a baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes until the custard is set around the edges. Cool and then refrigerate for 2 hours. 7. Top with whipped cream cheese topping (instructions below) and serve!

WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE: 1. Whip the cream cheese and 1. Be sure that your crust is powdered sugar with a mixparbaked, this means parer on low until fluffy. Add in tially baking the crust bethe cream steadily and raise fore. Preheat the oven to 425 the speed to medium. Whip degrees. Place the crust in until stiff peaks form. the pie pan and poke the bottom and sides with a fork Note: This recipe was originally from all over. Then, cover the inErin Jeanne McDowell’s “The Book on side with parchment paper Pie” and has been tweaked slightly. and place pie weights on top. Uncooked rice or beans can be used for pie weights. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 3. Mix together the carrots and flour in a medium bowl. Once mixed well, mix in the

DIRECTIONS

RECIPES

ASPARAGUS SWEET CORN FRITTERS INGREDIENTS • 1 bunch asparagus sliced & woody ends removed • 1 cup corn kernels • 4 green onions chopped & trimmed • 3 eggs • ¾ cups cheddar cheese, grated • ½ cup milk • 1 cup flour • 1 pinch sea salt • 1 pinch pepper • 1 pinch cayenne pepper *optional

ritters are the perfect treat to make a big batch of. You can make them at night and serve them for breakfast, pack them in lunches, or throw them in your backpack for a hike or park day! Your kids will never know how healthy these fritters actually are—because they taste too good!

DIRECTIONS 1. Mix together asparagus, sweet corn, onions, eggs, cheese, and milk in a bowl. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper and cayenne pepper (if using). 2. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and brush with a little butter. Cook about ¼ cup of mixture at a time, in a pancake shape, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. 3. Serve warm or cold, with any dipping sauce preferred.

Note: This recipe was originally from “Australia’s Best Recipes”.

Veggie Nuggets

hat child doesn’t love dipping nuggets into ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard? These veggie nuggets are a delicious, healthy alternative to the classic chicken nugget. Easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at snack time, these nuggets may just become your kids new favorite.

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup shredded carrots • 3 cups broccoli florets • 1 garlic clove • 2 eggs • 1 ¼ cups seasoned breadcrumbs, divided • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese • ½ teaspoon onion powder • ½ teaspoon black pepper • 1 tablespoon canola oil

DIRECTIONS 1. Shred carrots and steam broccoli in the microwave for two minutes or until tender. 2. Place shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, garlic, eggs, 1 cup of the breadcrumbs, cheese, onion powder, and black pepper in food processor and pulse for 15 seconds or until well combined. Mixture should form easily into a ball. If it’s too crumbly, add water one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. 3. Form mixture into balls, about a tablespoon each.

You should get about 25 nuggets. Flatten slightly into round discs about 1/2inch thick. 4. Place remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each veggie nuggets with breadcrumbs. 5. Heat oil in a skillet on medium high heat until it sizzles when sprinkled with water droplets. 6. Arrange nuggets in skillet and cook about 4 minutes each side, or until golden brown and crispy. 7. Serve with your favorite dip. Note: This recipe was originally from “Real Mom Nutrition”.

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PRESS PLAY video page Engage your curiosity with TedEd’s YouTube videos, which answer bizarre and outlandish questions in the most fun and eccentric ways possible! Check out bouldercountykids.com for more videos.

Why isn’t the world covered in poop? Eleanor Slade & Paul Manning

A dung beetle walks into a bar and asks... “Is this stool taken?”

Why are fish fish-shaped? Lauren Sallan

I guess we’re about to find out!

The most notorious scientific feud in history Lukas Rieppel

Get to know one of the most infamous scientific rivalries in history, known as the Bone Wars, where two scientists competed to find dinosaur fossils.

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VIRTUAL

directory

best things that Ocame he out of the pandemne of t

ic is the accessibility to so many new resources online. Our world became fully VIRTUAL for the first time ever! If you are worried about the spread of the Delta variant or just prefer to live a little more virtually, check out these great resources in our Virtual Directory.

Parlando School For The Arts

Pursue your musical and theatrical passions with Parlando School of Musical Arts! Our talented faculty teach all ages, all abilities, and all instruments, including piano, voice/singing, musical theater, and acting. Try a starter pack, online or limited in-person, or dive into a full semester or school year of lessons! With 50 faculty members, over 700 lessons occurring every week, and classes, performances, and workshops held throughout the year, we have something for everyone. Join our musical community and ignite your inner artist! This fall, group classes are BACK at Parlando--Kids ‘n Keys, a piano class with sections for 5-7 year olds and 7-9 year olds, and Broadway Jrs., a singing/acting class with sections for 6-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds; info on our website! W: www.parlando.org E: info@parlando.org P: (303) 442-0006 Instagram: @parlandoboulder FaceBook: Parlando School of Musical Arts

ONLINE WITH RENAISSANCE ADVENTURES

Online Ages: 7-17 Join our online role-playing (RPG) adventures where everyone gets to be a hero! Outwit a dragon, solve mysteries and riddles, battle foes, and negotiate for freedom in an effort to save the kingdom of a mythical land. Choose from Adventure Quest or Dungeon Delvers for an unforgettable game live on Zoom led by our talented quest leaders. Our day-off school Holiday camps, game nights, and summer camps keep youth engaged and connected through play. Learn more at www. renaissanceadventures.com. P: (303) 786-9216 E: info@RenaissanceAdventures.com W: www.renaissanceadventures.com

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KIDS PLANET with Thorne Nature Experience

Hands-On Learning

Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

ou may have heard the term “hands-on learning” and wondered what it means. At Thorne Nature Experience we try to give kids the chance to actually work with their hands in the process of discovering nature. This can also be called “learning by doing.” I remember when I was a little boy that I loved to go outside and play in the rain. I would see how the rainwater was flowing along our gravel road and I would make little dams to divert the flow

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in different directions. This was indeed a handson activity. I was actually learning about the physics of water flow. As I got older, I became very interested in birds. I would find their nests and then try to figure out what kind of bird it was that built each nest. I would see how the birds behaved and I would often hear them sing. I soon learned to identify each kind of bird just by hearing their song. Even though I was using my eyes and ears, I still con-

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sider this to be hands-on learning because I was making first-hand observations of real birds in nature. I then learned about many other kinds of birds from my high school biology teacher. In 1950, when I was a junior in college, I was able to get the job of doing a breeding bird census of the Audubon Center in Greenwich, Connecticut, during the month of June. This was done entirely “by ear.” I would get up at 4 a.m. and be out and ready to count by the break of dawn. Only the male bird sings, so I would record the number of singing males, each one indicating a

breeding pair of that species. I covered 20 acres a day. The Center was 360 acres, so it took me 18 mornings to complete the entire census. When I was 13, my biology teacher had me banding my very first bird. Bird banding is really a hands-on activity! We caught wild birds in little hardware cloth (wire mesh) cages baited with seed. Then we opened aluminum bands and closed them around the bird’s leg like a bracelet. Each band has a special combination of numbers, so it is like a license plate. No other bird has the exact same numbers on its band, so we or others can

KIDS PLANET always identify that particular bird. All our data was sent to a master database at the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) in Laurel, Maryland, run by the U.S. Department of the Interior. When I was 18 and about to go to college, my biology teacher felt that I should have my own bird banding per-

where a stream goes under a highway. If there are 100 nests inside a culvert, then there are 200 swallows flying in and out of that culvert. We drop a mist net across the culvert opening and usually catch from 10 to 30 swallows at a time! Cliff Swallows eat flying insects, so they have to migrate south after nesting in or-

Bird banding: the practice of catching birds, marking them with an identifying band around the leg, and then releasing them.

mit, so he wrote a letter recommending me to the BBL and I indeed got my own permit, which I still have to this day! I now teach a class in bird banding as part of Thorne’s Summer Camp program. Our students are 12-16 years old. We catch wild birds in walkin traps baited with seed or in mist nets. Mist nets come in different lengths and open to about seven feet in height. We stretch them between two tall poles. Our students learn how to remove a bird from the trap or net, to open a band and close it around a bird’s leg using special pliers, and then release the bird back into the wild. One of our favorite kind of birds to band is the Cliff Swallow. These birds are colonial nesters, which means that they build their mud nests right next to each other in large groups. They especially like to build their nests in road culverts,

der to find this food. They go all the way to southern Brazil and Argentina in South America during our winter. It’s exciting to catch one of our swallows the following summer and know that it has made this long round trip! You should now have a good idea of what I mean by hands-on learning. I hope that you have already learned many things this way. It’s a great way to learn!

Dr. Thorne is founder and president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute) a nonprofit organization headquartered in Boulder. For 67 years they have helped “connect youth to nature!” For information about their programs, please check their website at www.thornenature.org or email info@thornenature.org or call (303) 4993647, ext. 100.

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helpful services

directory

ith the hope of things remaining in person this fall, great child care is going to be essential. Check out these pages for the best child care offered in the Boulder County Area.

Friends School—Boulder

Boulder Country Day School

4820 Nautilus Ct. North Ages: 2½ to 8th Grade Licensed June-August/Camp Program Days: M-F, 3-day and 5-day options for Preschool Hours: Half and full-day options, 8am-1pm or 8am3pm After school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School. Boulder Country Day School, where academic distinction meets education with character. BCD is a top rated, accredited private school in Boulder, Colorado where every child has the opportunity to discover their own unique excellence. Distinguished by small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and a focus on community, our preschool, elementary and IB middle school teachers strive to create a well-rounded educational environment that balances traditional subjects with the arts, world languages, athletics and project-based learning. W: www.bouldercountryday.org E: info@bouldercountryday.org P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 Susan Boyle

5465 Pennsylvania Licensed & Accredited. Ages: 3 - 5 yrs. Preschool/Pre-K 3-5 year olds. Days and Hours: Full-day: 9 am to 3 pm M-Th; 9 am to 1pm F; Half-day: 9 am to 12 pm M-F. August - May/ Summer Camp. A supportive community, committed to educating the whole child--head, hand, and heart. Outdoor-oriented classrooms connected to nature encourage learning through play and exploration with a focus on relationships, communication, art, nature immersion, and a foundation for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Specials including music, art and PE. Award-winning, master-level teachers with over 20 years of experience in each classroom. Personalized Affordable Tuition. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org P: (303)-499-1999 Melanie Leggett.

Flagstaff Academy Preschool— Longmont

MUSIC TOGETHER® —Longmont

Ages: Birth to age 6 Online classes available. W: www.melodykids.com P: 720-773-0742 - Alexandra Fischer/Jodi Parker

2040 Miller Drive, Longmont 80501 Program Days and Hours: T/TH, M/W/F; 8:30-11:20 AM; Extended hours: T/TH: 8:30AM-1:30PM; M/W/F: 8:30AM-1:30PM Learning is fun for students and teachers at Flagstaff Academy’s preschool. Students meet new friends as they are given ample opportunities to practice social skills and build self-esteem. W:https://www.flagstaffacademy.org/apps/pages/ preschool-welcome E: jpeppler@flagstaffacademy.org P: (303) 651-7900 - Jeanna Peppler, Interim Preschool Director bouldercountykids.com

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CHILD CARE DIRECTORY

Sunflower Preschool—Boulder

NOW ENROLLING 3340 Dartmouth | Licensed Ages: 2 ½ - 6 years Program Days: Year-round. Call for hours. Celebrating 40 years, Sunflower Preschool is now a certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, as well as PACE certified since 2008. Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors in 1981, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on, nurturing environment, where children learn through exploration and discovery. At Sunflower, our classrooms are Montessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come and take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multisensory outdoor environment. W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org P: (303) 494-2012 Marisa Ellman

Fairy Ring Garden—Longmont

9147 Fleetwood Ave. Ages: 1-5 years Licensed. Lifeways (Waldorf) Certified. Year-round Hours and Days: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Full-days and part-time. M-F A small, play-based, outdoor-oriented home school for children ages one to five in North Longmont. We see every child as unique and beautiful with unlimited potential. They are seeds to be nurtured with love, guidance, and grace so that they might blossom into the fullest expression of who they are meant to be. Outdoor learning with gardening and farm animals. Master’s degree teachers. Chemical free, eco-friendly environment. Waldorf/Lifeways curriculum. Organic, all natural foods, many taken from our own garden. Natural, wood and sustainable toys. Non-profit school welcoming of diverse families, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or gender orientation. CCAP families welcome! W: www.fairyringschool.org E: fairyringschool@gmail.com P: (303) 507-7331 - Ginger Johnson, M.Ed.

Montessori Academy—Lafayette

801 N 111th Street Ages: 1-6 years | Licensed. Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3 pm. Full- and half-day programs, with before- & after-school care. August - May school year, June August Summer Camp Program. Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environment that leads children toward confidence, independence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment that respects each individual child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society full-member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified. Preschool classroom currently bilingual with Spanish teacher. Multiple Covid-safety precautions. See our Facebook page for a short virtual tour! Please call if you would like more information or to enroll. W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com E: montessori.academy@mac.com Facebook Page

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Lavender Hill Preschool

2115 Mallard Pl Ages: 2-6 years Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. M-F. Lavender Hill is a Waldorf-Inspired Preschool/Kindergarten. We emphasize imaginative play, art and creative activities, music, storytelling, nature and seasonal festivals. W: www.lavenderhillpreschool.com E: lavenderhillpreschool@gmail.com

CHILD CARE DIRECTORY

Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder

Off Broadway Preschool

1235 Pine Street Ages: 3-5 years Year-round Program Days: M-F. Full- or half-days from 8:30 am 4154 63rd Street to 12:30 or 3:30 pm. Extended care 8 am to 5:30 pm. Ages: 12 months through 6th grade Toddler/Primary/Elementary At Off Broadway Preschool, we aim to inspire cuInternationally Accredited and State Licensed riosity, creativity, and compassion in children and Program Days: M-F. Toddler/Primary: 9-month and families through the arts. Our daily schedule balanc12-month programs, Elementary: 9-month program es child-directed play experiences with structured Hours: 8 am to 3 pm (extended hours available begroup classes in music, yoga, visual art, and integratfore and after school) ONGOING ENROLLMENT openings for this year.... At ed arts. We employ professional educators to guide Mountain Shadows, art, science, field-trips, math, children through the school day, and keep low teachgardening, drama, writing, and music are all woven er to student ratios (1:5) to ensure that children and into a student’s day. Our dedicated, highly experi- families are given personalized attention. Meals are enced Montessori teachers create a learning en- prepared in-house using high quality organic ingrevironment where each child can develop a love of dients. Our recently updated facility is convenientlearning while becoming capable, compassionate, ly located in downtown Boulder which allows us to and contributing members of society. Mixed-age lev- take walking field trips to the Farmers Market, library el classes afford the children an opportunity to learn and Museum of Boulder. Adjustments have been from one another, grapple with challenging problems in a safe and caring environment, and become made to the facility and daily program to adhere their best selves in a beautiful rural setting minutes to state, city and Early Childhood Council COVID-19 from Boulder. Please visit our website to arrange a guidelines. W: www.offbroadwaypreschool.org personal tour of our campus. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: info@offbroadwaypreschool.org E: hello@mountainshadows.org P: (303) 800-0324 - Bethany P: (303) 530-5353 - Ciara Wentworth, Director of Admissions

Thorne Nature Preschool— Boulder/Lafayette

1466 N. 63rd Street Ages: 3-6 years. Licensed September to May+Camp Hours: M-F. 9 am to 1 pm, 2-/3-/5-day options, extended care available. Thorne Nature Preschool is built on the simple belief that kids grow better in nature. Our preschool offers a unique early childhood education experience where young children go to learn, grow, and reach their full potential through daily immersion in nature with caring, attentive mentors. With dual goals of nature connection and fostering the development of the wholechild, Thorne Nature Preschool prepares young children to succeed in school and in life. W: www.ThorneNaturePreschool.org P: (303) 499-3647 - Erin Saunders

Sunflower Farm Preschool & School-Age School Year Program—Longmont

36 week, Outdoor Farm-based school year program for Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten program for children ages 3-6 and School Aged Kids ages 6-8, from August 16th-May 24th. Choose 1, 2 or more preschool mornings, afternoons or full days from 8:30-4:00 or School-Aged program runs from 9-3:45,1 or more days per week. School programing includes a farm, nature-based curriculum, with feeding and caring for animals, gardening and harvesting, art, music and good old fashioned farm play, like climbing on hay-bales, balancing on slack-lines, an old airplane and so much more! P: (303) 774-8001 E: sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com W: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

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integrated love

with

Miss Katie

iversity is something that should always be celebrated in any environment regardless of age, background, gender, and any other aspect that is sometimes overlooked...disability status. Meaningful Inclusion for people with developmental/intellectual disabilities has come a long way in the past few years but there is always more progress to be made inside and out of the community. This is true for families who have a child with a disability and families who do not. In fact, there’s beneficial research that both children with and without disabilities benefit from school programs like peer helpers and best buddies, that both educate and create a positive environment for both populations. Learning about inclusion and advocacy doesn’t only have to happen in a school environment. There are so many resources, places, books, and technologies that can help all of us learn about meaningful inclusion. Let’s learn together!

BOOKS

It is so important for kids to see themselves represented in literature and furthermore, for them to see representation of other children different from them. Numerous read alouds will help children learn this and it will give various opportunities for discussion on whatever topic the book may be about.

Different—A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis and Illustrated by Sarah Mensinga

This joyful rhyming book encourages children to value the “different” in all people, leading the way to a kinder world in which the differences in all of us are celebrated and embraced. Click on this link to read an excerpt.

You Are Enough!

by Margaret O’Hair inspired by Sofia Sanchez and Illustrated by Sofia Cardoso

It can be hard to be different—whether it is because of how you look, where you live, or what you can or can’t do. But wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being different is what makes you YOU.

Click on this link to learn more.

by Katie Buckley Katie Buckley is a high school special education teacher who teaches in a program for students with cognitive disabilities. She was born and raised in Denver Colorado before going to Texas to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education at Texas Christian University.

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INTEGRATED LOVE

apPS

Technology is a cornerstone of our world today and there are so many great apps and websites that help make the world more accessible for everyone! Digital literacy for kids is more important than ever today and these apps promote education and understanding through a digital format.

Model Me Going Places

learn more and download the app.

CanPlan This app promotes independence and builds confidence by helping kids complete tasks successfully. Virtually any activity can be broken into a sequence of easy-to-follow steps, illustrated by photos and reinforced with optional text and audio. Scheduling and reminder features ensure each task gets done on time. This helps promote independence for all kids. Click on this link to learn more

and download the app.

photo by Yan Krukov

This app is a free visual teaching tool for helping your child learn to navigate challenging locations in the community. Each location contains a photo slideshow of children modeling appropriate behavior. Helpful for all children regardless of disability status. Click on this link to

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PRIVATE SCHOOL

directory

Expand your search for an educational institution by exploring the private school options in the Boulder County Area.

Boulder Country Day School

4820 Nautilus Ct. North Ages: 2½ to 8th Grade Licensed June-August/Camp Program Days: M-F, 3-day and 5-day options for Preschool Hours: 8am to 3pm, middle school until 3:15pm After school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School. Boulder Country Day School, where academic distinction meets education with character. BCD is a top rated, accredited private school in Boulder, Colorado where every child has the opportunity to discover their own unique excellence. Distinguished by small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and a focus on community, our preschool, elementary and IB middle school teachers strive to create a well-rounded educational environment that balances traditional subjects with the arts, world languages, athletics and project-based learning. W: www.bouldercountryday.org E: info@bouldercountryday.org P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 Susan Boyle

Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder

4154 63rd Street Ages: 12 months through 6th grade Toddler/Primary/Elementary Internationally Accredited and State Licensed Program Days: M-F. Toddler/Primary: 9-month and 12-month programs, Elementary: 9-month program Hours: 8 am to 3 pm (extended hours available before and after school)

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B.A.S.E.—Lafayette

111 W. Baseline Road Ages: 5 - 12 Colorado State Licensed Program August - May Hours and Days: M-F. Dismissal to 6 pm, and full-day care 7:30 am to 6 pm. Jump into fun in our BASE childcare programs that meet the needs of every child. We offer a wide range of activities that include arts and crafts, STEM, active play, sports and games, swimming and much more. Children will have time for homework assistance and a few snacks along the way. Safety is our top priority. This includes following all state and county COVID-19 guidelines that are in effect at program time. Children from local Lafayette elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, except for Pioneer Elementary School where we will escort the children from school to the BBRC. W:www.lafayetteco.gov/200/After-School-CareBASE E: Becca.Mack@lafayetteco.gov P: (303) 661-1467 Becca Mack

ONGOING ENROLLMENT openings for this year.... At Mountain Shadows, art, science, field-trips, math, gardening, drama, writing, and music are all woven into a student’s day. Our dedicated, highly experienced Montessori teachers create a learning environment where each child can develop a love of learning while becoming capable, compassionate, and contributing members of society. Mixed-age level classes afford the children an opportunity to learn from one another, grapple with challenging problems in a safe and caring environment, and become their best selves in a beautiful rural setting minutes from Boulder. Please visit our website to arrange a personal tour of our campus. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: hello@mountainshadows.org P: (303) 530-5353 - Ciara Wentworth, Director of Admissions

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Dawson School—Lafayette

10455 Dawson Drive Ages: K-12th grade Licensed & Accredited September-June / Camp Program Days: M-F, 175 days. Hours: 8 am to 3:30 pm, plus free after-school care. Boulder County region’s leading independent, college-preparatory school, Dawson offers challenging academics, robust arts and athletics programs, and renowned outdoor and experiential education. The school is committed to the development of character, emphasizing respect, compassion, courage, and integrity, and to the social-emotional well-being of our community. Dawson graduates are young men and women who achieve their individual potential, savor life, and meet the challenges of the world. Academic excellence, individual attention. Student/teacher ratio of 7/1; daily enrichment (art, music, PE, technology, language, library). Renowned outdoor and experiential learning. After-school care and daily hot lunch no charge. Celebrating 50 years! W: www.dawsonschool.org E: admissions@dawsonschool.org P: Admissions Office (303) 665-6679

MACKINTOSH ACADEMY—Boulder

6717 South Boulder Road Ages: K-8th Grade For over 40 years Mackintosh Academy has been pioneering next generation gifted education. Mackintosh Academy nurtures the keen minds and compassionate hearts of gifted and creative students in a caring community of learners so that they contribute to a world that needs them. Authorized IB World School, social-emotional learning, gifted and creative students, design/innovation, service & global action, $24,100 (LS) and $24,900 (MS) with tuition assistance available. Maximum 12:1 student to teacher ratio. W: www.mackboulder.com E: jstrode@mackboulder.com P: (303) 554-2011 - Jenny Strode

WATERSHED SCHOOL

Friends School—Boulder

South Campus: 5465 Pennsylvania (Preschool and Elementary), North Campus: 3800 Kalmia Ave. (Middle School/Teacher Prep Program) Licensed/Accredited. Ages: Preschool-8th Grade. Days: M-F. Hours: Elementary 8:30am-3:15 pm, Middle School 8:45am-3:45 pm. AfterCare and enrichment classes. August-May/Camp Program. A supportive community committed to educating the whole child--head, hand, and heart. Social-emotional curriculum catered to each individual grade level. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Exceptional specials including art, music, Spanish, library, technology, and PE programs. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios. Personalized Affordable Tuition. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org P: (303)-499-1999 Melanie Leggett.

1661 Alpine Avenue Ages: 6th - 12th grades | ACIS accredited August - May Program Days: M-F 8:15am to 3:15pm A progressive independent school in Boulder, CO, the Watershed School is committed to a program and school culture that inspires and educates students to become highly capable, healthy, wise, and engaged citizens, prepared to take on the world’s great challenges. Our students engage in work that matters—work that is important to the student and has a positive impact beyond the walls of the school. We believe schools should not only help students develop the skills and habits for future success, but should also awaken their curiosity, expand their view of the world, and empower them to make a difference in their local, regional, and global communities. E: admissions@watershedschool.org W: www.watershedschool.org P: (303) 440-7520

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AFTER SCHOOL

directory

ock climbing, performing arts, nature and science clubs—that’s just the beginning! The best lineup of after school activities to get the kids back in the swing of things.

ABC Kids Climbing— Boulder

B.A.S.E.—Lafayette

111 W. Baseline Road Ages: 5-12 1960 32nd Street Hours and Days: M-F. Dismissal to Ages: All 6 pm, and full-day care 7:30 am to Hours: M-Sun. Hours varied. 6 pm. ABC Kids Climbing offers indoor Jump into fun in our BASE child and outdoor classes and camps, care programs that meet the teams, clubs, open gyms, private needs of every child. We offer a lessons for climbers of all ages wide range of activities that inand abilities. Our programs are clude arts and crafts, STEM, active thoughtfully designed by experiplay, sports and games, swimenced climbers. ming and much more. Children P: (303) 443-5437 will have time for homework asW: www.abckidsclimbing.com sistance and a few snacks along E: info@abckidsclimbing.com the way. Safety is our top priority. This includes following all state and county COVID-19 guidelines that are in effect at program time. Children from local Lafayette elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, except for Pioneer Elementary School where we will escort the children from school to the BBRC. BVSD Lifelong Learning W: www.lafayetteco.gov/200/AfAges: Grades K-8 ter-School-Care-BASE Program days: Monday through E: Becca.Mack@lafayetteco.gov Friday P: (303)-661-1467 - Becca Mack Offering high-quality enrichment classes before and after school and on no-school days. Let your kids get creative, get active and get smart with classes in cooking, chess, soccer, natural science, filmmaking, Spanish, hula hooping and more! Classes meet at BVSD schools and are open to BVSD and non-BVSD kids. Please visit our website for complete class listings and to register online. E: lifelong.learning@bvsd.org W: LLL.BVSD.org P: (720) 561-5968

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Boulder Performing Arts Company

P: 303-859-4195 W: https://www.boulderperformingarts.com/ E: boulderperformingarts2@ gmail.com

AFTER SCHOOL DIRECTORY

SWIM•FLOAT•SWIM! Home of Infant Aquatics— Longmont

795 S. Sherman Street Ages: 2 mos through 5 yrs Hours: M-Th: 7 am to 7 pm, F: 8 am to 1 pm. WE ARE OPEN! At Swim•Float•Swim! Your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. We have decades of experience teaching aquatic survival and swimming skills. Our aquatic academy features two 90-degree indoor pools with a UV water purification system which ensures the safest and most comfortable water experience. Stop by our child-friendly facility and discover the difference. W: www.swimfloatswim.com P: 303-499-2229 - Judy Heumann E: judy@infantaquatics.com

Music Together—Boulder

Ages: Birth to age 8. Boulder’s premier early childhood music & movement program, offering family, babies, and early elementary classes. Sing, dance, and support your child’s musical growth in a rich, fun, nurturing, and interactive environment. Preview spots available outdoor, inside, and online. Offering weekday, weekend, and afternoon classes. Text or email for more information. W:www.musictogetherboulder. com P: 720-440-2775 - Laura Nordson/ Jane Roche E:musictogetherboulder@gmail. com photo by cottonbro

Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc.

Ages: Birth and up Offering Music Together ® Ages 0-4. Interactive music and movement classes for children and caregivers which plant the important seeds for musical development. Offering small groups in Central Boulder this fall while transitioning back to indoor classes. Also Private Piano Lessons (5 and up). Have fun learning note reading, improvisation, playing piano by ear in a supportive environment. Zoom or in person options following CDC guidelines. Jane Smolens, Director, is an experienced music educator since 1986. Contact her for a free trial class/lesson. P: (303) 413-1120 - Jane Smolens, director E: jsmolens@mountainsongmusic.com W: www.mountainsongmusic. com

Sandy Burrell Music Studio—Niwot

Ages: All Individual private lessons in flute, violin, and piano. Group Lessons: a) Intro to Music, 1 semester- explore flute, violin or piano, b) Penny Whistle Pro- gram—ideal class for ages 3 to 6. Fees: Pay by semester/session. Call for current class times. C: Sandy Burrell P: 303-652-3287

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AFTER SCHOOL DIRECTORY

TINKER ART STUDIO CHILDREN’S & TEEN ART CLASSES—Boulder

Ages: All We’ve heard over and over that our small-group in-person art classes for elementary, middle, and high school students have been the highlight of their week. Join us for a semester of art making and community. Rather make art at home? Our online Shop is packed full of awesome art kits & materials. Art kits are perfect for parties, rainy weekends, or gifts + you’ll be shopping small and supporting local when it’s more important than ever. M-F, Daytime and after- school programs available. E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com W: www.tinkerartstudio.com P: 303-503-1902

CU Science Discovery— Boulder

4001 Discovery Drive Grades: K-8 Are you looking for an enriching experience that is so much fun that your kids won’t realize how much they are learning? CU Science Discovery offers a variety of school year enrichment programs including afterschool, homeschool, BVSD day-off and holiday classes designed to inspire K-8 science enthusiasts. School-year programs explore STEM topics using hands-on activities that are engaging and creative. Register online or by phone. W: www.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery P: 303-492-7188

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Parlando School For The Arts

ADVENTURE QUEST WITH RENAISSANCE ADVENTURES

Boulder/Denver/Online Ages: 7-17 Outdoor (LARP) and online role-playing (RPG) adventures where everyone gets to be a hero! Children and teens choose to play an archetypal character with special powers in a mythical quest. Create your own small group for our Home Quest program or join us for a Holiday Camp whenever school is out. These Award-winning experiential education programs foster empowerment, imagination, social-emotional learning, and team building skills as participants try on new perspectives, exercise discernment, and decipher riddles in small groups with a common goal. Learn more on our website. P: (303) 786-9216 E: info@RenaissanceAdventures. com W: www.renaissanceadventures. com

Be sure to check out all of our Directories online at bouldercountykids.com

S ’ E R E H W ? E N JU

KIDS ZONE

Can you spy BCK’s mascot, June, in the middle of all the chaos? (find the answer at bouldercountykids.com)

boulder county kid ’ s

FALL WORDSEARCH

BACKPACK TEACHER HARVEST PUMPKIN LEAVES SCHOOL RECESS ORANGE APPLE

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TIPS & for hiking in the fall TRICKS with Allison

Burch

all in Colorado is exceptionally beautiful, and my absolute favorite way to experience it in all its glory is up in the mountains, on a trail with my baby on my back, my preschooler holding my hand, and my husband and his camera leading the way. It sounds nearly idyllic, right? Well, we all know that hiking with kids is never as easy as it sounds, but in my experience, it’s always worth it. Let’s talk about ways to make it easier, especially with the change in seasons quickly approaching.

snacks, snacks, and more snacks

Kids run on snacks. They may only eat 1.25 dino nuggets for dinner, but it’s really the 27 snacks throughout the day that fuels them. Even just the promise of snacks will encourage a kid to scale a mountain (but you better make it worth it with the premium stash)!

Check the weather of where you’re heading to

I’ve made this mistake before. “Hey Alexa, what’s the weather like today?” Sunny with a high of 75? Perfect! Only after we arrived at the trail did I realize that checking our home weather was of ZERO help. Hiking with kids while it’s actively snowing is not really something that I’m into right now, ya know? Be better than me. Scope out the It’s all about proper footgear weather of the trail and preFall hiking is a hodgepodge, pare accordingly. sometimes you’ll get a completely dry trail, other times it will be covered in snow, and great (realistic) expectations then there are the opportuni- Let your kid be a kid. Children ties for everything else in-be- love adventure, but usually tween. Consider if you’ll need they enjoy it best on their own spikes, snow boots, hiking terms. Allow your child to set boots, or even just some cross the pace and explore when you trainers. My kid is usually good come across something interin his hiking boots or snow esting and exciting. Let them boots, but even then, he has climb over rocks and splash in slipped on occasion. the stream. When kids feel as though they are in control, they feel empowered and will thrive.

SUNSCREEN!!

Lather it up. Bathe in it. You won’t be sorry; these higher elevations will leave you scorched if you’re not covered in zinc oxide.

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Dress in L-A-Y-E-R-S Sometimes hiking in 40 weather calls for a thick jacket and snow boots, but other times, I’m sweating and just need a long sleeve shirt on. Your kids may feel the same way. Dress in layers, and pack rain jackets. You never know when a change in weather is around the corner – that’s just part of Colorado living!

PLENTY of water to go around

Dehydration happens quickly out here, especially for children. Ensure that they are getting the amount of water necessary for their little bodies.

two often missed necessities

Pack a first-aid kit and bear spray. Hopefully you won’t ever need it, but you will feel so much more at ease if both are easily accessible. Consider adding bandages, antiseptic spray/cream, tweezers and set the SCENE pain killers (dosed for children My kid gets most excited when and adults). he hears excitement spoken to him. If I talk about how long our hike is, how difficult it will be, what we won’t see, and what he can’t play on, he’s going to completely check out and drag his feet. However, If I talk about our epic adventure as if I’m counting down the seconds, he is ready to jump in, head first.

TINY TRAILS

Now, where should we go? I hope these tips encourage and empower you to share the beauty of fall in Colorado with your kids from the hiking trail. If you need suggestions on age-appropriate trails…I’ve got you covered.

Creek Bottom Trail @ Castlewood Canyon State Park 1.25 mile loop, 140ft elevation gain. It’s woodsy with rocks to climb on and a running creek to view. For more information,

Elkhorn Loop Trail @ Reynolds Park 1.5 mile loop, ~200ft elevation gain. Another woodsy hike with snow accumulation throughout the season. This would be a fantastic way to introduce snow hikes to little kids – just make sure to adequately prepare! For more information, click here.

click here.

Willow Creek Loops @ Roxborough State Park 1.5 mile loop, ~200ft elevation gain. This trail takes you on the outskirts of the red rock formations. It provides epic views and plenty of sights to explore. For more information,

Trading Post Trail @ Red Rocks Park 1.5 mile loop, ~300ft elevation gain. A dirt trail that will give you stunning views of the famous Red Rocks park. For more information, click here.

click here.

Allison Burch is a Denver Metro resident who has committed to facilitating a bond between her kids and nature. She shares that journey with you through her blog (PurpleMountainMama.com) and her Instagram account (@PurpleMountainMama) in the hope that it inspires you to do the same. Children that have a relationship with nature tend to seek the good for their community which benefits the world as a whole.

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gift giving

directory

Support local businesses when shopping for loved ones! This guide highlights shops throughout Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, and more.

Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe— Boulder

Two Hands Paperie—Boulder

803 Pearl St. We carry hundreds of journals and notebooks and over 30 racks of decorative paper, as well as cards, books, art supplies, fine writing instruments, and unique gifts from around the world. We also offer creative classes and host free events such as book signings, artists’ lectures, and monthly letter writing events. P: (303) 444-0124 (pictured above)

Sweet Ruckus—Boulder

607 S. Broadway, Suite F Sweet Ruckus is proud to be celebrating our 4th year in the South Boulder neighborhood and in The Shops at Table Mesa! We offer a thoughtfully curated collection of wonderful gifts, phenomenal greeting cards, and paper goods. Please come visit us soon to browse, laugh, and enjoy! P: (303) 494-5131 E: SweetRuckusGifts@gmail.com

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Front Range Anglers FLY SHOP—Boulder

2344 Pearl Street Front Range Anglers FLY SHOP is premium fly fishing gear SHOP for all levels of anglers. We offer guided fly fishing trips for trout in Boulder and along the entire Front Range. Plus, we specialize in fly fishing trips into Rocky Mountain National Park, where anglers can catch the beautiful greenback cutthroat trout. The SHOP features classes in Fly Tying, Casting, Beginner’s Orvis 101, Guide School, Summer Co-Ed Kids Camp and much more! In addition, based on our owner, Steve McLaughlin’s love for travel, we have garnered quite a reputation for our Adventure Travel Program hosting and booking anglers to Christmas Island, New Zealand, Iceland, British Columbia, Alaska, Australia, Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Florida Keys and many more international and domestic locations. P: (303) 494-1375 W: https://frontrangeanglers.com/

2525 Arapahoe Ave. We are an independently-owned, specialty toy store with three locations in the Front Range of Colorado. We carry a wide range of hand chosen, educational and fun toys for gifts, holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. We’ve been voted The Best Children’s Store in Boulder for over 30 years. E: webmedia@grtoys.com P: (303) 443-0780

Due South - Lafayette

802 S Public Rd. We’ve created a truly family-friendly shopping and coffee shop experience with our playhouse full of toys and other activities for your little ones. Inspired by our own family-centered owners, this miniature farmhouse was made to perfectly fit our littlest family members, making everyone’s shopping experience so much better. This allows you to shop freely and your kids may not even want to leave after they’ve had the chance to work their own “ice cream” shop, cook up a little something, and maybe even make some new friends all in our kids’ playhouse! P: (720) 487-9980 (pictured below)

Why

GRAPHIC NOVELS

May Be the Smart Choice for Some Young Readers

by Pam Martin

e parents can be torn when our kids choose to read graphic novels. They have less text, so we might worry there’s less on each page to advance our child’s overall literacy. They’re also consumed more quickly, which can make them more expensive (unless they’re available at the library, which can be tricky with series titles). Additionally, there’s less room for the reader to imagine the world of the characters. But on the plus side, graphic novels’ “eye candy” covers can grab the attention of struggling (or simply disinclined-to-reachfor-a-book readers). The books’ hip hyperbole and oversized adventure (think Dog Man or Phoebe and Her Unicorn), can be just the enticement a less enthusiastic reader needs to take the plunge. My friend Gina’s grandson Billy was born at 32 weeks (their names have been changed to protect their privacy), and reading for him has been a struggle. “Does he have dyslexia?” Gina wondered. “Or, does he need glasses?” Turned out he needed the latter, which was a huge help in his ability to see the blackboard. But he still struggled. “The doctors said he wouldn’t catch up with his peers until he turned eight. In the meantime,” Gina continued, “he’s in school and noticing how the other kids are reading harder books—longer books. Books with fewer pictures. I wanted him to feel similarly empowered.” When he turned five, she brought him the Pre-Level One Ready-toRead book, Go! Otto! Go! by David Milgrim. “Billy laughed so hard,” Gina said. “I’d never seen him enjoy a book so much. That’s when I knew it was just a question of the right subject matter and format.” Since then, he’s gone on to enjoy Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books, and Fly Guy, and she plans to try Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot series next.

photo by Dayvision

are the story’s visual cues, such as exaggerated body language and facial expressions, which can aid in overall comprehension. Grasping such cues build the similarly nuanced literacy skills found in more traditional fiction. “Now Billy’s excited to sound out For any reader with a smaller words he’s unfamiliar with,” Gina attention span, the graphic novel format—with its sequential boxes, said, and it’s because graphic dialog blurbs, and sound effects— novels have helped tear down the can feel more accessible. With walls that had been standing in the action laid out on the page the way. “When he sits down to in easily digestible chunks, the read, now, he feels such a sense of story moves along at a fast, excit- accomplishment.” ing pace, the pages turning with seemingly little effort. Pam Martin is the Book Specialist at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Conversely, in traditional novin Boulder. For more information els, sometimes pages of words about Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe accompanied by few (if any) picplease check out their ad on tures can feel like a mountain—a page 1 of this Issue or check out mountain standing in the way of grtoys.com. reading enjoyment. “They’re bigger books, but it’s all pictures with only a little text, so his brain can actually absorb the story, without him feeling threatened by how it’s delivered,” Gina added.

“When Billy’s brain wasn’t ready, he’d just walk away from any activity having to do with letters or phonics,” Gina said. “That’s where graphic novels have done such a great job.” They can help boost confidence because a child can sometimes finish an entire book in a few (if not a single) sitting—a thick book—a book that looks and feels age-appropriate. An added bonus

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BIRTHDAY PARTY

directory

ind the best, most creative, and most accommodating places and programs to host your kiddos’ birthday parties.

Birthday Party at The Carousel of Happiness

ABC KIDS Birthday Parties

1960 32nd Street Ages: 3 - 18 Hours: Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Climbing Parties! Fun lowstress, quality parties with ABC Kids Climbing. Includes games, activities, and climbing for kids of all ages and abilities. Contact: Staff 303-443-5437 W: www.abckidsclimbing.com E: info@abckidsclimbing.com

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Tinker Art Studio Birthday Parties—Boulder

693B S. Broadway, in the shops at Table Mesa. Ages: 3-15 Tinker Birthday pARTies are returning this Fall! Book your party today and give your child a truly special celebration. Visit us online to pick your project from our party menu, then get ready to create together in the studio! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! P: 303-503-1902 E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com W: www.tinkerartstudio.com

Ages: All What better place to celebrate your birthday than at the Carousel of Happiness! Enjoy the Carousel’s fun atmosphere with upbeat music from our Wurlitzer band organ and creative playtime in our do-ityourself Puppet Theatre. Fees: $75 per hour, with a $25 deposit. Party room rental includes 10 ride tickets per hour, tables, charis, and a tablecloth. Maximum of 12 people. You are welcome to bring food and drinks and decorate the room as you wish. Additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk. Call to discuss your particular needs and reserve your date for one of the best party venues around. Contact: Staff (303)-258-3457 E: info@carouselofhappiness.org W: www.carouselofhappiness.org

fall LEO

7/23 8/22

Leos are natural born leaders— there’s a reason they are associated with the lion, the king of the jungle! Leos are very warm-hearted and love to have a lot of fun. Those born under Leo are usually self-confident and cheerful. This fall season, Leos should walk back into school with their heads held high! Remember that friends may look to you for guidance; be the leader you were meant to be and guide your friends to success this season.

SCORPIO

10/23 11/21

Scorpios are powerful creatures who are resourceful, dedicated, and fearless. If you have a Scorpio as a friend, you definitely have a true friend who will always have your back! During this fall, Scorpios should try out a new sport. The physical activity will release some of the pent up emotions this sign can sometimes bare and they may just find great friends in their teammates along the way. Becoming team captain would just be the icing on the cake!

AQUARIUS 1/20 - 2/18

An Aquarius soul is often eccentric, original, and energetic. Aquariuses can meet new friends without judging them first and make them feel special. Since Aquariuses love standing up for what is right, they should find a local cause that they can get involved in this fall. Is there a volunteer program that welcomes kids to come along you could join? Find whatever you are passionate about and follow it.

TAURUS 4/20 - 5/20

A Taurus is most often responsible, devoted, and patient. Once a Taurus picks a path, they stick to it until the end. Having a Taurus friend means you have someone you can always rely on. Taurus, have you ever considered learning how to sew? Your patience and love for working with your hands could make you an expert seamstress. This fall, see if there’s any holes in your clothes you could practive sewing up.

HOROSCOPES VIRGO

8/23 9/22

Those born under the sign Virgo are practical and kind. A virgo loves to think things through! This trait often makes Virgos careful creatures who try to go about everything with kindness. Virgos should volunteer to help out more in the classroom this fall season. Does your teacher need some extra help organizing or grading quizzes? This work will help satisfy Virgos love for helping others and feeling organzied.

SAGITTARIUS 11/22 - 12/21

Those born under Sagittarius are curious and adventurous. Sagittarians usually don’t fear change and love to be constantly on the move, trying new things and meeting new people! Sagittarians should explore cooking this fall—whether that’s by helping out with mom or dad in the kitchen or finding an after school cooking class! This is a sure-fire way to satisfy that appetite for life all Sagittarians have inside.

PISCES

2/19 3/20

Pisces are wise and gentle creatures who usually have a deep love and admiration for music. A Pisces is always willing to help others and provide guidance when needed. This fall, Pisces should pick up a new instrument. Have you always thought about playing the guitar or violin? This is the season to give it a go and use your passion for music to learn a new skill. Odds are, it may come naturally to them!

GEMINI 5/21 - 6/20

Geminis are the most curious and adaptable souls of the zodiac. They likely have two very strong sides of themselves: sociable & energetic, and serious & restless. This fall, Geminis should take some extra time outside of school to learn about different corners of the world. Point to a different place on the map each week, and then spend a few hours researching a new country and learning about the culture!

LIBRA

symbols by stockgiu

9/23 10/22

A Libra loves balance and equality. This sign loves to keep the peace— usually avoiding confrontation and conflict at all costs. Libras are gentle friends who love being around people all the time. This fall, Libras should join as many after school clubs as they can! A Libra loves nothing more than to be surrounded by good friends and being outdoors. Is there a club you can join with friends that involves hiking or gardening?

12/22 - 1/19

CAPRICORN A Capricorn is an independent soul who enjoys taking charge of any situation. Family is something that a Capricorn values highly, along with music. This fall, Capricorns should make sure that they have family dinner at least twice a week, without distractions. Being a natural planner, a Capricorn will be able to figure out each family members schedule and find the best nights of the week for the whole family to sit down and be together.

ARIES

3/21 4/19

Those born under Aries are honest and confident souls who usually find a way to be optimistic about everything. They tend to be quite competitive, always aiming for first place. Aries should try out a very active physical activity, like rock climbing this fall. With their optimism and confidence, they will surely find a new passion in an activity that challenges them.

6/21 - 7/22

CANCER A Cancer is both sympathetic and persuasive. Their imagination is usually running wild, making them very creative! Cancers can also be emotional and deeply supportive of close family and friends. Cancers should try making masterpieces by finger-painting this fall. This is the perfect outlet for their imagination and desire to express their emotions.

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“You can’t frown when you’re dancing.

So, get up and move!”

by Jamie Carr

very kid growing up is asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Surveys show that less than 22% of adults actually hold their dream job, and 39% of those who never landed their dream job said they regret not chasing their dream. These figures are absolutely shocking to me and make me question why. Being an artist is among the top 10 childhood dream jobs. Yet, 1.4% of the US Labor Force describe their primary occupation as an artist. This is smaller than the total number of active-duty and reserve personnel in the US military. Unfortunately, as you grow up, the reality of financial responsibility, lack of resources/ skills, and unexpected life events

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get in the way of achieving your childhood dream. When I was younger and was asked what I wanted to be; I was among the 10% of kids who wanted to be an artist. My response to the question was a dancer (and to be taller). Even though I ended up 5’2’’tall, I have pursued a career as a professional dancer and own my own company, Authentic: Grooves. One of the factors that make me question my career path every day is financial security. The 250-year-old term “starving artist” isn’t a joke, but a harsh reality for many artists. For 250 years, people tend to associate pursuing a career in art with a life of being broke. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, the arts contribute more than $760 billion annually to the US economy. That is more than the agriculture or transportation sectors, which were deemed as “essential business” during the pandemic, yet only $250 million was allocated to support the arts in the emergency aid bill passed last March. It is ironic that the arts contribute a good portion to

the US economy, yet artists are not adequately compensated for their work. For example, the average professional dancer in the US makes $8.54 per hour, while minimum wage in Colorado is $12.32. Thus, forcing dancers to hold multiple jobs to make ends meet. Last year, was no exception to this discrepancy. I am among the 2.7 million artists who hold multiple jobs at once, and lost their jobs due to the pandemic. You may be wondering why I chose to take on all of this and pursue a career in dance? When I was 16 years old, I went through a very challenging time. However, every time I would dance, this unexplainable feeling of bliss and clarity would consume me and help me overcome my struggles. I wanted to understand this more, and decided to pursue a degree in dance. After earning my degree in dance, I realized my passion is to share this feeling with others; which motivated me to start my own company, Authentic: Grooves. Authentic: Grooves is a performance-based dance collective

MOVIN’ & GROOVIN’ ever way brings you joy. There is no good or bad, right or wrong, or this is dance and this is not dance. Just move your body and you ARE dancing! See Authentic: Grooves Simple Movement tips to reset your day when you are feeling stressed, low on energy, or not yourself. Whatever your childhood dream is, chase it in a stress-free way by introducing purposeful movement into your life. There is a dancer inside of us all if you are you willing to explore it. For more movement-based stress-free tips be sure to check out my article next quarter for recipes to Move Through Your Holiday Season Stress Free! with a mission of eliminating preconceived notions in order to entertain, educate, and connect with the community to enrich untraditional spaces and communities with dance. In every rehearsal, we use dance as a kinesthetic translation of our imagination and our emotional state to explore the complexities and possibilities outside of the rehearsal space. Without depicting the exact details of a specific story, each dance is an outline of a journey devised to investigate, challenge, and explore the concepts of the dance; as well as to provoke thought and emotions within each audience member. Authentic: Grooves passionately believes in the power of dance and how movement effects individuals and groups. Through our journey, we have come to understand that people from all walks of life are able to use dance and movement as a vessel to express complex emotions and find confidence. By using the power of dance and collaboration, Authentic: Grooves “links up” with our community to reach untraditional audiences and spaces

in unexpected ways. Authentic: Grooves creatively addresses common topics such as stress management and self-expression. Through workshops and other unique approaches Authentic: Grooves aims to reach a wider community. Living with regret like not achieving your childhood dreams and financial obligations create A LOT of stress in our lives. How do we balance chasing our dreams and living in reality? Do you have a favorite activity that helps you let go of stress/tension? Do you listen to music? Do you watch TV or movies? Do you read a book? How about get up and dance? My grandmother always said, “You can’t frown when you’re dancing. So, get up and move!” I hold this phrase near to my heart every day when I am overwhelmed with financial struggles and administrative duties for my company. Now you are probably saying to yourself, “I’m not a dancer.” Or “I can’t dance.” Well, I am here to tell you, we are all dancers and you CAN dance. Think of dance as moving your body in what-

“I am here to tell you, we are all dancers and you CAN dance.”

Jamie Carr is the Founder and Artistic Director of Authentic: Grooves, a performance-based collective of artists, rooted in eliminating preconceived notions and enriching non-traditional spaces and communities with dance. To connect with Jamie or see what dance is in your community, please visit: bit.ly/AuthenticGrooves or check them out on Facebook or Instagram @AuthenticGrooves Stay Groovy!

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Nipping The Effects of

BULLYING

in the

Bullying is, unfortunately, a part of almost everybody’s life. It is the repeated and habitual use of power imbalances to physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and/or financially hurt others, with little regard for their well-being. We experience and watch it in all walks of daily life. With care and consciousness, we can help prepare our children to deal with bullying and soften its blow. Here are some suggestions of practices we can adopt to help ourselves and our children handle bullying.

2. Model respectful use of power. Our children look to us as guides. They imitate the best and worse of our ways of being. They also learn what types of behaviors they should and should not accept from others. When we show them that we can live well while extending dignity to ourselves, each other, and the planet, they learn that they don’t have to be hurt or hurt others to live a good life.

4. Name bullying behavior and stop it. Bullying is a learned behavior. Sadly, it is rewarded in some segments of society when people “get ahead” at a cost to others. Naming when behavior is bullying allows us to know what we are dealing with and choose how to engage. It also allows us to put boundaries in place to stop it, disengage, and not encourage or tolerate it.

Jessica Dancingheart is a personal and organizational consultant working to build healthier and stronger relationships at work, at home, and in your communities. Please check out

www.openingtopossibilities. com or call (303) 589-8420 or email at jessica@openingtopossibilities.com for more

information.

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BUD

by Jessica Dancingheart

Circle our children with support, care and love, and teach them to do the same. As humans, we are wired to be socially connected. When we have healthy, loving, and supportive social networks, we develop resilience and grit and can more easily withstand hardships. We also normalize caring behaviors, so when faced with bullying, we are less likely to accept it and internalize it. Thus, we recover from it more quickly.

“Circle-in” those who exhibit bullying behavior. There is a difference between punishing and holding people accountable. Punishing people who exhibit bullying behavior may fuel the “power struggle” and exacerbate the bullying. An alternative way is to redirect bullying behavior by putting a stop to it and engaging the person who bullies in a process of learning to use their strengths and power to meet their needs in constructive and restorative ways.

By taking on these suggestions, we build a foundation for maintaining our dignity, humanity, and compassion in the face of abusive bullying behavior. We can teach our children to avert the damaging effects of “power-over” or “power-under” responses while protecting and preparing them for the eventuality of experiencing or witnessing the effects of bullying. My sincerest hope is that these broad suggestions are helpful. If you have questions, comments, and/or want to learn more, please feel free to reach out by phone, email, or text.

FALL

CALENDAR

here’s a lot going on in Boulder County this fall season! Don’t miss out—find all the great events right here in our Fall Calendar. Be sure to click on the links to find out more information about each event. For more events and updates, check out our new Calendar section on the Boulder County Kids website. Melanie Howard at (303) 441- 3099 or please email howardm@boulderlibrary. org for more informa30 months) on Mondays, tion or check out www. at 9:15 am; Older Toddler bplnow.boulderlibrary.org. Time (30-36 months) on Thursdays, at 9:15 am. Con- Weekly—Boulder tact ask@boulderlibrary. Twirling Tech Goddess. org or call (303) 441-3100 Build STEAM skills with new videos weekly. Catch for more information. up on the new- est video from the Twirling Ongoing—Boulder Tech Goddess each FriCounty/Denver Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe day. Watch and learn as Story Time for ages 1-6, she creates, dances, and located at 2525 Arapahoe twirls with tech while enAvenue in Boulder, 14644 courag- ing radical diverOrchard Pkwy #1000 in sity in Science, TechnoloWestminster, and 8340 gy, Engineering, Arts and Northfield Blvd. in Denver. Math (STEAM). Offered by Weekly Story Time with BLDG 61, Boulder Puba craft or activity for pre- lic Library’s makerspace, schoolers. It’s Free and lots and the Boulder Library of fun. Check our website Foundation. for times and directions. Call Lynne Milot at (303) M/T/W/F—Longmont 443-0780 or email lynne@ Playgroups for parents and grtoys.com or you can children, on Mon: 10 am check out www.grtoys. to noon, infant and todcom for more information. dlers: Wed: 10 am to 12 pm, mixed-ages: Fri: 10:30 am to noon, & bilingual (SpanT/W/TH—Longmont Longmont Public Library ish) 0-4 playgroup on the story times for ages birth 1st and last Fridays. Also, to 6, located at 409 4th Fatherhood Connection Avenue. Lap-sit, toddler, every Tuesday, from 7 to and preschool story times 8:30 pm, support and ed10:15 and 11 am T/W morn- ucation for dads. Children’s ings; Spanish story time Services can also help with TH evenings at 6:30, bed- child care referrals. Call St. time story time TH nights Vrain Valley Center at (303) at 7 pm. Call (303) 651- 776-5348. 8477 or check out www. ci.longmont.co.us/library. M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents Every Sunday—Boulder and children, on Mon: 10 Boulder Public Library On- am to noon, infant and line Go Club for ages 5-16. toddlers: Wed: 10 am to 12 Learn to play the ancient pm, mixed-ages: Fri: 10:30 and mysterious board am to noon, & bilingual game known as Go. Call (Spanish) 0-4 playgroup

ON-GOING

2nd/4th Saturday— Longmont Firehouse Art Center Saturday Art Experience (SAE) 12 to 12:45 pm, for ages 5-8 and 1 to 2 pm, for ages 9-12, located at 667 4th Ave. Free with family membership. $10 drop-in. Your children will learn about contemporary art, create artwork and bring it home. Preregistration is encouraged. Call Mary Chapin Durling at (303) 651- 2787 or email info@firehouseart. org or check www.firehouseart. org for more information. Ongoing—Boulder The CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms, chronicling CU’s history and alumni accomplishments and space exhibit with moon rock from NASA. FREE. Located on the CU Campus. Call (303) 492-6329 for more information.

Ongoing—Boulder Storytimes at the Main Library for ages birth to 36 months. Age- appropriate storytime posters will be posted by the doors to he Mt. Sanitas room by 9 am and direct patrons to take a token for each person in their group. Limit of 40 to each storytime. Times are: Lap Babies (birth to 15 months) on Tuesdays, at 9:15 am; Cruisers & Crawlers (15-24 months) on Wednesdays, at 9:15 am, Younger Toddler Time (24-

on the 1st and last Fridays. Also, Fatherhood Connection every Tuesday, from 7 to 8:30 pm, support and education for dads. Children’s Services can also help with child care referrals. Call St. Vrain Valley Center at (303) 776-5348. Monthly Meetings— Boulder & Longmont La Leche League. Breast-feeding support group meeting for all ages. Dedicated to providing education, information, mother-to- mother support, and encouragement to women who are nursing their toddlers. Babies and children welcome. For the Longmont league call Diane at (303) 444-9849. or Amanda at (303) 772-9312. For the Boulder league call Molly (720) 922- 3549 or Diane (303) 444-9849. Tuesdays—Boulder FIRST LEGO® Robotics Workshops for ages 9-13, from 6:30-7:30 pm, located at George Reynolds Branch Boulder Public Library at 3595 Table Mesa Drive. For kids interested in all things STEAM, robotics, community service, public speaking and leadership. Weekly workshop will support robotics 4-H project and help students prepare for membership on FIRST LEGO® team attending tournament. Please email for more information. Contact Candice Brown at (720) 938-0307 or steam.4h. boulder@gmail. com or www. steam4hboulder.wordpress.com for more information.

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FALL CALENDAR 2nd & 4th Tuesdays— Boulder Renaissance Adventures Drop-in Hike using Pokemon GO App for ages 6 to adult, from 6:15 to 8:15 pm. Adventure League Go! is a safe and fun event for all ages oriented around hiking and interactive trainer challenges. Participants also engage in a variety of live-action role playing challenges, such as beanbag games of agility, performances and social encounters, and a costume contest. Call (303) 786-9216 to pre-register or please check us out online at www.RenaissanceAdventures.com for more information. Daily—Countywide Boulder County WIC Program. Supplemental foods and nutritional health education for pregnant, breast- feeding, and postpartum women with children up to 5 years. Ongoing enrollment at 5 clinic sites. Boulder Office: 3305 Broadway; San Juan Office: 3100 34th St. in Boulder; Longmont Office: 529 Coffman, Suite 200; Salud Clinic: 231 East 9th in Longmont; Tri-cities Office: 1345 Plaza Court North, 3A in Lafayette. FREE. Call (303) 441-1451. Tuesdays–Boulder Teen Girl Yoga for ages 13 to 16, from 4:30 to 5:25, located at 1676 30th Street. A safe place for teen girls to reconnect to their inner wisdom and knowledge, through mindful breath and yoga. Contact Teri Jacobson, MA CYI at (303) 588-4092 or boulderyogakids14@ gmail.com or check out their Facebook

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page at Boulder Yoga Kids by phone, as she leads for more information. you in a gratitude meditation followed by time Thursdays—Boulder to talk about what brings Beyond MOPS...the next you happiness. Jessica will step. Join us for SAMS lead the group in a dif- fer(School-Age Moms). New ent gratitude theme each group for mothers of week. Contact Jessica school-age children (kin- Dancingheart at (303) 589dergarten-12th grade) to 8420 or jessica@openshare their joys and chal- ingtopossibilities.com lenges. Includes guest or please check online speakers, child care, and at www.facebook.com/ refreshments. 1st and 3rd events/197919447941963 Thursdays of each month. for more information. Cost: $5. Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 Every Saturday—BoulS. Boulder Rd. Call Jan at der (303) 494-4248 or Darcy 101 FREE Fly Fishing Beginat (303) 926- 1590 for more ner’s Demo Class. RSVP information. required as class is limited to 6 anglers! Please call Thursdays—Broomfield the shop 877-935-2897 or Tough Love Parent Sup- 303- 494-1375 to R.S.V.P! port Group will meet at the Have you always wantUnited Church of Broom- ed to learn about fly fishfield at 825 Kohl Street, ing, but didn’t have the from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call Jer- equip- ment? Don’t miss ry Hart at (303) 494-4598 our FREE Orvis 101 Demo for more information. class here at the shop. If you have never been fly Saturdays—Boulder fishing before, it is an exTeen Art Therapy Groups, cellent way to get a quick for ages 13-17, from 12 to 2 introduction to fly fishing pm, located at 5378 Ster- with one of our qualified ling Drive, Studio 6. Ex- FRA Team Members. We press Yourself! No art ex- will be demonstrating perience necessary. Teens how to set up a rod, basic can make a mess and get fly casting, flies, and some real together about issues basic terminal tackle. that concern them. Contact Catherine M. Houston, Ongoing—Boulder LPC at (720) 628-0158 or Pregnancy and parenting catherine@catherinem- resources in Boulder Counhoustonlpc. com or check ty at www.bouldercounty. us out online at www. org/families/pregnancy/. catherinemhoustonlpc. Nurse-family partnership, com for more information. teen pregnancy support, special needs, fostering Wednesdays–Online programs, health, child50 Minute Wednesday care assistance, Boulder Community Gratitude Call County Head Start and for ages 8 to adult, from more. Check out their 1:30 to 2:20 pm, by phone: website for resource and In the US, dial (425) 436- ongoing programs. 6306 and use access code 845302. Outside the US, Ongoing—Boulder go to FreeConferenceCall. Wonder Wonder for all com. Exercise your spirit ages, located at 1685 29th like you exercise your body Street, Suite 1268, open 7 for what promises to be days a week, is a new form a great emotional, psy- of experiential entertainchological, social, spiritual ment that intends to bring and physical health boost. out the weird, wild, and Join Jessica Dancingheart wonderful in ways you’ve never seen before. Our

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mission is to create an immersive one-of-a-kind experience that is as engaging as it is inspiring. Part art exhibit, part photography opportunity—each room is meant to tap into people’s creativity and curiosity while providing a welcoming environment for all experience-goers. Call (720) 429-1895 for hours and more information. Ongoing—Boulder Sunflower Kids Art Studio offers year-round classes for ages 3.5 to 15, at 6545 Gunpark Dr. #200. Call Lika Gitis at (720) 939-7545 or email lika@artsunflower.com or visit us at www. artsunflower.com. Ongoing—Boulder/ Longmont Boulder County Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)- subsidized child care for children 0-12. Apply for our CCAP wait list. Application on our website www.bouldercountychildcare. org and clock on forms for the CCAP application. Must be county resident, income and activity requirements. Other requirements apply. For more information check out www.ccap@bouldercounty.org. Ongoing—Countywide Boulder County Healthy Kids and Adults! helps families and individuals enroll in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Medicaid and CHP+ are free and low-cost public health insurance plans that provide dental, medical, prescription and vision benefits. There are no monthly premiums and co-pays range from $0 to $50 depending on family income. Healthy Kids and Adults! can also connect families to Connect for Health Colorado, a new health insurance marketplace where people can shop for health insurance and access tax credits to reduce monthly health insurance premiums. For more information, call (720) 515-1454. Ongoing—Longmont

Swim•Float•Swim! Aquatic Academy—The ultimate swim lesson experience for ages 6 months and up. Boulder County’s only dedicated warm-water swim lesson facility where children learn to swim and float independently in weeks, not years. The Diagonal Trade Center, 795 S. Sherman St. Visit www.swimfloatswim.com to discover the difference. Contact Judy Heumann at (303) 499-2229 or email judy@ commitments that get infantaquatics.com for the kids out of your house more information. and into our kitchen! *Ages 5 and up, virtual can Weekdays—Boulder/La- be any age. Please confayette tact us if you have quesBoulder County Head tions about what class Start Enrollment drive for would best suit your kids’ ages 3-5 years, from 8 am age and ability *We are to 4 pm, located at 3482 N. not an allergen-free kitchBroadway. Boulder Coun- en, yet we try our best to ty Head Start is recruit- accommodate allergies. ing for its free, compre- Please contact us to dishensive preschool with cuss. Check out foodlabfull- and part-day classes. boulder.com/kids-dayIncome guidelines apply. off-school-work-shops for Call Susi Gritton at (720) more information. 564-2210 or email sgritton@bouldercounty.org Ongoing—Boulder for more information. Online classes available in painting and drawing, Ongoing–Boulder paper and book arts, writMountain Song Music ing and visual journaling, Studio, Inc., offering FREE and mixed media. Check DEMO CLASS/ TRIAL LES- out twohandspaperie. SON for the Music To- com/classes/ for more ingether® Program (birth-5 formation. years). Online for winter; outdoor for spring/sum- Ongoing—Virtual mer/fall. Private piano Through May 27—Denver lessons (5 years and up). Great Barrier Reef 3D. At Online during COVID the Denver Museum of (in-person when safe). Nature & Science. Grab Contact Jane Smolens, your mask and snorkel director at (303) 413-1120 and dive into an unforgetor jsmolens@ mountain- table adventure! “Great songmusic.com or please Barrier Reef” captures do check online at www. the natural beauty and mountain-songmusic. exquisite strangeness of com for more informa- the world’s largest living tion. wonder, and introduces us to the visionaries and Ongoing—Boulder citizen scientists who are School-Day-Off Work- helping us better undershops. These 3-hour work- stand this awesome, bishops are great for the zarre and vibrant living days the kids have off from world. Visit secure1.dmns. school! We try to follow org/ for more informathe BVSD calendar. These tion. classes are great one-day

photo by Michael Morse

AUGUST

August 1-3—Boulder Colorado Shakespeare Festival: Pericles. “Few love to hear the sins they love to act.” TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY! Summer’s hottest ticket is the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s Original Practices performance. This summer, revisit “Pericles,” the story of a shipwrecked prince on the run after discovering a king’s terrible secret. CSF’s annual tradition of presenting plays as they were originally performed sells out months in advance—be sure to reserve your ticket right away! Buy your tickets by clicking the link here.

Course. It’s an 8-week session where your child will get a fun introduction to the fundamentals of the CMA program. For more information visit their website here.

August 7—Denver DENVER FAMILYFEST at the National Western Complex. Adult Admission is $10 online and $15 at the door. Baby & Kids (Under 12) Are FREE With A Paid Adult Admission Vendors Kids Activities are FREE. FamilyFest is Colorado’s annual family festival featuring family-type vendors, prizes, fun & educational stage presentations, kids entertainment and family activities. At FamilyFest, August 7—Arvada FREE Introductory Mu- learn, explore and find sic Class for Kids at Chil- family resources availdren’s Music Academy able to you. For more of Arvada, CO. Please information visit their join us for a FREE IN- website here. TRODUCTORY CLASS and see what we’re all August 7–Longmont about at Children’s Mu- Boulder Public Library sic Academy (CMA)! Feel Kids’ Concert In The free to bring the family. Park, for ages All Ages, Please register one ticket from 10am to 11am, locatfor each child who is of ed at 1001 Arapahoe Ave age to begin CMA (ages 3001 Colorado Highway 4-9) and additional par- 119. Come join us for a ent and/or sibling tickets fun concert for the whole to account for everyone family! Boulder Public else. If you’re looking for a Library - 1001 Arapahoe class for your 3 years old, Ave, Boulder, CO 80302. you can register now for The concert will take an upcoming Pre-Junior place on the creekside bouldercountykids.com

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FALL CALENDAR lawn to the East of the library (Canyon Blvd side) Contact Meav Emanuel at (720) 295-5485 or meav@jeffandpaige.org or check out their website here.

ue virtually and possibly have some 4-H & FFA youth livestock modified events on the fairgrounds. Check www. bouldercountyfair.org for more information.

August 8–Longmont Garden Party, A Senior Celebration, for ages all, from 1PM, located at Roosevelt Park Pavilion 700 Longs Peak Ave. Join this festive event as we honor our outgoing seniors and present our incoming Class of 2022 seniors! CSB is celebrating our 10th anniversary as a non-profit! With this first show of our 2021/22 Season of Celebrations, we are thrilled to return to the stage for in-person performances! Join us either in-person at Roosevelt Park Pavilion or via livestream - on Sunday, August 8th for an engaging Contact Laura Malpass at (303) 722-1335 or boxoffice@centennialstateballet.org or check out http://b.link/GardenParty2021 for more information.

August 9–Virtual Supporting Older Children’s Mental Health (Ages 10+), for ages, from 1-2:30 pm. Join Child and Family Specialist Jen Nelson to discuss how you can support children ages 10-18 during this period of frequent transitions. Research will be presented on how COVID-19 has impacted older children and families. Jen will outline tools and strategies for caregivers to respond to older children’s mental health needs and mitigate the long-term effects of stress. Contact Christian at (720) 7241392 or check out their website here.

Through August 8— Denver Denver Days is a citywide initiative created by Mayor Hancock in 2013 to help neighbors get to know neighbors through block parties, community events and volunteer projects. The City of Denver will help support your Denver Days event by providing free barricades or permits when you register your event. Join us, and celebrate the Spirit of the Mile High City visit www.denvergov.org/ denverdays for additional information and to get involved! Through August 8— Longmont Boulder County Fair located at 9595 Nelson Road. The Boulder County Fair will contin-

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the Pearl Street Mall. August 14–Lafayette Five Fifteen Festival at Lafayette Arts HUB, for ages All Ages, from 10am to 11am, located at 420 Courtney Way . Free, open-to-all, outdoors Jeff & Paige concert at 10 am. Stick around after the show for performances, activities, art projects, and more! This is a free, family event celebrating 15 years of the Arts HUB as a local non-profit community arts center (and 5 years in their hip, spacious building, which you can check out after the show!) The ever-yummy Eats and Sweets food truck will be on-site. Contact Meav Emanuel at (720) 295-5485 or meav@jeffandpaige.org or check out https://www.jeffandpaige.org/events-calendar/ for more information.

Connects Team will join the Colorado Spirit Team to discuss stress related to COVID-19 on young children. Research will be presented on how COVID-19 has impacted young children and families. Presenters will outline tools and strategies for caregivers to respond to young children’s mental health needs and mitigate the long-term effects of stress. Contact Christian at (720) 7241392 or check out their website here.

Weekends in August— Larkspur Colorado Renaissance Festival. The Colorado Renaissance Festival is Open August 1st, August 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd. Flash back to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 arAugust 9–Boulder, CO August 20–Virtual tisans. Saturdays & SunMeadow Music Live at Supporting Young Chil- days only. Open Rain or the Bandshell, for ages dren’s Mental Health Shine. No pets please. All Ages, from 5:00 PM (Ages 0-10), for ages, Tickets between $12-$24. to 6:00 PM, located at from 1-2:30pm.. The Kid 1212 Canyon Boulevard . Jeff and Paige’s classic summer concert series with a twist, this year at Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder, CO, 80302. M-F Through Septemam SHARP. For more inFree with Registration. ber 3—Boulder formation go to https:// Register here: https:// FREE Ride on the Tebo boulderdowntown.com/ www.jeffandpaige.org/ Train do/free-kids-rides-onevents-calendar/ Contact Children ages 10 and the-tebo-train Meav Emanuel at (720) under (along with ac295-5485 or meav@jefcompanying adults) will September 5—Boulder fandpaige.org or check chug along Pearl Street Kutandara @ Hometown out www.jeffandpaige. in this one-of-a-kind ex- Festival at the Central org/events-calendar/ for perience. This year, rid- Park Bandshell from 12-1 more information. ing the train will require pm. More info at bceproenhanced safety precau- ductions.com Through August 11— tions like mask-wearing Boulder and proper distancing. September 11—Louisville Bands on the Bricks. The Summer Tebo Train Takapenga @ Louisville Tentatively Wednesdays boards in front of the Farmer’s Market at the from 5 to 9 pm. From oldCapital One Cafe at the Steinbaugh Pavilion from ies to alternative, Bands corner of 13th and Pearl. 11 am-1 pm. More info at on the Bricks is Boulder’s The rides start at 9:30 am realf armersmarketco. premier outdoor sumeach day. The last train com mer concert series takleaves the station at 11 ing place on the bricks of

bouldercountykids.com

SEPTEMBER

September 25 & 26— Denver 2021 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake. FREE. Year of the Ox! Theme: #representASIAN. LIVE ART DEMOS & INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES. We will be implementing more live art demos and interactive performances throughout the festival. Come join us in creating a festival masterpiece! Visit http://www.cdbf.org/elp337799.html for more information.

photo by Charles Parker

OCTOBER

Wednesdays through October 6—Boulder Boulder County Farmers Market at Central Park. 4 PM – dusk on 13th Street - Between Canyon & Arapahoe. Choose how you’d like to attend. You can make a reservation, but walk-ups are also welcome! Visit https:// boulderdowntown.com/ do/boulder-county-farmers-market for more information.

Through November 20—Longmont Longmont Farmer’s Market from 8 am to 1 pm, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds at 9595 Nelson Road. Grab and go kids’ activities.

Through November 20—Boulder Boulder Farmers Market from 8 am to 2 pm. Every Saturday. Rated the No. 1 farmers’ market in the country by readers of October 16—Boulder USA Today. Come sample, World Singing Day. 1pm shop, meet local farmers, - 2:30pm at Central Park. smell the flowers, hear The 6th annual World live music, sit by the creek Singing Boulder is a com- and eat great food. munity sing-along where people of all ages, back- Saturdays through Nogrounds and singing abili- vember 20—Boulder ties are invited. Sing along Boulder County Farmers to popular songs, from Market at Central Park. 8 the Beatles to Taylor Swift. am - 2 pm on 13th Street Lyric booklets provided. Between Canyon & ArapNo rehearsals or prepara- ahoe. Choose how you’d tion necessary. Just show like to attend. You can up and experience the joy make a reservation, but and community of sing- walk-ups are also weling together at this favor- come! Visit https://boulite annual Boulder event. derdowntown.com/do/ boulder-saturday-farmers-market for more information.

Check out our Winter Issue for November, December, & January events! If you have a dated calendar event in November, December, and January, please let us know by October 10th. One-listing-per-month limit on a space available basis. Non-profit and free dated events are prioritized. Please email us at calendar@bouldercountykids.com with details.

bouldercountykids.com

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bouldercountykids.com